Issuu

TIDEWATER, VA/OUTER BANKS, NC EDITION

FREE

DRUM BEAT

LONG DISTANCE LURES

LOCAL REPORTS

GROUPER TIME!

@CAMTAMagazine

OF THE WORKING MAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA CHERIE IG: @LAURALOVES2FISH

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 326

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MAY 2022

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.

Proven inshore. Proven offshore. Ready for those who fish and for those who catch. We’re standing by to keep you fishing. Are you a member?

Fu bo

als If y wi loo Th ex bla res Th de fea na Th in wi aro for sp Bu las co she Hu Yo Fe on cra cu 30 ite Li las Bl be

*D list

Ca Pr

•

JOIN NOW AND SAVE 10% seatow.com/angler

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this BONUS! Call today and beauty slip through your fingers. Call today! you’ll also receive this

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives



“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN



“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK768-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK768-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

shown *Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the actual size. listed original Stauer.com price.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12" overall length; 6 ¹⁄2" stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

The Workingman’s Drum By CAM Staff

Young angler Hayes Grinnell did battle with this big black drum while fishing the Texas coast with Slinging Mullet Guide Service and Get Em Guide Service.

n some circles, black drum don’t get the respect they deserve. Maybe it’s their appearance? With weird chin barbells and a humped head, they hug the bottom, looking like the hunchbacked cousins of the sleeker redfish inshore anglers adore. Or maybe it’s their reluctance to take a lure? Black drum feed primarily by scent, and while you might catch one slinging a spoon, targeting them requires bait, which is more effort than plug and paddletail aficionados are willing to put forth. However, for anglers who aren’t too prissy to get their hands dirty, black drum have a whole lot to offer. They are the workingman’s drum, found nearshore and inshore throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic seaboard to New England. Black drum pull hard, with powerful bulldogging runs regardless of size. And they grow quite large, reaching weights well over 100 pounds. On top of that, they provide consistent action in a wide range of areas where they can be caught. Shore-bound anglers can target them from docks, bridges, jetties and piers, where drum hunt crustaceans around structure. Surf anglers often connect with them on quartered blue crabs cast outside the breakers. From a boat, passes and inlets are prime feeding grounds as is nearshore structure. Shallow-water anglers find younger specimens way up in the estuaries tailing like redfish for fiddler crabs in tidal creeks.

Their movements are seasonal, but as long as you’ve got bait, you can pursue black drum pretty much anywhere you choose. Like most fish, they bite best on a moving tide, when your bait’s scent disperses over a wide area. They’ll eat halved blue crabs, whole fiddler crabs or mud crabs with backs cracked to let a little scent out, and also live or dead shrimp or fresh cut bait. On the northern end of their range, anglers add clams, mussels and blood worms to the array of baits a drum will eat. As long as your bait is on the bottom and smelling like food, it’s likely to draw the attention of a drum. Rigging and gear are pretty simple. A classic Carolina rig with just enough weight to keep the bait on bottom will get the job done in most situations. Up in the creeks, where you’ll be doing more casting and maybe even sight fishing, baits can be fished on a jighead or even a simple hook with a split shot. Tackle in the 20-pound class is a good starting point, and it’s wise to beef up to pull big drum off structure. They do get big. The IGFA world record, caught in 1975 off Delaware, weighed 113 pounds, 1 ounce. Fish in the 40- to 50-pound range are regular catches across the drum’s range. Those big fish aren’t good to eat, though. The meat is often full of worms by the time fish reach weights heavier than about 15 pounds. Smaller drum are excellent table fare. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

YOUR PERSONAL LIFEGUARD... Use promocode CA2022 at Fellmarine.com to receive a special offer!

ALWAYS ON - NEVER INTRUSIVE

FREEDOM WITH SAFETY

The MOB+™ is a life-saving device for your boat. It provides greater freedom of movement than a traditional kill switch, and stops the engine should you fall overboard. Connect up to 4 people at the same time. www.fellmarine.com

Complies with new USCG regulation regarding mandatory emergency lanyard use 4 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Now available at: & (Online only) Or find your local retailer at www.fellmarine.com/retailers

2022 o er!

SPECIAL OFFER

30 DAY MONEY ROSE GOLD & BACK GUARANTEE BLUE FINISH

D RESS ED TO KILL & FULLY LOAD E D ! T H E WATC H YOU ’ V E BE E N AFTE R ALL T H ES E Y E AR S NOW ON S PECIAL O FFE R !

The quest to find the ultimate men’s watch has always been a difficult one in the world of fashion. A timepiece with the perfect look and functionality has long been the goal of both watch designers and enthusiasts alike.

After many years, mastering and honing the construction, design, and look. We bring you a durable rubber strap that will withstand everything the elements throw at it. Three precision sub-dials featuring a split second, minute and second, as well as being water-resistant to 3ATM’s. This watch is the epitome of style and sporty design.

Your journey is at an end you can rest in the knowledge that this superb looking timepiece will

stand out on the wrist. High-quality materials and design will endure the ravages of time both in terms of remaining fashionable and stylish yet durable enough to be worn every day whether at work, rest, or play.

When we first introduced this outstanding looking timepiece we sold out within days especially considering the very special low-cost offer of only $99 plus S&H. To avoid disappointment hurry and order today. Using the toll-free number below and quoting the promo code or by visiting our online store and entering the code before checkout.

The Daniel Steiger

RENEGADE BLUE NON OFFER PRICE $599 (WITHOUT PROMO CODE)

$99

83% OFF NOW ONLY (WITH PROMO CA2YRN)

PLUS S&H

ORDER NOW TOLL FREE 24/7 ON

1-800 733 8463 PROMO CODE: C A 2 Y R N

ORDER ONLINE AT timepiecesusa.com/ca2yrn AND ENTER CODE: C A 2 Y R N

• Rose Gold & Blue Finish • Comfortable Silicone Band • High Precision Quartz Movement • Split-Second Chronograph • Blue Plating Timepieces Int Inc, 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, Fl. 33018

IT’S GROUPER TIME AGAIN! By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

ay is finally here, opening grouper season for fishermen on the Atlantic Coast. For the past several months of the season closure, charter captains in the Florida Keys have been boasting incredible throw-back grouper catches. The reopening of this species enriches each fishing trip with an extra opportunity for a great fighting fish, which is also excellent tablefare. Grouper fishing can easily be peppered into a day of fishing by dropping a bottom rig down while yellowtail fishing, trolling lures or stopping offshore to deep-drop for snowy grouper while on the mahi hunt. While the fishery in the Keys may not be famous for its bottom fishing, there is no reason it shouldn’t be. Red, black and gag grouper are plentiful and close to land. Snowy grouper aren’t too far either, and can be reasonably reliable to target. Snowy grouper are found within 1,000 feet, and can be targeted with electric or hand-crank set ups. Electric reels are advisable when mahi season is in full swing, as to make quick work of the one-per-boat limit of snowy grouper. The trek offshore for a single fish might seem like a waste of time, but there is a little more to it. Snowy grouper can get quite large and yield impressively sized, excellent tasting fillets. There

are also the welcomed bycatches of rosies, barrelfish and tilefish while deep dropping in these areas. Furthermore, there should be ample opportunities for mahi fishing on the way to and from the spot. Another reason the electric reel is preferable is an 8-pound weight should be used to keep your bait on the bottom in the heavy current. Keep your weight as close to the bottom as you can and utilize a chicken rig, with multiple hooks along the leader, baited with just about anything. Continuously recheck the bottom to make sure it hasn’t gotten away from you, and bring a spare weight or two, as it isn’t overly difficult to lose one while fishing this way. Targeting red, black and gag grouper on the reef can be a little different than typical grouper fishing on the west coast of Florida. Heavy weights can easily get snagged on the rocky bottom in the heavy current, potentially making inexperience quite expensive in terms of lost tackle. There are also plenty of smaller reef fish waiting to pick apart your bait. Over-baiting can be a good tactic, but the most reliable way to bypass these conditions, is to simply freeline a live bait on a jighead. After breaking client’s hearts by releasing trophy grouper throughout the closed season, we are thrilled to be able to add these tasty critters to the icebox yet again. Right now is an excellent time to visit the Florida Keys and enjoy our full fishery. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters out of Marathon, Fla.

LURES

CASTING FAR: THE DYNAMICS OF LONG DISTANCE LURES

PATRICK SEBILE

’ve enjoyed fishing from the shore since I was a teen angler, and one thing that became obvious to me very quickly was there are numerous situations when casts are a tad bit short to reach targeted fish in specific situations. This is a constant truism when fishing from the bank, the beach, a pier or jetty, but it also applies to boat anglers. Quick, long casts are often required for fastmoving fish like tuna. Long casts are also useful when it’s necessary to keep the boat away from reefs, boulders and breakers for safety or to avoid spooking fish. Long ago, I began making sure to always have lures in my possession that

were especially efficient for reaching out long distances. These lures sometimes trade realistic swimming action for distance, yet there are also a few that find a balance between great range and great action. When you read the packaging of a saltwater lure, and especially a surffishing lure, it often mentions how good the lure is for longdistance casts— or how good it is supposed to be. The problem is, there is no scale. There is no quantifiable reference for comparing lures that honestly presents the real numbers of yards any given lure will deliver. Marketing promises do not

always translate into real performance. To make things more complex, there is theoretical and real distance. A lure that casts great on a parking lot with no breeze can turn into a disaster when casting into an onshore breeze at night, which are conditions many serious fishermen face in the surf. There’s no magic, and what makes some lures reach farther distances than others is a mix between their concept, their balance and, to a certain extent, the gear used to throw them when the goal is to reach a little bit farther than other anglers. This conversation is all about the physics that translates to longer casting distance for better fishing results. The key points that will help you pick the proper lures to do the job are shape, buoyancy, the position of weight on the lure, the total weight and sometimes extra appendages, such as side wings that really help a lure fly as far as possible. These elements are just a primer to a discussion on lures designed for distance. Next month, I plan to go in-depth on ways you can select lures that will truly help you cast super-long distances to reach fish other lures cannot. Arming yourself with a longcasting arsenal gives you an edge in catching fish, simply because you’ll be able put a lure in front of them.

Legendary angler Patrick Sebile is a world record holder and an award-winning designer of innovative lures and fishing gear. Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com.

B in

E fo it

2 p r in a

2 b w S

2 c h fi in

2 W M d

8 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

G ri o co

ere is t casts n turn nshore many

some rs is a e and, throw tle bit

T ED 202 S U AS or

J ELE ins f R Co W

5 Countries, 5 Pure Silver Coins!

hysics ce for at will he job ght on s extra y help

to a tance. ways p you other longtching ure in

rld igner k out

Your Silver Passport to Travel the World

The 5 Most Popular Pure Silver Coins on Earth in One Set

ravel the globe, without leaving home—with this set of the world’s five most popular pure silver coins. Newly struck for 2022 in one troy ounce of fine silver, each coin will arrive in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. Your excursion includes stops in the United States, China, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

We’ve Done the Work for You with this Extraordinary 5-Pc. World Silver Coin Set

Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability, even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal tender value. 2022 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the single most popular coin in the world. 2022 represents the first full year of release of the Silver Eagle’s new Eagles Landing reverse design, introduced midway through last year to honor the coin’s 35th anniversary. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint. 2022 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best-known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. 2022 is the 5th anniversary of the first silver Krugerrand. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint. 2022 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, highlighted by one-year-only designs. This 2022 Panda features its first-ever privy mark honoring the coin’s 40th anniversary. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint. 2022 Australia Wedge Tailed Eagle: Introduced in 2014, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle is the first-ever collaboration between U.S. Mint designer John Mercanti and a foreign mint. With a new design for 2022, it’s struck in 99.9% fine silver at the Perth Mint. GovMint.com • 1300 Corporate Center Curve, Dept. WRD219-02, Eagan, MN 55121

2022 Canada Maple Leaf: Since 1988, the Silver Maple Leaf’s elegant design has made it a highly sought-after bullion coin. The 2022 coin features anti-counterfeit security technology—radial lines and a microengraved maple leaf with the number “22”. Struck in 99.99% fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint.

Exquisite Designs Struck in Precious Silver

These coins, with stunningly detailed designs and gorgeous finishes that speak to their country of origin, are sure to hold a revered place in your collection. Plus, they provide you with a unique way to stock up on precious fine silver. Here’s a legacy you and your family will enjoy, and cherish. Secure yours now!

SAVE with this World Coin Set

You’ll save both time and money on this world coin set with FREE shipping and a BONUS presentation case.

2022 World Silver 5-Coin Set $199 + FREE SHIPPING FREE SHIPPING: Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

For fastest service call today toll-free

1-888-201-7070 Offer Code WRD219-02

Please mention this code when you call.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER Not sold yet? To learn more, place your phone camera here >>> or visit govmint.com/WRD

GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint. com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2022 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

A+

Shiner Fishing for Giant Florida

LARGEMOUTHS

ass tournament anglers get excited about 20-pound five-fish limits, and a 30-pound tournament sack is a lifetime achievement for most. It takes a little bit more to impress hawg hunter Sean Rush. Rush makes a living guiding clients to trophy largemouth bass, mostly on Rodman Reservoir in north Florida. The best five fish haul his boat has seen weighed 61 pounds, 9 ounces. Think about that. That’s a more than 12-pound average. Rush said it was the best fishing day he’s ever witnessed, with two fish well over 13 pounds and the smallest of the five weighing a measly 11 pounds, 1 ounce. Most bass anglers across the country spend a lifetime seeking out a single 10-pound-plus largemouth. Rush’s anglers did five lifetime’s worth of trophy catching in a single day on April 26 of 2021. “And we probably lost between three and six fish that were that big or bigger,” Rush added after rattling off the astounding statistics. “Those guys were from New Jersey. They had never done any Florida shiner fishing before. I told them it was all downhill from there.” The downhill slide, however, is not too steep. Even a decent day using Rush’s techniques on Rodman produces results that would impress just about anyone. When it comes to catching big largemouths, he’s got several advantages over your average angler. Location is a big factor. Rodman is a 9,500acre giant bass factory. It is a 15-mile long stump field with a deep river channel running down the middle of it and the matted vegetation Florida

By Nick Carter

fisheries are known for. In more than three decades guiding, Rush said his clients have boated close to 1,000 bass better than 10 pounds. He landed 73 10-plus-pounders last year alone and has overseen the landing of eight fish on FWC’s TrophyCatch Hall of Fame list, which is for fish heavier than 13 pounds. He does 95 percent of his trips on Rodman. “If fishing is good, we commonly catch 30 to 60 fish a day,” he said. “The average size at Rodman is pretty solid. Usually we’ll have fish in the 8- to 10-pound class on the top end of that range.” Tactics are everything when it comes to catching fish like that. Live bait provides a huge advantage over the lures tournament anglers must fish. Rush fishes exclusively with live, wildcaught shiners, which he keeps lively in a huge bait tank on his custom-built, 22-foot Prodigy Razor. The tournament guys can keep their fiberglass glitter rockets. Rush’s sturdy aluminum boat is rigged out for the style of fishing he does, and it’s powered by a 150 hp Mercury with a power-assisted hand tiller. The tackle is also sturdy. Rush pairs heavy duty Daiwa 300 Lexa baitcasting reels with super heavy 7 ½- and 8-foot rods he said are essentially musky rods. He fishes straight 20-pound Berkley Big Game in green, which is thin enough for low visibility and strong enough to get the job done. He hooks his shiners through the tail above the anal fin with 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 Eagle Claw 84s, which

are standard J hooks with a slight offset. In a typical spread, his anglers will work shiners under bobbers set 3 to 5 feet deep, and he’ll throw out one or two shiners on freelines to swim up under the vegetation. For big fish, he prefers shiners 7 to 9 inches long. Rush’s big-fish reputation has gotten around, so he stays booked 300-plus days a year. His favorite time of year is fall, before the December through February spawn. “It’s prespawn, the fishing pressure is lower and the fish are feeding up that time of year,” he said. “The fish are also big then. They look like gorillas.” Late spring and summer are also good, once fish settle back into normal patterns after the spawn. Most of the year he targets them around floating mats of vegetation and deep river bends. The exception is during the spawn, when bass push up on the flats. Rush does not bed fish, though. He’ll set up on mats near known spawning flats and try to catch big females staging. One more thing: don’t call Rush if you want to eat bass or have a trophy mounted. Rodman is managed under regular Florida regulations— which allow five fish, with one fish longer than 16 inches—but Rush’s trips are catch-and-release. “I’m up front and honest about it on the phone,” he said. “If they even talk like they want to keep one, I just won’t take them.” Contact Capt. Sean Rush and Trophy Bass Expeditions of Central Florida through the website at www.floridatrophybass.com.

work p, and eelines fish, he

round, r. His ember

lower ar,” he ok like

, once er the round bends. s push hough. g flats

u want odman ions— han 16 ase. on the y want

ass he .

GEICO.COM/BOAT • 1-800-865-4846 • LOCAL OFFICE GREAT LOW RATES | MULTI-VEHICLE DISCOUNT | SPECIALIZED AGENTS Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO. 21_782312631

Monster Blue Cat Smashes Mississippi Record By CAM Staff

he Mississippi River near Natchez, Miss. has a history of producing giant blue cats. The most recent monster catfish, caught on April 7, weighed 131 pounds and absolutely crushed the existing state rod-and-reel state record. Eugene Cronley, of Brandon, Mississippi, had just set up in a 90-foot-deep hole downstream of Natchez. About five minutes after making his first cast, the big fish took the cut skipjack he was using as bait, according to a report in the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “He hit the rod and started pulling drag,”

Cronley told the Clarion Ledger. “We had to untie the boat and float down the river. “I couldn’t move him. I’d pull on him and take in a foot of line and he’d pull and take 10 feet. I just sat there like I was hung up.” After a 40-minute fight on 30-pound line, the angler’s exhaustion made hauling the fish into the boat a chore. Cronley has caught 50-pound fish from the area before, and he didn’t

realize exactly how big this fish was until he put eyes on it. Then, it was time to start looking for a certified scale with the capacity to weigh such an enormous fish. Cronley’s fish waited on ice for three days before he was able to get a certified weight. Fish lose weight when they are out of the water. The Clarion Ledger reported that the fish had an initial weight of 138 pounds on uncertified scales. Even out of the water for three days, Cronley’s blue cat shattered the previous rod-and-reel state record of 95 pounds, caught from the Mississippi near Natchez in 2009. In 1997, a 101-pound Mississippi trophy record blue catfish was caught in the same stretch of river. The IGFA all-tackle world record for blue catfish is 143 pounds. It was caught from Kerr Lake, Buggs Island, Virginia in 2011. Cronley’s catch, if certified by IGFA, would possibly be a new 30-pound line class record. The 30-pound line class record stands at 111 pounds. It was caught in 1996 from Wheeler Reservoir in Alabama. For more Mississippi fishing records, visit mdwfp.com.

YOUR RODS. YOUR WAY. Elevate your ﬁshing game with custom built rods.

MUDHOLE.COM 12 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PR DI

Il St ag

—

WWW.COASTAL ANGLERMAGAZINE.COM

TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

PUBLISHER & EDITOR BRENDA RIGGS MIKE RIGGS Co-publishers & Editors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. JIM JIM AARON JOHN SCOTT JAKE

ANDRE BAUGH DAVISON KELLY TIGER REPPERT WORTHINGTON

GRAPHIC DESIGN JENNY DIAZ

CONTACT INFORMATION For editorial comments, articles, photography, artwork and all other inquiries please contact:

BRENDA RIGGS brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com

757.409.7518 MIKE RIGGS mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com

757.681.5001

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 1

OBX By Aaron Kelly

INSHORE

Man o man, May on the outer banks! What a time to fish! My fav time of the year. Get your corona and lime out or your high fives and Pepsi cola because this months gonna be a winner! Inshore speckled trout and reds in the flats and grasses. Little line z man wiggling on a quarter ounce head is a good start! Reds will crash that and the perennial gold weedless spoon. Offshore tuna ole yellowfin will been on the eyes of seasoned Captains; or killer catches of mahi coming in as well. Bottom fishing opens up with grouper, bass, tile available. Then, of course along the beaches, a long anticipated cobia run! Sunburnt folks staring into the waters from towered boats ready to toss an irresistible meathog jig at em! Hooking a 25-75 pound cobia is certainly an adrenaline rush! So come check out our local captains and well stocked tackle shops to get some killer tips, trips, and gear! Capt. Aaron Kelly rocksolidfishing.com 252-441-657

PUNGO OFFROAD Virginia Beach’s Premier Truck, Off Road and 4x4 Accessories & Service

Custom & Factory Tires &Rims for Any Vehicle -Cars, Trucks & Trailers Brake Service on Any Vehicle // Lift Kits & 4x4 Accessories Trailer Hitch Installation

WE'LL BEAT ANY WRITTEN PRICE... GUARANTEED! 1800 Princess Anne Rd, VA Beach, VA 23456 757-721-6004 • 757-721-6468 www.pungotireandoffroad.com 2 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THE FLYING FISHERMAN By J. Andre

Waiting for a Warm Sunrise While teased with some days close to the 80’s a few weeks ago, Winter isn’t letting go easily in this second week of Spring. Tonight, the temperatures are forecast to hit record lows - low 20’s. The North winds have been howling, blowing a foot and a half of water out of the rivers open to the Currituck and Albemarle Sounds. This shallow water will make it tough on the catfish as the cold strikes again tonight. The kitties will be burying themselves in the mud, searching for warmth. Unless you bonk them on the head with your bait, it will be hard to find them feeding unless you can find baitfish pushed up into a shallow cove heated by the afternoon sun. Another downside of the sub-freezing temperatures is the possibility of a shad kill. The cats will be bloated on these shad and sleeping it off in the mud. I will wait until we have a few days of southerly wind to fill the rivers and creeks back up. Please forgive this diversion, but I need to tell a story about a fisherman I knew. I met him a little over ten years ago. He shared a relationship with a special family I have been hunting and fishing with for over 35 years. I describe him as a naturalist, following in the combined footsteps of James Audubon and Isaac Walton. He loved the outdoors, and everything related to it almost as much as his young daughter and family. Of course, he was a hunter and fisherman. We often met once a year during the annual deer hunting ritual and Thanksgiving celebration. Sometimes, we got the chance to hunt together, but if not, we almost always got together at Thanksgiving. We should have recorded our conversations. Stories of the previous epic fishing season were full of laughter and hands waving (sort of like pilots talking). This young man had an exceptional talent for seeing and holding nature in his mind and then transferring that image onto a canvas. It could be anything, a bird, a barn, the sun rising over the mountains. While he had the gift, he was not a professional artist, but those who have one of his paintings cherish it as if it was an original Norman Rockwell. If it wasn’t hunting season, he was fishing, but I think he regretted not being on the water when he was hunting. If it was freezing cold and the pond was iced over, he fished through the ice, and he was a master ice fisherman. He fished on his own boat and was First Mate on my friend’s salmon fishing charter boat. Upon meeting this individual, you couldn’t help but like him. He was outgoing, friendly, and warm-hearted. He would do anything to help someone. It seemed like everyone in the countryside had kind words to describe him. Besides all this, what made him special to me was he acquired all this character and was younger than my daughter and almost half my age. In a world that seems to be going to hell downhill in a hand cart, I hope there were others like him to help humanity. With all this going for him, he ended his life last week. He had his demons and was getting help, but the outcome was already cast. The other half of his life will never be. He made the world better for the many people he did touch in his short life. So why am I writing this, besides therapy for me? For this message: You have heard it said before, “If you know someone like this, get them help and stay with them.” Unfortunately, even then there is no certainty that they will survive, …and watch for those whose demons are rarely if ever seen. I don’t have any answers. I need to go fishing and be at the ramp at dawn, so when my rigs are spread, and I’m waiting for that first bite, I can take a quiet moment and appreciate what my friend saw in a sunrise over the water. We can all use some peace and tranquility. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 3

SETTING UP YOUR OUTFIT By Scott Reppert Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers

t does not matter where I am traveling it is likely that I will have a fly rod. If you got an outfit for Christmas, as I suggested previously, and have ignored it until now, it is not too late. Please find a safe quiet space to take your time and do this right. You do not want to rush things or step on a rod section and end up with a mess. You will need a rod and comparable reel. Backing is good as well as a line designed for the same weight as your rod. To start, a floating line is preferred. Depending on your fishing style/quarry consider a tapered mono or fluorocarbon leader. I tend to fish in the film all the way to the bottom so I consistently use fluorocarbon. If you like your flies dry mono floats better. Try both, see what you like. Now to set up. If you have not put your rod together please do so. To lubricate your ferrules, the thingies that connect the sections, consider rubbing the male ends on the side of your nose. Yep. I am not lying. Look up squalene. That is the active ingredient in the glands where you nose hits your face. Now that we ran that rabbit, most fly rods these days are in 4 pieces. Connect the 2 biggest ones then the 2 smallest ones then connect the two sections together. Again many rods have little dots at the previously mentioned ferrules. Make sure all your dots lineup and sight through the guides. Everyone should be in a nice tidy line. Now your reel has feet that fit in the slot that lines up with the guides and then a loop to slip on to the other foot and get tightened up with one or two screw grips. At this point I usually let the reel dangle and wiggle the outfit. Guess what? About half the time the reel needs a little more tightening.

4 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

GOING ON VACATION WITH A FLY ROD Right now your reel is probably naked. I like to string the backing through the first guide then bring it into the front of the reel away from the rod and tie it on using a double overhand or Albright Knot. Scientific Angler has good resources for knots and YouTube can be your friend here. Different reels will need different amounts of backing depending on the arbor size/diameter. 100 yards can be plenty for a small reel but there are big reels for big fish that 200 yards will not be enough. Check the specs. The reel manufacturer will likely tell you. Reel the backing onto the reel. Most fly lines I am seeing have loops on both ends. If you find this to be true, rejoice and use a surgeons knot to tie a big (real big) loop in your backing. Slip the loop through the loop in the fly line and put the backing loop over the whole fly line. After drawing your loop to loop connection tight, gently unwind the fly line onto your reel. There should be a minimum of tangles particularly if someone will reel while you unwind the fly line. Again, loop to loop your fly line to your (tapered) leader. A blood knot will work but I am a loop guy. The next step is optional but can be helpful. Consider snipping off about 18” of leader and tying on a tippet ring. From there you can adjust the diameter of your tippet to the fly. As I get older I am tying tippets to my flies at the house, particularly smaller flies. Tying a tippet to a ring is much easier than dropping a size 16 or 20 fly at streamside. By this time consider practicing before you hit the road. Again, YouTube can be your friend but there is no substitute for practice. I have had very few problems carrying my outfits on to a plane. The same cannot be said for the various nippers, pliers, scissors and tools that I have lost because they were not placed in a suitcase in a timely fashion. Particularly on your way back check all your pockets, particularly if you carry on the pack you fished with. Yes, all those pockets. I hope this helps. If you have questions and are able, please attend the monthly meeting of the Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers on the 3rd Thursday of the month. In May our meeting will be our annual picnic in Knotts Island, NC. Please look at VCFA.org and connect with us for directions, correct date, and time, etc. Thanks for reading.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 5

TIDEWATER & OUTERBANKS

OUTBOARD FLUSHING CRITICAL IN HAMPTON ROADS AND THE OBX

By John Tiger

n our coastal area waters, flushing your outboard after use in salt or brackish water should be an everyday part of your boating routine. Too many forget, or just don’t do it. Your outboard’s life depends on thorough and frequent flushing. WHY FLUSH? Salt and brackish water is a corrosive killer of the aluminum and steel from which outboards are made, so flushing every time after salt and brackish water use is a must. Left unchecked inside the cooling passages, salt water will quickly build up and may cause cooling blockages, leading to overheating and over time can corrode an engine from the inside out. The corrosion can also freeze bolts and screws in place, making disassembly very difficult and sometimes impossible. This is critical, because if you cannot, for example, remove the gearcase, then you can’t replace the water pump impeller—a vital part of annual maintenance. Operating an engine in sandy, silty, or muddy water also dictates the need for periodic flushing. All of the outboard manufacturers recommend flushing an outboard (according to the procedures outlined in the engine owner’s manual) after every use in salt, brackish, dirty or polluted waters. This reads pretty much the same way in the “Maintenance” and “Engine Flushing” sections of all owner’s manuals from BRP/Evinrude, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, Tohatsu, and Yamaha. THE OLD SCHOOL WAY Flush muffs are the most common way to flush an outboard; they’re available at most marine stores and online resellers, they’re inexpensive, and easy to use. Connect to a garden hose, fit the muffs over the engine’s water intakes on the sides of the gearcase, turn the water on, start the engine, and let it run. That’s it…with the following precautions: * If your engine has additional water intakes that are not being directly fed water via the flushing muffs, they must be sealed off with a bit of duct tape or overheating may occur. * If your engine doesn’t have water intakes on the upper sides of the gearcase—for example, Mercury and Yamaha high performance gearcases— you will need a special type of flushing attachment that covers the front of the gearcase. These can be purchased from aftermarket shops (www. bobsmachine.com). * When attaching the muffs, be sure they cover the water inlets completely, and don’t pop or slide off when the water is turned on. You may have to use duct tape to ensure a leak-free connection. * Be vigilant, and do not leave the engine while flushing. Watch the engine’s “tell-tale” overboard water indicator to ensure that the engine is pumping water. *The engine should be kept in neutral and not run above a fast idle speed (1000 rpm maximum). 6 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

BUILT-IN-FLUSHING ATTACHMENTS Built-in garden hose attachments are a standard part of many outboards manufactured in the past decade or so. These attachments make flushing easier, because the engine usually does not need to be running (and in some cases, should not be) to accomplish the flushing procedure. Simply check to see if your engine has this attachment (look in the owner’s manual), find the connection point, hook up a garden hose, turn on the water, and let it flow for 10 minutes. This is handy if you can’t start the engine (dead battery, for example) or if your neighbors would balk at your engine’s noise. FLUSHING BAGS Flushing bags are soft-sided heavy plastic/vinyl bags with a support framework, designed to be fitted up and around the lower end of an engine and fully enclose it. A garden hose is attached to fill it and keep water circulating; the engine is then started and run much the same as with a flush muff attachment. Flush bags allow for engine-on flushing without the loud noise of the engine’s open exhaust. Online, google “outboard flushing bag,” and several options pop up. As with other flushing devices, caution must be exercised: * The bag must fit snugly around the engine’s midsection, and be tall enough to reach well above the water intakes. * The propeller should be removed before installing the bag. * As with a flush muff attachment, engine speed should be kept to a fast idle, no more than 1000 rpm. The engine should be kept in neutral. MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS Most outboard manufacturers’ flushing recommendations are similar. All of them make a statement about ensuring that all water is drained from the engine after flushing. This is especially important in freezing climates, so that there is no water left inside the engine which could then freeze, and cause damage. CONCLUSIONS This writer’s recommendation for flushing may be old-school, but sometimes the old ways are the best ways. After conferring with several highly trained and experienced outboard technicians (with a combined experience level of more than 150 years), my recommendation is to use a method that allows starting and running the engine for at least 5 minutes, especially for engines run in salt water. Why? Because a warm engine with warm water running through it will work better dissolving salt and other deposits in the engine than a cold engine with cold water will, and the only way to get warm water coursing through the engine’s cooling passages is to run it and allow it to reach operating temperature. While cold-water flushing with the engine off is better than not flushing it at all, a warm water, engine-running flush is the best method available and should be employed when possible. In addition, a bag or container is not the best method to do this — flush muffs, carefully installed and monitored, is the best way. The bag/container method will keep the exhaust quiet, but it allows for circulation of salt and fresh water combined (i.e. what was in the engine and what is then in the bag via the hose). This is not the same as fresh water entering the engine from a hose. Also, the bag/container must be refreshed with input from a hose and also very carefully monitored, because the water will not only splash out thereby reducing the available cooling volume, but also will become heated as it is recirculated.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

EXPENSIVE ISN’T JUST A WORD THIS YEAR! By Capt. Jim Davison, Miss Disturbed Sportfising

ith prices of fuel, tackle, bait, pretty much everything going through the roof, what are your plans for this year? I will share a couple of my thoughts and plans just to see if we can help someone out and save a couple bucks. First thing first. If you have read some of my articles you know I’m cheap, yep that’s me and I can’t help it. I’m always trying to find ways to allow me to do what I love and that’s fish without spending my retirement on one offshore trip. With that being said, what can we do to at least be able to run a trip or two and not have to pull a second mortgage this year. Here are my thought processes and ways I think I can at least be able to run offshore and not spend a ton more than I did last year. First of all, I’m going to add one more person to the boat. Last year I would do 3, this year I’m going to run 4. That’s going to help in a huge way just by adding the 4th person. Now of course make sure this person gets along with your other fishing buddies because that could get ugly 50 miles offshore. The second thing I’m planning is running a couple knots slower. Now you need to be careful with this one because some boats actually get better fuel economy cruising a little faster. You need to know your boat to play around with this one and actually save fuel. The third thing I’m going to do, and I’m sure some of you are all ready doing this, is when trolling I will shut one engine down and rotate between the two. I did this the last trip I ran offshore last year and saved a pretty good amount of fuel. The last thing is to spend a little more time inshore. There is some great fishing within 10-12 miles of the beach so why run over fish? Now I know a nice yellow fin or wahoo is pretty tasty but so is a nice catch of black bass or cobia. With all that said, I just hope things start to settle back down and get in a little better position. I know its hard on folks and its really starting to take a toll on our economy. Everyone hang in there, buddy up with someone, fish a little closer and keep a positive attitude. I hope someone finds just one little tidbit of this helpful and is able to fill the box. Thanks everyone and hope you have a great spring.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 7

TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

CATCHIN’& COOKIN’ BOTTOM ROUND STEW

With prices at the grocery store skyrocketing for some unearthly reason, it is time to pull out one of my favorite cost efficient recipes that taste totally gourmet. Yes, it’s bottom round stew. Simple, cheap, elegant, and delicious. First the veggies. Take 2 carrots, 3 celery stalks, one green pepper, one poblano pepper, and one yellow onion. Chop them all up and put in a 6 qt Dutch Oven. Add 1 bottle of red wine and 3 cups of beef broth, 1 tbl of salt and 1 pepper. Crush up several cloves of garlic and throw them in as well. Now take the cheapest bottom round roast you can find and cube it up into 1 or 2-inch cubes. Usually, the store will have some scrap beef bits, buy a pack of those as well. In a cast iron skillet, braise the meat in butter and olive oil. Also add in the pan some fresh rosemary and thyme. Brown both sides thoroughly. After the meat is all cooked, add to the Dutch Oven. Top off the pot with some more wine and beef broth. Cook for 3 hours at 350 degrees. Reduce heat and simmer for an hour at 150 degrees. The stew should be thick enough, but to thicken you can use flour. I use xanthan gum, no carbs. This dish without the flour is Keto friendly. Serve in the Dutch Oven with some nice Italian bread. You will dine on the leftovers for days. Fantastic Dish.

MOM DESERVES THE BEST ON MAY 8TH by Jim Baugh reporting from Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, Cape Charles VA

May is the month to really start going after some drum. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV has filmed seaside on the Eastern Shore and produced some fantastic drum shows, especially with Sam and his wife Jean. What a blast it is anchoring up along a barrier island in only three feet of water and catching 20, 30, 40, pound drum. If you go after these brutes do yourself a favor and use fresh cracked clams, and bust them up right at the boat. Throw the shells and juice overboard. This will chum up the drum nicely. Also be sure to check your tackle and gear. These hogs are huge and can tear up you gear pretty quick. To get the latest on the bite, I would touch base with Oceans East on the Eastern shore to find out about the Seaside bite. Well May 8th is Mother’s Day and she sure deserves something better than leftovers. You want a guaranteed win with mom and the family, just make your reservations at the Oyster Farm in Cape Charles. She will be impressed, and it is something the entire family would really enjoy. If you have not been to the Seafood Eatery yet, it is a must visit with the best view of the lower Bay anywhere. They also have lots of outside seating right by the water. Book now! For more info and to book marina slips, accommodations, and reservations (Or boat and RV Storage) just visit www. theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com We are proud to announce we have my Nightscape Metal Prints in a new exclusive gallery location in Virginia Beach. The Gallery is called 2Beaches Studio and Gallery and is located in the Bay Bridge Shoppes on 4465 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. They are just a stone throw away from Northampton Boulevard. Great location. We have select metal prints on display and we now have metal prints available up to 24x36. Give them a call at (757)650-8424 To view our online Nightscape Gallery, check the OR code below. Jim Baugh, Jimbaugh.net, Jim Baugh Outdoors TV For more updates on our fishing trips and latest shows log on to: https://jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com/ for updates on everything, digital prints gallery, etc. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV Amazon Prime Video https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07Z9S825F/ref=atv_ dp_share_cu_r JBOTV Online Hubb: https://jimbaugh.blogspot.com/

8 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 9

M&J Tops Canvas and boat upholstery M&J Tops LLC, specializes in marine upholstery. Boat tops, enclosures, cushions, seats, headliners, storage covers, bow rails, bolster pads, dodgers and much more! We also make custom awnings or commercial and residential buildings.

757-722-3069 www.petestopshop.weebly.com

Fishing Capitol of

A Fishin’ Tradition Known the World Over

the

WO R L D

• Full or half day charters • Book with our Head Boat or a private charter with one of our great Captains • For those with their own boats: launch ramp w/parking for trailers--gas and oil available

Fully stocked store: • Bait, tackle, boating and camping equipment, North Carolina maps and fishing/boating regulations • Groceries, snacks, beverages, ice

Head boat—M

iss Oregon In

let

• T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hats • Everything you need for a great day on the water!

(800) 272-5199 www.oregon-inlet.com

10 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

HOOKED ON™ A CLEAN OCEAN

CLEANING OUR OCEANS FOR A BETTER

TOMORROW

SUZUKI’S CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT If you’re going to claim to be “The Ultimate Outboard Motor,” you’d better do more than just build great engines. This is why, for the past 10 years, Suzuki has been committed to cleaning up the marine environment through voluntary “Clean Up The World” activities around the globe. Through the recently launched CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, Suzuki Marine is committed to reducing the use of plastics in packaging materials to its consumers which has led to eliminating 2.3 tons of plastic waste annually. Suzuki is continually finding ways to reduce plastic waste while educating and informing the boating industry about this critical issue. This is only the beginning and Suzuki is pledging itself to the important cause of protecting our planet’s waters, coastal environments, and marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

NORTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA VIRGINIA SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE EXMORE NORTH Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names areVIRGINIA Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved. Smith Mountain Seaworthy KILL DEVIL HILLS© 2021 Suzuki ACCOMAC CHESAPEAKE NEWPORT NEWS CHESTERFIELD YEAR Boat & Tackle Marine Services Bill’s Marine LLC Sandpiper Marine Inc. Centerville Waterway Marina Sports Marine, Inc. Nautical Marine LIMITED WARRANTY 540-576-2755 757-442-3666 252-982-6595 757-787-7783 757-547-4498 757-595-9333 804-271-3198 5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product•names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and 2022 drive. Always wear a USCG-approved jacket and read your COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM MAY. TIDEWATER & life THE OUTER BANKS owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

“The Lonely Doctor traverses off a beaten path, onto the road less traveled. Despite the uneven, sad, and often dangerous trail, nothing breaks the Lonely Doctor’s persevering march, for the quest is noble. Mission work is a deeply human experience. The journey is a lonely one as it is often very personal. It all starts from within. A single step. A pair of hands. Along the way, every step taken inspires another and multiplies the pair of hands as others rally behind the Doctor’s benevolent mission.” The founding of Montero Medical Missions in July 2011, is epitomized in our new MMM logo. Based in Chesapeake, Virginia, USA, its mission and vision are to combine the humanitarian efforts of a medical missioner and that of a Peace Corps volunteer. This was accomplished through the creation of sustainable healthcare projects, both domestic and international. On the domestic front, its innovative Health Fair for Veterans project was recognized by the American College of Surgeons at its 100th Clinical Congress in October 2013, by having the MMM Abstract Project Presentation displayed alongside academic

institutions’ posters. Currently, MMM is in partnership with the Alaska Battle Dawgs’ camp clinic involved in naturopathic healing of veterans with TBI and PTSD diagnoses through the addition of MMM Prosthetic, Eyesight 20/20, Dental Care projects plus HBOT chamber availability. MMM Educate the Children and Technology Donation projects always elicit grateful accolades from the recipient Elementary Schools and Foundations in the Philippines. This year’s Philippines Presidential Award ‘Kaanib ng Bayan’ is most welcome. Since its inception, MMM continues to exist despite having no salaried employees, developing its mission work through fundraising activities plus careful strategic volunteerism relationships and partnerships with humanitarian corporations, foundations, and service organizations. Our domestic project has recently been focused on the Dental Care and Treatment of veterans in need, in partnership with the Chesapeake Care Clinic Dental Division. The new partnership this year with Alaska Battle Dawgs will expand our fundraising efforts, now concentrated on the patriotic 1st Annual Parade of Boats and Fish Fry in Virginia Beach on Sunday, May 29, 2022. One hundred percent of the net proceeds are to benefit the 650 acres camp clinic in Talkeetna, Alaska where our ailing veterans will have options to different therapies such as salmon fly-fishing, music, art, etc. and the standard medical treatment to be anchored by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. We welcome everyone’s participation in all MMM fundraising activities, especially at this unique, fun Parade of Boats/Fish Fry in whatever capacity and means. We owe it to our veterans and to those whose ultimate sacrifice bravely protected and gave us the freedoms we dearly treasure. Montero Medical Missions is fortunate to be an international humanitarian organization with an exceptional continuing domestic presence, serving mainly our veterans with healthcare needs. Our future plan other than an infusion of Philippines multiple projects/programs is to establish sustainable healthcare projects with a foothold in Romania for Eastern Europe, Zambia for Africa, Paraguay for South America, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean region. Connections are already in place. We are at the mercy of when the pandemic dust settles and safety is assured. Above all, it boils down to when MMM has enough funds to send our volunteers with expertise in the projects to be started. Our biggest asset is having connections in the United States with healthcare professionals of any expertise needed by the country we serve. Most importantly, we encourage and welcome MMM donors and supporters to join us in our mission work, as ambassadors of goodwill for Uncle Sam. It is very rewarding. MMM Projects at this YouTube link: http:// youtu.be/klTmtA3kg6g

12 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 13

TIDEWATER & OUTER BANKS BRAG BOARD SEND YOUR GREAT FISHING & HUNTING PHOTOS TO BRENDA@COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM

[ 1]

FUTURE ANGLERS 4#

[ 4]

[ 2]

[ 5]

Compliments of Capt. Aaron Kelly Aboard Rock Solid

[ 3] Brag 1 - Jack Summerfield Brag 2 - Dr. Ken Neill - Red Fish - Aboard Healthy Grin Brag 3 - Charles Southall - Red Drum - Aboard Healthy Grin Brag 4 - Sandra Rothrock - 19” - 4lbs Bass - Private Pond Brag 5 - Sandra Rothrock - Stringer of Cats from James River Brag 6 - Reds Aboard Rock Solid Ducks & Heron compliments of Tricia.

[ 6]

PIC OF THE MONTH Keller Williams - 14 years old Bass - Private Pond

14 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

From locally-built gear to greensticks, commercial reels, terminal tackle, and bait • Specializing in commercial hook and line gear • Your one-stop tuna shop 2991 NC Hwy 345, Wanchese, NC seaandsound.com https://www.facebook.com/Sea&soundtackle/

Hey! As you visit or patronize any of our advertisers…

please mention that you saw them in their local

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the mysterious art of catching speckled trout from the surf then there is a new book dedicated to that. Capt. Gordon Churchill of Carteret County, NC, has written “Speckled Trout From the Surf ”. Learn all about the where, how, what and even the why, of pursuing the wily speckled trout in the most difficult of environments. Available as both a print or e-pub on all available on-line book retailers.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2022

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 15

OWN THIS • Revenue generating, Turnkey Franchise Opportunity!

• Be the publisher of the one and only Sport Fishing Magazine in Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and the Outer Banks! • Be your own boss in the exciting Sport Fishing Industry! • Set your own hours — work as much (or as little) as you want! YOU determine your income and free time! • No experience publishing a magazine? No worries! As a Franchisee you’ll receive training & continuous support from corporate! For more information: brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com

757.409.7518

16 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES

êêêêê

I love it. I have several Stauer watches and once again you don’t disappoint.” — F. from Jersey City, NJ

Dive in Without Taking a Plunge

The Explorer is one well-constructed 20 ATM dive watch for a price that won’t take you under.

he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com

deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

Limited to the First 1400 Respondents to This Ad Only Stauer Explorer Dive Watch $399† Your Cost With Offer Code

$99 + S&P Save $300

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code: EXW142-01

You must use this offer code to get our special price.

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer. com without your offer code. 14101 Southcross Drive W., ® Ste 155, Dept. EXW142-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Rating of A+

Stauer

www.stauer.com

• Precision movement • Stainless steel crown, case, caseback and bracelet • Date window at 3 o’clock • Water resistant to 20 ATM • Bracelet ﬁts wrists up to 8 1/2"

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Enter To Win!

n Illinois angler broke the Missouri state record for paddlefish in March. He snagged a 140-pound, 10-ounce paddlefish at Lake of the Ozarks. It beat out the previous record— set in 2015 at Table Rock Lake—by just one ounce. Record-breaking angler Jim Dain, of Pittsfield, Ill., was on a family fishing trip and almost decided not to take the boat out because of shifting weather conditions the day he caught his monster fish. “The forecast was calling for storms, and then it changed to no rain, so we went out, but it just kept getting colder,” Dain said. “We weren’t having much luck, but decided to fish for another hour. So we took another turn, and that’s when the drag on the reel started. It felt like a tree was on the line!” Paddlefish are an interesting target for anglers because they are filter feeders and will not take lures or baited hooks. The most popular method for catching them is to troll large, un-baited treble hooks to cover water and hopefully snag one. “We got 16 one-gallon bags of meat out of this catch,” laughed Dain. “We’ve fried it, grilled it and made paddlefish tacos the other night. We’ll be having paddlefish for a while!” Missouri’s paddlefish seasons run March 15-April 30 on its major paddlefish snagging waters: Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Lake and their tributaries. There is a minimum length limit of 32 inches. The paddlefish season for the Mississippi River is March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of Sept. 15 through Dec. 15. For more information, see the Missouri DNR website at dnr.mo.gov.

PHOTO BY PATRICK DOLL

DF2.5 PORTABLE OUTBOARD

MISSOURI PADDLEFISH RECORD FALLS

FEATURES • DIGITAL CDI • ANTI CORROSION SYSTEM

he Suzuki DF2.5 portable outboard is the smallest Suzuki 4-stroke to date. Weighing just 30 pounds, the DF2.5 is the lightest Suzuki 4-stroke motor ever built. Suzuki is also proud to note that the DF2.5 meets the rigorous EPA 2010 and CARB 3-Star Ultra Low emissions standards. A 2.5 HP single cylinder OHV 4-stroke engine, with 4.15 cu. in. displacement, generates plenty of power for small tenders and inflatables. It features easy-to-pull recoil starting with Suzuki Pointless Electronic Ignition. No battery is required for this remarkably simple and reliable system. Drawing held 8/1/22. Winners announced on Facebook.

CoastalAnglerMag.com/contest 14 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

FLEXIBLE LIMIT

PROPOSED FOR MAKOS

OAA Fisheries has proposed establishment of a flexible retention limit for shortfin mako sharks with a default limit of zero in commercial and recreational highly migratory fisheries. This measure follows a 2021 approval to ban mako shark harvest in the North Atlantic in 2022 and 2023 in a decision handed down by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). ICCAT’s juridiction is over highly migratory species, like sharks, which cross international boundaries. NOAA’s flexible retention limit would fulfill ICCAT’s recommendation, while allowing flexibility if conditions change. During the fishing year, NOAA Fisheries could increase the shortfin mako shark retention limit from the default, or subsequently decrease the retention limit, for the commercial fishery, the recreational fishery, or both, based on regulatory criteria and retention allowed by ICCAT. Strict conservation measures have been on the table for mako sharks since 2017, when a stock assessment indicated the species was being overfished. Annual take from both sides of the Atlantic ranged between 3,600 and 4,675 tons, mostly caught with commercial gear. ICCAT warned that catches must be kept below 1,000 tons to rebuild the population. Off the U.S. east coast, Atlantic shortfin mako sharks are found from New England to Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas, and in the Caribbean Sea. For more details or to comment on the proposal, see www.fisheries.noaa.gov.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

cord—

family hifting

ain, so having r turn, on the

When things go south on the water, make sure you have towing from TowBoatUS. It’s the biggest and best towing service around, with 600+ boats on the water, the red boats are ready to help at a moments notice.

e filter ethod er and

GET UNLIMITED TOWING TODAY! BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628

Dain. We’ll be

major uman nches. May 15

Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

SPECIALIZING IN RESTORATION OF AGED, SUNBURNT, OR FADED LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAYS.

WE SERVICE MORE THAN JUST GAUGES!

If your device has an LCD that has faded over time, or want to inquire about possible repair options for your unit, give us a call or visit our website!

CHART PLOTTERS, VHF’S, RADARS, SOUNDERS, AUTOPILOTS, JET SKI CLUSTERS, AND MUCH MORE.

904-701-9726 • GAUGESAVER.COM 5049 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH, GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL 32043

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2022

NATIONAL 15

t’s tarpon time, and as big fish flood the channels, bays, flats, beaches and passes up the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, every angler with a monster silver king on the bucket list hopes to get a piece of the biggest show on water. Most of the time, all they’ll get is the aerial show. Whether it’s a thrown hook from a head-shaking leap, a sharp gill plate that cuts the line, or a big hammerhead that makes the line go slack, hooking a big tarpon is a lot easier than putting hands on one. Studies have shown less than 40 percent of hooked tarpon make it boatside to have their photo taken. Here are a few tips to help you turn a hook-up into a great release photo.

TARPON FIGHTING TIPS By CAM Staff

1) Bow to the King:

If you have any interest in tarpon at all, you’ve heard this one already, but let’s just get it out of the way for those who don’t know. When a tarpon jumps, stop reeling, drop your rod tip and point it at the fish. When the fish is doing all its head shaking and tailwalking, a slack line doesn’t provide as much leverage to throw the hook. When the fish lands, lift the rod tip back to about 45 degrees and reel quickly to take up the slack.

2) Predict the Jump: Watch the fish’s behavior and you can often predict when it will go airborne. A hard run usually culminates with a big jump. Also, when you see the line angling up, it means the fish is headed to the surface. Pay attention and you won’t be caught off guard.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. JEFF MAGGIO

3) Go Hard on Them: Tarpon are big and powerful. If you don’t break their spirit quickly, they just might break yours. Use heavy tackle and do everything you can to get them in quickly. Use an anchor buoy to quickly unhook and chase fish down. This allows you to gain line and maintain the upper hand. By adjusting the drag, you can let the fish tire itself out more quickly. Start with the drag lower in the early stages of the fight, when the fish is still making long powerful runs that can break the line. As it begins to tire from running and jumping, start ramping up the drag pressure and continue pumping and reeling. If you’re good enough, palming the reel allows you to manually control drag pressure without committing to a higher setting. This can save you if a fish has a sudden second wind. Keep the heat on a big fish from start to finish. If it runs to the right, swing your rod to the left and vice versa. By keeping constant pressure against the direction the fish is trying to go, it is sometimes possible to convince them to give up.

4) Don’t Feed the Sharks: Sharks always seem to show up when there’s tarpon fishing going on, and it’s a pity so many big tarpon end up getting sharked on the end of a line. When sharks show up, ethical anglers pull lines up and move. Reeling in half a fish is worse than reeling in no fish at all. If a big shark shows up during the fight, clamp down on the drag and try to break the line. For more, go to coastalanglermag.com.

, flats, every to get they’ll

sharp es the utting ooked

SPRINGTIME FISHING...

LET’S GO!

www.

.com

a great

N G S

25’ C-Hawk CC

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST DEALER, VISIT US ONLINE:

www.MitziSkiffs.com • www.CHawkBoats.net

d this o don’t ip and ng and throw out 45

hen it jump. eaded ard.

spirit nd do uoy to in line

more fight, ak the mping you’re ontrol is can

SMOOTH, TORSION TECHNOLOGY www.dexteraxle.com

Dexter’s Versa~Flex™ provides a superior ride utilizing patented torsion technology. Uniquely designed with independent supspension, Versa~Flex allows your boat trailer to pull smooth and safe, matching all types of road conditions. Confidently backed by a 5- year warranty. Spend your time on the water, not working on your trailer. Demand Dexter Versa~Flex on your boat trailer.

All Dexter Versa~Flex axles are proudly assembled in the USA

uns to eeping go, it is

fishing harked rs pull ing in down

Photo Courtesy of Vexus Boats

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2022

NATIONAL 17

AndAlusiA MArine & powersports inc.

Headquarters For All your Boating needs Xpress •

1707 River Falls Street, Andalusia, AL 36421

Alweld •

(334) 427-1428

stingrAy • VerAndA • Quest

All kinds of parts and accessories in stock and ready for delivery! Innertubes • Ski’s • Wakeboards Ropes • Life jackets Solas and Michigan Wheel Props

certified full line YAmAhA deAler!

GreAt service!

• Humminbird • Garmin • Lowrance • Minnkota - authorized sales and service center • Rhodan • Certified Full Line Yamaha Dealer

www.andalusiamarine.com www.facebook.com/andalusiamarine

THE SCREEN TELLS ALL

Tim Barefoot

s you should know by now if you read my articles or subscribe to my YouTube channel, I like to fish for everything with fins. From offshore in 300plus feet of water to creeks, there is one thing that makes us more effective now than we were years ago: electronics! When I was very young, we went to the very first mark off the beach and loaded up on sea bass, gray trout (weakfish), flounder and whatever else would bite a crude chicken rig with cut mullet. Those days are gone. Now, we have evolved to using the most advanced electronics available to locate and stay on fish. We’ve got side imaging and live imaging technology, which is not (almost) cheating, to… screw it… It’s cheating, and I’m doing it. I love a gag grouper like Peter loved the Lord, and I also like to fish for bass as well as drum, trout and snook. Electronics like side scan make me dangerous. They are the difference between being close to a good place on a ledge or wreck versus being ON THE SPOT. It’s now possible to see whether you’re close to a stack of baitfish or on it. The stack of bait is the key to catching instead of just soaking baits. Look for the giant stack of bait, because that is what holds

predators, bottom fish below and pelagics above. For example: The video link at the end of this article as well as the blue photo on this page are a prime example of electronics telling us what’s below us and how deep. The marks near the bottom are African pompano and other bottom fish. The marks in the 100-foot range are blackfin tuna. The other photo is of crappie in a creek. I was watching them in real time using Garmin LiveScope. Regardless if you’re fishing in 300 or 15 feet of water, having the correct electronics will make a huge difference. We rely on our fishing instincts to catch fish. I’m a believer in the “cleanest” terminal tackle being the most effective tackle. The most important thing of all, though, is to position your boat on top of fish. For this, proper electronics have become essential. Check out barefootcatsandtackle.com, and watch this video https://youtu.be/qGzW6QFZHKE on using electronics offshore.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2022

NATIONAL 19

Making Memories M

ay is a great month to take or introduce a child to the sport of fishing. The summer crowds haven’t arrived, the weather is tolerable, and there should be a nice breeze to keep it comfortable. If your child is already catching more than you, this is a great time to teach them some new techniques or how to use a new lure. Jetties, piers or docks are great locations to target this month, and sheepshead can be an entertaining target for the beginner. They can be corporative, and a nice trophy for a child. At times, they can be easy to catch and will provide a solid fight for the saltiest of anglers. Sheepshead love structure. Focus your attention on the most barnacle-encrusted structure you can find. At times you can hear them munching on those barnacles! If it is legal in the area you are fishing, scraping barnacles off the structure is a great way to chum for sheepshead and really gets them fired up. Small live or fresh dead shrimp are great, readily available bait. Small jacks, croaker, pinfish and whitting are also good options to give young anglers a strong tug and a good time. Once again, live and dead shrimp are a good choice to lure in these aggressive feeders. Beach fronts, jetties and structure are good areas to target them. If your child is up for a challenge and wants to learn something new, like my 11-year-old, May

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

is a good month to explore. With optimal water temperatures that keep fish aggressive, May is ideal. My son and I were in our favorite local tackle shop one day, and he picked up a custom painted lure and showed it to me. The owner, Mike, had painted these and they are renowned for catching big trout. My son had never fished one, but wanted to learn and catch a big one! For a few weeks, every time my son walked into the lure room and saw the Corky hanging on the rack, he would say, “Dad let’s go fishing.” He wanted to use the lure from Mr. Mike and catch a big trout. When we finally had a chance to hit the water, conditions were not ideal. We went to learn how to work the lure, if nothing else. My son did accomplish catching his first fish on a Corky. Even though it was not the big trout he planned on, it gave us a good laugh and memories that will last forever. This photo shows his first fish on that style of lure… the first of many I am certain. Go grow up little pinfish. Hopefully the next time we meet you are in the belly of a big trout! Take a kid fishing, leave the electronics at home, and everyone will have fun learning something from each other!

The Return of a

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

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

Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 20 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

P360-COAS-FP

P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

Offshore,

conversations. Satellite phones are an option but are cost prohibitive for most of us. Luckily, the satellite network has created a new choice with two-way texting devices like the Garmin inReach Mini, which I find offers a great mix of features, affordability, size and peace of mind. All these devices require a subscription plan, but most are affordable and allow you to pause them during off seasons. There are several manufacturers and options on the market, and they have many different features. Some have built-in keypads for easy composition of messages, but that makes the size larger. Most will pair with your cell phone, making it simple to create and send messages. They all also have SOS buttons that send a distress message along with your location to a communication center. Like EPIRBs and PLBs, they will continually transmit your location to By Will Schmidt search and rescue, helping them to find you quickly. Unlike the others, you are notified when your SOS is received. You can also communicate the nature of your emergency and answer vital questions from rescuers via text. The small size and waterproof rating means you can clip these devices to a life vest and continue sending and receiving information should you need to abandon ship. Furthermore, you can send non-emergency messages to check in with others. The inReach Mini allows you to create three preset messages that can be quickly sent and have unlimited sends on each of their data plans. This is a great feature for sending useful updates and non-emergency messages such as: “Just checking in, everything is fine.” Or “Everything is ok, but we are running late.” Other features many of these devices offer are waypoint navigation, tracking and weather reports. If navigation features are of primary importance to you, a larger device with a bigger screen might suit you better. Since mine is a backup navigation device, the connection to my phone is sufficient. I can even pair my inReach with my chart plotters to quickly send and read messages while underway. Whether you travel offshore, into the backwoods or to a remote island ith technology helping us get farther away from shore, it is lodge, if you want the ability to summon help or just check in at home when imperative that we have a reliable way to communicate with others. off the grid, these satellite devices offer great usability in an affordable easyIt’s not unheard of for people to take a bay boat 40 miles offshore to-use option. where VHF might not be heard. While Emergency Position Indicating Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing Radio Beacons (EPIRB) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are a great about fishing from more than two decades. way to request assistance in an emergency, they lack the ability for two-way

But In

Reach

“ d —

th d S S s S F

A w in

S k

22 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

“Opal’s spectacular play-of-color can display all the colors of the rainbow.” —Gemological Institute of America

® Staueler Price

ImpossibLY ON

$59

Add Some Wow to Your Vows

Put a rainbow on her finger with the opal that’s taking the jewelry industry by storm.

ong ago, we made a vow: We would not produce a five-opal anniversary ring until two very specific conditions were met. First, the opals had to be of superior quality, with the joyous iridescence to delight all who saw the precious stone’s colors dance in the light. Second, the price had to be right, so that we could provide the value Stauer clients expect from us. So when The New York Times style section called Ethiopian opal the “undisputed winner” of the Gem Show, we decided to pounce. The result is the astoundingly beautiful Five-Star Opal Anniversary Ring.

Huge Savings Take 85% OFF instantly! when you use your offer code

All five of these exotic beauties possess the radiant rainbow of color we’ve been looking for. Arranged in a sterling silver setting finished in lustrous gold, this ring is a beautiful tribute to your lasting love. So how about our price promise? We met that too. We want you to know there is absolutely no reason to overpay for luxury gemstones. The big name jewelers have been deceiving B. 1 ctw Opal the public long enough, charging as much Stud Earrings as $16,000 for an Ethiopian opal ring. We won’t trump up the price to make you think it’s luxurious. This ring is just as luxurious (if not more) than the big designer name rings, AND it’s yours for

 “The play of color in opals is so gorgeous they sometimes don’t even seem real and yet they are.” —from the Couture Show under $60. I think it’s safe to say we more than met our price promise. We exceeded it... by well over 16,000%! Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Slip this rainbow on her finger. If she’s not absolutely delighted, simply send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. See if your jewelry store can match that! The Five-Star Opal Ring is one of Stauer’s fastest sellers. Supplies are limited. We can’t seem to keep this ring in stock. Don’t miss this rare opportunity. Order the Five-Star Opal Anniversary Ring today and catch this radiant rainbow before it’s gone! Jewelry Specifications: • Ethiopian Opals in gold-finished .925 sterling silver settings • Ring: whole sizes 5–10. Earrings: post backs Five-Star Opal Anniversary Collection A. Ring (1 ½ ctw) $399 $59* + S&P Save $340! B. Earrings (1 ctw) $199 $79* + S&P Save $120! Ring & Earrings Set $598 $99* + S&P Save $499! *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: OAR305-04

Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. OAR305-04, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com

Stauer® |

AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

IT MIGHT JUST BE CRAZY ENOUGH TO WORK! Berkley played a pretty good gag for April fools that likely sent a group of very specialized anglers to the store looking for a product that doesn’t exist. The company, which produces scented and flavored artificial baits, announced the release of the Berkley PowerBait Noodling Glove. “Infused with PowerBait, this glove is designed to give noodlers a way to successfully wrangle catfish and give the fish a flavor so good, they’ll never let go,” read the press release. Berkley went on to tell sportsmen the following: Originally designed to withstand the fight of giant catfish, the team at Berkley Labs quickly discovered that the PowerBait Noodling Glove can be effective on more than just catfish. Extensive field testing proved that the PowerBait Noodling Glove increased angler catch rates for bass, trout and other species. The team even tested the glove with local hunters and found it’s just as effective in luring white-tailed deer as it is in luring catfish. There is nothing that can’t be caught using the PowerBait Noodling Glove. The Berkley PowerBait Noodling Glove may also get its time to shine on the bass tournament trails this year thanks to Berkley Pro Angler John Cox. Cox says, “The way I fish is very similar to noodlers; they go down the bank and look for holes. Well, I go down the bank looking for a 5 or 6 pounder either on a bed or chasing bluegill. So, when I heard about noodlers using the Berkley PowerBait Noodling Glove, I thought ‘Hey, this might work really well for me.’ Noodling is definitely not for just catfishing anymore. That was a pretty good one, Berkley.

BRING HOME THE BAIT. Home of America's #1 cast net, the SuperSpreaderTM , and the industry's largest net selection – from beginner to pro.

SHOP NOW AT CASTNETS.COM OR AT FINE BAIT & TACKLE DEALERS 24 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ACOUSTICS, BALLISTICS, HYDRODYNAMICS AND THE

SCIENCE OF SMASH. SALTWATER HARD BAITS Five marvels of engineering that earned their stripes smashing fish in lakes and rivers, supertuned by Berkley® scientists to conquer the salt and its fiercest inhabitants. Action, vibration, casting distance, hook-up ratios – every aspect has been optimized to your advantage. All built for battle with virtually bombproof bodies and hardware, featuring ultra-sharp, anti-rust Fusion19™ 3X Hooks for ultimate endurance. Over 80 sizes and colors to choose from.

CHOPPO SALTWATER 2 SIZES | 10 COLORS

Capt. Peter Deeks @captpeterdeeks

YO U R F I S H . O U R S C I E N C E .™

Berkley-Fishing.com

J-WALKER SALTWATER

HIGHJACKER SALTWATER

CANE WALKER SALTWATER

MAGIC SWIMMER ®

2 SIZES | 10 COLORS

10 COLORS AVAILABLE

2 SIZES | UP TO 10 COLORS

7 SIZES | UP TO 15 COLORS

Berkley_SW_Topwater_CostalAngler_8.125"x10.875"_Final.indd 1

4/7/22 10:19 AM

PARTING WATERS

LIKE NO OTHER INNOVATION DRIVES SUZUKI ON THE WATER Unparalleled throttle response and silky-smooth shifting along with the outboard industry’s first Contrarotating Dual–Prop design, the 350hp outboard is in a class of it’s own. With Suzuki Marine’s reputation for performance and reliability, you can rest assured your boating day is going to make memories that will last for years to come.

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2022 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.