Coastal Angler Magazine | August 2019 | Tampa Bay

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Nearshore Destination + Kingfish Basics

SURF EXPO IN ORLANDO SEPT. 5-7 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYN ANDREW WHITE VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 293

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NEARSHORE BONANZA

OUT OF PANAMA CITY

By Nick Carter

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he rising sun revealed unaddressed devastation as Capt. Randy Cnota backed his 22-foot Pathfinder down the ramp at Tyndall Airforce Base. Less than a year after Hurricane Michael rocked the Florida Panhandle, we launched near the heart of the destruction. Just east of Panama City and a short drive from the catastrophe that unfolded at Mexico Beach, this slice of the Panhandle is a community doggedly enduring the slow process of rebuilding. The bright boards of new framing show progress in neighborhoods of single-story homes. Blue-tarped roofs, shredded metal buildings and acres of tall pines snapped like so many twigs are reminders of just how far there is to go. At the docks, bare wood pilings and concrete footings are left from what was a bustling little marina before the storm surge. But the fish don’t care. And with an eager 8-year-old angler perched on the leaning post, Capt. Randy pointed us toward the open Gulf of Mexico. This was early July, during the Gulf red snapper season, and Capt. Randy’s numbers would take us a few miles out to some hard-bottom that promised big snapper. But first we had to catch bait, which was plentiful in the form of Spanish sardines balled up around the markers just outside the pass from St. Andrews Bay. The 8-year-old would have spent all day catching sardines on a Sabiki rig, but shortly we left the other boats jockeying for position at the marker. We had our bait, and Capt. Randy now had an idea of how the boy would handle his first fishing trip on the open ocean. The kid emitted enthusiasm, and it’s a good thing we didn’t make a several hour run. The waiting would have driven him mad. Bigger boats out of Panama City can comfortably take anglers dozens of miles out to deeper water, quick limits and huge fish, but this nearshore trip was more our speed. Less than 10 miles from the coast, and even inside the 9-mile state waters, there are wrecks, reefs and hard bottom in the 100-foot depths that offer plentiful bottomfish as well as shots at some big pelagics. Within minutes at our first drop, the boy was hooked up with a big bonito, and Capt. Randy was steering with one hand, while holding the butt of the rod with the other. The kid had a death grip on the handle and cranked with all his might. “You’re gonna have to come over here and make sure this rod doesn’t get pulled out!” Randy barked at me with both hands full. But I couldn’t. On the other side of the boat, I was pumping and grunting on what turned out to be a stud red snapper. Somehow, both

fish made it onto the deck, and Randy went right back to work feeding out a freelined sardine from the stern. “Where there’s Bonnies, there’s kings,” he called the shot. Shortly thereafter, he handed me a rod with line ripping off the spool. I came up tight on a good king mackerel. It was one of three kingfish we had on that morning, but it was the only one that made it in the boat. Through the morning, the fish kept us continuously busy. We caught more red snapper than we could keep track of as well as gag and red grouper. Capt. Randy was great with the kid. Seeing the big bottom rigs were too much for an 8-year-old, Randy tied up a chicken rig on a lighter rod, showed the boy how to bait and fish it and then set him loose. Although the beeliners we were hoping for didn’t show up, the boy had a field day hauling snapper and triggerfish off the bottom. He was particularly proud of an FWC-tagged trigger he caught. “Part of the fun is you never know what you’re going to catch when you’re out here,” said Randy as he unhooked a 2-foot-long smoothback pufferfish. The whole time out, we kept eyes peeled for weeds and surface activity that might belie the presence of mahi-mahi or cobia. In the week before our trip, Randy managed to put clients on a sailfish and a big blackfin tuna. Although we didn’t encounter these species, we did watch in awe as two 10-foot tiger sharks circled uncomfortably close to the boat. We went home with a cooler full of fish. But more importantly, while those meaty chunks of snapper sizzled in hot oil, the boy regaled his grandparents with stories of the trip. His first time was an experience he will never forget. Snapper seasons may be over along the Gulf Coast, but if you find yourself hankering for a good fishing trip that’s fun and easy, consider hiring a captain out of the Panama City area. Capt. Randy said fall brings better opportunities for sailfish and tuna nearshore, and with his smaller boat, he is also well equipped to fish inshore. The fall redfish and trout bite can be off the charts. These hurricane-battered communities remain in recovery, but the fish, beaches and visitor ammenities are still there. Go spend some time at Panama City and eastward along The Forgotten Coast. You’ll be glad you did, because the fishing is pretty spectacular. Capt. Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and owner of C-Note Charters. Check him out online at www.cnotecharters.com or call 229-834-7880.

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Urban Chrome In Grand Rapids, Michigan

Photo by Aaron Peterson Photography, LLC for Experience Grand Rapids

By Tom Werkman

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hy do people feel the need to head to remote destinations a million miles from nowhere to fish? Some of the best fishing opportunities exist right under our noses, and many times they are very close to major metropolitan areas. The Grand River is just such a place. Michigan’s largest river runs through the heart of the state’s second largest city, Grand Rapids, and offers great fishing through its 252-mile run from rural headwaters in Hillsdale County down to Lake Michigan. Downtown Grand Rapids: Home to more than 37 craft breweries, Grand Rapids is Beer City. But there is another side of Grand Rapids that few know about. It offers the

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lure of big-river fishing in an urban environment. The river through downtown Grand Rapids offers the angler a unique opportunity to fish for steelhead in swift rapids beneath the city’s skyscrapers. On an early leg of their run up out of Lake Michigan, these fish are strong and as hot as they come. From October through December and again during March and April, droves of steelhead run through downtown as they migrate through and hold up in the rapids. Some of the best steelhead fishing lies between Sixth Street Dam and the Fulton Street Bridge. It’s not uncommon to see people wading the river, fishing from the banks or in boats landing these chrome bullets. When fishing here, the angler can expect to only move a few times to get on fish. Once you have your spot, you don’t want to move very much as it can be crowded at times. If you’re not on a fish right away, be patient. These fish get backed up at the dam and constantly move around in search of the fish ladder to pass through and continue their migration up the river. Lowell To Ada Section: Just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, a roughly 10-mile stretch of the Grand River between the towns of Lowell and Ada offers fishing that is a little more secluded. From late spring through early fall, this section offers smallmouth bass and northern pike. There is little public access here, and the angler can expect solitude and no-pressure fishing in a remote river setting just outside Grand Rapids. A typical trip involves floating in a drift boat or jet boat from Lowell to Ada, covering a lot of water while casting to the banks, river timber and rocks. Bald eagles, osprey, blue heron and deer are common sights on this piece of river. Rarely will the angler lay eyes on another boat or fisherman. On the Grand River, one can enjoy spectacular fishing and then enjoy a cold beer and everything else the city has to offer. Tom Werkman, and his son Max, are owner/guides at Werkman Outfitters, a guide service on the Grand River in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contact them at tom@werkmanoutfitters.com or check them out at werkmanoutfitters.com.

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FISH & FISHING

FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS MARK SOSIN

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t may seem logical, but it’s not always right. My favorite example is George Westinghouse, the man who invented the air brake for oversized vehicles. Researchers relied on logical thinking and experimented continuously on using air to apply the brake. It didn’t work. Westinghouse took an opposite approach and used the air to hold the brake off the drum until the driver stepped on the brake pedal and released the air. The common approach to understanding fish behavior lies in applying human values with the assumption that a fish’s brain has the capacity to reason. Just because a particular lure looks good to us does not mean it’s a fish’s favorite, too. Few of us can boast even the slightest knowledge of the release that triggers a fish into striking or simply passing up an offering. And, we probably wouldn’t recognize it if we saw it. Repeated observations hold the key to helping us focus our efforts on techniques that have worked in the past. As an example, fish have an amazing alertness to movement. It can cause them to flee a situation or take advantage of it and feed. The same applies to underwater sound. Low frequency vibrations such as those that indicate a fish is in distress usually cause predators to investigate with the hope of finding food. The more natural a bait or lure appears to a fish, the greater the chance a strike will occur. When you can see your quarry

and observe hesitation of any type, assume that something in your offering appears unnatural. Fish may be curious, but they are seldom in the habit of wasting energy to pursue something needlessly. Many species have the ability to measure energy expended in chasing food against the value received. Because fish are creatures of habit, they tend to do the same things over and over. That’s why captains and guides boast the ability to find fish. The quarry may hold in one spot with uncanny precision day after day, month after month, and year after year. If that fish is caught or leaves for any reason, another will take its place. Those fish that work a tide follow the same pattern daily. Even offshore skippers understand reliable patterns that fish follow and troll the waters where their quarry should be. For some unknown reason, fish tend to hold at the same depth over a wide area. If another angler can tell you the depth where he found fish, you don’t need to know the precise spot. Keep in mind that water temperature can play a role. Each species has its upper and lower limits. As water temperature drops, fish tend to swim slower and chase an offering for shorter distances. Figuring out what motivates a fish to strike a bait or lure becomes a continuous challenge for leading anglers as well as the scientific community. The important thing to remember is that fish do not think like humans. Their basic approach is simple, yet it is not always easy to detect. The more you observe fish behavior and understand that it follows patterns and procedures established a long time ago, the more successful you are going to be.

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t first glance, Alphonso Jackson’s 2-pound, 1-ounce redbreast sunfish might not seem all that impressive. But when you consider the size of your average redbreast, this thing is a monster. Jackson was fishing the Lumber River in central North Carolina’s Scotland County on June 10 when he caught the fish on a cricket. It bested a 36-yearold North Carolina state record for the species by 5 ounces. The previous record, caught in 1983 by Ronald Stanley in Big Swamp in Bladen County, N.C. weighed 1 pound, 12 ounces. Jackson’s fish also outweighs the world record. The current IGFA all-tackle world record for the species has stood at 1-pound, 12-ounces since 1984. That fish came from Florida’s Suwannee River. Wikipedia claims the heaviest redbreast on record weighed 2.3 pounds (2 pounds, 4.8 ounces), but there’s no information as to where that weight came from or whether it was angler-caught. So, if Jackson bothers to complete all the paperwork properly, he would definitely be the new IGFA record holder. Jackson, 43, is an avid fisherman, a passion he attributes to his father Johnny Jacobs who taught him how to fish when he was a boy, and one that he has passed on to his children, ages 23, 18 and 17. They were with him the day he caught the massive readbreast. “We started fishing in a pond but weren’t having any luck, so I said to my kids, ‘Let’s go back to where I learned how to fish.’ And this is what we caught,” Jackson said. “I’d like to thank my daddy for teaching me how to catch fish and where to catch fish.” COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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TIPS FROM A PRO

READ GRASS MATS FOR BIG BASS

BRANDON LESTER

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ate summer and early fall absolutely scream for a frog. With big bass holed up in thick vegetation, working a frog across grass mats can lead to some of the most explosive strikes in fishing. I always look forward to the frog pattern setting up around this time of year. This year should be especially sweet because of the reemergence of Alabama’s Lake Guntersville as one of the best bass fisheries in the nation. This Tennessee River impoundment is frog fishing heaven. Over the last decade the Guntersville bass fishery saw a bit of a decline. But the “Big G” has come back in a big way. Bassmaster ranked Guntersville the No. 2 fishery in the nation in this year’s “100 Best Bass Lakes” listings. It is fishing lights-out, with five-fish tournament sacks regularly approaching and surpassing 30 pounds. I just came off a top-10 finish in the June Elite Series event on Guntersville. Some fish came off frogs, but the best patterns I found were deep cranking and worms. You can bet the frog bite will ramp up soon, though. No matter where you fish, the key to topwater frog fishing is reading the grass. To really dial in a pattern, you need to observe what’s happening on the lake. At Guntersville, the two prominent grass types are hydrilla and milfoil. There are other types, but these are the two you will encounter

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most often. From the time the grass first tops out in the summer until the first frost of the fall, I will concentrate on milfoil. Milfoil creates a great canopy and is hollow underneath, so the bass can get through it to get to your frog. When the hydrilla is still green, it is so thick that a bass has trouble seeing your frog on top of the mat. With that said, later on in the fall when the hydrilla starts to turn brown and break up, it starts to get hollow underneath. That is the time to start targeting it more. Another key to frog fishing is to listen and watch for “active” grass. Bass school up in grass mats just like they do on ledges, points and humps, so it is important to find a mat that has activity in it. Listen for bluegill popping the mat or watch for shad to flicker. Those are signs that bass are not far away. Also, look for points, turns and indentions in the mat itself. Anything different will often hold bass. Rod selection is important for hauling bass out of matted grass. I throw a MHX-MB-874. This rod is 7’3” heavy power with plenty of backbone, but more importantly it has enough action in the tip to allow the fish to eat the bait. I use 50-pound Vicious braid and a 7:1:1 reel. Try a topwater frog on your next trip out, or better yet plan an excursion to Guntersville for the trip of a lifetime.

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Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit & Education Available Online

The education and permit requirements also apply if you plan to fish from shore for any species of fish with tactics and tackle including: • fishing with a metal leader more than 4 feet long • Using a fighting belt/harness • Deploying bait by any means other than casting (kayaking for example) while using a hook that is 1.5 inches or larger at its widest inside distance OTHER REGULATION CHANGES:

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• Prohibit of chumming when fishing for any species from the beach. • Require immediate release of prohibited shark species when fishing from the shore and require anglers to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species. • Require that prohibited shark species remain in the water (when fishing from shore or from a vessel). • Require the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel). • Require the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks (when fishing from shore or a vessel). These rules are intended to increase survival of released sharks, improve information-gathering from the fishery and address public safety concerns.

lorida’s new shark fishing regulations were enacted July 1, including a mandatory, no-cost, annual Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit and educational course for shore-based anglers and other requirements that apply to all shark fishing and fishing from the beach in general. The Shore-based Shark-Smart Fishing educational course and Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit are now available online. To take the educational course, which must be completed before getting the permit, visit MyFWC.com/SharkCourse. The permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license. Those under 16 are required to take For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on the educational course unless they are fishing with an adult who already holds the permit. Persons under 16 are not required to get the “Recreational Regulations” and “Sharks.” permit.

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FLORIDA LOBSTER SEASON

Sheri Daye

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he beginning of Florida lobster season gets many divers more excited than kids at Christmas. Barely able to sleep, the divers nestle all snug in their beds, while visions of lobster dance in their heads. Whether locals or out-of-state visitors, many arrange their vacation plans around this special time, either during the two-day mini-season or the actual start of lobster season on Aug. 6. Mini season falls on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, while the regular season is Aug. 6 to March 31. Some will brave the two-day mini season, when tourists descend on the state, and some simply wait until Aug. 6 when things calm down. The most popular destination in Florida is The Keys, where shallow warm waters provide great breeding grounds and easy dives. However, the east coast from Miami to Jupiter and beyond can also be popular and productive destinations. Generally speaking, the farther north you go, the farther out and deeper you will need to dive, but you can also be rewarded with larger lobsters. The biggest challenge is finding lobster spots. Divers who find good spots tend to go back to them year after year and, understandably, don’t like to share their locations. However, there are

plenty of charter boats that specialize in taking new divers or tourists to productive spots. What you need to know: 1) A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobsters. Information is available online at MyFWC.com. 2) The recreational limit for spiny lobster is six per person, and the carapace must be longer than 3 inches. By law, it must be measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device are required at all times. You can google “how to measure a lobster” to be sure you are doing it correctly. 3) The possession of egg-bearing lobster is prohibited. Egg-bearing lobsters have hundreds of orange eggs that are easily visible and attached under the tail. While most lobsters have completed reproduction by the start of season, some still have eggs in August and beyond. 4) Do not take lobsters using any device which could puncture, penetrate or crush the lobster. The most common methods are the net and tickle stick combination or the looper. There are plenty of videos online to show you how to use each method. 5) Lobsters must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters, so bring a cooler large enough to hold the entire catch until you reach land. 6) Although most people wring/twist the tail, it’s possible to get more meat by cooking the whole lobster. Just split it in two lengthwise and broil. 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.

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lorida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Fest Sails Into West Palm Sept. 1415. The 10th Annual Florida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Festival will be held Sept. 14-15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Fla. Bargain hunters looking for deals can visit marine booths, as vendors exhibit and sell their nautical and marine-related merchandise and services during the twoday festival. The marine flea market area will have offshore rods, reels, tackle, dock lines, halyards, sheet lines, anchor lines, ladders, seats, bimini tops, life vests, mooring whips and bases, gauges, wakeboards, skis, wake surfers, kneeboards, boat covers, scissors, fenders, antique collectibles and maps, marine artifacts, lures and lines, boating apparel, taxidermy, diving equipment, and all kinds of other marine items. Come by for some super discounts on surplus, liquidation, closeouts, new and used boating and fishing supplies. The event promises some super discounts on new and used boating and fishing supplies as well as liquidation and closeouts items. Speaking on the location, event promoter Larry Burdgick said, “The South Florida Fairgrounds is the perfect venue since it’s right in the heart of Palm Beach County. It offers the space we need along with free great parking for our guests.” The South Florida Fairgrounds is located at 9067 Southern Blvd West Palm Beach, Fla. The Marine Flea Market is easily accessible from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike and there are acres of free parking. Admission is $10 and Children 12 and under are free. Visit The Florida Marine Flea Market, Boat Show and BBQ Seafood Festival website www.FLNauticalFleaMarket.com for more information, discount tickets, vendor applications and specific driving directions. Contact Under the Sun Promotions, Inc. at 954-205-7813.

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69.3-pound flathead catfish was recently certified as a new Florida state record. Measuring 47 inches long, with a girth of 34.25 inches, the monster Yellow River flathead bested the old record of 63.8 pounds. The angler, Marvin Griffin, of Santa Rosa County, is no stranger to the Yellow River or huge catfish. Griffin’s family has been fishing the Yellow River for years and they have caught exceptionally large catfish there. Griffin’s uncle, James Auston Jr., caught a state record flathead catfish in the Yellow River, which held the record from 2011 until 2016. “I have always wanted to catch a state reFWC Photo cord,” said Griffin. “After my uncle caught his, I made it a mission of mine to catch my own. “I wasn’t expecting to catch a state record when I started fishing that day with John Babb. But, it was the first and only fish we caught that day. I never would have been able to bring the fish into the boat without his help.” Flathead catfish are a non-native fish found in many northwest Florida panhandle river systems. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately turbid rivers. Their solitary lifestyle makes them more difficult to catch than other catfish. Adult flathead catfish feed primarily on live fish, crawfish, freshwater clams and mussels. To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species and witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/Contact by clicking on “Contact Regional Offices.”

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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

JULY FRESHWATER IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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By Capt. Roan zumFelde

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reshwater fishing in the summer months can mean heavy rain, extreme heat and lots of bugs here in southwest Florida. This is why I prefer to travel a little farther north this time of year to some of our central Florida lakes. One of the easiest parts of these trips is finding a place to stay. There are plenty of hotels and Air B&Bs that are used sparingly this time of the year, so prices are low and availability is high in and around Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Wales. The area has great restaurants, with little cafés all the way to five-star dining. If you are on a budget or just don’t like going out, then stay in an Air B&B and cook. I do this a lot when traveling with clients and fishing early and late. The fishing can be very good on the lakes from Istokpoga all the way to the Kissimmee Chain. Some great lakes in between are Lake June or Lake Placid, Lake Reedy, Lake Arbuckle, and one of my favorites is Crooked Lake, also called Lake Calusa. This lake is situated north of Avon Park and south of Lake Wales and has a diverse fishery with one end having deep clear water and the other being shallow and dark. Ramps are limited on this lake, so do your homework, but here is a hint: you have to travel off Alt.

27 to find it. The great thing is you do not even have to pick any of the lakes I mentioned; there are tons of great lakes all through the area. Get a good map or check them out on the computer to find your possible hidden honey hole. Tip of the day: do not discount the smaller lakes, as they can be awesome fisheries, especially if you are looking for the big lunker bass. I bring a wide variety of rods to handle all types of fishing. Each body of water has its own productive techniques. Always include at least two different worm rods or pitching rods, a flipping stick and topwater rods, in either baitcasting or spinning. Fly rods should be 5- and 8-weight with an assortment of flies, topwater and baitfish, as well as some weighted patterns. Check out TFO rods and reels, both in fly and conventional, they have all the above with prices that can’t be beat for the quality. Local knowledge can be the key to finding the hottest lakes and the baits that are producing. Visit the local tackle stores and buy something. They are slow this time of the year, and if you show willingness to spend a little you might get the tip of a lifetime in return. If you need more info or want to pick anything up for your trip, visit us at Mike’s Bait House and Indian Pass Outfitters. I will be happy to get you started.

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AUGUST 2019

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WEST COAST FLORIDA

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Summer Snook On Top

Photo courtesy of of Knockin Tail Lures.

more active and a little skittish. Without a strike, I decided to temporarily switch lures. Although I love the topwater blow up, my desire to land a snook took priority. Since it was apparent fish were in the area and feeding subsurface, I decided to go with a soft-plastic swimbait and a ¼-ounce jighead. I was looking for larger fish, so I tied on a 5-inch model. This particular swimbait, a Knockin Tail, was equipped with a rattle built into the tail. I wanted to give the fish every chance to find my lure utilizing all of their senses. With the vibration from the paddle and the constant rattling of the pulsating tail, I started catching fish within a few casts. Some hit on a steady retrieve along the bottom while others inhaled it as I bounced it along the sand. I caught and released several trout from 17 to 20 inches, and then a school of 100-pound tarpon moved in and the bite ended. I’m not sure if I was lucky or unlucky that the tarpon didn’t eat, since I was using light inshore tackle. I moved to a new area and switched back to the topwater plug. This area was covered in shell clumps out to waist deep and then transitioned to hard sand to about 6 feet deep. I was casting into the 6-foot depths and vigorously working the lure back into the shallows where the bait was. When my lure was just outside the bait, I had an enormous eruption, striking and heading to my right. I immediately knew it was a large snook by the distinctive sound they make when striking a topwater plug. I could see the top of her out of the water for a few seconds before my line went limp. I continued to work my lure rapidly and then immediately cast back to the same area. Within a few seconds, there was another massive explosion and she was on, tail walking across the surface. After a few more rounds of jumps, I landed my snook. It weighed just over 9 pounds. Upon release, she didn’t hesitate to return to the depths. I hope to see her again next summer!

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik love blow-ups from a fish attacking a topwater lure. The sound and sight combined with the sudden impact are exhilarating to say the least. Of all of the fish I have caught on top in both fresh and saltwater, none compare to an aggressive snook attack. While exhibiting at ICAST 2019 in Florida, I had to make time for some snook fishing. I started the morning early, before the sun breached the horizon throwing a bone-and-white topwater with a loud rattle. This area had a hard sand bottom with a steep transition into 6 feet of water. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail & As the sun inched above the horizon, bait started to become Controlled Descent Lures. www.MyCoastOutdoors.com

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

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edfish – still catch and release. August should see more redfish action around the Tampa Bay area. This past month, we could find some singles and a few smaller fish, but getting them to take live bait with any consistency was often difficult. We seemed to have better luck using cut bait on the bottom with the rod in the rod holder. We also had decent success with shrimp around mangroves and docks. The Bay area notoriously produces good catches of redfish--you just need to find the ones ready to eat. Redfish push into the mangrove shore lines and oyster bars on incoming tides. Live bait normally produces good catches, but cut bait on the bottom seems to do the trick this month. Early morning

artificial lures on the grass flats and around the mangroves offer some excellent excitement. Work both incoming and outgoing tides. Snook – still catch and release. Snook fishing will continue to be strong this month with some larger fish still in the passes and on the beaches. Expect those near the passes to congregate near the deeper holes and back eddies. They often appear to have lockjaw, but patience seems to pay off when looking for larger fish. Snook of all sizes like dead bait, especially the big ones. Simply cut the tail off a threadfin and let it lay on the bottom. Artificial lures produce some awesome action and, if you’re past the learning curve, tossing plastics to waiting snook can be loads of fun and excitement. Spotted Sea Trout – still catch and release. Tampa Bay trout are making a comeback. It’s not unusual to catch a limit of nice 18 to 19-inch trout for dinner on any grass flat-provided you’re on good incoming or outgoing tides. Trout fishing is always fun, especially when larger fish are willing to eat. If you’re free-lining greenback sardines or shrimp and the current is moving, you might need to add a #5 split shot to keep the bait down. In water five feet or shallower, try a popping cork. Again, you might want to add a little weight to

AUTHORIZED DEALER

keep the bait down in the strike zone. Tampa Bay has its share of mackerel and bluefish and fishing this month should be great. Just look for schools of threadfins, put out a chum bag and hold onto your rod and reel. The mackerel will actually wear you out to the point of putting your rod and reel down and taking a seat. Tarpon fishing on the beaches has been respectable. Now, they are heading back to the bridges. Try tail-hooking your greenback sardine and let it work against the current. This forces the bait to the top for some breathtaking top-water strikes. “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or multi-boat charters are available. WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM wgore@ix.netcom.com 813-477-3814

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FORAGING THE EVENING SHORES BY: PAUL PRESSON

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hen most anglers have called it a day, a different breed of nocturnal fishermen and women begin their adventures. These individuals use different methods, but their bounties can easily surpass that of a daytime angler. These foragers can be found scouring the local flats of the Tampa Bay area. They are easy to spot--just look for that telltale beam of light from their headlamps. This foraging requires skills, knowledge and the proper tools. This a story about a few such “creatures of the night.” Jeff is relatively new to this form of hunting. Using a dip net and a

floating bait bucket, he is learning the nuances of inshore shrimping. He has mastered crabbing and each time he goes out, he brings home enough blue crab for a delicious meal for himself and his family. Following the FWC regulations, Jeff also harvests different species of fish for his saltwater aquarium. David has been shrimping the local shores for years. He can easily harvest over a hundred select size shrimp in an evening. This makes for great seafood dinners and perfect bait for daytime fishing. He is an example of an angler using ingenuity to conquer needs.

He created a shrimp trap. This innovation is rectangular in shape, constructed using metal mesh attached to a pole. There is a trap door that is manipulated using a rope connected to the containment section. David also made a floating container system to hold the spoils of his foraging. Ray, the most experienced of the three, thrives on this style of fishing. He uses his kayak to scout the shores and to hold his equipment while wading. His arsenal to forage the flats includes a bow and arrow, a selection of gigs and, of course, a couple of fishing rod and reels. He can cover much more ground with the yak and can harvest many more species with the bow and gigs. Shrimp, crabs, flounder, black drum and mullet are just a few examples of the rewards of his twilight adventures. Night foraging is certainly not for everyone. Knowing the terrain that is to be covered is extremely important. There is no need to wander off into deep waters--thigh high water is perfect. Knowledge of spawning cycles, moon phases, tides, water temps and winds are all very important in having a successful trip. Never go it alone--having a partner or a group is paramount for a safe trip. Nighttime fishing

does not require a bunch of expensive equipment. A good headlamp and sturdy wade booties are a must. Then, all you will need is a dip net and a bucket to store your treasures of the evening. If daytime fishing is not your thing, you want to try a new adventure, or it is just too hot to withstand the midday sun, this could be the ticket. “Nighttime, is the right time.” Get out there and “Forage the Evening Shores.” Special thanks to the participants: • Jeff Malino • David DeBardeleben • Ray Marinec Drone Photo Credit: • Jeff Malino Paul Presson, outdoor writer and published cartoonist. He has fished the coastlines of Tampa Bay for 28 years, land based, wade, kayak and by flats boat. If he is not writing, he is out on the water!

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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT LATE SUMMER SNOOK

BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR

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nook fishing is at its prime in Tampa Bay in the morning and evening hours of the day. Focus on targeting snook along mangroves during high tide, and grass flats on the outgoing tides. Submerged oyster bars and

docks make for great fishing as well. If you know of a few tricks and techniques, you have a good chance at catching one of these hardfighting fish. Palm sized pinfish on a ¼-ounce jighead hooked from underneath the tail, or a cut ladyfish freelined will definitely do the job. Scaled sardines also work well. I recommend catching enough to use for bait as well as a few extra to throw as chum. You will be able to find these baitfish at the channel markers and shallow-to-deep transition areas nearest boat channels. I use a 10-foot cast net to gather my

bait. I can usually catch enough bait for a trip in one or two casts. These fish are looking for an easy meal right now. When it comes to tides, incoming or outgoing, as long as the water is moving it is good. If you see mullet jumping, that’s a good sign. If you see birds flying around picking off baitfish, even better. The more activity in the water the better the chances of you nailing a big fish, and releasing a trophy. There is no doubt that the snook is king when it comes to muscle and long runs on the flats. Beauty and strength give the snook its value as a highly sought after sport-fish. When in search of these awesome fish, it helps to bring a friend along. At least that’s what seems to work for most of my clients. Captain Christopher Taylor Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com (813) 220-6135

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | AUGUST 2019 | TAMPA 5

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CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER

NIGHT FISHING PROVIDES WEEKEND FUN BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES

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igh temperatures and midday thunderstorms often turn many anglers into night creatures searching for their prey. Several advantages come into play. The night brings out the best in tarpon, snook, trout and black drum fishing and some tolerable conditions. Fishing from shore, Gandy fishing pier offers a great location for the whole family to spend several hours on a weekend catching fish. Boaters can launch either at the Courtney Campbell boat ramp or the Salty Sol boat ramp located one mile west of Westshore Boulevard on Gandy Blvd. The best fishing takes place about an hour after sundown through 2 a.m. Free lined live bait (meaning no weights are added) drifted under the lights, will draw the attention of trout, snook and tarpon. One product on the market makes nighttime fishing a breeze. The Hydro Glow Fish Light is designed to vertically suspend itself below the surface of the water radiating

a bright green glow in all directions. The bright fluorescent green light gets it’s effectiveness by attracting the entire aquatic food chain. Boaters can also take advantage of dock lights following the same pattern. The live bait should be allowed to drift with the current flow from the shadow line into the light and back into the dark. Most important, when dock fishing at night, is to always respect the owner’s right to privacy and avoid loud noises by using the stealth system. That means be quiet! Some of my favorite baits, shad and greenback sardines, can both be caught under the bridges at night with a cast net. Shrimp are on top of the food chain, except in Summer months--they tend to be on the small size and are often rechecked by the big fish. Remenber to pick a spot with light or create your own using a Hydro Glow light. Shadow Caster makes underwater lights for your boat that mount into the hull. Don’t overlook bottom fishing. I have caught snook, cobia and black drum on a bottom rig while catching snook, trout and tarpon on the surface. Boaters need to anchor under the bridge with the stern of the boat just even with the shadow line (where the light from the bridge casts a shadow). Snook and tarpon cruise the dark side and strike the bait fish attracted to the light. The more light you have, the better chances of catching fish. For surface fishing, I recommend medium spinning tackle with 15 to 20-pound test line and 40-pound test leader with a 3/0 hook. (Cont. Pg. 9)

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For bottom fishing, I recommend conventional tackle with 30 to 40-pound test line, 60-pound test leader and a 5/0 hook. Some of the black drum can range from 20 to 50 pounds. Black drum is plentiful this month. Their favorite bait is half of a fresh blue crab which can be caught along the shoreline or purchased at the local bait and tackle stores. In Tampa Bay I have found the Gandy and Howard Franklin bridges to be the most productive. The smaller bridges of the Skyway and Fort Desoto area are top snook producers. Good fishing and tight lines. Captain Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He is also host to Aventuras De Pesca USA on national TV and Radio. Capt. Sergio Atanes can be reached at (813) 973-7132 or www.reelfishy.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | AUGUST 2019 | TAMPA 9

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Vibe’s Kayak Friendly Accessories

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hen it comes to accessories for your kayak, the more portable and efficient they are, the better. Vibe’s Evolve paddle and anchor pole are two products that are both portable and efficient. The Evolve paddle adjusts from 230 to 250 centimeters making it easy to adjust for height adjustable seats, etc. The Evolve paddle features a large dihedral blade providing both power and efficiency. It weighs

in at just 45 ounces. The best part of the Vibe anchor pole is it breaks down into three sections for easy storage. The anchor pole’s T-handle offers a comfortable grip while anchoring. The anchor pole also includes two quick release carabiners. Check one out at Jack’s Kayaks 1764 Missouri Ave. N. largo, FL. 33770. 727-452-4684

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HERNANDO COUNTY

SUMMER FISHING BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT

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ummertime fishing can be the most challenging time of year. With the very warm weather, you need to not only change how you fish, but how you go fishing. Make sure you take plenty of water and hydrate. Bring sunglasses, a hat and use plenty of sunscreen. The sun and heat can become quickly overwhelming--always be prepared. An easy trick I use is to keep a couple of small towels in the cooler in the ice water and wrap them around your neck. This will help bring

your body temperature down tremendously. Give it a try on your next trip out. Always look at the weather before each trip. Fishing can be tough this time of year. The water temperature is up near 90 degrees now. The fish can get somewhat lethargic and not want to exert a lot of energy. A few tips that might help the bite is to slow down the baits and try more chumming and, maybe, start your trips a little earlier when its cooler. This will also help you to stay cooler. Offshore fishing has been steady with grouper, cobia, snapper and grunts. When grouper fishing, you may need to mix up your baits to see what they will eat. Live baits, frozen threadfins, squid or fresh cut bait might get them interested. With the warm water temperature, you might have to move to deeper water, but there are still some on the near shore rocks. Mangrove snapper are being caught right now. Cut bait or shrimp are the baits of choice. Use a 2/0 to 3/0 hook on a knocker rig-chumming helps.

Inshore fishing is still good. Start the day as early in the morning as you can. With the day just starting, the water is cooler and the fish will be a little more active. Redfish and trout can be found near deeper water or creeks. Try using shrimp or cut bait under a strike indicator around these areas. Scallop season is in full swing. The start of the season has been a little slow. Anywhere from Bayport to Crystal River can be productive areas. Daily bag limit is two gallons whole or one pint of meat per person. Maximum 10 gallons whole per vessel. This is a fun time for the whole family. Snorkel in 4 to 6 feet of water--it’s like an Easter egg hunt. Anytime you have people in the water, please keep safety in mind and use a dive flag. Make it a fun day, and you and the kids will remember it for a long time. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach. Coast guard licensed, insured and Federal permitted. He knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips. Check him out on facebook or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com

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SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS

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ith the extremely hot weather and daily thunderstorms rolling in, it has made our inshore waters very cloudy and a bit more challenging to catch reds, snook and our typical target species. Many anglers may get frustrated with these conditions, but don’t give up. There are a few tips and tricks you can do in order to land a formidable fish. Take a look around to see what kind of baitfish surround you. Mostly creek chubs, pinfish and finger mullet are

readily swarming around your favorite fishing spots. So, don’t forget to match the hatch! In these murky conditions, try a soft plastic lure with a bit of flake in order to attract the fish for a reaction strike with the minimal shine off the sun. Also, keep that in mind when utilizing topwater lures. They are very effective during these conditions so, definitely, have both rigged and ready to go. Be sure to say safe out there--storms roll in very quickly this time of year. Make sure your float plan is in place, especially when taking the kiddos, fur babies and family out fishing with you! Good Vibes and Tight Lines!

Derick Burgos is a kayak fishing guide, owner of Phatfish Kayak Charters and Co-Owner of Pure Florida watersports in Tampa Bay. He has called the area waters his home for over 20 years. He specializes in Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and more on artificial lyres, live bait or fly. purefloridaws@gmail.com purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824

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he 2019 Progressive® Insurance Tampa Boat Show presented by West Marine is anchoring at the Tampa Convention Center, September 6-8, showcasing the best in boating to downtown Tampa for three full days of nautical fun. This year the show will have an expanded footprint featuring a new Yacht Club Lounge on the docks plus 36,000 square feet of accessories and booth displays in the ballroom. With something for every budget and level of interest, the Show will feature close to 500 new boats, both in-water and indoors plus hundreds of marine accessories and a variety of activities for all ages, including experienced anglers and younger deck hands. From a virtual fishing simulator where attendees can reel ‘em in to fishing seminars and hands-on activities for kids and more, there are aquatic adventures awaiting everyone. Visitors can expect to partake in event favorites like Ladies! Let’s Go Fishing, a day learning tips and tricks from professional women anglers, on-water power boat training with Boat US, on-water catamaran lessons, as well as boating education seminars at Progressive Boat Club lead by the Annapolis School of Seamanship for all levels of boating experience.

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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER

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elcome back Yak fans, and say hello to August! You know Summertime in Florida, when you have to bring your A game to have a successful and fruitful trip. With all the rains, the water temperature is all over the place. But, this time of year, it’s mostly warmer than many of our favorite species like. This leads us back to the spring-fed creeks. That’s right, Summer and Winter both have that constant 72 degrees of outflow and will always be a fish happy spot. Your main targets will be snook and reds, as well as, black drum still hanging around. Don’t be surprised to find a shark on the end of your line. Sharp nose and bonnethead, as well as, bull sharks like foraging in the shallow water this time of year. I remember one time, an overly friendly black tip really wanted to eat the trout I had on the stringer (one of them must have been bleeding a bit-never a good thing) LOL. Anyway, I hit him with my paddle at least four times, and this in less than a foot of water, and he still kept coming back. Sneaky bugger waited till I hooked into a nice red and attacked while I was distracted. So, a 20-inch trout ended up a 15-inch trout. He got five inches of my trout and I landed a 26inch red—we’ll call it even. Back to present day, snook are seemingly everywhere and are hitting well on topwater lures. My Zara Spook Jr in bone silver works well for snook and the reds really go for cut ladyfish this time of year. Mangroves and the occasional black drum will still be hanging around back in that cooler water. On another note, we crossed a milestone this month. Yep, it was August 2009 that a relatively new

magazine brought on a writer to cover the kayak fishing stories. That writer was me! I’ve watched Coastal Angler Magazine grow and expand as I’ve gotten older and grayer. I’ve also loved sharing my stories and misadventures. To one and all, thank you for your support and thank you for reading. And on yet another note (yeah, I’m all over the place this month), I wondered what do you all think about the seeming increase in cases of the flesh-eating bacteria. A buddy of mine calls kayak fishing a contact sport--we’re going to be getting wet and we’re going to be in the backcountry. This, I understand, is a breeding ground. So, let’s all throw a bottle of antiseptic in the old tackle box and be careful out there! Stay tuned for next month’s story. I’m going to be targeting inshore goliath grouper! That’s right, heavy offshore gear and a 14-foot kayak-what could go wrong? I look forward to letting you know. It should be an interesting trip. Till next time, and thanks for the last decade, your favorite kayak fisherman. Bruce. Bruce Butler of Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier kayak fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. Bruce Butler “Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com www.IndianBayOutfitters.com

16 TAMPA | AUGUST 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH FISH FRY IN CORNMEAL AND HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE BY: MICHELLE ATKINS

M

ost of us prefer our fish fresh as opposed to frozen. However, if you have fish in the freezer and your looking for a tasty way to prep it, here is a great and simple way to serve it--fried in cornmeal. Ingredients: For tartar sauce • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion, I use sweet Vidalia • 1 tablespoon sweet relish For fish • 1 cup stone ground yellow cornmeal (not coarse) • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper • 2 eggs • 1/4 cup milk • 4 fish fillets • 3/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions: Make tartar sauce: Pulse all tartar sauce ingredients in a blender or by hand which ever suits you. I do it by hand because I like it a little chunky. Cook fish: Stir together cornmeal, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a shallow bowl. Lightly beat eggs and milk together in another shallow bowl. Pat fish dry and dip fillets, one at a time, in the egg mixture. Dredge in cornmeal until evenly coated. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry fillets two at a time, turning over once until golden and just cooked through (two to three minutes per side depending on thickness). Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Serve fish with tartar sauce and lemon.

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PASCO COUNTY BY: CAPT. BOBBY CARROLL

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e are in the dead heat of summer right now. This plays more of a role on our bodies than the fish. So, let’s fish smarter. Get out to your spots earlier in the morning or early evening. The bite has been nothing short of amazing at these times! Snook are still on the beaches this time of year spawning. Fish the stronger moving tides for your best shot at a trophy fish. They are eating everything you throw in front of them, whether it’s artificials or live cut bait. Use 15 to 20-pound braid and pair it up with 40-pound leader. If you have trouble keeping your bait at the lower water levels, rig up a smaller scale knocker setup. These snook don’t mind an easy target at all. Another fish that has been overlooked this time of year are the big sharks! We have everything from blacktips to bullsharks and even some hammerheads hanging around. The beautiful monsters are chewing on full sized mullet and jacks. I like to use 100-pound mono leader paired with an 8/0 to 9/0 circle hook. You can use a wire leader, but I prefer the mono just for the purpose of being able to cut it easier if need be. These sharks are hanging very close to the beaches just like the snook. Anclote Island is a prime location to catch a 6 to 7-foot beauty. Make sure you have plenty of chum,

and make sure you have tide movement to create a slick. For the guys who shark fish off of land, remember the FWC has added new shark regulations and laws. Make sure you have the right credentials, so you can continue to fish and not receive fines for it. Redfish are tucked way under the mangroves this time of year. The best bait right now is cut ladyfish or cut pinfish. Lazy baits seem to get the most attention right now. For the artificial guys, get your topwaters out and throw it through the mullet schools for some excitement! Don’t be surprised if you get a snook out of those mullet schools while fishing for the reds. Use 20-30-pound fluorocarbon leader for these fish. They aren’t too spooky and it’s a good leader size for both live and artificials this time of year. Just remember that redfish, snook and trout are catch and release until May 2020. So, please make sure they are handled with care and released to fight another day! To book a charter with Captain Bobby Carroll and the Florida Fishing Experience please call (727) 271-3257

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | AUGUST 2019 | TAMPA 19

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ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA

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he inshore bite has remained strong, if you know where to look. Warm water tactics are a must. Find deeper water along a healthy grass flat and the trout are sure to be close by. Inshore dock fishing remains steady and a reliable choice for catch and release snook and redfish, along with nice keeper inshore mangrove snapper and scattered keeper grouper. Live pinfish, shrimp and greenbacks will get you into the action. Cut baits will also get hit. Try pinfish, ladyfish, mullet or threadfins. Keep a rod rigged for cobia--they can show up at any time. The near-shore bite on the many rock piles dotting the deeper water in Tampa Bay are loaded with mangrove snapper, gray snapper, grouper, sharks, cobia and mackerel. Cut bait and live pinfish will load the cooler with a variety of snapper and a few keeper grouper. Freeline a butterflied grunt for the sharks. Tarpon are all over the bay. Pass crabs, cut shad and live threadfins or pinfish will get you into the action. It’s hot out right now, and fighting these fish will take its toll. Heat exhaustion is a real threat. Bring plenty of ice and water or sports drinks. You will need at least a gallon per person. Now it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish!

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, KINGFISH BACK TO THE BASICS Photos by Gene Dyer

By Gene Dyer

K

6 barrel swivel. I like to stay on the long side with my leader to be a bit stealthier. This step will help to avoid line twist, especially when using a spinning reel. Now it’s time to put together some rigs. You’ll need some #5 stainless steel, coffee-colored wire, and depending on the bait that is available, octopus hooks ranging from 3/0 to 7/0 and some treble hooks in size 4 and 6. If you are using smaller baits like pilchards, you’ll want to use a smaller main hook and smaller treble hook for your stinger. For bigger baits like goggle eyes, blue runners and speedos, step up your hook size for your main hook and stinger. Use a haywire twist to attach a 20inch length of wire to the main hook. Don’t over do it, as four to five twists on a 45-degree angle will suffice. Finish off your haywire with three to four straight wraps to secure the connection. Now it’s time to attach your stinger to the main hook. Again, depending on the size of your bait, attach 4 to 8 inches of wire to your stinger hook with a haywire twist and then attach the other end of your stinger rig to the eye of the main hook with another haywire twist. It’s extremely important to rig your stinger with enough slack so that your bait will swim naturally. Now you are ready to attach your rig to your leader. Use an albright knot to connect your rig to your leader. If you don’t know how to tie an albright knot, do an Internet search and plenty of pages and videos will pop up. You can fish this setup a couple of different ways. If you will be drifting, fish at least two rods. You’ll want one bait on the surface and one deeper, from 30 to 60 feet. Send your surface bait out first and allow it to swim away from the boat. You can attach a balloon to your main line to help keep track of where your bait is. Depending on conditions, add 4 to 8 ounces of lead to your deep rod. Slip your lead on above the swivel or attach it to the main line with a rubber band. If you utilize the rubber band method, it’s highly likely that you’ll lose your sinker on the strike. These rigs can also be used for slow trolling baits. Slow trolling can help determine what depth the fish are in. Start trolling in about 60 feet and head out to 200 feet and then back to 60 feet. Once you find the fish, set up your drift at the depth. When kingfish strike, they typically go on a long run away from the boat. Take your time and slowly work the fish toward the boat. Don’t be surprised if you get it close and it takes off on another short run after it sees the boat. Let the fish run and tire out. You should then be able to get your fish back to the boat for a gaff shot to the head.

ing mackerel are aggressive predators with extremely sharp teeth. To catch them with consistency, you must prepare accordingly. Though there are many ways to rig your rods for kingfish, I’d like to focus on a few techniques that have worked for me over the years. These techniques can be utilized on both spinning and conventional tackle. To start, you’re going to want a rod in the 7-foot range that has a sensitive tip, so you can feel the bite, but also some backbone to turn the head of a smoker that just peeled off 100 yards of line in 20 seconds. Sometimes, a big king will swim right back at the boat after a blistering run, and you will have a better chance of coming tight with a higher speed reel. You’ll want nothing less than a 5-to-1 gear ratio. When it comes to line choice, you can certainly spool your reels with braided line, but I prefer 20- to 30-pound monofilament, as I’m kind of old school and learned to fish for kingfish before braid became so popular. That said, you’ll want to connect your main line to Gene Dyer is co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Fort Lau4 to 10 feet of 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon leader with a size 4 or derdale edition. Contact him at gene@coastalanglermagazine.com. 14

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FLY FISHING 16

CHUMMING UP MAKO SHARKS One of the greatest adversaries on the fly rod in saltwater is the shortfin mako shark. The mako is considered by many as the fastest of all sharks, but what makes this great gamefish stand out is not only its fighting ability but its tendency to leap 20 feet in the air once hooked! The mako shark is one of saltwater fly-fishing’s outstanding but unappreciated gamefish. Found on both in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, a smaller mako in the 20- to 30-pound range can be perfect for the beginning saltwater fly fisherman; of course, fishing for sharks is a tad different than fishing for bluegills in your Uncle Ned’s farm pond. First, you’ll need a boat, preferably a boat over 18 feet that can handle fairly choppy seas. Most center-consoles will do; however, a skiff with a beam of 8 feet or wider and a not-too-deep V will settle in the water better and reduce pitch and roll to a minimum, guaranteeing a much more stable casting platform. A chum line is the most effective way of attracting makos into casting distance of your boat. Chumming attracts the larger makos and will allow you to sight-cast to them. Into a chum bag, place the belly sections or fresh carcasses of tuna, bluefish or bonito. Then place the bag into a milk crate or five-gallon bucket, lower this mess by rope over the side and listen for the musical score from the movie “Jaws” to begin. You won’t have long to wait once that chum slick begins to spread. Ideally, you should use fresh carcasses, but store-bought chum will suffice. One bit of important advice: Less is more when chumming; you don’t

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