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Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29
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MARCH 2020
THE STRONGEST SPINFISHER YET!!! The 6th generation Spinfisher is now stronger and more water resistant than ever. With machined CNC gearing and an IPX5 water resistant rating, the newest Spinfisher is ready for anything.
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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy.
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The easiest way to find bait when you’re ready to go fishing is by using the new Baitfinder App available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Bait shops are the best possible resource for local information from what’s biting, and on what bait, to ensure you have the right equipment and knowledge before you head out to target a specific species of fish. Everything about Baitfinder is designed for anglers, by anglers, allowing all bait shops in your area to advertise their bait availability in real-time. There’s no more last-minute anxiety about locating bait or driving all over to locate the bait you’re looking for. Anglers can reserve their bait of choice prior to getting to their favorite bait shop to pick it up and it’s all easily done on the app! Let your friends know of this free app and encourage all your local bait shops to enroll at: WWW.BAITFINDER.COM
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OUTDOOR APPAREL REVIEW Gillz 2020 Tournament Series Shirt
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illz has re-invented the original vented fishing shirt, and if you liked the original, you’ll love the new 2020 Tournament Series Shirt. They took the best features from the original and added a few sweet twists. First, the side vents were re-engineered to pull cooling air more efficiently through and around your body, keeping you cooler than ever. On top of that, it’s made from the proprietary and innovative GillzTec fabric. This interlocking fabric is engineered to quickly distribute moisture 360 degrees across the garment for better cooling. Since the moisture spreads throughout the garment, it dries and evaporates much faster, keeping you cool and comfortable and essentially eliminates any sweat spots that would normally appear. In fact, it’s 30 percent cooler than competitors! Lightweight and providing UPF 50+ protection, the shirt blocks 98 percent of UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it’s chemical free and looks pretty awesome. Gillz. The coolest gear on the planet.
Pelagic Blue Water Fishing Short
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esigned at sea, the Blue Water Fishing Short is your offshore hombre for all things fish. It has four-way stretch for maneuverability, a TightLines internal drawcord for a custom fit, and water repellency with stain guard for the inevitable elements. Made with REPREVE recycled fibers, this is the gateway short to your bluewater addiction.
Features: • 21” Outseam • 4-Way Stretch Fabric • REPREVE Recycled Fibers • Tightlines Adjustable Waistband • Water Repellency & Stain Guard • Side Zip Cargo Pocket W/ Reinforced Tool Pocket • Mesh Lined Back Zip Pockets
pelagicgear.com
Gillz-gear.com
Reel Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves
Frogg Toggs Pilot Pro Jacket in Realtree Fishing
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he Frogg Toggs Realtree Pilot PRO Jacket in the Realtree Fishing pattern is designed to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Internal zips hold the Co-Pilot liner, while the full-front zip closure with splash-proof YKK zippers and internal storm flap keep you dry and warm. A fitted, three-way adjustable and removable hood with full-face closure protects your head and face with the help of the integrated fleece-lined, high-rise collar. An internal storm flap and two-way splash-proof front closure keeps water at bay. The jacket features an internal, zippered storage pocket and chest storage pockets, as well as zippered, oversized, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.
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nglers need protection from the sun more than just about anyone. With Real Angler Saltwater Arm Sleeves from Solar Sleeves, you can protect your arms from the sun’s damaging rays and look cool doing it. With UPF factor of 40+, these sleeves offer excellent solar protection. They are made of super-comfortable stretch fabric that resists slipping for all day comfort on the water. If that wasn’t enough, you can represent your passion while protecting yourself. The vivid sublimation print is sure to be an eye catcher. Go fishing or spend the day on the boat in style with Reel Angler Arm Sleeves in Saltwater print. Retail stores shop online at capsmith.com.
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Secrets of a Billionaire Revealed “Price is what you pay; value is what you get. Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.” — wisdom from the most successful investor of all time
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e’re going to let you in on a secret. Billionaires have billions because they know value is not increased by an inflated price. They avoid big name markups, and aren’t swayed by flashy advertising. When you look on their wrist you’ll find a classic timepiece, not a cry for attention–– because they know true value comes from keeping more money in their pocket. We agree with this thinking wholeheartedly. And, so do our two-and-a-half million clients. It’s time you got in on the secret too. The Jet-Setter Chronograph can go up against the best chronographs in the market, deliver more accuracy and style than the “luxury” brands, and all for far, far less. $1,150 is what the Jet-Setter Chronograph would cost you with nothing more than a different name on the face. With over two million timepieces sold (and counting), we know a thing or two about creating watches people love. The Jet-Setter Chronograph gives you what you need to master time and keeps the superfluous stuff out of the equation. A classic in the looks department and a stainless steel power tool of construction, this is all the watch you need. And, then some. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Jet-Setter 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. Now CLIENTS LOVE that the secret’s out, we STAUER WATCHES… can’t guarantee this $39 chronograph will stick around long. Don’t overpay to be “The quality of their underwhelmed. Put a precision watches is equal to many chronograph on your wrist for that can go for ten times just $39 and laugh all the way the price or more.” to the bank. Call today! — Jeff from McKinney, TX
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Hook, Line & Sea Eagle Inflatable Sea Eagle FishSkiff™ 16
The super sleek, super stable inflatable FishSkiff™ 16 holds 1-3 anglers and all their gear. It’s low profile with nearly zero draft make landing fish & shallow water fishing easier and quicker. With a 6hp motor, it can reach 17 mph. Catch fish all day with 1 tank of gas. Add a bow mounted trolling motor for stealthy maneuverability. On shore just deflate & fold it up. Packs small to fit in a car trunk, SUV or RV and stores in a closet.
* 16’ long x 54” wide * Weighs just 99 lbs. (hull only) * Holds up to 3 people or 1765 lbs of people & gear * Inflates & sets up in 17 minutes
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They’re Here!
Secure Your NEW 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars NOW
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ach year, millions of collectors and silver stackers around the world secure freshly struck American Eagle Silver Dollars. They are perhaps the most widely collected silver bullion coins in the world, and right now, you can be among the first to secure coins from the U.S. Mint’s brand-new 2020 mintage!
2019 Was a Great Year for Silver. What Will 2020 Hold?
In 2019, silver prices saw a significant increase. Between Sept 2018 and Sept 2019, silver values increased by 25%! No one can say for sure what the future holds, but these freshly struck, 99.9% pure U.S. Silver Dollars are finally available — meaning the time to buy is NOW! $20
Brand-New U.S. Silver Dollars
Each hefty U.S. Silver Dollar contains one Troy ounce of U.S. silver, struck in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition by the United States Mint. The 100-year-old design features a walking Lady Liberty draped in a U.S. flag on one side and a majestic U.S. Eagle and shield on the other. These coins are as beautiful as they are desirable — and when silver prices rise, so does demand for these silver coins!
Final Year of Original Design
After 34 years of the Silver Eagle, the U.S. Mint has announced it will change the reverse design for 2021. That makes the 2020 Silver Eagle the last-year of the original design—something collectors crave!
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Why are we offering you this special price on these new, freshly struck 2020 U.S. Silver Dollars? We’re doing it to introduce you to what hundreds of thousands of smart collectors and satisfied customers have known since 1984 — GovMint.com is the best source for coins worldwide™.
$18 $17 $16 $15 $14 $13
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Silver Trend Chart: Prices based on monthly averages. ©2020, AMS
Timing is Everything
This is a strictly limited offer for one of the world’s most popular silver coins — and time is of the essence. Once word gets out
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2020 American Eagle Silver Dollar BU 1-4 Coins - $22.25 each + s/h 5-9 Coins - $22.10 each + s/h 10-19 Coins - $21.95 each + FREE SHIPPING 20+ Coins - $21.85 each + FREE SHIPPING
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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. AEB296-04 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, • THEANGLERMAG.COM I MARCH 2020 I NATIONAL return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2020COASTALANGLERMAG.COM GovMint.com. All rights reserved.
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3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
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©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE COASTALANGLERMAG.COM AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA. NATIONAL MARCH 2020 • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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he International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record fish catches around the globe, and they have been busy. Since December, they have approved 65 new entries, including line class, fly-caught and youth records for different species. More than 30 of those records are all-tackle records, which means they are the largest individuals ever documented with IGFA. Here’s a quick look at some highlights: Tan’s Nile Perch Christopher Tan of Malaysia caught and released an incredible 146-centimeter (4.8-foot) Nile perch to set the IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record. In early August, Tan was casting a Halco Laser Pro 190 in Murchison Falls, Uganda. Pitman’s Golden Trevally Aussie angler Sahra Pitman caught a beautiful 12.25-kilogram (27-pound, 1-ounce) golden trevally to set the new IGFA Women’s 6-kg (12-lb.) Line Class World Record while fishing in Shark Bay, Western Australia. The record fish hit a McCarthy soft plastic and put up a 20-minute fight. It is currently the largest Line Class record of any received for golden trevally. Weeks’ Green Humphead Parrotfish Mark Weeks set the bar high with the first green humphead parrotfish submitted for an IGFA All-Tackle World Record, with a massive 46.35-kilogram (102-pound, 3-ounce) fish he caught and released while fly fishing the flats of Providence, Seychelles. The record parrotfish sucked up a crab pattern and took off across the flat.
Christopher Tan with the nearly 5-foot Nile perch he caught in Uganda.
Allum’s Rainbow Trout Emily Allum caught and released an impressive 13.30-kilogram (29-pound, 5-ounce) rainbow trout to set the new IGFA Women’s 4-kg (8-lb.) Line Class World Record. Allum was casting a Glo Bug in the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, and fought the record trout for 10-minutes prior to weighing and releasing it. Schmid’s Arctic Char James Schmid recently set the new IGFA All-Tackle Length World Record for Arctic char with a gorgeous 93-centimeter (nearly 17-inch) fish. The char ate a Vibrax Blue Fox spinner in the Red Belly Lake, Victoria Island, Canada. After an 8-minute fight, James took the required measurement and released the fish.
(Left) Mark Weeks’ Seychelles parrotfish weighed more than 100 pounds. (Right) Emily Allum’s New Zealand rainbow is a new line-class record.
The U.S. Coast Guard recently approved the use of Serious Signal’s flagship electronic visual distress signal device as a nighttime distress signal. The C-1002 is the industry’s first and only two-color distress light approved for carriage, which completely and legally replaces the need to carry marine pyrotechnic flares. The C-1002 also includes features that enhance its functionality to the level of an alert and notification system. “We’re thrilled that the C-1002 Electronic LED Flare passed the extremely challenging laboratory testing required by the Coast Guard,” said Anthony Covelli, Sirius Signal CEO. “It’s the brightest multi-LED handheld SOS device on the planet—one that required sophisticated engineering and many new innovative solutions to overcome daunting challenges.” The C-1002 flashes the SOS distress signal—three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes, using a two-color plus infrared SOS flash pattern (red/ orange and cyan) that has been found more effective against shoreline background light clutter, according to studies conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center. The C-1002 is also Bluetooth-enabled with advanced mobile app connectivity, providing an additional layer of protection and communication for recreational boaters— and its infrared signal will be recognized by SAR aircraft from miles overhead. “Based on our review… we acknowledge that the subject device, as tested, meets the performance criteria as specified in the policy letter and may be carried to meet regulatory requirements as a nighttime distress signal per 33 CFR 175.130,” noted the letter Sirius Signal received from the Coast Guard. In time for the 2020 boating season, the C-1002 will be available for purchase on the Sirius Signal website and Amazon.com, as well as at premier marine distributors.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2019 GEICO
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THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
Suzuki Repower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.
Performance Bulletin Available
Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze
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All Suzuki repowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme Six!” 6-year protection.
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Save The Date! Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29 Superyacht Show Palm Beach Dubuts March 26-28
The 35th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) pulls into port March 26 - 29, featuring hundreds of boats from around the world, ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 300 feet long. As one of the top five boat shows in the country, owned by the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) and produced by Informa Markets, PBIBS will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories while offering fun and educational activities, including free youth fishing clinics presented by Hook the Future and IGFA School of Sportfishing seminars. Attendees will also enjoy live music and refreshments at the show’s famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are invited to come by boat and tie up to free docks located south of the in-water displays. The show’s Windward VIP Experience includes admission to the show and VIP lounge featuring a premium open bar, sumptuous lunch, late afternoon tapas, pop-up events as well as concierge service in an indoor and outdoor exclusive setting in the heart of the show. Overlooking beautiful Flagler Drive at the Lakeside Pavilion, the Windward VIP is sponsored by Bradford Marine and Compass real estate. New to the show this year is Superyacht Show Palm Beach, which will host 10 to 12 superyachts, ranging in size from 180 to 300 feet long. The invitation-only event will be held at the Flagler Museum in the town of Palm Beach and is expected to attract highly qualified buyers from across the U.S. and around the globe. Superyacht Show Palm Beach will offer an exclusive display of the Show’s most luxurious superyachts, while featuring a mix of entertainment, luxury experiences, Superyacht seminars, and private evening events. Invited guests will be treated to valet parking, private tenders and limousine service to and from the airport. Superyacht Show Palm Beach will take place on March 26-28.
General Admission: • Adults (16 & over): $28 • Adult 2-Day Ticket: $52 • Children (ages 6 -15): $18 • Children (6 and under): FREE Windward VIP Experience: For an enhanced boat show experience, guests can purchase tickets to the Windward VIP Club. Each ticket includes show entry, access to the Windward VIP Club, a private luxury VIP Lounge, featuring an airconditioned indoor space, complimentary chef-drive cuisine, premium beverages and daily special events. Ticket price is $150. Superyacht Show Palm Beach After two years of planning and permitting, approval was granted by the Palm Beach Town Council to install temporary docks in the deep waters of the Intracoastal Waterway behind the Flagler Museum to host the new superyacht destination. This exclusive event is invite-only and will bring together builders of the world’s most luxurious superyachts and highly qualified clientele from around the world from March 26-28.
For additional information, including parking details, please visit the website www.pbboatshow.com. 2
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By John Lidington
t’s no secret that I love diving the Blue Heron Bridge (BHB). When it comes to photo subjects, I crave critters. While I’ve been to many locales seeking specific subjects—dolphins, whale sharks, longsnout butterfly fish, etc.—if I had to choose a single spot for all my diving it would be the BHB. At the beginning of any dive there, I usually have some specific subjects in mind. Yet even when the targeted critters elude me, I’ve never had to end a dive without some equally, or even more interesting images. To boost the number of those special encounters that keep me so happy, I practice “stop, look, wait” (SLW). The idea of SLW is to plan
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a shorter route of travel, with long stops along the way to allow the local inhabitants to become accustomed to my presence. At the start of the dive, I swim out toward the snorkel trail, looking for an interesting stretch of bottom. Finding a likely spot, I check the area where I will alight for any sensitive marine life and then “settle in.” “Settling in” doesn’t mean lying on the bottom. To remain stationary and motionless in the current, I do have to touch the bottom. But it’s with a three-point stance. I keep my fins at right angles to my legs so only their two tips touch the bottom. The third point of contact is a muck stick in my left hand. Using those three contact points, I can keep my body several inches above the bottom. Then I wait. If I’m lucky, after a minute or two, the nearby critters relax and interesting things happen. On my last BHB dive, I was able to watch a spotfin jawfish rearrange the shells paving the entrance to his hole. During the previous dive, while photographing a pair of hermit crabs investigating a discarded glass jar, I looked up to see a longarm octopus stretched up in its tripod stance checking me out. I also stop when I find something that will make a dramatic background. Then the wait is for something interesting to swim by in that frame. Recently, I found a spot where a starfish had climbed one of the pilings. It took almost 10 minutes, but ultimately I got the shot I envisioned—a sergeant major backed by a vertical star. Just about every SLW dive produces something very special. For optimal results, let Pura Vida Divers hook you up with a guide for the first dive. Guides are in the water almost every day, and they are well acquainted with the secret spots at Blue Heron Bridge where you find the most interesting creatures. Once you’re acquainted with the site, add a muck stick to your dive kit, head to the bridge, get in the water—and wait. You’ll be surprised at what turns up!
Contact Pura Vida Divers through their website at www.puravidadivers.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
DO THE MATH!
SUZUKI REPOWER OWNER’S EDGE
TRADE ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
The Suzuki Repower Trade Allowance Program is exclusive for members of Owner’s Edge. Members receive a trade allowance based on the age and hours of their original engine toward a new Suzuki outboard as detailed below.
THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT UP TO AGE*
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TRADE IN ALLOWANCE OF THE ORIGINAL SUZUKI ENGINE PURCHASE PRICE
LESS THAN HOURS*
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500 HOURS
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85 % 78 % 70 % 63 % 55
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t just 19 years old, Capt. KC Spaulding, of charter boat Caribsea, became the youngest captain ever to win the Florida Keys Gold Cup Fishing Championship Series. Fishing with anglers Kenny Spaulding, Lee Gahagen, Phillip Bryan and Sam Milazzo, all of Islamorada, Fla, and Kevin Taylor from Port Orange, Fla., the team released a total of 23 sailfish and hoisted the perpetual Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish trophy when the series concluded at the Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament Jan. 30.
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The team started out strong with a win in the 56th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, releasing 19 sailfish. The team would release another three sails during the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 24 and 26, followed by one release to conclude the trifecta at the Islamorada Fishing Club Captain’s Cup Tournament. The combined total of 23 releases crowned the Caribsea Grand Champions with Caribee Boat Sales—and Yamaha Outboards—sponsored gold cups along with trophies for the captain and mate. The team took home a check for $13,000. Second place went to Capt. JC Cleare aboard the Remix. Anglers John and Ben Dorton of Weston, Fla., along with Nick Carullo, George Corzo, Sarah Melia and Madison Wright, from Miami, Fla., and Doug Meintkiewicz of Islamorada, Fla., released a total of 19 fish. The team released 12 fish in the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, five in the Cheeca Presidential and two in the Islamorada Fishing Club Tournament. The team’s 19 releases on-time sealed second place for trophies and a check for $7,200. Contagious took home third-place honors. Contagious Capt. Brian Cone led the team to 16 sailfish releases in the first leg of the series. Anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett, from Charlotte, N.C., photographer Tim Rahn, from Islamorada, Fla., along with Travis Bennett and Capt. Brian’s son Andy Cone, from Tavernier, Fla., had one more release at the Cheeca Presidential Tournament and two releases in the Islamorada Fishing Club Tournament for 19 total releases. The team received trophies and a check for $4,800. It was a close battle for the High Point Angler Championship Ring, sponsored by Tackle Center of Islamorada. Local artist and Capt. Sam Milazzo aboard the Caribsea started on top with eight releases in the first tournament, and although the field was nipping at his heels, his two releases in the Cheeca and one in the Islamorada Fishing Club tournaments gave him 11 total to join the elite crowd of championship ring winners. In total, 168 sailfish were released by 73 anglers participating in this season’s event. The Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series is a fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association. The Series would like to thank major sponsors, Caribee Boat Sales, Yamaha Outboards, Tackle Center of Islamorada and Mangrove Mike’s Cafe. The hosts of the events included Whale Harbor Restaurants and Marina, Cheeca Lodge and Spa and the Islamorada Fishing Club. For more information, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com.
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SAVINGS ON DECK
AT YOUR LOCAL GEICO OFFICE. GILBERT SUAREZ 305-914-9220 13631 Biscayne Blvd North Miami geico.com/northmiami Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2019. © 2019 GEICO 19_216446
Springtime is the official start of the fishing season. Many of us will stick to our tested and trued methods for targeting a variety of both fresh and saltwater species. Whether you’re a diehard spin-caster or a master of the plug rod, I always encourage anglers to learn a new fishing technique to add to their arsenal. Learning the basic skills of fly fishing will open up more fishing opportunities to put more fish in the net! Getting started: Choose the Correct Saltwater Outfit Getting started in saltwater fly fishing can seem like and overwhelming task, but it is really uncomplicated. It’s most important to purchase the right rod and reel for the type of fly fishing you’ll be doing. The East Coast striper fly fisherman will require a different outfit than the West Coast surf perch fisherman, and the guy interested in catching redfish in the Louisiana marsh will have a different rig than the angler casting to bonito off a jetty in Southern California.
Here are my suggestions The Rod: Choose a 7- or 8-weight rod. This rod is the perfect starter rod for the beginning saltwater fly fisherman. It’s heavy enough to punch a fly into a stiff wind, yet light enough to cast all day. The Reel: A good direct-drive reel that can hold a minimum 200 yards of 30-pound Dacron backing will work well in most saltwater fly fishing situations. Currently, fly reels designed for saltwater fishing are more than adequate in handling fish up to 50 pounds. To save you the price of an extra reel, buy an extra spool for your reel to hold your shooting head. Fly Lines: This is where it can get complicated, but fear not, it really is not that involved. Here is what you’ll need: 1) A basic weight-forward floating line matched to the weight of your fly rod. The WF floating line is a great all-around fly line for sight casting in shallow water. Don’t get confused by all the marketing of “Saltwater Taper,” “Bonefish Taper,” and “Redfish Taper;” all are lines suitable for the expert, but not for the beginner. 2) A weighted shooting head line combines the weighted front taper and an intermediate running line and is great for sub-surface fishing or fishing riptides from the beach. When fish are feeding below the surface, the shooting head will keep your fly in the hit zone longer. I would choose a 250 to 300 grain. The grain weight equals the sink rate of the fly line, so a 250 to 300 grain line will sink between 5 and 8 inches per second. This is plenty of sink rate to get you down to subsurface feeding fish. A basic, solid rod reel and line combo will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of saltwater fly fishing and prepare you for the next step.
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ake a deep breath, and then think about how different your life would be if you couldn’t. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe. Travis Suit’s daughter Piper was diagnosed with “CF” when she was four. When Travis learned that saltwater could help alleviate the symptoms of CF, he immersed Piper in saltwater activities, and became inspired to create an ocean-based event that could raise awareness and funds to help CF patients everywhere. Thus was born the Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis (formerly known as the Crossing For A Cure), an 80-mile self-propelled journey from the Bahamas to Florida. Travis made his first Crossing in 2013 with three stalwart friends on standup paddleboards who came to be known as “Piper’s Angels.” Since then, their ranks have grown to include hundreds of inspired paddlers, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. The Crossing For CF is the top paddle fundraising event in the world, and has grown into one of the largest boating events in the Bahamas. Travis sees this amazing endeavor as a valuable life lesson for everyone involved. “When you fear your struggles, they consume you, but when you confront your challenges, you overcome them. The Crossing For Cystic Fibrosis provides a great opportunity to show that—no matter what obstacles we face in life—we can always choose to persevere.” Registration is open for the 2020 Crossing, which will take place on June 20, and anyone can become part of the Crossing. You can paddle, captain a support vessel, volunteer at the landing or sponsor a paddler, a team, or the Foundation in any amount. Check it out, learn how the foundation has grown into one of the most impactful grassroots organizations for cystic fibrosis in the country. A whole lotta LOVE awaits you.
(Above) Piper and Scott Henley, President of Bahama on the podium. (Below) Travis Suit and Piper share triumph on Father’s Day weekend.
www.crossingforc ysticfibrosis.com www.pipersangels.org
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he organizers of the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, one of the cornerstone tournaments on the Gulf of Mexico marlin circuit, have announced a new event. The Invitational, slated for August 6-8, will feature a field of just 30 teams and a first-place prize of $1 million. “We asked a number of the top boat owners and captains that are currently fishing in these tournaments in the Gulf about what they would like to see in a new event,” said tournament promoter Scott Burt. “Their overwhelming response was two-fold: They wanted to know who they were fishing against, and they wanted to fish for a million dollars for the winner.” With a minimum qualifying length of 112 inches LJFL, blue marlin will be scored at one point per pound. Released blue marlin are worth 625 points, although it’s clearly stated in the rules that the heaviest qualifying blue marlin will win first place. Second through fourth place will be decided by a combination of release and weighed fish points. However, in the event that no qualifying fish are weighed, release points decide the overall winner. Therefore, a seven-figure payday is possible for billfish releases in the Gulf. The Invitational is an all-in format, with a flat entry fee of $50,000 per boat. Aside from the million dollars awarded to first, second place will earn $145,000, third place is worth $100,000 and fourth, $75,000. Boats may depart from any port in the Gulf of Mexico, with the weigh-in held at The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Ala. To request an invitation, contact Jim Cox at (251) 802-2664 or TheInvitational@CMMMarinas.com. Visit www.milliondollarmarlin.com.
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B.A.S.S. photo by Seigo Saito
t all depends on the weather, but the Bassmaster Classic could produce some serious sacks of fish when some of the world’s best bass tournament anglers descend on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville March 6-8. On the 50th anniversary of the iconic championship event, 53 anglers who have qualified through the B.A.S.S. tournament season will launch on the sprawling, grass-filled impoundment of the Tennessee River during what has historically been prime time for big bass on the “Big G.” Pre-spawn activity was already ramping up during an early-February warm spell, although heavy rains, high waters and the cold front that followed pushed the fish right back out in the middle of the month. What that should mean is bass are primed to move up as soon as conditions stabilize. And when they move up, they will feed up in preparation for the spawn. If the first week of March sees warmer weather and rains hold off, this year’s Classic could become a shootout featuring heavy five-fish limits and some monster bass. Some of the largest fish of the year are usually caught during the early stages of the spawn. On the other hand, north Alabama is a place where early spring could bring 75 degree temperatures or snow flurries. Sometimes tough fishing conditions are just the thing to separate great anglers from good ones. Either way, with a more than $1 million purse, $300,000 for the winner and all of the industry perks that come with a Classic victory, it will be a lifechanging event for at least one angler. For more information, go to www.bassmaster.com.
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n Jan. 25, Forrest Lee Wood, the iconic sportsman and founder of Ranger Boats, died at the age of 87. An early pioneer of tournament bass fishing, Wood was an entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on the angling world. He is widely credited with development of the modern bass boat. Wood began his career in the outdoors as a trout fishing guide on the White River in Arkansas. In 1968, he and his wife, Nina, founded Wood Manufacturing Co., and he built his first six boats behind a service station in Flippin, Ark. His fledgling company, renamed Ranger Boats in honor of the Texas Rangers and U.S. Army Rangers, flourished along with the exploding popularity of tournament bass fishing through the 1970s. A competitive angler himself, Wood qualified for two Bassmaster Classics. He fished 101 B.A.S.S. tournaments with a good deal of success, and his knowledge of what bass anglers want in a boat led to the prototypes that influenced all bass boats that followed. Ranger was the official boat of B.A.S.S. from 1972-2000. In 1996, Wood’s initials were used to rename the Operation Bass tournament series, and the FLW Tour was born with its championship event the Forrest Wood Cup. In addition to his involvement in boat building and tournament bass fishing, Wood was a sportsman and a conservationist who served as commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
THE BEGINNING OF SPRINGTIME FISHING DREAMS
F
ishing around Tampa Bay recently has been on and off, given the cold fronts that show up at seemingly unpredictable intervals. On a cold and overcast day, with a falling barometer, the fish like to eat. Once the front passes, skies turn blue, temperatures warm and the barometric gauge begins rising, the fish get lockjaw. Well, that’s fishing in Florida. Shrimp fished on a free-line usually entices snook to bite. However, artificials typically work fine when fished correctly. Soft plastic jerk baits on a 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jig head will also produce the right action during the winter. Remember to slow it down in the winter--never work
it too fast. Topwater lures worked slowly across a Tampa Bay broken bottom grass flat seems to provide a better response during early mornings. Snook, redfish and trout seemingly cannot resist a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. Use a walk-the-dog action. Sheepshead are everywhere during the winter months. This hard-mouth and toothy stripped convict means aggressive
hook sets. Try fishing around markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, rock piles, oyster bars or practically any structure. Shrimp, rock and fiddler crabs usually produce. Green mussels and oysters also work. Many anglers like oysters and mussels the best, and so do sheepshead. Don’t forget to smash the shells into small pieces in your bucket using it for chum. Don’t be surprised if you catch some gray/mangrove snapper at these same locations. Artificials work for redfish, as well as, cut baits and small pinfish. Dead-sticking stinky baits usually attract a redfish’s attention. Try suspending some smelly bait like cut mullet or a chunk of crab. Let it sit and, if a redfish is close, they’ll find it. Grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines like those found around Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Joe Island, Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, Rocky Point, Double Branch and Culbreath Isle Flats are good starting points. You’ll find plenty of trout around deep water flats on strong tides. They eat shrimp, pinfish and greenbacks. A popper cork proves deadly at enticing trout, especially when rigged with shrimp--either live or artificial. Also, try bouncing a soft plastic jig off the bottom. Remember, the bite usually comes as the bait is falling. So, don’t be
surprised to have a fish on just after the lure or bait hits the water and starts falling. Also, don’t be shocked if you catch a flatfish (Southern flounder) like this one caught by Capt. Mark Gore’s client on a recent Tampa Bay charter. Look for hard sandy or rocky bottoms and broken bottom grass flats with plenty of potholes. Cobia like to piggyback big stingrays and manatee. As the waters cool, you should see them around the hot water discharges of power plants. But, don’t think you’re going to be alone. There will be plenty of other anglers to keep you company. Get some extra-large shrimp, rig them on a ¼ to ½ oz jig head, and that should do the trick. Small or chunk crab also works. You’ll also catch plenty of smaller sharks, Spanish mackerel and some pompano. Also, watch out for the manatees, there are hundreds near the hot water runoffs.
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. www.captainwoodygore.com fishing@captainwoodygore.com 813-477-3814. Give Him a Call, Go Fishing & Catch Some Memories Cellular/Text:
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FLY FISHING REPORT
CHOOSING THE RIGHT KAYAK
BY: GABE LITTLEFIELD
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three factors when choosing hen I tell people that Feelfree Lure 10 a new fly fishing kayak. I fly fish from my kayak, it’s often followed by 1. NAME YOUR PRICE- My doubt, mockery or respect, mom used to tell me when I and sometimes it’s a mix of was younger, “Don’t count all three. Kayak fishing is your chickens before they exploding and with so many hatch”. The same concept options and price points holds true when choosing a to get into throwing flies at kayak. The most important reds, it can quickly become thing, to me anyway, is to set overwhelming and confusing. a price point for yourself and Hopefully, this article can 3 Waters build your search around smooth things out and narrow Kayak Big that. If you set a price point down your search for the Fish 120 at or around $1000, I can tell perfect fly fishing yak. you that you will have more When I started kayak options than you’d think. fishing, I did not have the While it would be nice to go luxury of standing from the drop the money on the most kayak. Barely wide enough to expensive kayak you can find keep my 6’ 2” 245 lb. frame (trust me, more expensive from entering the clear waters doesn’t always mean better), with the redfish, snook and Feelfree that’s not realistic for the trout, my kayak was “iffy” to Moken 12.5 average guy like you and me. say the least. Having upgraded to a newer and more stable kayak, I am able to So, once you set your price limit, start looking for kayaks within that budget that have the characteristics comfortably stand and fish for hours. My point of that last bit is to show the importance that I will soon describe. of stability in a fly fishing kayak. But, along with stability, there are many other factors that must be 2. ALLAROUNDER- Start by looking for kayaks taken into consideration. Here is my list of the top that have a little bit of everything. Stability is critical
when fly fishing, or saltwater fishing in general. Any kayak within the 32 to 36-inch mark in width is a good choice. Also, consider your size. If you are a smaller individual, you can probably get away with a narrower yak and, if you’re larger, try adding some width. Next, look for one that is longer than 10 feet. My preferred range is 11 to14 feet in length because it tracks well through rough water, but still is small enough to get into those back creeks teeming with reds or linesiders. Finally, look at those that are fairly simple. You don’t want a lot of accessories at your feet or by you to catch your line in your lap. 3. MATCH IT TO YOU- Now I’m not a psychic so I don’t know you and what you like. What I do know is that you have to be happy with your decision. It may take a few kayaks to know what you want, so I am a big fan of demoing a kayak, or six, and finding your happy medium. So, now that I’ve given you the run down on what you should look for in your fly fishing vessel of fish destruction, pictured here are my favorite kayaks under $1000. Gabe LIttlefield is an avid fly fisherman and guide at Pure Florida Watersports in Wesley Chapel. Specializing in kayak fly fishing, Gabe’s passion for the water is evident. If you’d like to learn more, contact Pure Florida Watersports at (813) 602-8824.
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THE TRAIL LESS TRAVELED BY: PAUL PRESSON
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ost of us are happy to conform, doing the 9 to 5 in our cubicle world, thinking, planning and making ready for our weekend fishing adventures. This is a story about an angler that wasn’t satisfied with the corporate world--an angler that made the break. Before the sun rises, she has time to reflect. This all started in a small boat, learning the nuances from a more experienced angler. Which baits work best, which areas are more likely to hold fish--just the basics. She was more or less, nudged into a new form of fishing. Her fishing partner decided to give kayak fishing a try. At first hesitant, she decided to follow suit. This was the beginning of a new lifestyle. She left the comfort of a stable job to follow a dream. Now, her work is an integral part of her passion. The sunrise is a sight to behold. Shades of reds, yellows and blues, it is time to get to work. The kayaks are dismounted from the trailer. The necessary equipment is stowed away for a successful day of fishing. When all is ready, her customer rolls up. They greet, have a safety briefing, a quick kayak lesson and it is time to fish. Her vessels of choice are sleek Kaku kayaks. They are stable and track great on the way to their first fishing destination. Today, Jacinda Rose has decided to fish the Ozello area on the Nature Coast. A beautiful spot with nothing
but water and spoil islands as far as the eye can see. Jacinda has fished this area for years, and knows these waters, and where the fish can be found. She is knowledgeable and pleasant; this puts the customer at ease immediately. After some small talk, they have reached their first destination. A deep channel that would not even be noticed by someone not familiar with the area. Jacinda uses live shrimp on a jig--she has fished this way for years. The size of the shrimp is not important. She takes a moment to demonstrate how she places the shrimp on the jig and explains why to the client. Within minutes, “fish on”--a person that had never fished out of a kayak has a beautiful sea trout. They fish this area for a time, catch some more trout and are ready to move on. The next location is a good distance away. Jacinda paddles her yak right next to her client’s. She has a trolling motor on her vessel. She lifts one leg over to the other kayak and they are off. No paddling needed, the next location is just minutes away with no effort. As they arrive to the next spot, they bump up to mangroves with a spoil island well within casting distance. Working different areas, but staying close enough for Jacinda to take action if something goes awry, they begin to fish. It doesn’t take long and Jacinda
has a very nice red drum. The customer emulates her actions and is rewarded with a beautiful multispotted red. They continue to catch fish, enjoying each other’s company throughout the trip. It has been a great day, but it is time to head back. Once again, Jacinda powers up the trolling motor and it is like an Uber on the flats. Jacinda does not like to be categorized, she just wants to be known as an outstanding angler. Her efforts on the water have made her a recognized kayak angler. She is very active within well-known fishing clubs. Like it or not, her fishing prowess has led to some
monikers. If you hear mention of the “The Red Fish Queen” or “The Queen of Ozello,” there is a good chance the conversation is about Jacinda Rose. Thanks to: Jacinda Rose | Jacinda’s Kayak Fishing Adventures | 352-418-5182 Jacindaskayakcharters@gmail.com 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!
Fishing Team
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SPORTSMAN’S EXPO COMING TO HERNANDO COUNTY MARCH 28 & 29! “
T
he excitement and anticipation for this Expo is growing every week,” says Ron Auger, a long-time resident of Spring Hill. Ron has always asked the question, “Why isn’t there a Sportsman’s Show or Expo here on the Adventure Coast? We live, work and play here where outdoor recreation is everywhere, so it only makes sense that a great show or expo should be held here.” So, in January 2019, Ron sat down with Dave Humbles and Gordon Wolf, and they began designing the Central Florida Sportsman’s Expo from the ground up. Ron had already formed the Weeki Wachee Anglers Club several years before, and the organization has over three hundred members today. The three guys started lining up vendors and sponsors. Harley Davidson, Dodge Jeep and Camping World loved the idea and came aboard. Marine Dealers including Barney’s, Homosassa Marine, Crystal River Marine, Hernando Beach Marina and Blue Pelican Marina will represent hundreds of boats, trailers, accessories and
water sports products. Other Expo vendors will represent guns, fishing tackle, knives, golf carts, 4 wheelers, RV’s, trucks, trailers, kayaks, upholstery and canvas, boat clubs and rentals, scuba, nutrition, artists and of course lots of tasty food! Adding a Car Show Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and other outdoor activities, means there is truly something for everyone! There will be clinics and demonstrations hourly both days. For more information visit the website centralfloridasportsmansexpo.com The Expo will be held at Tom Van Park (306 Darby Lane Brooksville, FL.) and open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM March 28 and 29. Admission is $5.00 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Vendors interested in participating in the Expo can contact Dave at 303-358-2593. Special thanks to the Hernando County Tourism Department, the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Weeki Wachee Anglers Club and WXJB 99.9 radio station and Oak Hill Hospital.
- New Boats - Fishing Gear - Marine Toys - RV’s Trucks and 4 Wheelers - Exhibits - Clinics
- Demonstrations 100+ Vendors and so much more!
Beautiful Tom Varn Park 301 Darby Ln Brooksville, Florida
CANOE COUNTRY OUTFITTERS
7275454554
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THE NEW PERCEPTION OUTLAW 11.5 IS THE PERFECT KAYAK FOR THE BUDGETCONSCIOUS ANGLER LOOKING TO GET ON THE WATER FOR THE START OF THE SPRING FISHING SEASON LARGE STERN DECK FOR RIGGING FOLDING/STOWABLE ELEVATED SEATING DOUBLE BARREL ROD HOLDERS GEAR STORAGE TRAYS OPTIONAL SADDLE BAGS SIDE HANDLES + GEAR TRACKS DE TRACTION PADS DECK INTEGRATED SOLO MOUNTS FRONT MESH + PADDLE PARK MOLDED IN BOW/STERN HANDLES
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6493 54TH AVE N ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33709 CANOECOUNTRYFL.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | MARCH 2020 | TAMPA 5
0320_LOC_TAMPA.indd 5
2/17/20 9:07 AM
St. Petersburg
suzukioutboardmarine.com www.USHarbors.com
St. Petersburg, FL - Mar 2020 High
Date
AM
ft
Old Port of Tampa
Low PM
ft
AM
ft
PM 10:56 AM
ft
Rise
Set
www.USHarbors.com ezdocktampa.com
Old Port Tampa, FL - Mar 2020 High
Date
Moon
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Sun
7:24
1.1
6:04
2.1
12:44
-0.2
11:46 AM
0.7
6:52
6:32
9:18
1.0
12:15
0.9
1
Sun
5:30
1.9
12:24
0.0
6:52
6:32
1
2
Mon
6:15
1.9
1:37
-0.1
6:51
6:33
2
Mon
6:48
2.1
1:52
-0.2
6:51
6:32
3
Tue
7:16
1.9
3:00
-0.2
6:50
6:33
3
Tue
7:48
2.1
3:23
-0.2
6:50
6:33
4
Wed
8:34
2.0
4:17
-0.3
6:49
6:34
4
Wed
9:06
2.1
4:54
-0.3
6:49
6:33
5
Thu
9:55
2.1
5:20
-0.5
6:48
6:34
5
Thu
1:42 PM
1.5
10:28
2.2
6:03
-0.5
4:38
1.3
6:48
6:34
6
Fri
11:06
2.2
6:12
-0.6
4:55
1.1
6:47
6:35
6
Fri
1.5
11:40
2.3
6:56
-0.7
5:51
1.2
6:47
6:35
7
Sat
2:00
1.3
6:57
-0.7
5:57
0.9
6:46
6:36
2:09 PM
8
Sun
12:07
2.3
3:15
1.4
8:36
-0.6
7:50
0.7
7:45
7:36
7
Sat
2:35
1.6
7:40
-0.7
6:48
1.0
6:46
6:35
9
3:58
1.6
9:18
-0.7
8:39
0.7
7:45
7:36
-0.5
8:42
2.4
1.5
9:12
12:43
2.3
3:31
Sun
Mon
2:04
8
0.4
7:44
7:37
9
Mon
2:40
2.4
4:18
1.6
9:53
-0.5
9:29
0.4
7:44
7:36
10
Tue
2:58
2.2
3:49
1.6
9:45
-0.2
9:34
0.2
7:43
7:37
10
Tue
3:36
2.3
4:37
1.7
10:24
-0.3
10:19
0.1
7:43
7:37
11
Wed
3:52
2.1
4:10
1.8
10:15
0.1
10:28
0.0
7:42
7:38
11
Wed
4:31
2.2
4:56
1.9
10:52
0.0
11:10
-0.1
7:42
7:37
12
Thu
4:49
1.8
4:35
1.9
10:41
0.4
11:25
-0.2
7:41
7:38
12
Thu
5:29
1.9
5:18
2.1
11:18
0.3
7:40
7:38
13
Fri
5:53
1.5
5:03
2.1
11:04
0.6
7:40
7:39
13
Fri
6:31
1.6
5:43
2.2
12:04
-0.2
0.6
7:39
7:39
14
Sat
7:14
1.2
5:38
2.2
12:29
-0.2
7:39
7:39
11:41 AM
14
Sat
7:44
1.4
6:14
2.3
1:03
-0.3
12:02
0.8
7:38
7:39
15
Sun
6:19
2.1
1:43
-0.2
7:37
7:40
15
Sun
9:24
1.2
6:52
2.3
2:11
-0.3
12:19
1.1
7:37
7:40
16
Mon
7:14
2.1
3:08
-0.2
7:36
7:41
16
Mon
7:42
2.3
3:38
-0.2
7:36
7:40
17
Tue
8:36
1.9
4:33
-0.3
7:35
7:41
17
Tue
8:56
2.1
5:13
-0.2
7:35
7:41
18
Wed
10:21
1.9
5:45
-0.3
7:34
7:42
18
Wed
10:40
2.0
6:29
-0.3
4:50
1.5
7:34
7:41
19
Thu
11:45
1.9
6:39
-0.3
5:53
1.2
7:33
7:42
19
Thu
2:30
1.7
7:23
-0.3
6:32
1.3
7:33
7:42
20
Fri
2:34
1.5
7:21
-0.3
6:53
1.1
7:32
7:43
20
Fri
12:11
2.0
2:51
1.7
8:05
-0.3
7:33
1.1
7:32
7:42
21
Sat
12:45
1.9
2:45
1.5
7:55
-0.2
7:37
0.8
7:31
7:43
21
Sat
1:15
2.1
3:12
1.8
8:38
-0.3
8:18
0.8
7:30
7:43
22
Sun
1:33
1.9
2:55
1.6
8:23
-0.1
8:13
0.7
7:30
7:44
22
Sun
2:04
2.1
3:30
1.9
9:04
-0.1
8:56
0.6
7:29
7:44
23
Mon
2:14
1.9
3:03
1.6
8:46
0.0
8:47
0.5
7:28
7:44
23
Mon
2:47
2.0
3:45
1.9
9:25
0.0
9:31
0.4
7:28
7:44
24
Tue
2:51
1.8
3:11
1.7
9:06
0.2
9:19
0.3
7:27
7:45
24
Tue
3:27
2.0
3:56
2.0
9:43
0.2
10:04
0.3
7:27
7:45
25
Wed
3:28
1.7
3:22
1.9
9:25
0.4
9:53
0.1
7:26
7:45
25
Wed
4:06
1.9
4:07
2.1
10:00
0.4
10:36
0.1
7:26
7:45
26
Thu
4:05
1.6
3:38
2.0
9:42
0.5
10:30
0.0
7:25
7:46
26
Thu
4:47
1.8
4:20
2.2
10:18
0.5
11:08
0.0
7:25
7:46
27
Fri
4:46
1.5
3:59
2.1
9:59
0.7
11:10
-0.1
7:24
7:46
27
Fri
5:29
1.7
4:40
2.4
10:39
0.7
11:44
-0.1
7:24
7:46
28
Sat
5:32
1.4
4:26
2.2
10:17
0.8
11:57
-0.1
7:23
7:47
28
Sat
6:17
1.6
2.5
11:03
0.8
7:22
7:47
29
Sun
6:31
1.2
4:58 High 1.1 5:36 ft PM
2.2
10:34
0.9
7:22
7:47
29
Date Sun
5:05 High 1.5 5:37 ft PM
2.6 ft
12:24 AM
2.2 ft
12:53 AM
6:25
2.2
2:04
Date 30 Mon 31
6:48
1:46 PM
2:24 PM
7:59 AM
Tue
1.0
1.3
1.4
11:21 AM
Low 10:41 -0.1 ft PM AM -0.1
0.8
0.9
1.1 ft
7:21 Rise
7:48 Set
7:19
7:49
Moon
30
Mon
31
Tue
2:14 PM
7:13 AM
8:31
1.5
1.4
Low 11:29 -0.1 ft PM AM
1.0 ft
7:21 Rise
7:47 Set
1.2
7:20
7:48
7:19
7:48
6:16
2.6
1:13
-0.1
7:04
2.5
2:19
-0.1
11:56 AM
Moon
Moon
6 TAMPA | MARCH 2020 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
0320_LOC_TAMPA.indd 6
2/17/20 9:07 AM
Tarpon Springs
1500 US 19. Holiday, FL.
www.USHarbors.com
River Tarpon Springs, Anclote River, FL - Mar 2020 High
Date
Hernando Beach,
bluepelicanmarina.com www.USHarbors.com
Hernando Beach, FLPine - MarIsland 2020 Rocky Creek, Little
Low
High
Date
Low PM
ft
Rise
Set
1
Sun
5:34
2.0
5:09
2.7
12:41
0.1
12:23
0.7
6:55
6:33
2
Mon
6:43
1.8
5:55
2.7
1:37
0.2
1:06
1.0
6:54
6:33
3
Tue
8:22
1.7
6:59
2.6
2:51
0.2
2:13
1.2
6:53
6:34
4
Wed
10:00
1.8
8:21
2.7
4:15
0.0
3:49
1.4
6:52
6:35
5
Thu
11:09
2.0
9:40
2.8
5:28
-0.2
5:11
1.3
6:51
6:35
6
Fri
11:59
2.2
10:47
3.0
6:30
-0.4
6:17
1.1
6:49
6:36
6:36
7
Sat
2.4
11:46
3.2
7:23
-0.6
7:14
0.8
6:48
6:37
7:46
7:37
12:38 PM
0.2
7:45
7:37
8
Sun
2:12
2.5
9:09
-0.7
9:04
0.5
7:47
7:37
8:35
-0.1
7:44
7:38
9
Mon
1:40
3.3
2:44
2.6
9:51
-0.6
9:50
0.2
7:46
7:38
-0.2
9:22
-0.2
7:43
7:38
10
Tue
2:32
3.4
3:14
2.7
10:31
-0.5
10:36
-0.1
7:45
7:38
9:45
0.1
10:10
-0.3
7:41
7:39
11
Wed
3:22
3.3
3:45
2.8
11:09
-0.2
11:23
-0.2
7:44
7:39
2.8
10:21
0.5
11:01
-0.3
7:40
7:39
12
Thu
4:13
3.1
4:17
2.9
11:46
0.1
7:43
7:40
4:32
2.8
10:57
0.8
11:57
-0.2
7:39
7:40
13
Fri
5:07
2.8
4:51
3.0
12:11
-0.3
12:22
0.5
7:42
7:40
5:15
2.7
11:36
1.1
7:38
7:41
14
Sat
6:04
2.4
5:28
3.0
1:02
-0.3
12:58
0.8
7:40
7:41
1.7
6:08
2.5
1:02
0.0
12:26
1.3
7:37
7:41
15
Sun
7:07
2.1
6:11
2.9
1:58
-0.2
1:37
1.1
7:39
7:41
9:21
1.7
7:22
2.4
2:24
0.1
1:42
1.5
7:36
7:42
16
Mon
8:31
1.9
7:04
2.7
3:03
0.0
2:27
1.3
7:38
7:42
Wed
10:42
1.8
8:57
2.3
3:51
0.1
3:17
1.5
7:35
7:42
17
Tue
10:17
1.8
8:18
2.6
4:25
0.1
3:43
1.5
7:37
7:43
19
Thu
11:32
2.0
10:17
2.4
5:01
0.1
4:37
1.3
7:33
7:43
18
Wed
11:38
1.9
9:53
2.5
5:52
0.1
5:18
1.5
7:36
7:43
20
Fri
12:07 PM
2.1
11:19
2.5
5:53
0.0
5:38
1.0
7:32
7:43
19
Thu
12:28 PM
2.1
11:13
2.6
7:02
0.1
6:38
1.3
7:35
7:44
21
Sat
12:36
2.3
6:33
0.0
6:25
0.7
7:31
7:44
20
Fri
1:03
2.3
7:54
0.0
7:39
1.0
7:33
7:44
22
Sun
12:08
2.6
1:02
2.4
7:05
0.0
7:05
0.5
7:30
7:44
21
Sat
12:15
2.7
1:32
2.4
8:34
0.0
8:26
0.7
7:32
7:45
23
Mon
12:49
2.7
1:26
2.5
7:34
0.1
7:40
0.3
7:29
7:45
22
Sun
1:04
2.8
1:58
2.6
9:06
0.0
9:06
0.5
7:31
7:46
24
Tue
1:26
2.7
1:48
2.5
8:01
0.2
8:14
0.2
7:28
7:45
23
Mon
1:45
2.9
2:22
2.7
9:35
0.1
9:41
0.3
7:30
7:46
25
Wed
2:01
2.6
2:10
2.6
8:28
0.3
8:46
0.1
7:27
7:46
24
Tue
2:22
2.9
2:44
2.7
10:02
0.2
10:15
0.2
7:29
7:47
26
Thu
2:36
2.6
2:31
2.7
8:54
0.4
9:19
0.0
7:25
7:47
25
Wed
2:57
2.8
3:06
2.8
10:29
0.3
10:47
0.1
7:27
7:47
27
Fri
3:12
2.5
2:55
2.7
9:21
0.6
9:53
0.0
7:24
7:47
26
Thu
3:32
2.8
3:27
2.9
10:55
0.4
11:20
0.0
7:26
7:48
28
Sat
3:51
2.4
3:22
2.8
9:49
0.7
10:30
0.0
7:23
7:48
27
Fri
4:08
2.7
3:51
2.9
11:22
0.6
11:54
0.0
7:25
7:48
29
Sun
4:35
2.2
3:54
2.8
10:20
0.9
11:12
0.0
7:22
7:48
28
Sat
4:47
2.5
4:18
3.0
11:50
0.7
7:24
7:49
30
Mon
5:25
2.1
4:32
2.8
10:56
1.1
7:21
7:49
29
Sun
5:31
2.4
4:50
3.0
12:31
0.0
12:21
0.9
7:23
7:50
31
2.2
5:28
3.0
1:13
0.0
12:57
1.1
7:22
7:50
2.7
12:04
6:21
1.9
5:21
Mon
Tue
6:29
30
0.1
7:20
7:49
31
Tue
7:25
2.1
6:17
2.9
2:05
0.1
1:43
1.3
7:20
7:51
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
11:36
0.2
6:53
6:32
1
Sun
4:38
1.9
4:13
2.5
10:22
0.7
2
Mon
5:47
1.7
4:59
2.5
11:05
1.0
6:52
6:33
3
Tue
7:26
1.6
6:03
2.4
12:50
0.2
12:12
1.2
6:51
6:34
4
Wed
9:04
1.7
7:25
2.5
2:14
0.0
1:48
1.4
6:50
6:34
5
Thu
10:13
1.9
8:44
2.6
3:27
-0.2
3:10
1.3
6:49
6:35
6
Fri
11:03
2.1
9:51
2.8
4:29
-0.4
4:16
1.1
6:48
6:35
7
Sat
11:42
2.2
10:50
3.0
5:22
-0.6
5:13
0.8
6:47
8
Sun
1:16
2.4
7:08
-0.7
7:03
0.5
9
Mon
12:44
3.1
1:48
2.5
7:50
-0.6
7:49
10
Tue
1:36
3.1
2:18
2.5
8:30
-0.5
11
Wed
2:26
3.0
2:49
2.6
9:08
12
Thu
3:17
2.8
3:21
2.7
13
Fri
4:11
2.6
3:55
14
Sat
5:08
2.3
15
Sun
6:11
1.9
16
Mon
7:35
17
Tue
18
11:42 AM
1.3
Moon
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
Moon
2020 Sylvans Have Arrived!
Pres
er v You e r Boa t
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | MARCH 2020 | TAMPA 7
0320_LOC_TAMPA.indd 7
2/17/20 9:07 AM
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER: HOMOSASSA GAGS BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
H
omosassa is one of the oldest residential communities to be found along Florida’s west coast. Once a major sugar growing and refining town, it now supports some of the finest redfish, tarpon and grouper fishing in the state. With this in mind, I was determined to test the ability of Capt. Howie Green, a well-known local guide and personal friend. I called Howie and suggested we
use his 17-foot skiff to do one of his double bagger trips--grouper fishing in the morning and redfish in the afternoon. Capt. Howie agreed, and we found ourselves leaving River Haven Marina on a cold February morning with the anticipation of catching grouper. What most anglers do not realize is that grouper tend to migrate closer to shore during the winter months, making them more accessible from a small boat.
As we made our way through the many “no wake” and “manatee” zones, Capt. Howie explained our goal for the day. First, we would head three to four miles offshore to an area of scattered rock piles no deeper than ten feet. Here, we would find grouper. Later, we would venture inshore among the mangrove islands and grass flats that adorn the Homosassa coast for redfish and large trout Once we reached the mouth of the Homosassa River, we made a quick detour to pick up some live pinfish from one of Capt. Howie’s bait traps. Howie’s thoughts are always to be prepared, as some days, fish prefer live bait and other days the rattle and movement of a fast-retrieved plug is what turns them on. With a slight northeast breeze, Capt. Howie opened the throttle to the 115hp outboard, and the small skiff responded without hesitation. We traveled in a westerly direction for fifteen minutes--keeping a careful eye on his GPS. As we
reached our destination, Capt. Howie brought the skiff to an idle speed and the search was on. Being in only ten feet of crystal-clear water, there was no need for a depth sounder. We just started looking for the dark spots among the sandy bottom and, within minutes, we could see the large boulders--some almost reaching the surface as if the fish were saying, “Here I am, come and get me.” On our first try, we drifted within casting distance of two large rocks. Capt. Howie had live pinfish and I had my favorite lure F633 YO-Zuri Mag Minnow. On my third cast, I picked up the speed on the retrieve and, with a hit much like hooking into a fast-moving train, my rod bent double and the line screamed. Before I could adjust the drag, the large gag grouper had worked me over making his run home and leaving me with dreams of what I had lost. Capt. Howie smiled, knowing there was more to come. Two hours later, we had
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boated eight grouper and lost five to the rocks. Now, it was time to head toward the mangrove islands visible in the horizon for some redfish action. Homosassa boasts some of the most beautiful flats along the west coast--a mecca for tarpon in the spring. and redfish and trout all year long. The endless chain of mangrove islands and shoreline create a haven for above-average redfish and gator trout. Boundless acres of grass flats with crystal clear water make flats fishing a new experience. Capt. Howie picked an area with a salt and pepper bottom (grass flats with sandy potholes) on the outer edge of St. Martins Key. This would give us a double shot at catching fish. Trout would hang around the sandy potholes and redfish along oyster beds that
surround the Key. Within minutes I hooked a redfish, realizing my carefully placed cast alongside an oyster bar had paid off. Like a bull on the loose, the redfish made his move, kicking into high gear heading for the oyster bar. I was grateful I had chosen my bait caster over my spinning outfit. The 20-pound Fins Windtamer braided line held on and after what seemed an eternity, the redfish gave in and came along boat side. As the tide dropped, we worked around the points where the current forced the bait through the cuts made by centuries of erosion. Here the redfish would sit and wait for the current to bring their brunch and, once again, we struck gold. The redfish were hungry and attacked our gold spoons as if they hadn’t eaten in a week. Score for the day was eight grouper, six red fish and four trout. Capt. Howie had done the job and I got my story. 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
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | MARCH 2020 | TAMPA 9
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ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
I
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f the weekly cold fronts are still here, fishing can be difficult if you don’t have a plan. The snook are still in their backwater winter homes. The redfish will get lockjaw after a front and the trout can be hit or miss on the flats. You have to adjust your plan, if you want to put a bend in your rod. Luckily, there are options. Some of the biggest negative tides of the year are in the winter months. This will trap the fish in the potholes and channels. Live shrimp are a best bet. For artificials, go with a soft body jig or a suspending bait like a MirrOlure. The water is crystal clear this time of year, so don’t be afraid to drop down on your leader to 15-pound fluorocarbon. Another best bet is fishing the many residential docks that line the bay. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, trout, flounder and snapper will stack up under the docks and can provide nonstop action. The additional bonus is that many of the docks are protected from the harsh winds. Again, live shrimp are your best bet. Soft body jigs like Gulp can fill the cooler as well. When fishing the docks, pay attention to the direction of the current. Make your presentation in the direction of the flow. Live shrimp should be freelined with the addition of a small split shot, if needed. Throw
lures up current and work them slowly back toward the structure. The final option is targeting sheepshead. As mentioned, they will be found at residential docks, but the hot action will be at area bridges. The Skyway, Dick Misner and Gandy bridges are famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live or dead, cut in pieces are a popular choice. Fiddler crabs and barnacles also work well. Use the smallest hooks, lightest line and weights you can. The sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Sometimes when you feel the bite, it’s too late. That’s why they wear stripes. They earned the nickname “convict fish” for a reason. Just remember, don’t let the cool weather keep you at home.
If you adjust your game plan, the fishing can be red hot. Now, it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish! What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans. Capt. Anthony Corcella Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.fishtampacharters.com Check us out on Facebook
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HERNANDO COUNTY
SPRING TIME FISHING BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
T
hat’s right Fishheads, its spring time. Spring is one of my favorite times to get out and fish. After some crazy weather, the fish should be on the move. Migrating species like kingfish, cobia and sharks should really start getting active as the waters begin to warm. These fish are opportunistic and will usually attack any baits they see or smell.
There should still be some m a n g r o v e snapper, hogfish and sheepshead around, as well. All of these can be caught with shrimp on a lightly weighted hook or a jighead. You need to finesse the baits real slow and feel for the hit. Sometimes it will just be a light tap or the line slowly moving off. Patience is the key here. A small secret is to chum the areas you’re fishing. Chumming will help get a feeding frenzy going and attract more of the fish you’re looking for. Red grouper can still be caught. Their size has to be 20 inches in length. Gag grouper can also be caught, but must be released at this time (season opens June 1st). As always, the white grunts should be in abundance on any offshore structure
you fish. I like to use a 3/0 hook, light line and a cut piece of squid for bait. There is not a size or limit on them. Please, just keep what you will eat and keep the resource going for our kids. For the inshore folks, redfish can be caught almost anywhere in the back areas. Look for moving water or, maybe, some tailing. Approach these areas very quietly and try to make a long cast, because redfish can be spooky. I like to use shrimp or cut baits and just let the fish come to the bait. You could use a strike indicator or just keep an eye on your line for movement. You will come across sea trout in those places, also. Once you get hooked up drop the Power Pole or anchor. Normally, when there is one trout, usually, more can be caught there. Don’t forget daylight saving time starts on March 8th. So set those clocks ahead. 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
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | MARCH 2020 | TAMPA 11
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SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE
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t’s been a little rough out there as far as wind is concerned. Our Winter had decided to show up a little late this year. Blowing mostly from the Northwest, we had to plan our launches in protected areas, keeping us out of the rough stuff. Although there were times when the wind found us, paddling the Bay had been very manageable. The snook bite had been the hottest, with many being caught all over the Bay. From the mangrove shoreline to the grassy flats, many fish were fooled primarily by using topwater plugs in shallow water during the warmer parts of the day. Each fish reacted with pure aggression on every strike! Trout were a little tougher to find, as they seemed scattered throughout the flats. They were found in a little deeper water (in the 4 to 6-foot range) and even deeper in the warmer days. All Trout reacted to subsurface baits cranked slow with many long pauses.
flats and, as always, they are hungry. I couldn’t get anything past these guys so, like the old saying goes, “If you can’t beat em’, join em’!” To sum it all up, the most productive bite was during the second half of the incoming tide up into the beginning of the outgoing. Once the tide was up, the fish were a lot harder to locate since they hung tight or way inside the mangroves. This month should be a different story, as March marks the beginning of the transition period--which means fish will be moving, and they will be hungry. So, grab a rod, get out there and catch some fish! The redfish bite was another story. Let’s just say it was slow at best. It’s not like there was an abundance of redfish, but the winds made it harder to see them and kept them scattered and on the move. Only a handful of reds were caught using small soft plastics worked very slowly on the bottom. Jack crevalle were also on the move and in full force. Huge schools have been invading the
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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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY
WELCOME BACK YAK FANS. BY: BRUCE BUTLER
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elcome back Yak fans. This month, I’d like to share something I believe sums up who we are. In place of father, you might say Brother, Uncle, neighbor or even your Mom--in my case, it was my Grandfather. Dale Butler, my grandfather, was a man who had worn many hats. He was a lineman who first brought phone service to rural Indiana in the 20’s. I still have his gold commutative pocket watch (a treasured keepsake). He was a barber, a salesman and on December 7, 1941, a John Deere dealer. But I remember
him most as the guy who, in the late 50’s and 60’s, on the east coast of Florida, would take a kid fishing-that kid was me. A champion snook fisherman who, when the tides were right, would wake me at 3am with a “Let’s go if you’re coming,” and I was always ready. I hope this story makes you take a minute to remember that person that shared their love of fishing with you. And remember to be that person for someone else! Feel free to share your stories with me. Till next month Bruce Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear are provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude, and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. Bruce Butler “The Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@ IndianBayOutfitters.com Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
CILANTRO SHRIMP WITH LIME OVER YELLOW RICE
BY: MICHELLE ATKINS
W
e have been enjoying the Latin flavors lately and wanted to share this one with you. All you need is one large skillet or pot with a lid.
Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, crushed • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped plus more for garnishing • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of shrimp peeled and deveined • 3 tablespoons lime juice • 1 medium or large package of yellow rice • Salt to taste Directions: 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions start to soften. Make sure to stir so the garlic does not burn. 2. Add the shrimp and chopped cilantro to the skillet and sauté until the shrimp is pink and no
ADVERTISE longer translucent--about two minutes on each side. Add two tablespoons of lime juice to the skillet as the shrimp cooks. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside in a bowl as you cook the rice. 3. Reduce the heat to low and add the rice to the pan. Cook over low heat for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice in the sauté leftovers. Follow the instructions on the rice package for the amount of water and cook time. 4. Add the last tablespoon of lime juice to the finished rice and stir. Add the shrimp back to the rice and garnish with a little cilantro.
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RIVERS TO BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
M
arch Madness usually means basketball but, here in Tampa Bay, March Madness can apply to the snook fishing craze. This time of year, the water temps are just right, not too hot yet, not too cold; and the only thing we need to worry about are the March winds. You’ll have to watch the fronts but, when the wind lays down, you can drop the remote to the tv set, and jump on the boat and head to your favorite fishing spot. The snook fishing will be productive well into April. Live pilchards, also known as “white bait,” is the bait of choice. You can also use cut threadfins or cut mullet. If artificials are your preference, then try a Zman PaddlerZ in Golden Bream, or Red Bone, rigged on a Snake Lock 1/8-ounce 5/0 worm hook. This rig is weedless and will definitely get you
your share of hookups. Trout fishing is typically still very good as the water temps aren’t too high yet. Both live and artificial baits work great for specks. I really enjoy tossing artificials for trout. MirrOlure’s 17MR and Zara Spook are my two hard baits of choice, and soft baits include the Matrix Shad 4” Paddle Tail on an 1/8 oz or 1/4oz jig, or a Zman JerkZ on a snake lock 1/8oz 5/0 worm hook. If you’re tossing a live pilchard, put it under a small float and it will keep the bait out of the grass. If you’re in four feet of water make your leader about three feet long and get ready for a slam dunk. Now moving on to redfish; all winter I’ve done well with the reds, and March is usually no exception as, again the water temps are usually still cool enough to keep them frisky
and eager to pounce on your offering. For redfishing I like live and cut bait, fish an outgoing tide or the last few hours of the incoming, though the outgoing will give you the home court advantage. Also, this spring, don’t over look cobia on the flats--you may spot them under sting rays. They are fun fighters, and they will bend a rod and make your drag sing, and they make a great addition to the barbecue. So, take a break from watching basketball and go wet a line, you’ll be glad you did as March is a great time to fish Tampa Bay.
Capt. John Rivers operates Rivers To Bay Fishing Charters out of Tampa Bay and Tarpon Springs. With 18 years guiding experience and over 40 years of fishing knowledge, he can assure you a professional / fun fishing adventure. Single or multi boat trips available. www.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com 727-313-1781
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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
F
ebruary was a total knockout! The redfish bite was an inferno that stretched from the Howard Franklin Bridge to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and even further south around Fort Desoto State Park. When it comes to fishing these big schools of redfish, it’s not a matter of if they are there, it’s where they are. Tides, wind and water clarity are some of the things to bring into perspective when in search of these fish. Unexpected cold fronts that bring a whirlwind of fury to most guides in the Tampa Bay area will set the most experienced angler back to the basics of fishing. However, if the conditions are right there are plenty of fish to wrangle up. March is well known for its cooperative weather and great fishing. The redfish bite is predicted to remain steady through the month of March. When it comes to non-stop drag-screaming rod-bending action that leaves you with a sore forearm, snook is the second fish
for the month. The snook spawn historically starts before or after the full moon in May and peaks in the month of June. March and April are the two months when the stove heats the pot as the water temperatures hit the mid-70’s. Go to spots for snook are all major passes and bodies of water surrounded by sandbars or some type of structure that has the potential for holding bait-fish during tidal changes. The most common fish to catch are the smaller males. However, there are plenty of big female snook to be hooked. March is definitely a great month for all day snook fishing due to the forefront of their spawn and water temperatures reaching the mid 70’s. This allows for great feeding activity as they will become lethargic as water temperatures rise closer to mid-summer. Choice baits for redfish this month are pinfish, live or cut. For snook, I recommend live scaled sardines or dead scaled sardines cut in half. You will have better success catching bait with a Humpback brand cast net. Freelining baits, or with the necessary split shot for stronger tidal flow, is the preferred presentation for both targeted species.
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The event is so much more than just fishing. It is a 3-day festival with all types of marine-related art & craft vendors, a food festival with local flavor, Friday night is Community Night with a free Kids Fishing Slam and live music. “Combining a community food festival and live music into our tournament seemed natural to us. Fishing is part of our community, so we welcome all to join us,” says Old Salt President Tom Verdensky. The event will be held at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex at 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. Make sure you visit our website for the latest updates on the tournament from hot fishing spots to places to stay with boat slips. The Old Salt Fishing Foundation hosts this semi-annual event to benefit several local charities. This spring, we will be presenting checks to: P.A.R.C., Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To find out more information or to register for the tournament, go to www.OldSaltFishing.org, email amy@OldSaltFishing.org or call 727-216-6601.
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offers views out to the side of your boat underwater upwards of 180 feet on either side. This locates fish you would not see using standard down-pointing sonar. It enables me to discover potentially productive areas without making a cast. With functional electronics, you cut a lot of time searching and focus on productive areas. What You Need: A tournament angler might feel the need for all the bells and whistles to be competitive. This can lead to six or more graphs on the boat. That’s ok, but it can be overkill for someone who is recreational fishing. Some basic features, however, have become must-haves. Navigation and mapping systems are important. Speed, time and temperature data are useful. A color monitor of 9 inches or larger is nice for ease of use. I would choose a unit with a few buttons and smooth functionality. Any of the notable three brands will suffice. However, having too much information can be overwhelming. Paying The Price: When you see boats with four 16-inch TVs on the console and more on the front deck, rest assured that it set the owner back a bit. You can leave a hole in your wallet if you’re not careful. I believe in buying what you need, not what you see. For a few hundred bucks, you can get a decent sonar fish finder that will cover basic needs. However, if you find you need an upgrade, there are units out there that cost more than a small compact car. But really ask yourself: “Do I need the electronics to play YouTube videos, or do I need them to navigate, locate and catch fish?” It’s purely personal and a choice for each to make. Electronics are an excellent tool to help you catch more fish. They make fishing more enjoyable, but it’s wise to consider what you want and need. Learning to use all the available tools is another subject all together.
By Jay Striker ou’ve seen those bass boats with two or three large monitors at the console and just as many on the front deck. There are good reasons for having these electronics, but I believe there’s also overkill. As a tournament bass angler, having good electronics allows you to compete against the fish in ways that did not exist in the past. Although sonar capability has been around for decades, using this technology to locate fish and eventually catch them is a game-changer. Let’s discuss the benefits of electronics, how much you need, and the cost associated with them. Benefits: Competitive bass anglers must make pressure-packed decisions. Many of them are made based on data picked up from electronics on the boat. When I’m pre-fishing, I really try to cover Follow Jay Striker on social media @JayStriker52 on IG or check water using side imaging, which higher-end electronics provide. It him out at www.jaystriker.com.
Y
Photo courtesy of Capt. Bob Strange
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By Tom Schlichter
ust a 20-minute drive north of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Little River Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that snakes behind it offer yearround fishing in generally calm, shallow water. Check it out on a map, and you’ll instantly know this is a fishy place. The inside waters here are bordered by marshes, parklands and plenty of drainages positioned perfectly for pumping baitfish, small shrimp and other tasty fodder right into the main channels on a dropping tide. It’s an ideal set-up for anglers to connect with speckled trout, red-
fish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead and even an occasional gray trout (a.k.a. weakfish). “The ocean water from Little River Inlet refreshes this strip of Intracoastal Waterway,” said Capt. Bob Strange, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters (www. strangemagiccharters.com; 843-274-1082). “We spend a lot of time working the backwaters here—the creeks, the drainages, the coves.” Strange predominately targets speckled trout, redfish and sheepshead in early spring, adding black drum and flounder in April. He’ll expand his efforts to waters outside Little River Inlet once the waters stabilize at about 70 degrees in May and June, as Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and additional species arrive. “Our early-season action is a lot fun,” noted Strange. “The ICW can be a busy place once the summer gets rolling, but in March and April it sees very little boating traffic. That means once you find the speckled trout you can usually have ’em all to yourself.” From his 22’ Pathfinder, Strange arms clients with 6’6” Shimano spinning rods with a medium action and fast tips. Shimano 2500 or 3000 series reels filled with 10- to 20-pound braid are a good match. He uses a 15- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and then the terminal tackle. Strange fishes live mud minnows, cut bait or fresh shrimp about 25 percent of the time and artificials the rest of the way. He favors small jigs tipped with Berkley Gulp! Swim Mullets, Z-Man trailers or similar soft plastics with white or chartreuse his most productive colors. The lures can be cast and jigged back to the boat or worked beneath popping corks. “Oyster bars make a great starting point, but don’t overlook creek bends, docks and the like,” explained Strange. “Any of these can be a hot spot. Transition areas work great, too, especially where you find shell banks changing over to grass or a drainage emptying onto a flat. Add in a little structure, and you’re in great shape.” While it is advisable to start your search with some hired help, anglers looking to trailer their own vessels can launch at a public ramp at the base of the RT. 17 bridge where it crosses the ICW between Little River and North Myrtle Beach. Bait and tackle along with info are available at Cricket Cove Marina in Little River (843-249-7169; www.cricketcovemarina.com).
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T
homas Hendel, of Lake Placid, Fla., reeled in 2020’s first Hall of Fame largemouth in FWC’s TrophyCatch program on Jan. 31. It was a monster, weighing in a 14 pounds, 2 ounces. He caught the big fish on Lake Placid in Highlands County, which is well-known for pumping out trophy bass. It is a 3,400-acre lake on the south side of the town of Lake Placid. It offers great opportunities for those looking to catch a high number of fish, as well as the chance at a lunker. This unique lake has a variety of vegetation and quality habitat types, including deep flats, ledges and humps not typical of most Florida lakes. “I was excited to learn I caught the first TrophyCatch Hall of Fame bass of the season and amazed at the size of my catch,” said Hendel. “This is the first bass I’ve submitted to TrophyCatch. I look forward to continuing my participation in this program for years to come.” For more information about the TrophyCatch program, visit www.trophycatchflorida.com.
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malltooth sawfish have been on the endangered species list since 2003. These shark-like rays with snouts that look like saws once inhabited coastal waters from Texas to North Carolina. Now they are only found regularly in southwest Florida, especially around Everglades National Park. As part of an ongoing collaborative research project, scientists have been tracking the movements of smalltooth sawfish using passive acoustic telemetry. Sawfish are tagged and data are collected using stationary receivers whenever the sawfish swims by. In 2019, Tonya Wiley, of Havenworth Coastal Conservation, and Dr. Jayne Gardiner, of New College of Florida, downloaded receivers in the Tampa Bay area. In total, five sawfish have been detected in Tampa Bay including three females. In addition, in the summer of 2019, a couple of sawfish were caught in permitted turtle relocator trawls during a dredging in the Tampa Bay ship channel. The receivers are still in the water listening for tagged sawfish which swim near them. Wiley plans to add more receivers in 2020 in hopes of getting a better understanding of the use of the Tampa Bay area by these endangered rays. For more information about sawfish, visit www.SawfishRecovery.org.
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“We took it out to the Bahamas and this thing was flawless; we never had to worry about it getting tangled.” —Barry Berhoff, CEO of Shurhold Industries Barry Berhoff is an avid diver off the coasts of Florida and the Bahamas. After discovering E-Z Anchor Puller at the 2017 IBEX boat builder show, Berhoff decided to install the Rebel EZ-4 on his 40’ SeaVee. “Once I got this in, I was really, really impressed because of the build quality,” he said. “…The other cool thing about this was that we were able to go to a much thinner anchor line.” E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co’s Rebel EZ-4 drum anchor winch is the perfect option for serious fishing and diving boats on the Florida scene. Known for its capabilities of holding nearly 1,000 feet of spectra or dyneema ¼-inch line, the Rebel EZ-4 is completely manufactured from 316 stainless steel and is IP68 rated water submersible. One of the most popular options of E-Z Anchor’s free-fall series, the drum will spool out line as fast as gravity allows the anchor to fall after a quick, two-second touch of a button. Press the “power up” side to neatly and quickly retract the line back onto the drum. “Without a doubt,” Berhoff said, “the guys at E-Z Anchor Puller built a spectacular, strong marine-grade piece of equipment. I cannot recommend it enough.”
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Y
ears ago, Z-Man introduced the Original Chatterbait, and it proved to be a true fish-catcher for thousands of anglers. Today you’ll find many versions of the Z-Man Chatterbait as well as many other manufacturers offering their version of a bladed jig. The shuddering action of these baits entices reaction strikes better than just about anything.
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As bass transition into spring patterns and move shallow to spawn, you can choose from a wide variety of lures and presentations to get bites. There will be situations when fishing very slowly with soft plastics is extremely productive, but first you’ve got to find fish. You need a reliable search tool to do this. The beauty of the bladed jig is you can vary the weights, colors and trailer types to suit any type of pattern. If fish are feeding on shad along weed lines and channel breaks, a ½- to ¾-ounce bladed jig in a shad pattern is my first choice. I can slow roll this lure along fairly shallow breaks and let it flutter down into the deeper haunts with a lift and fall action. Bass will often move up and down contour lines feeding before they head into really shallow water to spawn. A swimbait trailer is a good bet here. Choose your line size based on how deep you want your lure to run and water clarity. If you want to get a ½-ounce lure down 10 feet, use 15-pound-test fluorocarbon. If you want to keep it shallower or if water is stained with lots of timber, move up to 20-pound fluorocarbon or 50-pound braid. A 7-foot or longer rod designed for medium-diving crankbaits works best here. Not all bass move shallow at the same time on a body of water, and usually you can count on some being very shallow even before water temps hit the 60s. Often, the ones that do move up early are monsters, like the 8.6-pounder pictured here that fell for a bladed jig. For searching shallow flats, it’s hard to beat a 3/8-ounce bladed jig in brown, green or black patterns with matching swimbait or craw trailers. For clear water, I like green pumpkin. For stained water, I choose black and blue. The biggest enemy to spawning bass is bream and bluegill. These nest robbers are hungry and follow bass to the shallows for a chance at eggs. Most small bass don’t pay much attention to the thieves, but big bass will turn a bream’s good day into its last one. Rigged on 50-pound braid, I can cast bladed jigs to skinny water and work quickly around grass and timber to cover a lot of water. Let the lure get down into the grass, and then rip it out and let it flutter back down before retrieving again. Just be sure to hold on. This is usually when the biggest bass bite these lures. Give bladed jigs a try, and you’ll see why they live up to the hype.
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Photo courtesy of Capt. Bob Strange
By Tom Schlichter
J
ust a 20-minute drive north of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Little River Inlet and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that snakes behind it offer year-round fishing in generally calm, shallow water. Check it out on a map, and you’ll instantly know this is a fishy place. The inside waters here are bordered by marshes, parklands and plenty of drainages positioned perfectly for pumping baitfish, small shrimp and other tasty fodder right into the main channels on a dropping tide. It’s an ideal set-up for anglers to connect with speckled trout, redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead and even an occasional gray trout (a.k.a. weakfish). “The ocean water from Little River Inlet refreshes this strip of Intracoastal Waterway,” said Capt. Bob Strange, of Strange Magic Fishing Charters (www.strangemagiccharters.com; 843-274-1082). “We spend a lot of time working the backwaters here—the creeks, the drainages, the coves.” Strange predominately targets speckled trout, redfish and sheepshead in early spring, adding black drum and flounder in April. He’ll expand his efforts to waters outside Little River Inlet once the waters stabilize at about 70 degrees in May and June, as Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and additional species arrive. “Our early-season action is a lot fun,” noted Strange. “The ICW can be a busy place once the summer gets rolling, but in March and April it sees very little boating traffic. That means once you find the speckled trout you can usually have ’em all to yourself.” From his 22’ Pathfinder, Strange arms clients with 6’6” Shimano spinning rods with a medium action and fast tips. Shimano 2500 or 3000 series reels filled with 10- to 20-pound braid are a good match. He uses a 15- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and then the terminal tackle. Strange fishes live mud minnows, cut bait or fresh shrimp about 25 percent of the time and artificials the rest of the way. He favors small jigs tipped with Berkley Gulp! Swim Mullets, Z-Man trailers or similar soft plastics with white or chartreuse his most productive colors. The lures can be cast and jigged back to the boat or worked beneath popping corks. “Oyster bars make a great starting point, but don’t overlook creek bends, docks and the like,” explained Strange. “Any of these can be a hot spot. Transition areas work great, too, especially where you find shell banks changing over to grass or a drainage emptying onto a flat. Add in a little structure, and you’re in great shape.” While it is advisable to start your search with some hired help, anglers looking to trailer their own vessels can launch at a public ramp at the base of the RT. 17 bridge where it crosses the ICW between Little River and North Myrtle Beach. Bait and tackle along with info are available at Cricket Cove Marina in Little River (843-249-7169; www.cricketcovemarina.com).
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By CAM Staff mall boats with tall towers have become a harbinger of spring on coastal waters. It began as a northern Gulf Coast phenomenon, when anglers developed run-and-gun sight-fishing tactics for spring-run cobia. But the technique has migrated like the fish. The timing varies according to the arrival of cobia in various locations around the Gulf and up the Atlantic Coast. In waters off Virginia and up into Chesapeake Bay, it’s more of a summer deal. But
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sight fishing has to be the most exciting way to catch brown bombers. These days cobia boats with elevated towers are almost as common off the coast of North Carolina as they are off Panama City, Fla. When cobia are on the move, they migrate as singles or in small pods. They like structure when they’re not moving, and the same is true on the migration. They can often be found holding tight to moving structure, which means big rays or turtles. Spotting them is the trick. Presenting baits or lures to cobia you see is much more effective than trying to blind-fish for them. Most cobia trips involve a lot more cruising and looking than casting, so vigilance and being ready when the chance arrives are imperative. Most captains opt for a late-morning start because fish are easier to spot when the sun is high and there’s less glare on the water. Once fish are located, getting into casting range is the goal. Cobia are funny. The steady growl of the motor doesn’t usually put them down unless you get too close, but popping it in and out of gear will cause them to disappear in a heartbeat. If they do go down, don’t fret. Migrating fish are on a mission. They will continue on the same heading at roughly the same speed. With a little patience, it is often possible to reconnect with a fish that has spooked by staying on its course and watching for it to resurface. When you do get a shot, be ready with an array of rods with different lures and baits. Cobia can be picky, and they’ll let you know whether or not they’re interested if you work a bait or jig high in the water column where the fish’s reaction is visible. Medium-heavy spinning tackle with 25- or 30-pound braided line and a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader is a good starting point. You’ll have the casting distance and the power to fight big fish in open water. Be ready with ½ to 1 ½-ounce jigs. Bucktails are good and so are an array of soft plastics that mimick eels or baitfish. Color choice will depend on where you’re fishing, so trust your captain or ask a local tackle shop. Keep a few live baits rigged and ready in buckets in case your jig is snubbed. Eels are great. But if you end up taking multiple shots at a fish, follow up with mullet, pinfish, whole squid or a big shrimp. Sometimes you have to just figure out what they want.
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P
eople who love boating know it’s more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. Being on the water is a more than just a break from the mundane day-to-day grind, it’s a passion that fills your heart and captures your sense of adventure. Whether you are the weekend warrior and love to go offshore fishing or if you like exploring backwater creeks and rivers, you are a part of that community. As part of the boating world, you have also come to know Llebroc Industries as a leader in design and comfort. Today, Llebroc continues to develop the most influential and sought-after seating throughout the boating industry. If you have ever been to ICAST or walked a boat show, you have seen Llebroc Industries work on display. On brands like Blazer, Phoenix, Falcon and Vexus, you can find Llebroc’s handy-work. There is a reason why Llebroc has been an industry leader for more than 35 years. The proof is in the product, and Llebroc has put its name to the test over and over and come out on top. The Llebroc team has once again created a unique design in their SV Series of seating. Stitching and color patterns are the first to catch your eye. But as soon as you sit down on one of their chairs, you come to realize it’s more than just a great looking seat. Comfort and durability really bring home the total package for your next seat or bench. So, as you are searching for the perfect accessories for your new boat or you’re looking to upgrade your seating, make sure to go to the best name on the market: Llebroc Industries. You will find Llebroc seating on display on Grady White, Ocean Alexander, Freeman and Cobia boats at the Palm Beach International Boat Show March 26-29. For more information, go to www.llebroc.com.
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ohn Cox, of DeBary, Fla., started the FLW Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit with a bang Jan. 26 with a wire-to-wire first-place finish on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas. In the first Pro Circuit event of the season, Cox weighed a four-day total of 65 pounds, 15 ounces to add yet another accolade to his impressive FLW resume. It was his fifth FLW Tour win, which ties him for No. 6 in all-time career wins with David Dudley. His Rayburn trophy will look good with his others, which include an FLW Angler of the Year and the 2016 FLW Cup Championship. “This was the best win I’ve ever had,” Cox said. “I usually start off the year pretty slow and get better through the season. To start the season with a win, I don’t even know what to say. I’m so thankful – this is just incredible.” Starting with a win must be more important this season than ever for Cox. He’s the only angler who qualified and committed to fish both the FLW Pro Circuit and the B.A.S.S. Elite Series in 2020. Entry fees alone will cost more than $80,000 to fish both tours, and the more than $100,000 in earnings from Rayburn will go a long way toward keeping him on the road.
32
FLORIDA
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MARCH 2020
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T
ampa Bay Watch is recruiting 20 hard-working volunteers to build oyster reef balls at its Marine Center in Tierra Verde on specified weekday mornings. There are four days in March when assistance is needed. The project involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster reef balls and taking apart the molds that were previously poured. Oyster reef balls help replace oyster populations in struggling habitat areas. Originally designed to rebuild coral reefs, oyster reef balls have been an integral part of Tampa Bay Watch’s restoration programs for years and have been previously installed in numerous locations that lack natural buffers that help reduce pollutants from flowing off streets and into Tampa Bay. Oysters need to attach to a hard structure to grow into adults, and the rough texture of the reef balls makes it easier for oysters to grow. Oyster communities help stabilize shorelines, provide hard bottom habitats for fish, and promote water quality improvements. Tampa Bay Watch builds about 1,000 oyster reef balls each year in at least two large-scale projects. Reef balls can vary in size, but most weigh about 200 pounds. They are installed along seawalls and shorelines to provide habitat. It’s a dirty job, but it’ll make a difference for Tampa Bay! Remaining volunteer dates this spring are: March 3, March 11, March 17 and March 23. For more information and to sign up, go to www.tampabaywatch.org.
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MARCH 2020
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MARCH 2020
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MARCH 2020
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Great Streams and Craft Beverages Await in Hendersonville, N.C. Photo by Nick Carter
I
f you’re an angler who enjoys following up a day on mountain trout streams with a refreshing craft beverage or two, cast your attention to the Blue Ridge mountain town of Hendersonville. This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers! Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider. First, the fishing part. North Mills River is the prime trout stream in the Hendersonville area. The river’s 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife, divvied between brook, rainbow and brown. Spring is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30. Another hot spot for trout fishing is just across the Henderson County line toward Brevard. The Davidson River offers miles of public trout waters that receive annual stockings of 16,500 fish. Other lesser-known spots for fishing near Hendersonville include
16
NATIONAL
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MARCH 2020
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three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters from Rocky River Lane to the Rutherford County line near Chimney Rock, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters. For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those waterfalls were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen in The Last of the Mohicans, as well as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of experiences. Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck. Several craft producers on the trail create small-batch beverages prized for their quality and originality. Three breweries – Southern Appalachian, Triskelion and Guidon – are within a few blocks of each other in the Depot District, while Sanctuary Brewing Co. is only a few blocks away on Main Street. Sanctuary is pet-friendly with a commitment to pet rescue. Three wineries produce high-quality wines from European varietals. The newest – Point Lookout Vineyards – is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, the area’s first vineyard, is on farmland that’s been in the family for more than nine generations. And two miles from Saint Paul, Burntshirt Vineyards offers tastings in its renovated farmhouse overlooking rolling hills of vines. For complete Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-828-4244 or go to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.
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N
MARK SOSIN
othing is more demanding in light-tackle fishing than to spot a fish and make a cast to it without much time to get ready. Speed and accuracy are the keys to a perfect presentation that results in a strike. Several species of gamefish invade relatively shallow water in search of food as the incoming tide floods an area. Catching them sometimes requires you to see them so you can present a bait or lure. Your target species might be striped bass in San Francisco Bay or in coastal areas throughout the northeast. Jumbo bluefish charge across the skinny portions of Chesapeake Bay each spring because the menhaden are there. Redfish might be your target in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Down in Florida, the shallows are full of life with species such as bonefish, permit, tarpon, jacks, sharks and other critters. Concentration is critical in spotting fish or in determining signs of fish. It’s a mental discipline as well as a physical one. If you’re working off-color water, start by scouting the surface for any signs of activity. It could be a swirl or a boil or surface water being pushed by moving fish. Your goal is to identify anything different from the surrounding water. Expand your search area to waters a considerable distance away. Don’t overlook slicks, muds or anything else out of the ordinary.
When the water is shallow and a fish noses down to eat something on or near the bottom, its tail often lifts above the surface and can be spotted at a significant distance. Species such as redfish may lift their caudal fin in the air and it, too, can be seen. Tails or fins may only show for a moment or two, but if you are concentrating, you should be able to spot them. It takes practice to see fish, even in clear water. The trick involves staring through the surface of the water as if it were a pane of glass. Focus on the bottom or just above it. Your eyes should scan the area as if they were a radar antenna, moving right, left and center. And don’t forget to look far out across the water to detect the flash of a tail, wakes, birds or any other signs of activity. Some species may lie motionless waiting to ambush a tasty meal, while others keep moving. As you scan through the surface, a silver colored fish might look black. When a fish picks a morsel off the bottom, it creates a small puff of mud. Experienced eyes identify this very slight discoloration in the water, and the angler knows that something was just there. If you continue to see fresh puffs, cast a bait or lure in the area. The results could be impressive. Presenting a bait or lure to a fish you can see is certainly the ultimate angling challenge. Putting yourself in those situations can be very demanding, requires total concentration, and, at times can prove frustrating. At the end of the day, you might be tired, but the successful experience will brighten your memory for days to come.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
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MARCH 2020
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TYPE ITEM SAE 69043/63282/42304 METRIC 69044/63171/42305
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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 1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com advertised for sale at or • above the “Compare to” price by another national Iretailer in the U.S. 2020 within the past I 90NATIONAL days. Prices advertised by 19 others COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 5/3/20. may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
2/6/20 4:01 PM
WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES
44
TOURNAMENT
WINS
$79.95 ea. or 3-pak for $199
TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED
“BALLYHOOD” SALTWATER TROLLING LURES
(714) 545-0196 6-pak Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case
FREE SHIPPING!
www.BALLYHOOD.com
I
t’s official! After years of drastically curtailed federal seasons and bag limits, NOAA fisheries voted in February to implement state management for private anglers fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Under an exempted fishing permit (EFP), the five Gulf Coast states—Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas— managed the private recreational Photo courtesy of Capt. Chester Reese, red snapper fishery in the Gulf Natural World Charters. of Mexico for the 2018 and 2019 fishing seasons and saw remarkable success. The EFP was the result of a multi-year effort to give the states control after the status quo federal management approach reduced the Gulf red snapper season to an astounding three days for private anglers in federal waters. “State management of Gulf red snapper has been a game-changer for anglers,” said Kellie Ralston, with the American Sportfishing Association. “Because of their targeted data collection and their ability to quickly respond to what’s going on inseason, each of the Gulf states has been able to provide substantial red snapper seasons for the private recreational sector. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of the states, the Secretary of Commerce and our Congressional champions. Making this management a long-term reality through the formal approval of Amendment 50 ensures this great success story will continue for years to come.” At the Gulf Council meeting in January, each state gave a report on their data collection program and emphasized their ability to incorporate local factors to ground-truth the harvest data and to nimbly adjust the season. This state-level approach provides far greater flexibility in fishery management versus the federal one-size-fits-all, static regulations. Anglers trust the state systems because they are responsive and the regulations match the conditions seen on the water. With an independent analysis of red snapper populations set to be released in the next few months, anglers are hopeful for continued gains in the management of the Gulf red snapper fishery.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Return Of A
LEGEND!
Inshore, Offshore, Fish More!
SeaCatBoats.com
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228-206-4042
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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MARCH 2020
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Defender
®
THE BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK
24th Annual Warehouse Sale H March 26-29, 2020 Save at defender.com, by phone or in our CT facility!
High Performance 3D Sonar
• Easily identify structure and locate fish with the lifelike clarity of RealVision 3D sonar. • RealVision 3D™ sonar with GPS Track feature uses precision GPS to construct the most accurate 3D model of the underwater world, in real-time.
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Lewmar Windlass packages with rode
V700
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• Knowledgeable & Experienced Sales Staff • • Same Day Shipping on Most Orders • 22
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SZ Q
™
WINTER SALES EVENT SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.
INSTANT SAVINGS
IN
SAVSTAN IN T GS S
SE AVE LE CT RIG SU HT ZU KI NOW OU TB ON OA RD S
REPOWER FINANCE
Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.
REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20 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. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. 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. 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 creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/20 and 03/31/20. “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. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SZ Q1 Promo 1PG CSTL ANGLR 11-23-19.indd 1
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11/23/19 4:10 PM
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Flip Flip Hooray! A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79
H
ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not recreate that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver
Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!
Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only! To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size. Chain sold separately.
“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.” — Dolphins-World
Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316!
êêêêê
You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”
— Vivian, Cabool, MO
† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Stauer
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: DPP272-01 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP272-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
Rating of A+
• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.
GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! $ JANUARY 2, 2020-MARCH 31, 2020, ONLY AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS
*
*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 2, 2020 and March 31, 2020 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels.
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