Coastal Angler Magazine | March 2023 | Tampa Bay Edition

Ifyou’re anything like my dad, you give your family everything. Your name, your time, your values — the people in your life know they can depend on you for practically anything. In exchange for imparting all of this energy and experience, you expect nothing in return.

e point? You deserve to treat yourself once in a while. You do so much for the people you care about. Now it’s time to focus on you for just a few minutes. at’s where the Men’s Due Volta Watch comes in. is astonishing innovation provides a digital readout that’s powered by a precise quartz engine, combining both analog and digital timekeeping.

Out tted with a stopwatch, alarm, a.m./p.m. settings, and day, date and month complications, this timepiece stands out from the crowd. With its large face and handsome, masculine design, this watch is perfect for the back nine and the happy hour afterwards. Water-resistant up to 3 ATM, this timepiece won’t wimp out if you have a run-in with a water hazard. Other hybrid watches can sell for thousands of dollars, but because we’ve built more than 1 million watches, we know how to create real value. at’s why we can o er this timepiece for just $59! If you’re not completely satis ed with this watch, return it for a full refund.

Act quickly! is one-of-a-kind watch has been one of our fastest sellers this year. Of our original run of 2,872, we only have 389 left for this ad! In the last couple of years there’s been a watch shortage, but Stauer has got you covered. If you’re the kind of man who gives everything and expects nothing in return, it’s time to treat yourself.

Watch Speci cations:

• Complications: stopwatch, alarm, a.m./p.m. settings, and day, date and month

• Precision movement chronograph

• Stainless steel caseback and crown

• Water-resistant to 3 ATM

Men’s Due Volta Watch $399 $59* + S&P Save $320

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

A MODERN-DAY TED WILLIAMS

By A. DeGruchy

Major League Baseball’s JD Martinez has garnered a lot of accolades, including three Silver Sluggers, a Hank Aaron Award and MLB Player of the Year. e man is a vetime All-Star! What some folks might not know about the former Boston Red Sox turned Los Angeles Dodger is he’s also an avid sherman.

Growing up in Miami, he o en escaped to sh the Florida Keys. rough the years, that passion never faded. He now lives in Islamorada and spends the o season shing with Capt. Brandon “ e Bean” Storin.

Capt. Bean grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and has vacationed every year in the Keys since he was 5 years old. He shed with Capt. Jimmy Willcox, who inspired a dream to become a backcountry guide. In 2021, e Bean ful lled his dream.

Together, JD and Capt. Bean have made memories while landing some awesome sh. eir rst trip in the Islamorada backcountry produced JD’s personal-best tripletail. It was JD’s rst time tripletailing, and they were sight-casting buoys. Just like hitting a 95-mph fastball, timing and execution are everything, and JD made the perfect cast when they spotted a stud tripletail. Several runs and exhales later, Bean swooped deep and netted the 20-plus-pound

beast. It was JD’s rst, and it is a personal best that will take some work to beat.

Another epic adventure took place during a sunset black n tuna mission. Capt. Bean knew ns, and they used light spinning tackle to make it more fun. It didn’t take more than a couple minutes for JD to get tight on a monster n. All you could hear was the reel screaming, and the rod was doubled over the whole ght. It was JD’s personal-

full-grown one to boot.

On their most recent adventure, Capt. Bean and JD were bottom shing for mutton snapper when an unexpected bite inhaled a whole ballyhoo. It ended up being an almost record-breaking yellowtail snapper, which at 29 inches was the sh of a lifetime. Gray’s taxidermy commemorated the yellowtail to add to JD’s mount collection, along with the aforementioned tripletail.

JD is a good angler, and he is not the rst Red Sox slugger to nd a shing home on Islamorada. Ted Williams, considered by many to be the greatest hitter of all time, played for the Sox from 1939-1960. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1966, and he is also a member of the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. Williams resided and shed in Islamorada for bone sh and tarpon with legendary Capt. Jimmy Albright. It is said he became as good an angler as any of the guides.

MLB and the Islamorada backcountry have a shared history. Capt. Bean and JD continue adding to the legends to this day.

Follow JD Martinez (@jdmartinez28) and Capt. Bean (@bnmbean) on Instagram. Some of their adventures are featured on YouTube at Bean Sport shing TV.

Noodling for Cat sh...what have I gotten myself into?

is past summer, I wanted to do something exciting and di erent with my friends for my “bachelorette” getaway. I always thought noodling would be a cool experience.

If you’re not familiar with noodling, it’s a technique anglers use to catch cat sh with their hands. In the lead-up to the spawn, cat sh nd holes in the banks where they will eventually lay and guard their eggs. It’s up to the angler to locate either a natural hole or a strategically placed box that a cat sh has decided to call home. e angler then sticks their hand into the hole, triggering the cat sh to chomp down on their hand and forearm. en, it’s a wrestling match to the surface.

e athead cat sh we pursued don’t have teeth, but they do grow large, with some sh reaching well over 50 pounds. It takes all your strength to get them out of their happy place and up to the surface to become sh celebrities.

Because it takes place during the spawn, this style of shing has become almost 100-percent catch-and-release for many noodlers. A er a few photos, sh are released safely to return to their holes and continue spawning duties.

When my two best friends and I le the familiar clear Florida waters for the beautiful state of Alabama, we had the goal to get one of these monster cats to bite... our arms. I’m not going to lie; I was a bit nervous getting on the boat. It was beautiful and peaceful on the river,

TO REMEMBER

By Deidra Thrappas

but the water is murky like chocolate milk and the banks are muddy. Shoes are highly recommended.

When I entered the water at our rst spot, it kind of hit me: “What have I gotten myself into?” But there was no turning back. Our guide located the wooden box he had planted earlier in the season and instructed me to hold my breath and lie on the bottom while slowly sliding my hand into the hole.

At rst there was nothing. en… WHAM! It was like a toothless gator grabbed me. I had been instructed to grab that sucker by its lower jaw with both hands and not to let go. So that’s what I did. A er a brief struggle, I had a dandy on the surface staring right at me! rough the day, we tried many holes, some empty and some with sh. Each time we stopped, the anticipation and excitement were the same as at the rst hole. It was a great experience, and I plan to go again soon. If you’ve ever thought of going noodling, I highly recommend it, 10/10.

e noodling season runs from midspring through the summer, depending on the location. Get online and nd a local guide for the area you’re interested in. Feel free to contact me with questions on Instagram @ get_outside_with_deidra or my husband, Capt. Jamie rappas @yellow_dawg_ shing.

Deidra and her husband Capt. Jamie rappas are co-publishers of the Volusia County, Fla. edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

Historically, gold has proved to be a reliable hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Plus, gold bars are a convenient and popular way to invest in gold. PAMP® gold bars are one of the most trusted gold investment products on the planet.

Who Is PAMP® Suisse?

In a nutshell, PAMP Suisse is the world’s leading independent Precious Metals refiner. An acronym, “PAMP” stands for Produits Artistiques Métaux Précieux (“artistic precious metals products,” in French). The company is completely independent of any government, and provides more than half of all the gold bars under 50 grams sold around “the world. They are so well respected in the gold industry, they are assigned as an ‘Approved Good delivery Referee’ to determine the quality of products by the London Bullion Market Association. Located in the southern part of Switzerland in Castel San Pietro, the company was founded in 1977.

The Highest Quality Standards!

PAMP Suisse Minted Gold Bars are certified, assayed, guaranteed, and struck in 999.9% pure gold! These gold bars feature an obverse design portraying Fortuna, the Roman Goddess of fortune and the personification of luck in Roman religions. PAMP Suisse’s exclusive Veriscan® technology uses the metal’s microscopic topography, similar to a fingerprint, to identify any registered product, aiding in the detection of counterfeits. The tamper-evident assay card makes it easy to tell if the bar has been questionably handled, while guaranteeing the gold weight and purity.

Order Now for Doorstep Delivery!

Add gold to your portfolio. PAMP Suisse Minted Gold Bars are available here in a wide variety of sizes—from one gram to one ounce—at competitive prices. PLUS, you’ll receive FREE Shipping on your order over $149. Call right now to get your PAMP Suisse Minted Gold Bars shipped to your door!

PAMP Suisse Minted Gold Bars

1 gm Gold Bar $96 $89 + s/h

2.5 gm Gold Bar $229 $199 + FREE SHIPPING

5 gm Gold Bar $449 $379 + FREE SHIPPING

10 gm Gold Bar $735 $699 + FREE SHIPPING

1 oz Gold Bar $2,229 $2,049 + FREE SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases. Actual sizes are 11.5 x 19 to 24 x 41 mm

A CHANGE OF PACE

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Today we are going to cruise past the shallow South Texas ats, through the pass, and nd some nearshore rocks loaded with huge legal Texas red snapper! What a di erence a few miles and 68 feet of water can make.

I typically make a handful of trips to the short rigs or rocks o the Texas coast each summer for a change of scenery. On the calm summer days, the mosquito eet (smaller bay boats) breaks the jetties and heads out for kings, cobia and red snapper. ese shallow-water snapper are typically in the 16- to 20-foot range. ey are tasty none the less, but nothing like what you nd close to shore in winter, as I recently observed during my rst winter o shore trip. Recently, we were in between cold fronts and had our rst sunny day in more than a week. Several days of windy, cloudy, cold, rainy days had me longing for some sunny rays. When my brother called and asked if I wanted to join him and his neighbor for some Texas red snapper, I didn’t hesitate to say yes! e photos he sent of the previous trip’s catch were the icing on the cake. e forecast called for 2- to 3-foot seas—which turned out to be less—70degree sunny temps, and wind at 6 knots from the east. is was a one-day window.

When we pulled up to a small set of rocks, there were two other boats there and four rods were doubled over! One of the boats was doing a bag check, and I watched him tossing and counting 15- to 20-pound snapper into the cooler. His count ended at 14, two shy of his limit… and they had two on the line. Keep in mind, at this time my personnel best snapper was about 8 pounds, and everything I was seeing was more than twice that size. e anticipation was high as I waited for the trolling motor to lock in.

Once the trolling motor settled into place, we pinned chunks of squid onto bottom rigs weighted with 8 to 12 ounces of lead and the fun began! It became a bit chaotic with doubles on while trying to coax a 20-pound snapper into an oversized net while still trying to catch one yourself.

It is hard to beat the drag zinging of a king mackerel or the Mack Truck power of a cobia during the calm days of late summer, but I might have to switch my snapper season from summer to winter! When the smallest winter ones are twice the size of your largest summer catch, it’s an easy switch.

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures® and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

It’s Pompano Time in South Florida!

Pompano have already begun to show up here on South Florida’s east coast, and the bite will only get better as we move deeper into spring.

Temperature drives the movements of these tasty little jacks. ey prefer 70- to 80-degree water temps, they travel in schools and feed on mollusks and crustaceans in inlets and o sandy beaches. ese are some of the reasons pompano are a favorite target of shore-based anglers. Once you nd them, you are in for a world of fun.

Florida pompano, like permit, are in the jack family. ey have a strong resemblance to each other, so it’s important to be able to tell them apart. Size is a dead giveaway when you’re dealing with mature specimens, as pompano rarely grow larger than 6 pounds and permit regularly reach weights of up to 40 pounds. Pompano and juvenile permit, however, have a similar appearance. e most noticeable di erence is a permit’s larger, humped forehead. Pompano also tend to be more yellow throughout their body, while permit only have yellow on their bellies near their anal ns.

Anytime from March into the beginning of September, pompano move o shore to broadcast spawn. Since they already travel in schools, this is spontaneous, and they head back inshore when they are done. Prime time to sh for them here is April and May, and you’ll nd them along sandy beaches as well as around oyster and seagrass beds. Pompano seem to enjoy water with more current,

which has that milky look.

Pompano migrate seasonally to stay in their preferred water temperatures, and they have been found as far north as Massachusetts. ey move north or farther o shore to nd cooler water in deep summer. ey come back south in fall to prepare for the spring mating season. Local movements also happen due to tides and other conditions. ey are either in an area or they are not, and they move to nd waters where they can feed comfortably. A er strong storms, our sandbars tend to change, which will also change where pompano are feeding.

By Emily Rose Hanzlik

Pompano are very spirited ghters on light tackle. Small jigs in yellow or chartreuse are commonly used with great success. Beach anglers use long surf rods and chicken rigs baited with shrimp, clams, crab knuckles and sand eas. Sand eas are the preferred bait. Many anglers take it a step further by adding a piece of arti cial bait, such as Fishbites, to the natural baits. is is especially e ective when other sh peck o natural bait quickly. It ensures something stays on the hook, as most of these arti cial baits are very durable. ese arti cial baits can also be added to jigs for scent.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 56 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

There is a Reason More Marine Professionals Choose Suzuki RePower – It Simply Makes Sense

Why are More Professional Mariners Choosing Mastry Suzuki RePower - Power, Reliable, Durable & Best Value

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors:

• Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers have decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing

• With a Mastry Suzuki RePower, owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability

• Options that will fit most any budget, financing available

• Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program*

• All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s 5-years of protection

With 13 Locations Across Florida There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You

THE

ALTERNATIVE

TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

REPOWER

*Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identification card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional benefits during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

| 1-800-545-4574

BLADED JIGS TIPS FROM A PRO

TYLER WOOLCOTT

Let’s talk a bait that works absolutely everywhere. e bladed jig, also called a chatterbait, is one of the most versatile baits you can tie on the end of your line. It’s one of my all-time favorites. From Florida to New York, in any season, this bait catches them.

ere are hundreds of situations that make me want to sling a chatterbait. I always keep one tied on because it’s so versatile. Whether it’s grass, rocks, docks, wood or open water, there isn’t a situation where this bait doesn’t work.

Use a chatterbait as a search bait and cover some water. If there is a hungry bass around and you match your color to the forage they are feeding on, you will get them to bite. Unless the water you are shing is extremely muddy, matching color to the forage species is important. In cold water, where bass are feeding on red and orange craw sh, tie on a bright red or orange bladed jig. If you are in the south and bass are feeding on bluegill or shiners, stick to natural colors like a green pumpkin or some kind of gold and silver. e only time I throw

a bright white or chartreuse chatterbait is in extremely stained water, where I need the bait to stand out. Always match the hatch!

I live in Florida, and our spawning season is earlier than most. By the time you read this, most of our sh will be nished spawning. Farther north, they’ll just be getting started. A chatterbait is deadly when bass are staged up before, during and a er the spawn. e chattering blade drives these sh crazy. It’s a sh call. row it around in a staging area and you will have a very good day on the water.

ere isn’t a wrong way to use it. With the many colors, weights and size options, there is a match for the style of shing you want to do. From northern smallmouths to giant South Florida largemouths, every bass will eat a bladed jig. Like any bait, a chatterbait will perform best when matched with the right gear. I like a medium-heavy, moderate-action rod. You don’t want to set the hook as much as you want to reel into the sh when they eat the bait. Treat it like a bait with treble hooks. e 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’4mhm is absolutely perfect for this application. I pair a 7:5:1 gear ratio Concept A 13 Fishing reel and 15- to 20-pound Seaguar AbrazX. Hope this shing tip nds you well and puts more sh in your boat. Don’t hesitate to contact me on social media with any questions.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.

Salina spinning reels feature a hybrid carbonite and Japanese felt DFD drag system that outputs more than 33 lbs of fsh stopping power. Constructed from advanced LITECAST body material that is 15% lighter than die-cast aluminum, these reels are built for both light inshore and heavy ofshore use. With an interchangeable screw-in handle system and six available models from 4000 to 14000, Salina spinning reels are designed to maximize your success on the water.

okumafshingusa.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S PREMIER FLOATING DOCK SYSTEM

Lasting 2-3 times longer than wooden, concrete, and aluminum docks, our modular foating system is the preferred dock choice for residential, commercial, marina, liesure, and other applications. Customizable and confgurable for boat docks, liesure and recreation docks, and drive-on jet ski and personal watercraft!

• High-quality plastic

• Environmentally-friendly

• Guaranteed for 20 years

• Near-zero maintenance

• Completely customizable

• UV and pollution resistant

SA-10000A

WE ACCEPT TRADES!

LOTS OF USED BOATS!

HUGE SAVINGS ON NEW AND USED BOATS!

• Lowrance

• Simrad

• Garmin

• Humminbird

• Power Pole

• Tallon

• Minn Kota

• Motor Guide

• Lowrance

Newly Expanded Service Department!

Triple Threat Throwdown to Ra e O Loaded Fishing Kayak

Florida’s saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory, is sweetening the pot this year by o ering anglers a shot at winning a fully loaded shing kayak.

Rigged out with an accessory package from Yak Attack, this Bona de SS127 series kayak is a shing machine. It will be ra ed o to one lucky member of Catch a Florida Memory’s Triple reat Club a er a season-long event billed as the Triple reat rowdown. Only members of the Triple reat Club who are recognized with a Catch a Florida Memory achievement between now and Sept. 5 will be eligible for the ra e.

Triple Threat Club

Triple reat Club status is awarded to anglers who have quali ed for recognition in all three of the following Catch a Florida Memory programs. Once an angler enters the Triple reat Club, they are a member for life. ey receive a dry- t performance shing shirt and entry into Triple reat Club opportunities like the Triple reat rowdown.

• A Saltwater Grand Slam consists of catching three speci ed species within a 24-

hour time period. ere are nine di erent grand slam categories for di erent saltwater species in di erent habitats.

• Saltwater Reel Big Fish recognition is for anglers who catch one exceptionally large specimen from a list of 30 di erent species with pre-determined qualifying length.

• e Saltwater Fish Life List 10 Fish Club is for anglers who have caught 10 di erent species of saltwater sh from the Catch a Florida Memory Life List of 70 species.

Raffle Eligibility

Eligible anglers must qualify for a recognition between now and Sept. 5, 2023 and be a member of the Triple reat Club at the time of the drawing. Eligible recognitions include a Grand Slam, a Reel Big Fish recognition, or a Life List recognition. Each angler will receive only one entry into the Triple reat rowdown ra e.

For more information and to submit catches, go to catcha oridamemory.com.

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Goliath Harvest Opens for the First Time in 30 Years

By CAM Sta

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

Sailfsh House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

• FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet

• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

Cover Your Vacation with Travel Insurance

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com

Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206

This month, for the rst time in more than 30 years, a few Florida anglers will have the opportunity to harvest a goliath grouper. e limited and highly regulated season runs from March 1 through May 31, and you’re out of luck if you don’t already have a state-issued Goliath Grouper Harvest Permit.

Just 200 non-transferable permits were issued by lottery a er the application period back in October 2022. is spring, permit holders will hit the water in search of a very expensive sh sandwich. On top of a $10 fee to enter the lottery, anglers selected for a permit paid $150 for Florida residents and $500 for non-residents for the chance to harvest a single sh.

“No way. Not interested at all,” said one angler from the Florida Keys when asked if they hoped to get a permit. “I guess there’s some novelty in eating a sh that no one is supposed to have tasted for 30 years, and it might make sense if they let you keep a big one, but it’s hardly worth my time to chase a 10-pound grouper.”

e slot limit for the one sh allowed per permit holder is 24 to 36 inches. Fish above or below that slot must be released immediately. Anglers with goliath tags will be intentionally shing for juveniles rather than the enormous 8-foot-long, 800-pound monsters that lurk around shallow, nearshore structure.

is highly regulated and extremely limited harvest seems to be the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) way of testing the waters. Harvest of goliath grouper was completely banned in 1990 a er the population collapsed due to over shing and the loss of mangrove habitat required by juveniles of the species. Since then, the population has rebounded and abundance continues to increase. Removal of just 200 sh from the population, and no more than 50 sh from Everglades National Park, will not hinder rebuilding, according to an FWC presentation on the shery.

Additionally, goliath grouper may not be harvested from federal waters or from the waters of Martin County, including the St. Lucie River and its tributaries, south through the Atlantic coast of Monroe County and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Goliath grouper harvest will also allow FWC to collect important data for a species about which there is plenty to learn. Upon catching their one goliath, tag holders must immediately apply their tag to the lower jawbone of the sh and report their catch online within 24 hours. Even if they don’t catch a sh, tag holders must report that a er the season ends. Some permitted anglers will be required to provide a biological sample of their sh for genetic testing.

For more information, go to myfwc.com.

NEW BRICK PAVER SIDEWALKS THROUGHOUT!

BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

FISHING COURTESY

I’ve spent endless hours enjoying the companionship and friendship of other anglers, each sharing numerous stories and adventures. However, pressure to catch fish, inexperience and overcrowding can increase tensions among recreational and professional anglers, undermining a fishing trip.

While we may not do it deliberately, we’ve all gotten too close. And, when we do, we get that familiar “hey you idiot” stare or an oratory of verbal banter and profanity admonishing us for infringing on their fishing spot. Just take it like an adult--apologize and move away.

Common sense and courtesy are simple, and everyone should practice them. There’s plenty of water with loads of places to fish. So, if someone’s in the spot you want to fish, just move on to one of your other spots, or look for new ones. We’ve all been there, traveling long distances to our favorite spot. But, when we arrive, oh my goodness, boats are fishing right there. Well, life happens. Think positive and consider it an opportunity to find new locations.

So, you pack up and leave for another area wondering why anyone would be so inconsiderate as to crowd other anglers? The answer to that question is

mainly to catch a fish. More than any other spot violation and fishing protocol, this is probably the number one source of irritation and arguments. We all understand we cannot expect to fish alone, especially on weekends and holidays, and especially those popular hot spots. But, we should expect common sense, courtesy and consideration, especially if you’ve arrived there first. How far is far enough to stay away from another boat? It depends on the area, but a general rule of thumb that’s been around for years is 100 yards. Or, if your cast lands within the casting range of another boat, you’re too close. As a guide spending many hours on the water, I’m sure I’ll make some judgment errors and may do something to irritate a fellow angler. Let me apologize in advance and tell you it will never be deliberate.

BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA

SNOOK AND REDFISH ARE THE HOT BITE IN MARCH

With the relatively mild winter, snook have continued to be a go to target. The fish are feeding strong on moving tides. They are hitting lures, live and cut bait.

Lures are working well around residential docks and in potholes in the grass flats. Top choices are High Water Lures Get’em Shads on a 1/4-ounce jighead or a suspended hard bait like a MirrOlure. Live greenbacks and handpicked shrimp are working well in the same areas. Bring plenty of live chum along to fire up the snook. If you’re targeting bigger snook, try cut threadfins or ladyfish along the mangrove shorelines. Chumming with small pieces of threadfins will get the bite going.

The big redfish are starting to show up. The big schools haven’t arrived yet, but small pods are on the prowl. Using the same bait and tactics for the snook have been working for reds up to 30 inches.

For gear, try 7-foot 6-inch rods with 3000 size reels loaded with 15-pound braid. A 36-inch leader of 20 to 25-pound fluorocarbon tied to a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook will get the job done with cut bait. Try 0/1 to 1/0 hooks if fishing live bait.

The trout bite also remains strong with limits of 18 to 20-inch fish common. Jigs and live shrimp are your best bets.

Book a trip and get in on the hot action. We can fish from one to four people on our boats and can accommodate larger groups with our team of experienced captains. The Highwater fishing lures can be bought at St. Pete Fishing Outfitters. 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.pocketchangefishingcharters.com | Check us out on Facebook

— Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoorsman, photographer, and environmental scientist. Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @ snookjam or call 727-410-5853.

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN The

By: Wes Tallyn

With a whopping 9-foot wingspan, an American white pelican takes flight quickly rising up off of the smooth Florida Bay waters. Several others follow along, flying off in a perfect “V-formation” into the glowing orange eastern sunrise.

White pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America. In Florida, the pelicans begin to arrive in November or December to spend the Winter, avoiding the harsh Winter conditions. With white bodies, large yellowish bills and black feathers under their wings, they are easily differentiated from the more common brown pelicans that we also have in the state.

Unlike brown pelicans, white pelicans do not dive for their prey. The white pelicans, instead, will work together as a team encircling fish and crustaceans and then dip their heads in the water to grab their meals. Sometimes, they will also push prey into shallow water as well. A cool sight is watching them work alongside of bottlenose dolphins taking advantage of the dolphins corralling mullet and other fish.

In the Spring, the white pelicans will travel back up North and can be found as far North as Canada and as far West as California on lakes and rivers. Look for them along mangrove islands here in March and also overhead as they begin their migration back up North!

RIVERS TO BAY

BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS

Despite the groundhog’s prediction, Spring has shown up in Tampa Bay and Clearwater Beach. And, not only are the tourists happy, so are the fishies!

With the warmer temps heating up the water these past two weeks, the fish are in feeding mode for sure--they have been crushing everything I toss at them. I love when I hear the sweet sound of the drag and the line peeling off, which means we’ve got a good one on. What are you going to expect to catch this time of year? The sheepshead bite is still on, but not as strong as it was in February. You will still catch a few on some of the rock piles in the Bay--just toss out a shrimp or fiddler crab to get them interested.

Red fishing has been pretty decent, too. We’re catching a few while snook fishing on the flats using both shrimp and live pilchards. I’m still using 20-pound leader and a 1/0 Gamakatsu circle hook.  Moving on to snook, the bite has been tremendous, with the average fish measuring around 20 inches and, on a few of my last trips, fish in the 30-inch range, which definitely put a smile on my clients’ faces. I’ve not been doing much trout fishing the past three weeks, since the snook bite has been off the charts. If you’re looking to hook up a few trout, move into about 3 to 5 feet of water and toss out a pilchard on a cork and hang on--you’ll most certainly swing a few into the boat!

So, as you can tell, Spring fishing has really fired off in Tampa Bay and the surrounding area waterways in the past few days, and March is a very good month to get out on the water.

As always, if you’re looking for a professional fishing guide with 20 years of experience, give me a ring and we’ll get you hooked up.

Tight lines

As a captain, I am often asked the question, “How do you know where fish are day after day?” The two things we stress in our fishing school is learning the “when and where” of catching fish. I will try to explain each one as it relates to Tampa Bay. In order to know when, we must understand solunar tables, moon phases and currents.

Solunar tables are what I call nature’s clock. During a 24-hour period, we have two major and two minor feeding periods. This doesn’t mean that fish feed only during these times, but the chances of catching more fish exist.

Major periods are the best time to fish. These periods begin at the times the moon is above or below where you are fishing and lasts approximately two hours. Minor periods are good, but do not last as long. These periods begin when the moon is rising or setting.

The tide is the vertical motion or rise and fall of water. Tide tables give the daily predictions of the times and heights of high and low waters.

Tides are the result of forces caused by the gravitational attractions between the moon, sun and Earth, in combination with the Earth spinning on its axis Spring tide, the best fishing tide, is an extra high tide occurring semi-monthly at the time of the full moon and new moon. It brings an extra high high-water and lower low-water. Neap tide, the least desirable time to fish, is a smaller tide, occurring monthly at the same time of the Moon’s first quarter and last quarter. There is not much difference between high and low water. Vanishing tides are when the highs and lows are indistinguishable in a mixed tide.

BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES

Where to fish will be different according to season. During the winter, look for rocks that are close to the surface during low tides and seawalls. They act as a heater radiating the sun’s heat into the water. Creeks and rivers generate heat from decaying matter and the muddy bottom. Docks not only generate heat, but also create a safe haven for many species of fish. The bigger the boat dock, the better the spot to fish, as larger boats tend to leave deeper holes from prop wash in the water. Power plants are another good source of heat. Always fish the west side of the Bay in the morning, as the sun’s rays will heat this area first. Fish the east side in the afternoon. Winter provides us the best view of the areas we can fish due to extreme low tides, which expose cuts along the mangroves, oyster beds and potholes that are hidden during the summer months.

During the summer, look for points of ambush or cuts in the mangroves where water drains with the outgoing tide. Structures are great for holding fish. Redfish tend to hang out around schooling mullet, as they tend to stir up the bottom, bringing up small crabs and shrimp, making a feast for following redfish. Artificial reefs are also great this time of year for mackerel, snook and grouper.

— Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube every Monday night 7-8 p.m. live. He is also host to Aventuras De Pesca USA on national TV and Radio Show. reelfishing.com | Email: atanes@msn.com | Phone: 813-973-7132

St. Petersburg

www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com

Photo

LIVING OUR DREAMS BECAUSE THEY GAVE UP THEIRS!

By: Tanya Michelle

We are looking for more Military veterans interested in bowfishing and good times to join us at the 5th Annual Florida Marksman Benefit Shoot (FMBS). It is hosted by SafeFloor Florida, next month, April 29, 2023 at 3030 Cockroach Bay Rd., Ruskin, Florida. We are also looking for volunteers, sponsors and more boats.

Founded in 2019 as a collaboration between Twisted Limbs Bowfishing, The Fallen Outdoors (TFO), and VetCatch (VC), the FMBS was started to provide veterans with a free night of bowfishing as a salute to their service, with volunteers supplying boats, equipment and their time for a day of fun, bowfishing tournament and also a cornhole tournament.

The most popular Bowfishing Outfitter in Central Florida, both freshwater and saltwater, Twisted Limbs Bowfishing, owned and operated by Captains Travis and Shanon Lanphar, along with Travis’ wife, Heather, had the dream to host a big group of veterans, where they can unwind and gather for camaraderie, friendly competition, and enjoy being out in Florida’s beautiful outdoors.

Kelly Andersen, TFO Southern Director for 10 states, was involved in the creation of some of the earliest lever limb bowfishing bows working for Area 5150. His passion for getting Veterans outdoors (being a Vet himself) has greatly increased over the years. He works steadily with nonprofit organizations like On The Water With Veterans, Reeling Freedom, Wounded Warriors Ability Ranch and VetCatch supporting and promoting all efforts to connect with other Vets and to connect them to the great outdoors. Events are planned around the nation creating a network and an outlet

for service men and women helping them combat the 22 a day suicide rate among Veterans!

Heather explains, “We spend much effort in developing ways of raising money to give back to TFO and VC, so they can use it throughout the year to get even more Veterans outdoors! Raffles are a big hit along with food drives in exchange for tickets, so that we can donate to that area’s homeless shelter. Companies like Muzzy Bowfishing, AMS Bowfishing, Innerloc Bowfishing, Loxley Bowfishing, Midwest Archery, Federation of Christian Sportsman, ArrowLed, Gator Raiderz and so many others (over 50 this year) sponsor our event by giving raffle items (bows, guns, bags, hats, arrows, fishing trips, gift certificates, etc.) or monetary donations to cover expenses with proceeds

Continued on page 10

OVER $5000 IN CASH PRIZES

Continued on from page 8

Boat & Jet Ski Repair

going directly to TFO & VC. Free shirts are given out every year as well (this year they are provided by Community Lending).”

So far, in the past four years, they have taken over 220 Veterans on 75 boats, with over 2,300 combined years of service. We can’t thank our volunteers and Veterans enough!

2023 will be bigger and better than ever, and we are in need of more boats, volunteers and veterans. If you would like more information please email, shanegrubb@ymail.com

“None of this would be possible without our Florida bowfishing community!” Heather says. “A huge planning group works together to make decisions for the events; planning, coordinating, setting up the event, working the booths and clean up. The amount of time involved is crazy to even think about! It could not be possible whatsoever without the volunteers that sacrifice so much! It’s these amazing people that we can rely on to selflessly donate their time, energy, money and boats.”

Special Thanks to all involved; to Capt. Travis, Capt. Shanon and Heather Lanphar, also Kelly Andersen and Bill Rutherford for honoring all who have served. With respect, honor and gratitude, thank you to all Veterans for your bravery, hard work, sacrifice and dedication to our Country.

— Tanya Michelle: Mother, professional tournament angler, ICAST 2021 champion, journalist, videographer, digital creator, influencer and mentor.

Feel the Power

Florida locals know March for boating and baseball. With spring break, spring training and the spring bait run all arriving right around the same time, there is no shortage of options to peak every interest. Our Winter conditions should subside, as the waters make their way back into the 70’s off of the central Gulf Coast. Traffic on the water will rival Times Square on New Year’s Eve, and patience will be at a premium crossing bridges to get to most Florida beaches.  For the charter for hire and boat rental industry, the days will be a blur for six solid weeks, as we host guests from all over the country.

We expect fishing conditions in our favor, as the warmer water temps fire up everything we enjoy catching. Anglers who stay close to shore should see bent rods all day.  Either bottom fishing for snapper and hogfish or trolling for Spanish and king mackerel, you can’t go wrong. Out of season amberjack and gag grouper stack up on large structure from 45 to 80 feet, offering anglers a solid catch-and-release fight and photo op. To land legal size red grouper, we will make the run to at least 110 feet. This normally puts us near a few sink holes and wrecks that are

BY: CAPT. T J SHEA

well worth trolling, once we reach our limits of grouper. Tuna, smoker kings and even a few wahoo always seem to make their way into the fish box this time of year.  While certain times of the year can be a grind with the poles, Spring time fishing tends to deliver memories to last a lifetime.

For those who scuba this time of year, we welcome putting away the 7 and 5 mil suits and start to get back to normal Florida diving. Drier conditions yield clear, clean water for divers to be greeted by just about every Gulf species. Those yearning to see sharks may just get lucky, as spinners and sand bars come out in higher numbers following the Spanish mackerel. Before rolling in, remember to check your gear that has probably been stored away for a few months.  Nothing can ruin a dive trip faster than broken straps and free flowing regulators.

With any luck, March brings light winds and sunny skies, allowing us to play our favorite game.  When that’s not the case, a beer and a brat at a ballpark, reminding us of when we were young, isn’t a bad backup plan either.

— Capt. TJ Shea. Owner/Operator 2 Shea Fishing and Diving Charters. TJ has been exploring above and below the Gulf of Mexico since he was 8 years old. Contact us at 813-385-2169 and at info@fishanddivetampa.com

32nd Annual News Channel 8

OUTDOORS EXPO AND BOAT SHOW

Friday, March 31 - Saturday, April 2 at Armature Works in downtown Tampa

ful inside food hall, the pet friendly outdoor space, seminars, and activities – we believe the location is ideal for this event.” says Mark Higgins, Vice President and General Manager of WFLA News Channel 8 and WTTA Great 38.

ews Channel 8 has teamed up with Armature Works to bring this family-friendly event to the beautiful downtown Tampa skyline. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have activities on site, along with the Cheerleaders and Captain Fear. News Channel 8’s anchor team will also be on site to greet Expo attendees.

“The Armature Works location gives people the opportunity to tour boats by the water and enjoy the outdoors. Add to that, the wonder-

With nearly 100,000 square feet of exhibits and activity space at Armature Works, the Expo is the perfect place to explore boats of all shapes and sizes, boating accessories, fishing gear, apparel, outdoor supplies, and much more. On site will be high end luxury vessels, pontoon, lake, and speed boats showcased by multiple manufacturers and dealers.

NThe 32nd Annual News Channel 8 Outdoors Expo and Boat Show takes place on Friday, March 31, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Armature Works: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa FL 33602.

Admission to the Expo is Free. Parking is subject to Armature Works lots and garage rates and can be paid on site. Parking options can be found at  https://www.armatureworks.com/parking/.

Follow Facebook for more information and announcements! [Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/684554323099630]

The change has started. Tides are starting to become stronger, and we are beginning to get away from the negative tides. Our water temp will remain on a slow rise, really triggering our in-shore fish to turn on. Many fish will be dumping out of the creeks and backwaters, where they have been sheltering through the colder months. They are ready to come back out and they are hungry.

You can expect the snook bite to pick up this month, but they will still be a bit picky. Live shrimp or pinfish should do the trick. Sea trout will be hanging in 3 to 4 feet of water on grassy, patchy bottom. This is a great month to

throw soft plastics for trout. I usually use a 1/8-ounce white jig head with a 5-inch bait. I tend to change my bait colors quite frequently, depending on many factors.

Some of the more important factors would be water clarity, weather conditions and the time of day. Typically, if it’s bright and sunny, I will use more natural colors. If it’s a bit cloudy, I will use darker colors. Redfish will be schooling up on rocky bottom along the mangrove lines.

Redfish will eat just about anything you throw at them. Finding them and not spooking them is the hard part. If you like lures, early morning top water can be very exciting with redfish, or any weedless soft plastic. Try to match your color to the natural bait in the area. Here along the nature coast, gold and black, root-beer and white colors are hard to beat. If you enjoy just fishing with bait, cut mullet, shrimp or live pinfish are some of the redfish’s favorite meals.

The weather is beautiful this time of year and the fish are biting. Hopefully everyone gets out and catches some fish. Tight lines everyone.

23’ Sylvan | Mirage 8522 CRS Yamaha 150 hp 4st Loaded!!!

25’ Sylvan | Mirage 8524 Resorter Yamaha 150 hp 4st LOADED!!!!

Let’s grow with Florida together.

Throw Yourself a Bone

Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

Thevery best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.

The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.

The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.

This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

Huntsman Blade $249*

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HBK139-01

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

Stauer ®

EXCLUSIVE FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars

-a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives



“This knife is beautiful!”

— J., La Crescent, MN



“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”

— H., Arvada, CO

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HBK139-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

• 12” overall length; 6 ¹⁄2” stainless steel full tang blade

• Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters

• Includes genuine leather sheath

Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

n cold, rainy, winter days, when most shermen are happy to stay home dreaming of better weather, a few die-hards gear up and get on the water. In the Southeast, bad weather is striper weather, my friend, and just the thought of hooking a 15- or 20-pound striped bass is enough to keep you warm on the inside.

Atlantic striped bass get all the attention up north. Blitzing linesiders are a prize of inshore and nearshore recreational sheries from the Carolinas up through the mid-Atlantic and New England. But they are down here in the south, too, and not just the landlocked stripers stocked in reservoirs by the states. My home base is Jacksonville, Fla., and although red sh and trout are the staple inshore species here, there are striper populations in coastal rivers like the St. Johns, Nassau and St. Marys.

I, however, was lured by reports a little farther north in Georgia, where rivers like the Satilla and Altamaha are producing big-time striper each front that rolls through. Stripers prefer low-light conditions and colder water temps, so overcast, rainy and cold days are the best days.

the rocks in order to navigate over the shallow sand and mud bars of the river. Georgia’s sounds and rivers are littered with piles of ballast rocks, many of which are sh magnets. We shed the point for a good 20 minutes with no

shed several spots with only a sh and speckled trout to keep our attention. We shy-looking downed timber and carefully navigated beneath a low bridge, where nd sh on the outgoing

Georgia On My Mind STRIPERS

By Danny Patrick

He was correct. Jones hooked up with a nice 6-pound hybrid striped bass on his rst cast near the bridge. Hybrids are a hatchery-produced cross between striped bass and white bass. ey are unable to reproduce and are an excellent sport sh with the aggression of white bass and some of the size of a striper. ese hybrids came from the Georgia DNR hatchery at Richmond Hill, Ga.

I was giddy about the cold, foggy drizzle at 6:30 a.m. when I met guide Drew Jones at the Two-Way Fish Camp on the Altamaha near Darien, Ga. Jones runs charters in the area, and he’s caught more than 300 stripers up to 14 pounds for clients this season. ey’ve had some 30- and 40- sh days, and this felt like a perfect striper day!

All I had to do was get in the boat with my gear and a thermos of hot co ee. Jones was waiting for me with his Carolina ski in the water and a livewell full of gorgeous local live shrimp. As we motored o in the mist through creeks and the winding river, he told me a little about the shing.

Stripers are constantly on the move, and they hunt in packs. Jones dri shes live shrimp on oat rigs to locate concentrations of sh. en he switches to arti cial lures. Slow-sinking stick baits and bucktail jigs with so -plastic tails both work great.

Between Brunswick and Darien, Ga., the Altamaha system is a maze of creeks and tributaries. We stopped at the mouth of a creek on the Darien River, not far from downtown Darien. e tide was still coming in but slowing near the end of the high tide. Jones said to cast shrimp out in front a point where the current split to create a back eddy of slower ow. He said this was one of his favorite striper spots. It was an old ballast pile, where sailing ships from the 1800s dumped ballast weight from their hulls a er crossing the ocean from Europe. ey used hundreds, if not thousands, of 10- to 20-pound round rocks to stabilize their ships during the crossing and then dumped

Jones said he catches true stripers and hybrids together, and that sometimes aggressive stripers move in and take over when he’s catching trout. I threw to the same spot Jones caught his sh and immediately hooked and boated a 4-pound hybrid. e bite was on! We saw them busting nger mullet and had one come unbuttoned right at the boat. But then, as is sometimes the case with stripers, it ended as suddenly as it had begun. anchor and went back to the creek mouth where we started. Now the tide was running out swi ly. We caught several trout and a couple more hybrids before we headed back to the docks.

As we ran past downtown Darien, I saw remnants of old buildings from the 1800s and thought of the history. is was a major port during the early rise of the United States. Cotton and rice from slave plantations were shipped out of Darien, and old-growth cypress trees were logged way up the Altamaha. Loggers would cut trees close to the river and then ra them together in units of dozens of massive logs, which were oated down to the coastal sawmills with men riding the ra s.

Darien is a quiet town now, but it was a truly a bustling place then. It is beautiful with old live oaks and Spanish moss, and history bu s will not be disappointed. If you want to change up your shing and explore a special place, give Jones a call. He can hook you up…

Capt. Drew Jones can be contacted at (912) 242-2502.

BECOME AN FWC SCALLOP-SITTER

If you’re a scalloper looking for a way to get involved in making more of the bivalves we all love, FWC has put a call out for “scallop-sitters” in the Florida Panhandle. e Scallop-Sitter program is available for volunteers in St. Joseph Bay, St. Andrew Bay and St. George Sound, and it is intended to increase scallop populations and reintroduce them to suitable areas from which they have disappeared.

Scallop-sitters volunteer to maintain cages with up to 50 bay scallops from June through January. On a monthly basis, volunteers check, count and clean their cages and scallops. Each volunteer will receive a cage, a bucket of scallops, tools to maintain cages, instructional materials and some fun giveaways.

To register as a scallop-sitter, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have no FWC violations on your record

• Live near St. Andrew Bay, St. Joseph Bay or St. George Sound

• Have access to the bay: via private dock, boat, or kayak

• Register through the UF Pace platform before May 25, 2023

• Watch virtual training video following registration and complete the program pre-survey

For more information, go to MyFWC.com or email bayscallops@myfwc.com.

By Will Schmidt

If you don’t already troll for grouper or if you’re looking for ways to improve your success rate, here are some things to consider while we wait for the seasons for our most popular species to re-open.

Large-lipped and big-pro le plugs are deadly, but many anglers struggle with getting lures into the strike zone. Many think if they are shing in 30 feet of water they need a plug that dives 30 feet, but that’s not always the case. Maximum dive depths are with everything optimum: speed, amount of line out and rigging.

First, consider your speed. I use Nomad DTX Minnow lures, which are designed to run anywhere

from 20 to 50 feet at speeds of 2 to 12 knots. e plugs will dive deeper at the higher end of that speed range than the lower end. I usually run about 5 knots and can easily get a 40-foot plug down to 30 feet at that speed, but a 30-foot plug would likely be short of the bottom. e amount of line you have out also greatly a ects the depth your plug is running, and this is where many mistakes are made. Slower speeds equal a atter angle of descent, so more line is needed. e idea is to be so close to the bottom that you occasionally bounce o it. Watch your rod tip for signs of the lure bouncing o the bottom. You will likely nd you need more line than you think. Keep dropping back until you start hitting bottom. e downside of this is you will get snagged on the bottom occasionally. When you do, don’t just try to wrench it o the bottom, get back behind the lure and pull it o in the opposite direction. A plus to the DTX Minnow is the single hooks seem to come o the bottom easier than treble hooks.

e nal piece to the puzzle is your rigging. Pulling 8- to 9-inch lures, and handling the sh that smack them, means you need stout tackle. But heavier lines create drag in the water that will impede the lure’s ability to dive. Using braid is a huge plus, as the diameter is much smaller and creates less drag. To further streamline, I use crimps on my leader between my lure and a small (but strong) swivel. It’s a little thing, but knots on heavy leader can be bulky and add to the

Heavy drags as well as keeping the boat in gear helps pull the sh away from cover quickly. Large single hooks aid in keeping you connected as the bigger gaps decrease the possibility of ripping the plugs out of the sh. Trolling is fun way to catch grouper and it’s a great nd new spots, as you can cover a lot of ground.

Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler who has been writing about shing for more than three decades. Check out Nomad Lures at nomadtackle.com.

“The renown of Italy’s jewelry, with its sensual beauty and extraordinary craftsmanship, is founded on the goldsmithing skills passed down through generations.” – The New York Times

Iguess I was a little bored. For the past hour, I’d been on the phone with Daniele, the head of my office in Italy, reviewing our latest purchases of Italian gold, Murano glass and Italian-made shoes and handbags.

“Daniele,” I said, “What is the hottest jewelry in Italy right now?” His reply? Woven gold bracelets studded with jewelry. He texted me some photos and I knew immediately that this was jewelry that Raffinato just had to have.

The best part about these bracelets? The price. Because of our longstanding connections in Arezzo, the mecca of Italian goldsmithing, we can offer both bracelets together for just $99, a fraction of the price you’ll pay anywhere else for similar jewelry. Order today. These bracelets are one of our hottest sellers this year, and with disruptions in the supply chain, we can only guarantee that we have 1,273 861 of these bracelets on hand for this ad.

Make the next gift you give your loved one a trip to Italy with the Italiano Fantasia Bracelets, stunning accessories that are sure to turn heads.

Jewelry Specifications:

Presenting the Italiano Fantasia Bracelets, two designs that are prime examples of Italy’s finest artisanship. Each of these bracelets includes more than 20 brilliant cut gems of DiamondAura®, our Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, in a setting finished with 18 karat Italian gold.

What is DiamondAura®? Why, it’s a sparkling marvel that rivals even the finest diamonds (D Flawless) with its transparent color and clarity: Both are so hard they can cut glass. Don’t believe me?

The book “Jewelry and Gems: The Buying Guide,” praised the technique used in our diamond alternative: “The best diamond simulation to date, and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds,” it raved.

• Made in Arezzo, Italy. 18k gold finish

• DiamondAura®, the Ultimate Diamond Alternative®

• Fit wrists up to 7 ¼"

Italiano Fantasia Bracelet Collection

B.

(⅓ ctw) $299 $59* + S&P Save $240 Set of Both $698 $99* + S&P Save $599 *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

B.

Experience Real Florida.

Located within two hours driving distance to all major attractions in central Florida, international airports and Florida’s beautiful beaches, Putnam County’s outdoor recreational choices are legendary. Between world class fishing, boating, hunting, cycling, hiking, golf, and more, Putnam County has it all. Whether you are seeking real Florida culture and heritage, recreation, or just relaxing in a small historic town, the residents and businesses of Putnam County invite you to Experience Real Florida visitputn

2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic Returns to the Tennessee River

The prestigious championship bass tournament—widely known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing”—will be held March 24-26 in downtown Knoxville and on the University of Tennessee Campus.

e Bassmaster Classic pits 55 of the world’s best bass anglers against one another for the title of Bassmaster Classic Champion. e Classic is a catch-and-release event, with bass being returned to the shery under the supervision of the TWRA.

Daily takeo s will be from Volunteer Landing on the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville each competition day, and weigh-ins will take place in the ompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus. e fan-favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo will be held Friday through Sunday, March 24-26 in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.

All activities and venues are free and open to the public. For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.

B.A.S.S. PHOTO

COLOMBIA: A GOLDEN ERA OF FISHING BEGINS

By Riley Love

Twenty years ago, I wrote an article on the Golden Age of Panama shing. Long have anglers waited for access to the salt and freshwater environments of Colombia.

In 2016, a lengthy peace process was negotiated and a nal agreement for a cease re and cessation of hostilities between the government and militias. In truth, there are still areas of the country to be avoided and cocaine production remains high, but the political and drug-crime environment has improved enough to move Colombia nearer the top of the target list for angling. e country’s upward trajectory with new tourism outstrips its neighbors. e latest three trips we’ve taken to the country have been completely safe.

Fishing the Amazon and Orinoco River basins are “peacock bass trips.” It is a stunning shery, where you routinely encounter fellow anglers from the far side of the world. From there, these trips can be divided into peacocks and “what else.” In Guyana it was giant arapaima. For the last Brazil trip, it was big wolf sh. is venture was to the Guaviare River, massive itself, a tributary to the mighty Orinoco. It is hard to understand the size of these watersheds until you see them yourself. Our quarry here was payara, the vampire sh.

e dichotomy of life in the tropics is the wet and dry seasons. During the time of rain, the rivers swell from their banks into dense rainforest. Sitting in your boat, you listen to peacock bass bust prey far back in cover where no cast can go. e shing season is re ned to those months when the rivers shrink back into their skeletal forms and sh are targeted in remaining aneurysmal pools. But the payara have a need for speed. ey stack up in current and mouths of tributaries where more water ows. ere is something about going a er speed freaks… it presses my buttons.

Alberto “Beto” Mejia is the young progenitor of FISH COLUMBIA. He has developed lodges here, on the Orinoco and on the Paci c coast at Punta Ardita, just inside the Panamanian border. He is a stone-cold payara y sherman. is lodge is more rustic, and you really feel away from it all.

Peacocks and payara take ies very well, both poppers and streamers. For the conventional sherman, it’s a chance to use multiple baits and techniques. Very large topwater prop baits and poppers, big minnows at multiple depths. e Dramatis personae includes numerous others- pacu, sardinata, also the opportunity for multiple species of cat sh, some in the 400-pound range. Uraima falls in Venezuela was a specialized lodge for payara. is is o the list as a destination for various sordid reasons. I have bagged them across the frontiers of South America. Most run 6 to 7 pounds, and a very good one about 15 pounds. e sh on Columbia’s Orinoco run twice that size. I believe this is the best payara lodge on the planet.

For more information, go to www. shcolombia.com. For more from Riley Love, go to rileylove.com and nd him on social media @rileyloveauthor.

FastTrack™Angler 385fta

The Fastest, Most Stable, Best Paddling Fishing Kayak

The in atable shing kayak is super rugged and ready to take on hooks, ns, and rocks. Tough, fast, portable, and built especially for anglers. The patented NeedleKnife™ keel cuts through the water so you can paddle or motor your way to your favorite spot quickly and easily. The Angler 385fta is 12’6” x 36” fully in ated and holds up to 2 people or 635 lbs. of people and gear. Packs down to 36” x 15” x 20” to t in a car trunk, SUV, RV, any small place. Various seating and trolling motor options are available.

console or tackle bag. You’ll nd other uses as necessity dictates.

Soft Baits: You’re throwing away money if you sh so plastics and don’t use super glue. Most so plastics are designed for action rather than durability. ey’re disposable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get the most you can out of them.

If you’re shing a paddletail, grub, eel, worm or any so plastic on a jighead, a small drop of super glue will extend the life of that bait inde nitely. Secured to the jig, it will never slide down to the bend of the hook like a loose sock. To a lesser extent, this trick works for bare hooks, as well. Forget multiple sh, a so bait can last multiple trips when it’s glued in place— barring, of course, interactions with toothy sh.

When it comes to sh with teeth, there’s no way to avoid rips and tears in your so plastics. Even toothless sh will beat up a bait with extended use. Super glue repairs slices and gouges in so plastics. e rigidity of the repaired area will a ect the action of the lure, but this can be a trip saver when you’re down to the last in a bag of that one color sh are biting.

Hard Baits: With hard baits, super glue is for on-the-water repairs. If the lip on your crankbait gets loose, a tiny dab of glue will hold it tight and keep your lure swimming true. If the screw eye comes out of your favorite topwater or swimbait, gluing it back will render it stronger than it was to begin with. Super glue extends the life of expensive lures that would otherwise be headed for the trash.

By CAM Sta

SUPER GLUE BELONGS IN YOUR TACKLE BOX

Just like pliers or a good knife, super glue is an essential item in your shing kit. ere are numerous practical uses for this stu in shing, and it’s also a catch-all tool. It’s like liquid duct tape. When you have it, there’s no end to the situations when it comes in handy. Here are a few good reasons you should keep a tube of super glue in your

Knots: e debate is ongoing on whether super gluing knots increases their strength. Most folks who do it are in the “it can’t hurt camp.” However, there are a couple situations when it just makes sense. Coating line-to-line connections that frequently run through the guides smooths the knot and protects it from wear. With braided line, good knots, and the right knots, are crucial. Even so, braided line can cut itself when knots shi and tighten under stress. A drop of super glue keeps knots snug and secure.

Miscellaneous: Super glue can save the day when an eyelet or rod tip comes loose. It’ll also keep you on the water when you cut yourself chunking bait. Glue the wound shut and keep shing. Save the emergency room for later.

For more tips, go to coastalanglermag.com.

By Molly Kirk

GOLDEN BASS CAUGHT IN VIRGINIA

Virginia angler Jacob Moore was quite surprised when he reeled in this largemouth bass from the James River. Moore was expecting to catch a largemouth—he was targeting them. But he de nitely wasn’t expecting to catch a golden largemouth!

“I was out there practicing for a tournament, catching a bunch of sh,” said Moore, who works as an arborist and participates in local tournaments. “I was on the lower James near Chippokes [State Park]. When I hooked into that one, I thought I had a saltwater sh on at rst, but lo and behold, it was a largemouth! A very di erent largemouth, though. I haven’t seen anything like that before. I’ve seen bass with black spots, but I’d never seen an albino one.”

“Golden largemouth bass are extremely rare and most anglers have never seen them, let alone heard of them before,” said Alex McCrickard, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Aquatic Education Coordinator. “ e sh is a product of a genetic mutation that alters the skin pigments called xanthism. Yellow pigmentation dominates in xanthism, as you can see in Moore’s golden largemouth.”

Moore measured the sh at 16 ½ inches, took a few photos, then returned it to the water.

For more information, go to dwr.virginia.gov.

TIES STATE RECORD

This big Georgia sheepshead tied a two-decade-old state record for the species a er weighing in at 14 pounds, 14.37 ounces.

e angler, Ben Golden III, of Midway, Ga., caught his sh near the Sunbury community outside of Midway on Feb. 3. e catch quali es as a tie with the existing record of 14-pounds, 14-ounces set by Ralph White, of Rincon, Ga., in 2002.

“To be honest, I’ve been telling folks it’s been my goal to catch a state record for 10 or 12 years,” said Golden, who grew up in Midway and has been shing the Georgia coast most of his life. “I’m excited to say that I did it.”

Sheepshead are common around 7 pounds but can easily be found up to 10 pounds. ey reach maturity around 3 to 4 years of age and primarily live inshore, o en near rocky areas, docks, bridges or arti cial reefs, or other areas with barnacles.

Between 2017 and 2021, NOAA Fisheries estimates that Georgia recreational anglers caught an average of 490,197 sheepshead each year, with an average of 262,457 being harvested.

For more information on the Georgia Saltwater Game Fish Records program, visit www.CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.