Coastal Angler Magazine | August 2023 | Greater Orlando Edition

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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Athe cooler waters of great depths, deep-water grouper are some of the better tasting sh in the ocean. of deep-water grouper we target o coast of the Florida Keys are snowy grouper and yellowedge grouper. ey are found in depths of 400 to 1,000 feet.

Yellowedge are open year-round, and they can be a little di cult to nd. ey congregate in localized areas in depths between 600 and 800 feet. You might nd snowies and tile sh where you nd yellowedges, but this is not true the other way around. When you nd an area with yellowedge grouper, mark it, save it, and do not over sh it. Keep your harvest light, and this honey-hole will produce for you again in the future.

When making a deep-dropping rig, use larger hooks on the top and bottom of a ve-hook rig. Mustad 11/0 circle hooks provide excellent hookup ratios for this kind of shing. A x larger baits on these hooks, with the bottom intended for yellowedge, and the top intended for snowy grouper. Pepper in smaller ones in the middle for tile sh.

e nice part about dropping ve hooks is you can play with a variety and see what works. e best

to do what it is made to do.

Bait selection can vary greatly, so use anything and everything. I use chunks of fresh sh, with skin that will stay on the hook longer, for my top and bottom hooks, and squid in the middle. At least one hook should have some greasy, oily, stinky squid for deep dropping.

When it comes to catching deep-water species such as grouper, tile sh, barrel sh and rosies, you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable electric set-up. e lower priced reels can handle these and can be paired with a rod and stacked with line on a budget of $1,000 to $2,000. I don’t recommend buying these used, as everything electronic on the water has a shelf life, and you never know how they were cared for previously.

With mahi-mahi still prevalent in o shore waters, and with snowy grouper still in season, the timing is perfect to hunt yellowedge grouper. If you aren’t interested in the trial and error of searching the depths of the vast ocean by yourself, Sweet

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SWEET E’ NUF CHARTERS.

BILL DANCE SIGNATURE LAKES to Solidify Tennessee as the Heart of Fishing in the Southeast

Bill Dance Signature Lakes will connect the world’s most-loved angler with some of Tennessee’s most excellent natural resources – its lakes. is program is intended to make Tennessee a best-in-class destination for anglers worldwide.

With the new initiative’s goal to improve and enhance Tennessee lakes, increase visitation and honor Dance’s legacy, Tennessee will invest $15 million in improvements above and below the water at 18 lakes that bear shing legend Dance’s stamp of approval. Tennesseans will bene t from increased stocking, habitat and sheries management and improved access for shing and boating. e collaborative e ort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development seeks to solidify Tennessee as the heart of shing in the southeast and drive economic activity across the state.

“I’m unbelievably humbled and excited to be involved in such a helpful project that will bene t so many people and our natural resources in my great home state of Tennessee,” said Bill Dance. “You can bet your favorite lure this project will have a ripple e ect for a mighty long time, not only giving the weekend sherman but tournament anglers a wonderful shery as well, thanks to the great state of Tennessee and my friends at TWRA.”

Bill Dance Signature Lakes touches 39 counties, including 22 at-risk or economically distressed counties, and is an essential step in helping those communities create new revenue streams through increased visitation. Fishing generates $1.2 billion in economic impact annually and supports 7,480 jobs across the state.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes includes nine large reservoirs with a proven track record for quality shing for a variety of sh. In partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, reservoirs will receive new or upgraded best-inclass ramps to improve public access for both recreational and tournament anglers. Each of the 18 lakes will see such above-water upgrades as courtesy docks, ample parking, additional access points, shing piers and signage, to name a few. Several smaller lakes, many which are located within Tennessee State Parks, will be managed intensively by TWRA for Bill Dance approved family shing with regular stocking to ensure the best chance for success.

Projects are slated to begin in 2022 and near completion by the fall of 2024. For more information, see www.tnvacation.com.

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GETS THE FISH

When the low for the month is 82 degrees and the highs average 100, we have to make some modi cations to our lifestyles… and so do the sh. Let’s cover a few opportunities to take advantage of as we try to entice a bite this summer.

In the past I have written about some night shing techniques, but I realize that is not for everyone. However, optimizing your time on the water when the temperatures are at their coolest is imperative.

Water and air temps should be at their coolest just before dawn, and that is prime time to be chunking and winding. I like to be casting at least 30 minutes before the rising sun. I recommend locating an area that will have ample tidal ow. is obviously encourages the sh to feed, and it also helps keep the temperature lower. Pair the moving tide with some structure like shells or deeper water adjacent to a shallow at, and you should be in business. e area obviously needs to be holding bait, also.

Topwater lures are always fun and a popular

choice before and at sunrise in August. Once that bite slows, it’s time to bounce the bottom with some plastics. I try to not specify jighead weight if I am not covering a speci c location because it depends on tide, depth and a score of other variables. I would position myself to cast toward the shallows and bring my lure down the drop o . is is a good method to locate sh and cover di erent depths. Fish could be shallow early and fall o the edge as the sun rises. I also like to vary my retrieve speed, and don’t be afraid to work your lure very slowly ticking the bottom structure. Fish in warm water can become lethargic just as they do in cold water. Another time to hit the water is a er a summer rain. Take advantage of these showers, which cool

the water temps. ese periods can be short-lived depending on the extent and duration of the rain event. Heavy lighting tends to slow the bite a er the storm moves on, so I am not a big fan of shing a er a lightning storm.

I hope these tips can help you catch a few more sh this summer and stay out of the heat. Another bene t of shing early and heading home is you have the rest of the day to do other things. Wear your sun block, stay hydrated, and have a fun summer on the water!

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

FIND THE BAIT, FIND THE FISH

Tim Barefoot

August is a pre-transition month, when we’re at the end of summer, and just before the true transition months of September and October. e shing can be hot as a recracker if you pay attention to the bait. is is a pre-staging month for the bait and the bottom sh, as well. Huge schools of cigar minnows and sardines will start their annual migration toward inshore waters for spawning, waiting for the fall and winter.

When o shore bottom shing, I’m looking for large stacks of beeliners as well as cigs and sardines. is is where you nd the sh. Period. Many years ago when I was commercial shing, we would stay for days at a time looking for grouper and snapper. We concentrated on the bait as much as the structure. If you found these two together (bait on a ledge), so much the better, but we o en found sh on slick, at, sand bottom on stacks of bait. We’d anchor on these big stacks of bait and go to work. If the bait school moved, so did the sh… and so did we! We’d y the anchor and move around until we found them again. It was just like magic, with instant bites on the bottom. is is the reason I keep saying, nd the bait, nd the sh. It doesn’t matter where these big stacks of bait go, the sh will follow.

With late summer water temperatures, pelagics like the tunas, wahoo and dolphin are scattered all over the nearshore waters due to the hot water. e water temperatures on the beach will be close to the water temps in the Gulf Stream by now, and the sh will follow bait wherever it goes. In August and September, some unsuspecting king mackerel sherman always catches a stud wahoo trolling live bait on some nearshore stack of bait. I remember wrestling a yellow n for more than an hour on lightweight king mackerel tackle just 10 miles o the

beach. We were bottom shing and had a live cigar minnow out on the light line. Eventually, I lost the ght due to a swivel that couldn’t take it anymore. Ha! Neither could I.

Keep a good eye on the recorder and any surface activity around structure. You know the areas that hold the big schools of cigs and sardines. Keep going back to these places now and into September. is is where you’ll nd what you’re looking for.

I’ve always been a bait freak. Now that I’ve seen more than just a few cycles of what happens through the seasons, I’m better able to see the big picture. Bait moves around for speci c reasons during di erent seasons. Whatever you are shing for requires food to keep them in a place. So… nd the bait, nd the sh.

For more from Capt. Tim Barefoot, check out Barefootcatsandtackle.com.

A nice scamp caught o a big stack of beeliners.

CATCH LATE SUMMER TRIPLETAIL SOAKING IN THE SUN

By Emily Hanzlik

In late summer, the humidity is crazy and the heat wants to take you down. e shing can slow down during this time; however, chilling in the sun is a lifestyle for some sh species.

e tripletail is one of the strangest sh in the ocean. Tripletail are usually dark brown with some lighter shades mixed around, and they can sometimes be yellow, depending on their area. ese sh don’t have a typical body structure. Instead, they have a at almond-shaped body and get their name from the appearance of having three tails, which is an adaptation of enlarged lobes on the posterior ns. ey usually don’t grow any larger than 15 pounds and typically range from 20-30 inches. For their size, they put up a heck of a ght.

Many tagging studies have been done on these sh to track their migrations. However, science has yet to gure it all out. e idea is they move north to south, then back up the coast going no further than Georgia. In the Gulf, they make it as far as Texas. e timing of their movements appears to be random, but it probably depends on currents, since they don’t free swim much.

Sometime during the summer months, tripletail will oat o shore to breed. Like most,

they broadcast spawn, with females producing anywhere from 4 to 8 million eggs. ey can spawn every three to ve days.

When these sh aren’t o shore spawning, they typically hang near lots of structure. You might spot them oating near crab buoys, mangroves, oating leaves and poles in the water. Tripletail are known for mimicking and blending in with their surroundings. is makes it especially di cult while shing to spot these creatures. However, it gives them amazing bene t, since their prey is also hiding in these places. Tripletail usually prey on shrimp, sh and small crabs.

ere are many di erent ways to target tripletail. Since they aren’t big swimmers, you’ll normally nd them oating around with seaweed or next to buoys. You can pitch baits, like live shrimp, to target them. Usually, you’ll want to use a small live bait hook without a weight to get a natural dri in front of them. If live bait isn’t your style, you can also use small jigs or swimbaits to grab their attention. Another great way is y shing. Here, you’ll want a y that mimics a small shrimp or bait sh. When targeting them, make sure to nd which end is their face. en try to dri your o ering in front of their nose.

e current IGFA all-tackle world record is

42 pounds. It was caught in South Africa in 1989.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY LOCKHART

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Please join us for the Weigh-In Hosted at Jolly Gator Fish Camp at 3pm to crown this season’s Champion.

Please join us for an afternoon of family fun on August 12th at Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill – come and see the best St Johns River anglers in Central Florida bring their bass to the scales at 3:00 pm. Jolly Gator Bass Series 2023 Classic Tournament will crown the winning Team, 1st and 2nd big bass of the day, award cash prizes for Team of the Year points leaders, big bass of the 2023 season and also award $250 bucks cash for the smallest weight on a 5 bass limit. Over $10,000.00 in cash plus prizes are up for grabs and all teams who qualify and fish our event will get awards. It is always a fun time so come and have some great food along with the coldest beer in town and see who this seasons’ champs are. Located next to the Highway 46 bridge at the C.S. Lee boat ramp, weigh-in will be at the Jolly Gator!

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Paul Martin and Bobby Wills with 21lbs., winners of our Jolly Gator Bass Series Saturday event

Hello Coastal Angler readers, SJA friends and families. My name is Troy Bennett and I have the honor of helping a talented group of high school anglers participate in the sport of competitive bass fishing. For the second year in a row, Seminole Junior Anglers received club of the year from the Florida Bass Nation high school series.

Our leader Dave Dimaro has stepped down to follow his boys’ college fishing careers and I have been asked to carry the torch with big shoes to fill. If you have an experienced high school angler looking to fish the competitive Bass Nation Series, please join us for our informational meeting about the 2023/2024 season. The meeting will take place at 6:30 pm on August 10th at Mud Hole Custom Tackle in Oviedo FL. We are looking forward to meeting new anglers and team captains. For additional questions please feel free to reach me on my cell phone at 321-303-0650.

Our 2023/2024 season spans the state of Florida from south Okeechobee to Palatka on the St. Johns River and even into South Georgia at Lake Seminole. The schedule consists of a tournament one weekend a month starting in September and running through April, with the State tournament taking place in June 2024. In past years, Florida Bass Nation has had over 150 teams competing in both the Junior and High School divisions to make up the largest youth national bass competition.

As far as Central Florida fishing, August temperatures are the hottest all year, and the fish move to deep water or find shade under a dock. Getting on the water early can be a big help to get on the early bite. Usually, it is time to head home around lunchtime before the heat really sets in but if you can stand the heat they will bite throughout the day. Don’t forget sunscreen and stay hydrated while on the water as the reflection of the sun can make it even hotter. With afternoon showers look for moving cooler water from creeks and rivers or get offshore in deep cooler water to produce the big fish - even with the sweltering heat.

Seminole Junior Anglers would like to thank all the parents and our sponsors for helping to keep the teens on the water… Coastal Angler Magazine, Airport Jeep Dodge, AFTCO, Huey Magoos, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Boat Tree Marina, Gumbo Wars, Bitters Bait and Takle, Oakley, Power Pole, Lowrance, Florida Rental Equipment, and of course all our volunteer boat Captains.

Summer pattern fishing is here. The fish eat early in the morning, late evening, and at night. Bass, panfish, and catfish are going to bite if you fish where they live and fish when they feed.

Early morning means before daylight until around 9:00 am. Take advantage of schooling bass at the mouths of the lakes where the St. Johns exits the lakes. Lipless crankbaits like a Rattle Trap, or a shallow suspending slash bait, or a white colored fluke will get lots of action. When you see them swirling on bait, don’t blind cast or fan cast, the key is to land the bait right on top of the surface striking fish. Wait to see the fish striking shad on top and then quickly and accurately place the lure. If the feeding fish miss-

es the shad, it will take the lure. If the feeding fish eats the shad, another schoolie will take the lure – the key is a fast, accurate presentation. For nighttime, fishing on a calm night with a big moon and a black-colored topwater Jitterbug or a 10-inch black worm dead sticked on the bottom is sure to draw the big bass strike.

Panfish are eating crickets and insects on days they have a hatch. Target them on the downstream bends adjacent to deeper water. Fish moving water but look for the areas where the flow creates eddies and slower water. In the lakes, use red worms over sandy or shell bottom. Catfish like to feed where the water is fast moving. After a couple days of heavy rain, target them in deep bends with just enough weight to hold bottom and a half a piece of fresh peeled shrimp. Try an egg sinker to allow the bait to slowly roll. Cast upstream of the deep holes in the river bend and allow it to roll down the drop off and into the hole.

The Harris Chain is hot - both the weather and the bass bite. Areas with any current from the breezes or running and moving water from our afternoon rains have been the key. The best times are low light conditions in the early morning before the sun gets up or later evening. The best bite has been when the sun is just starting to come up or the sky just starts to turn gray. Get out on the water by 5 am. Top water baits like the trusted Devils Horse, Pop-R or the plastic frogs have been producing explosive strikes from above average size bass. If you have not experienced a bass engulfing a top-water bait in heavy cover or just off the edge off the vegetation, it’s about as exciting as it gets. Patience is a must, sometimes the fish will explode on your bait knocking it in the air without

ever getting the hook. If you are fishing the frog, soft or hard you must drop your rod and allow the line to come tight before you set the hook. Later in the day as the sun gets high, switch to flipping the heavy grass and mats with black-blue creature baits or Junebug colored 7- or 8-inch plastic worms. The larger deeper docks located all around the chain have been producing keeper bites later in the day as well. Target docks with the largest shaded areas.

The panfish and crappie bite has been a little slow, but you can still catch them near the shoreline vegetation and scattered lily-pad fields near Dead River, around the mouth of Haines Creek at both ends and around the northwest corner of Lake Eustis. Try red worms, crickets or grass shrimp for the panfish or jig tipped with a minnow for crappie. The deeper holes in big Lake Harris have been producing the best bites for crappie. Watch out for the afternoon thunderstorms and stay safe!

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Lake Okeechobee’s water level has been hovering around 15.00 feet. When people call to book a trip, they are asking about the water quality/ clarity in particular, algae blooms that happen this time of year due to rainfall. To answer the questions, yes, I am seeing some algae bloom areas out on the lake, scattered in the lake ranging from the west-side of the shoal area to Dyess ditch and on up towards horse island, worm cove, parts of tin house and some areas between 1st-3rd point and a few in/ around kings’ bar. I will be checking out the east side of the lake near Hendry creek down towards the J&S canal areas with that information included in September’s fishing report.

For the most part bass fishing is slow in August, but the deeper water areas in the Kissimmee River, J & S canals and Hendry Creek have been pretty good at catching bass with crank baits, top water and worms/senkos. Fishing for bream can be very successful fishing along the river and canal edges and offers anglers easy

boat access by anchoring on active bream beds and shelter from the wind. When fishing for the bream I use live crickets and/or small red worms, depending on what the customer is comfortable with. I use a 6-7ft ultra-light spinning rod rigged with 6lb mono line, peg above and below the bobber once the fishing depth is established, small bobber and hooks. This style and type of fishing, once you find an active bream bed, is engagingly fun for both young and old, offers non-stop catching - a great-tasting panfish to eat. The bream bedding season typically falls between the months of April to October, although bream can be caught year-round just like crappie but it’s best to fish for them when they are bedding. The upcoming bedding season for bass and crappies typically starts kicking in gear November.

To book your next fun-filled, productive day fishing Lake Okeechobee call me at 863-228-7263 or check out my website www.southfloridabassfishing.com where you’ll find guide trip pricing, hotel accommodations and discounts available, current customer pictures and their catches, etc.

Angie’s sponsors include Mercury Marine; Toho Marine (St. Cloud, FL); Gill; Rapala; Bullet Weights; BnM Poles; Mid-South Tackle; Lews; Real Magic; Tru-Turn hooks; G-Loomis; Gene Larew and Pradco Brands.

West Lake Toho - The summer bass bite has been improving with the best times to fish in the early morning and late evening. Summer rains have kept the flood control gates open every few days. The water quality is clear. Goblins Cove is still producing good numbers of bass - fishing with live shiners over hydrilla. Fish the boat runs’ entrances at sunrise for good top water action. Every morning at sunrise, bass can be found schooling on shad; anywhere there is flow. It usually lasts 30 minutes after sunrise. Big beetle spins and small M-5 Rapalas work best.

Bluegill - I have been trying a new tactic this summer. A good way to beat the heat. I have been fishing at nighttime in the canals using a fly rod, throwing popping bugs up against the bank. On a good moon phase, the bluegill will crush the popping bug. I have thoroughly en-

joyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float. Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped with a minnow. Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them suspended in open water.

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grass - watermelon seed, Junebug, and red colors work best.

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are hard to beat.

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CENTRAL EAST COAST

Miami Beach, Government Cut

12SA 12:02 AM 0.64 L

6:20 AM 2.19 H

12:23 PM 0.19 L

22TU 12:41 AM 2.36 H

6:31 AM 0.33 L

1:19 PM 2.4 H

Miami, Government Cut (Approximate Times)

7:12 PM 2.35 H

13SU 12:53 AM 0.61 L

7:12 AM 2.24 H

1:11 PM 0.18 L

7:58 PM 2.4 H

14M 1:39 AM 0.55 L

7:59 AM 2.3 H

1:55 PM 0.16 L

8:38 PM 2.46 H

15TU 2:21 AM 0.49 L

8:41 AM 2.37 H

2:35 PM 0.15 L

9:15 PM 2.52 H

16W 3:00 AM 0.42 L

9:21 AM 2.42 H

3:13 PM 0.17 L

9:50 PM 2.56 H

17TH 3:37 AM 0.37 L

10:00 AM 2.46 H

3:49 PM 0.21 L

10:24 PM 2.57 H

18F 4:11 AM 0.34 L

10:38 AM 2.48 H

4:23 PM 0.27 L

10:58 PM 2.54 H

19SA 4:44 AM 0.32 L

11:16 AM 2.48 H

4:58 PM 0.35 L

11:31 PM 2.5 H

20SU 5:17 AM 0.31 L

11:55 AM 2.46 H

5:33 PM 0.45 L

21M 12:05 AM 2.43 H

5:52 AM 0.32 L

12:35 PM 2.44 H

6:11 PM 0.56 L

6:55 PM 0.66 L

23W 1:20 AM 2.3 H

7:18 AM 0.35 L

2:10 PM 2.36 H

7:48 PM 0.75 L

24TH 2:07 AM 2.25 H

August fishing can be a challenge sometimes, but it’s always a fun time. The cold-water upwelling is still around and causing issues for bottom fishing and finding bait. By cold water, I’m talking about the yearly thermocline. Just because you can’t get a bottom bite going doesn’t mean the bottom fish don’t come up in the water column a little. Get on the wrecks and chum. You will find the cold pushes the fish up. They try to get to the warm water level. It’s not uncommon at all to see amberjack, snapper, cobia, mangroves, and many other species not far from the surface. Picking out the biggest fish can be fun especially for your charters.

Mahi - cold water really pushes those mahi up in the gulf stream as well. Get out there and put your best baits out, now is the time to get them. If you have no

10:29 AM 0.25 L

5:25 PM 2.47 H

August is the hottest and calmest month.

6:19 PM 2.31 H

SEBASTIAN (IRL)

For trout, redfish and black drum go early in the morning. Usually, we have west winds in the mornings and the water level is typically lower in the Indian River and Mosquito lagoon which makes the fish school up more. The fish are on the outside of the flats usually where the grass meets the sand drop offs. You want to look for the big mullet and you will find all three species. Usually around mid day, the winds will clock around from the southeast, so that hour before is the best time to fish schools of redfish and black drum. This also could be the hottest part of the day so stay well hydrated. Fishing big tarpon in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River is at it’s peak in August. July was really good for the big tarpon. Expect August to be very good also. Calmer days for sight fishing doesn’t get any better. Fly fishing can be just as good as in the Keys and bait fishing as well. For the tarpon I use 2030# braid with a 60# fluorocarbon leader. Depending on the size of the bait, I use a 7-0 to a 9-0 circle hook. I usually use whatever I can catch in the river like mullet, poagies, pinfish, croakers and even shrimp and sight cast. When not sight casting, I get in an area where they are rolling and anchor up and put the largest dead bait on a 9-0 circle hook. The reason for the larg-

luck out deep, go to 8A and troll fast through the reef. We catch many fish, even wahoo on 8A. Kingfish should continue to do well, many fish in the 40/50lb class have been caught recently. Pelican flats’ 70-foot line is a great place for kings, as well as 8A.

popping bug. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the popping bug get hit. Daytime anglers are catching good numbers fishing the shallow bedding areas. Bait of choice is crickets fished under a float.Another good area to fish is canals when the water is flowing, trolling will only trigger more bites. Crappie - Anglers are fishing open water for crappie using jigs tipped Anglers trolling jigs are catching good limits of crappie. The key is to find them

East Lake Toho - Bass fishing on East Lake has been good using artificial baits early morning. The best place to fish will be at the edges of the cattails. Then move to open water as the morning progresses. Most anglers are flipping open water pepper grass matts with good success. Fish the deeper edges of the grasswatermelon seed, Junebug, and

Panfish - Fish open water shell beds with red wigglers. If you are looking to fill the cooler for dinner, the open water shell beds are

Nearshore beach fishing is going to really be picking up. Tarpons are there and rolling every day. You can slow troll them or just drift in the mornings with live bait. We have caught them on everything. Chunk baits, live baits and artificial. There is not much they won’t eat. Beach fishing in 20-30 feet is a blast. You’d be amazed how shallow all these fish come in. Kings, bonito, jack crevalle and many other extreme fighting fish. Look for the schools of bunker. If you find them, you will find the fish. Shark fishing is about as good as it gets right now. If you’re looking for some fun with the kids, anchor up in 20 feet off the beach and hold on. Bonita and king are excellent bait for the toothy critters, and they will definitely eat tarpon baits.

est bait is because the sail cats can be a nuisance. Slow trolling works well also but the sail cats will eat you alive. Sharks are prevalent in the lagoon and river so fishing around bait pods you can expect them to show up even on the flats. In June and July sharks were out of control when trying to land a fish in deep and shallow water. Be prepared to lose a lot of bait and hooks. Ocean fishing, the tarpon should be at it’s peak near the beaches. Tarpons should be around the poagie and glass minnow pods. I usually slow troll poagies or mullet in a area where they are rolling with the same tackle I use in the river and lagoon. Croakers work very well but don’t troll them, let them drift and poagies will work either way. Typically, there are sharks and kingfish mixed in with the tarpon, expect to get cut off. I never use a wire leader unless I am targeting the kingfish and sharks. Most of this fishing is early in the morning till the wind changes from the southeast. When you find tarpons in the glass minnow pods it can be frustrating to get one to bite because they are mainly eating the glass minnows. The closer to the beach and in the surf you have a chance to catch snook, jacks, trout, sharks and blue fish. Be aware of the weather and thunderstorms, storms can come up quickly and stay safe by getting off the water as soon as you see storms approaching.

bass trips which are typical for this time of year. The month of September is when to start thinking of booking your bass fishing trip, as the females start to feed up while they make their way into the shallows for the early spawn time. It’s also the time to book your fall crappie trip too. Good fishing areas: parts of the shoal; Dupree Bar; Dyess ditch and Horse Island and Indian Prairie. Tin house has been solid throughout the season for crappie, bass and bream, work your way up towards 3rd and 2nd point where you’ll find some bass feeding on the bedding bream. A few areas on Kings Bar have been good and

To book you’re next fun-filled, productive and educational fishing trip call me at 863-228-7263 or log onto my website to check out the customers and their catches; hotel recommendations; guide rates and etc. Capt Angie’s sponsors are: Caymas boats and Toho Marine; South Tackle; Maui Jim; Gill; Bullet Weights; Road Runner; Real Magic; Tru Turn hooks; Mega Strike; Gene Larew; Pradco Brands and BUFF

Troy’s tip of the month: There can be good fishing after thunderstorms have passed in the evening. In the early morning in the lagoon, bring your bug spray, the no-seeums are brutal.

COASTAL ANGLER

GREATER ORLANDO FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, CONTACT

PHIL WOLF

phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com

407.790.9515

coastalanglermag.com/orlando

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Capt. Rick Burns

Capt. Chris Cameron

Capt. Angie Douthit

Capt. Randy DuMars

Capt. Alex Gorichky

Charlie McCullough

Capt. Troy Perez

Phil Wolf

Kel’s Rod and Reel Moving to New Location

After serving the Casselberry area for more than 3 decades, Kel’s Rod and Reel is moving to a new location in Longwood just 3 miles from their current location. Their new location is not far and easy to find, it is kind of just around the corner. From their current location just drive to 17-92 and take a right (northbound). Head 2 miles north and the new location is 1055 US 17/92 on the right. The new digs are in a stand-alone blue building just before you get to SR 434. Most of us have passed this location for years heading towards Longwood, Sanford or towards Bitter’s Bait & Tackle. The new building has larger space than the existing one, which will also allow the new ownership to serve its customers better with more space for repairs, parts inventory, etc.

Current owner Terri Cheatham is set to retire once new owner Rick Wilson is all dialed in with the new location and gets through the transition of location change. Kel’s new ownership will happen over the next year or so. Terri’s father started Kel’s Rod and Reel some 38 years ago, and Kel’s has been a local staple for Central Florida anglers.

If you own a fishing rod and reel, chances are you have been to Kel’s at some point for repairs or service. Not only do they work on most types of reels they fix fishing rods with new guides etc. They are the only Minn-Kota service center in Central Florida for repairs to your trolling motor or Talon shallow water anchors. Greg the head “Guru” and chief repair specialist has been there for nearly 3 decades too! His knowledge of trolling motors and shallow water anchors is beyond belief. To say he knows those products as good or better than the companies that manufacture them is an understatement. Having to take them apart and repair them daily, he knows what breaks and causes issues with each model. Having to repair the ones which come from the saltwater is even more challenging. The crew was not looking forward to the move, but they are super excited for a new change and more space. By the time this article is in print, the move will be complete, and re-opened for business in the last 2 weeks of July at the new location. Stop by the new Kel’s and say hello! Tell them you read about the move in Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando.

Though I adamantly claim there is no bad time of year to go fishing in the shallow waters of East Central Florida, there are certain times of the year that can be a little more challenging to get some quality fish caught. August does have a habit of being one of the more challenging months. The explanation is a simple one, it’s all about the heat! Especially in the lagoons where their non-tidal and stagnate habitat lends a hand to water temperatures that can skyrocket under the high noon sun. That oppressive heat influences fish activity much like it does our own. The concept of work or physical exertion in the sun from roughly 10am-3pm will meet healthy resistance from most everyone regardless of having 2 legs, 4 legs, or fins. Not only is it downright uncomfortable but it can also be dangerous for all. To combat this and still be productive in the lagoons you must adopt a siesta frame of mind to your angling approach. This means focusing on your fishing both early and late in the day leaving the high sun noonish timeframe for other activities. Starting your morning pre-dawn and catching that early bite or waiting until the sun has settled towards the west will have you in some action. Save that midday for some air conditioning and relaxation.

Tarpon and snook will be some of your best targets in the lagoons and they always make for an exhilarating fight. Tarpon being tops on that list for their willingness to still be active regardless of how hot the water might get. August is one month where we find lagoon tarpon on the open flats as much as the backwater canals. Get in on some of the calmest conditions all year - beach launch in August and keep in mind that sea conditions will change rapidly in the fall so get the flat ocean launches while you can. Snook can be targeted from kayaks in flat calm conditions along the beach and make for a great target species typically found in the troughs closer to shore. Outside the breakers Tarpon, kingfish, large jacks and sharks can all be caught regularly around bait schools. By far the brightest bulb in the bunch for August fishing is the realization that our fall mullet run is just around the corner and some of the year’s best fishing is on the horizon, though you can’t set a date for things as dynamic as a migration of fish triggered by weather conditions several states away. I hold the last week of August to the first weeks of September as the official kick off for the mullet run and am always ready to take full advantage of that fact. The mullet run is without a doubt a don’t miss fishing spectacle!

Saturday July 1 through September 4 - CCA Star Tourney - Catch, Photo, Release, Win! Over $500,000 in prizes. Catch a Tagged Redfish and Win Boat/Motor/Trailer packages, lots of prizes non-tagged species as well, $40 per angler to register, prizes for Trash Pick-ups as well, visit CCAFLSTAR. COM to register or more info.

Tuesday August 1, 85pm till dusk, Jolly Gator Bass Series, every Tuesday evening plus 1 Saturday per month until the Classic on August 12th. The cost is $40 per event, 2 anglers per team. Teams that finish in the Top 10 in points or win an event and fish at least 20 events will qualify for the end of year Classic. Some of the best river anglers in the area fish this Bass Series. The staff of Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine is the official weighmasters for this fun tournament series. Come out and join us for the weekly weigh-ins. All Tuesday events start at 5pm till dusk, Saturday events (1 per month) are safe light till 2pm. Launch ramp at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gator Fish Camp on SR 46 east of Sanford at St. Johns River Bridge. For questions or more info contact Jim “Squirt” Chaudoin at 407432-2822 or Phil Wolf with Coastal Angler Magazine at 407-790-9515.

Saturday August 12 –Safe light till 3pm, Jolly Gator Bass Series Classic and the end of this year’s 2023 season, Launch ramp at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gator Fish Camp on SR 46 east of Sanford at the St. Johns River Bridge. This event is for those teams who finished in the Top 10 in points or have won an event and fished at least

20 events this season. Our “Team of the Year” and “Big Bass of the Year” will also be awarded along with payouts for all teams that qualify after final weighin is complete. More than $10,000 will be paid out this season to our qualifying Classic teams. Come join us for the weigh-in and see the huge bags that will be brought to our weighmaster from Central Florida’s best bass fishing teams! For info or questions contact Phil Wolf with Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando at 407790-9515.

Thursday August 105pm to 8pm, Alive After 5 in Sanford - The staff of Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine would like you to join us for an evening of fun in downtown Sanford. This event is the second Thursday of each month downtown. Block Party on First Street! Don’t miss the chance for a fun night out in the town.

August 7, 15, 17, 21, 22, 23, 28, 31 - Happy Birthday to CAM staff Charlie McCullough and his son Andrew McCullough, Suzanne Hodges, Ray Morales, Dottie Ortega, to our son Josh Wolf turning 38, son Jason Wolf turning the Big 40 and Grandson Gunner Wolf turning 11 years old! The staff of Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando, friends and family all hope you each have a special day and enjoy many more years to come!

If you have an event or meeting you would like included in the “What’s Hitting Around Town” column, send your details to: Phil Wolf phillip@ coastalanglermagazine. com. Deadline for inclusion is the 10th of the preceding month.

Austin & Hunter with a nice 5 bass limit at Jolly Gator Bass Series Tuesday Evening Event

Huge Congrats to Oviedo based American Tackle Co. winning “Best of Category” and “Best of Show” with their new One piece blown carbon fishing rod handles

Alyssa & Daya and the Coastal Angler Bags were a HUGE Hit at ICAST 2023

Josh Wolf with a 9.72 Summertime Monster from the Lk Cypress on Kissimmee Chain

FLORIDA’S WATERS NEED YOUR HELP!

Anglers, your help is needed: Florida’s waters are in serious trouble.

Even a partial list of facts demonstrates the broad failure of Florida’s environmental regulatory system to protect our waters.

• Red tides have increased dramatically in frequency, duration and intensity.

• South Florida is bracing for yet another summer of massive blue-green algae blooms.

• Nearly a million acres of estuaries and 9,000 miles of rivers and streams are contaminated with fecal bacteria.

• Seagrass beds are on the brink of a death spiral.

• Eighty percent of our 1,000 springs are polluted.

• No state has lost more acres of wetlands.

• No state has more acres of polluted lake water. When it comes to our polluted waters, the buck stops with the state. Florida waters su er because our state government permits pollution and environmental degradation through its actions and inactions.

e primary problem is special interests, such as big agriculture, big development and big mining, which wield undue in uence over legislators and thus environmental policy. It’s pro t over public interest.

In 2020, looking to clean up their polluted waterways themselves, an astounding 89 percent of Orange County voters approved a Right to Clean Water/Rights of Nature charter amendment.

e state legislature swi ly took that right away by preempting the authority of local governments statewide from passing such laws. If you want proof that a rights-based approach to protecting our waters would be e ective, it’s right there.

at preemption le Floridians with only one viable course of action: amend our state constitution to give all Floridians a fundamental right to clean and healthy waters, a right beyond the reach of legislators. e amendment is indefeasible and self-executing; it can’t be annulled or compromised by the legislature.

is fundamental right would be on par with other fundamental rights such as the right to free speech and the right to bear arms.

Given how critical clean water is to Floridians, we merit this right. We need this right. With it enshrined in our constitution, we can hold state government accountable when it permits pollution and degradation of our waters and aquatic ecosystems.

To get on the 2024 ballot, 891,589 signed and approved petitions are needed by Nov. 30, 2023.

Go to FloridaRightToCleanWater.org to read the full text of the amendment. Browse the FAQs. Note the growing list of over 150 organizations and businesses supporting this amendment.

CONSTITUTIONAL

Learn that this right doesn’t mean your neighbor can sue you for fertilizing your lawn, or that there will be a proliferation of lawsuits. It means our government must provide real remedies for polluted waterways. en, if you are a registered Florida voter, print out, sign, and mail the petition. Get family and friends to do the same.

Florida waters depend upon it, and we all depend upon clean water.

Visit FloridaRightToCleanWater.org for more ways you can help make a di erence.

Ballot Title:

Ballot Summary:

Amendment Information

Right to Clean and Healthy Waters

This amendment creates a fundamental right to clean and healthy waters. The amendment may be used to sue State executive agencies for harm or threatened harm to Florida’s waters, which include aquatic ecosystems. This amendment defines terms, identifies affected constitutional provisions in Article IV governing the executive branch, provides for civil action enforcement, allows attorney’s and expert witness fees to prevailing plaintiffs, and provides equitable remedies including restoration of waters.

See separate document for the full text of the proposed constitutional amendment.

04/22/2022 2202 Date Approved Serial Number

Sponsor's Information (Return all completed petition forms to the address below.) Name: Address:

FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org

13300 South Cleveland Avenue Suite 56 Fort Myers, FL 33907

Voter's Information

I am a registered voter of Florida and hereby petition the Secretary of State to place the above proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in the general election.

Address

Update my voter registration record to this address. (check box)

Petition Circulator's Information

This Petition form is only to be collected by a volunteer or directly by the voter him or herself.

A paid petition circulator must use the DS-DE 155B version of the form. Forms for paid petition circulators can be obtained from the Division's Paid Petition Circulator website. Visit https://dos.elections.myflorida.com/InitiativePetitions/ for more information.

Attention

• This form becomes a public record once filed with the Supervisor of Elections.

• It is a first degree misdemeanor to knowingly sign the same petition more than once. [§104.185, F.S.]

• An improperly completed form will not be validated.

DS-DE 155A (10-2021) R1S-2.009, Fla. Admin. Code

THROW A WACKY RIG TO GET BIT!

TYLER WOOLCOTT

Have you ever heard the saying, “going catching, not shing?”

Well, there’s a technique that will help you do just that. More than any other bait I can think of, a wacky rig gets bit at any time, under any conditions. If you haven’t heard of a wacky rig, it’s simply a Senko-style bait with a hook through the very center of the worm.

ere are a few reasons this bait outperforms many others when it comes to getting bites. First o , it is versatile when it comes to areas where you can throw it. I wacky rig with a weedless hook, which allows me to pretty much put this bait anywhere. Hayabusa makes an awesome hook called the Wacky Fluoro Guard that is completely weedless and helps you sh through cover. What kind of cover? e options are endless. Docks, grass, wood and rocks are some of the places I’ll throw a wacky rig.

I use a spinning rod with a wacky rig, which allows easier casts, especially when skipping the bait under cover most people can’t reach. A wacky rig skips extremely well, and this lets you reach sh that might never have seen a bait before. e natural falling shimmy action of the Senko drives sh absolutely crazy. It will catch bass when nothing else seems to be working.

For colors, I like green pumpkin or some type of brown when the water is clear. If there’s some stain to the water, I use a darker color like junebug or redbug to help it stand out. In muddy water, the silhouette of a darker bait is what the bass pick up on.

Typically, the slower you sh a wacky rig, the better. I throw it or skip it under and around cover and then let it sink for a few seconds. A lot of times, bass will eat it on the initial fall. If not, I give it a few small twitches or a pull of the rod to cover some area. Repeat this process a few times until your bait leaves the strike zone. If there is a sh around, it will bite.

Wacky Rig Gear

A spinning rod is ideal for this technique. I like a shorter rod for more accurate casts and skips. e 13 Fishing Defy 7’1” medium is an awesome rod for a wacky rig, and it’s super a ordable. Pair it with your favorite 2000 or 3000 size reel, and spool up with 10-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid. I use a uorocarbon leader to help keep the line visibility down. A 10- to 15-pound leader works, depending on the type of cover I am targeting. Seaguar Abrazx is an awesome uorocarbon line that I use for most of my spinning rod leaders.

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

Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, enhances the buying experience for both watersports and out tter retailers with the debut of its new Shoreline o ering during the Sept. 7-9, 2023 edition.

Shoreline at Surf Expo will feature products dedicated to technical apparel, equipment and gear any enthusiast needs to transition from a day on the water to stretching out on land.

“From the trails to the lakes and beyond, Shoreline at Surf Expo supports the natural evolution of the waterman’s lifestyle with gear, apparel and accessories that will take consumers from coastal shoreline activities into camping, hiking, climbing and other recreational activities found along rivers and lakes,” said Roy Turner, Emerald SVP and Surf Expo Show Director.

Shoreline is positioned to become the hub for industry-leading retailers and brands focusing on shing, boating, wakeboarding, technical apparel, outerwear, camping, watersports hardgoods as well as essential gear and accessories.

e newest oor category complements Surf Expo’s extensive product o erings—Surf, Skate, Paddle and Bluewater—by targeting the business associated with outdoor amenities and recreation found in lake towns across the country.

Eric Marvin, founder of Elakai Outdoor, is exhibiting outdoor games within the new Shoreline category. Some games include cornhole, bocce ball, croquet and more. While this is Marvin’s rst year participating at Surf Expo, he knows it will be the right t for his business.

“Our products can be used on the beach, by the lake or near the ocean. Exhibiting at Surf Expo is a natural t for who we are as a business and what the Shoreline category is all about,” said Marvin.

Shoreline will also create a seamless connection with Surf Expo’s Bluewater category, which showcases notable inshore and o shore apparel and accessory products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, T-shirts, sunglasses and much more.

“Blending the inshore and o shore worlds under Surf Expo’s one roof exposes buyers and sellers to this growing crossover market within the coastal lifestyle industry,” added Turner.

SHORELINE & BLUEWATER EXHIBITING BRANDS INCLUDE:

Ronix Wake/ Radar Skis, Columbia OCS, MANG, Hest, Bimini Bay Out tters, Burnside Sierra Paci c Apparel, Elakai, Fahlo, HEST, Kracken Adventure Bikes, Intracoastal Waterway, Kanga Coolers, Lowtides Ocean Product, Line + Cleat, Pirani, Preston 1947 by Ebinger Brothers, Promo & More, Sunski, Sunburn Drink, e Grateful Diver, XTRATUF, Welly Bottle, and ZEP-PRO.

Summer-Long Fishing Competition Engages Youth Anglers

CCA Florida’s summer-long STAR shing competition o ers anglers a shot at more than $500,000 in prizes, with $100,000 in youth scholarships and invites anglers of all ages and skill levels to walk away with prizes from new boats to scholarships and more.

“Since we launched STAR in Florida, we’ve seen anglers catch more, release more, support the recovery of our state’s marine resources and walk away with new boats, scholarships and amazing new gear at the same time,” said STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald. “Since the start of the competition, we’ve awarded anglers with over $2 million in prizes, including $800,000 in scholarships and two new ski s to youth anglers across the state.”

e 2023 STAR competition ends Sept. 4 and includes 15 divisions targeting 12 species both inshore and o shore. Awesome boat, motor, trailer packages and cash prizes and more will be awarded for di erent divisions.

STAR and its scholarship partners also provide tremendous incentives to engage youth in shing and conservation. For only a $10 New Tide Membership, youth ages 6 to 17 can enjoy free registration in STAR and participate to win boats, scholarships, other great prizes and earn community service hours.

At the conclusion of the competition, scholarship winners will be determined by a random drawing of all eligible photo entries.

Registered youth anglers may submit one photo a day of their sh on the 2023 STAR O cial STAR measuring device of the following species: lady sh, jack crevalle, sheepshead, snapper, snook, spotted seatrout, red sh, tarpon, grouper, dolphin or king sh.

e STAR Youth Scholarship Division presented by Realtree Fishing, o ers $100,000 in scholarships: two $25,000 scholarships presented by Realtree Fishing and e Slade Kerr Family and 10

$5,000 scholarships. is year Academy Sports + Outdoors, Florida Cracker Tournaments, e Plantation Inn Red sh Classic, Sodium Fishing Gear and Millers Boating Center join Coastal Conservation Association Florida, Southeast Environmental Solutions, Florida Sports Coast, Florida Sport shing Association, Phillips & Jordan and Tailin Toads Apparel as partners in presenting the $5,000 scholarships for 2023.

e Tagged Red sh Division Youth Prizes include two ski s, complete with Minn Kota trolling motors and Humminbird electronics and powered with Yamaha Outboards sitting on a trailer. e Tagged Dolphin Division o ers a $10,000 scholarship if the rst tagged dolphin is caught by a New Tide member.

Youth anglers also have another wonderful opportunity in the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division presented by Papa’s Pilar. Youth participants can pick up garbage from the water or a shoreline during the competition and get rewarded. ey must submit a photo of the 5-gallon buckets full of trash for a shot at a $1,500 prize package, Kahuna Wagon, sunglasses certi cate and other great prizes. For every 5-gallon bucket of garbage a STAR Youth participant submits, they will also be provided with 30 minutes of community service hours.

For a full list of divisions, visit cca star.com.

For more information on STAR, or to register, visit the Facebook page or cca star.com.

By TAM Sta

CRAPPIE TIPS for Deep Summer

Spring is long gone and so are the quick limits of shallow-water crappie. at doesn’t mean you can’t go load the cooler with some slabs for a sh fry; it just means you’ll have to work a little harder. Here are a few tips to help you catch crappie when the weather and water are hot.

Trust the Electronics: Sonar is your best friend when crappie move deep. You might know where good brush and structure are on your lake, but you won’t know where the schools of crappie are until you spot them on the graph. Use side-scan to look under docks and around points, ledges, ditches and creek and river channels. Don’t even bother wetting a line until you’ve located sh with your electronics.

Find the Shade: Crappie don’t like the sun, and deepwater docks or piers can be the mother lode on bright days. Even underwater structure like ledges, humps and creek channels provide shade. Pay attention to the location of the sun, and then start searching the side of a given piece of structure that will provide some shade.

Go Early: ere’s no sense baking in the sun for a few sh when you can load the boat in just a few hours before and a er daybreak. Boat tra c and water temps are both lower in the morning, which means crappie and the small bait sh they feed on will be most active. In the morning, crappie move shallower up on the humps and ledges to chase bait. ey are more likely to bite when they are actively feeding.

Troll the Humps: O shore humps that top out at 15 feet or deeper will hold crappie this time of year. ey’re even better when there’s brush on them. Early and late, or if there is some dam-generated current, the sh will move

up to feed on these humps. ey suspend o the sides when the sun is high or the water is still. Slowly pull a spread of jigs or small, deep-diving crankbaits or spoons over and around humps where you’ve located sh. Pay close attention to how deep your lures are getting and add weight if you need to get them deeper.

Shoot Docks: Main-lake docks with 15 or more feet of water under them are comfortable places for crappie to hang out when the water is warm. Shoot lightweight jigs as far under these docks as you can, and let them sink slowly to the bottom before beginning a steady retrieve. If there are sh under a dock, they usually won’t let that jig hit the bottom.

Drown a Minnow: A school of crappie suspended o structure at 15 or 25 feet over a 40-foot bottom can be a frustrating scenario. You see them on your electronics, but they are slow to bite. Try dropping a live minnow down there where you’re marking sh. en just let it sit. e bites will be light, so pay attention.

PHOTOS BY NICK CARTER

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

n a dark, muggy morning, we eased into Campo’s Marina in Shell Beach, Louisiana.

By Gary Turner

We picked up 150 live shrimp for our rst day, and every morning began the same way for the rest of the week.

5 a.m., and it would be getting light at 5:30.For some of us— Dewayne and Blake Pro t, Darrel and I—this was the rst time we had been to Shell Beach in search of giant red sh,

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

Sailfsh House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

• FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet

Cover NEW

• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

Your

Insurance

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com

massive sheepshead and gator trout. Touted as the “Best Inshore Fishing in the World,” Shell Beach did not disappoint! e red sh shing was incredible! We hooked some giants, some we never even saw!

We shed spinning gear and 17- to 20-pound line with 2/0 circle hooks baited with either live shrimp or chunks of fresh blue crab. We also used two di erent techniques. Some of us popped a Cajun under cork. I used a Carolina rig, with the weight on my line, then a barrel swivel and an 18-inch leader terminating in my 2/0 BKK circle hook with a live shrimp.

Now… back to the sh we never saw! We shed some ats right where the tall marsh grass met the canals. e water was usually less than a foot deep. We would cast right next to the grass and wait for sh that were cruising this edge in search of food. en it was on! Your line would cut a wake as the sh ran for deep water and peeled drag. ese sh used any structure or rocks they could nd to break o . Even when they ran to deep water, they just kept going. We broke several lines before deciding to pull up anchor and chase the next big one.

at worked well, so we started chasing down lots of big red sh. Blake hooked one with the popping cork that broke him o . Later, we spotted the cork in the shallows and eased up to try to net it. Just as we got to it, the sh took o and was never seen again.

e days were hot, in the low to mid 90s with pop-up thunderstorms every day. One day we even spotted two waterspouts. We did our best to dodge all that, but we did get wet a few times. e last 30 minutes of daylight were always the most productive. We shed rock walls and hooked up several big red sh each evening. Mixed in with the red sh were some giant sheepshead that fell for the same tactics as the reds. Blue crabs are everywhere. You can catch them with a long-handle dip net or rod and reel.

Shell Beach is in St. Bernard Parish on the Gulf Outlet Canal near Lake Borgne, just 30 minutes from New Orleans. We plan on going back next year.

Check out Gary Turner’s YouTube channel @FishingMagicWithGary.

O

NORSE BY NORSEWEST?

Embrace your Scandinavian side with a 7" blade

If you looked out your window a thousand years ago and saw a fleet of Viking longships coming your way,you knew you were in trouble. For roughly two centuries, the Vikings voyaged, raided and pillaged wherever they pleased. As expert sailors and navigators, they reached as far from Scandinavia as Iran, Constantinople, North Africa and the New World in their quest to expand their kingdom.

A mini sword. Too organized and too aggressive, no one stood in a Viking’s way. That’s exactly the message that our Viking Blade sends. Crafted from Damascus steel with brass inlay, this 12" full-tang knife is essentially a mini sword. Paired with its hand-tooled leather sheath, this knife belongs in the collection of any avid aficionado.

Join more than 322,000 sharp people who collect stauer knives

The steel of legend. For centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded respect. Renowned for its sharp edge, beauty and resistance to shattering, Damascus steel was the stuff of legend. While the original process has been lost to the ages, modern bladesmiths have been able to re-create Damascus steel to create the best blades imaginable.

Sure to impress, naturally. Combining natural strength and natural wonder at a price that’s hard to beat, the Viking Blade is a study in Damascus steel that’s sure to impress. And should you ever find yourself facing a Viking horde, a flash of this knife will show that you’re not to be messed with.

Don’t delay: Order within the next week and we’ll offer this blade to you for just $99, a savings of $200! That’s the best bang for your buck we can possibly offer: our Stauer® Impossible Price. Get your hands on one of the fastest-selling knives in our company’s history today.

Knife Specifications:

• 12" overall length. 7" Damascus full-tang blade

•Includes genuine leather sheath

Viking Blade $299 $99* + S&P Save $200

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

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“This knife is everything promised. Beautiful beyond comparison. And completely functional. Love it.”

— Gene, Auburn, WA

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Tennessee Angler Breaks His Own State Record

Aer a grueling 15-minute battle while shing solo, angler Micka Burkhart successfully netted and boated a 122-pound blue cat sh from Tennessee’s Cumberland River on June 28. e sh is a pending state record that should top the 118.7-pound record mark, which Burkhart set himself at Barkley Reservoir last September.

e whole ght can be viewed on a video posted to Burkhart’s YouTube channel, with the action climaxing as Burkhardt breathlessly pleads with the sh and promises to release it if he can just get it in the net.

Burkhart’s monster blue o cially weighed 122.3 pounds and measured 57.5 inches long, with a 42.25-inch girth. It ate a white bass head shed on 40-pound-test line. A er transporting the sh in a large livewell on his trailered boat to get o cial measurements, Burkhart returned to the Cumberland River and successfully released it back to the Stewart County stretch in northwest Tennessee near the Kentucky and Missouri borders. In a Facebook post, Burkhart reported that he also caught 69- and 72-pound blue cats on the same day. at’s a mighty ne day of shing.

e IGFA all-tackle world record blue cat sh weighed 143 pounds, even. It was caught from Kerr Lake, Virginia by Richard Nicholas Anderson in June of 2011.

The Return of a

To watch Burkhart catching the new state record, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ni4BPAaEng&t=1s

This Is How You Walk the Walk

Comfort and class go hand in hand with our Walking Stick Collection. Yours for ONLY $59 each!

They call walking the “perfect exercise.” It gets your heart pumping, clears your head and fills your lungs with fresh air. Not bad, but we found a way to make it even better. Before you take your next 10,000 steps, add a little strut to your stroll. Take a Stauer Walking Stick anywhere and I promise that you’ll feel like a conquering hero. Heads will turn. Doors will open. Its powers will astound you.

What’s the secret? Pure class. Our Stauer Walking Sticks are a tip of the top hat to turn-of-the-century tradition. Today these tributes to a gentleman’s power, prestige, and posture are fetching as much as $200,000 at auction. But only Stauer can deliver a modern version of these vintage classics that looks and feels as good as the original for $59 each!

Stauer Walking Stick Collection

A. Derbyshire $79* $59 +S&P Save $20

B. Earlsford $79* $59 +S&P Save $20

C. Knightsbridge $79* $59 +S&P Save $20

D. Hinwick Hare $79* $59 +S&P Save $20

E. Gentleman’s $79* $59 +S&P Save $20

• 36" long • Imported Eucalyptus wood

• Etched & sculpted solid brass handles with varying finishes

• Rubber tips • Supports up to 250 lbs.

• All models available in 40" height—call for details.

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PRAISE FOR STAUER WALKING STICKS

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the comfort and class of our exquisite Walking Sticks for 30 days. If you’re not feeling the power and prestige, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we walk the talk. Limited Edition. Only 500 each available for this ad only! These handcrafted beauties take months to craft and are running (not walking) out the door. So, take a step in the right direction. Call today!

“An excellent walking stick. Solid and elegant. Perfect for a night out. Well crafted.”

– J. from Pacific Grove, CA

Your Insider Offer Code: WSC286-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

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*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary . ®

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A Time of Porpoise

Amemorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea.

There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat.

Why not re-create that special moment with our Balinese Dolphin Pendant? We’ve captured two dolphins mid-jump in sterling silver crafted in the Balinese style. Tucked between these beloved sea mammals is a full carat of shimmering blue topaz. Made by some of Indonesia’s finest artisans, this pendant is an absolute steal at JUST $29! That’s what we call our Stauer IMPOSSIBLE PRICE!

Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling, clear blue color and high reflective index, blue topaz is one of the world’s top-selling gemstones. The Gemological Institute of America lauds topaz for its hardness, noting that blue topaz is known for its intense color that’s better than aquamarine. With this special price, you can score quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Balinese Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Limited reserves. This pendant is already one of our best sellers this year. A full carat of genuine blue topaz set in .925 sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today! This offer is limited to the first 1,900 responders to this ad!

Jewelry Specifications:

• Made in Indonesia

• Blue topaz and .925 sterling silver

Balinese Dolphin Pendant (1 carat)

$299 $29* Save $270

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

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Your Insider Offer Code: DNP141-01

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What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Topaz

“Just lovely! Would recommend it as a purchase. Thank you STAUER.” — Mary L.

One carat of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver for  $29