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4 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2021
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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.
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NATIONAL 5
IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.
The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation. The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.
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CAST 2021 marked a return to normalcy for the fishing industry. In the 64th exhibition of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the halls of the Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center bustled with activity July 21-23. As usual, the event kicked off with the ICAST Cup bass tournament at nearby Lake Toho, and the renowned big-bass factory did not disappoint. In a short four-hour tournament, the winning team weighed a tournament-record 25-pound, 7-ounce five-fish limit. But most of the action went on indoors. The annual ICAST New Product Showcase is an event the fishing world eagerly awaits every year. It is the venue where industry heavyweights and innovative newcomers roll out their best new gear for the year to come. This year, 686 new products were entered by 218 companies to compete for Best of Category awards in 30 different categories. From rods, reels and lures to apparel, electronics, gadgets and accessories, the New Product Showcase is gear-head heaven. The Angler Video Mag team was on-hand at ICAST 2021 to cover the show and give you a first-hand look at some of the cool and innovative products that will make you a better angler this year.
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NATIONAL 7
Live Bait Snook on South Florida Beaches
H
ere on Florida’s East Coast, we have access to some of the most exciting shore-based fishing there is. From spring, through summer and into fall, big snook run the beaches of South Florida, and they can be caught from the sand with lures and even sight fished with flies. I am a lure fisherman, and everyone knows it, but fishing with artificials can be difficult during the doldrums of late summer and fall. The Atlantic Ocean is flatter and big snook become wary. The fish are still here; what are we to do? Here’s a pretty simple technique that will catch snook when the fishing gets tough. The hottest bait this time of year is live croakers. Croakers are catching so many snook right now that the local bait shops here in the Stuart, Fla. area sell out as soon as they get a shipment. With the artificial bite kind of drying up, my friend and occasional fishing buddy, Mike Vars, showed me how to catch big snook on live bait. Mike buys a dozen croakers when he can get them. All you need to keep them alive for a couple days is a round bucket with an aerator. Good baitsized croakers are 5 to 8 inches, anything larger might catch a big snook, but they are harder to fish. Mike uses a 3 or 4 size circle hook and hooks his croakers through the nostrils so they can
8 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2021
By Richard L. Matteson
swim freely. Some anglers prefer to hook them through the tail. Since the tactic involves free-lining, with no weight, casts should be just past the trough on a high tide, which is about 20 feet here. Then open the spool and let that croaker run. On low tide, it might be necessary to wade past the trough and cast farther out. Mike uses a 60-lb. leader and 20-lb. braid on a spinning reel. Before the snook takes the bait, the croaker will often wiggle excitedly—this is a signal you are about to get bit. When the line suddenly starts moving fast, it means a snook has your croaker. Let her have the bait for a few seconds, and then begin reeling steadily so the circle hook lodges in the corner of her mouth. Mike Vars with a nice beach snook Mike averages three or four big female snook caught on live bait. each trip with this method. He has caught several over-slot snook, with the biggest measuring about 40 inches. Florida’s Atlantic Coast. You’re allowed one per day If you want to catch your own bait, use a between 28 and 32 inches. sabiki rig and tip hooks with a small piece of Richard Matteson writes for the Stuart Rod & shrimp. Or fish the trough with light tackle and a Reel Club and he is a long-time contributor small piece of shrimp. to Coastal Angler Magazine. Sept. 1 marks open season for snook on
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The Mullet Run Is On! By CAM Staff
I
t’s that time of year again when the lowly mullet becomes a primary target of interest for Florida anglers. Over the next few weeks and months, mullet in untold numbers will migrate out of the estuaries and run down the coast to their spawning grounds off South Florida. The mullet run is on, and it has switched on the predatory drive of almost every fish in the ocean. From the beach, or on a jetty, pier, bridge or boat, anglers who encounter fish feeding in huge schools of mullet are in for a treat. These intrepid little pilgrims have made their way south from as far up as the Carolinas, and it’s a good thing they come in numbers, because a whole lot of them get gobbled up along the way. Snook, tarpon, flounder, redfish, sharks, bluefish, jacks, Spanish mackerel,
2 FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 2021
ladyfish… they all answer the dinner bell when mullet are balled up. To find the fish, you must find the bait. Young finger mullet make an easy meal when large schools of them are pinned against a jetty or are caught out in the open by predators running the beaches. Live or dead mullet are the obvious baits to fish if you’ve got time to throw a net, but don’t get caught cast-netting when there is a frenzy going on. A plug or soft-plastic will also get hammered when the melee is on. Don’t pass up your window of opportunity when the action is hot. Bait might be heavy in an area one day and gone the next. Anglers with boats can run the beaches in search of diving birds and find fish blowing up on top. Seawalls, rocky shorelines and other obstruction to the southward migration can serve as ambush points or corrals where baitfish are pinned in. Any structure that steers schools of mullet into a predictable path can turn into a killing ground. Shore-bound anglers must rely on good intel or just show up and hope to get lucky. Some prefer to pick a place that has been productive in the past and return frequently to catch it when it’s right. Others have a list of likely locations and eat up the road in search of activity. It’s the time of year when your gear should remain rigged and ready in the back of the truck. A good network of fishing buddies is worth its weight in tarpon during the run. Sharing good information on locations and the southward progression of bait is a two-way street. Take care of someone else, and they will likely take care of you. This time of year is a great time to be on the water. Temperatures are beginning to cool, most of the tourists have gone home, and thick waves of baitfish are there to be found, running the coastline with big predators in hot pursuit. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.
A
Fall
Transition Pay Attention to Detail By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
s fall approaches, fish patterns change. By understanding the habits of fish, you can target them with confidence. Spring fry have matured in the marsh and are ready to move into open water. Knowing the timing, tides and location of this migration can lead to great action. I recently tried a new area. It’s a place I really hadn’t heard anything about. I planned to target reds, since satellite imagery suggested it should be favorable. This area had a long meandering bayou that emptied into a small lake, which ranged in depth from 1 to 3 feet. I was at the top of a chain of lakes and marsh, so this particular drain would see the first of the baitfish and shrimp exiting their summer home. Targeting the inland-most marshes and bayous early in the season will be the most productive. Follow the bait and schools of fish out as the season advances. Although the reds were there, they were only 12 inches long, and the trout were smaller. They were gorging on shad and shrimp as tide poured out of the bayou into the lake. Once I noticed flounder busting completely out of the water attacking the schools of shad, I quickly changed my retrieve. I had been working my soft-plastic swimbait high in the water column to keep it in the bait balls. When I saw those flounder, I immediately lowered my rod tip and began vigorously twitching my rod down and to the side to make the jig head hit the mud bottom hard. Kicking up clouds of silt attracts flatfish. I started landing flounder immediately with the new retrieve. It was obvious they were aggressive since they were going airborne to feed on shad. This is why I worked the lure hard and fast, unlike a traditional flounder retrieve. I’m not sure how many I caught, released and lost, but it was well into double digits. The most productive color was white or pearl to mimic shad. Since they were attacking schools of bait, I tied on a tandem rig using the same lures. I think the presentation looked more like the schools of baitfish they were targeting. I rigged my second lure so it would look more natural floating above the first jig-head swimbait, which was bouncing on the bottom. This increased my strikes. Paying attention to the details of the location, season and tide, as well as how the fish were feeding all played a huge part in my success. These concepts can be applied in any situation at any time of year. It was not what I expected, but I will take a limit of flounder any day. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures and Controlled Descent Lures. He owns www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
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Mark Twain said it best when he said, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.” Mark Twain said it best when he said, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.”
RR DD
WELCOME WELCOME ABOARD! ABOARD!
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Jeremy Russell & Elizabeth Kempski Jeremy Russell & Elizabeth Kempski Pensacola/Destin Co-Publishers Pensacola/Destin Co-Publishers
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Corporate wants to hear from you! Corporate wants of toyou hearand from you! Share pictures your Share pictures of trade you and yourand team at boat shows, shows team at boat shows, trade shows and tournaments. Tell us your best selling tournaments. Tellstories us yourabout best selling tactics and tips, your tactics and tips, stories about distribution and whatever has your been distribution been working forand you.whatever Send an has email to working for you. Send an email to info@coastalanglermagazine.com, info@coastalanglermagazine.com, and we’ll share them here. and we’ll share them here.
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D Pensacola/Destin A st Pensacola/Destin ABO A Welcome to our 1 edition! ABO Edition Edition Welcome Capt. Jeremy Russell and Capt. Elizabeth Kempski, the new CoABOAR
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Welcome Capt. JeremyofRussell and Capt. Elizabeth Kempski, the new CoPublishers/Franchisees the Destin/Pensacola edition. Publishers/Franchisees of the Destin/Pensacola edition. Capt. Jeremy has lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida for 25 years. He and his Capt. has lived onoperated the Gulf Coast of Florida for 25for years. his familyJeremy have owned and Reel Nock Outfitters overHesixand years. family have ownedasand operatedforReel Nock automation Outfitters for over sixnamed years. Jeremy also works a salesmen a global company Jeremy also worksisasexcited a salesmen Siemens. Jeremy to for a global automation company named Siemens. Jeremy is excited to have the opportunity to revive have the opportunity to revive Coastal Angler Magazine in the Coastal Angler Magazine Destin/Pensacola area. in the Destin/Pensacola area. Capt. Elizabeth Kempski Capt. was bornElizabeth and raisedKempski in the was born and raised the Florida panhandle andinloves Florida panhandle andhas loves everything the area to everything the graduate area hasfrom to offer. A recent offer. A recent graduate from the University of West Florida the University West Florida majoring in of comprehensive majoring inandcomprehensive marketing minoring in marketing andsheminoring in management, has been management, she has been a captain and co-owner at a captain and co-owner at Reel Nock Outfitters for three Reel Nock three years and Outfitters plans to for continue years andcharters. plans to continue After completing new franchisee running Elizabeth is After completing new franchisee running charters. Elizabeth is training, Capt. Elizabeth went fishing looking forward to growing training, Capt. Elizabeth went fishing looking forward growing in the Florida Keys for some wellthe Emerald Coasttoedition to in the Florida wellthe aEmerald Coast edition to deserved R&R.Keys Meatfor onsome the table! be huge resource for other deserved R&R. Meat on the table! be a huge resource for other anglers. anglers.
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destin, FL
September 2021 Tide Chart Provided by
www.USHarbors.com
Sep 2021 ft
1.1 1.0
Date
AM
ft
1
Wed
5:54
0.8
2
Thu
7:04
0.9
AM 3 4
Fri Sat
Low
ft 8:06 9:01
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9:52
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8
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1:17
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12:58
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Sat
1:16
12 12:23
0.9
12:42 14
0.7
15 12:49
Wed0.25:27
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12:30 17
Fri0.38:09
13
16
Sun0.01:55
Mon
2:51
Tue0.14:03 Thu
6:53
18
Sat
9:15
19
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10:14
20
Mon
11:13
21
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1:25
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12:24
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24 25
High
Date
High
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1.0
www.USHarbors.com
Destin (Choctawhatchee Bay, East Pass), FL Nix Point, Perdido Bay, FL - Sep 2021 www.USHarbors.com Sep 2021 1 PM
Wed ft
3 4
Sat
2
Thu
10:06
ft1.0
Fri
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1.0
Sun
6
9:537
Mon
8
0.8 10:43
Wed
9
11:24 1:03 11
Thu
10
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0.9 0.8
12 0.5 3:09 11:56
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ft
Rise
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6:21
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1.1
Moon9:53
ft
Rise
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0.0
6:25
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6:26
7:12
11:24
0.0
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6:28
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7:06
6:29
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0.04:19
8:31 0.17:12 6:24 7:03 6:26 6:11 0.6 12:30 0.3
0.04:18
0.6 Sat
4:00
Sun 7:39 0.5 0.04:57 5:53
8:12
4:05
0.6 0.9
0.21.0 6:59 6:27
16
Thu
9:55
1.1
17
Fri
11:11
1.1
18
Sat
19
Sun
20
Mon
21
Tue
7:05
11:18
8:29
8:38
6:26 8:19
0.7
Wed
9:34
1.0
0.2
6:27
1.1
0.1
1.1
1:02 6:28 2:41
0.5
24
3:29 0.7 26
Fri
25
0.23:23
0.8
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3:41
0.9
Sun
4:10
1.0
0.1
0.5 12:24 27 5:13
0.6 Mon
12:13
6:5229 0.6
Wed
Fri
12:21
0.7
Sat
12:39
0.8
26
Sun
1:08
9:30 0.8
27
Mon
1:48
0.8
28
Tue
2:41
0.8
29
Wed
30
Thu
7:31 6:30
0.9
7:44
6:31 7:30
4:50 0.15:19
0.31.0 6:45 6:31
6:50 0.08:47
0.26:32
Tue 0.5
5:43 7:24
Thu
8:05
0.09:52
10:56
0.0
6:24
7:05 0.1
12:49
0.2 11:50A
0.2
11:10
0.3
1:45
0.2
6:30
7:02
3:29
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6:31
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5:13
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6:31
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6:58
8:19
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9:30
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10:28
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6:54
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11:12
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6:53
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0.1
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6:52
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0.36:3011:356:506:29 0.2 9:18 0.00.6
0.3
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6:47
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6:25
7:11 6:25
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7:08 6:27
0.17:07 6:27 0.0
6:28
0.9
7:02 7:01 7:00 6:58 6:57
6:53 6:52
6:17 3:26 0.00.7 6:309:306:51 0.3
0.23:26 11:10 0.6 7:01 5:21 3:15
0.7
5:19 0.07:05 6:29 6:29 2:15 0.8
Wed Thu
0.0
12:17 7:06 6:28 4:08 0.01.0 6:29 1:16
4:27
PM
7:07 Moon
6:252:47 7:13 0.9 12:42
15
0.21.0 5:07 1.0 1.0
6:32
0.2 0.1
6:33 12:08
0.17:02 6:31 0.2
6:31
0.27:01 6:32 0.37:00 6:32 0.3
6:33
6:58 6:34
6:48 6:47 6:46 6:45 6:43 6:42
6:34 6:57
6:41
0.16:56 6:35
6:38
6:35 6:36
6:37
2:53
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6:38
10:28
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11:12 0.8
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6:34 3:58
0.16:53 6:37
5:03
0.9
0.1
4:49
6:34
6:54 6:52
Moon
6:29
6:39
1:32
0.1
11:42
ft
0.0
Tue
8:19
ft
AM
7:45 1:47 0.01.0 6:23 12:237:06 0.0
14
30
PM
ft
7:13 0.01.0 6:22 Rise Set 12:54
Mon
28 2:19
Low PM
12:03
Tue
0.9 1:4523
0.5
1.0
13
11:50A 22 0.9 0.8
ftLow
8:56 AM
0.9PM5 0.9
AM
6:34 6:33
We do fishing.
Are you reAding this? 11:55
0.9 0.8
0.2
6:35
6:51
11:41 0.2 6:35 6:49 so are potential customers.
0.7
9:30
0.3
10:56
0.3
6:36
6:48
0.6
11:35
0.2
9:18
0.3
6:37
6:47
12:58
0.2
6:37
6:46
2:03 0.2 to reserve 6:38 6:44 Call elizabeth your advertising space! 3:07
0.1
6:38
(850) 499-5685
6:43
Panama City Beach, Destin and Navarre
www.HalfHitch.com
4:19 0.1 6:39 6:42 capt.elizabeth@coastalanglermagazine.com 5:43 2 pensacola
0.1
September 2021
6:39
6:41
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
7:04
0.1
6:40
6:39
8:09
0.1
6:41
6:38
9:00
0.1
6:41
6:37
Fishing forecasts
Don't stop reeling Alex Kendrick Reel Salty www.reelsaltydestin.com
W
ith September creeping upon us and warm water temps in the Gulf pelagic fishing will only get better. The Wahoo bite has already been crazy this season and is only going to get better. Trolling lures 10-15 knots is ideal starting around the 90’ mark. Keep an eye out for weed lines and large patches of grass, you never know what’s below them. Whenever I see grass patches I like to stop and sight fish for Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Triple tail. For Mahi I like to keep a light pitch rod with 20# fluorocarbon and 2/0 Owner circle hook. Live bait works really well on the larger bulls and cut squid works better on the smaller chicken dolphins. If lures are your thing I prefer Yozuri Crystal Minnows and honestly color doesn’t matter. Pitch around the weed lines or patches and look deeper down for the bigger Mahi. As for Tuna with all the chumming going on, I like to send down a vertical jig on 60#-80# test at least 100’ below the boat. Working your jig through the water column is a good way to fire up any kind of fish that may be lurking around in the shadows. If you have a large diamond jig I’d put some heavy wire in front of it for a chance at a wahoo. Triple Tail are amazing fish on light tackle and I recommend 15#-20# fluorocarbon and #2 Owner hook. Live shrimp work really well along with small cuts of squid. If bottom fishing is your go to joy Vermillion snappers, Groupers, and Rock salmon is my target. For Vermillion snappers I like using a 2-3 hook chicken rig mixed with cut squid and Boston mackerel. Let your weight sit right on the bottom and wait for those 2-3 light bites. Rock salmon and Groupers like to hide out in the rocks and caves, so a slip lead is what I like to use. Heavier leader line for Groupers and larger baits close to the bottom. Feel the bite and start cranking. The first 20’-30’ are the most important so DON’T STOP reeling. When it comes to offshore fishing don’t give up. There’s a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works best for you and as always keep your lines out and keep them tight.
Bowfishing rod and reel fishing • trips to craB island
plan your next fishing adventure in Beautiful
destin, florida! Call or text 850-528-9212 www.reelnockoutfitters.org www.facebook.com/reelnockoutfitters
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september 2021
pensacola 3
Fishing Charters
Book your trip now! Alex Kendrick
Lionel James
Reel Salty
Lion’s Tale Adventures
Extreme saltwater fishing in Destin Luxury charter including full bathroom, seating area, cabin, and kitchen
Inshore fishing in the Choctawhatchee Bay Nearshore fishing along the beaches Offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
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Chris Kirby
Preston Muller
Charter Boat Backlash
Gulf Angler Charters
Offshore charters in Destin
Deep sea and bay fishing in Destin
destinoffshorecharters.com
www.destinfishingcharters.biz
matt miller
Mike Smith (Smitty)
Shore fishing adventure along Navarre's beaches
Shore fishing adventure along Navarre's beaches
www.millerfishingcharters.com
smittyssurffishing.com
miller fishing company
Smitty’s Surf FIshing
fall fishing heats up in the panhandle
W
Captain Preston Gulf-Angler Charters 850-428-0118
ith the heat behind us here in the panhandle, we look forward to cool mornings and hot fishing as the seasons change. September is a transition month for our charter company. We are switching gears from the daily red snapper and bottom fishing grind to jigging for amberjack and searching for the fall smoker kings. September is also a great time for many members in our community to do some scouting in preparation for the annual Destin fishing rodeo. Fishing in September is usually very good here in Destin. Vermillion snapper over live bottom and amberjack over the steel is a typical staple for Destin locals and charter guests alike. Triggerfish is another favorite in September and highly regarded as one of the best table fair of the reef species. Keep a flat line out while bottom fishing as there is a great chance a big king mackerel is nearby! Big, live herring work well for king bait. One of our favorite things to do with our customers in September is to fish for Amberjack with artificial. Butterfly jigs and hybrid sinkers are our favorites to use with customers as well as some homemade clouts with a good strong hook! For all your fall tackle and gear check out our friends at Emerald Coast Tackle or Half Hitch Tackle! Happy September Fishing!
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september 2021
pensacola 5
2nd Location in Freeport coming in 2022
• Custom Electronics/Rigging Installation • Yamaha Outboard Service/Sales/Parts/Warranty Center • New and Used Boat Sales 646 Harbor Blvd., Destin, FL 32541 | (850) 837-9306 theshipschandler.com | info@theshipschandler.com
Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder, and Cobia Boats
The redfish start running Capt. Lionel Instagram @lionstaleadventures YouTube.com/ lionstaleadventures
Y
ou could almost say summer is over, as teachers begin to prepare the class room for the kids to return to school. But that doesn’t mean the fishing is over; contrary fishing is onlythegoing to get Dear valued client:onOurthe primary goal is tothe develop and execute best-looking andbetter. most effective ad possible for your business. We seek your cooperation and understanding in this critical As we begin to settle into fall, so do the giant Redfish. The month of so the 3rd proof is the final proof.We sincerely value and appreciate your business. phase of proofing your ad. Please give us all your comments/corrections and copy changes September the Redfish start to school up in preparation for their October spawn. At this time they are feeding heavily on live baits such cigar minnows, thread fins, croakers, and pinfish. PROOF: Emailed to rep Where do you find these fish? In the Destin area the redfish that are commonly caught on the beach begin to move into the bay, this also goes for the entire Emerald ST 04/06/21 X Coast. X During this movement you can find these Redfish on our jetties, bridges and or in the middle of the bay chasing bait to the surface. JH 04/14/21 The best time to catch these redfish is anytime you can go out. However, if you wantSubsequent to be more precise, a falling Proofs will be (outgoing) tide, historically has always providedbilled the best bite per this time of year. There are plenty of apps and you could at $25 proof. I wish you ladies and gents the best of luck! Dont forget to tag me on always google the tides for the day to plan accordingly. Reminder that Redfish are mature at 27 inches and carefully releasing Instagram @lionstaleadventures with all your catches and check me out these fish so that they can reproduce will keep our fishery strong and healthy. on Youtube for all my tips and tricks to catch these fish. YouTube.com/ This time of year is a really good time to catch your personal best redfish. lionstaleadventures.. Often times these schools of redfish will hold Bull Redfish weighing over 30lbs.
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September 2021
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Perdido Bay, FL September 2021 Tide Chart
Provided by
ep 2021 ft
www.USHarbors.com Nix Point, Perdido Bay, FL Sep 2021 www.USHarbors.com
Nix Point, Perdido Bay, FL - Sep 2021 Date
AM
ft
1
Wed
8:56
1.0
2
Thu
10:06
1.0
AM 3 4
Fri Sat
Low
ft11:08
9
Thu
4:19
10
Fri
4:00
11
Sat
4:18
0.9
1.0
12 12:23
Sun
0.04:57
1.0
0.9
12:42 14
Tue0.17:05
1.1
0.7
15 12:49
0.6
12:30 17
11:24 4:05 11
9:55
Fri0.3 11:11
1.0
Sun
1:47 10:43 9
Wed
0.28:29
11:08
Wed
2:47 10
Wed
10:06
Fri
12:54
8
1.0
Sat
8
5:53
Thu
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Welcome to
Perdido Marine Supply Your Authorized deAler
11:41 0.2 6:35 6:49 so are potential customers.
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2:03 0.2 to 6:38 Call elizabeth reserve6:44 your advertising space! 3:07
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(850) 499-5685
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4:19 0.1 6:39 6:42 capt.elizabeth@coastalanglermagazine.com 5:43 10 pensacola
0.1
September 2021
6:39
marine equipment, supplies, trolling motor repairs, and much more!
(850) 361-1191
12490 Gulf beAch hWY. PensAcolA, fl
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offshore adventures Capt. Mason O'Daniel Pensacola Fishing Co. 850.733.7436 www.pensacolafishingco.com Social @pensacolafishingco
Hi friends,
W
e are excited to chase some Blackfin this month! September provides Emerald Coast Anglers a great opportunity to get on this highly desired species. Typically caught further out, we expect to see these Tuna chasing bait in the 1-3 mile range from shore. We will be trolling or looking for busting bait and throwing poppers to snag these guys! Believe it or not, Sailfish will also make their way closer to the beach in September. Although not an everyday catch, we will be on the lookout, and ready with Ballyhoo and Squid Chains. The rigs, wrecks, and Reef will keep our charter guests plenty busy catching their limits of Trigger, Vermillion Snapper, and Amberjack. In the Bay, we will be sight fishing for Redfish in the flats, scouting docks, and putting in a little time at the Jetties. We will be using live shrimp, Menhaden, or Bull Minnows to get some action inshore. Until next month, keep fishing and get ready for Flounder season to come as we get closer to the Fall season!
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
september 2021
pensacola 11
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Matt Miller Miller Fishing Company 850-501-5016 www.millerfishingcharters.com
12 pensacola
September 2021
www.bluecoraltowers.com 3202 Barrancas Ave., Pensacola, Fl 32507
H
ey y’all , I’m Captain Matt Miller, life long resident of Pensacola Florida, I’ve been guiding for 7 years now, been working on charter boats since I was 15 years old , I’m 30 now and own 4 charter boats currently , the fishing here in the panhandle has been red hot, near shore we have been on the trigger fish, mingo or vermillion snapper, we used "high and low" rigs and light Carolina rigs - 20 to 40lb fluorocarbon with a 3x 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook, with fresh squid or small live pilchards in 50 to 100ft of water, 20-50 offshore we have been on the Amberjack, Gag Grouper, Scamp Grouper while bottom fishing , using heavier “high low“ rigs , single dropper loop rigs & Carolina rigs. 80 to 130lb fluorocarbon, 8/0 - 10/0 3x circle hook , The best bite has been between 190 to 250ft , if any deeper the sharks have been bad. Trolling has been great , shallow the slower boats have been high speed trolling on the way out and in, catching king mackerel , wahoo , bonito & occasional blackfin tunas , or out deep for pelagics , yellowfin tuna , wahoo , mahi & billfish have been on the fads, trolling a spread of ballyhoo under a skirt will get a bite out of any of them. The inshore bite has been hit or miss, lots of rain this month so it makes the bay very fresh and muddy - historically not great for bay fishing , but if you are looking for sharks the bays and pass’ are loaded up with them. As always , tight lines and calm seas!
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
pensacola, FL September 2021 Tide Chart
Provided by
Nix Point, Perdido Bay, FL - Sep 2021 High
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www.USHarbors.com Nix Point, Perdido Bay, FL Sep 2021 www.USHarbors.com
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11:55 0.2 AUTO 6:35 6:51 YOUR HOMETOWN DEALERSHIP
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5724 U.S. 90 Milton, 32583 Fri 3:23 FL0.9 www.facebook.com/eddieenglishcompany https://eddie-english-co-inc.business.site Sat 3:41 0.9
Sat
ft8:39
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0.8
(850) 623-4353 Thu 3:15 0.8
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2:15
Quotes are always free.
ft
1
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Owned and operated locally for 25 years
AM
High
Date
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Date
1
9
www.U
petemoore.com
103 New Warrington Road Pensacola, Florida | (850) 456-7000
september 2021
pensacola 13
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Sit back and catch more buSineSS.
advertiSe in
contact elizabeth
(850) 499-5685 capt.elizabeth@ coastalanglermagazine.com
return of the pompano Mike Smith Smitty's Surf Fishing www.smittyssurffishing.com @SmittysSurfFishing
14 pensacola
September 2021
T
he good news is the hunt for clean water will soon be over for surf fishermen along the gulf coast. That’s right, gone will be the days of loading and unloading your gear only to be disappointed by the amount of sargassum and June grass in the water. September is here, and your usual spots should be clean and ready to fish. As the water temperatures start to cool in the latter part of the month, pompano will slowly begin to make their way back to the beaches in more significant numbers. The best way to target these fish is with small pieces of FishGum© or FishBites© on the standard double drop rig tipped with peeled shrimp. This same rig will also catch some nice whiting, as they have been pretty thick close to the beach. However, if you want to have some fun, you can hit the beach at sunrise with a small 7’ rod and a 2500 series reel spooled with 10lb braid and the old banana jig with a teaser. Pompano will be just off the shore foraging for clams and sandfleas. Cast just past the breakers and slowly jig it off the bottom, then get ready to yank ‘em in! Spanish mackerel and bluefish are still schooled up close to shore first thing in the morning. These toothy critters are a lot of fun on light tackle, but you need to make sure you’re rigged appropriately to land them. Take the same rod you used for the pompano jig and add a 30-40lb mono leader. Tie on a 1-2 oz casting spoon, diamond jig, or Gotcha© plug. The heavy mono will act as bite protection. Now send it as far out as you can and rip it back, then get ready to yank ‘em in! Lastly, sharks have been abundant all summer, and September will be no different. This is where all those hardtails and ladyfish come in handy. Although if using ladyfish, I prefer to use them fresh as they don’t keep well frozen. Heads seem to be the best bait, attached to a 5/0 – 7/0 hook. I like to use a short 7–10-inch piece of 80lb wire connected to roughly 8’ of 100lb mono leader with a sliding sinker attachment. This rig is easily castable and is perfect for those cruising sharks looking for a quick meal. Until next month, may your lines be tight and coolers be full.
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Savanna Wal den - Santa Rosa Sound
tty's Provided bydeSmi vice er S ui G Fishing
Provided by Smitty's Fishing Guide Service
Provi Fishingded by Smitty's Guide Se rvice stin Kyle Williamson - De
- Pensacola Bay Hunter Lewis
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downsize ky fish to shot. My th a hook
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Re-Discover Old Florida
Waterfront Charm
The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.
Drop Shot Gear A drop shot is a finesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with.
TIPS FROM A PRO
to warm h tend to
DROP SHOT WHEN THE BITE IS TOUGH
T
TYLER WOOLCOTT
he end of summer is here, and the fishing is a little tough. From fishing pressure through the summer to warm water temps, this time of year can be a grind at times. Fish tend to get a little lock-jawed, and this can be really frustrating. When this scenario presents itself, I pull out a spinning rod, downsize my line and bait, and slow down my presentation to get finicky fish to eat. One of my favorite techniques this time of year is a drop shot. My drop shot rig consists of a weight tied to the end of the line with a hook and soft plastic tied in about 12 to 18 inches above the weight. There are two styles of baits I like to drop shot. One of them is a finesse-style worm like the 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Ultra Thin 4.5’ worm. I like a worm on my drop shot when I’m targeting largemouth, especially in Southern states. These fish are usually feeding on a little bit larger forage, and the finesse worm is a perfect fit. Rig this worm on a 1/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight hook with a 1/4or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight for the perfect presentation. The other soft plastic I like on a drop shot is a small baitfish imitator. The 13 Fishing Vertigo Minnow gets a ton of bites. When you find fish chasing small baitfish or you’re up north where there are smallmouth bass, this style of soft plastic gets the job done. Rig it on a Hayabusa DSR132 #1 hook with a ¼ or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight, as well.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. R E S E RV E Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.Y
OUR
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I like to keep things simple when it comes to colors. With finicky fish, you want your bait to look as natural as possible. I match colors to the forage in the lake. When throwing the finesse worm, my favorite colors are the green pumpkins and even pinkish colors like a morning dawn. With the baitfish, I stick to white and pearl or your green pumpkin and brown. A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.
P
Drop Shot Gear A drop shot is a finesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP Tim Barefoot
Y
es, everyone wants to catch a grouper, or three, but you should be prepared— tackle-wise—to come home with “the groceries.” One way to accomplish this is to keep a beeliner/triggerfish rig ready on a rod and to have someone willing to use it when you get on the right mark. Not all big stacks of bait on the recorder are beeliners and triggerfish, but get accustomed to it and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at. The bigger species of the reef complex tend hang out under a big stack of bait, like cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. But the truth of the matter is, what you might be looking for is near the top of the stack. For example, the larger beeliners might sometimes be the first taps you get on your jig as it drops toward the bottom. When I’m grouper fishing, I fish a revolving spool reel rather than a spinning reel for several reasons. The main reason is so I can feel the bait as it drops. If you feel the bait on the jig getting tapped on the way down, understand that you’re in beeliners, triggers and/or American reds. At that point, it’s up to you to capitalize or just continue to grouper fish for grouper only. If you choose to do it, you can load up on some pretty tasty groceries by sizing down your tackle.
T H E
P E R F E C T
I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. Check out videos on rigging and using doublecircle-hook tackle at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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F L O R I D A
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP
Y
Tim Barefoot
es, everyone wants to catch a grouper, or three, but you should be prepared—tackle-wise—to come home with “the groceries.” One way to accomplish this is to keep a beeliner/triggerfish rig ready on a rod and to have someone willing to use it when you get on the right mark. Not all big stacks of bait on the recorder are beeliners and triggerfish, but get accustomed to it and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at. The bigger species of the reef complex tend hang out under a big stack of bait, like cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. But the truth of the matter is, what you might be looking for is near the top of the stack. For example, the larger beeliners might sometimes be the first taps you get on your jig as it drops toward the bottom. When I’m grouper fishing, I fish a revolving spool reel rather than a spinning reel for several reasons. The main reason is so I can feel the bait as it drops. If you feel the bait on the jig getting tapped on the way down, understand that you’re in beeliners, triggers and/or American reds. At that point, it’s up to you to capitalize or just continue to grouper fish for grouper only. If you choose to do it, you can load up on some pretty tasty groceries by sizing down your tackle. I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. Check out videos on rigging and using doublecircle-hook tackle at barefootcatsandtackle.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COMSEPTEMBER JUNE 2020 2021
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he recreational harvest of greater amberjack and gray triggerfish opened in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters in August. Greater amberjack is scheduled to remain open through Oct. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters. Gray triggerfish is scheduled to remain open through Dec. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, but an early quota closure is possible for either species. The bag limit for amberjack is one per person, per day, with a minimum length of 34 inches fork length. The bag limit for triggerfish is one per person, per day, with a minimum length of 15 inches fork length. If you plan to fish for amberjack or gray triggerfish anywhere in Florida state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
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“A
iyeeeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeee!” The shout sounded Cajun, or perhaps like the intro to a mariachi tune. Either way, it amplified the chaos on deck. Three rods were bent. Two anglers scrambled to uncross lines screaming off reels. A third angler dove to wrap an arm around the 10-year-old who held a death grip on rod number three. It was a tossup as to whether the kid would lose the rod or be yanked overboard into a very active chum slick. The whole scene unraveled when a 10-foot tiger shark rose to the surface. It smashed the boy’s cobia straight through the surface, blowing up close enough to drench us, maybe 15 feet off the stern. There was stunned silence, then... “Ayeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeeee!” our captain hollered. “I love chaos!” Man, what a trip. It was a lot more than my two brothers and I expected upon reconnecting with a childhood friend in Bluffton, South Carolina. Our captain, Keene Reese, is a successful real estate agent with Ussery Group, Charter One Realty in the Lowcountry. He is also a very fishy dude. In mid-June, he invited us—along with my 10-year-old son— on a 20-mile ride offshore, where cobia were thick on a well-known wreck. With a beautiful chum slick snaking off the stern of Reese’s 25’ Regulator “Copacetic,” it didn’t take 10 minutes for “brownies” to start showing on the surface. There was no need for down-lines that day. All the action was on top, visible and simple. Pitch a live menhaden on a freeline, and a cobia would take it before you reached the rod holder. Over the course of a few hours, we boated well over a dozen cobia,
although the action came in such crazy spurts that no one could keep count. The thing is, we only landed four fish longer than the 36-inch minimum. That’s good news, according to Mel Bell, the director of Fisheries Management with South Carolina DNR. For decades, South Carolina was famous for its inshore cobia runs. May is the peak of a spawning run that once saw scads of cobia pushing into Port Royal Sound, Calibogue Sound, St. Helena Sound and the Broad River. Bell said boats lined up to target big eggbearing females before they could reproduce. The fishery collapsed. “We were in a bad place in 2016,” Bell said. “The numbers were scary. Even the anglers were telling us we had to do something.” While overall Atlantic cobia stocks are in good shape, according to the latest assessment, Bell said sound-spawners in South Carolina are a distinct “sub-population.” The Southern Cobia Management Zone was formed in 2016 to protect these inshore-spawning fish. The zone stretches from Jeremy Inlet on Edisto Island, S.C. south to the Georgia border. It extends three miles offshore, and within this zone there is a one fish per person, three per boat daily limit—except in May, when cobia harvest is closed. The limit in federal waters is one per person, six per boat. The minimum length is 36 inches, which brings us back to all the short fish. Bell said South Carolina DNR isn’t ready to release hard data. However, he’s heard fishermen reporting lots of smaller fish, which are likely the age classes protected since 2016. If anecdotes translate into survey data, it would mean the restrictions are working. Bell said next year might be time to take a close look and see just how well cobia are returning to the sounds. PHOTO BY GILBERT CARTER
By Nick Carter
For more information, go to www.dnr.sc.gov.
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ALL SEASON LONG! T
he approach of autumn doesn’t mean you should fall back on the game! The seasons are changing, but the action isn’t. Fall is nothing more than a second spring. So, spring into action with the Contender series raglan long sleeve shirt. The raglan sleeve construction allows for increased movement, which you will need since the fair weather will liberate you from the sweltering summer heat. Even though the sun is less intense in the fall months, you still need sun protection, and the raglan long sleeve shirt delivers by blocking UVA and UVB rays for all-day protection. In fall, there’s no better time to be out on the water. With fall breezes blowing in, you’ll need to check out our men’s tournament anorak. Featuring a full storm hood and a center placket that provides critical coverage to protect you, you can count on the jacket to comfortably protect you, rain or shine. As the days get shorter, you will need something sturdy like the men’s pro series storm fleece. Designed with spacer-fabric and engineered with air pockets embedded in the fabric that provides insulation and temperature control to keep the piece lightweight, it is the perfect accessory to make your fall epic. No matter the season, GILLZ has you covered. Check out the website: gillz-gear.com
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12 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2021
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THREE WAYS TO TARGET
I
BIG CATS
f you like the feel of really big fish on the end of a line, catfish are a good option. There are several different types, but trophy hunters set their sights on blue and flathead catfish. Both species grow large and can weigh in excess of 100 pounds. For bait, catfish have been caught on just about everything you can think of. But generally, big flatheads are predators and like whole, live, hand-sized bream. Blues like large cut bait like bream, skipjack or carp. Once you’ve got your bait, here are some ideas for how to fish it. Fish a Fan: My favorite technique is to anchor up in a good spot near rocky bottom or structure such as a ledge, river channel or creek bed. I have 14 Driftmaster 255 H Pro Duo rod holders, which I use to put out a fan of baits on Penn Fathom reels and medium to heavy rods. These are spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid. The terminal end is a weight slide on the main line then a swivel and a 3- to 5-foot leader, with a Gamakatsu 8/0 circle hook on the end. These are the rigs I use to fish Cabela’s King Kat tournaments. They are heavy duty because you never know when a 100-pound monster will show up. Back-Trolling: On big rivers, back-trolling can be very effective. Use your trolling motor in reverse to slow
the boat’s drift in the current and present baits to catfish holding on the bottom. Bottom bouncing is Bill Dance’s preferred method on the Mississippi River. It’s also very popular on the Tennessee River. It allows you to keep your bait about a foot off the bottom and bounce it to fish facing upstream. Tie a three-way swivel to a mainline of 40- to 80-lb. braid. On the bottom eye of the swivel, tie in 12 inches of 20-lb. mono drop line and attach a bank sinker. The drop line should be lighter than your main line so you can save the rest of the rig when your sinker gets caught. On the third eye, use a 2- to 3-foot piece of the same line as your main line and attach a 6/0 to 12/0 circle hook, depending on the size of your bait. Drift Fishing: Drift fishing is very popular on big lakes like Santee Cooper in South Carolina. On windy days, set all your rods on one side of the boat with weights that will slide along the bottom. Pencil, Lindy and slinky sinkers all work well for this. If the wind pushes the boat too fast, deploy driftsocks to slow the boat. If you don’t have driftsocks, 5-gallon buckets work in a pinch. Gary Turner is a long-time contributor to The Angler and Coastal Angler Magazine. Contact him at gary@purgeright.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
NATIONAL 13
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nsetta Boatworks has always aimed to “continuously challenge the standards of an average catamaran” by setting the bar high for performance, stability and safety. Insetta’s IFC system (Internal Foil Catamaran) not only increases cruising speed and handling and stability, it also provides the boat with better acceleration and better fuel efficiency by 20 to 40 percent, meaning “20 to 40 percent farther cruise range.” Last spring, their commitment to being “the best-performing center console sportfish boat in its class by way of the hull design, cruise speed and best miles per gallon” expanded to the anchoring system on the new 35’ Internal Foil Catamaran. They installed an E-Z Anchor Puller Patriot EZ-3 drum anchor winch. The Georgia-based, fiberglass original equipment manufacturer excitedly announced in an April 23 Facebook post that they were “extremely impressed with the performance and reliability” of the installation, posting the maiden voyage of their demo boat on social media as well as writing about it on their official blog. “We kept it simple on Hull #2 with the Patriot by E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. and have really enjoyed using it,” they wrote. In another Facebook post from July, they wrote: “[It] takes up [approximately] 3 cubic feet and holds 560’ of chain, rope and dyneema.” Utilizing the Patriot series, Insetta’s boats are equipped with a complete 316 stainless steel unit, much like their commitment to use this corrosionresistant, marine-grade metal wherever applicable during the construction of their own vessels. Insetta has instilled a standard of transparency in their day-to-day processes as well, encouraging factory visits and taking a sales-
team approach to the buying process by giving customers a single point of contact for each buying experience. “The highest quality materials and best workmanship possible are paired to produce the finest boats on the market. From the first drawing to final installation, the Insetta design and construction teams ensure the final boat can withstand the rigors and stripes in adverse conditions.” - Insetta Boats, insetta.com
About the Patriot Series The Patriot series is the perfect shallow coastal saltwater anchoring solution for center consoles and sportfishing boats. With three sizes, the Patriot spools rope capacities from 1/2” nylon down to 1/4” dyneema. Completely 316 stainless steel components make the Patriot the ultimate saltwater anchoring solution. Engineered to evenly spool anchor rope, these units deploy and retrieve at an average 100-feet-per-minute. Call 1.800.800.1640 or visit ezanchorpuller.com for more information.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Sizzling Hot Deals From Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event is finally here! It’s time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for a sizzling hot deal on the Ultimate Outboard Motor. You can get Low-Rate Financing on the all new DF140BG with Drive by Wire Technology, or our Flagship DF350. Get all the details at your participating Suzuki Marine Dealer.
REPOWER FINANCE
YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†
REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †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. The Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.
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