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STREAMERS FOR
FALL TROPHY
BROWNS
O
By Jacob Milholland
ctober is a special month in the mountains. Autumn colors and cooler weather signal it’s time to head back to trout water. Hunting a trophy brown trout is what fall is all about. These fish can be caught nymphing a big stonefly or drifting an October caddis, but the old adage, “big bait, big fish,” holds true. Streamer fishing is a surefire way to try and target these old brutes. Streamers are flies that imitate forage such as baitfish, crawfish, sculpin, other trout or even mice. While the common way to fish a streamer is to enact action by “stripping” or pulling the fly line, streamers can be dead drifted, jigged or swung. There is no wrong way to fish streamers, but the goal is to make the fly look like the real thing. Equipment: We fish heavier rods, tippets and leaders, as we are targeting larger fish. The flies are more wind resistant or heavily weighted, and the strikes can be more aggressive. Think 5 to 8 weights and 8 to 20-pound fluorocarbon tippet/leader. A misconception of streamer fishing is that it must be done from a boat on a large river. While a boat is nice for covering ground, wading anglers can adapt these tactics to any size body of water. If you have the option to fish from a boat, multiple rods with different rate-of-fall (ROF) sinking fly lines should be in your arsenal to probe different depths: floating, intermediate (falls at one foot per second), and ROF-6 (falls at six inches per second). Fly Selection: Ask anyone what they throw, and you’ll get a different answer. It’s hard to go wrong with Woolly Bugger variations—like Sparkle Minnows or Bow River Buggers—any Kelly Galloup pattern or Clouser minnows to start out. Pick staple colors that allow you to adjust to conditions: white, black, bold (yellow or chartreuse) and flashy. Big fish drop their guard in nasty weather, and these can result in the best days on the water. Tactics: Brown trout ambush their prey, so look for places adjacent to current where fish can sit without expending too much energy. Covering water is paramount to success with a streamer. Likely holding water can produce results immediately, so don’t spend too much time in one spot. You are hunting the largest fish willing to eat the fly, not trying to force inactive fish to feed. Vary your retrieve; sometimes jigging or dead drifting can be better than a strip, or slower or faster retrieves may get a fish to react. Mental fortitude is just as important as the where and how. You can go hours or even days without seeing a fish follow the fly, but the magic of streamer fishing lies in the take of the fly and the caliber of fish. Jacob Milholland fishes with Cohutta Fishing Company in Blue Ridge, Ga. Check them out at www.cohuttafishingco.com or call (706) 946-3044.
4 NATIONAL
OCTOBER 2021
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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
I
t seems even the most remote waterways are becoming more crowded every year. More boats can lead to some extremely dangerous situations when boaters exhibit a lack of respect for the water, and it’s pretty easy to identify those who should not be allowed to operate a boat. But there are also people who create frustrating situations, particularly while fishing, who might just be unaware of certain etiquette. It is unique to the Southeastern United States to have access to such vastly diverse fisheries within a relatively small area. It is fortunate boat owners can easily travel to a new and different fishery and bring their own vessel with them. However, just as you don’t have to travel far before the fishery changes, the same applies to local fishing etiquette. Some of the unspoken rules will apply no matter where you are, but it is generally a good idea to check in with local knowledge and identify the local vhf channel before launching your boat somewhere new. While nobody owns the water, commercial and charter fishing captains generally operate with respect for each other to make sharing the fishery feasible and pleasant. When pleasure boaters don’t understand or don’t respect local etiquette, it disrupts fishing enough to affect the people who are trying to make a living on the water. As a general rule, try to stay away from other boats as much as possible. If you have to maneuver around or fish near another boat, be respectful of the type of fishing they are doing. If a vessel is anchored, they will generally be fishing off the back of the boat, often running a chum slick, which means you should avoid driving behind them. If a boat is anchored
offshore, in an area that you are unfamiliar with, they are probably fishing coordinates that took them years of hard work to acquire. You should absolutely not anchor near them,
nor should you drive next to them to mark their location. If you are offshore hunting for fish that appear under flocks of diving birds, look for a flock that isn’t currently being worked by another fisherman. These birds are moving around over fish that are traveling, and moving in can cause the boat that got to the birds first to be cut off from the school of fish. The ocean is vast and birds are plentiful, look for birds on your own, not just an easy-to-spot boat under birds. Overcrowded fishing areas, that don’t operate under anchor, follow certain traffic patterns. These patterned drifts or trolls should be observed and followed just like any roadway. The Marathon Humps, for example, should be trolled east to west, and west to east. Fishing oil rigs in the northern Gulf of Mexico can be made extremely difficult by poor etiquette, as locations are limited and can be made even more limited due to weather. Places like this rely heavily on unspoken rules of the road, and respect. These areas are primarily fished in two different ways: live bait and chum drifts. Charter boats take the time to catch live bait before making it out there, which can be time consuming and difficult. If there are fish on the surface, and someone nearby starts a chum drift, this pushes the surface fish down deep, where the fish will no longer be eating the hard-earned live bait. This is horrible etiquette that rewards lazy and ignorant fishermen. If you show up to a rig without live bait and see other boats using it, with fish clearly on the surface, you should probably just troll lures until other people start a chum drift. Learn and respect the local etiquette anywhere you get your boat wet. There’s no reason we can’t all catch fish, be safe and have fun doing it.
Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Blue Magic Charters in Marathon, Florida Keys. Check her out at CaptainQuinlyn.com, @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.
able is cted of e skin.
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OCTOBER 2021
NATIONAL 7
WHEN TEMPS COOL DOWN, THE GROUPER BITE HEATS UP
I
’m going to date myself here, but what is about to happen will come as no surprise to me. This is time of year I live for. You see, I’ve been watching this beautiful cycle happen with grouper for almost four decades now. As soon as the mullet run slows, and the vast schools of cigar minnows (cigs) and sardines drift inshore, so do the larger (male) gag grouper. This generally occurs around the middle of October. The scamp bite will be hard and fast during this same time in deeper water. I started my grouper fishing career with heavy electric and hydraulic commercial reels and eventually switched over to Elec-Tra-Mates and Precision Auto Reels, but now I’ve gone full circle to lighter (heavyduty) level-wind reels with braided line and ultra stealth terminal tackle to stay ahead of the mental evolution of grouper and large snapper. You see, back in the day when there were so many grouper, it was a competitive atmosphere on the bottom. The first bait to the bottom used to catch the biggest red snapper or gag, even using monofilament leader, but
Tim Barefoot
sardines are by far the best choice for instant bites, but the problem with them is everything down there gives them a whack. Fishing a bait that eliminates everything but large black sea bass, large snapper and grouper helps weed through the smaller fish to find the big male grouper you’re looking for. Live pinfish, sailors
now it’s just not that way. I haven’t cleaned hundreds of grouper… I’ve cleaned thousands of them before selling them, and I’m always curious about what they were eating. One common denominator in gags and red grouper, but not as many scamp grouper, are the small red crabs that are obviously plentiful on live bottom.
This is what prompted me to experiment with crab jigs. I made my first batch of Crab Decoy Jigs over a decade ago and quickly realized they out-fish any other bottom rig I’ve ever used. I tie them in with red braided line and a short piece of fluorocarbon leader tied in a loop knot. Then I sweeten the pot with a live bait. Bait selection is important. Live cigs and
choice grunts, grass grunts and tomtate grunts all work. I like to fish big stacks of beeliners, and that makes beeliners one of my alltime favorite baits. I fish them live or butterflied on a Crab Decoy Jig. The older, wiser males are growing increasingly tackle shy, so shed all the useless terminal tackle and scale down to “clean” heavyduty tackle that can fool ole big boy into biting. For video with detailed instructions on fishing Tim Barefoot’s rigs and proof that they work, visit his website at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.
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ANGLERS SET NEW FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING RECORDS Scamp
I
t was a monster summer for three anglers who Record on April 7 while fishing at Santa Rosa each landed a Florida Saltwater All-tackle Beach. Sidney’s 2.8-pound catch beat out the previous record of 2.4 pounds. If you feel like Fishing Record. you’re having déjà vu, don’t worry, you’re not Scamp alone. That previous record of 2.4 pounds was set A new Florida Saltwater Fishing Record for earlier this year by angler Joseph Peckham. scamp was set by Mark John Gibner during a Schoolmaster fishing expedition near John’s Pass Marina in Pinellas County on June 11. His 29.6-pound scamp Anthony Mastitski filled the vacant beat the previous record of 28.38 pounds set by schoolmaster category, which was opened Jan. 1, Braden Douglas Pursell in April 2002. 2019. Mastitski’s 2.07-pound schoolmaster was “I think that for the first 20 feet or so, the caught in Broward County on July 27. fish didn’t know that it was hooked,” said Gibner. Claim Your Record “When it did, it started to dig. At first, as he was Want to claim your own state record? There pulling drag, I had to palm my reel to slow him are currently no records listed for white grunt or down. But after a short back and forth, I finally got blueline tilefish in the all-tackle category. There the upper hand and was able to land him with lots are also numerous fly-fishing tackle categories of enthusiasm from my friends.” with vacant records, giving anglers an opportunity Whiting (Gulf kingfish) to hold the record for these species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Capt. Sidney Little caught the latest Gulf kingfish (whiting) Florida Saltwater Fishing Commission (FWC) maintains state records in 2 FLORIDA
OCTOBER 2021
fish)
Whiting (Gulf king
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all-tackle and fly fishing categories for 81 species caught in Florida state waters and adjacent federal waters. Saltwater record holders receive a certificate of accomplishment, prize pack, recognition in various publications, and a custom ink fish print to memorialize their catch courtesy of Fish Print Shop. To qualify for a record, the catch must be weighed on land with a certified scale, and photographs must be submitted clearly showing the weight displayed on the scale, the scale’s certification, the rod and reel used to make the catch, the angler with their catch, and various views of the fish for identification purposes. The angler’s signature on a completed application form must be witnessed by a notary. For more information and to view current records, visit CatchaFloridaMemory.com and click “Records,” contact AnglerRecognition@ MyFWC.com or call 850-487-0554.
EIGHT MONTHS OF THE KEY WEST FISHING TOURNEY
A
look at the results from the eight-month-long Key West Fishing Tournament is a pretty good glimpse at what’s been going on in one of the world’s best fishing destinations over the last year. The 2021 tournament drew 312 participating anglers who entered 753 releases and 262 weighed catches. A South Dakota woman was named the women’s master angler after scoring multiple divisional wins and tournament records in the long-running challenge. Katelynn Wells, of Miller, S.D., took top honors for overall releases with 59, including six dolphin, as well as tallying 14 division-leading catches including a 28-pound amberjack, a 12-pound barracuda on plug and a 17-pound red snapper on 30-pound-test line that set a divisional record. She also scored three “heaviest fish” wins and two fish that set tournament weight records: a 2.8-pound ladyfish on plug and a 4.8-pound seatrout on 12-pound line. Wells fished on Off the Rock with Capt. Brad Nowicki and on Live Action Sportfishing with Capt. Ryan Carter, both of Key West. The men’s master angler was Rob Ripka, of Pulaski, New York. His achievements included catching two division-leading fish on 12-pound line: a 12-pound bonito and a 4-pound yellowtail snapper—as well as a divisionleading 31.6-pound kingfish. Fishing on Bait Stealer with Capt. Dale Bittner, of Key West, he also set a “heaviest fish” record for catching a 6-pound yellowtail on 30-pound line. Ten-year-old Julia Bernstein, of Miami, fishing in the peewee division, eclipsed her competitors to earn the peewee master angler award for achievements including a remarkable 104 releases. Her catches included a 23.8-pound Jack Crevalle on 30-pound line that earned a tournament weight record, a 24.8-pound barracuda on 20-pound line that earned divisional “heaviest fish” honors, four other “heaviest fish” winners and three division leaders. The young Bernstein fished with Bittner on Bait
Re
bl Stealer and also on a private boat. Capt. Bill Wickers III, of the Linda D V, earned overall guide honors in the general division, tallying 14 winners and a division-topping 36 releases including three marlin. Capt. Brice Barr of the Double Down was named top guide in the light general division, guiding his anglers to a divisional best of 66 releases—64 of them sailfish. Capt. Tim Carlile of the Outcast earned the overall guide achievement award in the flats division. He also guided his anglers to the most flats releases with 213, including 86 tarpon. Celebrating the diverse variety of fish found in Florida Keys waters, the Key West Fishing Tournament provides recognition and awards to anglers posting the heaviest catch in each of 33 species and the most releases of fish in seven other species. The 2022 challenge begins Dec. 1, 2021 and continues until July 31, 2022. For a complete list of winners and catches, visit keywestfishingtournament.com.
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OCTOBER 2021
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USE THE WIND TO FIND FISH
By John Saporito
T
he wind is a great mover of bait, and a mover of bait is a mover of fish. Among the myriad factors that contribute to gamefish location, wind ranks somewhere near the top. Short-term winds influence the whereabouts of baitfish schools in many ways, which in turn influences the location of the gamefish that feed on them. Fish are highly sensitive to water temperature. Even a change of a degree or two can motivate them to seek out water of a more desired temperature. In the northern hemisphere, a cold northerly wind may lower water temperatures enough to force baitfish to move toward areas of more stable temperature, such as deeper water. Conversely, a southerly wind may raise water temperatures beyond a certain bait species’ comfort range, causing them to seek out areas with cooler water. Many migratory baitfish begin their seasonal journeys based on temperature changes initiated by short-term wind events, such as storms. They respond by relocating to areas that better suit their specific needs. When a localized or short-term wind pattern changes the water temperature, you can bet the baitfish will take notice and act accordingly.
6 FLORIDA
OCTOBER 2021
Baitfish of all sizes are always on the lookout for an easy meal. Just like the predators that hunt them, baitfish prefer to feed with the lowest possible expenditure of energy. Suspension feeders, such as many members of the herring family, look for big blows to stir up detritus, plankton and other small organisms and organic matter that they can eat. The wind also creates surface currents, which push plankton and other miniscule prey items. Any significant wind has the potential to concentrate, stir up, or otherwise move the food baitfish feed on. The wind also has the power to enhance or diminish tidal action. A wind moving in the same direction as a tidal current will accelerate the water’s movement, overpowering and transporting both baitfish and their prey. A wind-against-current scenario may form a natural corral that concentrates and traps baitfish in a temporary location. In bays and other inshore waterways, a strong offshore wind can combine with a low tide to render certain areas uninhabitable to baitfish due shallowness. A strong onshore wind, in conjunction with a high tide, can pile up water in areas that before were dry, allowing baitfish to enter feeding grounds that were previously inaccessible.
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It’s important to know where there is deep, stable water for baitfish to take shelter in when the temperature suddenly rises or drops. Also look for “dead ends” in the areas you fish, such as coves and points of land, which act as barriers that trap and hold bait when the wind is howling. If you find baitfish, odds are good that the gamefish are nearby. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com.
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GIANT SWORDFISH IS A CANAVERAL RECORD By CAM Staff
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n the early morning hours of Saturday, Sept. 11, three anglers fishing out of Cape Canaveral, Fla., idled the “High Maintenance” into Sunrise Marina towing a swordfish that’s being called a Port Canaveral record. The broadbill bottomed out a set of 500-pound scales after being dead for more than 16 hours, so it’s safe to say it outweighed the unofficial and long-standing port record of 365 pounds. One of the anglers, Steven Sharpe, estimated its weight to be 550 pounds, based on measurements. Records aside, it was a huge fish. Sharpe, his long-time fishing buddy, Jeff Thummel, and George Birkhead, who was on his first swordfish trip, were drifting in 1,500-foot depths about 40 miles out of Port Canaveral. On their first set, they had bite that came unbuttoned. They re-baited with a whole ladyfish and dropped it down to about 1,400 feet. The big fish came tight at about 10:30 a.m. and then rocketed toward the surface. Sharpe said they had no idea of the size of the fish through most of a 5 ½-hour fight.
Their Lindgren-Pitman S2-1200 electric reel and Handler custom rod battled the fish as it surfaced and dove numerous times and dragged the boat 25 miles from where the fish was initially hooked. “About every hour, he’d show,” Sharpe said. “We didn’t realize how big he was until we got him to the boat. “We harpooned it, hauled it in and gaffed it. When we gaffed it, all hell broke loose.” The big fish beat itself against the boat until it finally expired and the crew got a tail rope on it at about 4 p.m. Only then was there a moment for celebration and cigars. They pulled a tape on the fish and got a short length of 101 inches from the fork of the tail to the tip of the lower jaw. Then the hard work began. “There were three people on board, and we couldn’t get that fish in the boat,” Sharpe said. “We tried everything and ended up having to idle it all the way home. We didn’t get to port until about 1 a.m.” They had to wait until 8 a.m. Saturday morning to get the fish up on scales.
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OCTOBER 2021
Strong Finish to Summertime Wahoo Series
By Tom ‘Buzz’ Buzura, WPBFC Communications Director Contributing Writer A slow start to the summertime Full Moon Wahoo Series, left anglers eager for a productive fishing day in late August. Just two fish were caught in the previous legs of the three-part series, in June and July. Early reports of wahoo being caught that week, paired with the vacancies on the leaderboard, created plenty of incentive for West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) members to get on the water and try their luck in the final leg of the Wahoo Series. The Overall Series Champion would be decided by just a few pounds, in a finish that really came down to the wire. 51 boats fished the final August moon. The fleet caught fish all day and 12 different teams successfully landed a wahoo. Matt & Jess Bota of Team Bota Boat, hooked into the first wahoo of the day before 6:30 am while trolling. The fish bit them off on the planer, but a swift deploy of another line rigged with a Nomad DTX trolling plug was sent out for a second shot at the school of fish. This quick thinking would pay off as a 40.6 pound wahoo ate the artificial bait. That fish would hold up as the second largest fish caught during the August leg. WPBFC member Trevor Richards and Team No Brainer caught their first fish of the day while planer fishing into the current on the way home to Boca in the afternoon. No Brainer turned around and headed north to come weigh-in their sunset catch at Sailfish Marina on Singer Island. Richards would then hook and land the last fish of the series, his second wahoo of the day, just south of Palm Beach Inlet right before 8 pm on another planer line with a bonita strip and sea witch. Club members Ryan & Sean Mahoney of Team Ma’Honey, and Ryan & Arianne Buel of Team Whoo Dat, both caught their second fish of the series in August. They were the only two teams to catch a fish in either of the previous legs in June & July. Their series aggregate totals of 49.2 pounds and 43.5 pounds, made for a great competition. But, despite them having two fish to count, it was Team Yellowfin’s one big fish that won it all. WPBFC members Cat & Guy “The Wahoo Slayer” Bartels and the Yellowfin crew caught a tournament winning 51.2 pound wahoo while high-speeding, midday at 2pm. They hooked this monster fish in just 125 feet of water. That’s a bit more shallow than most boats work baits for wahoo. Guy explained, “we’ll always work our way in shallow, as long as there’s blue water.” In a chaotic sequence, three rods went off on Team Yellowfin’s 32’ SeaVee. The wire-line rod, paired with a black & purple Iland Lure with a mullet, would entice the 51.2 pound fish. Yellowfin’s wahoo took first place monthly and was good cont’d on pg. 8
Team Yellowfin’s tournament winning 51.2 pound wahoo.
Ryan McGinnis (left) and Team Mr. Mullet’s with their 32.8 pound third place August Wahoo.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM OCT. 2021 PALM BEACH COUNTY INSIDE: Fishing Forecasts • Tide Charts • Coastal Calendar
1
FISHINGFORECAST FISHING WITH DARCIZZLE By Darcie Arahill Contributing Writer
After enjoying weeks of flat calm seas and windless days during our summer months, it’s finally time to say goodbye. The water temperatures will gradually be decreasing and slowly adjusting to the norms for the fall/winter months ahead. The falling sea temperatures trigger the natural instincts of the remarkable and renowned Mullet Run. The migrating mullet travel south along the Atlantic coast to the southern point of Florida, where they head offshore to breed and feed on grasses and algae. So, what does this mean? Every type of predator fish will be munching on mullet! As mullet migrate, they stay in large schools, making them irresistible to all predators including most pelagic fish! Immense amounts of mullet can be found throughout the ICW and in the surf, just look for big black masses in the water along the beach. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to sneak up on a school of mullet and cast net your share of live bait. TIP: anglers following the schools should cast out a live mullet towards the outside of the school and have your reel in the free line position. You should hook the mullet in the mouth or behind the dorsal fin to create tension and force the mullet to swim away from your boat and towards the school. If you cast the bait in the middle of the school, you have a much lower chance of catching the fish following the schools. Using this method, you will catch snook, tarpon, Caught a wahoo trolling weeds lines for mahi bluefish, jacks, redfish, barracudas, blacktip, and spinner sharks, even kingfish within a couple mahi out of Boynton Beach. Fish ate a pink hundred yards off the surf. seawitch over a bonita strip I made The wind will be blowing this month, so it’s time for you to dig through your stowed away myself on the planer rod! fishing gear and pull out the trident, kite rod, and fishing kites! Dolphin, kingfish, and wahoo can all be landed on the kite this time of the year. Plus, kite fishing brings an element of surprise, and you never know which species is going to eat your kite bait next. Keep in mind, mullet is an excellent bait to use while kite fishing! Also, an abundant number of wahoo will still be here throughout the month and you still have a good opportunity to catch one whether you are high-speeding, kite fishing, slow trolling, or regular trolling. Good luck out there and get out there when the mullet run is in full swing- it’s a BLAST! Ask me questions about fishing & see my recent FISHING VIDEOS on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/darcizzleoffshore
2 PALM BEACH COUNTY
OCT. 2021
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OCT. 2021
PALM BEACH COUNTY 3
FISHINGFORECAST SOUTH COUNTY INSHORE & FRESHWATER By Capt. Patrick Smith Contributing Writer
Hopefully we are about to see a change in season along with cool fronts. The mullet should come pouring down the beach headed south. Following the schools of bait will be all the predators you could hope for like tarpon, snook, sharks, and monster jacks. The fishing is simple, a solid piece of leader (60 to 80 pound fluoro is my preference) and a 9/0 circle hook. Getting bait with your cast net before heading out on the boat is a great idea. Find some mullet and then find the fish eating them. Be patient as it’s going to take a while for them to pick your bait out of the tens of thousands of others. On the freshwater this is the beginning of the best three months of the year. Live bait bites should be nonstop, and the fishing should be great all day. Cold fronts will determine the depth. If it gets cold fish deep until it warms up. Deep Crankbaits and RatL-Traps are a staple for me this time of year. Capt. Patrick Smith www.swamptosea.com • 561-503-0848
Capt. Pat with a nice permit that was cruising the flats and fell for a live crab.
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PALM BEACH COUNTY 5
The 10th Annual Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash Returns Halloween Weekend
The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA) is excited to announce the return of its signature event, the Boynton Beach Haunted Pirate Fest & Mermaid Splash. The festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Downtown Boynton Beach on Saturday, October 30, 2021, and Sunday, October 31, 2021 and will be open each day from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Community members and visitors of all ages are invited to attend the free event and enjoy a weekend of swashbuckling adventures. The event will take place along East Ocean Avenue, between Seacrest Boulevard and Federal Highway, transforming Downtown Boynton Beach into a bustling port reminiscent of the early 18th Century. Event guests will be able to explore the festival and enjoy a variety of nonstop entertainment and interactive activities; including live music, stunt shows, cannon shootings, comedy acts, pirate encampments, a mermaid attraction, treasure hunts, children’s activities, and much more! Interactive costumed characters and street performers will roam the streets to engage with attendees and pose for photo opportunities. All event goers are encouraged to dress in pirate, mermaid, or other mythical costumes and immerse themselves into this year’s Halloween Haunt theme. The event will feature multiple costume contests for children and adults and a mermaid pageant. As part of a business development initiative, the event will showcase a variety of retail, food, and service businesses that are located within the boundaries of the BBCRA area. Event patrons will be encouraged to participate in a treasure hunt that will take them on a journey through the festival, while providing opportunities to engage with BBCRA merchants and festival sponsors. The BBCRA welcomes community partners to sponsor or promote their businesses at the event. Additional information about the event, sponsorship, and vendor opportunities can be found at www.bbpiratefest.com. In the past, this popular event has attracted over 60,000 visitors during the two-day weekend. To help safeguard the health and safety of event goers, staff, and volunteers, the BBCRA will implement appropriate measures in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The event will feature a layout to allow for social distancing and there will be multiple hand sanitizing stations throughout the event site. Additionally, event goers will be encouraged to wear a mask or facial covering when they are unable to distance from other guests. To learn more visit www.BoyntonBeachCRA.com.
JR.ANGLER My Fishing Adventures Chris & Morgan catching scallops.
By Christopher Sprague Jr. Angler-Team Tuppens, Contributing Writer
Hello Anglers, This last month has been quite eventful for me. We finally got the Nor-Tech 392 Superfish as our tournament boat and were able to fish from it. I had high expectations of this boat and it met every single one of them and so much more. The fishability is amazing and it is a comfortable and fast boat. I would not change a thing about it. We fished in a tournament in rough seas and were able to cruise at a steady speed and be comfortable with the conditions that we were in. I also recently took a trip with my girlfriend and our families. We went to Crystal River to go scalloping, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. It was a 4-hour drive and we got stuck in rush hour traffic which made it so much longer. Once we got there it was late at night so there wasn’t much to do except get everything unloaded. The next day we went out scalloping and to my surprise, we were getting a lot less than I expected. After our first try, we barely got any, so we moved to an area that was about 5 feet deep and had better luck. Apparently, the scallops were deeper due to all the recent rain. Throughout the day we filled up a 5-gallon bucket and brought the scallops to a plantation to be cleaned. We had similar results the next day but this time we cleaned the scallops ourselves. At first it was extremely difficult to not mess up and butcher the scallops. We soon got the hang of it and had a good system going which cleaned them up quickly. On our way back we went to Three Sisters Springs to snorkel. The springs were only around 12 feet deep and much colder than I thought it would be, however it was still a really cool experience as my first time ever diving at a natural spring. After a great blackened scallop dinner, we visited our friends and had a great time with them just chilling out. The trip was amazing, we had a blast, and we made a lot of memories! I recommend checking out Crystal River and going scalloping. It’s relaxing and fun to do with family. 6 PALM BEACH COUNTY
OCT. 2021
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PALM BEACH COUNTY 7
FISHINGFORECAST PALM BEACH IN & OFFSHORE By Capt. Weston Russell Contributing Writer
Welcome to the October fishing forecast for the waters off North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Shores, Singer Island, and West Palm Beach. Get your kites dusted off and check your kite rod swivels for corrosion. The wind will be blowing, and big fish will be moving into the area this month. If you have never kite fished, you’re missing out on some “Reel Intense” fishing action. The setup can be purchased at offshore tackle shops. I encourage you to give it a try. Dolphin, kingfish, and wahoo can be landed on the kite this month. Snapper fishing will still be good, and the wrecks will be holding some monster muttons and amberjacks. If you’re fishing the deep water wrecks, you will need to beef up your tackle. There is always a chance for a nice grouper. Heavy leads (10oz) and long leaders (60lb. pink) is a must. Leave that Snoopy rod at home, you’re going to need something with power and fast retrieval. For the inshore angler, the October snook action! mullet run will be in full swing. There’s nothing like battling a silver giant (tarpon) on light tackle. Other species to target during inshore fishing include snook, trout, jacks, and sharks. Bluefish have also been prevalent and willing to take any live bait they see. This month will offer great action, grab your rods, and experience nature at its best. Good luck and remember, “ you can’t catch them from the couch! “
The 7th Annual LagoonFest is Back in Downtown West Palm Beach LagoonFest celebrates one of the most picturesque waterways and urban estuaries in The Palm Beaches, the Lake Worth Lagoon. Come enjoy this FREE event on November 6, 2021, to discover what makes this lagoon such a fantastic place to visit and a local treasure. More than five thousand people gather annually along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach during LagoonFest. The free event is made possible by community partners, Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management, Discover The Palm Beaches, Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative, and the City of West Palm Beach. LagoonFest boasts dozens of free and educational activities including wildlife presentations, live touch tanks, live art exhibits, kayak cleanup tours, free boat tours, sailing excursion lessons, catamaran tours, interactive educational displays by more than 80 exhibitor booths, and more. Attendees can also pick up a free 2021 Lake Worth Lagoon calendar while attending the event. LagoonFest is adjacent to the West Palm Beach Greenmarket and is a family-friendly event where visitors can learn more about Palm Beach County’s largest estuary, a 20 mile long waterway running from North Palm Beach to Ocean Ridge. For more information, please visit www.lagoonfest.com.
Summertime Wahoo cont’d from page 1 enough to also win the Overall Series. It really did come down to the wire.
Captain Weston Russell Bartels and crew previously won the Wahoo Series in 2018 as well. 561-310-2690 • www.reelintensefishing.com WPBFC member Ryan McGinnis and Team Mr. Mullet’s filled out the
monthly leaderboard, posting a 32.8 pound wahoo to take third place. McGinnis and crew Matt & Jess Bota with caught three the second place 40.6 wahoo in pound early morning total during August wahoo. the August full moon fishing day, all on their famous Mr. Mullet’s baits. It’s always great seeing a community of club members getting No Brainer’s last light wahoo weighed in involved and on the water. at Sailfish Marina on Singer Island. A total of 60 teams fished throughout the 2021 series with 40 plus on the water each moon. 17 wahoo were caught in total, by 12 different teams. Thank you to all the WPBFC members who participated! It’s an exciting time to be a part of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club and get involved in some of the many angling tournaments/ contests happening now.
8 PALM BEACH COUNTY
OCT. 2021
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ECOTOURISM By Capt. Chris Thalmann Contributing Writer
Loo eatin
Welcome to October - one of my favorite months here in South Florida! I get to spend a ton of time outside and on the water. This summer we hosted several adventure camps in addition to lots of private charters for families and groups of friends. Most of our camps and charters involve spending at least some time in the water. Swimming, snorkeling, sandbar searches for creatures - anything to get a little break from the summer heat and sun. Spending time outdoors has always been a huge part of my life and I enjoy it immensely. But there comes a point every summer where I long for a really cool evening around a low campfire. Cold drink in hand, big sweatshirt to keep warm. This year that happened just before Labor Day weekend. After weeks and weeks of triple-digit heat we finally felt a hint of cool weather, just for a day - and then it was gone. Though the calendar clearly says it’s fall, and each day has a little less daylight than the day before, our temps are still warm enough to not really notice. The ocean remains calm (most days), and we can still snorkel and play in the water without a chill. October is a month full of transitions and it is always surprising to me just how quickly things change. The cold fronts marching south may not pack the same punch in Palm Beach that they do up north, but the seasonal changes taking place up yonder are already affecting us here. Our least terns, swallowtail kites and others have already flown the coop to spend their winters in Central and South America, and other birds are on the move too! Some will stop over here - others will skip Palm Beach entirely and head straight to their wintering grounds further south. Fall mullet runs have started in earnest and we should soon see an influx of Florida’s official marine mammals – manatees, fleeing cold weather up north to enjoy our warm winter weather and waters. With all the changes underway, early fall is a great time to get out and about in Palm Beach County. If you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or family, Palm Beach County has an entire slate of outdoor and family-friendly activities planned for this fall. Most are centered around learning about wildlife and nature through a variety of outdoor experiences. Palm Beach County is blessed with an abundance of natural areas and there’s lots to choose from - guided hikes and kayaking, trail runs, birdwatching, kids fishing clinics, nature photography workshops, and more. All are open to the general public, and many are free or very inexpensive. Check out the following website and click on ‘Event Schedule’ to learn more https://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/pages/adventure-awaits.aspx Happy exploring - hope to see you on the water! Captain Chris Thalmann Owner | Aqua Adventure Tours, Inc. aquaadventuretours.com Captain Chris Thalmann Owner | Aqua Adventure Tours, Inc. • aquaadventuretours.com
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Launching for Watersports Made Easy!
All three products that make launching a breeze! The ladder slides up and down with the floating dock.
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Note the safety strap used to easily stand in the kayak. The hand crank brings the cradle up and out of the water for storage.
With everything in its place, launching is safe and easy.
Take the time to explore these products and you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be having too much fun enjoying your day on the water! AccuDock - https://www.accudock.com CMC Marine Construction - https://custom-marine-construction.com Get Kayaktive, LLC - https://getkayaktive.com Seahorse Fender and Docking - https://www.seahorsedocking.com
Mark Ambert Author - Avid outdoorsman, sportswriter & photographer
Follow me on Instagram @marksgonefishing or contact me at marksgonefishing25@gmail.com for collaboration.
10 PALM BEACH COUNTY
OCT. 2021
Here on the Florida Coast, with so many houses built on or near the Intracoastal and canal systems, life often comes with the unique opportunity of direct water access. Having said this, it’s not always easy to get a kayak from a private dock to the water and safely launch. With tidal swings and the general instability of launching a kayak in deeper water, it can be easier said than done. Being a recent transplant here and now having a home with direct water access, I set out to solve some of these issues. Here are five great products I found to deal with safely and easily launching your watercraft after doing considerable research. The first step for me was to secure a platform that would rise and fall with the tides. I opted to have a floating dock built by Custom Marine Construction (CMC) to meet specific needs. The team at CMC provide turnkey dock solutions that cover new construction and restoration of decks, seawalls, and docks, including floating docks in a wide variety of colors and materials. CMC used a durable PVC decking option called Wear-Deck that matched my fixed dock they recently updated. It’s a marine grade surface made of a low maintenance, non-slip composite material available in many different colors. I had my floating dock custom made to fit a particular area. I also had extra-large floats installed to handle the additional weight of a multi-tier kayak storage rack along with four fully outfitted kayaks. The quality, fit, and finish were second to none. You can also buy pre-made floating docks at places like AccuDock. Once a floating dock was purchased and secured, I needed a safe way to get from my fixed dock to the lower platform. The length of the ladder would need to adjust to the fluctuations of the changing tides. After many hours of research, I found a great line of products from a company called Seahorse Fender and Docking that not only easily addressed this issue, but also the concern of safely launching the kayak. The problem with a fixed ladder is twofold – the up and down movement of the floating dock in a tidal area in relation to any fixed bulkhead or surface creates ladder length changes. Being low enough to accommodate low tides will place ladder rungs under water at a given tide point. In salt or brackish water this creates a significant issue with marine growth that over time, will make it impossible to use the lower rungs of a fixed ladder without getting cut and scraped by barnacles. An adjustable ladder usually will not cover the full range of tidal swings in our area without a drop to the floating dock deck. Enter the Seahorse solution which is both simple and elegant. His ladders rise and fall with the tides on a sliding system and are never in the water! The ladder is always in the perfect position relative to the tide as it attaches directly to the floating dock. The upper ladder rungs fold up, and to the side, and can be deployed as needed during tide changes. This provides complete and safe access during all tides. Next up was the issues of successfully deploying a watercraft. The Seahorse Marine Launch Cradle is a thing of genius. With it I can store, launch, and return safely from my dock in any of the four watercrafts I own – even ones with propulsion systems. Mike at Seahorse Marine envisioned all the obstacles to launching from a dock and has successfully eliminated them. Using this product, I’ve launched from the edge of a dock or seawall and not been concerned about safety. It holds the kayak in place while a person can easily step down onto or stand up and get out of a watercraft without fear of it moving or tipping. I have the worst balance and never feel uncomfortable getting into or out of a kayak using this system. Returning to the dock is just as easy with the kayak floating onto the cradle without tipping or rolling. Getting out of a kayak at the edge of a dock can be even more hazardous with the “roll and tumble” maneuver that only gets harder as we get older. Some floating docks utilize a center cutout and safety bar system, but this takes a lot of precious real estate away from the floating dock and is still prone to rocking. The Seahorse cradle has a strap for lifting oneself out of the kayak while the cradle arm holds it firmly in place. You must try this system to believe the simplicity and safety – it’s amazing! Installation was simple and straightforward. This solution also works for canoes, SUPs, and smaller boats (check with the manufacturer for your specific needs). I have also installed a roller system from a company called Get Kayaktive that allows easy placement of the kayak into and out of the water from any dock edge. The product which is simply called “Roll-Aid”, has a foam-padded roller that ensures protection for the boat’s hull while remaining out of the way on your dock or bulkhead. It can also serve as a tie-off for your watercraft if needed. It is easy to install; four screws hold it in place, and it’s well made and durable. With it I can easily maneuver a kayak or canoe in or out of the water without much effort and zero damage to the hull or dock. Lastly, a kayak storage rack custom made by AccuDock completes the configuration. I can now launch any kayak in my arsenal and when company comes to Florida, can easily maneuver, and launch multiple kayaks with ease! A task that normally put me off kayaking with a mixed family group of elders, young adults, and very small children. Now we kayak and enjoy our trips deploying and unloading safely and in just minutes. It’s become an effortless task to launch and return safely having these products installed. Even a single person can navigate the task of moving a heavy kayak with ease. All products are locally sourced and made in the USA, and most right here in Florida.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
OCT. 2021
PALM BEACH COUNTY 11
FISHINGFORECAST KAYAK FISHING
By Brian Nelli Contributing Writer
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INSHORE: The mullet Nicole with a bait run nice mahi. is upon us. Snook, tarpon, redfish, and trout will all be cooperating this month. Matching the hatch will be your best bet during this time. Super Spooks, D.O.A. Bait Busters, and anything that has the shape of a mullet will be the go to baits while kayak fishing. With the presence of so much mullet bait, the thought then goes to how do I get my lure to be the one that gets hit. I like trying to go with colors that stand out in the pack. Try dark or bright colors to get the attention away from the group of bait. Focus your cast on the edges of the mullet bait schools and you will do well. OFFSHORE: The shallow fall dolphin run should start to take effect this month, giving anglers who are kayak fishing a better shot at them. Look for them to start moving into the more attainable depths of 100-250 feet of water. Another thing to get excited about is the snapper bite. Look to target mutton snapper and yellowtail snapper in 60-100 feet of water. I love using mullet this time of year for both bottom fishing and trolling. It is readily available and a great hardy bait to keep alive while kayak fishing.
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FRESHWATER The peacock bass and clown knife fishing will really be taking off in the coming months. Look to fish structure like bridges to find the bite. Live shiners are always the go to bait, but during this time don’t overlook a finger mullet as well. Mullet will survive in the freshwater long enough for them to be crushed by a hungry peacock bass or largemouth bass. Finally, as an artificial option try using D.O.A. Jerk Baits or Rat-L-Traps to entice a bite. Brian Nelli www.tckayakfishing.com • 772.201.5899 • Brian@tckayakfishing.com Check us out - Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram & Youtube Wayne with a good sailfish.
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OCT. 2021
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Swab the Deck? Drop It Off.
October Reminder! Moving? Drop It Off.
Find your nearest drop-off at SWA.org/HCRC Boats and vessels are accepted at the landfill for a fee after all fuels, flares, batteries and other hazardous materials are removed by the owner or hauler. Removing under-floor fuel tanks, when possible, is recommended. Boats will be inspected by SWA staff prior to disposal.
PBC Residential Disposal Only. For commercial disposal, call 561-687-1100. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM OCT. 2021
PALM BEACH COUNTY 13
ROADTRIPFISHING
Daddy Daughter Trip By Keith Lozott Contributing Writer Out of nowhere, my twelve year old daughter said she wanted to watch the sunrise from the boat and go fishing!!! I responded, “Excuse me, am I hearing things?”. She never wants to go fishing or on the boat unless it involves the sandbar with a friend. I’ve been able to get her out fishing once or twice, but this trip would be different! The night before she picked out a bathing suit that she thought would be best for fish pics that she could post on social media and send to friends. She went to bed early and woke up at 5 a.m. to get ready. At this point, the pressure was on. I didn’t sleep very well thinking about how to keep her interested. It was dark out when I hooked the boat up and threw rods and some tackle in for the upcoming action. The sun would be rising during the relaxing ride to a spot that I knew held some jacks, the occasional tarpon, and of course ladyfish to keep the action up. I hoped that would be the case. The ride to the spot was awesome as she said “Daddy, now I know why you like it out here, it’s awesome on the water this time of day”. So far so good! The ride was going perfectly. She noticed the sun rising and popping up over some houses, and when we got to the Roosevelt Bridge the sun was fully up, and she was grinning ear to ear. First part of her plan for the day accomplished! Now the fishing was hopefully going to go as I prayed it would. When we arrived at the spot that I thought would give us an opportunity to catch something, it had some tarpon rolling along with some other small blow ups on bait. I grabbed a spinning rod rigged with a topwater, hoping she would get a nice explosive hit that excited her and kept her in the game. She made a few casts, not quite as far as you’d like, but she was able get the lure out there, even with her little experience. On one cast, a ladyfish blew the topwater out of the water and she was amazed! I then made a long cast for her and sure enough a 20-25 pound tarpon smashed the lure, and the fight was on. The fish made several jumps and she got it boat side. Just as I sat down to release the fish it made one last leap to free itself and stay off social media. The jump and power the fish displayed blew her away. After that she landed two jacks and a ladyfish. I couldn’t have been a happier man at this point. There were tarpon rolling all over and I really wanted to stay but my daughter requested a boat ride. I quickly came to my senses; I knew that if I had any chance of experiencing this again, I better put the rods away and take a nice cruise. Spending time with my daughter on the water and watching her smile light up will be etched in my mind forever!!! Thank you Baby Girl! Keith Lozott The Fishing Realtor
14 PALM BEACH COUNTY
OCT. 2021
PBKC is your entertainment destination with no-limit poker, table games, super simulcasts, exceptional dining, and exciting events. PBKC is one of Palm Beach County’s most popular attractions providing fun and excitement to residents and visitors to the area. PBKC is planning an exciting Fall season with a full line-up of fun events including Comedy Nights in the Paddock Restaurant, Sports Card & Memorabilia Shows, the Big Dog & Winter Classic Poker Tournaments, Mutt Derby nights, and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Del Mar simulcast. Comedy Nights are new to PBKC with popular comedians performing every first and third Thursday of the month. The Paddock Restaurant is perfect for comedy shows with its tiered room, seating for 300, great food, and full bar. PBKC kicked off its Comedy Nights Sept. 23 with Nick DiPaolo and Kevin Farley is next, performing on Oct. 7. Kevin Farley is an entertainer to the core. Over the past 3 decades, he has made audiences laugh, cry, smile, and think as a stand-up comedian, actor, filmmaker, and podcaster. For tickets, visit www.pbkennelclub.com. On the last Sunday of every month, guests can enjoy the PBKC Sports Card & Memorabilia Show with over 70 vendors featuring Signed Icon. These sports card shows are set for Oct. 31, Nov. 28, and Dec. 26. The Big Dog Poker Tournament is Oct. 8–10 with a $500 buy-in and $50K guarantee. The Palm Beach Winter Poker Classic is scheduled for Dec. 1–12, with big guarantees, deep stacks, and great structures. On the simulcast scene, don’t miss the 2021 Breeders’ Cup World Championships from Del Mar which features 2 days, 14 races, and $31 million in purses and the exciting Breeders’ Cup Classic. The Mutt Derby invites everyone to enter their pets of all shapes and sizes to compete in this fun race series. The events are scheduled for Oct. 16 & 30 and Nov. 13. Winners will be invited back to the Mutt Derby finale on Saturday, Dec. 11. Bring the whole family out to cheer on the pooches and enjoy lots of free fun activities including trackside BBQ, face painting, a balloon artist, Ace the Poker Bear, prizes, and live music. All proceeds benefit Big Dog Ranch and Awesome Greyhound Adoptions / Hounds & Heroes.
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FISHINGFORECAST Capt. Craig
surface offering sight casting opportunities for By Craig Korczynski Contributing Writer anglers. A D.O.A. Bait Buster Shallow Runner October is a fun month on the water with cooler in holographic / black temperatures and plenty of bait still around. The change in weather triggers back and glow gold / rush fish to move into channels, canals, and along mangrove lined areas. belly is a phenomenal The snook fishing provides nonstop action as mullet schools roam our artificial bait for tarpon. Rick with a local waterways. Seawalls, docks, and bridges are great areas to target snook. If artificial lures are snook ready Rapala Skitter Walk or D.O.A. BFL 5.5 in original or stark naked, mimic not your choice, live for release. wounded mullet, triggering strikes. D.O.A. Bait Busters and D.O.A. C.A.L. 5 mullet, or greenies free inch Swim Baits in melon back and pearl rigged weedless are also excellent lined with the tide is bait for snook. As water temperatures decrease, snook migrate into back an excellent choice for canals and bays creating great sight fishing opportunities for anglers. anglers to get hooked up. This time of year can be outstanding for tarpon fanatics as schools Many other species like jacks, sheepshead, tripletail, mackerel, ladyfish, of tarpon flood into back bays and deeper cuts in search of bait schools. and even the pesky bluefish are prevalent all through our local area. A Early morning and late afternoon, the tarpon can be seen rolling on the Rapala Skitter Walk or a D.O.A. C.A.L. 3 inch Shad are perfect choices for steady action. Find structure or bait Double down on tarpon. schools and the fish will be there willing Ernie with a and ready. snook on fly. Well, that is the fishing report for October, hope you all enjoyed. Remember any day on the water is a good day. Tight Lines!
JUPITER INLET INSHORE
Captain Craig Korczynski 561-644-4371 • phlatsinshorefishing.com Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube
ON THE RANGE By Chuck Papp, Contributing Writer The kickoff of hunting season generally means different seasons to different people. You have small game, gator, deer, and migratory bird. The one season which can be labeled as a true southern tradition, is dove season. Dove season starts in the beginning of September or the middle of the month in a few southern states like Florida and Georgia. In some places it’s a very big deal. A dove shoot brings family and friends together. The morning filled with dove hunting over the fields, a lunch break, then back at it in the afternoon until legal shooting hours end. The nice thing about a dove hunt is that it’s very laid back. Take a position overlooking a field (preferably an agricultural one), get your bucket to sit on, your shotgun, a camo shirt and hat, and a bunch of shotgun shells. If the birds are flying, be ready for LOTS of shooting. Doves are known to be difficult to hit. This is due to their size, speed, and their ability to have aerial acrobatics like no other bird out there. The daily limit here in Florida is 12. You may go through 200 rounds just to get those 12. Dove breast is like the filet mignon of the sky. When wrapped in bacon and cooked on the grill they are simply amazing. There are many outfitters that do daily dove hunts around the Okeechobee area and north up to Atlanta. If you want to participate in a real southern tradition, then give a dove hunt a try. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
OCT. 2021
PALM BEACH COUNTY 15
D R A O B G A R B
Pete Moccia caught this beauty one morning from the surf in Delray Beach.
teamed on Matt & Zane tag ring a trip du r a goliath groupe City. es ad gl er Ev over to
Jackson enjoye d his jack creval le fight on an outing ou t of Port Canave ral.
Shyanne Benavidez caught this 42” snook on a live sand perch at the Lake Worth Pier.
6 year old Stella, caught her first peacock on a Storm WildEye Shad lure from her backyard lake in West Boca.
Jeremy getting his hand s full with a good sized goliath grouper over at Chokoloskee.
Bragging is good! Send us your catch photos with details: Who, When, Where, With What, etc. Ilene@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com Get social & tag us in your photos @ facebook.com/CoastalAnglerPalmBeach on Facebook. or submit photos for the bragboard on our website @ www.coastalanglermag.com/palm-beach 16 PALM BEACH COUNTY
OCT. 2021
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HOT SURF FISHING
T
he weather is starting to cool, and days are shorter. Sunrise is a 7 a.m., and it’s getting dark around 7:15 p.m. At the end of October, daylight savings time will begin. Fishing on the beach has been improving, and October is an excellent beach-fishing month. Snook and tarpon have been cruising near the trough, and my friend Larry recently hooked a tarpon that was so big it straightened out the treble hooks on his Krocodile spoon. Snook are being caught on live bait (greenies or croakers) but are also hitting jigs and crankbaits. In October, you may harvest one snook between 28 and 32 inches, except in the catchand-release areas on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The weeds (sargassum) are much better, and the wind has not been that bad. In general, tides are higher and the trough is deep. Croakers and whiting are hitting small jigs tipped with shrimp, and they can also be caught on small jigs. Cast, let the jig hit bottom, and then jerk it near the top of the water and let it sit. The fish are trying to pick it off the sand. Numbers of small jacks have been reported, with an average size of 2 pounds. I usually use 3/8-ounce DOA chartreuse jig with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. I’ve had good luck for jacks, ladyfish and snook when there is bait present. Look for birds, and then walk the shoreline looking for bait. Most of the fishing action is in the trough during high incoming or outgoing tides. The best time to fish is morning and evening. I’ve had more luck this year fishing slower and keeping the lure down near the bottom. On low tide, the fish are not in the trough; look for deeper shorelines. I’ve been fishing the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie around dusk and at night. There’s some hot night fishing on topwater for snook where overhead lights hit the water. I use Zara Spooks (gold) and Rapala Skitterwalks (trout) and have been getting some great action on preslot snook. If you fish from the bridge, you’ll need a long-handled net. Try fishing around the lights on Jensen Beach Causeway or the 10-cent bridge in Stuart. Crabs are swimming along with the current near the top of the water. Predator fish are looking to the top to grab them. Both bridges are excellent snook spots, and you might just catch a big trout. Richard Matteson is a longtime contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.
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OCTOBER 2021
FLORIDA 15
PRESSURE IER
W
By Ryan Izquierdo
hen I was 12 years old, I moved to Palm Beach County, and I didn’t know anyone. I found a great way to spend my time when I discovered the Juno Beach Pier. From the first moment I walked out on that beachfront pier, my addiction for pier fishing was born. I have become a better fisherman and a better person because of it. What I find most exciting about pier fishing is the diversity it offers. Seasonal changes bring different species to catch and a variety of techniques to catch them. Bait & Lures: Organization is key. There is usually a limit on how many rods you’re allowed to bring on the pier. I bring a light spinning rod to catch bait, a conventional rod for casting live baits on bottom and a long surf rod to cast lures and freeline live baits. I always have Sabiki rigs. Usually you can find pods of pilchards, sardines, cigar minnows or other baitfish at piers. I use a size 3 Sabiki and a 1-ounce weight. Cast into the school and jig slowly. You will have a bucket of live bait in no time. From tarpon and snapper to snook, pretty much every species will eat a live pilchard. I keep a little bit of everything in my tackle bag to match the conditions: leader from 20 to 80 pounds, pyramid and egg weights, swivels and 1/0 to 6/0 J and circle hooks. Mullet Run: The changing of seasons initiates the mullet run. Millions of baitfish push south along Florida’s east coast. It’s not hard to spot or hear. Mullet are being attacked from every direction by hungry tarpon, snook,
16 FLORIDA
OCTOBER 2021
jacks, Spanish and king mackerel, bluefish and sharks. I recommend buying or cast netting mullet on the beach or in the river. Make sure to have a livewell or bucket and bubbler to keep the bait alive. Hook mullet through the lips or under the dorsal fin. Live-line them around the outside edges of bait schools with 60- to 100-pound leader, a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook, and nothing smaller than a 5000size reel loaded with 30- to 50-pound braid. I recommend a drop net to help land and release your catch safely. Artificial Lures: I love to throw artificial lures at piers. I find the most success when the wind is blowing and the conditions are rough with white wash in the surf. Large 2- to 4-ounce plugs, swimbaits, Flair Hawks, bucktails and topwater plugs are some of my favorites. If I’m throwing lures, I won’t use anything less than 60-pound leader. Throw lures at first light and sundown because it can be tough hooking up in the middle of the day. Try and match the hatch with whatever live bait is around. Throw lures similar in size and color to what’s actually in the water. For more pier fishing tips from Ryan Izquierdo, check out the videos posted on his YouTube channel: Ryan Iz Fishing.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
king harks. ng or n the Make ell or keep
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
OCTOBER 2021
FLORIDA 17
21
From Yam just
STONE CRAB HARVEST OPENS OCTOBER 15TH
S
tone crab season opens Oct. 15 and runs through May 1. Remember that regulations changes were made last year that changed requirements for traps as well as the minimum length for legally harvestable claws. The minimum harvestable claw length is 2 7/8 inches. Trapping is the most efficient method of collecting the legal limit of 1-gallon of stone crab claws per-person, per-day. There is a 2-gallon possession limit per vessel, regardless of how many harvesters are on the boat. Requirements for stone crab traps are also very specific, so be sure to check the current regulations at myfwc.com before dropping them. Legal traps can be purchased at most bait and tackle stores. Recreational harvesters are allowed up to five traps. Although it’s not nearly as easy as pulling traps, diving and snorkeling for stone crabs is more adventurous and a lot of fun. In many areas, you can find spiny lobsters and stone crabs on the same reefs or rock piles. Whether diving or trapping, it is illegal to harvest claws from eggbearing females. Although it is permitted to take both claws if they are of legal length, most people choose to take just one. This leaves the crab with something to feed and defend itself with, which also allows it to re-grow its missing claw more quickly. For more information, go to myfwc.com.
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OCTOBER 2021
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ith students across the country returning to school, Mud Hole Custom Tackle stepped up in its efforts to bring custom fishing rod building and tackle crafting to the youth of America. As the industry’s number one supplier of tools, supplies, components and education content, Mud Hole is uniquely positioned to engage kids and create an educational experience through rod building. “We’ve been working closely with teachers and school organizations throughout the United States for over a decade, teaching students valuable life skills, and in many cases, providing an avenue to earn required academic credits in their science and agriculture programs,” said Brook Oliva, Vice President of Operations at Mud Hole. “Rod building is the core of our business, and we are always excited to bring this craft to kids. Whether they pursue rod building as a pathway to a career in the hunting and fishing industry, or if they simply gain a lifelong passion, Mud Hole is happy to play a small part in their development.” Mud Hole works very closely with educators as well as youth groups and clubs, including Boy Scouts of America and 4-H, to provide discounted pricing for all the equipment and supplies needed to bring rod building and tackle crafting to the classroom. Mud Hole also provides personal online instruction to the teachers, sharing the skills needed to transfer rod building 24 FLORIDA
OCTOBER 2021
expertise to their students. Since its inception over 13 years ago, the Mud Hole Education Program has reached more than 650 institutions and over 30,000 students across America and in Canada and Australia, with hands on activities that promote classroom engagement. “It’s an honor for me to work directly with the teachers who bring this important skill set to students across the country,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole’s Education Program Director. “I lead online rod building workshops each month dedicated to teachers, and I attend state-level teacher conventions throughout the year. We have even set up a Mud Hole Education Program Facebook group as a platform for educators to share their experiences and techniques with each other. It’s an amazing community, and I am so proud to support it.” In 2021, Mud Hole has stepped up efforts to reach new students with new classroom-focused education kits and enhanced price discounts, and adding new online resources to assist teachers through their curriculum— by all with the goal of supporting education. For more information about Mud Hole’s Education Program, contact Anthony Youmans directly at 866-790-7637, ext. 135.
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DRAG: SET IT AND FORGET IT
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By Will Schmidt
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cringe every time I see it, whether it’s a seasoned pro or newbie. A fish makes a blistering run; the angler reaches down to tighten the drag only to part ways with the fish due to too much pressure. There are a variety of reasons why tightening the drag during a fight is a bad idea. First, as the diameter of the spool gets smaller with less line, the drag already actually increases. The spool is spinning at the same rate, but less line is coming off. Physics, who knew? Also, the drag of the line itself in the water adds more strain—the more line, the more pressure. Finally, even if the line doesn’t break, the chances of pulling or straightening the hook increases with the additional load. Worst of all, losing a fish due to applying too much pressure is one of the easiest things to avoid. Set your drag and forget it. Old-school tactics still hold true today when it comes to setting a drag. Set it to 20 to 30 percent of line test strength. For example, if you’re using 10-pound test, you want your drag to be set between 2 and 3 pounds, 4 to 6 pounds for 20-pound test. To do this, you need a scale and a friend to hold it. An inexpensive spring scale will do the trick. Attach the line to the scale and pull against it. When the drag starts slipping, read the scale and that’s your drag setting. There’s some debate as to whether you should pull straight or with a bend in the rod. I use a bend, and it has never failed me. I generally set my drags at 25 percent of the test strength of the line, but there are certain situations that call for going higher and lower. If you are grouper fishing or chasing big snook near structure, you need to be able to turn the fish by applying maximum pressure. In this case, setting your drag more toward 30 percent of the test strength would be advisable. Because this rule was devised before the advent of braid, the type of line should also be
considered. The stretch of mono gives you a bit of forgiveness at the strike and during jumps. When setting the drag for braid, lighter or closer to 20 or 25 percent would be sensible. Many seasoned anglers, myself included, will add extra pressure to turn a wayward fish by thumbing or palming the spool. This can be useful, but it takes practice to get that touch, and all who do it will at some point apply too much pressure. Sometimes it’s a case of turn the fish or lose it, so your only option is to apply more pressure. However, in general, your best bet is to set it and forget it. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about fishing for more than two decades.
Gulf Cobia Study Underway
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exas researchers are conducting some pretty cool research with Gulf of Mexico cobia in order to better understand the migratory patterns of this highly mobile species. Each spring and fall, you’ll see tower-bearing cobia boats cruising Gulf Coast beaches sight fishing for cobia as they migrate along the coast from Texas to the west coast of Florida and back again. Research has shown that brownies over-winter off the coast of Mississippi and Alabama as well as off South Florida, where there is mixing of Gulf and Atlantic cobia stocks. Researchers with the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation are tagging Texas cobia with pop-up satellite archival transmitting tags (PSATs) to better understand the species. Many Texas anglers have reported declining cobia landings in recent years. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and federal agencies have funded additional assessments of Texas’ cobia populations. Areas of interest are post-release survival, habitat use patterns and seasonal movements. Evaluating whether or not cobia stocks mix between U.S. and Mexican waters is of particular interest. It could have Gulf-wide management implications if the stock overlap between the U.S. Gulf and Mexican waters is high. To learn more about the program, and how to claim your reward if you catch a tagged one, check out this video: https://bit.ly/LoneStarLing.
10 NATIONAL
OCTOBER 2021
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INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT’S HYDRAULIC STEERING E
By the Experts at Dometic Marine
xperienced boaters know regular inspection, preventative maintenance and fixing small problems before they become large ones are keys to trouble-free time on the water. Many boaters, however, tend to overlook hydraulic steering systems. This isn’t surprising, given these systems’ reliability and durability. Owners of outboardpowered boats expect smooth, easy steering control and rarely think about steering-system components until they wear out or need repair. According to Brian Dudra, vice president/ general manager for Dometic Marine, boaters can ensure trouble-free steering and extend the life of components through simple inspections and maintenance. “While each of our hydraulic systems are designed for the harsh marine environment, like any critical control system, it requires periodic checks and maintenance,” Dudra explained. “As per your owner’s manual and product labels, hydraulic steering systems should be inspected prior to every use for fluid level, steering response, leaks or worn/ binding components.” In addition, most systems require a small amount of maintenance from a qualified dealer every six months. Here’s how to inspect and care for your hydraulic steering system. Check the Helm: Starting with the steering helm, make sure the steering cylinder and helm hydraulic hose connections are tight. Dudra recommends greasing the helm shaft when installing the steering wheel to facilitate easier future removal. Check hydraulic fluid level inside the helm by unscrewing the fill plug and looking inside. The level should be 1/8- to ¼-inch below the lowest thread in the fill port. If lower than this, fill the helm to the proper level, but avoid over-filling. Check steering response when turning the wheel. It should respond within a quarter turn. If not, the system might need fluid or there might be air in the system, which requires purging. For tilt-and-lock steering helms, make sure the plastic covers are secured. Inspect Hoses & Fittings: When inspecting hoses, run your hand down them to feel for cuts, chafing or cracks. If you discover wear, have a qualified service shop replace suspect hoses. Also, ensure hose fittings are tight. Feel for hydraulic fluid leaks or weeps by running a finger around the fitting. If you find a leak, tighten the fitting. If that fails, have a qualified service shop address the issue.
Check Steering Cylinder & Glands:
Most outboard-powered boats use front-mounted hydraulic steering cylinders. The cylinder should be periodically inspected with focus on the cylinder hose connections and glands on each end of the cylinder to ensure there are no leaks. 12 NATIONAL
OCTOBER 2021
Inspect the glands, which contain seals, on the ends of the steering cylinder by running your finger around the edges. If you discover fluid weeping, it’s time to replace the gland with authentic SeaStar parts. Check the steering cylinder’s shaft and support rod. Inspect the cylinder shaft for salt buildup, corrosion and nicks that might damage the cylinder. Major damage might require replacement of the entire cylinder. Apply a thin film of grease to the visible portions of the support rod. Remove and inspect the rod annually. The support rod and outboard tilt tube must be cleaned of old grease and debris prior to re-applying quality marine grease before re-installing.
Fix Leaks: If the hose fittings are weeping fluid, the hoses might require replacement. The same applies to the glands. SeaStar offers a gland replacement kit and O-ring seals for the bleeders and other fittings. If you follow the provided instructions carefully, fixing leaks is relatively easy for competent DIY boaters. You can also turn the job over to a qualified marine shop. To ensure the steering is secure and tight, check all assembly nuts for proper tightness,
including the adjusting nut on the starboard side of the support rod. Purge Air: Air in the hydraulic steering system causes sloppy unresponsive steering and noisy operation. It can make your boat unsafe. Air finds its way into the hydraulic system through leaks or when replacing key components. It must be purged through a process called “bleeding.” Your owner’s manual explains bleeding. If you lack confidence, tools or manpower to do it yourself, ask a qualified marine shop to handle this.
Check for Water Intrusion. Make sure water hasn’t entered the system. Water can cause damage and internal corrosion. “This is a subjective examination, but can be performed by taking a syringe and sampling the fluid in the helm reservoir,” Dudra advised. “If the fluid looks like ‘chocolate milk,’ then the fluid is likely contaminated with water.” If this occurs, the entire system must be inspected for leaks. Once these are fixed, the system should be flushed with clean oil to remove any contaminated oil. To learn more about marine steering and components from the industry leader, visit www.dometic.com.
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Together. Carrying what matters most. 14 NATIONAL
OCTOBER 2021
By Rex Hannon
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itting in the Cancun International Airport, I couldn’t help but reflect on the past 15 days on Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean coast. In August, I traveled to the little fishing village Xcalak to compete in the Silver Scales International Fly Fishing Tournament. Xcalak is a quaint little village very near the border of Belize in southern Quintana Roo. It doesn’t make it on most tourist lists. In fact, a large 9:54 AM percentage of Mexican citizens have probably never heard of the place. If it wasn’t for Xcalak’s world-class flats fishery, even fewer would know of it. The Silver Scales International Fly Fishing Tournament is an annual gathering of some of the finest saltwater fly fishers on the planet. The tournament focuses on the “grand slam” of permit, bonefish and tarpon. Combine that with a snook, and you have the “super slam.” Points are assigned for each fish, and there’s an added bonus for anglers who catch a slam. The grand slam is all three species in a 24-hour period, or in this case the day’s allotted fishing hours. Xcalak is an amazing fishery. If your bucket list includes the pursuit of this elusive challenge, there is no better place on the planet. Sighting schools of bonefish is commonplace, but the real prize is the abundance of “black-tailed devils” known as permit. Just because there are great numbers of these highly sought after game fish, they are by no mean easy. It’s much more fishing than catching. Fifteen teams and 30 total anglers fished three days in 2021, and the results were impressive. There were seven grand slams caught and two super slams. Total catch included 27 bonefish, three snook, 13 tarpon and 22 permit. Like I stated earlier, the Silver Scales draws some very talented anglers from around the globe. Brothers Javier and Mauricio Osorio, of Escamas Plateadas dedicated months to ensure the gathering was a success. The success our team “Fly Fish Costa Maya” is due to the passion and dedication of my friend Will Robins and the hard work and intimate knowledge of our guide Moises Cordova. The tournament is a grueling three days of hot sun, little sleep and nothing short of physical torture. It was one of the best times of my life. Preparation, hard work and endurance paid off in a respectable fourth-place finish. But, our success in fishing the tournament was nowhere near the highlight of this trip. Just knowing there are special places and people like this warms the heart and makes you want to return. I was anxious to board the plane for home and see my beautiful wife, but— with God’s blessing—I know I’ll return to this place soon.
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FISH A LIPLESS CRANK
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TYLER WOOLCOTT
he weather is cooling, and bass are feeding heavily before the spawn. This time of year, baitfish is prevalent in waters across the country, and there is one lure that puts fish in the boat just about everywhere. This bait is a lipless crankbait. A lipless crank can play a huge role in getting baitfish-feeding bass to bite. I use it all over the country. Sometimes it’s as easy as casting it out and retrieving it steadily. But sometimes it’s a bit more complicated. Inside the lure, there are rattles. Sizes vary from ¼-ounce up to an ounce, and it is best to match the size of baitfish bass are feeding on. There are different types of rattles inside different lures. Two I like are a multi-rattle and a one-knock. Multi-rattles make a lot of noise. I throw this style when fish are very active and feeding heavily. The noise draws their attention from real baitfish and gets them to react and eat your bait. I like the one-knocker version and its slower, deeper-pitch knock when fish are feeding on baitfish, but not very actively. Fish tend to scatter out when they aren’t actively feeding, and that deeper pitch can sometimes trigger them to bite. There are many ways to retrieve a lipless crankbait. A steady retrieve can sometimes be the trick, especially if you see bass
feeding. But my absolute favorite way to fish a lipless crank is to yo-yo it. This is a varied retrieve with the reel handle, with an occasional pull and pause with the rod to let the bait flutter up and fall back down. This technique is deadly. When you pull the bait up fast, it makes a loud rattle. Then, when you let it flutter down, it looks like an injured baitfish, and bass can’t resist it. In the fall, bass also feed on crayfish in some parts of the country. A lipless crank can be a massive player in this scenario. When crayfish flee, their tails smack against their bodies and make a clacking noise similar to a rattle. When deciding colors, I match the color of the lure to the color of the baitfish present. 13 Fishing makes an awesome lure called the Magic Man that comes in both multirattle and one-knocker versions. When matching baitfish, I use chromes, whites and sometimes chartreuse. When mimicking crayfish, I use reds and oranges.
Trap Fishing Gear I’ve done a ton of experimenting with setups for lipless cranks, and I’ve got it down to a science. When dealing with treble hooks, you want a rod with a decent amount of backbone and a bit of bend to let the fish get the hooks. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’4MH Moderate action rod. I pair this with a 7:1 Concept A 13 Fishing reel spooled with 15-pound Seaguar Abrazx line. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
OCTOBER 2021
NATIONAL 15
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES
TIPS FOR CATCH-AND-RELEASE FLOUNDER
A MONSTER CANADIAN STURGEON
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hite Sturgeon can live longer than 100 years, so it’s likely this monster fish has been swimming between the northern Pacific and British Columbia’s Fraser River for the better part of a century. According to the Vancouver Sun, it took a group of Canadian anglers about 25 minutes to land this huge sturgeon in August. It stretched the tape to 11-feet, 6-inches and had a girth of 55 inches. An estimate based on those measurements puts the weight of the fish near 900 pounds. That would make it a Canadian provincial record for the species, according to the Sun. The anglers were fishing the Fraser River east of Vancouver. National Hockey League great Pete Peeters and his buddy Jake Driedger took turns on the rod. White sturgeon are widely protected, which makes them a difficult species in terms of records. In British Columbia, catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon is allowed, but fish longer than 5 feet must remain in the water before release. These protections as well their size makes it nearly impossible to get a certified weight on angler catches. The IGFA all-tackle world record white sturgeon was caught in 1983 and weighed just 468 pounds. There have been several reported but uncertified catches heavier than 1,000 pounds, including a 12-foot, 4-incher caught in 2012 from the Fraser River. It was estimated at 1,100 pounds. However, it’s likely the all-tackle record is permanent because it’s no longer possible to weigh white sturgeon. For more on fishing opportunities in British Columbia, see www.gofishbc.com.
16 NATIONAL
OCTOBER 2021
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
s the weather changes, so do the fishing patterns. This year, along with the seasonal changes, we also have some regulation changes to keep in mind. Here in Texas and also in Florida there are new closed seasons for flounder in 2021. From Nov. 1-Dec. 14, Texas flounder will be catch and release only. In Florida, the recreational season will be closed Oct. 15-Nov. 30. These closures are part of regulations-tightening trend for Gulf and Atlantic states after a federal study showed southern flounder numbers at historically low levels. I’m happy to report we’re still catching flounder, but be sure to check for updates to your state’s seasons and bag limits before applying the following tips. I enjoy the precise approach to successfully and consistently catch flounder. Although I won’t be able to harvest any during the closed period, I’ll still land some saddle blankets for photos before release. I’ll also modify my tactics to improve my hook-up ratio, which will also increase the odds of flounder survival during this spawning season. While targeting flounder, I generally pause after I feel the initial strike. I do this for a few reasons. Flounder hold their prey in locked jaws for a period of time in order to kill the bait and reposition it before swallowing. I don’t get as many hook-ups when setting the hook on the first thump of a flounder strike. In preparation for the closed season, I’ve practiced downsizing lures. A shorter and smaller profile significantly increased my first-strike hookup ratio. A lure that has proven very effective is the new 3.25-inch Knockin Tail Lure. It has a small profile, which allows for a wider gap between the plastic and the hook tip. With the boney jaw of a flounder, ample hook exposure increases penetration. This lure also has a built-in tail rattle and a ton of action. When targeting flounder, I start each day with a new jighead, and I might even replace it during the day depending on the bottom structure in the area. A sharp hook is crucial to consistently piercing a flounder’s jaw, which is where most of the hooks will be if you’re not waiting for the second or third bite, which is what I do if I plan to retain my catch. I also recommend a jighead with a strong solid hook with little to no flex. My final tip for targeting flounder is to use bright colors. Any color can work, but I catch more flounder on bright patterns. Some of my favorites are, white/limetruese, chartreuse with glitter and a bright green/bright red combo. I hope these tips give you the edge during this year’s flounder runs. Don’t forget to take a kid fishing. Flounder can be an easy target for young anglers, even on lures. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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$29
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n the history of timepieces, few moments are more important than the creation of the world’s first Piezo timepiece. First released to the public in 1969, the watch turned the entire industry on its head, ushering in a new era of timekeeping. It’s this legacy that we’re honoring with the Timemaster Watch, available only through Stauer at a price only we can offer. Prior to Piezo watches, gravity-driven Swiss watches were the standard bearer of precision timekeeping. But all that changed when the first commercially available Piezo watch came onto the market. The result of ten years of research and development by some of the world’s top engineers, they discovered that when you squeeze a certain type of crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. And, if you pass electricity through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency–exactly 32,768 times each second. When it came on the market, the Piezo watch was the most dependable timepiece available, accurate to 0.2 seconds per day. Today, it’s still considered a spectacular advance in electrical engineering. “[Piezo timepieces]...it would shake the Swiss watch industry to its very foundations.” —Foundation For Economic Education With the Timemaster we’ve set one of the world’s most important mechanical advances inside a decidedly masculine case. A handsome prodigy in rich leather and gold-finished stainless steel. The simplicity of the watch’s case belies an ornately detailed dial, which reflects the prestige of this timepiece. Call today to secure your own marvel of timekeeping history. Because we work directly with our own craftsman we’re able to offer the Timemaster at a fraction of the price that many Piezo watches cost. But a watch like this doesn’t come along every day. Call today before time runs out and they’re gone. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Spend some time with this engineering masterpiece for one month. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. But we’re betting this timekeeping pioneer is a keeper.
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Timemaster Piezo Watch $299*
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® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPW284-04 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
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• Precision Piezo electric movement • Stainless steel caseback and crown • Cotswold® mineral crystal • Crocodile embossed leather strap fits wrists 6 ½"–8 ½" • Date window display • Water resistant to 3 ATM