Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2019 | Rhode Island/Connecticut

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CONNECTICUT & RHODE ISLAND EDITION

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Inside: Paddlesports Review

SUP FISHING TIPS

Enter To Win KAYAK

www.CoastalAnglerMag.com/Contest PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC J. MCDONALD VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 290

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Big Fish And Little Plastic Boats By Nick Carter; Photos by Eric McDonald

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hese guys stole a chapter out of “The Old Man and the Sea.” While fishing a 2014 kayak tournament in the Bahamas, angler Matt Eckert had an adventure of epic proportions. He hooked into a 500-pound blue marlin while sitting on the deck of a little plastic boat. It dragged him 32 miles over an 11-hour fight. Eckert admits he was unbelievably lucky to get his hands on the leader, making it an official catch before the fish continued having its way with him. “I grabbed the leader with my hand, and it was like a bomb went off next to me. It almost spooled me 10 hours into the fight,” Eckert said. “The only reason I was able to get the leader was he made a big airplane turn and swam right by me.” That’s about as extreme as fishing gets. The kayak trips Eckert and his partner Eric McDonald guide out of Boynton Beach, Fla., might seem tame in comparison. But there aren’t many who would consider catching sailfish from a kayak to be tame. Deep Blue Kayak Fishing offers standard inshore and freshwater trips, but they specialize in taking groups of up to six anglers off the beach in rigged-out peddle-drive Hobie kayaks to chase big pelagics. They don’t use motherships or support boats. Their location on the southeast coast of Florida is one of the only places in the world where their style of fishing is possible. At times, the Gulf Stream swings in as close as 8 miles off the beach and brings with it fishing that would normally require long runs offshore. “When the east wind picks up, it brings everything in,” said McDonald. “It brings in the grass and the baitfish, which brings in the pelagics.” Deep Blue doesn’t force clients on an 8-mile death-peddle out to the Gulf Stream. Less than a half-mile off the beach, the reef tops out at about 45 feet and drops precipitously into 100-foot depths on the backside. Within sight of shore, they drift with the current and slowly peddle-troll live baits from the reef out into 200-foot depths and back. Each kayak pulls a single bait on a kingfish-style rig, and six anglers working together can pull a pretty impressive spread. The fish are impressive, too. “We’re so close to the Gulf Stream, you never know what you’re going to get,” said McDonald. “It seems like everyone wants a billfish, and sailfish are our most common catch. It’s sailfish from October into maybe June. Then the rest of the year it’s big king mackerel.” A smoker king or 65-pound sailfish will take a kayak angler on a

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serious sleigh ride. The typical fight stretches out over 3 or 4 miles of water and lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. “We usually start out trying to get a sailfish first thing in the morning. Then you’re trolling looking for meat,” McDonald said. “A good day would consist of a sailfish and three or four more meat fish.” Kingfish, blackfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, grouper, snapper and cobia are some of the species that regularly find a spot in the deck-mounted fish bags. Because of a kayak’s limited range, Deep Blue stays in contact with the local charter fleet to share intel, and word of a good grass line might call for a trek out into 400-foot depths in search of mahi. But what kayaks lack in range they make up for in stealth. McDonald said they are sometimes able to peddle over and through bait balls and schooling fish that an outboard would definitely spook. “We just look like another piece of debris floating out there,” he said. “We get a lot of sea turtles that come check us out, and a lot of times mahi will be right under the boat.” Because of the physical nature of kayak fishing, Deep Blue limits its trips to five hours on the water. Depending on the wind and currents, a five-hour drift can take you 20 miles or more from where you put in. But they won’t make you peddle all the way back to the put-in. With a series of different take-out points, the end of a trip is usually a straight shot back to shore, hopefully in a kayak loaded down with fresh fish. Check out Deep Blue Kayak Fishing Charters at deepbluekayakfishing.com or give them a call at (561) 350-8764.

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Introducing the fastest, lightest, most portable solo fishing SUP ever! The Sea Eagle SUPCat10™ weighs in at less than 45 lbs. This amazing SUP can be paddled or motored. Coming with multiple rod-holders and fittings for fishing accessories, this small SUP packs in a lot of features in a little space. Best of all, the SUPCat10™ packs in a car trunk and goes anywhere there is water.

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Putting In The Time:The Man Behind The Design By Ryan Drygas

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evin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, is not your typical kayak manufacturer. He’s a fisherman who tests and uses his own product and has made a living doing what he loves. In the quiet beachfront town of Tarpon Springs, Fla. Kaku Kayaks was born out of the idea of “life on the water.” Initially, Hawkins took up kayaking to get into springs, go scalloping, spearfishing and basic exercise. He fell in love with the ease of use, the peace of the water and the idea that you can pick-up and drop-in anywhere and take off to parts unknown. What started as a hobby turned into a passion, and an idea was born. At the time, Hawkins also had an interest in mountain biking, so in 2007 he started an outfitter shop to combine his two favorite outdoor activities. As time went on, Hawkins realized the products

he was selling weren’t holding up to his idea of a true paddle-craft, so he made the decision to stop reselling and focus on inventing. The idea was there, the knowledge was out there, all he had to do was find a way to put it all together. Hawkins spent five years working in other fields and saving money. All the while, he was learning the trade of roto-molding, studying different plastics, shaping, design and everything else he could possibly absorb about creating the perfect paddle-craft. Hawkins slowly made his dream become a reality by piecing together his company one step at a time. Eventually, the time came for Kaku Kayak to step out into the world of kayak angling. In late 2014, Hawkins took a crosscountry trip and tested his paddle-craft in every condition of water you can think of. From Florida to Texas, Hawkins fished rivers, creeks, lakes, inlets, offshore oil rigs and everything else in between. When he posted photos showcasing the Kahuna on social media, he knew he was onto something special. The Kahuna just might be the ultimate fishing SUP, designed, tested and tweaked by a hardcore fisherman. The response flooded in, with comments like: “Where can I get that?” and “That looks like a fisherman’s dream.” Requests for the Kahuna were not in short supply. Hawkins’ dream had become a reality, but he knew his inventing days weren’t over. The success of the Kahuna led to the birth of the Wahoo, a kayak fisherman’s dream. Designed to be simplistic yet fully capable of top-of-the-line rigging, the Wahoo will cut through the water like a downhill train. People from all over the country were noticing the unique design of the paddle-crafts coming out of Kaku Kayak. Still, Hawkins knew he could do more. The blended idea of the Kahuna and Wahoo brought forth one of today’s most sought-after paddle-crafts. The Voodoo is a combination of Kayak and SUP, a design that is a perfect mix of balance, comfort and mobility. We can only imagine what is going to come out of Kaku Kayak in the future! Check out Kaku Kayak at kakukayak.com.

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BOAT REVIEW NuCanoe Frontier 12

The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is an incredible fishing platform. Just spend a few minutes fishing on the Frontier 12, and you’ll be hooked. First thing you’ll notice is that, unlike other kayaks, it has a very clean deck with a lot of open space. There’s not a lot to get in your way, and there’s no limit to how you can set it up and outfit it. Solo or tandem, rigged up or stripped down, paddle, trolling motor or outboard, the options are unlimited. You’ll be blown away by the Frontier 12’s stability. It’s unlike any canoe or kayak you’ve been in before. You feel completely comfortable whether seated or standing. Your movements barely affect how it rides on the water. So, when it comes time to cast and fight a fish, you’re not even thinking about being in a kayak, you’re just locked in to the battle! Adding an outboard to the Frontier 12 is an ideal solution for anglers who want a great fishing experience but don’t want to spend a lot of time paddling. The Honda 2.3hp outboard moves the Frontier 12 at a very nice clip and is surprisingly easy to control. Whether you are going 500 feet or 5 miles, the outboard will get you to where you want to be quickly and comfortably. Then kill the motor, grab your rod, stand up and enjoy your unlimited fishing experience.

Learn more + find your local NuCanoe dealer at www.nucanoe.com | 888.226.6310

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Paddlesports| 1. Log Kayak Rack

Looking for a way to store your kayaks, canoes or paddleboards? You’d be hard-pressed to find a sturdier, more convenient or better-looking solution than a Log Kayak Rack. Individually constructed in the U.S.A. from weather-resistant white cedar, Log Kayak Racks are extremely strong and durable. They’re built to hold heavy loads and provide many years of service. They are available with capacity for two to eight boats, and racks can also be customized to meet your specific needs. Need a place off the ground to store a paddleboat, rowboat or any hand-launched vessel? Give Log Kayak Rack a call. They’ll custom design a rack for you. Well-considered design makes lifting boats in and out of the rack easy. Locking down boats is a cinch with standard cable locks. Racks can be bolted to a dock or anchored to the ground, and there are even Log Kayak Racks designed to hang on the wall. Visit their website to see what Log Kayak Rack has to offer, then give them a call at (715) 543-2006 to discuss the best solution for safely storing your fleet of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Product Reviews

1.

LogKayakRack.com

2. 2019 Hobie Mirage Outback

For more than a decade, Hobie’s Mirage Outback has peddled along without any major redesigns. With a kayak this close to perfection, there hasn’t been a need. However, for 2019, Hobie has taken the world’s best-selling pedaldrive kayak and made it even better. The 2019 Mirage Outback is a fishing machine built to handle any trip, from pond prowling to offshore expeditions. An extra-wide deck offers an improved and more stable casting platform and vantage point for sight fishing. The revolutionary Guardian Transducer Shield protects your vision below. The new Vantage CTW seat is roomier and more comfortable. Four molded-in rod holders, multiple deluxe H-Track mounts and numerous high-capacity storage compartments ensure all your gear is at your fingertips. Powered by the MirageDrive 180 with ARC Cranks + Turbo Fins, this vessel is versatile, fast, quiet and nimble. It now features the Kick-Up Rudder system with dual steering.

3.

Hobie.com

3. Kaku Voodoo

Kaku Voodoo The all-new Kaku Voodoo is the ultimate sight-casting paddle craft. This authentic fishing paddle craft has a unique look and performance. It’s part kayak, part paddleboard, with some micro skiff qualities. The Kaku Voodoo is like a personal deck yak. It has incredible stability, while maintaining good paddling efficiency. The performance of this paddle craft is lifted to an even higher level with the included Voodoo Chair, which is unlike anything on the market today. The Voodoo Chair has a beefy aluminum structure, a perfect amount of cushion, and off-the-charts utility, giving the paddler a high and low seating position, leaning chair,

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as well as a standing platform, without having to adjust anything. It’s mounted securely on 30-inch aluminum tracks, allowing for trimming as necessary. Top it all off with great storage and five Micro Powerpole mounts, which allow for multiple or single Powerpoles while also offering motor mounting. Check out the Voodoo’s higher-level capabilities today.

KakuKayak.com

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2. 4. Watershed Goforth Duffel

A dry bag is a necessity when you’re fishing from a kayak, canoe or SUP. Watershed’s Goforth is a darn good one. Step on it, stand on it or stomp around on it, no matter what you do, it won’t leak. The Goforth is a dry bag with mobility and versatility in mind. It features low-profile lash points along with a 2” nylon removable waist belt to make it ideal for on-the-go water enthusiasts. From the incredibly strong Airtight ZipDry closure to the 420 denier Cordura nylon ripstop fabric coated with polyurethane, it’s hard to know what to love most about the Goforth. Ideal for fishing, boating or just messing about on the water, this madein-the-U.S.A. duffel also features rugged carrying handles and multiple compression straps. Plus, it looks great on! Specs: Dimensions Rolled - 9”x16”x7.25” Capacity Rolled - 640 cu in (10.5L) Opening Size - 13” Weight - 1.5 lbs.

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5. Salt Marsh Skiffs Savanna

The new Savanna from Salt Marsh Skiffs is a kayak/skiff hybrid that offers a kayak’s ease of use with the capability to handle more diverse conditions and loads. Designed to handle two full size adults, it has a self-bailing cockpit fully loaded. The overall length of 14’ is long enough to accommodate 4 fly rods. The beam is 40” at the waterline, offering great stability that makes it a great fishing platform. The Savanna can be paddled, rowed, poled or powered depending on the need. It can putt around with a lightweight 2.5hp outboard or go long distance at up to 21mph with a 9.9hp engine. Perhaps the most intriguing option is the 3hp electric engine capable of cruising at 3mph with a range of up to 12-miles. For short bursts, the electric can reach speeds close to 6mph. The Savanna is right at home in rougher water and heavy boat traffic with a 14” free board. It can be easily be equipped for a variety of uses with the many accessories available from the kayak fishing world. If you’re ready to move up from a kayak and expand your horizons without the complexity and expense of a full-size skiff, the Savanna deserves a look.

SaltMarshSkiffs.com

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DeFoe Slams Door On Hometown Bassmaster Classic Victory B.A.S.S. photo by Andy Crawford

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or decades, it seemed almost impossible for an angler to win the Bassmaster Classic in his home state. Now it’s happened four times in six years. On the final day of the Classic March 17, Tennessee pro Ott DeFoe, of Knoxville, caught five bass that weighed 18 pounds, 14 ounces to win the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing and the $300,000 prize. The event was held on the Tennessee River in Knoxville. DeFoe’s three-day total weight of 49-3

helped him slip past second-place angler Jacob Wheeler at the weighin before a raucous home crowd at the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena. The world-championship bass tournament drew a record attendance of 153,809. “This is a dream come true—a dream I’ve had since I was a 9-yearold kid,” said DeFoe. “When we came over here and did the walkthrough the day before the tournament, I actually imagined hearing my name after the words ‘Bassmaster Classic champion.’ “For it to happen now… I just keep thinking I’m gonna wake up.” DeFoe lives in Knoxville—and since few others in the 52-angler field had much experience on the tournament waters of Fort Loudon and Tellico lakes—he was one of the obvious favorites coming into the event. But things didn’t go smoothly for him all three days. After catching 20 pounds during Friday’s opening round, DeFoe caught five bass that weighed just 10-5 Saturday—and he said that tough day might have been the best thing that could have happened. “If I would have had a good Day 2—if I’d had even 14 or 15 pounds—I might have been totally committed to what I was doing,” DeFoe said. “…But the fact that it just didn’t work for me, that caused me to just scrap it all. I just

went fishing today, and that’s exactly what I needed to do.” DeFoe spent Day 1 far from the shoreline fishing shallow tips of points. His primary bait was a Storm Arashi Vibe lipless crankbait in the “rusty craw” pattern, which he doctored with orange, red and black Sharpies. On the second day, DeFoe switched to shallow boat docks when a strong north wind interfered with his pattern. His bait of choice around the docks—a 3/8-ounce bladed jig— helped him land three of his five keepers on Day 2. He used the bladed jig again Sunday but moved to the outside wall of a marina after a conversation with Keith Poche, a Classic competitor who failed to make the cut for Championship Sunday. On the water Sunday, after boating one of the bass that helped seal the victory, Defoe said he was going to give Poche a big old bear hug.

Bassmaster Classic Top-10 1. Ott Defoe, 49-3, $302,500 2. Jacob Wheeler, 45-3, $52,500 3. Jesse Wiggins, 43-14, $40,000 4. Michael Iaconelli, 42-9, $30,000 5. Mark Daniels Jr., 41-12, $26,250 6. Brandon Lester, 40-5, $22,000 7. Wesley Strader, 39-8, $21,500 8. Edwin Evers, 39-7, $22,250 9. Dean Rojas, 35-6, $20,500 10. Brandon Palaniuk, 34-15, $20,000

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Unsinkable Polarized Mirror Sunglasses

KING KRACKEN Outdoor Clothing Co..

Unsinkable brings a lot more to the table than just being unsinkable. Their premium polarized glasses feature lenses made from a proprietary lens material called Polyamide, which has the optics of glass combined with the lightweight feel of polycarbonate, resulting in crystal-clear vision. New for 2019, Unsinkable’s lineup now offers blue and green mirror polarized lenses, providing another level of sun glare protection. These lenses reflect glare from every possible angle and offer super crisp, saturated, color acuity. A proprietary blue light barrier filters harmful blue light, allowing colors to blast, and a hydrophobic coating protects against salt, sweat and smudges. Other features include anti-scratch coating, 100 percent UV protection, they are BPA free, and boast injected and decentered optics. All Unsinkable glasses are lightweight and impact resistant, and provide 10 percent visual light transmittance (VLT). Blue mirror lenses are available in six wrap sunglass styles, ideal for blocking out glare while searching out signs of baitfish or gamefish. Blue mirrors are best suited for bright sunlight conditions and are an excellent choice for offshore and coastal fishing and boating. Green mirror lenses are available in four wrap sunglass styles, which reflect glare from every possible angle. They are best suited for variable light conditions and an excellent choice for anyone who spends a lot of time fishing or boating inshore waters or freshwater. Unsinkable Polarized Sunglasses will never sink, but in case they do float away, you are covered by Unsinkable’s groundbreaking Lifetime plus Loss warranty. The MSRP on the new Unsinkable premium polarized mirror sunglasses is $159. To checkout their complete lineup of products, go to https://unsinkablepolarized.com/.

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Center sp ie Vaine By Jeram

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tand up paddling covers a wide variety of activities. From the casual cruise on a calm lake to adrenaline fueled wave surfing. But I’ve found myself spending more time on my stand up paddleboard (SUP) with a fishing rod. Two good friends, Chris Hollingsworth and Ken Hoeve, opened my eyes to world of SUP fishing. Hearing their stories, seeing the fish they caught and the ear-to-ear smiles are what inspired me. I grew up on a small New England lake, where I spent countless hours fishing. But I never really thought about fishing from an SUP… until speaking with Chris and Ken. Besides hearing the stories and seeing the fun times, the biggest appeal of SUP fishing is its simplicity. All you need is a board, a paddle and a fishing rod. Whether you’re an angler who wants to try fishing from an SUP or a paddler interested in fishing, here are some tips for getting into SUP fishing.

• What’s the right board? These days, manufacturers make fishing-specific boards that make fishing from an SUP easier. They are awesome, but they’re not absolutely necessary for someone just getting started. The most important thing is to find a board you can comfortably paddle without falling in. My general rule is a board over 30 inches wide and longer than 10 feet. It will have the stability to stand and fish, while remaining portable. If you’re concerned about falling in or losing your fishing gear, use a tether to tie it off to your board. Don’t tie gear to your person, it could hinder your ability to swim if you do fall in. • Where and when to go? Like any outdoor activity, and probably more so, weather is crucial. With an SUP, calm days are definitely better. Wind and rough conditions make it challenging, which eliminates the fun factor. Smaller bodies of water are a great place to start, as they are more protected from wind and do not have a lot of boat traffic. For these reasons, I prefer freshwater lakes. But a little experience on a board opens up a whole world of inshore action on saltwater. An SUP is a great, elevated platform to fish from during a calm day along the mangroves or up in the backwaters. • What to bring? For beginners, it’s best to keep it simple. I started SUP fishing 18

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with one spinning rod, pre-rigged with a single tried-and-true lure. It limited my catch, but having just one option allows you to enjoy time on the water without fussing with gear. Again, experience will guide preferences, but starting simple can save a lot of headaches. Of course the safety rules of SUP still apply. You’ll need a paddle leash and a lifejacket. • What to fish for? I really enjoy bass fishing, but some of my most fun days were with my nephews catching perch. Other people seek out trout in rivers and saltwater fish like snook, seatrout and redfish. If it can be caught from a boat, it can be caught from atop an SUP. Head out on the water, take a few casts and see what you think. If it develops into a passion, you might find yourself paddling a board that resembles a fully rigged fishing skiff.

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igger is better, right? Maybe, but when it comes to spring bluegills I like to go small. Everyone knows the ubiquitous bluegill or bream. A member of the sunfish family, the bluegill can be found in lakes, ponds and streams from the Rockies to Florida and is arguably one of the most popular, best known and most commonly caught freshwater fish. They are, however, the quintessential bait stealers and are often the cause of frustration, sometimes thrown back because they’re “just bluegills.” It took me a while to realize that the diminutive bluegill can be a bruiser and is hard to beat beer battered with a plate of fries. Going small is of course relative. Bluegills are small to begin with, and to put it into perspective, winter and early spring fishing calls for jigs as small as 1/64 of an ounce. Fast-forward to spring and comparatively large jigs of 1/32- to 1/16 of an ounce become the norm. Orange, yellow, white, chartreuse and purple Teardrop jigs, and red Rat Finky and yellow or black ball jigs rule the day. Tipping the

jigs with a wax worm, several red spikes or some other meaty offering is irresistible, especially when vertically jigged. The tiny baits are virtually weightless and casting, though not impossible, does create challenges. Vertical jigging keeps the jig and bait combo on the spot and in the strike zone far longer than drifting baits beneath a float. I’ve used crankbaits, spinnersbaits and bucktails larger than most bluegills I’ve caught, but big bull ’gills longer than 10 inches are pound-for-pound one of the strongest fighting fish that swims. They are great fun on very light tackle. A 4-foot, 6-inch to 5-foot ultra-light spooled with 4-pound mono is about perfect for catching the little brutes. If you plan to cast, the ultra-light is great, but a light action 6-foot, 6-inch crappie rod can provide a bit more distance. In early Spring, during prespawn when water temps push over 50 degrees, big bulls will begin moving out of their winter areas and start gravitating toward mid-depth structure. These areas include weed edges, rock piles or submerged timber; anything that provides protection will be sought out. Muddy bottoms and sunken brushpiles can be prime areas. Locating structure can be tricky, but when fishing muddy lakes look for slight changes in depth including depressions only inches deeper than the surrounding area. These “bowls” are big bull hotspots. A jig tipped with waxworms, spikes or grasshoppers work well here, but a 1-inch chunk of nightcrawler or leaf worm is better. If available, hellgrammites—sometimes locally called “wigglers”—will outshine any other offering. They’re typically more expensive, but you will not be disappointed. Be prepared, however, because largemouth bass love them too and will certainly test your light tackle. Vertical jigging is a great technique. Dangling a tempting morsel over a rock pile, suspended weeds, sunken brush or muddy bottom can mean the difference between fishing and catching. Sometimes bigger is better, but for these feisty little Frisbees, smaller is often your best bet.

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isheries managers will be working with two new stock assessments in manageing our fisheries. Both are “benchmarks,” which are the most complex and thorough form of assessment. The assessment results indicate that summer flounder are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring, and that Atlantic striped bass are overfished and overfishing is occurring. The results for summer flounder include the stock component in Atlantic waters from North Carolina to the US/Canada border. The results for Atlantic striped bass apply to the stock component found in the coastal and most estuarine waters of all states and jurisdictions from Maine through North Carolina. Summer Flounder The summer flounder assessment benefits from one of the most comprehensive data sets in the region. It includes data from state surveys, federal surveys, recreational surveys, and data from the commercial fishing industry. Fishermen’s data and input were used through vessel trip reports, biological samples from commercial catches, data taken during commercial fishing trips by fishery observers, and recreational interviews and catch samples. New data in the summer flounder assessment included updated estimates of recreational catch. The new estimates increased recreational catch, which increased estimates of numbers of fish in the stock. These data come directly from recreational anglers through interviews and mail surveys. Another new element was the evaluation of several sex-specific models, attempting to account for size differences between males and females. Atlantic Striped Bass The Atlantic striped bass assessment was led by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Management Commission and involved a number of state, federal, and academic researchers. New estimates of recreational catch were included in the assessment. This resulted in higher estimates of biomass and new young fish entering the population in comparison to the last assessment (2016), but did not change the overall population trend, which has been declining since 2003.

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WORD ON THE BITE TOM SCHLICHTER

Anglers Help Drive Surging Boat

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Sales, Fishing Opportunities

018 was a good year for recreational boat sales. So was 2017 and 2016. In fact, boat sales across the country have been on a steady incline for the past seven years and industry experts expect that trend to continue through the year ahead. That, in the long run, is good not only for boat manufacturers, boat dealers, marinas and other industry stake-holders, but for anglers, too. When you drill down into the economic impact of recreational angling across the country, you can find some pretty impressive statistics. According to the American Sportfishing Association (https:// asafishing.org), over 49 million Americans go fishing each year. That’s more than go bowling, play basketball or soccer, making it the second most popular outdoors activity after jogging. It’s triple the number of active downhill skiers and snowboarders combined, and twice as many people than attended every NFL game last year. Collectively, anglers spend nearly $50 billion dollars each year on fishing-related gear and travel. “That’s big bucks,” says, Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which represents the nation’s recreational boat, engine and marine accessory manufacturers, “and we can see these numbers reflected in the retail unit sales of new powerboats. Last year, sales were up an estimated 4 percent over the previous year with approximately 280,000 units sold. That’s the highest total since 2007, and the outlook for 2019 remains positive with continued growth expected to bring a 3 to 4 percent

increase in new powerboat retail sales.” NMMA estimates that the recreational boating industry contributes a total of $170.3 billion in economic activity to the U.S. economy, an increase of approximately $49 billion since the last time the association reported on boating’s economic impact in 2012. “A big part of that comes from anglers,” continues Dammrich. “Seventy-percent of boaters fish, and half of all fishing is done from boats. Saltwater recreational boat sales, specifically, have seen doubledigit growth for four or five years now, so that’s a very hot market. The biggest driver is always innovative new products. The manufacturers keep adding new products that simply aren’t available in the pre-owned or after market. That means anglers who want the latest and greatest technology have to get a new boat, which really helps drive new sales.” It also makes pre-owned boats available to other anglers who want to get out on the water but maybe can’t afford the price of a brand new vessel. So, in the long run, anglers buying new boats probably also helps bring additional families into the angling fraternity. Yet another angling-related aspect that helps drive the boating market in a positive direction is when fishing seasons are extended or limits are eased. Down south, for example, the red snapper season was extended in 2018 from 2 days to 45 days. That, noted Dammrich, spurred additional boat sales along the Gulf Coast and Florida. Continued pressure for expanded seasons (within reasonable parameters) for recreational fishing, he believes, is good for both anglers and boat sales in the long run. “When we meet with politicians,” says Thom, “we tell them that if they get us longer seasons or relax catch restrictions when and where appropriate considering the health of fish stocks, the boating industry will build new factories and hire more people. We’ll make a bigger contribution the economy.” There’s still a long way to go on that front, but the recent passage of the Modern Fish Act was the first time Congress ever passed a piece of legislation devoted solely to saltwater recreational fishing. That’s a major milestone, and it shows a growing awareness among politicians of the economic impact of outdoors recreational spending - of which fishing and boating are the largest segments. Anglers looking to get to the fish fast faster with an added edge on technology and electronics tend to That increasing awareness is largely due to the efforts of the upgrade to new boats. That’s helps keep new boat sales growth on pace while also making used Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, vessels available for anglers and boating families just entering the market. notes Dammrich. “It’s an organization Photo courtesy of National Marine Manufacturers Association.

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made up of representatives from the boating, fishing, RV, archery, snowmobile and other outdoor players. Congress is beginning to recognize outdoor recreation is an important part of our economy. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) last year reported outdoor recreation represents 2.2% of the nation’s GDP. By comparison, agriculture across the country represents 1% of GDP. So boating and fishing clearly have an important economic impact and much of that is based on anglers having access to the fisheries.” To that end, if more people buy boats and become invested in the boating and fishing lifestyle, our outdoors communities should have more clout when it comes to Boating sales have been on the rise for the past several years with the saltwater managing our waters, fisheries, resources, fishing market being one of the hottest areas in terms of sales growth. etc. But it still takes standing up for ourselves. Photo courtesy of National Marine Manufacturers Association. “In the long run, the only way to improve fisheries management and boating access is for congress to hear from its boating and fishing constituents,” says Dammrich. “Even NOAA’s own data get there is going to require recreational anglers to talk with their tells us recreational fishing contributes more to the US economy than congressional representatives. We’ve got a little momentum now, so commercial fishing, for example, and yet NOAA remains commercial there’s no better time to be getting engaged.” fishing centric. We would all like to see recreation given its due but to

The White and Green Fishing Machine!

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Go Ultra-Light for Spring’s Freshwater Bite BY TOM SCHLICHTER

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f you’ve thought about dabbling with ultralight tackle in your freshwater endeavors over the years but never fully acted on the notion, consider April and May the perfect opportunity to rectify that situation. Scaling down your gear is a good way to focus on available early spring options like trout, sunfish, crappies and perch especially if you live a region where largemouth and bronzebacks are out of season. The term ultralight is, of course, a relative description where fishing tackle is concerned. For our purposes here, let’s consider it to be spinning setups in the two- to six-pound class with a four-pound class outfit perfect for most freshwater applications. This is far less beefy than serious bass anglers would normally choose, which is exactly what makes it so much fun. Downsizing allows anglers to feel the full fury of smaller battlers, making a big bluegill, crappie or yellow perch feel like a monster at the end of the line. Experience even just a little bit of success with this gear and you’ll quickly find it becomes a major part of your freshwater fishing arsenal throughout the year.

BATTLE TIPS

It’s amazing just how big a fish you can actually land on fourpound test spinning gear. I use light tackle tactics in favorable situations during all four seasons - yes, even when ice-fishing - to land largemouths topping six pounds, pickerel to four-and-a-half pounds, brown trout to four pounds and even a 25-pound carp. In the spring, however, I use my lightweight spinning outfit to specifically target big bluegills, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and crappies. Even with these species I’ve managed a few trophies, relatively speaking, including an 11-inch bluegill, 15-inch yellow perch and a whopping 17-inch black crappie. With the ability to present small lures, hooking up is actually one

In waters where largemouth bass are legal to target, small, unweighted creature baits can generate a lot of action when fished on ultralight tackle. Photo by Tom Schlichter. of the least problems for light-tackle enthusiasts. The real challenge is landing your quarry after the strike. For this it helps to have a properly set drag and enough patience to allow a substantial fish to reasonably tire itself out before you try to guide it into a net or lift it from the water. One mistake anglers frequently make regarding the drag setting is keeping it too loose. The natural instinct is back down the drag setting substantially in the hope of preventing breakoffs. Unfortunately, taking this approach will allow your quarry to power off to the nearest snag. Even with ultralight gear, it is important to have enough strength to turn a fish that is heading for heavy cover, so set your drag at about one-third the breaking strength of the line and use your rod tip instead of your drag to dampen sharp lunges and powerful runs. Be aware, too, that raising your rod tip straight up will increase pressure on a strong fish while pointing the tip at the fish will allow drag to peel more easily from your reel. Thus, you can vary the amount of drag simply by altering your rod angle to make it harder or easier for a fish to peel line.

TOP ULTRA-LIGHT LURES

Bluegills are generally quite willing during the spring season. Target them with small in-line spinners, tiny curly-tailed grubs or a Rapala, Rebel or Yo-Zuri floating minnow. Photo courtesy of OutdoorTom.com. 4 CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND

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Nearly as important as how you handle your quarry on light line is choosing where the battle begins. As a rule, light tackle is best suited for use in shallow open water like the mouth of a cove, sandbar edge or slope of a shallow point. Rather than cast into the weeds and heavy cover as you might with studier gear, work lures parallel to weed edges and four to six feet away from blow downs and stick-ups. The idea is to draw the fish out from the snags so that they strike in more open water. Cove

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Yellow perch are another hungry predator that favors a light presentation. Target them in open water. Photo courtesy of OutdoorTom.com.

mouths, by the way, are especially productive ultralight tackle areas as they are generally open water stretches but still serve as pinch points for roaming fish. You’ll find a wide variety of lightweight lures actually work better with ultralight gear than they do with more standard fishing tackle. Some of my favorite offerings include Yo-Zuri Allie Goby plugs for big bluegill and pumpkinseed, and size 1 or 2 in-line spinners along the lines of a Mepps Comet, Black Fury Rooster Tail or Blue Fox Super Vibrex for trout, perch and crappies. Berkley® Johnson® Beetle Spins and Northland® Mimic Minnow® Spins, in the 1/16-ounce size, are exceptional lures for large crappies when buzzed at the surface or just below. Silver and black pattern Rapala, Rebel and Yo-Zuri floating minnows in the two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half inch size tempt crappies, large sunfish and yellow

perch. For probing slightly deeper pockets where white perch and an occasional large bluegill are prime targets, it’s tough to beat a one- or two-inch white, yellow or chartreuse curly tailed grub. While most anglers these days favor braided lines, I still like monofilament for ultra-light fishing. Braid sinks quickly, I find, and that weighs down tiny lures I prefer to have in the upper reaches of the water column this time of year. Also, mono lines stretch considerably whereas braided choices barely stretch at all. That, I believe, gives an edge to the mono as its stretching ability provides a bit of a cushion should the drag be a bit too tight or a big fish power away unexpectedly.

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Paraná River Honey BY SAM KIRSCHENBAUM

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met Mariano on the other side of a bottle of Fernet at a gathering during my college semester abroad in Córdoba, Argentina. He quickly ignited some South American hospitality and covered the kitchen table with fishing tackle. “We’re going to fish the famous Golden dorado” he told me in Spanish. He lifted a small lure off the table and handed it to me, “Che loco, con este pescas, este es un miellll” he said to me, meaning, “hey crazy, fish with this, this lure is honeyyyy.” Two years and several dorado later, I found myself back in Argentina teaching English and planning another dorado trip. In late January we ventured to Alto Paraná in northern Corrientes. A quiet first morning of fishing had us questioning the conditions and our approach by lunchtime. After a hardy lunch and necessary siesta we returned to the river in a high speed boat custom designed for dorado fishing. We filled the afternoon by pulling Pacu over the rails but our first dorado required a bit extra effort. Just before dark, Mariano ordered a change to a blue and green lure covered with bite scars that had been masked by sharpie marker, the same lure he had handed to me 2 years prior in his kitchen. With a newfound hope, I resumed picking apart structure on the North shore of the two-mile wide river. Within 10 minutes, a train attached to the line and erupted into the air. Low light restricted sizing the fish during airtime but its strength and aggression were unmatched by any freshwater species I had ever tangled with. Ten minutes of screaming drag and Spanish cursing later we had a 30-pound dorado on the deck. Over the next three days we covered miles of shoreline, increasing our dorado numbers each day with a 70+ lb Surubi catfish as a bonus. The main attraction to Alto Paraná is the incredible Pacu fishery that becomes ripe for fly anglers from January through March when the

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fish feed on fruits falling from overhanging jungle flora. dorado run large in this section of river and are found by dragging flies and lures 1-2 ft on the upstream side of wood structure. Lures cost much more in Argentina so guides don’t think twice to surgically weave their boats into logjams to recover a snag. For the last leg of our trip we abandoned Pacu to focus on dorado. Overcast skies and high water allowed us to explore feeding frenzies in back channels that are normally inaccessible. Drifting around bends in channels between mats of aquatic vegetation at high speeds reminded me of the Everglades, but still the scenery was unmatched to anything in the US. More importantly these were some of the most consistent days of fishing I had ever experienced with flies, gear, and topwater making it happen all day long. Explosive hits, gravity defying jumps, and well stocked coolers were the recipe for all-time game fishing. Amazing ornithology too, if you’re into that. Mariano, a connected and competitive dorado fisherman hopes to someday catch a largemouth bass. Maybe our attraction to fishing in an exotic subtropical jungle functions similar to the Argentinean

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angler’s dream to fish abroad. Anglers from North America perceive targeting this species as a rare vacation opportunity, but we forget that dorado dominate inshore sportfishing for South American residents. Similar to our rustic trout lodges, public bass tournaments, and marinas stocked with flats boats, the same sportfishing infrastructure exists for domestic dorado fishing tourism. Honey Sportfishing makes catching dorado a tangible international fishing experience. We currently offer trips to several signature destinations on the Parana River and its tributaries in Corrientes, Argentina. We’ll work with you closely to simplify travel logistics, bridge any language barrier, and supply you with the

necessary tackle. Contact info@honeyfishing.com to get tight. You’ll see for yourself that the Parana flows gold with honey. Company Description: Honey Sportfishing provides avid fishermen with exceptional guides and services at an affordable price to fish the famous golden dorado in Northern Argentina. Website: honeyfishing.com info@honeyfishing.com Instagram: @honeysportfishing

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Sport Fishing Industry Presents Findings ALEXANDRIA, VA – MARCH 15, 2019

South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Management Improvements

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t last week’s South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) Meeting in Jekyll Island, Ga., the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) reported the results of a series of workshops focused on ways to achieve better recreational fisheries management of snapper grouper species in the South Atlantic. The presentation was the culmination of a project sponsored by ASA, Yamaha Marine Group and the Coastal Conservation Association, in cooperation with the Council. “While the sportfishing industry has appreciated the seasons – limited as they have been – for South Atlantic red snapper in recent years, much work remains to be done to improve management and access of this and other snapper grouper species,” said Kellie Ralston, the American Sportfishing Association’s Southeast Fisheries Policy Director. “Through this project, we were able to flesh out a variety of promising management and data collection ideas that have the potential to provide more reasonable and predictable fishing regulations.” An initial workshop to identify the concepts and approaches to take out to regional meetings for local input was held with the Council at their September 2018 meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. Subsequently, five regional meetings were held from November 2018

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through January 2019 in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, with two meetings in Florida. Workshop participants provided input on their local areas and concerns and discussed a variety of topics, including regional differences, electronic reporting, barotrauma reduction, and pilot projects as pathways for the Council to pursue. The results and recommendations from the recreational workshops will go to the Council’s Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel for review and discussion in late April. Afterwards, the Council will discuss how to move forward on the suggestions brought forward in the report. For the full article got to Coastalanglermag.com.

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FISH FOCUS BY ZACH HARVEY

Captain Buzzkill’s Guide

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to April Angling

often joke that if I am indeed a writer, it would be very hard to prove that some days—the days, and there are too many, when I’m not actually chained to my keyboard trying to make something out of nothing. Fishing, here in the last leg of a mild but persistent winter, presents a similar problem: How do I know I’m still a fisherman when I haven’t put a hook in anything aquatic in what feels like about ten months? I’d love to tell you that I’m the kind of fisherman who spends the off-season preparing for spring and the fishing that begins around late April and gains momentum, like a train leaving the station, right through the summer and fall and up through, say, Christmas. I’d love to have a half-dozen nice shots of the exhaustive preparations that have been underway in my basement shop space since the first week of January: 100 fluorocarbon leaders I’ve pre-tied and coiled up in

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long loops to prevent the line from emerging like old phone cord two months from now; and all my reels, stripped of last season’s braid, then totally disassembled and cleaned and lubed and respooled; the just-triangulated cutting point on my hand gaff; and the brandnew tips and other guides I’ve replaced after a thorough 10-point inspection I perform each and every winter without fail on every single rod I own. It would be great if I’d built a new rod/sinker caddy out of PVC pipe and a five-gallon bucket the way a real outdoorwriter-type does to chew up time during our interminable New England winters. Alas, I have no such photos and I have done no such ageappropriate preparation in anticipation of the coming fishing season. While I’m in the confessional, the truth-telling gathering a little momentum, I’d like to pass along a few thoughts about the so-called “early season” in saltwater fishing. Whereas, quite understandably, the fishing press around the Northeast tend to treat April’s arrival as a veritable seizure of fast-moving, edge-of-your-seat, drag-melting fish action (which, relative to, say, March, it is), I recommend the following: Manage your excitement. Once upon a time, April marked an early shot at some respectable winter flounder activity in the salt ponds or around the upper Bay, and the beginning of semi-reliable spring cod fishing on the spots along the 30-fathom curve and beyond. Some years, the tautog were cooperative by mid-month in the Bay. Elsewhere, surf hungries would line up in the herring runs with dipnets, looking for a few buckies they could strip of their roe. By the second or third week, latest, the spring schoolie fishing would start to materialize on the warmer days with SW wind. What flounder remain in the ponds or tidal rivers have landed on the off-limits list. The spring cod fishery is really more of a last gasp for the fish that hung around through the winter, and a case of diminishing piscatorial returns most years. Tautog are more May than April, and you wouldn’t want to get caught trying to harvest a river herring these days. Which leaves: Schoolies. And since we’re sticking to the truth, here, that numbers–game fishing will bend a rod when you’re jonesing, but it will be a whole lot more comfortable and consistent in all but one or two early spots when the calendar says “May.” Call me Captain Buzzkill if you want, but beyond the ancient lore and the force of editorial habit at the local fish mags, there isn’t a whole lot in the April line-up you can’t do better, warmer, more consistently (less miserably) a month from now. Truth be told, even when there was early-spring opportunity, April was always a little early: Among the many lies that fishermen are known to tell, most of

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us seem to remember that fishing started two or three weeks before it ever did—and “got good” a full month before the first decent catches came in. I don’t mean to suggest that April is a total loss in the fishing department. Personal catch stats notwithstanding, April plays a key role in each approaching season. While I’ve learned not to put excessive faith in month-four fish production, I do use the time, with its warming air temps and somewhat longer window of daylight, as a 30-day shakedown of sorts. Early-month, I start to keep at least one light rod in the car, mainly as a visual aid to remind me why I’m out roaming coastal roads at ungodly hours. Where respooling a rod in February always felt like getting dressed Monday night for a dance on Friday, I start to go through my workhorse outfits in midApril, knowing I’ll have the option to wet the new line the same night with a real chance my lure, once I’ve freed it from a tree along the far bank, might pass a fish’s nose as I rip it back in a furious squall of f-bombs.

Among the many lies that fishermen are known to tell, most of us seem to remember that fishing started two or three weeks before it ever did— and “got good” a full month before the first decent catches came in. In my older and wiser present, I’ve learned to fish April in three- to five-cast swipes, keeping the fish honest but also remaining mindful of April’s limitations, such as: Don’t let the fact that you spot a “53” in the weather highlights trick you into believing your hands will be any warmer in April than they were in February. When it’s blowing 75 knots out of the NW—as it typically does when I decide to make an early schoolie mission—three casts, two snags, one catastrophic wind knot, and nine minutes are all you’ll need to retreat to your car, hands throbbing, nose running like Titanic’s bilge pumps, wondering just how many flights of stairs you must have tumbled down before age two that you thought this would be @#$%ing fun…. More important than cast one is the not-small work of reestablishing your sense of tides and moons. Whereas a few of my fishing friends find some form of amusement in counting schoolies, I tend to put my April priority on running spring routes “dry,” checking the water for a few moments before moving on, looking for the first scratches of bait. After four or five nights wandering, stereo booming, ashtray full, I start to know the tide without the chart, and start to feel the comings and goings of the spring fronts. If I’m honest, here, I know that April, most of May are when I go through the motions—reorient myself to the living planet. The real fishing, the grind of a thing I still love, will come on like a fever four or five weeks hence. There will be time for sleeplessness, the jittery hunt for the first good fish in the small hours, from here to Thanksgiving. No need to rush things.

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his time of year, we’re usually writing about hatching insects and the blooming of springtime. With all the rain we’ve had, fly fishing high water seems a better topic. Fishing high water can be very productive, especially if the angler knows what to look for. Understanding hydraulics and likely locations to cast can produce good fish. Here are some tips for fishing high water: • High water is faster and causes insects to lose hold of whatever they’re clinging to. This means there is more food in the water, which makes trout lively. • High water is usually stained. Trout are not as spooky and many times will move into the open to feed.

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• High water, at times, will cause trout to move to the outer banks of the stream, where they can rest in less-turbulent water. • Use attention-getting flies. Try large streamers in dark colors, articulating patterns, large sculpin patterns, and do not forget about worm patterns like the San Juan or Squirmy Worm. • High water is a good time to fish with a buddy. • High water is also a good time to cinch that wading belt tight. It could help save your life. • Use a wading staff for balance and to check depth. • Bring a heavy 5- or 6-weight. Do not be shy with weight. Use whatever amount is needed to get flies to the bottom. When casting weight, be sure to use more of a lob cast. You don’t want that weight to hit your rod. • Rig your leader with 3x or even 2x tippet. Line is less visible in stained water, and big trout might be on the prowl. • Throw streamers either at or along the bank and strip. At times, throwing across and stripping back on a swing can get the rod almost jerked out of your hand. Cast to breaks caused by logs or large rocks, where trout hold out of the current. • Know when to stop because of unsafe conditions. Reel Em In Guide Service will be at the Blue Ridge Trout Fest in Blue Ridge, Ga. on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’ll be giving a presentation on private water. If you are a first-timer, we have several instructors schooled in the art of teaching fly fishing. If you are new to the area and need a place to go, give us a call. If big water is intimidating or if the Toccoa River DH is too rough for you to wade, we float the Toccoa with drift boats. James Bradley is an Orvis-endorsed guide with Reel Em In Guide Service (www.ReelEmInGuideService.com). They guide in Georgia and North Carolina, offer more than 6 miles of private trophy water and operate drift boats on the Toccoa and Tuckasegee rivers. Contact him at (706) 273-0764.

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Tim Barefoot

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here are several ways to make this double tackle, but one simple knot makes a wonderful, heavy-duty presentation. Some folks refer to this as a “high/low rig,” and you can call it anything you want, but for the sake of this article I’ll just call it a “double tackle.” To start with, consider the fish you are targeting and choose the correct size fluorocarbon for the leader. You can tie this knot in almost any size fluoro up to 80- or 100-pound. A rig like this is extremely effective on quite a few species and gets a lot of “reaction strikes” due to the multiple offerings presented and the erratic action of the baits. Using a heavier jig on the bottom keeps the lighter jig, streamer fly or unweighted soft plastic in place. It’s less likely to foul and makes the action more erratic, which draws the instinct strikes. The darting action resembles a scared or confused baitfish, which is irresistible to predatory fish, and the trailing bait is an easy target. These are the baitfish they have been programmed to eat since birth. It makes perfect sense, as they exert less energy to catch disoriented baitfish than those swimming perfectly in open water. There are two primary considerations when choosing the poundage of the fluoro leader material, water clarity and quarry. After choosing the correct size jigs and fluoro, it’s time to determine the lengths of the two legs of the rig. I start with about a 4- or 5-foot length of leader and make a 10- to 12-inch diameter loop in the center of the leader. This is typical for smaller inshore or freshwater fish, but can be made larger and longer for larger fish and jigs for a variety of offshore fish. Next, make eight turns with one of the tag ends through the 1-foot diameter loop. Find the center wrap of the tag end and separate it large enough to pass the 1-foot diameter loop back through (as shown in the photo).

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Shot Placement Sheri Daye

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hen you watch experienced spearos, you will notice they are relaxed in the water, they don’t take long shots, and they make it look easy. You will also notice they have a high percentage of kill shots. That is because they are disciplined and practice good shot placement. Perfect shot placement means you achieve a kill shot, also called “stoning the fish.” In other words, the fish is instantly put to sleep, lifeless as a stone. There’s a multitude of reasons to strive for this shot. For one, a kill shot is the most efficient and humane way to dispatch a fish. With a head shot, the fillets will be in better shape, with no holes, blood marks, or chance of bacteria entering the meat (from a gut shot). Also, the fish does not have a chance to struggle and bend your shaft, or worse yet, to get off the shaft. There are added safety benefits to stoning a fish. You will avoid ringing the dinner bell for sharks attracted to a struggling fish. Also, a live fish has the potential of tangling on the bottom or around you, so a dead fish makes for a much quicker and safer extraction. Finally, if you quietly put the fish to sleep, you won’t spook other fish in the surrounding area, giving you and your buddy a chance at more fish. To stone a fish, the shaft needs to hit the brain or spine. The ideal shot is a quartering shot from above and behind, hitting the spot where the lateral line meets the brain. This sweet spot is at the top of the gills and behind the eyes. Of course, the closer you can get to the fish, the higher the likelihood of proper shot placement.

Here’s more tips for achieving kill shots while spearfishing: 1. Refine your diving/stalking technique so you can get closer to fish without spooking them. 2. Don’t rush the shot, take your time and try to get a more accurate shot.

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3. Buy a good quality speargun and make sure your shafts/floppers are in good shape (not bent). 4. Practice hitting an underwater target, such as a weighted foam fish or net. Try shooting from different distances so you know your range versus accuracy. Don’t take “iffy” shots. 5. Take the time to study fish anatomy and examine them at the Sheri Daye fillet table. shows what good shot There are excepplacement tions to the rule. For on cubera example, when taking snapper looks a long shot on a spooky fish with a narrow like. body, such as a wahoo, you might want to aim for “center mass.” Otherwise, take the time to learn one of the most fundamental rules of spearfishing—that is, good shot placement! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye go to,

CAMSPEARFISHING.COM

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3/18/19 11:18 AM

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SEA EAGLE SUPCAT 10 SeaEagle took the concept of an SUP and created a whole new type of inflatable fishing craft that is extremely versatile for anglers on the go. With two rock-solid inflatable side pontoons, The SUPCat10 is an incredibly stable platform to stand and fish or paddle from. For those who prefer to move faster, it can be equipped with either an electric or small gas outboard and reach speeds up to 8mph. From the trunk of your car to the water, the SUPCat10 sets up easily in less than 10 minutes. With the Wheels Up/Wheels Down feature, it’s possible to cart your boat and all your gear down to the water, flip the wheels into an upright position and paddle or motor away. Features include: Four Scotty gear mounts, two Scotty rod holders, nonslip EVA foam deck pads, 360-degree swivel seat, built-in fish rulers, multiple D-ring attachment points, removable rear motor mount and four grab handles. It’s an exceptional little fishing boat no matter how you choose to propel it.

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Sailfish Boats’ new flagship center console, the 360CC, is the largest, most feature-rich boat in the Sailfish family. The 360CC is on the leading-edge of center console design. Like all Sailfish Boats, the 360CC features Sailfish’s unique Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull design, offering a smooth, stable ride, even in rough seas. Their exclusive VDS Hull features three distinct running surfaces. The first section is a 24-degree dead rise that cuts through the water. This is the most aggressive angle used in the fishing boat segment. The second section is 23 degrees, and it provides lift and allows air under the hull, producing a softer ride with less friction for better performance and fuel economy. This lift allows you to reach the same speed without requiring as much horsepower as other boats. The third section is 22 degrees, and it provides stability needed for slow trolling or stopped positions. The hull and deck are both reinforced with Kevlar and carbon fiber, and built using the SailTech foam-filled fiberglass stringer system and SailTech composite full length transom. Sailfish has been expertly engineering center consoles, dual consoles, walkarounds and bay boats for nearly 40 years. They range from 19’ to 36’. With reliable outboard power from Yamaha or Mercury, and their exclusive VDS hull design, the Sailfish 360CC delivers a smooth, safe ride, even in the roughest offshore water. The all-new 360CC Center Console is a fitting addition to the Sailfish lineup. It epitomizes the Sailfish legacy of building high quality and expertly engineered boats that are fishing focused and family friendly.

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3/7/19 1:35 PM

3/18/19 11:19 AM

TIPS FROM A PRO

EXPERIENCE THE

TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER Why Do Hooked Fish Get Off?

B

BRANDON LESTER

ass get away for two basic reasons: the hook coming out of their mouth and line failure. If you can keep those from happening, you’ll land the fish. Sounds simple right? Well, it is and it isn’t. To keep these from happening, you’ve got to have the right combination of hook, line and rod… and then you must use them all properly. Let’s start with the hookset. If the hook isn’t properly buried into the fish’s jaw, it is obviously easier for it to come out. The hookset is predominately a factor of the right hook paired with the right fishing rod. You generally want to use the biggest, sturdiest hook and the heaviest power (basically its stiffness) rod the particular technique and lure will allow. And you’ve got to learn to set the hook as hard as your equipment will allow you. Watch the hooksets of pro anglers on the Bassmaster television show. We do not mess around. The hookset is powerful and fast. The biggest challenge with matching hook and rod power is learning how big you can go with your equipment and still present the bait properly. You’ll get more bites using smaller hooks and lighter line, so you can’t always use the heaviest equipment. Pay close attention to the bait and lure weights that rods are rated for. I

build all my rods with blanks and supplies from Mud Hole Custom Tackle (www.MudHole.com). All of their blanks come with that information included. Winn Grips are a must on all my rods, as they ensure a proper grip on the rod for that big hookset. A good quality hook is one that penetrates a fish’s mouth and stays there until you get your hands on the fish. The sharper the hook, the better it penetrates into the fish’s mouth. Once there, the hook has to be strong enough to not “flex” or open up. A flexing hook takes pressure off the bass and allows him to pull off during the fight. A lot of baits come with cheap hooks that will flex even on the first fish. Lesser-quality hooks will often become dull very quickly, too. Not all hooks are made the same. Mustad is the world’s No. 1 hook seller, and it’s No. 1 for a reason. Fortunately for us bass anglers, years ago Denny Brauer and Kevin VanDam got together with Mustad’s engineers and designers to create the basic hooks needed specifically for bass. Mustad hasn’t stopped improving the line of hooks either. The Big Bite worm hook is a hook I helped them develop. In many countries, they don’t use a separate term for “fish hook.” They simply call it a “Mustad.” In a future article, we’ll discuss fighting the fish and the importance of choosing the right fishing line. Until then, go fishing and work on that hookset!

For more on Lester visit,

FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING

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35 PM

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MARK SOSIN There is a lesson to be learned. Shortly before he vaulted to stardom on the largemouth bass tournament trail countless years ago, Rick Clunn discovered that he spent so much time searching for magical techniques and secret lures that he almost lost sight of the basics. When he paused to reflect, he realized there were no curealls or panaceas that applied to any type of fishing. The answer centered on a more simplified approach. It suddenly became apparent that almost all bass tournaments were won by somebody who used a spinnerbait, plastic worm or a crankbait. It didn’t matter where the contest was held, who fished it and won, or what time of year it happened to be. Armed with that valuable bit of information, Rick decided to change his own fishing style and substitute simplicity for the complex techniques he clung to in the past. It occurred to him that if he learned to fish these basic lures with equal skill, he should be able to catch fish anywhere. Some of us have a tendency to insist on making fishing much more complicated than it actually is. If fish were that hard to catch, few of us would ever be successful. Impatience and lack of confidence force many anglers to search frantically for solutions that just don’t exist. These fishermen would do better if they learned one or two techniques thoroughly.

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Certainly, there will be times when their basic method does not produce, but over the long run they will catch more fish. My late father never heard of Rick Clunn, nor did he ever fish competitively for anything. Over many years, he fished for countless species in freshwater and salt, always limiting his approach to a few basic lures or some simple bait. When he finally retired and moved to Florida, his lure of choice was a small, yellow bucktail which he could fish better than anyone I ever met. His tackle box became the two side pockets on his jacket. A handful of bucktails were in his right-hand pocket and some leader material in his left pocket. There’s one other facet to Dad’s thinking worth following. He always insisted that the law of averages held the key to success. Those who insist on specializing on a particular species of fish or seek one of an extra large size are missing out on a lot of fun. All you have to do is keep casting and catching. The law of averages will eventually produce trophy fish for you as well as species that seem important. If you’ve been seeking a way to catch more fish on every outing, try this simplified approach that worked for Rick Clunn and my father. Many of the leading anglers of our time depend on it, and it just might turn the trick for you.

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• Regional Reports • Featured Articles • Fishing Tips • Giveaways

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

H

ave you ever wondered why your buddy fishing next to you is catching more fish when you are both using the same lure? Chances are it has to do with the way he’s retrieving his lure that entices fish to strike. What is the first thing you do when the fish are not biting? Most people immediately change lures. If that doesn’t work, the next step is usually to move locations, only to work the lure the same way when it clearly was not producing. You must try working a lure several different ways before ruling it out as ineffective. Here is an example. One chilly morning I was throwing a Controlled Descent Jerk Shad set to sink very slowly. It had a rattle in it. Since the water was in the mid 50s, I concentrated on an area that was 3 or 4 feet deep with a soft silty bottom. I started out keeping my lure near the bottom and working my rod parallel to the water. The lure was basically suspending 6- to 18-inches off the bottom with a side-to-side motion. This is a proven technique in similar situations; however, I didn’t get a strike. After some time covering the area with that technique, I changed my retrieve and worked the same area with the same lure. I started to twitch my lure slowly to the surface, almost as if it was climbing stairs, but very slowly. Since this lure had an extremely slow sink rate, it would almost suspend when paused after

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“climbing a few steps.” Once the lure reached the surface, I would let it slowly sink back to the bottom and repeat. I started to catch solid trout up to 6 pounds when the lure would almost reach the surface. Later that day, I fished a different spot with similar conditions. I was working the lure the same way that had produced earlier, and I was getting some very light bites once the lure would reach the bottom. The fish would pick up the lure and swim off, or at times they would swim toward me and I never really felt the strike. I landed a couple but missed and lost many more. Since they were definitely on the bottom and not really aggressive toward the slow-moving lure, I changed it up. Since I had a rattle, I started vigorously shaking my rod tip to make the lure rattle and twitch on the bottom without a lot of forward motion. This was most likely stirring up some silt, as well. This erratic action enticed the trout into a more instinctive strike. I began getting very aggressive strikes and landed every fish that hit. I never changed lure color, style or weight all day. Had I simply switched lures like most people do and worked them the same way as I started, I might not have caught anything. Try changing your retrieve before tying another knot. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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NOW

$4 COMPARE

WEATHE $ 99

8

MODEL: 3000

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

1-800-333-2045 Your Offer Code: BSW355-01

Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W.,

® Ste 155, Dept. BSW355-01

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

NO

Rating of A+

$59

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

• Precision movement • Digital and analog timekeeping • LED subdials • Stainless steel crown, caseback & bracelet • Dual time zone feature • Stopwatch • Alarm feature • Calendar: month, day, & date • Water resistant to 3 ATM • Fits wrists 7” to 9” 32

7 FT. 4 WEATH

COMPARE

WORX

ITEM 688

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*

3/18/19 11:19 AM

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SUPER COUPON

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BEATS HONDA* 2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

rom

, TX

PREDATOR 2000

NOW

RUN-TIME

3.4 HOURS

2000

MAX. STARTING WATTS

2000

1600

RUNNING WATTS

61 dB

NOISE LEVEL

59 dB

48 LBS.

WEIGHT

45.6 LBS.

1.2 GAL

TANK SIZE

.95 GAL

3

OUTLETS

3

YES

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

YES

79.7 cc

ENGINE SIZE

98.5 cc

YES

LOW OIL ALERT

YES

YES

PARALLEL CAPABLE

YES

YES

POWER SAVER

YES

499 99

$

99 $429

SAVE $ 580

4.7 HOURS

PRICE

ANY PURCHASE

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

1600

• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included COMPARE TO

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LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

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PROSKIT $ 23

16

ITEM 98025/30756/63604/63758 63759/69096/90899 shown

HONDA EU2000i

$

*81919993 * 81919993

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ITEM 64032 64030 64033 shown

20% OFF

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

*81915925 * 81915925

MODEL: MT-1210

*81912409 * 81912409 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/3/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

BLUE

ITEM 64031

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/3/19.

SUPER COUPON

• 1000 lb. capacity

18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

8 GALLON, 125 PSI PORTABLE OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR NOW

Customer Rating

RED

ITEM 64061 64059 64060 shown

$3 99 6 SAVE COMPARE TO 9 ITEM 63135 RANGEMAXX 60% 61451 shown *81938538 * 81938538 $ 99

$ 99

MODEL: 1312-92

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$1 89

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$59

151

$

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99

$ 61% 2999 *81970776 * 81970776 MODEL: H-21

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

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8

MODEL: 300083999

COMPARE TO

189

$

MODEL: 1125220

ITEM 61765/46411 shown

NOW

10-5/8" W 6-1/8" H

$499

194

MODEL: 1450

NOW

6999 $49

99

ITEM 68146/61297/63476/61840 shown

• 5400 lb. capacity

$5 99

NOW

7

$ 99

ITEM 97581, 97582, 37051, 37052, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

*81979263 * 81979263

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8 ft

. 10

"

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99 $

79 98 $

99

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SAVE $39

ITEM 68862/63190/62896 shown

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49

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99

$1 7 $

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COMPARE TO $

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$1 999

64 99 SAVE

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ITEM 60658/97711 shown

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

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14 99

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

NOW

14

$

*81972603 * 81972603

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

*81976889 * 81976889

6 ft

GO GREEN POWER

*81970975 * 81970975

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Case contents and locks not included.

VENOM $ 97

6

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COMPARE TO

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5

ITEM 95386 67501/69667/68740 shown

*81953176 * 81953176

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$

SAVE $96

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

Customer Rating

• Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H

$ 99

$799

11999

*81948161 * 81948161

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

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SAVE 65%

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ITEM 64545/64552/64832/64980 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown

COMPARE TO

1099

ITEM 60497/61899/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown

• 350 lb. capacity

79

$4

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NOW

18" WORKING PLATFORM ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF STEP STOOL WEATHER-RESISTANT Customer Rating LOCKABLE CASE NOW • 14-7/8" L

Customer Rating

99

49

$

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SUPER COUPON

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COMPARE TO

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ITEM 56239 64720 shown

$ COMPARE TO

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.

K TOOL $ 42

ITEM 56238 64722 shown

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

®

SAVE 91

ORANGE

99

• 15,000 cu. in. of storage SAVE $ 830 lb. capacity $ 640 •• 700 Weighs 139 lbs. *81944866 * 81944866

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ITEM 56237 64721 shown

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GREEN

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NOW

39999

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MODEL: 873100

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ITEM 62281/61637 shown

$999

$

1799

*81985915 * 81985915

*81990164 * 81990164

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LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL 33 advertised for•sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in 2019 the U.S. withinItheNATIONAL past 90 days. Prices advertised by others

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/3/19.

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 33 hft_coastalangler_0419_M-REG163326.indd 1

may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

3/18/19 3/1/1911:19 3:10AM PM

Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

INST

ANT SAVIN GS SAV

SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS

REPOWER FINANCE

Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “Gimme Six”, 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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

34

NATIONAL

I

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 34

APRIL 2019

SZ_Q2 Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1

I

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:19 AM

3/15/19 2:26 PM

1782-18B Coastal Angler.indd 1 COMMON CVRS_0419.indd 3

For: Coastal Angler

12/19/18 3:50 PM 3/18/19 9:38 AM

NEW FROM THE ALL NEW

Introducing the newest member of the NauticStar family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater

NAUTICSTAR

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IT’SXS CRAZY 32 COOL! OFFSHORE

With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a [a] spacious and comfortable bow that features a large forward lounge seat and plush wrap-around seating. The head console has a fully lined interior with a stainless steel sink, SeaDek® floor and electricSEE flush porcelain toilet. [b] IT It has a large helm station to allow for dual 12-inch (standard) or 16-inch AT THE MIAMI INTL (optional) multifunction displays. [c] The leaning post features ergoBOAT SHOW nomically correct Llebrock® double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters BOOTH A237 and pivot arms. [d] It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35 Qt. YETI® cooler or optional refrigerator. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade, and folddown cockpit television. Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a roomy fishing deck with [e] port and starboard 8.8 cu.ft. in-floor fish boxes and large port side dive door.

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NauticStarBoats.com Some photos shown with optional equipment

COMMON CVRS_0419.indd 4

3/18/19 9:38 AM