Coastal Angler Magazine | November 2019 | Tampa Bay Edition

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VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 296

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FISH OF A LIFETIME IN SOUTHWEST ALASKA

By Tom Schlichter

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o one has to tell you a halibut has taken your bait. As you set the hook with all your might, the heavy rod takes on a full bend, tip pumping rapidly as the beast powers down and away in a series of short, explosive bursts. Within minutes, beads of sweat begin to roll down your brow, and soon your back and arms begin to tire. The battle continues for another five to 10 minutes—or longer— and the enormity of the fish at the end of your line becomes apparent. This is the fish of a lifetime. This is why you came to Alaska!

What saltwater angler hasn’t fantasized about taking such a trip? Yet there’s more to the beautiful, chilly waters in the far Northwest than outlandish flatfish.

Ferocious-looking lingcod, giant, bright orange shortrakers, yelloweyes and other rockfish are also on the menu, as are king, coho and chum salmon, whether jigged or trolled in open water or tempted with the long rod in a river so full of fish you could walk across the dorsal fins. From breaching whales and soaring bald eagles to grizzly bears, sea lions, otters and endless miles of wild, unspoiled vistas, nature abounds in the forty-ninth state.

Of course, where to start is a major questions you’ll need to tackle when planning your first Alaska fishing adventure. By and large, Southeast Alaska is the first choice if you are seeking major-league halibut.

From the town of Ketchikan northwest up the coast to Chichagof Island, there are fishing lodges to accommodate your needs in such towns as Sitka, Juneau, Elfin Cove and Gustavus, plus places from which the most adventurous can set out on their own.

One of the most popular spots is Tanaku Lodge. At the northwest corner of the famed Inside Passage, it’s tucked inside Elfin Cove, about 25 miles west of Glacier Bay National Park. From here you can get a terrific sampling of Alaska’s great coastal fishery, while seeing astounding amounts of wildlife and enjoying your stay in comfort.

“The fishing is always great around here,” said Dennis Meier, co-owner of Tanaku Lodge with Jim Benton. “That’s a given, but we pride ourselves on making the entire experience the best it can be. Our skippers and mates are tops in the business, our lodge staff is helpful and courteous, and you’ll find the accommodations here to be first class all the way around. We may be off the beaten track, but that doesn’t mean we compromise on quality.”

Tanaku is a full-service lodge with all-wood interior, vaulted ceilings, and wood burning stoves to keep you warm. Bedroom suites feature two full-sized beds and either a shared or private bath. Huge, wrap-around windows and outdoor decks offer fabulous views of the harbor. You don’t even have to bring foul-weather gear, as slicks and boots are provided for each angler. Leave your tackle home, too; the lodge offerings are in excellent shape and a perfect match to fishing you’ll encounter.

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As for the fishing, there are so many possibilities it can make your head spin. Halibut is the perfect first choice, since big ones can be found just a short ride away. Prepare to fish heavy and in water depths of 130 to 150 feet, though. Expect rods and reels suited for tuna and cannonball weights up to 2 pounds with a herring, pink salmon strip or side of pink salmon for bait. Even with all that heavy gear, a big halibut can still kick your butt.

If you want to make things even more exciting (read: strenuous) try tempting these beasties with 1-pound jigs. It took me only 10 minutes of jigging in the Inside Passage to set the point to a 90-pound brute that beat the heck out of me before coming aboard. Over the next two days, I managed four more on jigs as we rotated between fishing for halibut, salmon and rockfish, depending on the most favorable tides.

What a blast!

As previously mentioned, salmon fishing is the other big draw here. While stocks of kings and cohos have slipped somewhat over the past few years, the number of king (Chinook), coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon is substantial. Anglers can troll for salmon, jig them, or set up a trip to wade a nearby river and catch them on the fly.

Wherever you decide to stay on your Alaskan adventure, it’s wise to clearly state your wishes when booking a trip—especially if you hope to sample river salmon fishing or want to try for additional species like lingcod, shortrakers and various other rockfish. Not all are available from every lodge. While there are occasional off days even in this remarkable fishing wilderness—weather can be a serious issue late in the season—the odds are you’ll experience some of the best fishing of your life.

For information on Tanaku Lodge in Elfin Cove, AK, visit www.tanakulodge. com, or phone: 800-482-6258.

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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

By Nick Carter

S

pearfishers seeking a little variety in their bottom time should take a close look at the waters off New England. You won’t find warm tropical waters off the Northeast coast, but you will find a freediving experience unlike any other.

Destinations like Montauk, N.Y. and Block Island, R.I. have long been recognized for some of the best striped bass fishing on the planet. The bass blitzes around Long Island Sound are legendary, and huge schools of stripers in these rocky waters offer conventional anglers and spearos the opportunity of a lifetime.

Matt Belanger, of Newburyport, Mass., is one of a growing contingent of divers hooked on what New England has to offer. He’s a member of TriState Skindivers, and a big 54.2-pound striped bass he speared off

Block Island in July topped the club’s season-long TriState Leaderboard Spearfishing Tournament.

“The striper is sort of our signature inshore species,” Belanger said. “It’s a very skittish fish. A lot of guys say they can hear your heartbeat. You’ve got to be really stealth when you go after a big striper.”

Belanger’s description of a typical dive was intriguing. With a 50- to 60-foot bottom littered with Volkswagen-sized boulders, strong currents and visibility averaging 10 feet, it’s a different environment from Caribbean reef dives. The veil of dingy water actually makes hunting stripers easier.

On the drop, you fin down through a school of striped bass to the bottom.

“You’re in the middle of a giant school of hundreds of fish,” Belanger said. “Then, when you hit the bottom, they always spook… all at once. It’s crazy. It makes this big noise, almost a boom.”

The secret to sticking a big bass is bottom time. After about 25 seconds, Belanger said the school begins to reconvene. Then you must spend precious seconds selecting a target from hundreds of circling fish, while minimizing movement and sound that might spook them. The goal is to take the largest fish in the school.

You’re allowed only one fish per day with a 28-inch minimum size limit. A 28-inch striped bass weighs 10 to 15 pounds. They get much bigger. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 81-pounds, 14-ounces. It was caught from Long Island Sound off Connecticut. The speargun world record weighed 68.4 pounds. Dave Hochman, who guides Block Island Sound, stuck that fish in 2008. Hochman is the guide who put Belanger on the big striper he killed in this year’s tournament.

If one fish per day seems scant to travel for, there’s a lot of excellent eating on a big striper. Also, when you get your limit—with speargun or rod and reel—there are other interesting and tasty species like tautog, black sea bass, fluke and others.

A word of warning: Area waters can get sharky, with great whites a concern. A good captain will know where shark encounters are least likely.

For information, contact Dave Hochman of Spear-it Charters through his website at www.spearfishcharters.com.

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SHRINK WRAPPING

By Justin Witt

T

he Rio Pico region of Chubut province, Argentina is known to a select and adventurous few as the best big-trout country in all of Patagonia. Comprised of an immense network of lakes and drainages flowing through the Andes of southwestern Argentina, these waters are spectacular, and they’re as far off the beaten path as it gets.

The diversity of the fishery is astounding. The area hosts an almost unbelievable quantity of waters in all shapes and sizes, and the region is known for trout that reach “unusual size” in pristine water with very little fishing pressure.

“It was incredible. I was fishing dry flies up a little spring creek for trout as long as my leg,” said Greg Baugus, who visited the remote

area with Hemispheres Unlimited, an agency specializing in fishing trips of a lifetime.

But spring creeks are not all Rio Pico has to offer. Rainbows, brookies and browns were introduced over a century ago and can be pursued with a wide variety of tackle and techniques. From large lakes and rivers to high-elevation trickles, anglers have the option to throw dry flies on delicate tippets, chuck 6-inch streamers on a heavy sink-tip line, or nymph any day of the week. It all boils down to personal preferences, and it’s all done within the gorgeous expanses and dramatic backdrop of the Andes.

Some spots are numbers games, with consistent action for what in Patagonia amounts to smallish fish—fish that would be considered large almost anywhere else in the world. Most folks come down hunting bruisers, though, the photo fish, the monsters that stand out in truly amazing adventures.

Hemispheres Unlimited offers perfect trips for those seeking adventure. Their Rio Pico Trout Bum program pairs anglers with local guides who grew up on these drainages and know them like the backs of their hands.

It’s a unique, low-cost option for anglers more interested in fishing than luxury lodging. There’s no mint on the pillow, for sure. Instead, the Hemispheres Unlimited team makes certain preparations are in place so you can make the most of your time pursuing the fish that brought you to Argentina in the first place.

Accommodations for the Trout Bum program are best described as authentic, in true, local, Patagonia style. Unless there is a specific need for backcountry camping, groups usually lodge at local hospedajes, either in town or out on one of the waters. Each spot has its own characteristics, advantages and style, and Hemispheres helps each group choose the best option for their desires. The program can be set up in a wide variety of styles, ranging from boat fishing every day of the trip to mixed trips with easier wading, all the way to more extreme hike-in and camp expeditions.

For more information on the Rio Pico Trout Bum program and everything else Hemispheres Unlimited offers, go to hemispheresunlimited. com/blog/diving-mizpah.

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Photo courtesy of www.sfctravel.com

By CAM Staff

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nglers seeking stellar offshore fishing, including the best Atlantic blue marlin fishing on the planet should book passage to Cape Verde. This island nation about 350 miles off northwest Africa is a horseshoe cluster of 10 islands and eight islets that are a popular tourist destination for Europeans.

The fishery is renowned for the consistency of big blue marlin. Billfish Report ranked it best in the world for 500-plus-pound blues, edging out venerable Kona, Hawaii by the numbers in its annual rankings based on 2018 statistics.

Last years numbers were 110 blue marlin heavier than 500 pounds, including a 900-plus-pounder and one grander, which stretched the scales to 1,037 pounds.

It’s the kind of place where releasing three marlin heavier than 500 pounds in a day is considered possible… because it happens.

With big-game fishing this good, the marlin fishing is obviously the headliner. It’s best from April through July, with March and August usually being good as well. It’s a happy coincidence that this time frame coincides with the best seasons for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo and dorado.

Four islands, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vincente, Santo Antao and Maio, harbor most of the medium-sized recreational fleet. The channel between Sao Vincente and Santo Antao is the epicenter of this international hot-spot for blues.

For more information, go to www.capeverdeislands.org.

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erious saltwater anglers know how important trim tabs are to optimizing any boat’s ride, performance and fuel efficiency. The ability to fine-tune a boat’s ride is even more important with today’s high-performance center console offshore, bay and flats boats. Adjusting a boat’s running attitude with trim tabs can also compensate for how a boat is loaded, ensuring a dry, safe and comfortable ride.

While modern boats have become much “smarter” and more technologically advanced in recent years, operating trim tabs was still largely trial-and-error for the boater.

That has changed with the recent unveiling of Dometic Marine’s new Smart Trim Tab System, designed to give owners of inboard/outboard and outboard powered boats precision control never before possible. This new system is a “smart” reinvention of the trim tab—offering robust construction, user programmability, quick, accurate response and intuitive operation.

“Today’s modern vessels are becoming smarter and more connected,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “With this new introduction, we’ve taken trim tab technology and performance to a new level for boat builders and boaters alike. This will be a true game changer for the industry.”

Dometic Marine has engineered the Smart Trim Tab System for inboard/outboard vessels, as well as today’s popular high-performance boats powered by single, twin, triple or quad outboards. It has the ability to connect with the Optimus Electric Steering System, joystick control and shift-throttle controls.

Dometic Marine’s CAN-based smart actuator can also be used as a

standalone component to integrate with a boat’s control system. For instance, using this connected technology, wake boarders and wake surfers will be able to precisely control the shape/size of their wake by commanding an exact actuator position.

This system uses a Smart Dial controller for intuitive operation and a customizable user experience. User programmable settings (Home and Favorite) make it easy to get the boat into optimum running attitude, whether the goal is to smooth the ride, maximize fuel efficiency or fine-tune the perfect wake. The easy-to-use smart dial can also be turned manually to level the boat quickly as conditions change, with built-in LED lights that indicate trim tab position.

This system’s smart actuator provides unparalleled positional accuracy and repeatability. Dometic Marine’s sophisticated all-electric design reduces complexity and increases reliability. The robust actuator shaft and housing design provides strong performance in both the push and pull direction. The design also features superior actuator sealing to prevent leaks, even with extended use in the harsh marine environment. Additionally, the installer has the ability to control the speed at which the tabs deploy and retract.

When synchronized with Dometic Marine’s Optimus 360 electric steering, joystick control and shift/throttle controls, the Smart Trim Tab System can respond to RPM and gear position inputs for even greater control. The tabs auto retract when the key is turned off, when the vessel is put in reverse, or any time the vessel is put into joystick mode.

This exciting new Smart Trim Tab System will be available to OEM installers beginning in December 2019. For more information, visit www. seastarsolutions.com.

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THANKSGIVING

IN THE KEYS

By Nick Carter

T

he year-round mahi bite is legendary in Atlantic waters off the Florida Keys. This time of the year the sailfish bite is phenomenal as well.

Winter is a relative term when you’re talking about Monroe County, Fla. Wintertime lows average in the high 60s at night and highs run in the mid-70s. It’s downright comfortable.

Apparently it’s the same with water temperatures. Just past the reef line, which runs the length of the Keys, big pelagic species show up in numbers to overwinter and feed on abundant schools of baitfish.

Chief among them are sailfish.

Capt. Chris Johnson, with SeaSquared Charters out of Marathon, looks forward to Thanksgiving every year, but not because of turkey. Late November is the beginning of sailfish season. It’s a time of diving frigatebirds and showering ballyhoo, when sight-fishing sailfish is the biggest thrill on the water.

Mornings begin early. Low-light is key to finding sails and other pelagics as they push schools of baitfish up to the surface and into the air. Diving birds are the dead giveaway. From a tower, the activity is visible, as birds circle progressively lower and then plummet from the sky to take part in the massacre.

“When you show up on the reef and you’re seeing spraying bait and birds, it’s game on,” said Johnson. “It’s usually an early morning thing, but it can go on into the day when there’s good cloud cover.”

Depending on where in the Keys you set out from, the reef is just a 3 to 7 mile run from the docks. The sharp outer reef edge, which drops steeply into the 100-foot depths, is the topography that holds fish. Unlike most fisheries, where anglers attempt to intersect roving sailfish, fish actually congregate to feed off the Keys. Plentiful bait schools on the reef in close proximity to deep water create a unique situation where sailfish move into the shallows to corral and crash balls of baitfish.

“This is what we’ve got that’s unique from anywhere else.

It’s exciting, with lots of visual activity,” said Capt. Johnson. “We get sailfish spraying ballyhoos in 20 feet of water.”

When it’s on, it really is sight fishing. Anglers must be able to cast

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live bait with accuracy that puts it on the edge of a spraying school or directly on the nose of a visible sailfish. The action can be hit or miss, but there’s nothing like it when a sailfish picks up the bait, feels the steel and starts tailwalking across the surface. Johnson said a good day sees double-digit release flags flying.

When the bait showers die down, the fish remain in the area.

Johnson said he’ll move off the reef edge in search of color breaks, weed lines and current breaks where baitfish are easy targets.

“You want that blue water from the Gulf Stream up on that powdery water from the reef,” he said. “Sailfish love to hunt and chase bait up into that powdery water.”

And where there are sailfish chasing bait, other species gather to feed as well.

“If you’re into sailfish, you’re going to catch the other stuff, too,” Johnson said. “We see a lot of kingfish, blackfin tuna, dolphin, cobia, and even the occasional white marlin.”

Sight fishing becomes power drifting, as Johnson deploys a spread of live baits and bumps the engine in and out of gear to cover water while presenting lively baits. Pilchards, cigar minnows and sardines are all on the menu. But when fish are keyed on ballyhoo, they won’t eat anything but ballyhoo, and a ballyhoo in open water out off the reef is bound to get hammered.

In the right conditions, Johnson deploys kites with bridled goggle eyes. This tactic is particularly useful for skittish sailfish, as most of the tackle is suspended above the water where it’s not as visible to the fish. With the bait dancing near the surface, anglers might notice a fin or bill circling the bait. Then anticipation gives way to adrenaline, as the bait is inhaled and the speed and aerobatics of a fighting sailfish take over.

The action is enough to make an angler forget everything but sailfish… until it’s time to unload a cooler full of blackfin and dolphin at the docks.

Contact Capt. Chris Johnson and SeaSquared Charters through their website at www.seasquaredcharters.com.

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It’s a boy!

Troll, cast or fly a kite in the warm waters of The Florida Keys, and you could be rewarded with a real bundle of joy. Then again, if a rambunctious bull dolphin isn’t what you were hoping for, you could be blessed with a behemoth blue marlin – truly the mother of all gamefish. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Photo by Andrea Whitaker A diver awaits pickup at the surface after a drift dive off of Palm Beach.

By John Lidington

D

rift diving is a major part of the Palm Beach County dive scene, so a lot of divers are introduced to this discipline in our waters. Any open-water diver should have skills to handle diving in currents. But developing and applying some special habits makes such dives smoother, safer and more fun.

On the ideal drift dive, divers let the current carry them over long stretches of bottom. The boat drifts overhead tracking the “float ball,” a buoy connected by reel from the surface to an underwater dive guide. The most comfortable dives are those where a diver “goes with the flow” of the current. That means limiting the need to swim against current and facilitating easy pickup back on the surface.

The dive briefing is about more than where to find the goliath groupers or turtles. Listen carefully. Is the dive guide running a continuous drift or planning to tie off for a while? Are there bottom features that alter the current? How strong is the current and how good is the visibility? This information will help refine your dive plan.

When the captain shouts “Dive, dive, dive!” you should be ready to jump in quickly. That means having your equipment ready early.

One tip in addition to what you know by heart: After testing its power inflator, suck all the air from your BC. You’re then ready for a “negative entry,” where you hop in and immediately begin your descent.

As you descend, note the strength and direction of the current with your compass. The stronger the current and the lower the visibility, the more you need to focus on staying near your buddy and the group. A one-knot current carries you about 100 feet per minute. If visibility is 70 feet and you’re poking around in a hole for a minute, your buddy will be gone when you look up.

If you’re in a strong current, do your best to maintain neutral buoyancy and dive at a safe distance from the bottom to prevent bumping the reef.

At the end of the dive, use your Surface Marker Buoy (SMB).

Sure, the well-trained eyes of the pros running the charter boats are great at picking out bobbing divers. But, while it’s a pain to deflate and re-roll “safety sausages,” they can make retrieval of the group faster and smoother. If released when you reach your safety stop, they give the captain a two-minute warning on where divers will be surfacing.

There’s a lot more to drift diving than the few tips I can offer here. PADI offers a Drift Diver specialty course that efficiently bundles theory and training into a few hours work coupled with two dives.

If you want to jump-start your skills, give Pura Vida Divers a call at 561-840-8750 or visit www.puravidadivers.com.

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MARK SOSIN

sk me my favorite fishing spot, and the answer might surprise you. With a career that spanned more than 50 years as a journalist and educator focusing on fishing (both freshwater and salt), my travels took me to all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

I’m not a professional angler or tournament fisherman, nor am I a licensed captain or guide. My father loved to fish, and he started me when I was 3 years old by letting me hold a rod with a freshwater critter wiggling on the end of the line. That hooked me for life.

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Over the years, my travels took me to some of the hottest spots in the world for particular species. Usually, accommodations were marginal and the facilities questionable. As an example, before they brought peacock bass to the southern United States, I caught them in the Amazon jungles of Brazil. There are spots in the nearshore Pacific where it’s not uncommon to raise a couple dozen sailfish almost every day. There are tigerfish in central Africa, bonefish in the Bahamas and other hotspots.

If you asked me to reveal my favorite fishing spot, my answer would be South Florida. Let me tell you why. You can get there from any part of the U.S. by car, train or plane, stay in a five-star hotel and eat in the best restaurants. Everywhere you want to fish, there are some of the best guides to put you on the species you seek.

Biscayne Bay lies at Miami’s doorstep with Miami Beach on the eastern shore. In the Bay, you can catch bonefish, permit, snook and tarpon along with countless other species including sharks, which are a great challenge in shallow water on casting tackle.

A short boat ride through Government Cut puts you in the Atlantic a few miles from the shoreward edge of the Gulf Stream. These waters hold a plethora of species that include sailfish, swordfish, dolphin, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, an occasional marlin, and a wide variety of bottom species. At certain times of the year, snook feed in the coastal inlets and along the beaches.

An hour’s drive to Flamingo in Everglades National Park puts you are in prime territory for redfish as well as several other species that are challenging and fun to catch. Many of the canals around Miami and south toward Key Largo hold peacock bass. Canals leading from Lake Okeechobee also host largemouth bass for the freshwater aficionado. And, there are even guides available for the land-based angler.

You would be hard pressed to find another major city in the world that offers spectacular fishing for a host of species right at its doorstep. If there is such a place, I haven’t found it. That’s why South Florida is my favorite fishing spot.

For more from Mark Sosin, visit

CAMFISHING.COM

TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

I

n late September, we entered the Fall season and began noticing cooler temperatures.

As the water temperatures continue cooling, the bite should keep improving.

What this means for November is that the days become less humid and grow more delightful.

You will be able to experience some of the best fishing in the “fishing capital of the world”-Florida.

Snook are still catch and release only.

Greenbacks seem the bait of choice. We have also been catching snook on cut bait lying on the bottom. Anglers using live bait should have no problem finding plenty of greenbacks, threadfins or pinfish. A simple technique I have been using to slow down my live bait is to cut off the tail fins.

Redfish are still catch and release only.

They seem to be on every grass flat and eating both live and dead baits. We are catching plenty of nice size fish with many in the thirty-plus range. Grass flats with broken

bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines throughout the bay hold hungry redfish. Greenbacks, dollar size pins, shrimp, cut bait and patience do the trick.

Spotted sea trout are still catch and release only. They also seem to be on every grass flat and eating both live and artificial lures with a definite upswing in action. Fish incoming tide days around deepwater broken-bottom grass flats. They are eating shrimp, pinfish and greenbacks. On deeper flats with good moving water, a popper cork and a free lined greenback or shrimp prove deadly in catching nice trout.

Spanish mackerael action should remain stable as long as we have bait. Try using 50-pound SeaGuar Fluorocarbon leader with long shank Daiichi #2 or #3 hook. Free line the baits in the current with a #3 split-shot weight about six inches from the hook.

Mangrove snapper have flooded Tampa Bay grass flats, bridges, markers and docks.

Fishing with small greenies and shrimp should produce some nice sized fish--often tipping the scales around one to three pounds. Use lighter Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, a small slip sinker, a # 1 circle hook and you’re in business. Remember, don’t set the hook. Keep a tight line and when you feel something, lift lightly on the rod and start reeling.

Captain Woody Gore’s Guide Service: The area’s top-notch outdoor fishing guide service.

He’s guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton and Sarasota areas for over fifty years and offers first-class customer service, outstanding fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single Boat, Multi-Boat and Group Charters: With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any size group, outing or tournament.

Website www.captainwoodygore.com Email fishing@captainwoodygore.com Give Him a Call, Go Fishing & Catch Some Memories Cellular/Text: 813-477-3814.

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10/17/2019 2:04:22 PM

FLORIDA SPORTSMAN EXPO NOVEMBER 16 & 17

F

lorida Sportsman Expo is returning to Tampa’s Florida State Fairgrounds on November 16-17. Attendees will find a wide array of exhibitors and manufacturers of fishing tackle, offshore and inshore fishing boats, kayaks, paddle boards, outdoor apparel, marine art and more.

Learning is always front and center at the Expo—there will be 25 informative seminars given by area captains and fishing experts per day on 5 sponsored seminar stages. The Offshore Fishing stage will be manned by Capt. Randy Rochelle (bottom fishing tactics), kingfish guru Dan Casey, Austin Collins will present slow-roll jigging tactics and Mark Goodson will teach you how to fish the entire water column offshore.

Inshore anglers can grab a seat at the Action Craft Inshore stage to hear Capt. Ray Markham address responsible catch-and-release techniques, Capt. George Hastick will share secrets about catching the coveted inshore slam, Capt.

Sergio Atanes talks snook fishing, and Capt. Travis Yaeckel will share his redfish secrets.

Kayakers can take in talks at the Tackle Shack Kayak Fishing Stage, delivered by big-game fishing kayaker Pam Wirth, Capt.

Karen Doss on Tampa Bay reds and snook, and more. The Ankona Boats Fly Fishing Stage features Capt. Rick Grassett on tripletail, mackerel and albies, Walt Durkin on wading Tampa Bay, Leigh West on advanced fly casting, and more. Rounding up the Seminars is “Pompano Rich” Vidulich and David Hartwell, who team up on the Angler on Foot Stage to talk surf fishing and fishing from piers and bridges.

Anglers are encouraged to take a seat at our popular handson Rigging it Right Academy, sponsored by Hydroglow, for

expert instruction on knot-tying, hook sharpening, bait and lure rigging, fish filleting and more.

Beginner and intermediate fly fishers can get hands-on instruction, too, on both fly casting at the indoor casting pond, and fly-tying by members of the Tampa Bay Fly Fishing Club and Suncoast Fly Fishers. If you tie flies and want to show off your skills, be sure to register for the Florida Sportsman Expo Fly Tying Throwdown, held at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Register before 12:30 pm at the Fly Fishing Seminar Stage for a seat at the table to compete for a grand prize and bragging rights.

Attendees can take in all of these instructional features of the Expo at no additional coast.

It’s a bargain for an $8 admission ticket. New this year is Fitzgerald Rod’s Strong Angler Competition.

Attendees entering this “rod pull” contest will compete in two age divisions for Fitzgerald tackle prizes.

Exhibitor Fishing Nosara is holding a free drawing for a oneweek stay at Casa Tranquilo in Costa Rica valued at $1,000. This trip includes a half-day fishing on the Adventurer. Stop by booth #21 to enter.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosts the Kid’s Fishing Derby three times on both Saturday and Sunday, on the Fairground’s stocked fishing pond. Three lucky winners will be awarded prizes in each Derby, and goodie bags are awarded to every kid taking part in FWC’s Fish ID Scavenger Hunt.

Show hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday. Tickets are the Fairgrounds box office are $8 for adults; kids under 12 get in free with an adult. Military and first responders with ID receive a 50 percent discount on admission..

2 TAMPA | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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10/17/2019 2:04:23 PM

FLY FISHING REPORT BY: GABE LITTLEFIELD

N

ow that November is here, my focus shifts to redfish. I had the opportunity to get out and fish with Capt. Casey Males of Backwater Fish and Paddle and we had an awesome time catching reds. While reds can be caught year-round, as the temperature drops the bite heats up. This is probably the best time of year to introduce someone to inshore fly fishing.

Now that winter is approaching, our waters begin to clear and cool, changing the habits and stomping grounds of redfish. The first major change is the schooling of these fish all around the Bay area. Some of these schools can be hundreds of redfish thick! When fly fishing for schooling redfish, long casts and stealthy approaches may be necessary. Soft and subtle flies, such

as Kwans or Merkins, are perfect for these situations. Begin targeting fish on the outside of the school, so as not to spook them all. Stay focused and patient and it can pay off in the form of a multiple fish day!

The alternative to fishing schools (better suited for boat anglers) is targeting single cruisers or small pods in the back creeks found all over Tampa Bay. These fish are perfect for kayaks, canoes and wading anglers, because of the shallow water. The latter is my preferred approach to attack redfish in shallow water. Even though I am exclusively a kayak angler, I typically tether my kayak and creep up on these fish on foot. Flies imitating crabs, shrimp, or backwater baitfish excel in these conditions.

I hope your month is full of redfish and turkey and your line stays tight!

in Crystal River. Specializing in artificial and fly fishing via Live2Fish Paddleboards, Casey has a vast knowledge of the area. For more info or trip bookings, visit www. backwaterfishandpaddle.com.

Gabe Littlefield is a kayak fishing guide at Pure Florida Watersports in Wesley Chapel. Specializing in inshore fly fishing by kayak, Gabe is very comfortable and passionate about sharing his love for fly fishing.

To book a charter with Gabe, contact Pure Florida Watersports at (813)-602-8824.

Capt. Casey Males is the owner and guide at Backwater Fish and Paddle

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10/17/2019 2:04:24 PM

WHAT THE MUCK? BY: PAUL PRESSON

I

t was the early 90’s and I had just moved to Tampa Bay. I couldn’t afford a flats boat, so I bought a tenfoot fiberglass sit-in kayak. With a little ingenuity and some sweat, I modified the little kayak with rod holders, lights and a storage system made from a milk crate. Her name was the “Lazy Wader” and she was ready for her maiden voyage. I was a

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

mighty kayak angler.

I had heard of an area referred to as “the kitchen” in Gibsonton. I did some research and wanted to start my kayak fishing adventures there. It was February and cold for Florida--I had to bundle up to go.

There was a tackle shop located adjacent to Bullfrog Creek. I asked the owner if I could put-in there. He

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said sure, as long as I bought some merchandise. The big adventure was about to commence. I had checked the tides and I would be starting right before high tide.

When I reached my destination, I hooked up on my second cast. I had just caught my first keeper trout. All day, I caught trout after trout--I was the happiest guy on the water. I had also done some research in reference to the Big Bend power plant, which was my next destination. I knew the warm water the plant generated would lure all inshore species to that location.

When I arrived, there were several other anglers fishing from the beach and their boats. They looked at me like I was crazy as I weaved around them. I threw my little claw anchor into the water and began fishing.

It took some time, but there was that magical sound--my reel began to scream. Whatever I had was huge--this was the biggest fish I had ever had on a line.

I lifted my anchor in fear that I was going to tip over. Luckily, the fish maneuvered away from the other boats. This was my first sleigh ride--I was like a cowboy at a rodeo hanging on for dear life.

I finally got the beast in. It was a redfish, well over 30 inches. I didn’t even have room for it in the kayak--I took a picture and let it go.

I had accomplished my mission.

I decided to head back to Bullfrog Creek. As I rounded a corner, everything looked different. I didn’t remember the shoreline being so close, I paddled further and for the life of me, could not find the opening to the creek.

This was bad. I pulled the kayak up to what looked like land. I stepped

out and nearly rolled my little boat over. I had lost my entire leg into the abyss of a blackish colored muck.

As I tried to pull my leg out, I was stuck! I had to move my foot and leg back and forth, to free myself. I looked down and noticed that I was shoe-less now too!

The realization that the tide had gone out and winter tides were very low had finally hit. I took a rope, attached it to my kayak and began to slowly pull it through what felt like quicksand. I attempted this for about an eighth of a mile and found myself waist deep in muck.

I managed to pull myself out again.

This was very bad. There were no cell phones back then or I would have called the Coast Guard for a legitimate rescue. I found that if I laid on my belly and slowly crawled, I would not sink.

When I finally made it back to the water, I was forced to paddle all the way to Simmons Park in Ruskin to get the kayak somewhere that it could be picked up. Making my way to the pay phone at the park, I was covered in mud from head to toe, had one shoe and could hardly walk.

I called a friend. He seemed more than mildly agitated, but he was on his way. Laying down reviewing the day, how could someone have such a wonderful and miserable time in the span of six hours? If I learned nothing else, next time I will know to beware of winter tides.

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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4 TAMPA | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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10/17/2019 2:04:25 PM

TEACHING FOLKS TO FISH BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

L

et’s start by getting rid of a mistaken belief that just because you are out fishing on the water, it’s going to be just as much fun even if you do not catch a single fish. Many folks and often fishing captains will use the expression, “Oh, it’s just as much fun being on the water even if you do not catch a fish.” Well, let me clue you in folks. From 60 years of experience and conversations with thousands of anglers and clients, I can tell you it’s a bunch of bunk. No one gets pleasure from a fishless day on the water. It makes no difference whether you’re a weekend warrior or a twenty-year seasoned captain--people like to catch fish.

When taking anglers fishing for the first time, be sure to organize wisely. Be careful and do everything possible to turn their early fishing involvement into a catching one. Whether a seasoned everyday angler or a charter captain, when taking beginners or anyone fishing, take the opportunity to educate or offer tips.

Some contend the virtues of working hard for that first fish are an essential part of any fish-

catching experience. The first fish is always crucial. It’s the first footstep forward on the road to becoming a forever angler.

Here are a few mindset principles to digest before taking to the water: 1. Leave the drill sergeant approach at the dock--never take it on the boat. Youngsters, new anglers or basically anyone likes a short, entertaining, practical and fun approach to learning.

2. Choose waters and locations that will boost the most overall fun experiences with the highest likelihood of catching fish.

3. Don’t concern yourself with the fish size or fish species. Keep the focus on activity and excitement.

4. Choose easy to handle tackle, making sure it is functioning correctly before handing it to the anglers.

5. Recognize that younger and even older anglers may not have the attention span, stamina or be as loyal to the sport as we are.

It’s good to limit experiences to a minimum of 4 to 5 hours/half-day, especially during the summer heat. Do everything possible to catch fish early.

6. Fill each fishing trip with originality and achievement—end each trip on a high note of encouragement.

SIGHT, BITE, AND FIGHT will always improve the anticipation of fishing. See the fish, learn the signs of bait activity, watch how bobbers move and disappear underwater.

Learn how rods flex, see and enjoy jumping fish, feel the rush of confidence from a spot-on cast, enjoy the sound of a screaming drag and end every fishing trip on a high note.

Fishing is an intriguing banquet and sport of abundance. Much of its beauty originates from the fact that you can keep it simple, take it to higher levels or push it to the extremes.

Captain Woody Gore’s Guide Service: The area’s top-notch outdoor fishing guide service.

He’s guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton and Sarasota areas for over fifty years and offers first-class customer service, outstanding fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories.

Single Boat, Multi-Boat and Group Charters: With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any size group, outing or tournament Website www.captainwoodygore.com Email fishing@captainwoodygore.com Give Him a Call, Go Fishing & Catch Some Memories Cellular/Text: 813-477-3814.

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Crew with a nice catch

A

fishing trip can be a memorable experience for both young and old. During the shooting of our TV show years ago we traveled to Yankeetown, a small community just a twohour drive north of Tampa. As we entered the quiet little town, I had memories of yesteryear as a young boy living in Ybor City. We all felt like we had traveled back in time at least fifty years.

Gail was our host at a quaint bed and breakfast place called the Whippoorwill House, and just down the street within walking distance was the Isaac Walton Inn. It had once been a bed and breakfast inn, but now is serving superb appetizers such as baked escargots and mushrooms in a

covered pastry shell and entrees such as almond crusted flounder. Last but not least is the New York chocolate cheese cake. To add to this wonderful dining experience is the ambience of sitting at your dinner table overlooking the river with beautiful oak trees on the bank.

A favorite local hangout for fishermen is Charlie’s General Store, and they serve the best fried chicken money can buy. I understand it closed a few years ago--like most small businesses, it just could not make it in these times. We also found a unique planter--a converted old boat that now houses an assortment of plants.

We had heard of some great offshore fishing in this area, and the best captain around was none other than Capt. Ky Lewis, an old friend who grew up fishing offshore around the Clearwater area. Ky had decided to give up the hustle and bustle of big city life and settle in Yankeetown years ago.

We met at first light, and Capt. Ky had it all worked out--our destination was an offshore spring about 40 miles due west loaded with fish, or so he said. His 32-foot boat with a single diesel engine cruises at 20 knots and, although not the fastest, was quite a fishing machine.

The 2-hour run seemed short, and our camera crew, Phil and Grace from Horizon East Productions, made ready the equipment we would need for filming. I never realized how

much goes into making a TV show. Zack, our first mate and son of Capt. Ky was preparing the bait and checking all the tackle, as time was near to battle our prey.

The word came from the captain that we had arrived at our destination. Zack responded lowering the anchor and allowing just enough line to secure the boat and stopping over the spot. Our mikes were secured on us and the camera was rolling as the baits went down. The clear waters of this area made fishing even more exciting when you could look down and see not just one fish but dozens of amberjacks swimming under the boat ranging from 10 to 50 pounds just waiting to be caught.

I was ready to catch one of those big amberjacks, but Capt. Ky said we would be able catch them later. Knowing better than to argue with a Captain that knows his spot, we quickly baited our hooks with dead Spanish sardines and lowered our lines to the bottom as soon as possible. Not being familiar with the area, I asked Capt. Ky what we were fishing for, but before I could get an answer, I had a tug on my line and the rod bent double. Looking at Capt. Ky he said with a smile, “Just fight the fish and you will see.”

The tug of war was on, and out of the corner of my eye, I could see that Capt. Ky had one of his own that was taking control of him. The camera crew moved around us trying to follow our every

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move, and Zack made ready to land my fish, a nice gag grouper in the 12-pound range with Capt. Ky behind me boating an 18 pounder.

We quickly got our baits back down and tried again. This time the tug seemed different and, as I set the hook, I knew this was not a grouper.

It felt like could it be, yes, it was one of my favorite fish--a mangrove snapper and a big one at that. As the fish came aboard, he weighed in at eight pounds, to be exact. Capt.

Ky had another fish, and this was a beautiful grouper. Another bait, and another grouper. I thought I was in heaven.

After a short while, Capt. Ky decided we were ready for a change and needed to work our muscles a bit harder by trying our luck at catching kingfish. He suggested we change our bait to live pinfish.

I lowered my six-inch live pinfish about 10 feet below the surface and, like a fire house drill, several kingfish appeared from nowhere and were fighting for my bait. Within seconds the rod bent double, the line screamed out, and the battle continued for 10 minutes or more until, finally, the exhausted kingfish came to the surface.

The time had arrived to head back to the dock. We had a great day of shooting thanks to clear weather,

Capt. Ky and his son Zack, our first mate and soon to be captain of his dad’s boat, and our camera crew.

The camera crew gave us the thumbs up for a great show in the can and now we headed back home to the hustle and bustle of the big city life. It was nice to go back in time and, on our next visit, I will bring the grand kids and let them enjoy the good old days.

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

Capt. Sergio with a nice grouper

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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER

N

ovember 11th is Veterans day and this is a story I feel is appropriate to share.

This month (with apologies to Otis Redding) Sittin’ with Doc on the Bay, watchin’ the tide roll in… and we’ll watch it roll away again. I hope he and I will watch it together many times from many places. This tale is my poor attempt to tell a piece of one friend’s story.

As you all know, for many of us that served in our country’s uniform, wars don’t end when we get back to the land of the big PX. Memories and demons followed us home, and all of us deal with them in our own way. I’ve lost several friends to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) over the years.

Some through their own intervention, and some more slowly through drug and alcohol abuse.

My friend Doc, whom I hadn’t seen in about four years, and knew had been dealing with PTSD, is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam during both Tet Offensives of 1968 and 1969. I was there for one Tet, and that was more than enough for me! We had never really swapped “war stories,” but I knew that he hadn’t served with a unit “back in the rear with the gear” as we used to say.

I had heard that he’d sort of been living life in a holding pattern. Last

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week he called me out of the blue and told me that he needed to do something. He wanted to try kayak fishing and asked if I had the time to take him out. So, we set up the date and time, and his “You want to meet at what time?” question was priceless! I don’t think he’d seen that time of the morning in years, except maybe to answer nature’s call.

We put our boats in along the road at Indian Bay near Aripeka at close to first light--a great day began! As we paddled out and watched the sunrise, I knew that Doc was hooked. He was in awe of the beauty I see on every trip and he remarked, “God put this here for all of us!” “How could I have missed it for all these years?”

We paddled past a manatee and Diamondback terrapins, saw dolphins frolicking in the bay and watched as an Osprey dove for mullet and did that mid-air shake to dry off after its dive. It seemed like every time I’d start paddling to try a new spot, Doc was sitting there with a blissful smile on his face. He’d say, “OK, we can move if you want, but I’m fine right here.”

Once in a while, you get to see something special through someone else’s eyes. That happened for me all day long with Doc. Sure, we caught fish, but that seemed secondary. It was as if we both knew that this was just the beginning of better times to come.

As the day progressed, he said something to me that I will never forget as a guide, as a person and as a Vet, “This is the first time I’ve felt alive in three years, and the best day I’ve had in ten,” he said. Talk about a day to remember! I love you, Doc! Semper Fi. When we finished the day, he tried to hand me money, but I said, “No, this was for you.” His comment was, “Bruce, I’ve got money, but I don’t have enough in the bank to pay you for what you did for me today.”

Later that week we found him his own yak. I guess I can stand one more guy fishing my spots. How I keep taking out charters and ending up with new fishing buddies I don’t know, but I know that I’m richer for it; and I don’t mean money!

I share this in honor of veteran’s day and in response to all those that “take a knee,” I will always respect the flag and honor those who fought and died to give us our freedom!

Many thanks to all who served! God bless each and every one of you!

Bruce Butler “Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com www.IndianBayOutfitters.com

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HERNANDO COUNTY

PROPER TOOLS BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT

H

aving the proper tools for any job is the key to success. This is definitely true for fishing.

Having the proper equipment for the type of species you’re targeting can mean the difference between a successful day and a frustrating one.

For example, fishing offshore for grouper, you want heavy equipment. You need a stout rod, a reel that can handle at least 50-pound line,

enough weight to get you to and hold the bottom and a strong circle hook.

For kingfish, you might want a good spinning reel that holds a lot of line (free lining or trolling).

For cobia, I always have a rod set up with a pitch bait that I can grab quickly when one comes by. For snapper, you want a lighter setup and lighter line and the same for Spanish mackerel. It’s not always easy to bring gear for all these, but better to have it and not need it, than not have it and need it.

Offshore: Gag grouper are being caught all over my region in 10 to 60 feet of water. The stone crab traps are out, which creates thousands of chum blocks on the Gulf ’s bottom. I believe these traps draw the fish into these areas. Bottom dropping with live or frozen bait or trolling can be very productive for these hard fighting fish. Gag grouper regulations are two per person with a minimum size limit of 24 inches TL. Visit www.myfwc.com for more

information. When you’re anchored and bottom fishing, put out a free lined bait, as the kingfish are starting to show up. There are, also, some cobia still around--keep an eye out for them. Grunts, seabass and hogfish can also be caught in these deeper spots.

Inshore: The inshore bite is really taking off.

Look for the redfish just before or after the high tide. They can be found around shallow structures like oyster beds, grassy flats and mangrove shorelines. A tip: look for water being pushed or tailing reds. Again, as I have said before, try to read the water. Use cut baits or shrimp under a strike indicator. Snook can also be found in the same areas as the redfish. With the cooler water, the trout are also moving into the shallows. I like to target them with a ¼ ounce jig head with either a Gulp shrimp or a soft plastic jerk bait.

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 FISHING FOR FLORIDA DOORMATS

BY: DERICK BURGOS

O

ne of our favorite edible fish to bring to our tables is flounder. Their unique appearance, vivacious appetite and knack for blending in with their surroundings make these flattened fish a great catch. Since this species of fish has adapted to become one with the ocean floor, their distinctive eyesight is truly unique.

There are many ways to catch flounder.

Whether you prefer live bait, artificial or fly, these aggressive critters are hardy eaters. With artificial lures, the best go to is a weighted jig head and smaller paddle tail, or anything soft plastic that would resemble a small bait fish. Jig your lure on the bottom of sandy areas in between grass flats.

Since flounder are bottom dwellers, you must keep in mind that your retrieval cadence should be a bit slower--twitching with a good pause to entice a strike.

With live bait, use creek chubs or shrimp on a jig head and pop them near the oyster beds. You’ll find rewarding results. If you’re fly fishing for flounder, small weighted shrimp patterns are certainly ideal to cast. Once you get a strike, make sure you’re ready for a hearty head shake!

Fishing for flounder in our waters is always fun. You can catch them by wading, kayaking, using a paddle craft or any other skinny water vessel.

Definitely, check us out for some fun with guided kayak fishing for flounder, or a ton of other inshore species. We live for what we love.

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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NOVEMBER IS ONE OF OUR FISHIEST MONTHS! BY: CAPT. MIKE ANDERSON

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ishing on the West Coast of Florida is almost always good, but certain months offer better fishing than others. In my opinion, November is one of those special months. The nearshore kingfish bite is usually red hot with lots of schoolie sized kings and big smokers to be had with big Spanish mackerel and even bonitas mixed in.

Both slow trolling and anchoring up and chumming can be productive for macks and tunas. Fish areas of hard bottom or structure that are holding bait for best results.

Inshore, schools of redfish will still be around and aggressive with cooling water temps. Artificial baits work very well this month, so try top waters in the morning low light conditions and switch to jigs as the sun comes up.

The grass flats will be alive as well with lots of speckled trout, ladyfish and jacks to be had both on live bait and plastics.

November is a great month to introduce kids to artificial baits since, once you find feeding fish, there is a good chance you’ll find a lot of them. November is also an incredible month to target big snook.

The snook will be piling into the rivers, backcountry creeks and residential canals, and be feeding like crazy trying to fatten up for winter. Again, both artificial and live baits will get it done, but few things are more rewarding than

fooling one of God’s creatures into eating a piece of plastic.

The MirrOlure C-Eye pro Dog Jr topwater plug is my go-to lure for big snook around the docks and mangrove shorelines. The lure’s high frequency rattle seems to call them into action. The MirrOlure MirrOdine is also a very versatile hard plastic lure that will catch not only big snook but trout, redfish, flounder and just about anything else that swims.

If you’re fishing with kids, try the MirrOlure Lil John and Marsh Minnow soft plastics. Both baits are very easy to use and can help build kids confidence in artificial baits.

Whether you’re a live bait or artificial fisherman, November offers some great off shore and inshore fishing for anglers of all ages and skill sets. The weather is beautiful, so what are you waiting for? Go fishing!

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10/17/2019 2:04:43 PM

MASTRY ENGINE CENTERS

MATHEW COBB IS THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF FIRST ANNUAL OWNER’S EDGE STRIKE IT BIG CONTEST

M

athew selected the grand prize of a full day of inshore fishing on Tampa Bay with Captain Travis Yaeckel, of the Ruskin-based Instinct Fishing Company. The alternative grand prize choice was offshore fishing off of Cape Canaveral, with Captain Gregg Rapp of the Port Canaveral-based Sea Leveler Sport Fishing. The prize, which has a total

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value of up to $1,500.00, includes overnight accommodation for one night.

The second-place winner is Alfonso Saul. He won a free scheduled service worth $1,000.00 on his new DF300A at the Atlantic Marine in Hialeah.

Cephas Christian is the thirdplace winner of the Owner’s Edge Strike It Big Contest. He won a Suzuki-branded apparel package with a total value up to $100.00.

“We are really excited for all our winners of the first annual Mastry Engine Centers Owner’s Edge Strike It Big Contest,” said David Taylor, of Mastry Suzuki Repower. “I know Mathew will have a great day fishing with Captain Travis Yaeckel and I am certain we’ll have this contest again next year.”

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10/17/2019 2:04:45 PM

RECIPE OF THE MONTH SIMPLE SNAPPER BY: MICHELLE ATKINS • 3 sleeves of Ritz crackers • 1/2 stick of butter or any other butter type • 1 egg Directions :

I

f you still have snapper in the freezer or any other fish, this recipe is easy and delicious. It has very few ingredients and takes only 12 to 14 minutes to bake. I hope you like this one.

Ingredients:

• Preheat oven to 425.

• Wash fillets and pat dry.

• Whip the egg.

• Crumble all the Ritz crackers and place into a bowl.

• Slice butter into thin slices.

• Take dried fillet and place in egg wash. Roll fish into crackers. Place fish on a shallow pan.

• Take remaining crackers and poor onto fish. Take pats of butter and place on top of the fish. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes.

• Enjoy!

• 4 fillets of snapper

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10/17/2019 2:04:46 PM

RIVERS TO BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS

T

urkey, stuffing and all the Black Friday ads-it must be November again! Halloween has come and gone and while the hunters are getting ready to go deer hunting, the bargain shoppers are getting their holiday gift lists together. But, what about us fishermen, what do we do? We fish, of course.

The red fishing in Tampa Bay was outstanding last month, and I have a feeling that November is going to be just as exceptional, especially once a few of the cold fronts arrive and drop the water temps some. Snook will have started to make their way toward the rivers. If memory serves me right, last year in November, the snook bite was awesome. My biggest caught in one of the rivers was a 37-inch snook with many others caught on the flats in the 24 to 30-inch range. Anyone who knows me, knows I love

catching snook no matter what time of year it is. Another one of my favorite fish to catch in November is speckled trout. 99% of the time I’m tossing artificials because the bait can be a little more scarce on the flats due to the cold fronts, which suits me fine as I typically catch more trout on artificials than I do on live bait.

This month, I will keep a few boxes of my trusty lures handy even when I plan on using live bait, which is usually pilchards and pinfish.

My go-to artificials include MirrOlure’s 17M (Colors: CHSB, VPB, Trout), Heddon’s Spook (Colors: Bone & Red/White), Bass Assassin’s 5-inch Fluke (Colors: Mississippi Hippie, Texas Roach, Bad to the Bone) and Matrix Shad (Colors: Limbo Slice, Shrimp Creole).

With these cold fronts coming through, it pushes the water out of Tampa Bay and sometimes causes negative tides. This is when the fish are congregated in small tide pools or depressions where water has become trapped until the tide comes back in. With these negative tides, fish can become confined to certain areas. If you can get to the area of confinement, you can almost always get the fish.

King mackerel are plentiful in the Bay and the grouper should be showing up in full force.

For both kings and grouper, you can troll plugs like the Mann’s Stretch or, if you’re a bottom

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bumping angler, live pinfish for grouper on the ledges and live pilchards or threadfin for the kings. The kings are everywhere all over Tampa Bay including the Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key. November is a great month to fish Tampa Bay. If you can get away from the shopping lists and pie eating, you should take a kid (or a kid at heart) fishing.

Keep the rods bent and the lines tight.

Capt. John Rivers operates Rivers To Bay Fishing Charters out of Tampa Bay and Tarpon Springs.

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10/17/2019 2:04:47 PM

SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT FALL REDFISH

BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR

W

ith fall in effect and the weather being cooler, many anglers are looking to wet their lines as the new year starts to race by targeting winter time species.

Redfish have made their way into Tampa Bay in great force. They are well known for their dominant presence during the spring and late summer months.

Redfish can be found at any of the South Shore grass flats, mangrove lines and oyster bars.

I always head to my favorite backwater spots this time of year to find them. Redfish desire the same structure and environment as other inshore fish. A place to hang out and ambush baits passing by.

Choice baits to use are live shrimp and scaled sardines. These baits should be presented on a size 2/0 to 3/0 hook free-lined, or with a split shot. Some bait shops sell scaled sardines, but most of the time you have to use a cast net to

catch them. I recommend catching enough to use for bait as well as a few extra for chumming. You will be able to find these baitfish at the channel markers and shallow-todeep transition areas nearest boat channels. I use a 10-foot 3/8”mesh Humpback cast net to gather my bait. I can usually catch enough bait for a trip in one or two casts due to the ease of opening in the net design.

Take advantage of the cooler water temperatures, as the fish are more active in the shallows.

You can sight cast or drift fish for redfish. I recommend throwing a Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle “Gold Digger” colored topwater lure. It is one of my top choice of artificials to use if you desire to cover a large area in a small amount of time.

Captain Christopher Taylor Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com (813) 220-6135

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10/17/2019 2:04:49 PM

ST. PETE REPORT I’M SEEING SPOTS

BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA use a Highwater Get’em Shad JB Golden color with an 1/8-ounce jighead. These lures can be purchased at St. Pete Fishing Outfitters or www. highwaterfishinglures. com.

W

ith the water temps starting to get a lot cooler and the water getting very clear, I like to sight cast redfish under docks.

Make sure you pull up on those docks quietly--if not, you will spook them. If you do spook them, just wait it out--they will be back.

Patience is key when this happens.

Remember, these fish like a slowmoving bait.

I prefer to use a live shrimp with a ¼-ounce jighead. When using this technique, bounce it on the bottom real slow--they will hit it. Another method would be to free line a decent size shrimp with a 3/0 Owner Mosquito hook with a 20-pound leader. You will also catch other fish like sheepshead and snapper.

The docks I look for have grass under them or nice structure around the dock. I, also, look for docks that have cement piling.

They will have oysters on the bottom of the pilings, which redfish love to hang around.

Remember, you can always throw an artificial bait too. For example,

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10/17/2019 2:04:52 PM

MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING TO ACQUIRE FISHING LEAGUE WORLDWIDE

I

n a move that’s sure to again shake up the tournament bass fishing landscape, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced last month that it will acquire Fishing League Worldwide (FLW).

MLF is the entity that FLW Photo last year lured many of the sport’s top professional anglers away from B.A.S.S., its Elite Series and the venerable Bassmaster Classic. It offers a made-for-television series, the new Bass Pro Tour and claims its format is more advantageous to anglers than 50-year-old B.A.S.S., which was started by Ray Scott in 1967 and made superstars out of so many anglers.

FLW is the world’s largest grassroots bass tournament organization, which hosts tournaments for tens of thousands of competitive anglers, from weekend warriors to high schoolers, collegiate anglers and tour pros.

FLW has already released preliminary plans for what this merger means for the thousands of anglers who fish its tournaments. The biggest changes will occur at the top, where the new FLW Pro Circuit will replace the 24-year-old FLW Tour. On the FLW Pro Circuit, events will span six days, with the first three days following the traditional five-fish format and the last three days using MLF’s catch-weigh-release format.

The Costa FLW Series will expand geographically and feature lower entry fees. The BFL events so popular with non-professional competitive anglers will also reduce entry fees. There have been no changes announced for FLW’s high school and college tournaments.

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Photo by Peter Dutton/flickr.com

O

keechobee County is your paradise outdoors. This beautifully serene rural community still values the old Florida lifestyle, with down-home Southern hospitality and scenic land undisturbed by towering growth.

Okeechobee County is at the northern shore of the awe-inspiring Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee is 730 square miles of fishing nirvana. Lake Okeechobee, named by the Seminoles as “big water,” is host to a number of guides that will take you to treasured “fishing spots” that will give any angler stories to take home. Largemouth bass dominate the fishermen’s attention throughout the year, while the well-known speckled perch (crappie) take front position during the peak of tourism season which runs from October through March.

Lake Okeechobee also offers scenic trails that are excellent for

walking, jogging, biking and bird watching. The trail that surrounds this massive lake is the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (L.O.S.T). This trail just about surrounds the entire lake and leaves no nature lover disappointed.

Okeechobee is a well-loved area for rare and hard to find birds aplenty, the snail kite and caracara just to name a couple. Don’t be concerned by the loud cry of the sandhill crane, as these beauties are in every corner of our community and have no issue stopping traffic or wandering neighborhoods.

Okeechobee County is not just about the lake, though locals are extremely proud of their greatest natural asset. Okeechobee is home to a number of other sporting activities that definitely make the location a sportsman’s paradise. Hunting is popular with not only seasonal visitors but residents as well. Deer, hog, duck and even gator hunting keep the hunting guides busy and the hunter’s hauling trophies home for bragging rights.

Looking to improve or develop some great shooting skills? Okeechobee has a number of gun ranges that offer shooting sports of all kinds. Most of these facilities are outdoors and offer lodging, shopping and the greatest ranges and instructors around. There is also an indoor archery range conveniently off our main street and a new state-of-the-art gun range just on your way into town.

Although Okeechobee offers fantastic outdoor adventures such as air boating, horseback riding and other entertainment, there always comes a time when the day draws to a close and the day’s activities bring on a fierce appetite. Okeechobee offers wonderful food options to the most spectacular steaks to the tastiest seafood! With dinner served and memories made, it’s now time to dream of what Okeechobee may bring the next day at any of our hotels, motels, campgrounds or RV resorts.

Looking for your paradise outdoors? Welcome to Okeechobee, Florida.

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By Ed Killer

S

tuart, Fla.– The thump on the end of the line nearly pulls the rod out of your hand. It’s the kind of thump delivered by an apex predator confident in its choice to devour the offering.

The line peels off the reel at a blistering pace. You can feel the trophy at the opposite end of this tug of war begin making its way to the surface. You prepare yourself for one of those mental memories you swear will stay with you forever. When this fish goes airborne, you know it’s going to be so cool. Backlit by the golden rising sun, the shower of spray from the head shakes will be glorious. You know your followers on social media are going to love it.

The beauty of this encounter, for anyone who visits Martin County to fish, is that literally a half-dozen species of game fish can be plugged into the scenario. Is the soon-to-be leaping fish a tarpon, snook, sailfish or bass? Could it be a mako shark or perhaps a blue marlin?

This area is known for incredible sport fishing. It developed that reputation more than a century ago, and continues to build upon it with every catch. And as fishing techniques and targets evolved, so did Martin County’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination.

INSHORE Presidents once traveled to Stuart to fish for giant tarpon. Grover Cleveland, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding all plied the waters of the St. Lucie River in search of the “silver king.”

In 1905, Cleveland purchased land in Stuart and was planning to build a home here, but never did. However, he was credited with catching one of the largest tarpon ever caught in the river’s North Fork. At the time, 200-pounders were common in the river system each spring.

As popular as tarpon are, snook may be Martin County’s staple fish.

The waters surrounding downtown Stuart are one of the only in the world where four species of snook can be caught – common snook, tarpon snook, fat snook and swordspine snook. Only the common snook typically reaches the legal size for harvest of 28 to 32 inches in length.

Huge common snook, upwards of 30 pounds are caught lurking around bridges, marinas, rocky shorelines and spillways in the winter and spring. By summer, these fish stage closer to the St. Lucie Inlet, where spawning occurs. Live baits like sardines, herring, menhaden, mullet and shrimp are all irresistible, but artificial lures and flies work well, too.

On the shallow grassflats and around the spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon, anglers catch spotted seatrout, redfish, black drum, jack crevalles, ladyfish and sheepshead. During the winter, spring and summer incoming tides, anglers can sight cast these targets in 3 to 5 feet of water.

Like the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay, Martin County is one of

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those rare places where an angler can pursue a bonefish, tarpon, permit slam. During winter, some of the tastiest fish that swim, pompano—swarm the inshore waters.

OFFSHORE Ironically, it was a poor year of tarpon fishing in the early 1930s that generated exploration of Martin County’s offshore fisheries. Early in the century, the county produced a lucrative fishing business each winter as commercial fishermen pursued bluefish and Spanish mackerel off the beaches. They would ship their catches, salted and iced, on rail cars to markets in the north. The first winter visitors to Martin County were fishermen from northern coastal towns.

But when the tarpon fishing went flat for a couple of years, recreational fishermen started heading into deeper water offshore to find action. What they found would change the area forever.

Sailfish are a majestic species of pelagic fish, meaning they travel great distances on open ocean. After exploring the best methods and bait-rigging techniques to catch these fish, which can measure 6 to 8 feet long and swim up to 40 mph, a charter fishing fleet developed.

In January of 1938, editor of the Stuart News Ernie Lyons invited outdoor writers from all over the country to come to Stuart and catch sailfish. In a week, nearly 1,000 sailfish were caught. One writer reported to his readers back home, “You may as well call Stuart the capital of sailfish.” Lyons jumped on it. Soon the City of Stuart applied for a charter naming it “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Today, the iconic image of the leaping sailfish can be seen on signage for public and private entities and even on the city’s garbage trucks. A tournament last winter produced over 700 sailfish releases in a single day.

But a bluewater angler will have a chance to catch excellent game and table fare, too. Kingfish up to 50 pounds roam the reefs in 40 to 60 feet of water every spring. Cobia up to 70 pounds can be caught when the manta rays come into shallow waters each winter. Dolphinfish are caught offshore year round.

Fishing for mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and lane snapper is very good in 40 to 70 feet of water throughout much of the year. Fishing for gag, red and black grouper, scamp and amberjacks is best on the deepwater artificial reefs, of which the county has placed dozens offshore over the past 50 years. Tilefish and snowy grouper are on the deep flats in 700 feet. Wahoo are best during the summer for high speed trollers.

In recent years, expert charter captains have developed a fishery for daytime swordfish where they also occasionally catch a mako shark.

Each summer, the diving for spiny lobsters creates an offshore armada along the county’s healthy coral reefs.

Suffice to say, the fishing along Martin County’s shores is about as good as it can get. The hard part is picking what to fish for.

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Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise.

Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear?

Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.

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By Mikey Erickson

A

lot of people know Costa Rica is the “Billfish Capital of the World,” but that’s not all it is.

Double-digit numbers of tarpon and an abundance of snook can be caught on the Caribbean Coast out of Tortuguero, where rivers like Rio Parismina and Rio Colorado follow the coast and open up into the ocean. Days of 30 or more fish are possible. And the river-locked town of Tortuguero is a true gem.The culture has a lot of Jamaican and Spanish influence. The season here is from February to May. Great spots for freshwater fishing include the beautiful Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the rivers running through northern-inland Costa Rica. Rainbow bass, better known as “guapote,” are the main target of freshwater anglers. They are prized for intelligence, aggression and great tasting meat. The Machaca is another exciting fish that has earned the nickname “mini tarpon.”

The town of La Fortuna in Arenal is a very nice place to visit. Everything is green and full of life due to the volcanic soil. There are also hot springs. The best season for this area is from January to May. On the northern Pacific Coast, fishing is great all the way down the coast from Papagayo to El Coco, Flamingo to Tamarindo, Nosara to Samara, and Santa Teresa to Tambor. The sport fishing in this area picks up from May to August with species like mahi, marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper and wahoo. This region is beautiful, and the culture is very European. If you get the chance to explore this region, take it!

The best fishing in the central Pacific region is near Jaco, Herradura, Quepos and Manuel Antonio. I’ve lived four years, fishing constantly, and it offers year-round angling. The marlin and sailfish bite is insane from December to June, and from April to November the mahi come in huge numbers to debris pushed out by the rivers. There are also many FAD’s (Fish Attracting Devices) 100 miles off the coast. Overnight trips offer double-digit marlin and sailfish!

The southern Pacific Coast offers many great destinations both inshore and offshore. The Sierpe River offers great freshwater fishing, and places like Golfito, Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez offer killer inshore fishing. These areas known for giant roosterfish year-round, and also feature great marlin and sailfish from August to March, mahi-mahi from May to October and tuna year-round.

All in all, Costa Rica is the fishing destination of a lifetime for freshwater, inshore, offshore and spearfishing. Come explore what the land of Pura Vida has to Offer.

Mikey Erickson is co-editor of Coastal Angler/Costa Rica and Tres Niñas Tours Manager. Contact him at mikey@coastalanglermagazine.com, info@tresninastours.com, U.S. Cell: +1(561)310-2665, CR Cell: +506-8305-0041. Visit www.coastalanglermag.com/costa-rica/ and www.tresninastours.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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TIPS FROM A PRO

BIG BASS IN MEXICO

BRANDON LESTER

T

his summer I took my second trip to Mexico’s famed El Salto. It didn’t disappoint, dishing out some of the meanest 7- and 8-pound bass I’ve ever seen. Of course, we caught numbers as well, but this time I slowed down and enjoyed everything Angler’s Inn at El Salto has to offer.

On this trip, the lake was down 45 feet. El Salto is an irrigation lake, so water gets used a lot in summer. Low water levels concentrated the fish. We caught a bunch on lipless baits, a few on jigs and a good number on crankbaits.

By and large, though, the best pattern was a Texas-rigged Photo by Jon Tatum worm. It’s awesome how the lake is different during different seasons. It makes each trip unique.

On the first day, guides feel you out to make your trip as fun as possible. Everyone has a different goal. Some guys want numbers; some want their best shot at a 10-pounder. On Day One, we landed 70 to 80 fish, easily, but I didn’t catch any over 5 pounds.

On Day Two, my very experienced guide took me after the big ones. We fished for bass suspended in standing timber. It was a little harder to catch them, but the fish were much bigger. Down

there, you can pretty much catch fish any way you want, but you can’t catch big fish doing whatever you want.

The guides at El Salto have the big-fish patterns nailed down through the seasons. Last year, I went in January and we caught big fish deep cranking, so the pattern had changed completely. One thing that didn’t change was how mean the fish are. That brings me to my other takeaway: Big fish require the best gear you can throw.

I fished extensively with the new 11-inch X Zone Blitz Worm, in both plum and red bug. They bit the fire out of both colors. The bait has very little salt content, so it floats off the bottom, which gives it much better action. The baits are also very soft and easy to rig.

Mustad just came out with a complete line of tungsten, and I put it to the test. We used a 3/8-ounce tungsten bullet weight, and loved it.

The Mustad line has Titan X finish on it, which is awesome. Most objects in nature aren’t shiny, so this mattestyle Titan X finish is more natural.

The sizes are etched onto each weight.

It’s a nice touch that makes selection easier.

A 5/0 Grip Pin Big Bite hook is the perfect big-bass hook. There were a few sessions where I caught at least 50 fish on one hook. That’s one of the best things about a Mustad hook. Drag it across rocks and set the hook over and over. The points on their hooks will not roll.

Feel free to ask me on social media about the trip and any of the gear mentioned here.

For more Lester visit,

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ake Picachos, Mexico might not warrant the title of the world’s best trophy lake, but it might just be the world’s most fun bass fishery.

Picachos is the newest of northwest Mexico’s storied bass fisheries. The dam for this 14,000-acre reservoir on the Presidio River was completed in 2009. It was opened to anglers in 2013. A decade since its formation, the lake is pumping out almost unbelievable numbers of 3- to 5-pound fish.

According to Angler’s Inn International, it’s not unusual for a pair of skilled anglers to catch 200 to 300 fish a day. According to Ron Speed Jr.’s daily reports, Picachos regularly produces 150-fish days with big fish each day topping out at 6 to 8 pounds.

That’s incredible action for solid fish. The lake record is 12-pounds, 14-ounces, and the bar is expected to rise as the fishery matures. An ample forage base of tilapia, plenty of heavy cover, clean water and catch-and-release regulations point to a bright future.

Mornings and evenings generally see an outstanding topwater bite, which is a ton of fun for conventional anglers with walking baits and poppers as well as for fly-rodders throwing bass bugs. Spinnerbaits, lizards, stickbaits, Flukes and shallow-running crankbaits also provide action that leads to bleeding bass thumb.

Lake Picachos is about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Coast resort town Mazatlán. Fishing is great year-round, with a peak from February into June.

For information, go to www.anglersinn.com or www.ronspeedadventures.com.

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12,000 LB. TRUCK/SUV WINCH • Weighs 83.65 lbs.

• 21" L x 10-1/8" H

Customer Rating

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100

Customer Rating

3-IN-1 PORTABLE 24 FT., 18 BULB, 12 SOCKET POWER PACK WITH OUTDOOR LINKABLE STRING LIGHTS JUMP STARTER YOUR CHOIRCE Customer Rating OF COLO W O N 99

• 5 mil thickness

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$

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99 399 $299 99

ITEM 64045/64046/63770 shown

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14

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7

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ITEM 97581, 37050, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

$

5999

ITEM 38391/62376/64083/56349/62306 shown

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ITEM 64486 ITEM 64739 63483 shown

*85703013 * 85703013

*85704170 * 85704170

*85705711 * 85705711

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

Customer Rating

PERSONAL PORTABLE SECURITY SAFE

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DRIVE 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"

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Item 239 shown

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HUSKY $ 97

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ITEM 38846/69597/62392/61196 shown

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LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

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ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF WEATHER-RESISTANT Customer Rating LOCKABLE CASE

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214

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6" DIA x 31" L

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Case contents and locks not included.

ITEM 56257/63022 shown

*85710490 * 85710490

*85717895 * 85717895

*85719354 * 85719354

*85721807 * 85721807

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 1/3/20*

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 1/3/20.

hft_coastalangler_1119_M-REG163333.indd 1

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EXPERIENCE THE

M

ore litigation looms in the latest chapter of the three-decade saga to protect the world’s largest salmon run.

Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to thriving sport and commercial fishing industries, is under the gun again as the U.S. photo by Nick Carter Environmental Agency recently removed protections that again Julie Carter with a Kvichak River sockeye. open the door for the proposed Pebble mine.

Pebble mine is an exploration project investigating enormous deposits of gold, copper and other minerals near the headwaters of the Kvichak River and lakes Clark and Iliamna. These remote and pristine waterways offer some of best rainbow trout fishing in the world and feed Bristol Bay with the clean water that supports massive sockeye and Chinook salmon runs.

Trout Unlimited recently joined other groups in filing suit against the EPA, alleging that the EPA ignored science and the potential impacts of developing the mine when it withdrew the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, which are protections for the region that have been in place since 2014.

“Billions of dollars have been spent in attempt to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Bristol Bay sets records for its salmon returns year after year. All we need to do is have the humility and common-sense to leave this landscape alone,” said Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited. “Sacrificing a place such as Bristol Bay for some gold is a short-sighted fools-errand. We are not a litigious organization, but we and millions of other sportsmen and women will not allow greed to compromise the most important salmon fishery on the planet.”

FIGHT!

For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign, go to SaveBristolBay.org.

14

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design

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FLY FISHING

The permit is the Holy Grail for many serious saltwater fly anglers. Many, including me, have traveled and spent endless days pursuing these great gamefish with little to show for our efforts. Of course, the challenge is what’s special about permit fishing, not the number of fish brought to hand.

However, there is one place where an angler can have great success catching permit on the fly; that place is the Yucatan Peninsula’s Punta Allen. Here, just a few kilometers south of Tulum in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is the world’s most fertile and diverse permit saltwater fly fishery.

The Unicorn of the Flats Ghostlike, spooky and finicky are three words to describe permit. It is one of the most difficult saltwater fish to catch on the fly and has been the Achilles heel for many saltwater fly angers. But if there is one destination where one can successfully sight cast to large schools of permit consistently, it’s the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Because of the vast numbers of permit ranging from 2 to 20 pounds, a fly angler will have multiple shots per day. In addition, Yucatan permit are aggressive eaters, making them a great target for the less-experienced or first-time saltwater fly anglers.

Flies and Tackle The primary food items for permit are crabs and shrimp. A good selection of these patterns will give the angler the best chance at success. For crab patterns, I like Merkins and Ragheads in sizes 4 and 6.

I find the color of the fly should match the color of the habitat you’re fishing. For example, if you’re fishing over light colored sand, then a fly pattern should be tan or even white. If you’re fishing in turtle grass or a darker bottom, then a green or even a dark brown works best.

Tackle A 9-foot, 9-weight rod matched with a large arbor reel that holds 250 yards of 30-pound Hi Viz Dacron or micron backing is the perfect combo for Yucatan permit. Since a majority of the fishing is in shallow water, I suggest only using a weight-forward tropical floating line. Keep your leaders long: 10 to 12 feet with 16- to 20-pound tippets.

Casting to Permit It’s important to be able to quickly and accurately cast 30 to 60 feet when targeting permit on the flats. Your ability to make longer casts will increase your chances of catching more fish. Of course, you can hook a permit close to the boat, but it’s always to your advantage be able to make the long cast when the opportunity presents itself.

The back-hand cast is another to be able to execute. Permit schools will often present themselves on the opposite side of the boat, so being able to make a quick back cast is very important.

For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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NOVEMBER 2019

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12/19/18 3:50 PM

êêêêê “The quality of their watches is equal to many that can go for ten times the price or more.”

— Jeff from McKinney, TX

“Blue face watches are on the discerning gentleman’s ‘watch list’.”

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Stone Cold Fox So good-looking...heads will turn. So unbelievably-priced...jaws will drop.

E

very once in a while a timepiece comes along that’s so incredibly good looking, masterfully equipped and jaw-droppingly priced, that it stops us stone cold. A watch that can take you seamlessly from the 18th hole to the board room. A watch that blurs the line betweens sports watch and dress watch. We’re talking the Blue Stone Chronograph, and it sits at the top of the discerning gentleman’s watch list.

Striking in appearance and fully equipped with features, this is a watch of substance. The Blue Stone merges the durability of steel with the precision of crystal movement that’s accurate to 0.2 seconds a day. Both an analog and digital watch, the Blue Stone keeps time with pinpoint accuracy in two time zones.

The watch’s handsome steel blue dial seamlessly blends an analog watch face with a stylish digital display. It’s a stopwatch, calendar, and alarm. Plus, the Blue Stone resists water up to 30 meters, making it up for water adventures.

A watch with these features would easily cost you thousands if you shopped big names. But overcharging to justify an inflated brand name makes us blue in the face. Which is why we make superior looking and performing timepieces priced to please. Decades of experience in engineering enables Stauer to put quality on your wrist and keep your money in your pocket.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Blue Stone Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price.

Time is running out. Originally priced at $395, the Blue Stone Chronograph was already generating buzz among watch connoisseurs, but with the price slashed to $79, we can’t guarantee this limited-edition timepiece will last. So, call today!

TAKE 80% OFF INSTANTLY!

When you use your OFFER CODE Stauer Blue Stone Chronograph non-offer code price $395† Offer Code Price

$79 + S&P Save $316

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

1-800-333-2045 Your Offer Code: BSW369-03

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

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W.,

® Ste 155, Dept. BSW369-03

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

† 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”

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FANTASTIC FALL SAVINGS There's plenty of fish to pull in this fall season and your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals to get you out on the water.

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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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. “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.

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