The Angler Video Magazine | November 2023 Edition

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FOR NOVEMBER’S BOUNTY

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

W

ith cold fronts rolling in and the slow season phasing out, November is a special month off the Keys. Crowds of sailfish begin to move up onto our reef, and a morning spent loading the cooler with yellowtail snapper transitions easily into a trophy fish hunt. Both can be targeted at the same time.

Out on the reef, filling the boat with yellowtail takes care of the grocery hunt, and it’s also an opportunity to scoop some fresh ballyhoo. Once the cooler is full, the anchor is pulled and the sailfish

hunt begins in the same area. This can lead to epic trips, with dinner and a show, all on a mere half day charter.

Sitting on anchor on the reef should give the captain a reasonable assessment for the next steps to take into sailfishing for the remainder of the trip. Often, you will be able to see sailfish breaking the surface around you during the snapper fishing portion of the trip. You may see them either free-jumping and putting on a show or pushing up schools of ballyhoo and spraying bait into the air, indicating their

presence and appetite.

If this obvious display isn’t present right away, there are two viable options to pursue the sailfish. The captain may choose to push out to deeper water and bump troll live bait, or deploy the kite, which can be extremely productive.

Alternatively, and easily the more exciting option, is to travel along the reef and look for them.

As you cruise the reef looking for a sightcasting opportunity, there are a few indicators to be watchful of. First, it is possible to see the sailfish itself, but this is a little more tricky from deck-level. A sailfish in the water will appear very black and can often look like a trash bag. They can also be spotted freejumping and cruising the tops of the waves.

Looking for the fish directly is actually the least productive way to find them without a tower on the boat to scout from. The best way to find them is running and gunning. Cruising slowly while scouring the surface for bait sprays 8

NOVEMBER 2023

and diving frigates gives them away almost every time. When the frigates start getting down on the water or large schools of bait are spraying into the air, throttle down because it’s game on. Hauling butt over to the action and trying to get your bait out there before the fish eats another ballyhoo is one of the most exciting types of fishing there is. Even if you miss your shot, there’s a great chance you will see the fish.

Nothing compares to the adrenaline of this type of hunt.

With cooler temperatures pushing in,

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tourism is more focused on fishing charters.

Last minute bookings become more difficult.

So, if you’re planning a vacation to the Florida Keys, it is recommended to make a charter reservation beforehand.

Happy hunting and Happy Thanksgiving from Sweet E’nuf Charters!

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon and Sweet E’nuf Charters fish out of Marathon in the Florida Keys.

Contact Capt. Haddon at (504) 920-6342 and follow her social accounts @CaptainQuinlyn.

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hether you're a beginner trying to land your first catch or an advanced angler seeking a consistent edge, this artificial bait has proven to be a reliable and effective tool in any tackle box.

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ALABAMA GRANDER IS A GULF RECORD

W

hen word got around that Orange Beach boat “Best Trait” was headed to Orange Beach Marina with a huge blue marlin on board, a crowd quickly gathered at the marina to watch the weigh-in.

As the 55-foot Viking sportfishing vessel owned by Scott Crump of Jasper, Alabama, arrived at the marina, the crowd pushed closer to the dock to get a glimpse of the big fish. Chris Vecsey, tackle salesman at Sam’s Tackle and an accomplished angler, looked at the fish and turned to my buddy Jay Gunn, also a captain with both inshore and offshore experience, and asked, “Do you think that fish will go 1,000 pounds?”

Gunn responded, “That fish will blow 1,000 pounds out of the water.”

Indeed, it did. After a delay to ensure it was weighed

on certified scales, the giant blue marlin officially weighed 1,145.6 pounds, a potential Alabama and Gulf of Mexico record. The Best Trait marlin, which was 145 inches long, easily eclipses the Alabama state record of 851.9 pounds caught in 2020 by Ginger Myers.

The Gulf record was set in 2002 in Mississippi

by Barry Carr at 1,054 pounds. The marlin must go through the certification process by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Marine Resources Division to become an official record.

Scott “Scooter” Anderson, friend of the family, was the angler who reeled in the fish in two hours, but he said it was far from easy.

“It still really hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Anderson, a 32-year-old from Houston, Texas, who said he has been fishing basically his whole life. “The trip really wasn’t going our way.

We jumped off two fish,

By David Rainer, ADCNR

probably in the 500-pound class. The bite had slowed down that afternoon, so we kind of reorganized ourselves for the major (feeding) time that afternoon.”

Unfortunately, a pod of dolphins moved into the area around the rig they were fishing, which prompted Capt. Chris Mowad to travel 11 miles away to the Blind Faith rig, Chevron’s deepest rig at 6,500 feet about 160 miles southeast of New Orleans.

“When we got to the rig, Capt. Chris marked a couple of fish in the first 20 minutes we were there, and everything looked right,” Anderson said. “After Chris marked the fish, we deployed a couple of live baits (blackfin tuna). Chris was able to track the bait on the sonar and watched the marlin eat the tuna, and the rest is history.”

Marlin are known for their acrobatic jumps, but the next question was whether a fish that big could actually jump completely out of the water.

“Oh yeah, she came completely out twice,” Anderson said. “The only thing is she was jumping toward the rig. We were afraid she was going to get into the rig.”

Fortunately, Mowad maneuvered the boat to keep the marlin out of the rig, and Anderson settled into the fighting chair for a lengthy battle, which really didn’t play out. An hour into the fight, the marlin died and began to sink.

“I felt it start sinking,” said Anderson, who admits he is obsessed with marlin fishing and has traveled to the Azores, Cape Verde and Australia to pursue the sport. “We had to tighten down the drag and winch it up. I was fighting dead weight. It was definitely tough. I don’t know if that’s unusual for a fish to die that quickly because I’ve never caught one that big.

I’ve been all over the place chasing big marlin.

It’s my passion. I never thought it would come out of the Gulf of Mexico.”

A combination of Mowad’s boat maneuvers and Anderson’s winching on the Shimano Tiagra 130 reel finally got the behemoth to the surface.

“When it jumped, I was thinking it was 600 or 700 pounds,” Mowad said. “When we finally saw it behind the boat, I thought, ‘Whoa, that’s a big fish.’”

Anderson added, “We were shocked when we pulled it up. We had no idea it was that big.

We knew she was big but not that big.”

Fortunately, the Best Trait has a tuna door on the transom, but the boat’s crew was still overmatched when trying to the haul the marlin into the boat.

“We had to call another boat for help,” Anderson said. “Chris had a friend by the rig, and a couple of their guys hopped on our boat and helped us pull it in. We had five on the boat, but we needed seven to pull it in.”

Since word got out about the big fish, the Best Trait crew has been inundated with congratulations from all over the world.

“It’s kind of overwhelming,” said Anderson.

“But we’re going to keep doing what we usually do, catch blue marlin.”

In fact, the boat left that night to head back out into the Gulf after restocking and refueling.

“We don’t get a lot of weather windows like we have right now,” Anderson said. “We’re taking advantage of it.”

Boat owner Crump, who was unable to make the record trip because of commitments in Jasper, said he and stepsons, whom he considers sons, transitioned from one type of Gulf fishing to marlin fishing in May of 2023 when the Viking was purchased and named. The vessel name is

a combination of initials from his family: wife Beth, Scott, son Taylor Robinson, daughters, Abby and Ila, and son Tyler.

“We’ve had some center consoles that we used for deep-dropping for grouper and snapper until we bought this boat,” Crump said.

Crump was the Toyota dealer in Jasper two years ago before health issues caused a significant change.

“I told my dad and doctor I was going to sell out, retire and enjoy life,” he said. “I told Daddy that I was going fishing. I think he underestimated what I was talking about.”

Since the Viking was christened in May, the boat has caught 74 marlin, including six on the trip after landing the potential record.

“We’ve burned a lot of fuel, but we’ve had a ball,” Crump said. “We’ve put 800 hours on the boat. We keep the boat at Sportsman’s-Harbor Marina. When you keep the boat at their marina, you can buy fuel at their cost. Capt. Chris figures we’ve saved about $25,000 because of that.

“We’ve entered a few tournaments and came close to winning. My wife and her sister finished second in a tournament.”

Crump credits Mowad and mate Addison Gilley for the boat’s successful angling adventures.

“Capt. Chris is a solid fisherman,” Crump said. “He doesn’t just run around and throw stuff out. He studies the current, studies the wind, studies the weather, and he’s really good with the sonar on the boat. Our mate, Addison, is as good as they come. We’ve lost very few fish this year.

We’re in the running for the boat that has tagged the most marlin in the Gulf.

“With Chris and Addison, it’s like one big family. We’re thankful to have them.”

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WATCH

VIDEO

MANAGE TIME FOR HEAVIER TOURNAMENT SACKS

By Jay Striker

E

ach year before the bass tournament season starts, I practice new techniques and tune-up the ones I’ve mastered.

Whether it is electronics, skipping jigs, fishing ledges, etc., you have to practice to get better. One night before going to the lake for some practice, I decided to work on time management. Time is something that always costs me in tournaments. I’ve realized that time was not my enemy, how I managed it was.

Tournament anglers have eight hours to catch five good fish by 3 p.m. I started with the basics. I broke it down by allocating one hour for travel from spot to spot and to get back for the weigh in. That left seven hours of fishing. During map study, I found seven spots I could fish for an hour each. Believe it or not, that’s a lot of time to fish one area. I

decided that if I got bit at any time, I might need to adjust my time-management plan on the water, but at least I had a plan.

A mistake I see many anglers make is staying too long in one area. Bass are opportunistic, and if they are ready to eat, they are going to eat. If I have not gotten bit in a certain amount of time, I will do one of several things: change baits, change colors, change locations and, many times, change speed. Focusing on time management, I have found that discipline and staying focused are a key part of the game.

My plan started out just as planned. I fished the first spot for an hour, and then ran to the next and fished it for an hour. When I got to my third spot, I started getting bites. So when the time came to leave, I simply stayed at that spot for 15 minutes longer, which meant I only had 45 minutes at one of my other areas.

I was looking for a pattern. If it was

determined the fish were only halfway back in the coves, I could concentrate only on those areas where I was getting bites and save time. I could now expand my fishing areas and places to fish, staying on each spot for maybe 30 minutes. Now, instead of having only seven spots to fish, I could get to 11 or 12 spots in a day and still be back on time.

Time is something we cannot make more of, but it is something that can be managed.

I recommend tournament anglers who struggle with time management buy a baker’s timer, set it for however long you want to be on each spot, and stick to moving each time it goes off. For me, timing my areas allows me to be more efficient all the way down to how I cover a certain area and to the rotation of baits I’m using. Stop blaming time and start managing it better.

Check out pro bass angler Jay Striker’s website at www.jaystriker.com.

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Hunting Gator Trout

By Nick Carter

On the Fly

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atching gator trout heavier than 5 or 6 pounds has more in common with hunting than it does with setting up on a drop and catching schoolie trout hand over fist. Add to that the challenge of hunting them with a fly, and success becomes that much sweeter.

Capt. Gus Brugger knows that sweet feeling well. He’s a regular contributor the Treasure Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine who has been hounding inshore 18

NOVEMBER 2023

species with a fly rod for nearly 40 years. He was a full-time inshore guide on Florida’s storied Indian River Lagoon for 23 years and has a lot to share when it comes to catching monster trout on the fly.

“It’s got to be all about stealth if you want to get a big seatrout on the fly,” he said. “Whether from a kayak, a boat, or just accessing areas from the bank, I always feel like you’re a lot better off wading.”

The primary benefit of wading is stealth,

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and it also forces you to work areas thoroughly.

Outsized trout are notoriously skittish and spook from hull slap, shadows and even fly line on the water. With your feet in the sand, you’re less obtrusive, and while you might not be able to cover water like you would from a boat, you can be meticulous.

“Grid out pieces of open water, set up with the wind off your shoulder—so you’re not knocking yourself in the head,” Brugger said.

“Cast, take two steps to the side, and then cast

again. Wind helps, and a little chop on the water helps keep them from spooking.”

Carefully picking apart potholes, ditches and depressions on a flat is the go-to tactic for most of the year, but cooler winter water temps bring exciting opportunities for fly anglers. Winter may be the best time to target giant trout.

“In winter, gators act more like snook than trout,” Brugger said. Big trout push into the backwaters in search of deeper holes with more comfortable water temperatures. This could be off a canal dock or in a trough of deep water along a mangrove bank. These comfort zones consolidate fish. While wading isn’t an option in several feet of muck on a canal bottom, a kayak or small skiff can get you in quietly. Brugger and his son have had great winter days at backwater holes in no-motor zones.

As for gear, a 7- or 8-weight fly rod gives you the ability to throw big streamers and baitfish patterns. Brugger said they’ll eat a shrimp, but you’re better off throwing big mullet or menhaden imitations. Whether it’s a Clouser, Bendback, Polar Fiber Minnow, or some articulated monstrosity, Brugger fishes flies that are 6 inches and longer.

Some days they want flashy white and chartreuse patterns. Other days they want something more natural.

A clear intermediate sinking fly line is helpful for stealth and to get flies down into the strike zone.

For more tips and tactics, visit coastalanglermag.com.

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NOVEMBER 2023

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEMARY WHITE

NOAA SHUTS DOWN GAG GROUPER HARVEST

I

n late September, NOAA Fisheries announced early closure dates for gag grouper in federal waters of the South Atlantic as well as the Gulf of Mexico. These closures came tight on the heels of a revelation that the data NOAA uses to manage these and other fisheries could be severely flawed.

In the Gulf of Mexico, recreational harvest of gags was closed on Oct. 19. It called an early end to a season that had already been shortened on the front end. The normal season runs from June 1 through Nov. 10.

However, this past spring, NOAA announced an interim measure to delay opening of gag grouper harvest to Sept. 1. Initially, three months of gag harvest were taken from recreational anglers, and now—with the early closure—the season was effectively cut from 162 days to just 48 days.

In the South Atlantic, in federal waters off North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, NOAA called an early end to gag grouper harvest on Oct. 23. The recreational season was scheduled to run from May through December. This move shaved 69 days off the regular 215day season at a time when charter captains rely on grouper to keep clients on the water.

In both instances, NOAA said its projections of recreational catch and effort data indicate the recreational annual catch limits would be reached by the early closure dates, which is their justification for shutting down the fisheries. In an explanation that seems contradictory to reason, a NOAA statement blamed high harvest of Gulf gags on the already shortened season.

“Preliminary reports indicate high catch rates of gag this year, in

part because of changes in the start from June 1 to September 1,” the statement reads.

If that doesn’t seem to make sense, neither do NOAA’s data collection surveys that are used to determine angler effort. In a pilot study conducted by NOAA itself, the surveys, which are mailed to licensed saltwater anglers, were found to be confusing and led to “illogical responses” and “reporting errors.” The study showed that the resulting angler effort data was overestimated by 30 to 40 percent. Angler effort is a factor used to determine total harvest, which means NOAA’s harvest data is likely significantly flawed.

Perhaps more concerning than that is the idea that harvest data is used in stock assessments. Estimated populations of our favorite sport and table fish are also likely inflated. For the third time in the last 13 years, significant flaws have been revealed in NOAA data collection, and this is the data being used to manage our fisheries and the industries that rely on them.

For more information, see coastalanglermag.com.

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GROUPER CLOSURE CATCHES ANGLERS OFF GUARD

A

Tim Barefoot

t what point do we say enough is enough? I’d say THE TIME IS NOW! NOAA has shut down our gag grouper fisheries based on inaccurate data, and coastal communities are hurting because of it.

The recent grouper closures—in the South Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico— caught everyone by surprise. There was very little notice given to anglers, whether they be recreational, charter or commercial. Incomplete—at best— and more than likely completely erroneous data was used to shut down the livelihoods of fishermen at a crucial point in the year.

The fall grouper bite is always the best. Many commercial anglers make a good portion of their annual income in fall and winter. Charter captains book trips specifically targeting grouper this time of year. This closure also adversely affects the entire coastal economy. There is an entire industry based around fall and winter bottom fishing, and this is a substantial financial hit for the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

As a former commercial fisherman, I know this also screams of mental and physical stress. Anglers are forced to fish more and rougher days just to get some days in before the season closes. When the news of these October closures spread, I got calls from

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upset charter and commercial captains. For brevity, I’ll share just a couple comments I heard from North Carolina captains.

“I’m a 61-year-old man, and I’m out here humping it hard as I can to get these last

few days in before it all shuts down,” said commercial Capt. Joe Hifko. “This is gonna hurt… both in my wallet and in my shoulders.

The data is completely skewed, and based off those numbers are huge extrapolations. This is what they are basing their decisions on?”

Capt. Riley Adkins is feeling the sting of charter cancellations.

“My primary income in fall and early winter is based around taking clients within 30 miles of the beach to specifically target

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gag grouper. This puts us captains in a bind because we are already booked out to Dec. 31, which historically was the closing of our gag season,” said Capt. Adkins. “We are having to cancel charters due to the short-noticed announcement of our gag season closing.

“My clients feel like it is a waste of their time and money to book a charter because we can’t keep gag grouper, and the seabass population is in decline due to the rise of the American red snapper, which you can’t harvest either,” he continued. “This closure is detrimental to captains who rely heavily on the gag quota to keep their heads above water in winter.”

The last time we had a fisheries issue of this magnitude settled, it literally took an act of Congress. The Gulf red snapper debacle showed us you can’t trust a federal bureaucracy that uses obsolete—and frankly, lazy—methods to collect data. The technology exists, and we should be hiring talented researchers from our universities to go out and collect accurate data to be used in decision making.

It’s time for the recreational anglers, commercial anglers, equipment manufacturers, and the seafood industry to get together and say enough is enough. I know it’s a tall order, but we are stronger united.

As soon as you finish this article, call your senators and congressional representatives to make sure they know how you feel on this issue.

To see more from Tim Barefoot, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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THE OFF SEASON IS SO ON!

By Astrid DeGruchy

I

f you love fishing, you’ve gotta check out the Florida Keys during the off season. While most people visit from March to June, anglers in the know go during the offseason, from August through December. Not only does the temperature drop comfortably, but the hotels are more affordable and the fishing is amazing.

It’s not just the cooler temperatures that makes fall and winter great, but also the fact that there are fewer tourists around. That means when you go fishing in popular areas, you won’t have to fight for the best spots. Plus, lots of resorts and hotels offer off-season rates, so you can save money and get more value for your

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dollar.

A lot of species are in migration patterns during these months, so you can expect a wide variety of fish. Many of the fish that migrate south when ocean temps begin cooling eventually park themselves off the Keys.

If you’re trying to go offshore, blackfin tuna and sailfish become more plentiful this time of year. Blackfins are delicious, and sailfish offer a battle you won’t forget when they come up out of the water tailwalking. Various mackerel and snapper species are usually available for the taking around this time, as well, and

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that’s usually action-packed. In the backcountry, there are jumbo snook, tarpon and permit. These classic backcountry game fish will definitely give you a fight to remember. So, whether you prefer fishing in the backcountry or in open water, you’re guaranteed to have a blast and reel in some great catches.

The offseason months are really the best time to visit. The water is calm, there are lots of fish species to catch, the scenery is breathtaking, and you can count on local guides to help you out. Book your trip, take advantage of the offseason rates, and embark on an unforgettable fishing adventure in the stunning Florida Keys!

To book a charter this offseason, visit www.beansportfishing.com.

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BIXPY MOTORIZES ANY SMALL VESSEL WITH EASE

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hy paddle when you can motor to your favorite fishing spot quickly and quietly?

Bixpy’s electric outboard kits are the perfect solution for small-vessel anglers who want to extend their range, troll or just get around without wearing themselves out. With a Bixpy outboard, you can retain the stealth, backwater capability and all the other benefits of a small boat, and you can do it under power.

The Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit is Bixpy's third major iteration of its now famous jet propulsion system that has motorized thousands of kayaks, paddleboards, dinghies, float-tubes and all kinds of personal watercraft over the last five years.

It is the cutting edge

of motorization, with the power to take you wherever you want to go during long days on the water.

The Bixby K-1 Outboard Kit combines the awesome power of the Bixpy K-1 Motor, with 33lb of thrust, and the finely tuned, waterproof, wireless PP-378 Outboard Battery (Version 4) to power virtually any personal watercraft on the market.

The K-1 Motor is roughly 20 percent shorter in length than its predecessor, the J-2 Motor, yet offers the same massive output the J-2 motors provided in a quieter, more sleek, and more rugged aluminum housing. It is a powerful little motor that stands up to a beating.

With over twenty different mounting adapters, you can motorize your kayak, canoe,

Bixpy K-1 Outboard Kit™

paddle board, float tube, dinghy, inflatable packraft, or any number of other small watercraft in minutes. Installation is quick and easy, and chances are Bixpy already has an adapter to motorize your small vessel.

There is nothing else on the market made specifically to give water enthusiasts an ultralight and super adaptable package to power their boats.

Bixpy also offers the K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit™, which is Bixpy's pro version of its K-1 Outboard Kit. The Angler Pro Outboard Kit has a 768wh battery, rather than the 378wh battery. The Bixpy K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit™ allows you to stay out longer, explore new waters, fish more, troll for hours or just get home effortlessly at the end of a long tiring day on the water, or when the weather turns on you and you need an extra push to get you back.

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Bixpy K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit™

THE BASICS

EuroNymphing OF

By Nick Carter

L

ove it or hate it, Euro nymphing is a style of fly fishing that is growing in popularity because it is so darn effective for catching numbers of trout. Naysayers might gripe about the technique having more in common with cane-pole fishing than fly fishing, but Euro nymphers are too busy netting fish to care.

It is a combination of styles employed by European tournament anglers. At the most basic level, it is a simple way to fish nymphs without an indicator. The angler remains in constant loose contact with the fly and leads the drift with the rod. Bite detection is instant, hook sets are quick, and the angler has complete control over the depth and trajectory of the drift.

Grant Hawse guides out of Fish Tales Outfitters in Franklin, N.C. He honed his nymphing skills as a member of the U.S. team at the World Youth Fly Fishing Championships in Spain and Slovenia in 2016 and 2017. Here are his tips for getting into Euro nymphing.

THE TECHNIQUE Euro nymphing is an efficient way to cover every inch of the water in front of you. With very little slack in the system, the angler has complete control of the path and depth of the drift.

Hawse said he visualizes a 3D grid in a run. He uses a series of short flick casts to drift his nymph over every inch of that grid vertically and horizontally. Depth is controlled by the angle of the rod, making it possible to present the fly on the nose of every fish in a run.

Angles, posture and smooth line retrieve are important.

Rapt attention to the slightest tick of a bite leads to lightningfast hook sets. The technique might seem tedious to traditional THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

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fly fishers, but if the goal is to catch lots of fish, Euro nymphing has proven itself superior in most situations.

BE A GEAR HEAD You’ll need new gear to Euro nymph efficiently.

Rod: Long, light rods give you reach and sensitivity.

Cortland’s Nymph Series rods are 10’ 6” and come in 2- to 4-weight models.

Reel: The reel balances the rig. Hawse said a reel rated for line one step heavier than the rod’s rating generally does the trick. Test this by balancing the rod with two fingers as a fulcrum on the handle.

Line: Hawse suggested spooling up with floating fly line instead of expensive Euro nymphing line. The main line rarely leaves the reel when you’re nymphing, anyway, and if you want to throw dry flies you can switch out the leader.

Leader: Here’s a basic leader: 10 feet of 8-lb. mono, 6 feet of 6-lb. mono, 6 feet of 4-lb. mono, 2 feet of 6x sighter, and 4 feet of 6x tippet. Sighter is brightly colored leader material that allows the angler to see where the line is and what it’s doing.

Flies: Euro nymph rigs require heavier flies. Fish Tungsten heads or nymphs with lead tied into the body.

Contact Fish Tales Outfitters through their website www.fishtaleswnc.com.

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SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina

Every season is the best season to explore the many treasures in the Upcountry.

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ou don’t need an invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak crys-tal blue lakes, hike to rushing waterfalls, dig into local cuisine, attend family oriented events and breathe fresh mountain air. But when you hold a South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors.

Fish bite year-round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, which is located in the state’s northwest corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Devils Fork State Park in Salem is a great place to access Lake Jocassee, which holds state records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass and yellow perch. Or try your luck at Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic.

The Chattooga River boasts healthy wild trout populations and is also regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. The Whitewater River above Lower White-water Falls is another great option for wild trout. Lake Keowee, at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Pickens County, swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yel-low perch, catfish, brown and rainbow trout.

Pick up everything you need—including advice— at local fly shops or book a guided fish-ing trip. Sam Jones, of Jocassee Charters, puts anglers on trophy trout. Buster Green’s Guide Ser-vice reels in stripers, hybrids and bass on Hartwell and Keowee. Chattooga

THE BEST PLACE TO DROP A FISHING LINE

River Fly Shop leads fly fishing trips on the Chattooga and Chauga rivers.

Even if you don’t fish, you can still get on the water. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the lake and of Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic called a “destination of a Lifetime.”

Some amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddle a kayak through coves and under waterfalls.

Prefer to captain your own boat? There are several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, on Keowee, Jocassee, Hartwell and other lakes.

If you’d rather be under the water, Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving desti-nation that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons and guided trips to see “The Wall,” where a section of mountain was blasted to build the dam, or a 40-foot swim-through wooden sailboat.

From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Up-country’s state parks are a great place to play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park.

Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks.

Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.

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JOIN FLUORO AND BRAID WITH

THE FG KNOT I

n my opinion the FG knot is the best knot for

By John Baltes joining braid to fluorocarbon leader. It is excellent for strength and utility.

While the PR Bobbin is stronger, it’s impossible to tie without a tool, and even pros recommend you pre-tie it at home. To me, that’s disqualifying. The FG is a worthy alternative, and it’s an essential knot to know, whether you’re fishing for tuna or bass. It’s my top choice for connecting braid to fluoro, and I think it’ll be yours, too.

The FG provides awesome strength, probably because it distributes the load on the braid extremely well. It will begin to loosen after repeated casting, so watch for that.

It’s easiest to tie by using the handle on your reel as a “third hand,” and with practice, it’s not too bad—about a minute or so to tie. I prefer the FG to the Bimini twist. That’s controversial—I know—but I think my reason is good. The Bimini requires a second knot after you create the strong loop, and that means more tying as well as greater chance for a mistake. The FG is one knot and done.

I also recommend the FG over the Alberto for bass anglers. It’s stronger and slimmer, allowing better casts and greater confidence.

For more knots, go to usangler.com

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SUZUKI MARINE BECOMES PEWTER PARTNER WITH TAMPA BAY BUCS

S

uzuki Marine USA announced it is now a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pewter Partner, the team’s highest partnership honor. Suzuki Marine first became The Official Outboard Motor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last summer, and recently signed a multi-year agreement that will include a range of new promotional, outreach, and engagement opportunities with the team’s diverse fan base and NLF fans from around the world.

Key among these will be the new Suzuki Marine Gate (formerly Gate C) at Raymond James Stadium. This new entry way was made official with a ribbon cutting ceremony before the Bucs 2023 home opener on Sunday, September 17. The ceremony was attended by Buccaneers and Suzuki Marine leadership, including new Suzuki Marine Executive Vice President Daiki Sugiura and Suzuki Marine Executive Vice President Sales & Service George “Gus” Blakely.

As one of the four main entrance and exit points for this 75,000-seat stadium, the Suzuki Marine Gate is adjacent to Bucs Beach — the team’s premier pregame party and fan activation area. Suzuki Marine branding will be visible to those

driving on North Himes Avenue and Tampa Bay Boulevard and Suzuki Marine images and messaging will be throughout the property.

“We are very excited to welcome Suzuki Marine USA as our newest Pewter Partner,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford.

“The Suzuki Marine Gate will blend perfectly with the lively Floridathemed atmosphere we have created at Bucs Beach, which has become a signature part of the gameday experience for fans at Raymond James Stadium.”

To learn more about Suzuki Marine’s industry leading line-up of outboard motors from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, contact Suzuki Marine USA headquarters at (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

SOLUNAR TIME!

’ve studied the solunar fishing timetables since I was a child. In the early years, these were the black, white, or striped fish images on my grandparents’ calendars and have evolved into more advanced illustrations depicting the moon phase, tide, time of day, and their effects. Some tables provide a simple one- to four-star rating of predicted fishing success.

One day I was a believer, and the next I was a skeptic. I’ve played this tug of war over the years, and as I have become a more seasoned angler, I lean more toward the validity of these calculations in predicting the aggressiveness of fish and their desire to feed.

Removing luck, which never hurts, it still boils down to angler skill, knowledge of the area and techniques for targeting desired species. However, over the years I have noticed better bites correlating with solunar feed times. I try not to move from one location to another during peak solunar feeding times. I’ll put myself in what I perceive to be the best spot in a general area during that time and hold tight. I save the running and exploring for non-bite windows, which make up a majority of the day. Each solunar feed cycle has a peak that is typically two hours or less, and there are usually two per day.

On a recent trip with my two boys, we missed the first bite of the day due to other responsibilities. We launched the boat around 9 a.m., and the next bite was not until 1:30 p.m. We wanted to try some new spots, so we explored those first, and laid down some tracks for future reference. The fish were not active.

As the morning moved on, I tried areas that had been holding nice fish recently. Once again, everything looked right, but we couldn’t get the bite.

The boys were getting agitated and ready to leave, and I bought myself as much time as I could, while still trying to find the bite and waiting for the next feeding time.

I headed toward the ramp to give them a cool breeze and to try a location with much deeper water, just hoping to find some activity. Unfortunately, the current was too strong in this area. I frantically studied the chart in an area about a half mile away so we could make one last move because the next solunar feed time was only minutes away.

I chose our final location based on satellite imagery and little tribal knowledge, and we were off.

I anchored the boat so my boys could cast downwind and fish the edge where grass met a large sandy area.

They caught redfish and averaged one every six minutes for 70 minutes of the afternoon solunar feeding cycle. They doubled up twice!

Take a kid fishing and tune into the solunar time!

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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NOVEMBER 2023

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

WATCH

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39

F

orty-nine reservoirs stretch across the Tennessee Valley like a string of pearls. And for those who love to fish, those lakes are just as valuable.

Whether it’s bass, crappie, walleye, or catfish, whether for sport, food, or just fun, you can find world-class lake fishing only hours away from any spot in the Tennessee Valley. From more than 11,000 miles of shoreline or while floating on more than 700,000 acres of water, residents and visitors will quickly learn why this area is considered one of the best fishing destinations in the U.S. and, some would say, the world.

Find Your Own Fishing Hole

Fishing from the shore can be restful and rewarding—and anyone can do it. All you need is a little intel about how to find a spot where the fish might be biting. Here are a few tips for successful shore fishing from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: • Fish are often swimming near the shore in the spring and fall. If you’re fishing from the shore in the heat of summer, do it in the evening or early morning—or even after dark.

• Fish near-unique features such as docks, logs, trees, rocks, or rocky areas; aquatic vegetation; or places where creeks enter the water.

• When fishing in moving water, look at the surface for boils and breaks—this means there is some underwater structure blocking the current, which could be the perfect hiding place for fish.

• Begin fishing (casting) close and parallel to the bank, then work your way outward (fan casting) toward deeper water.

• If you don’t get any bites, try switching baits. If this doesn’t work, move to another hole.

• Wear polarized sunglasses so you’ll be able to see fish as well as submerged objects more clearly. (Your eyes will also be protected from the tackle.)

If you love outdoor sports—boating, hunting, fishing—and the natural world, or if you just like to observe wildlife, build birdhouses, maintain a bird feeder or are just curious about the critters in your backyard, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is here to help enrich your outdoor experience. Visit us at www.tn.gov/twra/.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FLY FISHING FOR BASS

F

ly fishing for bass can be extremely productive and really fun. Growing up fishing for saltwater and freshwater species, I was introduced to fly fishing by some friends and got extremely hooked. While presenting a fly to fish can sometimes be tricky, a fly is a much more natural looking presentation to a fish than an artificial lure is, and I have seen fish eat flies much better than normal lures many times.

There are times when a fly rod just isn’t an option. Having fly line everywhere and stretching the line 50 or 100 feet behind you and whipping it forward probably isn’t best if you are fishing a bass tournament.

But if you are fun fishing a lake by boat or fishing a pond or stream or river by foot, fly fishing can be a rewarding experience. Like I said before, a small natural-looking fly, whether it be a baitfish or a topwater fly, can produce more bites than normal lures in some circumstances.

I realized how productive fly fishing for

TYLER WOOLCOTT

bass can be while fishing ponds around my house when I was younger. These ponds got hammered by people throwing lures with conventional bass gear, and the fishing

could be pretty tough. It really impressed me when I fished them with a fly rod because I caught more fish than I did with conventional gear. I assume the bass grew wary of seeing big worms and crankbaits. A tiny baitfish fly or a tasty-looking, easy-to-eat topwater with natural movement got these fish more excited to eat than I had ever seen.

I’m sure you could take a deep dive into all the different gear and fly selections for different scenarios, but I keep it simple. White and silver baitfish patterns work wonders when you strip the line with small movements to make them swim like a fleeing baitfish.

Topwater poppers are extremely fun because you get to watch them come up and eat it.

Fish it with the same action as a conventional popper.

I can’t exactly teach you how to fly fish in this article; YouTube is a great place for that. My hope is this will spark someone’s interest.

Coming from someone who has done pretty much every kind of fishing, fly fishing is something every angler should try.

Targeting bass and similar-sized species calls for a 6- to 8-weight fly rod.

You can fish sinking lines to get down deep, but I prefer a regular floating line to fish for bass that are feeding shallow. I like pre-made tapered leaders in the 10- to 12-pound range.

Feel free to contact me on social media with any questions or do some research online. I hope this convinces someone to go out there to target bass with a fly rod. It’s really fun!

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

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MAXIMIZE YOUR OUTPUT With Dometic’s Mega Jackplate

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.

www.dometic.com

JACKED UP! The Benefits of Precision Outboard Height Adjustment

E

lectro-hydraulic jack plates give owners of outboard-powered fishing boats a couple of key performance advantages. For one, installing a jack plate on an outboard boat provides some setback between the motor and the transom. This allows the propeller to operate in less turbulent water, and can help increase performance and reduce cavitation, which occurs when the prop is spinning in aerated water and begins to “break loose.”

The second and perhaps more important advantage is the ability to precisely adjust the height of the motor on the transom with the touch of a button—independent of the outboard’s trim angle. You’re most likely to find jack plates installed on freshwater bass boats, bay boats, hybrid bay/offshore boats, flats skiffs and tunnel hulls. In these applications, adjusting the engine

can help a boat’s “hole shot,” which is when you punch it from standing still to get the boat up onto plane. What you don’t want — especially in shallow water — is for the boat to rise too much in the bow and squat in the rear as it climbs out of “the hole.” Finding just the right motor height to provide the propeller with the ideal combination of grip and slip can push the boat quickly onto plane. This is important, as too much bite will make the boat bog down, and too much slip will cause the propeller to break loose and lose thrust.

Another benefit of electro-hydraulic jack plates is the ability to run a boat in shallower water. This holds true whether you’re on plane jetting across a flat or inching a large center console up onto a shelf to throw a castnet.

Dometic’s newest entry into the jack plate market is its new Mega Plate. This electro-hydraulic system is engineered specifically for today’s breed of large, hi-horsepower outboard motors. In fact, Mega Plate is designed for use with motors ranging from 400HP all the way up to the new V-12 600HP outboard from Mercury. It is offered in 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch setbacks to accommodate a range of vessel types and installations. Mega Plate is offered in two versions — a standard bolt pattern for Yamaha XTO and Mercury 450R engines, and a wide bold pattern for Mercury 500 and 600HP motors.

Dometic’s built-in Smartstick Linear Position Sensor and ability to integrate with Dometic Digital Switching technology compatible with all HTML5 capable MFDs give boaters complete control of multiple engine height positions with the touch of a finger.

To learn more about premium quality jack plates from Dometic Marine, visit www.dometic.com.

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NOVEMBER 2023

Hanapa‘a - Mahi

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SHEEPSHEAD Carry Anglers Through the Cold Months

D

uring these colder months, many people focus on the end of the mullet run or the bluefish that are starting to move in.

However, there are other options. One of my favorites is sheepshead. This flakey white-meat fish should be a staple in your winter diet.

Sheepshead are sometimes called convicts because of the black and white bars they wear like a jumpsuit. This contrasting coloration helps when sight fishing for them because you can see those bright stripes hugging closely to the structure. Sheepshead typically weigh 3 to 5 pounds, but outsized specimens grow into double digits. The larger the fish, the longer its spines: be careful of the dorsal fin when handling sheepshead.

They will tense up and flare their spines trying to escape.

Sheepshead inhabit almost all coastal Atlantic waters, from Nova Scotia to Brazil and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Sheepshead tolerate a wide range of salinity, and spend most of the year inshore and even inland in more brackish water.

They love structure because that’s where the crustaceans they feed on live. You’ll find them on docks, bridges, jetties, seawalls, and in the absence of man-made structure, you’ll find them on rock or hard bottom. Sheepshead move out into deeper nearshore waters to spawn in late winter to early spring but return quickly.

Sheepsheads are molluscivores meaning they only eat crustaceans. Things such as oysters, mussels, barnacles, crabs and shrimp make up their diet. To crush all that shell, they have human-like teeth and thick back molars, enabling them to crush their prey. During the crushing process, they push water through their gills and leave their mouth slightly open to eject shell pieces, leaving only the meat for them to consume.

Their odd feeding behavior makes them tricky to catch with a hook and line. They love fiddler crabs, and you can find live fiddlers at a bait shop or along rock piles. You can also pick oysters off pilings and crack them open to use the meat as bait. Some anglers use a rake or hammer to scrape barnacles off pilings to chum the water. As for artificials, crappie jigs or flathead jigs are good options. With a fly rod, you can use white Clouser Minnows or shrimp flies.

WATCH

By Emily Hanzlik

VIDEO

Fish bridges, inlets and piers, and get as close to the pilings or structure as possible.

Since they crush their prey and spit out the rest, you’ll want to use small but strong J hooks, and set the hook as soon as they inhale the bait. Relatively heavy line is necessary to avoid being frayed off in all that structure. I wouldn’t use anything lighter than 12-poundtest.

The IGFA all-tackle world record for sheepshead is an enormous 21-pound, 4-ounce fish caught in New Orleans by Wayne Desselle in 1982.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bowfin Guide Service as well as fishing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

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Brazil’s Awesome Peacock Bass Fishing Y

our Rip Roller is tearing up the water as you retrieve it in short quick jerks. Suddenly the water explodes from the vicious strike of a peacock bass. In your excitement and shock, you instinctively jerk your rod up before the peacock has had a chance to get the hook firmly in his mouth, and 6 inches of lure and three massive treble hooks come flying past your head. Your first encounter with the huge peacock bass of Brazil’s Amazon will be one you never forget.

Fishing for this massive, hard-fighting predator can be best described to anglers as hooking into a 20-pound smallmouth bass that is having a bad day. To top off this fishing adventure, you are fishing over 1,000 miles from the ocean in the heart of the world’s largest rain forest on black water rivers that are 50

NOVEMBER 2023

home to more than 2,500 species of fish and the world’s greatest diversity of flora and fauna.

Anglers will catch four or five different species of peacock bass, ranging from the popoca and butterfly species weighing an average of 3 to 5 pounds to the massive paca or arzu, the current world record of which is a 29-pounder caught by Andrea Zaccherini in 2010. Anglers can also catch aerobatic arowana, several species of catfish weighing upwards of 200 pounds, wolf fish and myriad other species.

Peacocks will readily hit topwater baits on waters that aren’t heavily pressured, the most famous being the big propeller driven Woodchopper and its clones, as well as the more subtle Spook-type baits. As with most species of fish, subsurface jerkbaits and jigs will produce bigger numbers of fish caught than

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

By Jim Kern

topwater lures. Fly fishermen have discovered this game as well, fishing big Deceivers, Dahlberg Divers and Clouser type flies. Heavy baitcasting tackle loaded with 65- to 80-pound braided Kevlar line is the ticket for peacocks, as they are structure-oriented fish. The war is to keep them out of the cover once hooked. Fly fishermen need to bring saltwater style 9- and 10-weight fly rods coupled with a fly reel with a smooth drag and 30- to 50-pound tippets.

Manaus, a city of 2 million in the heart of Brazil’s Amazon, has become the epicenter of South America’s peacock bass fishing. Flights between Miami and Manaus make Manuas easily accessible. The majority of operators will have anglers spend the first night in Manaus and then fly by charter aircraft to their fishing destinations. Most mother boat and cruise ship operators that offer peacock

bass fishing operate on the upper Rio Negro out of Barcelos, a city of 30,000 people located 300 miles upriver from Manaus. The waters of the Rio Negro and the mouths of its tributaries within a 150-mile radius of Barcelos receive the majority of the peacock bass fishing pressure. There are presently more than 40 mother boats/ cruise ships operating out of Barcelos and a large lodge in the area.

The other option for small groups of 6 to 12 people is a fishing trip on private indian lands and government

preserves leased by a couple different outfitters including River Plate Anglers and Acute Angling. River Plate Outfitters, fishing in Brazil since 1992, has leased exclusive fishing rights on 10 different tributaries encompassing over 1,000 miles of black water rivers in all four dry zones in Brazil’s Amazon. It’s all within a 500-mile radius northwest and south of Manaus. This enables anglers to fly directly into these private lands by wheel or float equipped Caravan charter planes and be in prime unpressured waters the first day of their

trip from mid July through mid March. The key to these operations is their six “river trains,” each consisting of 250-square-foot single or double occupancy air conditioned cabins that can be moved to the tributary in the dry zone with the most ideal water conditions in a given time frame and not be relegated only to the upper Rio Negro dry zone.

For additional information, contact River Plate Outfitters at www.riverplateanglers.com or Jim Kern at jim@emuoutfitting.com.

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30 FOOT SEAS, 100 MILES OFFSHORE A Real Sea Story Off the Georgia Coast

By Cap Fendig

I

n 1982, I started commercial fishing off the Georgia coast.

That first season I learned a lesson that nearly cost me everything, including the lives of captains and crew.

You see, I made lots of money May through Labor Day running charter fishing trips. I still do, to this day. But back then the charter business dried up about the time kids went back to school. From fall into spring, commercial fishing would provide year-round cash flow… but you had to have the right boat.

For distance, you needed diesel to run 70 to 120 miles offshore. The capability to hold 5 to 10 thousand pounds of fish was also a necessity, and most of all, you needed a reliable vessel to take you there and back, no matter the weather. Without satellite technology and out of shore range for VHF radio, you were out there alone with no ability to call for help. But I wanted to fish the deep water in the off season, because that’s where the money was.

My charter customers Mack Carlton, an Atlanta attorney, and Bob Shearer, the president of Georgia Power, agreed to invest in a boat, and I studied the options. I decided on a 32’ BHM built by Flye Point Marine in Blue Hill, Maine. It’s a lobster Hull design, and I gave them my specifications and ordered it. I oversaw the boat’s construction in Brooklyn, Maine and then ran it down the East Coast to Golden Isles Marina in St. Simons, GA. It was a heck of a boat. I caught king mackerel, grouper, snapper and other species and sold them to Charlie at Pelican Point Restaurant or to markets in Mayport, FL. I was making money and learning. Local Steve Pello was doing the same, and I met Capt. Danny Patrick (Co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine Northeast Florida Edition), a very good fisherman out of Mayport. We would kind of rendezvous 90 miles out to fish in the same proximity for safety. Remember, we were way out, and there was no one to help if something went wrong. So, we all kind of ran together.

Off the Georgia coast, cold fronts start showing up in fall and push through our coastal waters out to the open ocean.

The fishing pattern called for us to be ready as soon as a front

passed. With calm seas, we rode out behind the weather and the fish would start to “come on the bite.” They fed heavily while high pressure built over the area. We would load up the hold, run back to sell the fish, and then rest up before the next trip.

It was hard work, and risky, but it was very exciting. You saw things no one else saw: A migration of monarch butterflies 90 miles out; Navy submarines surfacing nearby; great white sharks before anyone knew they were in the area; hundreds of offshore dolphins moving in giant schools and jumping 15 feet out of the water; a million stars in the darkest skies you’ve ever seen.

On this specific trip, Capt. Patrick and his first mate Paul met us 80 miles offshore a week before Thanksgiving. Onboard my boat were my cousin Dru Doyal and a retired corporate insurance salesman named Jack Hicks. We knew the next front was due in four days, and we had to beat it back in. So, we fished hard. On the third night, large schools of king mackerel moved through, and we absolutely loaded the boat. Capt. Patrick was killing it, too! Both of us filled our deck ice boxes with 5,000 pounds of kingfish and another 1,000 pounds of grouper, snapper and other fish. We were done. There was no room for more fish!

At 9 p.m. the seas were flat with no wind.

Ever heard the expression, “calm before the storm?” Friends, that is TRUE. That night we anchored, and Patrick literally pulled his boat over and rafted up with us to eat dinner and revel in the day’s amazing catch as we repacked the fish on ice. At about 11 p.m., we agreed to depart after breakfast, and Patrick motored 100 yards off to anchor for the night.

Now, I had been listening to the weather and was somewhat concerned. Temps in the approaching front were dropping and so was the barometer. This was not good news, and I talked it over with Patrick on the VHF. Shortly before midnight, we agreed to push our departure up to sunrise to try and beat the approaching front. I put Doyal on watch until 3 a.m. Hicks would relieve Doyal at 3:30 a.m. I would have the helm for our 6:30 a.m. departure.

When I lay down in my bunk, there was no wind, no sound and hardly any movement in waves or swell. I woke to some light waves at about 3 a.m. I thought a ship might have passed close by, and I went up top to check it out. It was a large, elongated swell. There was no ship anywhere around. I felt the Spirit of God in my heart telling me to pull anchor and start heading in. I got Hicks up and radioed Patrick to tell him how I felt. He agreed and we both pulled up anchor to head in.

By 5 a.m. the wind was blowing 45 knots from the northwest with 10-foot seas building.

As the winds increased, we faced waves 15 to 25 feet high, and it was only getting worse. All hell was breaking loose, and I couldn’t see Patrick’s boat off my port side, although I thought I saw a light out there through the driving rain.

While I clutched the wheel, Doyal and Hicks lay spread eagle on the floor trying to brace themselves from being thrown all over the inside of the cabin. It was like being in the ring boxing with Ali as the wind and waves hammered us without mercy. I was scared. It was the most violent sea conditions I’ve ever experienced.

“Cap! Cap!” the radio squawked. “This is Danny! HELP! Didn’t you see my flares!”

I couldn’t see him. A big wave had blown through one of his windows with the force to throw his batteries out of the box. It jerked the cables loose, the lights went out, the engine shut down and he had been dead in the water being pounded by waves.

While being thrown around the cabin, Patrick somehow managed to get the window sealed, restore power and get his engine running. There was no GPS back then, so I gave him my coordinates off my Loran C. We figured he was about 15 miles behind me, and as another wave hit me so hard the boat

shuddered, I told Patrick we’d meet him at the sea buoy at the entrance to the St. Simons ship channel.

The violence of it all was terrifying over the ensuing hours, and it crept into my mind that we might not make it as the boat shook and shuddered from the pounding of riding 30 feet to the top of the wave and crashing down the backside to hit the rise of the next. Anyone who saw the movie The Perfect Storm, will have a good idea of what it was like.

As dawn approached, I could at least begin to see the direction of the waves and their size so I could power the boat up to the top at an angle. When we reached the crest, I would pull off on the throttle to reduce speed so we wouldn’t launch in a free fall into the trough.

For hours, we zig-zagged, powered up the waves and throttled down to slide down their backs. I was fearful, but I was able to keep my calm because of the focus required to steer the vessel and keep us upright. This went on and on and on, pounding the crap out of us. It was so rough we couldn’t take turns driving the boat. Hicks and Doyal were spread eagle being thrown up and down.

At some point, I realized we were not going to make the St. Simons shipping channel. The waves and wind were forcing me off course to the northwest. Our closest viable option was

Sapelo Sound, about 30 miles north of our original target. The entrance at Sapelo was poorly marked. There are lots of sandbars and you must make a tricky 90 degree turn north then back southwest and then northwest again before you make it to inland waters. Fuel was running low, and if we didn’t make Sapelo Sound, the next opportunity for safe harbor was another 10 miles north at St. Catherines.

Calculations showed we didn’t have enough fuel to reach St. Catherines.

I radioed Patrick to discuss the dilemma, and he agreed. We had one shot, and we changed course for Sapelo as the brutality of the storm continued.

At about 5:30 p.m., we were exhausted but relieved to finally see the sea buoy for Sapelo Sound. The waves had subsided into a 6-foot chop, and we had $10,000 or more worth of fish that needed fresh ice. Doyal was too seasick to move, so Hicks volunteered to go out and ice our catch. I made him wear one of those bulky commercial life preservers. It was still blowing hard, and I watched Hicks carefully. As I made first turn from west to north, we were in the channel between shallow sandbars. The turn put us broadside to the waves, and one hit us so hard it literally picked up a 6-foot, 4-inch guy and tossed him overboard. I was watching. It was a perfect backflip over the side of the boat into 6-foot waves, shovel in the air.

“Jack’s overboard!” I hollered at Doyal.

“You’ve got to get up and go help! I can’t leave the wheel or we’ll run aground!”

Doyal got up with what strength he had. It was still blowing 30 knots, and I maneuvered the boat to make a grab for Hicks. We ran out on the rear deck, threw a rope ladder over and miraculously got him back in the boat. I don’t know how. This is a single-engine boat with a fixed keel, but God’s angels helped. There’s no other way to explain how we got this big, tall,

elderly retired insurance agent back in the boat without running aground. Any boater who has been through Sapelo Sound knows what I mean.

When we steered into protected waters, I radioed Patrick to let him know we made it and would wait for him. It was getting dark now, and at about 9 p.m. Patrick made it into Sapelo Sound. We proceeded down the Intra-Coastal toward St. Simons. At the next sound south, Altamaha Sound, Patrick called. He was out of fuel and his engines shut down. We turned back to get him and took him under tow.

We arrived at St. Simons around midnight, exhausted, kissing the dock and thanking Jesus we were all alive. We all went to sleep and returned to the boats at about 11 a.m. We still had a lot of fish to sell. I called Red Stanford at City Market, David Lewis at Lewis’s Crab, Gene Wells at Sea Harvest and Mr. Phillips at Pelican Point. Patrick got on the phone with Mayport Seafood and some other seafood dealers to no avail. We were three days from Thanksgiving, and no one buys seafood on Thanksgiving week. Finally, an Atlanta fish market brokered a deal to ship our catch to California. We got 65 cents per pound, when we had been getting $2.65 per pound.

It was a catastrophic loss, and we almost lost our lives over it. We fished out the winter and spring and chartered through the summer.

Danny Patrick came to work for me for a while, and we are still good friends. My cousin Dru and Jack Hicks both passed away.

I still boat and charter fish. I don’t go 90 miles out anymore, and every time I watch The Deadliest Catch, I know what they go through.

I thought you might enjoy a real sea story.

Cap Fendig owns Cap Fendig’s Tours at St. Simons Island, Ga. Reach him via his website: www.capfendig.com.

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RECORD POMP CAUGHT IN CHESAPEAKE BAY WATCH

VIDEO

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Maryland angler caught a 6.44-pound Florida pompano in Chesapeake Bay on Sept. 14. It’s a new state record for the Chesapeake Division and fish that would be considered a trophy no matter where it was caught.

Historically, any pompano would be considered a pretty rare catch in the Atlantic off the northeastern United States. They are a warm-water species more prevalent off the southeastern states and in the Gulf of Mexico. Maryland only began recognizing pompano for record status in 2019 as catches became increasingly more common.

Bobby Graves is the new record holder. He caught his 22-inch pomp while targeting seatrout using soft crab for bait. This is the third new record set since the species became eligible for recognition and replaces a 5.05-pound fish caught in 2020.

The IGFA all-tackle world record for Florida pompano weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught on a sand flea from Port St. Joe Bay, Fla. in 1999.

For more record fish, visit coastalanglermag.com.

ANGLERS LAND NEW IGFA WORLD RECORDS

WATCH

VIDEO

T

he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is a conservation and angling organization that maintains the world’s largest database of record fish. With submissions from around the world and numerous categories for records of hundreds of species, IGFA tracks the largest fish caught by anglers. Every month or so, IGFA puts out a list of recently approved world records, and the most recent updates includes some doozies, such as these:

Weston’s Alligator Gar

Bernstein’s Mutton Snapper

In September Angler Art Weston made waves by landing a 283-pound pending all-tackle world record alligator gar on 6-pound test. While he awaits approval for that incredible fish, he can relish the recent announcement that a 250-pound alligator gar he caught in April is now the men’s 80-pound line class record for the species. Weston holds numerous records for alligator gar. This latest record-book entry was caught on cut bait from the Trinity River in Texas, where Weston was fishing with Capt. Kirk Kirkland. The duo recorded the weight on certified scales and released the fish safely.

IGFA recently introduced a new length record category, and in doing so opened the door for anglers to fill a host of previously vacant records.

In April, 11-year-old Julia Mason Bernstein went on a record-setting spree with Capt. Dale Bittner out of Key West, Fla. In a single day, Julia set six IGFA alltackle length junior world records, including a beautiful 56-centimeter (22-plus-inch) mutton snapper. The mutton took a ballyhoo fished on the bottom and was released after being measured on an official IGFA measuring device.

Hanzlik’s Landlocked Striped Bass

Gallagher’s Cutthroat Trout

Arostegui’s Rainbow Trout

Emily Hanzlik, whose writing appears regularly in these pages, Before her is an accomplished IGFA record induction into the chaser with numerous records IGFA Fishing Hall on the books. Her most recently of Fame earlier this accepted record is a 22-pound, month, Roberta 10-ounce striper that she caught Arostegui took drifting live shad back in March at a trip to Jurassic Georgia’s Lake Allatoona. Fishing Lake Lodge in with guide Marty Petza, of River Argentina, where Fishing Adventures, Hanzlik set she set several IGFA a new Women’s 16-pound line world records. This class world record. The fish was included a beautiful released after being weighed and 16-pound rainbow documented. trout, which set the IGFA women’s 16-pound line class record. Arostegui was casting a spoon, and she successfully landed, documented, and released the fish after 10-minute fight.

Here’s a heck of a flycaught cutthroat caught

by Kesley Gallagher in March. The fish weighed 21 pounds, 8 ounces and was caught from Nevada’s Pyramid Lake, which is renowned for producing giant cutthroats. Gallagher caught the big trout on a midge fly and 16-pound tippet, which gave her the women’s tippet class record for the species.

She released the fish after documentation, and two days later set a new 6-pound tippet record with another cutthroat that weighed 11 pounds, 8 ounces.

Joseph’s Blackfin Tuna Cheyenne Joseph was fishing off Palm Beach, Fla. on April 29 when this massive 40-pound blackfin tuna struck a live sardine.

Joseph’s giant blackfin tuna is the heaviest ever recorded with IGFA for a female angler and broke a women’s 50-pound line class record that has stood for 41 years.

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FLY OF THE MONTH

WATCH

VIDEO

Double Barrel Poppers for Bass

By Garner Reid

F

or anglers who enjoy pursuing bass on the fly and for the anglers that have interest in fly fishing for bass, now is the time to get on the water. Cooler nights and slightly shorter days bring a nice drop in water temps that often triggers bass into aggressive feeding patterns to beef up for winter. The result is some exciting topwater activity.

Armed with poppers, I love to row anglers down local rivers armed with 6 weights and poppers targeting bankside structure for spotted bass. Takes are often aggressive followed with a nice acrobatic battle to the boat. I have filled my popper box with Double Barrel Popper heads from Flymen Fishing Company. They generate loud glugs and can also

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THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

be used in a number of creative ways to create your own desired style of topwater fishing.

Garner Reid guides at Cohutta Fishing Company.

See their website at www.cohuttafishingco.com.

WHAT’S THAT BASS?

E

ach week, the American Fisheries Society Black Bass Conservation Committee posts “What’s That Bass Wednesday” on its Facebook page. One of October’s posts included these crazy looking specimens with striking coloration. Here’s the explanation: “The bottom fish is a wild one, it looks like the world’s largest shadow bass. But it is actually a smallmouth bass with another condition known as hyperpigmentation, the occurrence of black ink-like spots on the skin, fins, and/or mouths of freshwater bass species. This is obviously an extreme example of this condition. More recently called the “blotchy bass syndrome,” this phenomenon is currently under study by several fisheries labs across the country to investigate causes behind it. Researchers once thought this

condition was caused by sun exposure or stress related to fishing, temperature or pollution; however, researchers recently discovered that a family of viruses was associated with the black spots. As far as we know, this condition does not seem to cause any mortality and is just something that occurs only in bass. It will be interesting in the future to see how the research develops.

Experience tells us that this condition, while it can be found just about anywhere, is much more common in fish from certain systems, which suggests some watershed-level factor might be involved.

“The top fish is our good ’ol largemouth bass.

And no, the fish had not been swimming in yellow dye. This is what is known as xanthism or xanthochromism, which comes from the Greek

words literally meaning ‘yellow color’ and refers to an unusually yellow pigmentation in an animal.

It is often associated with the lack of usual red pigmentation and its replacement with yellow.

The cause is usually genetic but may also be related to the animal’s diet. This affects all kinds of animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. As one might expect, life expectancy for animals suffering from this condition is usually low, for the very simple reason that it is often pretty hard to hide from predators if you are bright yellow. Unless you hide in a sunflower field, where bass are rarely if ever found.”

To see What’s That Bass Wednesday each week, follow the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/AFS.Black.Bass.

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NORTH CAROLINA PUDDINGWIFE IS A STATE AND WORLD RECORD WATCH

VIDEO

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f you’ve never heard of a puddingwife wrasse, you’re not alone. Recently the spotlight was turned on this colorful reef fish when a North Carolina angler caught a 3-pound, 11-ounce puddingwife that is a new North Carolina state record and a potential world record.

Angler Connor Stone caught his blue and green beauty about 10 miles off his hometown of Southport, North Carolina on July 27. Southport is south of Wilmington at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and we must assume Stone was in pursuit of something larger, as he was geared up with 50-pound braid on a Fin-Nor LTC16h reel and a Fiblink Signature rod. He was fishing squid on the bottom.

Stone’s fish measured 18 inches fork length and had a 13-inch girth. It is 3 ounces heavier than the IGFA alltackle world record, which weighed 3-pounds, 8-ounces and was caught off Key West, Fla. in 2003. Stone said he plans to apply with IGFA for the world record.

For those wondering what a puddingwife wrasse is, this popular aquarium species is a nearshore reef fish, a bottom dweller that feeds on shrimp, crabs, bivalves, worms, sea cucumbers, sea stars and urchins. Frequently mistaken for a parrotfish, it is not a typical angler target, but according to several online sources it makes decent table fare. The puddingwife is native to the west Atlantic and lives in warm nearshore waters from Brazil north to the North Carolina coast.

For more record fish, see coastalanglermag.com.

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Thirty years ago, AO was launched to provide active, hard-core people with quality products at a reasonable price. We started selling our soft-sided coolers to the hard-core, go-fast boaters and fishermen in Lake Havasu. We aimed to keep ice in our coolers for up to 24 hours in 120-degree Havasu heat. That goal was accomplished 30 years ago, and we’re still at it.

We know our customers; they fish and boat in the summer and ride the dunes or trails in the winter. AO products give those high-octane souls greater freedom to embark on and enjoy what’s important to them.

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WATCH

VIDEO

N

OMAHA ANGLER LANDS GHOST FLATHEAD

ebraska angler Alex “Flathead” Doty had a heck of a night on Oct. 1. Fishing a small Nebraska creek, he landed a rare 49-pound leucistic flathead catfish, and then a few hours later he caught a 72-pounder that is his personal best.

“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions of hope,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Last night I caught a very rare 49# albino or Leucistic Flathead Catfish. Then not too long after that I caught my pb Flathead of 72# again for the second time this summer. When conditions are perfect u can find me on the water.”

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission explained that leucism occurs when the melanin producing gene is masked, but not eliminated. It is the cause for the ghostly coloration of Doty’s fish. While leucistic catfish do show up on occasion, including a spate of leucistic blue cats on the Tennessee River over the last few years, this is a huge one.

From his Facebook posts, Doty is a hardcore flathead fisherman who fishes from the bank and from a kayak.

Check Flathead Doty out at facebook.com/alex.doty.94

don't stop reeLing Alex Kendrick reel salty www.reelsaltydestin.com

season and is only going to get better. Trolling lures 10-15 knots is ideal starting around the 90’ mark. Keep an eye out for weed lines and large patches of grass, you never know what’s below them. Whenever I see grass patches I like to stop and sight fish for Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Triple tail.

For Mahi I like to keep a light pitch rod with 20# fluorocarbon and 2/0 Owner circle hook. Live bait works really well on the larger bulls and cut squid works better on the smaller chicken dolphins. If lures are your thing I prefer Yozuri Crystal Minnows and honestly color doesn’t matter. Pitch around the weed lines or patches and look deeper down for the bigger Mahi. As for Tuna with all the chumming going on, I like to send down a vertical jig on 60#-80# test at least 100’ below the boat. Working your jig through the water column is a good way to fire up any kind of fish that may be lurking around in the shadows. If you have a large diamond jig I’d put some heavy wire in front of it for a chance at a wahoo. Triple Tail are amazing fish on light tackle and I recommend 15#-20# fluorocarbon and #2 Owner hook. Live shrimp work really well along with small cuts of squid.

If bottom fishing is your go to joy Vermillion snappers, Groupers, and Rock salmon is my target. For Vermillion snappers I like using a 2-3 hook chicken rig mixed with cut squid and Boston mackerel. Let your weight sit right on the bottom and wait for those 2-3 light bites. Rock salmon and Groupers like to hide out in the rocks and caves, so a slip lead is what I like to use. Heavier leader line for Groupers and larger baits close to the bottom. Feel the bite and start cranking. The first 20’-30’ are the most important so DON’T STOP reeling.

When it comes to offshore fishing don’t give up. There’s a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works best for you and as always keep your lines out and keep them tight.

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