FREE
TAMPA BAY EDITION
@CAMTAMagazine
SIGHT FISHING
TRIPLETAIL
CAPE COD BLITZES
RECORD BREAKING SWORDFISH VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 312
PHOTO CREDIT: TOMMY LADO COURTESY OF CHEYANNE SINGLETARY
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
W O R L D W I D E
MARCH 2021
Order Your Passport Today!
800.828.4244 C h e e r s T r ai l.or g
Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM
Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.
Shhhhh. No wake zone.
Explore your world
M U
A at
I
n t to he we thr Pr the ch cam Th by th ge ele fre it de pe ad
[
Navigate to a cleaner future Micron Navigator is a unique and revolutionary antifouling that combines both water-based and copper-free technologies enabling optimum fouling control for all waters and boats. This technology delivers multi-seasonal protection via a lower concentration of active ingredients, achieving a more environmentally responsible antifouling without compromising premium protection as you explore your world. Interlux.com
W mo ma go ca pr Ca hi we ma eve Yo wi co 30 tim
T
1
Y
Y
S
*D co
Meet the Watch That Shook Up Switzerland A watch that revolutionized timekeeping at a price equally as radical.
Wear it today for only
$29
I
n the history of timepieces, few moments are more important than the creation of the world’s first Piezo timepiece. First released to the public in 1969, the watch turned the entire industry on its head, ushering in a new era of timekeeping. It’s this legacy that we’re honoring with the Timemaster Watch, available only through Stauer at a price only we can offer. Prior to Piezo watches, gravity-driven Swiss watches were the standard bearer of precision timekeeping. But all that changed when the first commercially available Piezo watch came onto the market. The result of ten years of research and development by some of the world’s top engineers, they discovered that when you squeeze a certain type of crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. And, if you pass electricity through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency–exactly 32,768 times each second. When it came on the market, the Piezo watch was the most dependable timepiece available, accurate to 0.2 seconds per day. Today, it’s still considered a spectacular advance in electrical engineering. “[Piezo timepieces]...it would shake the Swiss watch industry to its very foundations.” —Foundation For Economic Education With the Timemaster we’ve set one of the world’s most important mechanical advances inside a decidedly masculine case. A handsome prodigy in rich leather and gold-finished stainless steel. The simplicity of the watch’s case belies an ornately detailed dial, which reflects the prestige of this timepiece. Call today to secure your own marvel of timekeeping history. Because we work directly with our own craftsman we’re able to offer the Timemaster at a fraction of the price that many Piezo watches cost. But a watch like this doesn’t come along every day. Call today before time runs out and they’re gone. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Spend some time with this engineering masterpiece for one month. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. But we’re betting this timekeeping pioneer is a keeper.
[
Timemaster Piezo Watch $299*
TAKE 9
Offer Code Price Only $29 + S&P Save $270 OFF IN 0% STA
NTLY!
1-800-333-2045
When you use
Your Insider Offer Code: TPW253-04 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPW253-04 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
your
INSIDER OFFER CO DE
• Precision Piezo electric movement • Stainless steel caseback and crown • Cotswold® mineral crystal • Crocodile embossed leather strap fits wrists 6 ½"–8 ½" • Date window display • Water resistant to 3 ATM
©2021 Sea Tow Services International, Inc. All rights reserved.
G T IN FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY
EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:
Corporate Headquarters 126-C N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 321.777.2773 FRANCHISE DIRECTORY LINK
www.coastalanglermag.com/directory
Franchise Opportunities Now Available
Help Starts Here.
Local knowledge, expert service.
Your insurance policy does not include a Sea Tow membership and all the benefits that come with it.
If you love the outdoors and have dreamed of being in business for yourself, now is the time to choose a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise. Established Brand • Proven Systems Training & Ongoing Support Work From Home • Be Your Own Boss
®
25% of our service calls are resolved without towing and Sea Tow members are always served first. Join today and save.
• • • •
Arkansas Connecticut/Rhode Island Destin, FL (Panhandle) Georgia (Coastline, Savannah) • Lake Okeechobee, FL • Long Island, NY • Miami, FL
• New Hampshire • New Orleans, LA • North Carolina (Raleigh, Wilmington) • South Carolina (Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) • Texas (Coastal, Houston) • ...YOUR HOMETOWN!
Don’t see your location? Ask one of our specialists about franchise availability in your area.
seatow.com/angler 800-4-SEATOW
321.777.2773
info@coastalanglermagazine.com
franchise.coastalanglermag.com
4 NATIONAL
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
©20 prote Don’ to be
GO FROM FISH TO WAKE TO DAD OF THE YEAR IN THE SAME AFTERNOON.
Go from fishing to wakesurfing to conquering the water. The all new 25-foot FSH® Series from Yamaha is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their boating experience. With fishing-friendly features like a GPS Simrad® system and dual livewells, along with a premium layout and the patented Yamaha swim platform, the new 25-foot FSH Series guarantees you’ll be in the center of everything you love about life on the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
©2021 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. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.
N
SLOW DANCING WITH
Th fo
I
By Nick Carter
URTE PHOTOS CO
SY OF SOUT
HERN SALIN
IT Y
ripletail are some of the most exciting gamefish that visit inshore waters. Their peculiar tendency to hang near the surface around floating debris makes them perfect for sight fishing, and on top of that they are absolutely delicious. Capt. Jeremy Davidson is an angler devoted to these oddball fish. His charter service, Southern Salinity, is based out of St. George Island, where he specializes in inshore tripletail on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. “They start to migrate to shallower water when that water temperature starts rising,” he said “It’s wind and water temperature dependent, but everything starts to move in March or April—the bait, the pelagics, everything.” Throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast, tripletail move shallower in waves. Davidson said the timing is different by location, but the patterns are similar. First, scads of smaller
fish move in from offshore through the passes to find homes on floating debris. The early spring bite is characterized by plentiful opportunities at smaller fish. By May or June, larger 8- to 12-pounders settle in on trap buoys, floating vegetation and tide lines. Big fish in the 20-pound range arrive in deep summer. They’re there to feed and procreate, said Davidson, which means they are primed to pick up a bait. However, catching tripletail consistently is more difficult than it might appear. THE SETUP: To spot tripletail, you must train your eyes to look beneath the surface. Fish will stay with a piece of floating cover as long as it harbors the small crabs, shrimp and glass minnows tripletail feed on. Cover could be anything, and Davidson recommends checking out everything floating on the surface. You might spot the fish itself, but the first indication is usually the sub-surface flash of a turning fish. When Davidson spots fish, he leaves the boat in gear and noses into the current to point the bow at the fish within casting range. THE CAST: “Do not hit that fish,” Davidson warned. “Pick a spot out past it. I don’t care if it’s the treeline. Just make sure to pitch past that fish.” Casting past the fish with an underhand pitch allows the angler to retrieve the bait slowly through the strike zone. If the tripletail doesn’t take the bait on the initial retrieve, it’s time to flip the bail and allow the tide to carry the bait back past the fish. “It’s a slow dance,” Davidson said. “Retrieve it slow and easy.”
THE TAKE: Don’t set the hook! Tripletail feed delicately. They ease up and pluck their prey from near the surface. Then, to avoid spooking their next meal, they move away before engulfing it. “Let that fish roll down or go the other way,” Davidson said. “Give it 5 or 10 seconds, then lift up and he’s on. Then he turns into a wild man!” THE FIGHT: The harder you pull on a tripletail, the harder and wilder it fights back. This is important because, along with brute strength, these prehistoric fish have a sharp, line-slicing gill plate. Davidson reiterated his slow dance metaphor, saying you can sometimes lead a fish right to the boat by taking it slow and easy. “Square up with him. Keep your rod tip up, and let him run if he wants to dig,” said Davidson “Walk him around the boat. Stay square with him, and pump him in slow and easy.” THE RIG: Tripletail eat shrimp, pogies and artificials, but Davidson prefers to make a fresh-shrimp lure. He pops the heads off large restaurant-quality shrimp and pinches the flappers off their tails. Then he runs a 2/0 or 3/0 3X Strong VMC circle hook up the tail and out the second notch before turning the point back into the bait. This hides the hook and allows the shrimp to swim like a lure. To make pitching the rig easier, he ties an elongated float, like Boat Monkey’s Cigar Slip Float, between braided 30-lb. main line and a 2- to 3-foot leader of 30-lb. fluorocarbon. More advanced anglers might go bobberless for better control while working the bait. To do this, tie the braid directly to the leader with a double uni knot. Capt. Jeremy Davidson owns Southern Salinity, which runs charters on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. See their website at www.southernsalinity.com.
kn Au kn th O Fo im m un Se an Th ou bl W m tu Bu las co sh Un Yo th in do ba th Li lon Kn th yo
D
1-
Y
S
*D list
C Pr
• ha
il feed y from g their g it. r way,” en lift an!” on a k. This ength, slicing dance a fish
ip up, vidson h him,
pogies make a large s the or 3/0 nd out t back ws the
ies an r Slip and a More better tie the i knot.
inity, Coast. com.
Now, THIS is a Knife! This 16" full tang stainless steel blade is not for the faint of heart —now ONLY $99!
EXCLUSIVE
FREE
I
n the blockbuster film, when a strapping Australian crocodile hunter and a lovely American journalist were getting robbed at knife point by a couple of young thugs in New York, the tough Aussie pulls out his dagger and says “That’s not a knife, THIS is a knife!” Of course, the thugs scattered and he continued on to win the reporter’s heart. Our Aussie friend would approve of our rendition of his “knife.” Forged of high grade 420 surgical stainless steel, this knife is an impressive 16" from pommel to point. And, the blade is full tang, meaning it runs the entirety of the knife, even though part of it is under wraps in the natural bone and wood handle. Secured in a tooled leather sheath, this is one impressive knife, with an equally impressive price. 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 Down Under Bowie Knife. 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 Down Under Bowie Knifes for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip BONUS! Call today and through your fingers at a price that won’t drag you’ll also receive this you under. Call today! genuine leather sheath!
Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 value-
with purchase of Down Under Knife
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
êêêêê
“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN
êêêêê
“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO
Down Under Bowie Knife $249*
Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $150
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: DUK132-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
®
Rating of A+
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DUK132-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the shown listed original Stauer.com price. actual size.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
• Etched stainless steel full tang blade ; 16” overall • Painted natural bone and wood handle • Brass hand guards, spacers & end cap • Includes genuine tooled leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
NATIONAL 7
STINGER HOOK MADE EASY
O
ver the last few months, I’ve shared some techniques in these pages that people seem to be trying with some success. When you think about it, incorporating squid into your offshore spreads really is a nobrainer when you can find and purchase good whole squid. One of the best ways to rig those squid, and ballyhoo for that matter, is with a Chin Weight coupled with a “stiff-rig” stinger hook assembly. Recently, I’ve received quite a few calls and e-mails from folks all over the country asking for a simpler way to achieve the end result of a stiff-rig stinger hook. I had to go to the barn, have a few cocktails and dig deep, but here it is: The simple way to keep a stinger hook in a rigid “stiff ” position without snelling it or making a cat’s paw connection. If the terminology is throwing you off at this point, stay tuned, this actually is a very simple solution that anyone can achieve with a limited amount of materials and know how. The key to this rig is inexpensive heatshrink tubing over a standard crimped-wire connection. Granted, you might only get a bite or two out of this rig before teeth shred the heatshrink tubing and it’s no longer rigid. However, it’s so easy to make this rig that you can churn
Step two: Make a second crimp at 90 degrees to the first crimp. This is a (small) diameter in the cable to fit over a 7/0 or 11/0 Tim Barefoot Chin Weight (as shown in photo). Step Three: Slide a ¾-inch length section out dozens in different lengths of heat-shrink tubing over the crimped for different sized baits and keep them at the ready. Cut your cable to the connection of the hook and heat with a lighter correct length and make a few crimps… that’s in the vertical position. That’s it! all there is to it. Step One: Make a standard crimped connection using the High Seas 1.0 crimp and the American Fishing Wire 175# (7x7) or 49 strand cable.
Now, if you’re a visual learner like I am, go watch the video I made on the process. See it once, and it will be like a light bulb going off in your head. It really is that easy. For more information and to watch the video, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com. Click on “Heat Shrink Tubing Stiff Rig Stinger Hook.”
O
LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO
hav Go of o No onl but Pou
BUILD YOUR OWN RODS MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT
Eve vin GU OF cho • 1 • 1 • M • A C • F
GET A FREE CATALOG! MUDHOLE.cOM/CATALOG
Eve be Plu you Nic clas
Gov
GovM right purc com’
8 NATIONAL
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
LOW AS
at 90 small) r 11/0
49
$ Historic 1920-1938 “Buffalos” by the Pound
ection imped ighter
visual ch the rocess. be like n your y.
plus shipping & handling
FREE
Stone Arrowhead with every bag
and o to com. ubing k.”
Released to the Public: Bags of Vintage Buffalo Nickels
O
ne of the most beloved coins in history is a true American Classic: The Buffalo Nickel. Although they have not been issued for over 75 years, GovMint.com is releasing to the public bags of original U.S. government Buffalo Nickels. Now they can be acquired for a limited time only—not as individual collector coins, but by weight—just $49 for a full QuarterPound Bag.
100% Valuable Collector Coins—GUARANTEED! Every bag will be filled with collectible vintage Buffalos from over 75 years ago, GUARANTEED ONE COIN FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SERIES (dates our choice): • 1920-1929—“Roaring ’20s” Buffalo • 1930-1938—The Buffalo’s Last Decade • Mint Marks (P,D, and S) • ALL Collector Grade Very Good Condition • FREE Stone Arrowhead with each bag Every vintage Buffalo Nickel you receive will be a coveted collector coin—GUARANTEED! Plus, order a gigantic full Pound bag and you’ll also receive a vintage Liberty Head Nickel (1883-1912), a valuable collector classic!
Long-Vanished Buffalos Highly Coveted by Collectors Millions of these vintage Buffalo Nickels have worn out in circulation or been recalled and destroyed by the government. Today, significant quantities can often only be found in private hoards and estate collections. As a result, these coins are becoming more sought-after each day.
Order More and SAVE QUARTER POUND Buffalo Nickels (23 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead $49 + s/h
Supplies Limited— Order Now! Supplies of vintage Buffalo Nickels are limited as the availability of these classic American coins continues to shrink each and every year. They make a precious gift for your children, family and friends—a gift that will be appreciated for a lifetime.
ONE FULL POUND Bag (91 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead and Liberty Head Nickel $149 + FREE SHIPPING SAVE $47
NOTICE: Due to recent changes in the demand for vintage U.S. coins, this advertised price may change without notice. Call today to avoid disappointment.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee You must be 100% satisfied with your bag of Buffalo Nickels or return it within 30 days of receipt for a prompt refund (less s/h).
HALF POUND Bag (46 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead $79 + s/h SAVE $19
FREE Liberty Head Nickel with One Full Pound
FREE SHIPPING over $149! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.
For fastest service call today toll-free
1-877-566-6468 Offer Code VBB512-07 Please mention this code when you call.
GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. VBB512-07 • Burnsville, Minnesota 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, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint. com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.
THE BEST SOURCE FOR COINS WORLDWIDE™
INSHORE STRATEGIES FOR THE
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.
Most fish are still in transition between the deep mud and the shallow sand or grass flats, which keeps them spread out through the bays. Add high winds, cool fronts and the small size of the forage, and you have a tougher puzzle to put together than the other three seasons. Here are a few tips to help you sort though this maze and hopefully land a few more fish this spring. First and foremost, baitfish are extremely small this time of year, and it is not uncommon to find dozens of small glass minnows in the bellies of trout and redfish in the spring. This makes my first tip obvious, so I won’t waste a lot of space here, but downsize your lure presentation if you can. Obviously, this can impact one’s casting abilities, so rigging small lures in tandem can be By Capt. Michael Okruhlik a plus and assist in casting distance. Something else I like to use in the spring is a clear or transparent lure with some glitter, or maybe one with a light translucent color. I choose these because it’s more difficult for the fish to see the lure’s actual size, which gives the appearance that it’s smaller than it actually is. I’ve found this to be a productive alternative to downsizing. While choosing a typical-size trout and redfish lure for this application, I look for one with subtle movements. I like either a darting-style bait or a paddle lure with a very subtle vibration. Strong, big-vibrating tails have their time, but early spring is not one of them. One thing I notice about schools of small baitfish is their movement. When displaced, they seldom dart deeper, and most of their movement is side-to-side or upward. Due to this characteristic, I also like a lightweight lure with a slow sink rate. I feel this better imitates spring forage movements and increases strikes. I like a lure that twitches side to side that doesn’t sink very fast on the pause. In early spring while the fish are in transition, they will start to congregate on sandy shores with grass. This will be the main cover for the small fry. While employing these techniques and lure choices, concentrate efforts on broken grass flats with potholes and distinct edges. These areas are best when they are close to deeper water. I hope you find these tactics helpful and as the weather warms and you pring is around the corner, and a lot of fishermen who hang up their gear enjoy the outdoors, don’t forget to take a kid fishing! for winter can’t wait for the temps to rise. Although the enthusiasm is high to wet a line, spring can be the most difficult season to successfully Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled pattern and to consistently catch inshore fish. Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
SPRING
Transition
S
WITH COUPON CODE
10 NATIONAL
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
“K ‘th be lo
—
w sand winds, zzle to ou sort
Over 2 carats of Verdant Peridot in precious .925 sterling silver
nd it is f trout waste a iously, can be
Save $260!
ONLY $39
nt lure e these h gives o be a ut and . I like trong,
ement. ment is weight ments ’t sink
regate all fry. rts on when
nd you
lled
“Known as ‘the Evening Emerald’ because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day.” — The American Gem Society (AGS)
Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Verdant Peridot for just $39
G
oing over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can bring you an effervescent verdant peridot ring for a price that simply can’t be beat. Its vivid and unique color makes verdant peridot unlike any other green gemstone. If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Verdant Peridot Ring is all you need.
This elegant ring features 2 1/3 carats of captivating verdant peridotA. in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 sterling silver setting is finished in tarnish-resistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.
“Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem” — Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia
PRAISE FOR STAUER PERIDOT JEWELRY You could easily “...absolutely beautiful. The picture spend $400 on a sterling silver ring set does not do it justice. It is a real with peridot stones. stunner.” – S. C., Berkeley, CA But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for affording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Verdant Peridot Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Indulge in the Verdant Peridot Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through your fingers. Call today! Verdant Peridot Ring (2 ¹⁄2 ctw) $299†
$39 +S&P Save $260
You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: TPR189-02 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Stauer
®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPR189-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Rating of A+
• 2 ¹⁄3 ctw Verdant Peridot • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.
geico.com/boat | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office 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. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO. 21_5507299281
1782-20F C
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
57 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!
Custom Marine Service
St. Augustine Marine Center
Panama City
St. Augustine
Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales! Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.
Oyster City Suzuki Apalachicola
COMING SOON Volsuia County
On-Site Marine
Mastry Engine Center
Ruskin
St. Petersburg
Innovation Marine Corp.
Bayfront Yacht Works
Sarasota
Siesta Key
Calusa Certified Marine Cape Coral
Marina One Deerfield Beach
Twin Screws Marine Service
All Suzuki repowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme Six!” 6-year protection.
Fort Myers
Atlantic Marine Store
Hialeah
Boat Services Group Key West
Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574
Go on a power trip with
Get Hooked. More power to find the birds that get you on the fish.
B B
W
C • • • •
NXT level performance with the most powerful Solid-State Radars on the market. Exceptional short and long-range performance
2 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
V6-GetHooked-CoastalAngler.indd 1
Target Analyzer™ alerts you to hazardous targets
NXT Bird Mode finds birds faster and farther
Simultaneous dual-range capability
Rain Mode provides precise detection in any weather
Get the whole story at NavNet.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
4/2/20 4:11 PM
BUILD BUILD YOUR FLEET FLEET W36M W36M
652R 652R
Z930M Z930M
• • 36-inch 36-inch(91-cm) (91-cm)floating floatingmower mower deck deck • • Smooth-running, Smooth-running,14.5 14.5hp hp(10.8 (10.8 kW) kW)V-twin V-twinengine engine • • Self-propelled Self-propelledhydrostatic hydrostaticdrive drive system system • • Easy-to-use Easy-to-usecontrols controlsfor for operator operatorcomfort comfortand and convenience convenience
•• Compact Compact design for for easy easy hauling hauling •• Hydrostatic Hydrostatic drive system system •• Commercial-quality Commercial-quality engine engine •• Easy Easy to maintain
•• •• •• •• ••
Commercial CommercialWalk-Behind Walk-BehindMower Mower
4:11 PM
QuikTrak™ QuikTrak™ Stand-On Mower Mower
ZTrak™ ZTrak™Zero-Turn Zero-TurnMower Mower 7-Iron™ 7-Iron™PRO PROdeck deck Mulch MulchOn OnDemand™ Demand™Available Available Gasoline GasolineEngine Engine Propane PropaneOption OptionAvailable Available Rear RearDischarge DischargeDeck Deck
MICHAEL JORDAN’S BOAT WINS BUCCANEER CUP
SAILFISH TOURNEY Re-Discover Old Florida
Waterfront Charm
The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Michael Jordan’s 80-foot Viking, Catch 23, took top honors in this year’s Buccaneer Cup.
W R E S E RV E YOUR ST A FOR 28 D Y AYS OR LONG E & RECEIV R E 50% OFF
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 • • • • • • •
Kingfish Lodge includes a wide screen TV and bar for small gatherings Sailfish 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 TRAVEL Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet Cover Your Vacation 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet with Travel Insurance 12 miles to the Gulf Stream Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks P R O T E C T I O N
NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES
3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946
www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com
Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206
YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE OUR UTMOST CONCERN COVID-19 CDC GUIDELINES ARE IN FULL EFFECT
All accommodations are completely cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival 4 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
PHOTO COURTESY OF HAULOVER INLET.COM.
By CAM Staff
ith a five-release first day, Michael Jordan’s boat, Catch 23, held on to win the 58th annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament Jan. 20-23. This year’s event featured a fleet of 38 boats and a total of 63 sailfish caught. It was a big win for Catch 23. The big, beautiful boat has been making national headlines in tournament circuits the last few years, primarily because of the star power Jordan brings to the deck. But now Catch 23 has a big win to hang its hat on. The Buccaneer Cup is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious sailfish release tournaments. It was held this year out of Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida during the traditional heart of the area’s sailfish season. The name Catch 23 pays homage to the jersey number Jordan wore through six NBA championships with Chicago Bulls. The custom 80-foot Viking is wrapped with the elephant print that first adorned Air Jordan 3 sneakers and now also appears on Jordan’s jet. Since 2019, Catch 23 has competed in several high-stakes marlin tournaments in mid-Atlantic. It also saw duty in the last two Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Sailfish tournaments, and placed third in 2019. At this year’s Buccaneer Cup, Capt. Stetson Turney led Catch 23 to five releases on the first day of fishing, Thursday Jan. 21. The action came in spurts. Catch 23 called in its first two releases at 9:11 and 9:31 a.m. Jordan was on the reel for the first one, and angler Jimmy David cranked in the second. The team hung two more release flags just before 2 p.m., when Danny Young fought a sailfish to the boat at 1:47 p.m. and David got his second at 1:53. At 3:28 p.m., Jordan reeled in the fifth release of the day to earn the boat 1,000 points and a solid Day One lead. The tournament awards 200 points for each sailfish release using live bait and 300 points for each release caught on dead bait. Catch 23 did not call in another release until just before noon on the final day of fishing Saturday, Jan. 23. This allowed the eventual secondplace boat, De-Bait-Able, to climb into contention. De-Bait-Able, a 60-foot Viking, captained by KJ Zeher, called in two releases on the morning of Friday’s Day Two. Both fish were handled by angler Cameron Walsh. Saturday saw De-Bait-Able make a big push with four releases between 8:27 a.m. and lines out. Anglers Jay Lanigan, Mike Lanigan, Laura Rassel and Tom Walsh battled in their catches to give De-Bait-Able 1,200 points at the end of Day Three. They were one fish shy of catching Catch 23, which called in releases for anglers Annibal Moya and Danny Young on the final day of fishing. For more information on the Buccaneer Cup, go to www.buccaneercup.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
R
b
S o e a
W C
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Consider A Mastry Suzuki RePower
It Simply Makes Sense
Repowering your boat with Mastry Suzuki outboards gives you an effective
blend of pure power and rugged durability.
Suzuki’s extensive lineup of four-stroke outboards are built for long life, reliable performance, fuel efficiency, quiet operation, ease of access to major parts, and simplified integration. Plus, with Mastry Suzuki’s reputation for high-quality, customer service and extensive marine dealer network — including genuine Suzuki parts and service — we are prepared to support you wherever your adventures lead.
When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Mastry Suzuki RePower exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers are located throughout the southeast • Mastry has over 5-decades of repower experience for proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With Mastry Suzuki RePower owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability • Options that will fit most any budget • Financing available • All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme 6” 6-years of protection
Get with the Program! *When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Marstry 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. suzukirepower.com
1-800-545-4574
PHOTO @RYAN CLAPPER
T
Tom Brady celebrating in Tampa’s Super Bowl Boat Parade Feb. 10 in downtown Tampa.
om Brady made a big purchase when he moved to Tampa for the 2020 NFL season. No, not just a new house, but a $2 million yacht. His custom Wajer 55 is a perfect choice for Tampa Bay area waters. He named her ‘Viva A Vida’ after Gisele Bündchen’s charity. With a top speed of 38 knots and a range of 450 nautical miles, it can get far offshore in the Gulf of Mexico quickly. But he didn’t need all that horsepower to show his boat off during the Super Bowl Boat Parade on Feb. 10. Following a 31-9 beat-down of the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady, the rest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quite a few fans took to the water to celebrate. Brady’s yacht is comfortable and spacious with seating for plenty of guests, whether it’s the sun pads on the bow and aft or the U-shaped couch behind the cockpit. Underneath are two beds for guests, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a full bathroom with a shower, and a master suite. One of the coolest features Tom Brady’s boat has in store is its extendable swim platform that can be raised to also act as a gangway.
6 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH MADNESS REPOWER PROMO
REPOWER REBATES UP TO $1500
PLUS EVERY ENGINE COMES WITH +2 YEARS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY PROTECTION (Offer Expires March 15, 2021)
2.5 HP – 600 HP
SALES• SERVICE• PARTS• REPOWER• PRE-OWNED• INVENTORY SELECTION
15881 Chief Court, Ft. Myers - 239.489.0884 - offshoreperformance.com
FLORIDIAN MARCH
F
lorida is home to one of the most incredibly diverse fisheries on the planet, and every change in season brings entirely new fishing opportunities to our doorstep. With long summers and short winters, temperature changes in autumn and spring bring the most dramatic shifts to our fisheries. Changes are unpredictable this time of year, and the month of March can be absolutely incredible or a total bust. It only takes a few degrees of water temperature rise to bring on full-on spring fishing. This is a wonderful time of year to be an avid fisherman. The delicate and seemingly minuscule weather changes are extremely impactful to the mysterious behavior of fish. We are on the precipice of the next fishing season, but it is based on many factors, none of which are your calendar. Florida is an annoyingly perfect place to be a boater and angler. It may seem like there are always too many boats out there competing for the bite, but, unlike places like Louisiana, where the fishing spots are marked by giant oil rigs, every venture is an opportunity to find a new honey-hole. One of the super-secret offshore coordinates found by the company I work for has been reliably fascinating throughout the year, or even throughout a week. This fishing spot is a unique little ecosystem. The bottom finder is usually marked up like a child’s crayon drawing, yet the species landed can vary greatly from day to day, or season to season. I was fishing this location recently and we caught 53 lane snapper in a few hours. We returned a few days later, and the bottom finder looked the same. We expected to catch lane snapper again, yet it was all mangroves. Then, all of a sudden the screen showed no fish. It was completely blank. This was just as interesting as any other change that had happened there. The fish would reappear on the screen, and disappear, and the bites and lack thereof, followed instantly. All of this happened back and forth within two to five minute intervals. Everyone on board began watching the screen to know when to expect a bite, and then we saw what we had all surmised. Big marks appeared on the screen zipping along solo. There were predatory fish down there. Luckily, we were able to land these predators visiting our honey-hole, and confirm that they were not just sharks. They were giant bull redfish, one of which came up double hooked. Likely not residents of this area, they had stopped by for a snack on their springtime journey through our area. This time of year is unpredictable, and I would never dare claim to understand all the mysterious behaviors of fish, so I will refrain from giving a fishing report. I will, however, say it is a great time of year to be surprised. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Reel Lucky Fishing Charters out of St Petersburg, Fla. Give them a call at (504) 929-6342 and check out Capt. Haddon’s social media @CaptainQuinlyn.
8 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL
Depressions and sinkholes along the wall are signs of seawall erosion.
FAILING SEAWALL? WE CAN HELP! SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION 1. Cracks in the seawall vertical panels or seawall cap 2. Depressions in your yard 3. Water bubbling up from the ground 4. Small sinkholes along the wall 5. Leaning or bowing of a seawall
• Free Estimates • Free 2nd Opinions
• Fully Licensed
• Competitive Pricing
• Family Owned
• Environmentally Friendly
• Experienced and Reputable
• Guaranteed Work
• Serving All of Florida
813.377.2462
www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com
#CBC1255391
Come See Us At The Palm Bay Boat Show Booth 362
Young Anglers Haul In
STATE RECORD
SWORDFISH
The Pompano Beach fishing scene was buzzing in mid-January. Fish were really chewing out on the swordfish grounds, and it seemed everyone with a boat was running 15 miles out to the trench to get in on the action. That buzz rose to near hysteria the evening of Jan. 20, when four anglers between the ages of 17 and 21 returned to the docks at Lighthouse Point Marina. In their boat was an enormous 767.8-pound swordfish. It was a new state record. Here’s the story as told by 21-year-old Timmy Maddock, the new record holder:
I
had just returned from fishing in Costa Rica when I heard the swords were biting. I asked my buddy Hunter Irvine to go swordfishing, and he was ready! That evening, I swung by Big Dog Tackle in Pompano Beach where my girlfriend, Jaime Johanson, is the store manager. I bought fresh baits to rig for the next day’s trip. Hunter and I were up at 5:30 a.m. to load his 31-foot center console. Jaime and our other buddy Jeremy Rafferty met us there. At the sword grounds, we got a good bite on our first drop but were confused when the fish didn’t come back. After making three more drops, we heard on the radio there were bites to the south. We picked up and ran a couple miles south to find five boats stacked up in the area. Out of courtesy, we moved south of the other boats and dropped. The rod went slack the second the lead hit bottom. The four of us kind of looked around at each other, wondering if we had gotten cut off. I engaged the electric reel and started bringing in line to check. After a couple minutes, there was weight on the rod tip. “We got one on!” I yelled. The line was slack because the fish had shot straight to the surface. With the rod loaded and the darts ready for battle, the fish came straight up and jumped out of the water! We were all excited, thinking we might have a 400- or 500-pounder on the line. The lead was off within the first 15 minutes, and that fish raced all over the surface for 30 or 45 minutes before going back to the bottom. While she was up, we couldn’t get a dart in her because she was hauling ass all over the place. After two hours of hard fighting on the bottom, there was a nervous silence. We had begun to speculate how big she really was. She came halfway up and back down four or five times. The last time she dove, she was at 2000 revolutions off the LP electric reel. That’s when we think she died. We tightened the drag to gain line. Every time the boat rocked on a wave, we gained a foot. After an hour and a half of rocking, we finally got the wind-on leader back on the reel. Her head popped out of the water and we all freaked out, knowing she was dead and the fight was over. Jaime grabbed the gaff, holding her phone in the other hand to record this epic moment. Jeremy backed the boat to the fish on the surface, and Hunter put a dart in her to close the deal after more than five hours. When we got her tied off, happiness and adrenalin filled us all as we jumped around and celebrated. We spent 20 minutes trying to get the fish in the boat before radioing for help. Rob Doda was out swordfishing by himself, and he left his spot to come to our aid. He left his boat floating and jumped aboard to explain what needed to be done. After 30 minutes of all five of us pulling, we got her through the tuna door. The boat was taking on a lot of water from the weight on the back corner. We dropped Rob off at his boat and drove as fast as we could to the dock. 12 FLORIDA 1 LOCATION
MARCH 2021 JUNE 2020
B
• Word got out quickly as soon as we reached communication range. The folks at Big Dog Tackle led the search to find an IGFA certified scale. Shaughn Miller of Offshore Anglers of Pompano Beach agreed to meet us with a scale at the Lighthouse Point Marina fuel docks. There was a small crowd on hand. The girth of the fish’s tail was bigger than most men’s waist. As she was hoisted from the boat, the scale climbed 400… 500… 600! Everyone was cheering. When she was finally vertical, the scale stopped at 767.8 pounds. It was insane, to say the least. The fish yielded more than 400 pounds of meat that was given away to family, friends and Filet for Friends charity. Some of it was eaten during a celebration barbecue for the community, where many got a taste of the official Florida state record swordfish.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
•SU •EN •99
*LIF 16 BREVARD
J
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
OVERALL, THE FISHING HAS BEEN GOOD IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA.
T
ampa Bay snook fishing is one of those on again and off again things in the cooler months. If you can get whitebaits, the snook bite is not too bad. If the temps drop, look for snook in canals, rivers and creeks with deep, muddy-bottoms. We’ve had some action on warmer, overcast days using artificial lures like the DOA and Gulp Shrimps. Also, you can try your favorite jerk bait on a light jighead. With March comes some of the best sight fishing for redfish, because the algae start dying and the water clears up. The low tides and clear water make catching redfish a dream. As always, we’re catching reds in with mullet schools using
both live bait and artificial lures. You’ll also find redfish around the flats near Weedon, Double Branch, Simmons Park, Ft. Desoto and Joe’s Island. Soft plastics are always fun, and expect some good excitement when pitching around the mangroves on high incoming tides on low tidal flats. Topwater lures on a calm early morning tidal flat can be tremendous heart-stopping trout action. Also, you can try live shrimp or artificial shrimp like a DOA or Gulp shrimp. An artificial shrimp works well under a popping cork on most broken-bottom grass flats. Remember, snook, redfish and trout are catch and release only. If the cooler temps stay as expected, the cobia bite should continue around the power plants. Plenty of small black tips and occasionally a pompano are caught around the Big Bend Power Plant and readily take shrimp offered on a jig. Sheepshead should continue to hang around bridges, oyster bars and deep water rocks. Try using small rock crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp or oysters. When fishing around the bridges, try scratching the pilings to get them going. Call me and let’s go fishing 813-477-3814.
Kayaks | Motors & Accessories | Motive Electric Bikes Fishing Tackle & Supplies | Custom Rigging & Installation
$25 OFF
BEFORE
purchase of Kayak or E-Bike
Boat & Jet Ski Repair Detailing • General Painting Fiberglass & Gelcoat Repair
AFTER
Mobil Service Available | Insured
727-772-7663 | 651 Alternate 19 Palm Harbor, FL 34683 | bcpoweryaks.com
727-831-4840
9470 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL. 33773
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 1
ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
T
he weekly cold fronts and the 30 knot winds that come with them, have arrived. This can make fishing difficult at best and if you don’t have a plan, impossible. The snook are still in their backwater winter homes. The redfish will get lockjaw after the 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 bait like the Highwater Lures JB Golden or Pocket Change colors on a Mission Fishin 1/16-ounce jig; or, a suspending bait like a MirrOlure MirrOdine. 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 northern 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 splitshot, if needed. Throw lures up-current and work them back toward the structure slowly. Winter fishing is all about slowing things down. If you’re cold, the fish are too. The final option is targeting sheepshead. As mentioned, they will be found at residential docks, but the hot action will be at the area bridges. The Skyway, Dick Misner and Gandy bridges are all famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live or dead and cut in pieces, are a popular choice. Fiddler crabs and barnacles also work well. Use the smallest hooks and lightest line and weights you can get away with. 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 cold weather keep you at home, if you adjust your game plan, the fishing can be red hot. I would also like to announce that we are working with a new apparel company Salty Traditions. They make hats, face shields and really nice sublimated ink microfiber fishing shirts. They have unique artwork, and the quality is second to none. These shirts stand out on the water. So, if you’re not catching fish, at least you’ll catch looks! 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 2 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
G W P_
W PA P_
W E
(_
W & _
C
6 S
GET OUT FISHING THIS SPRING THE WAY YOU WANT, WHETHER PADDLING, PEDALING, OR MOTORING ____________________________________________ WE STOCK A WIDE VARIETY OF KAYAKS, CANOES, AND PADDLEBOARDS, WITH OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE HELPING PEOPLE GET ON THE WATER; AND NOW YAMAHA E-BIKES! ____________________________________________
WE ARE RECEIVING NEW BOAT SHIPMENTS EACH WEEK, PLEASE CALL FOR NEW INVENTORY:
(__________________________________ 727) 545-4554 / CANOECOUNTRYFL.COM
WE CUSTOMIZE, REPAIR, & OFFER RENTAL CANOES, KAYAKS, & PADDLEBOARDS, AND YAMAHA E-BIKE DEMOS __________________________________
CANOE COUNTRY OUTFITTERS
6493 54TH AVE N ST. PETE, FL 33709
MADE IN AMERICA
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 3
Recipe of the Month
SMOKED FISH DIP Pepper Pureè 2 banana peppers 2 small white onions 6 cloves garlic 3 bell peppers (assorted colors recommended) Chop and combine all items in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Fish Brine 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup brown sugar 8 cups hot water 2 cups ice 1 cup salt 1 pinch red pepper Combine hot water, salt and brown sugar. Mix until solids are dissolved. Add soy sauce and red pepper. Add the ice and stir to cool down. Smoking the Fillets Step 1: Brine fish fillets skin on overnight. Step 2: Remove fish from brine and onto a raised rack so excess moisture can be released. Step 3: Smoke for 2 to 3 hours at desired temperature. Personally, I like 250 degrees Fahrenheit with apple or cherry wood. For a heavier smoke, use hickory. Remember to soak your wood chunks in water for 1 to 2 hours before using them. Step 4: Once the outside has a nice char, and the internal temp is approximately 155 to160 degrees, pull your fillets and let them cool down. Step 5: Remove skin and hand-shred the fillets to ensure that no bones make it into your dip Fish Dip 8 pounds smoked fish 4 cups pepper pureè 8 ounces cream cheese 3 1/2 cups Greek yogurt Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in a large pan or bowl. Mix together with a wooden spoon until cream cheese is fully blended and you achieve your desired consistency--salt and pepper to taste. Depending on how smoked your fish is, you may need to add more puree to bring the moisture level up. Serve with crackers, your favorite hot sauce and a lemon wedge.
SC
AL FREE LO G PI UN EQ NG & RIG UI LO GI PM B NG EN STE T RI NG
7610 Industrial Ln. Suite 8H Tampa, FL. 33637
neptonics.com 813-867-3250 4 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Your Spearfishing Headquarters.
Use code coastal10 for
10% OFF your order
HERNANDO COUNTY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
SPRING ON THE WATER
T
hat’s right, it’s finally March. This officially starts spring. Time to dust frenzy going and attract more of the fish you’re looking for. This is probably off those rods and reels, charge the batteries and wash the boat (I one of the best times of year to go out and target these and many other fish. hope you got it serviced). If you’re like me, I’ve been ready for some The weather is still cool, hopefully not too windy, and the water says clear. warmer weather and great fishing. Spring time fishing can be some of the Inshore fishing is off the hook right now. The redfish, trout and snook best in our region. With the water temperatures are all in the creeks and backwaters. We have climbing up, many migrating species will start a few areas here that are spring fed--these are showing up again. From inshore to offshore, also great spots. Look at the beginning and the fish are on the move and ready to eat. On end of the high tide when the water is moving some recent offshore trips, we have been catchto find these fish more active. Using artificial ing cobia, shark and some big bull redfish. like top water, sub surface baits or jerkbaits Catching any redfish offshore is pretty exciting. on a light jig head will produce fish. Also, use With this, I’m already seeing the spring pattern cut bait like mullet, pinfish, ladyfish or select begin to start. shrimp. Very few fish will pass up these baits. As the water temperature slowly starts to I’m always looking for reports and pictures. climb up in March, look offshore for kingfish, You can email me or stop by my website and Spanish mackerel, cobia, bluefish, grouper and become a “FISHHEAD.” Get out there on the sharks to start moving into our area. Another water and make some memories with friends species that’s been very actively biting is the and family! mangrove snapper. One of the best tactics for them is to use shrimp. For snapper you want to Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters use a 2/0 hook with a small weight; or, try using out of Hernando Beach. Coast guard licensed, a small bucktail jig with a piece of shrimp. insured and Federal permitted. He knows the loAnother species still around is sheepshead. Using some of the same tac- cal 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. tics I described for snapper will also work on the sheeps. Another small Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com secret is to chum the areas you’re fishing. Chumming will help get a feeding
5000 Calienta St., Hernando Beach, FL 352-610-9999 www.BluePelicanMarina.com
AUTHORIZED DEALER: rrivals New A Models 2021
ng ers.
or
Financing Available
SOLD 2021 22’ Mirage 8522 CRS Mercury 115 hp 4st
$35,053
2021 21’ Sylvan | L-1 DLZ Yamaha 115 hp 4 st Extended Deck
$39,197
2021 27’ Sylvan S-5 | LS DC Mercury 300 hp 4 st Tri-toon and Loaded
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
$82,736
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 5
St. Petersburg
www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com www.USHarbors.com
St. Petersburg, FL - Mar 2021 High
Date
Old Port of Tampa
www.USHarbors.com ezdocktampa.com
Old Port Tampa, FL - Mar 2021
Low
High
Date
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Mon
3:38
2.1
4:15
1.7
10:07
-0.2
10:19
-0.1
6:52
6:31
2
Tue
4:33
1.9
4:36
1.9
10:33
0.1
11:13
-0.2
6:51
6:32
3
Wed
5:35
1.6
5:02
2.1
10:57
0.4
6:50
6:33
6:34
4
Thu
6:51
1.3
5:33
2.2
12:13
-0.3
11:19A
0.7
6:49
6:33
6:49
6:34
5
Fri
8:47
1.1
6:13
2.3
1:28
-0.3
11:31A
1.0
6:48
6:34
-0.3
6:47
6:35
6
Sat
7:06
2.3
3:06
-0.3
6:47
6:34
4:03
-0.4
6:46
6:35
7
Sun
8:26
2.2
4:48
-0.4
6:46
6:35
2.0
5:15
-0.5
6:45
6:36
8
Mon
10:08
2.2
6:03
-0.5
6:45
6:36
11:04
2.1
6:10
-0.6
4:51
1.2
6:44
6:37
9
Tue
11:33
2.2
6:57
-0.6
5:42
1.3
6:44
6:36
2:09
1.4
6:53
-0.5
6:00
1.0
6:43
6:37
10
Wed
2:28
1.6
7:39
-0.6
6:46
1.0
6:43
6:37
2.1
2:17
1.4
7:27
-0.4
6:50
0.8
6:42
6:38
11
Thu
12:36
2.2
2:46
1.7
8:12
-0.5
7:35
0.8
6:42
6:37
12:54
2.0
2:25
1.5
7:55
-0.3
7:32
0.6
6:41
6:38
12
Fri
1:27
2.2
3:03
1.7
8:37
-0.3
8:17
0.6
6:41
6:38
Sat
1:37
2.0
2:33
1.6
8:18
-0.1
8:11
0.4
6:40
6:39
13
Sat
2:12
2.1
3:17
1.8
8:58
-0.1
8:57
0.4
6:40
6:38
14
Sun
3:17
1.8
3:43
1.7
9:38
0.1
9:48
0.2
7:39
7:39
14
Sun
3:54
2.0
4:29
1.9
10:15
0.0
10:34
0.2
7:39
7:39
15
Mon
3:56
1.7
3:56
1.8
9:56
0.3
10:26
0.1
7:38
7:40
15
Mon
4:36
1.8
4:42
2.0
10:32
0.2
11:10
0.0
7:37
7:40
16
Tue
4:37
1.6
4:13
2.0
10:14
0.5
11:07
0.0
7:37
7:40
16
Tue
5:19
1.7
4:57
2.2
10:51
0.4
11:47
-0.1
7:36
7:40
17
Wed
5:23
1.4
4:35
2.1
10:31
0.6
11:52
-0.1
7:35
7:41
17
Wed
6:06
1.6
5:17
2.3
11:13
0.6
7:35
7:41
18
Thu
6:18
1.2
5:01
2.1
10:47
0.8
7:34
7:42
18
Thu
6:59
1.5
5:42
2.4
12:26
-0.1
11:36A
0.8
7:34
7:41
19
Fri
7:34
1.1
5:34
2.1
12:45
-0.1
7:33
7:42
19
Fri
8:06
1.3
6:13
2.4
1:10
-0.1
12:00
1.0
7:33
7:42
20
Sat
6:14
2.1
1:51
-0.1
7:32
7:43
20
Sat
9:50
1.3
6:51
2.3
2:07
-0.1
12:21
1.2
7:32
7:42
21
Sun
7:08
2.0
3:09
-0.1
7:31
7:43
21
Sun
7:43
2.3
3:25
0.0
7:31
7:43
22
Mon
8:27
1.9
4:30
-0.1
7:30
7:44
22
Mon
8:59
2.2
5:01
-0.1
7:30
7:43
23
Tue
10:04
2.0
5:37
-0.2
7:29
7:44
23
Tue
2:11P
1.6
10:33
2.2
6:18
-0.2
4:58
1.5
7:28
7:44
24
Wed
11:26
2.0
6:29
-0.3
5:32
1.3
7:28
7:45
24
Wed
2:30P
1.7
11:57
2.2
7:12
-0.3
6:22
1.3
7:27
7:44
25
Thu
2:18
1.5
7:12
-0.4
6:33
1.0
7:26
7:45
25
Thu
2:49
1.7
7:54
-0.4
7:19
1.1
7:26
7:45
26
Fri
12:31
2.1
2:27
1.5
7:49
-0.3
7:22
0.8
7:25
7:46
26
Fri
1:03
2.3
3:06
1.8
8:29
-0.3
8:06
0.8
7:25
7:46
27
Sat
1:27
2.2
2:38
1.6
8:22
-0.2
8:08
0.5
7:24
7:46
27
Sat
2:01
2.4
3:22
1.9
9:00
-0.2
8:51
0.5
7:24
7:46
28
Sun
2:20
2.1
2:53
1.8
8:52
0.0
8:54
0.1
7:23
7:47
28
Sun
2:56
2.3
3:38
2.0
9:28
0.0
9:37
0.2
7:23
7:47
29
Mon
3:13
2.0
3:11
2.0
9:19
0.3
9:42
-0.1
7:22
7:47
29
Mon
3:51
2.2
3:55
2.2
9:55
0.3
10:23
-0.1
7:22
7:47
30
Tue
4:08
1.9
3:33
2.2
9:44
0.6
10:34
-0.3
7:21
7:48
30
Tue
4:48
2.1
4:15
2.4
10:20
0.6
11:13
-0.3
7:20
7:48
31
Wed
5:09
1.6
4:00
2.3
10:04
0.8
11:31
-0.4
7:20
7:48
31
Wed
5:50
1.8
4:40
2.6
10:44
0.9
7:19
7:48
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Mon
2:57
2.0
3:30
1.6
9:32
-0.1
9:36
0.1
6:53
6:32
1
2
Tue
3:52
1.8
3:54
1.8
9:59
0.2
10:35
-0.1
6:52
6:32
3
Wed
4:56
1.5
4:23
2.0
10:22
0.5
11:42
-0.2
6:51
6:33
4
Thu
6:18
1.2
4:57
2.1
10:39
0.8
6:50
5
Fri
5:41
2.1
1:01
-0.3
6
Sat
6:39
2.1
2:33
7
Sun
8:03
2.1
8
Mon
9:42
9
Tue
10
Wed
11
Thu
12:05
12
Fri
13
1
2:05P
2:13P
1.3
1.4
10:55A
1.0
Moon
2:11P
1.6
Moon
GULFCOAST #1 REPOWER SPECIALIST SINCE 1990 100% Financing Available at 5.99%
Limited Pre-Order Pricing MFS75AETL
MFS90AETL
MFS115AETL
Only $192.20 per month*
Only $197.22 per month*
Only $207.27 per month*
$7,650
$7,850
*With Approved Credit, please contact Northeast Marine for Qualification Details
$8,250
***White is an Additional Charge
1801 28th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33713
727-327-7341 • www.NortheastMarine.net 8:30am-5pm M-W / 8:00am-4:00pm Thurs & Fri
6 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Tarpon Springs
1500 US 19 Holiday, FL
www.USHarbors.com
Tarpon Springs, Anclote River, FL - Mar 2021 River High
Date
Hernando Beach
bluepelicanmarina.com www.USHarbors.com
Rocky Creek, LittleFL Pine Island Hernando Beach, - Mar 2021
Low
High
Date
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Mon
2:32
3.1
3:04
2.7
10:24
-0.3
10:37
-0.1
6:55
6:33
2
Tue
3:21
2.9
3:34
2.8
10:59
0.0
11:24
-0.2
6:54
6:33
3
Wed
4:14
2.7
4:08
2.9
11:35
0.3
6:53
6:34
6:34
4
Thu
5:13
2.3
4:45
2.9
12:16
-0.2
12:12
0.7
6:52
6:35
6:49
6:35
5
Fri
6:24
2.0
5:30
2.9
1:15
-0.2
12:53
1.0
6:51
6:35
1.3
6:48
6:35
6
Sat
8:04
1.8
6:28
2.8
2:29
-0.1
1:48
1.3
6:50
6:36
1:14
1.5
6:47
6:36
7
Sun
9:59
1.8
7:49
2.7
3:58
-0.1
3:15
1.5
6:49
6:36
-0.2
2:46
1.4
6:46
6:36
8
Mon
11:17
2.0
9:20
2.7
5:23
-0.2
4:47
1.4
6:47
6:37
4:29
-0.3
4:02
1.2
6:45
6:37
9
Tue
12:02P
2.1
10:37
2.8
6:30
-0.3
6:03
1.2
6:46
6:38
2.7
5:20
-0.3
5:02
0.9
6:44
6:38
10
Wed
12:34P
2.3
11:38
2.9
7:21
-0.3
7:03
0.9
6:45
6:38
11:32
2.7
6:01
-0.3
5:50
0.6
6:43
6:38
11
Thu
1:02
2.4
8:02
-0.3
7:51
0.6
6:44
6:39
12:32
2.4
6:34
-0.2
6:31
0.4
6:42
6:39
12
Fri
12:28
3.0
1:28
2.5
8:35
-0.2
8:32
0.4
6:43
6:40
2.7
12:55
2.4
7:04
-0.1
7:08
0.2
6:41
6:39
13
Sat
1:10
3.0
1:51
2.6
9:05
-0.1
9:09
0.2
6:42
6:40
12:53
2.7
2:18
2.5
8:32
0.0
8:44
0.1
7:39
7:40
14
Sun
1:49
2.9
3:14
2.7
10:33
0.0
10:45
0.1
7:41
7:41
Mon
2:30
2.6
2:41
2.6
8:58
0.2
9:18
0.0
7:38
7:40
15
Mon
3:26
2.8
3:37
2.8
10:59
0.2
11:19
0.0
7:39
7:41
16
Tue
3:07
2.5
3:04
2.6
9:24
0.4
9:53
0.0
7:37
7:41
16
Tue
4:03
2.7
4:00
2.8
11:25
0.4
11:54
0.0
7:38
7:42
17
Wed
3:46
2.4
3:29
2.7
9:51
0.5
10:29
0.0
7:36
7:42
17
Wed
4:42
2.5
4:25
2.9
11:52
0.5
7:37
7:43
18
Thu
4:27
2.2
3:57
2.7
10:18
0.7
11:07
0.1
7:35
7:42
18
Thu
5:23
2.4
4:53
2.9
12:30
0.0
12:19
0.7
7:36
7:43
19
Fri
5:14
2.0
4:29
2.6
10:48
0.9
11:53
0.1
7:34
7:43
19
Fri
6:10
2.2
5:25
2.9
1:08
0.1
12:49
0.9
7:35
7:44
20
Sat
6:10
1.8
5:08
2.6
11:23
1.1
7:33
7:43
20
Sat
7:06
2.0
6:04
2.8
1:54
0.1
1:24
1.1
7:34
7:44
21
Sun
7:29
1.7
6:00
2.5
12:52
0.2
12:12
1.4
7:31
7:44
21
Sun
8:25
1.8
6:56
2.7
2:53
0.2
2:13
1.4
7:32
7:45
22
Mon
9:10
1.7
7:17
2.4
2:10
0.3
1:38
1.5
7:30
7:44
22
Mon
10:06
1.8
8:13
2.6
4:11
0.3
3:39
1.5
7:31
7:45
23
Tue
10:26
1.9
8:49
2.4
3:32
0.2
3:16
1.5
7:29
7:45
23
Tue
11:22
2.0
9:45
2.6
5:33
0.2
5:17
1.5
7:30
7:46
24
Wed
11:18
2.0
10:06
2.6
4:39
0.0
4:30
1.3
7:28
7:45
24
Wed
12:14P
2.2
11:02
2.8
6:40
0.0
6:31
1.3
7:29
7:47
25
Thu
11:56
2.2
11:09
2.8
5:34
-0.1
5:29
1.0
7:27
7:46
25
Thu
12:52
2.4
7:35
-0.1
7:30
1.0
7:28
7:47
26
Fri
12:29
2.4
6:21
-0.2
6:20
0.6
7:26
7:46
26
Fri
12:05
3.0
1:25
2.5
8:22
-0.2
8:21
0.6
7:27
7:48
27
Sat
12:05
2.9
12:59
2.5
7:03
-0.2
7:07
0.3
7:25
7:47
27
Sat
1:01
3.2
1:55
2.7
9:04
-0.2
9:08
0.3
7:25
7:48
28
Sun
12:56
3.0
1:27
2.6
7:42
-0.1
7:51
0.0
7:23
7:48
28
Sun
1:52
3.3
2:23
2.8
9:43
-0.1
9:52
0.0
7:24
7:49
29
Mon
1:45
3.0
1:56
2.8
8:19
0.0
8:35
-0.3
7:22
7:48
29
Mon
2:41
3.3
2:52
3.0
10:20
0.0
10:36
-0.3
7:23
7:49
30
Tue
2:34
2.9
2:26
2.9
8:56
0.3
9:21
-0.4
7:21
7:49
30
Tue
3:30
3.2
3:22
3.1
10:57
0.3
11:22
-0.4
7:22
7:50
31
Wed
3:27
2.7
2:58
3.0
9:32
0.6
10:10
-0.5
7:20
7:49
31
Wed
4:23
2.9
3:54
3.2
11:33
0.6
7:21
7:51
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Mon
1:36
2.9
2:08
2.5
8:23
-0.3
8:36
-0.1
6:53
6:32
1
2
Tue
2:25
2.7
2:38
2.6
8:58
0.0
9:23
-0.2
6:52
6:33
3
Wed
3:18
2.5
3:12
2.7
9:34
0.3
10:15
-0.2
6:51
6:33
4
Thu
4:17
2.2
3:49
2.7
10:11
0.7
11:14
-0.2
6:50
5
Fri
5:28
1.9
4:34
2.7
10:52
1.0
6
Sat
7:08
1.7
5:32
2.6
12:28
-0.1
11:47A
7
Sun
9:03
1.7
6:53
2.5
1:57
-0.1
8
Mon
10:21
1.8
8:24
2.5
3:22
9
Tue
11:06
2.0
9:41
2.6
10
Wed
11:38
2.1
10:42
11
Thu
12:06P
2.3
12
Fri
13
Sat
12:14
14
Sun
15
1
Moon
Moon
PONTOON BOAT RENTALS Enjoy being on the water today!
m - 4:30p 9:00am 9 People Up to
$U2D7ES9FUEL
INCenLtion This Coastal Angler Ad M
Photo courtesy of
Greene Marine Construction
A Li f Abo t v e the Res t 5000 Calienta St., Hernando Beach, Fl 34607
www.bluepelicanmarina.com 352-610-9999
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 7
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER: BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
FISHING FOR TAMPA BAY BRUTES
B
lack drum are like redfish in shape, but are distinguishable by their color and barbells or feeders on the underside of the lower jaw. Black drum are known for their ability to produce a “croaking” or “drumming” sound. Black drum mature at four years old and can live 40 years or more weighing over 100 pounds in Gulf coast waters. Black drum make a great sport for kids and adults. In early March, I start fishing the sand bar in front of Pinellas Point. This seems to be their stopping area to spawn before they work their way into upper Tampa Bay. On a good day, you can spot the fish on the sand bar. They will move into deeper water along the sand bar later in the month and you will need your depth finder or a tower boat to spot them. Late March, April, May and June are my peak times to fish under the bridges or oyster bars and channels.
How to:
Sand bar fishing: Once I have found the fish, I like to use a jig head anywhere from 3/8 to 1/2-ounce depending on the depth of the water. Hook a live shrimp from the tail and work it slowly through the school. Drift with the motor turned off so as not to spook the school. Once hooked use the trolling motor, if needed, to hold your spot until the fish is landed.
Bridge fishing: Here you have two options. One, use live shrimp on a 1/2-ounce banana jig. Drop it along-side the pilings working it with a slow up and down movement no more than several feet from the bottom. This will give you a chance at both pompano and black drum. Two, use a 3/0 circle hook with a 1/2 -ounce knocker rig (heavier if needed) to keep the bait on the bottom. Use fresh blue crab either in half or quarter according to the size of the crab. Oyster bars and channel fishing: I find most of the black drum wandering in 2 to 4-feet of water. I will use a 2/0 Circle hook with a medium to large live shrimp freelined. I cast ahead of the school and use a slow retrieve. These fish are normally feeding, so putting the food in front of them does the trick. One thing I have found is that they like clean water. Tackle for sand bar, oyster bar and channel fishing: • 7’.6” Okuma SRTE-S-761H inshore spinning rod. • ITX-4000 Okuma spinning reel. • 30-Pound Fins Windtammer braided line. Tackle for bridge fishing: • 7’0 Okuma CJ-S-701M Cedros spinning rod. • 6000H Okuma Azores spinning reel. • 50-pound Fins Windtammer braided line. 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. Email: atanes@msn.com Phone: 813-973-7132 | reelfishing.com
Stop by and see us at the
Tampa Bay Boat Show March 5 - 7, 2021 Florida State Fairgrounds
REPOWER CENTER Outboard Service Parts & Accessories 8 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
72
46
p on a ow up is will circle on the size of
m wanum to trieve. m does
ort on host to Show. ng.com
• 250 Wet Slips • 100 Dry Slips • Marina Web Cam • Launching Ramp • Floating Transient Dock • Monthly & Daily Rentals • Marine Supplies • Free Internet Access • Free Public Pump-Out • Fishing Tackle • Floating Fuel Dock - Gas & Diesel • Charter Boat Center • Ice, Beer, Snacks • Live & Frozen Bait • Prop Recondition • Monitoring VHF CH 16 FM
The Fisherman’s Candy Store OPEN 7 DAYS
9:00am to 6:00pm
Over 5,000 sq. ft. of Fishing Tackle and Supplies
727-893-1071 • www.mygulfport.us/marina
4630 29th. Ave. S. Gulfport, FL. 33711
COME VISIT THE BEST STOCKED STORE IN FLORIDA
Check Us Out on Facebook & Instagram and Watch for Upcoming Specials
1500 US 19 Holiday, FL 34691 (727) 935-7258 www.tarponfishingoutfitters.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 9
PASCO COUNTY BY: CAPT. BOBBY CARROLL
Ne
Com
S
pring has arrived! Whether you’re just getting into the outdoor hobby or an avid angler, this is the time of year that you can’t miss. Bait will be all over the flats. All three major species will be schooled up, and we should have great weather until the summer storms come in. You should still be able to target some of the gator trout before they move on to other territory. For live bait, use whitebait or jumbo shrimp. Put it under a bobber with about a 2-foot spread. Use 20-pound leader paired
10 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
up with a 1/0 hook and you should be good to go. Redfish are loaded up all over the flats and creeks. This time of year, you should have no problem getting a dozen redfish to the boat. Start checking mangroves where deep pockets are dug out, as well as, stand-alone bushes. That will be where these fish are schooled up. Make sure you creep up slowly and keep the noise at a minimum, because they are very skittish. Snook will begin to come out of the back creeks and go to where fast-moving water is around points and structure. Throw your bigger baits, if you’re trying to target snook. Use at least a 40-pound leader and a 2/0 circle hook. Try to target your snook first thing in the morning or at dusk. Tides play a role in their eating habits, but your best chances are during low light conditions. Remember that all three inshore species are still catch and release, only in Pasco county. Learn how to stalk, approach and gain the skills needed to catch fish with artificial baits. Capt. Bobby Carroll (Florida Fishing Experience) 727-271-3257
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
T
“
Adven erywh Ba Wolf, the gr severa Th Dodge includ Crysta variou repres and go scuba, Th from 9 of loca held h Fo manse Th FL.) a $5.00
New Sportsman’s Expo
Coming to Hernando County March 20 & 21
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.” Back 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 that club has over three hundred members today. The three guys started lining up vendors and sponsors. Harley Davidson, Dodge Jeep and Barney’s loved the idea and came aboard. Marine Dealers including Crystal River Marine, Hernando Beach Marina, Resource Marine, Crystal River Marine and Nature Coast Boats will represent hundreds of various boats, trailers and water sports products. Other Expo vendors will represent trucks, RV’s, tractors and mowers, guns, fishing tackle, knives, golf and golf carts, 4 wheelers, trailers, kayaks, upholstery, boat clubs and rentals, scuba, nutrition, outdoor artists and, of course, a lot of tasty food vendors! There will truly be something for everyone. With a Car Show Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and other outdoor activities, it will bring in a lot of locals and visitors as well. Professional clinics and demonstrations will be held hourly both days in the main events tent. For more information or to participate visit 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 20 and 21. Admission is $5.00 per person and kids under 12 are free.
The The best best warranty warranty in in the the business. business.
Only Honda gives you a full, five years,non-declining warranty. Only Honda gives you a full, five years, No strings. No catches. It’s that simple. non-declining warranty. No strings. No catches. It’s that simple.
Now stocking Honda Outboards for Repower This warranty is limited to Honda Outboard Motors and related original equipment distributed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Power Equipment Division, 4900 Marconi Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005-8847.
American American Honda Honda Finance Finance Corporation Corporation Rates Rates as as low low as as 4.99%** 2.99%**
The Power Of Boating
**APR financing available on all new Honda outboard engines through American Honda Finance Corporation upon approved credit. 5.24% APR financing for 24 – 48 months, available to customers who qualify for AHFC credit tier 1. 4.99% Offer good on any new and unregistered Honda outboard engine, with a minimum amount financed of $1,000 and a minimum monthly payment of $100. Check with participating dealers for complete details.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 11
SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE
M
arch in the Tampa Bay area denotes a fantastic transition for our favorite sport fish. Reds, trout, snook, flounder and a plethora of species are moving around our favorite waterways abundantly. You just have to be in the right place for their staging, know where they will be for the tide changes and position yourself with the proper lures in order to attract a strike. The wind will play a major role in planning your inshore fishing trip, hence why we utilize kayaks to get into the skinny waterways where snook and reds tend to congregate. Mangroves provide great cover from the up and down wind gusts you’ll likely experience. So, take advantage of that by
throwing a soft plastic shrimp or finger mullet pattern deep into the cuts to attract a hungry snook’s attention. Topwater lures are also very productive for all of these fish, including trout, this time of year. Redfish are also lingering in the mangrove cuts, often sunning themselves on sandy bottoms and areas where grass and warm sandy potholes are available. Make sure to tighten your drag, for these fish know how to fight and where to run in the event you get one on your line. Line management and making sure you control the fight is imperative in these tight quarters; otherwise, you’ll be losing a ton of lures to the fish gods! If you take our advice, the results will be a mind-blowing fight! Remember to make sure a fish doesn’t pull you into the mangroves, or cut you off on a nearby oyster bed! You will be awarded by some aerial jumps, flops and cartwheels, digs and a screaming reel, until it’s subdued enough for you to finally hold for an epic photo! Good vibes and tight lines always from your friends at Pure Florida Watersports. Derick & Natalie purefloridaws@gmail.com | purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824
We offer
SAFE CURBSIDE PICK UP & no contact delivery within 150 miles.
Dorado 125
NEW Seastream Angler 12PD In Stock ONLY $1499
Florida's Premier
PURE FLORIDA WATERSPORTS 32809 Eiland Blvd Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
(813) 602-8824 • www.purefloridawatersports.com 12 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Dealer
6
warm se fish ur line. tive in h gods! ember off on ps and you to
6000 66th St. N • St. Petersburg, FL. 33709 (727) 546-8484 • AmericanDiscountMarine.com
TOP
10 OLD
S A LT P R E S E NT S
REASONS TO ADVERTISE
YOUR BUSINESS IN
DON’T JUST REACH ANGLERS 10 WE Our readers enjoy all the outdoors and a variety of recreational activities.
9
EXCLUSIVE DEMOGRAPHIC
8
GEO-TARGET YOUR AD
APRIL 29TH, 30 TH & MAY 1ST, 2021 MADEIRA BEACH, FL
7
FREE PUBLICATION
MORE THAN $225K IN PRIZES
6
LOCAL EDITORIALS
5
LOWEST COST
4
REGIONAL OR NATIONAL
3
E-MAGAZINE
2
1 MILLION READERS
1
YOU ARE NOT BUYING AN AD, BUT INVESTING IN YOUR BUSINESS WITH COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE
PRE-REG $225 PER BOAT BY APRIL 19 • RICH TWT’S 2 LEVELS 1ST PLACE SINGLE ENGINE WINS A $16K SUZUKI REPOWER PACKAGE
90% male, 80% home owners, 35% college degree, $82k annual income. 10,000+ locally, 190,000+ throughout Florida, or over 500,000 nationally. New readers and “fresh eyes” each month that see your ad. The area’s most experienced fishing guides, charter captains, and writers.
TH
FISH BIG MONEY • OVER 60 WAYS TO WIN 30 mile boundary • NO Checkout 6 DIVISIONS: OVERALL • SPANISH MACKEREL SINGLE ENGINE • TRAVELING ANGLER • LADIES • YOUTH Visit us online for a full list of local resources to make your stay easier; Tackle shops, Boat ramps, Lodging & More!
OLDSALTFISHING.ORG
VisitStPeteClearwater.com
#LiveAmplified
COME FISH THE WORLD’S LARGEST & RICHEST KINGFISH TOURNAMENT 14 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
A rate schedule that offers the lowest cost per thousand impressions in the industry. For a small business this can be a life-changing event. Your ad will also appear in our e-magazine, marketing your business on the internet. We are the largest free outdoor publication in the U.S. and Bahamas with over 1 Million Readers Every Month!
Contact Chuck Atkins for More Information:
Chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com 239-464-5153
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
N
S
.
g
SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT
FREE
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 De Soto 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 nonstop 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 baitfish 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. If you’re fishing the Southshore side of the Bay, I recommend stopping at Hooked Up Bait and Tackle off of US 41 and Beach Ave. Augustine has everything you need for a good day of fishing.
BATTERY CHARGER with New Battery
Purchase! Limit one per customer. $99 or over.
Captain Christopher Taylor | Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com | (813) 220-6135
. h!
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
TAMPA 15
RIVERS TO BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
M
arch Madness usually means basketball but, here in Tampa Bay, it means the snook bite is on. This month should be a great month of fishing, since February was pretty warm. This means spring should show up a little early. I love spring fishing. Bait is usually very prevalent on the flats and markers. It usually doesn’t take long to fill the live well full of frisky baits. Red fishing, back in February, was very good in upper Tampa Bay past the Courtney Campbell and down around the South Shore. You should expect it to pick up all over Tampa Bay, as the water warms and more redfish come into the Bay from the Gulf to feed on all of our bait. Again, since it was so warm in February, the snook fishing was very good and my prediction for March would be that it will be just as outstanding. My rig for snook fishing is a 7-foot 4-inch Bull Bay rod from the new Banshee series with a Shimano Stradic 3000 reel spooled with 15-pound braid, 20-pound fluorocarbon and a Gamakatsu 1/0 Nautilus light hook. This is my typical setup, and it works great for redfish, snook, sheepshead and trout. You don’t have to have this exact set up, but I would suggest some type
of 3000 reel and a good medium-fast to medium-extra-fast rod for your inshore fishing. I think you’ll find this is a good all-around style fishing rod. Let’s talk about the bait stealers of Tampa Bay--the convict fish known as sheepshead. These fish can sometimes drive a fisherman crazy. The bite in February was outstanding, and I’m hoping it is in March, as well. All I can say is that if March is anything like it was last year, fishing wise, the fishing in Tampa Bay should be outstanding. So, once you’ve finished reading this forecast for Tampa Bay, give yourself a game plan on what you’re going to fish for and how. Check out Google Earth and see where the drop offs are. Look for eddies and flats with lots of pot holes where trout, snook and redfish can lie and wait to ambush their prey. Also, ask your local tackle shops as to what’s happening in the area and see if they can point you in the right direction. Or, you could always hire a professional fishing captain to take you and your family or friends out. Tampa Bay has a lot to offer in March, so turn off the basketball, go wet a line and see what’s biting for you. Tight Lines--Capt. John. Captain John Rivers | www.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com | 727-313-1781
Fishing Team Large Selection of Barracuda Cast Nets at Great Prices. Penn Reel & Star Rod Dealer. Rod Repairs.
Complete Line of Tackle. Live & Frozen Bait.
At 4th St N. & 62nd Ave N. | (727) 826-0265 (Behind the 7-11)
www.facebook.com/mitchsbaitandtackle 16 TAMPA
MARCH 2021
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
BOATHOUSE BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies
Marine Supplies
Jacksonville West
Locations Same Low Prices
Jacksonville Beach
3
Locations Same Low Price
OEM Marine Parts
Melbourne
Certified Service Department
Authorized Marine EngineAuthorized & Parts Dealer OEM
Marine Engine & Parts Dealer
Trailer Parts
Trailer Sales
BoathouseDiscountMarine.com
• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
nge. ale. t us mall
was was nds.
CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT
Three Locations To Serve •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION •ENHANCED STYLE Melbourne Jacksonville Beach 557 N. Harbor City Blvd 8587 Beach Blvd •99% UV PROTECTION Melbourne, FL 32935
y to ring the
(321) 254-2535
Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 564-9669
Jacksonville
5615 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244
(904) 778-7775
BoathouseDiscountMarine.com
*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD
You
JANUARY 2019
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
Just A Little Overboard.
West Palm Beach waterfront along Flagler Drive pbboatshow.com MARCH 25 - 28 PROUDLY FOLLOWING ALL
STANDARDS
LIFE IS A BEACH I
’m expecting awesome spring action at the beach. Longer days and warmer weather will start bringing snook from the deeper water around the inlets to feed in the surf early in the morning and late in the evening. Tarpon will start navigating the inlets and going along the beach. Pods of bait will have snook, tarpon, large jacks, mackerel and bluefish feeding on them. Even though the pompano bite and mackerel bite will start to end, the whiting and croaker bite will improve, and they will be hitting live bait, small jigs and spoons where you find bait. Follow the Bait: Fish will be following pods of glass minnows, greenies and other bait as they start heading north. Look for pelicans in the water and gulls and terns that dive at the tops of waves, picking off bait. When you go to the beach, look for birds that have located schooling bait or bait pods. The general rule is: No birds, no bait. Find a beach where you can see birds and/or bait. If you walk down to the water, you will see activity around the trough behind the closest breaking waves. You will see splashing or small fish jumping if there’s going to be fishing action. Birds will usually be concentrated on large schools of bait and big pods. The Early Bite is Best: My experience is 15 minutes before daybreak until early morning is the best time to fish the beach. It’s the best snook bite, and the fish will be around the trough because the bait will be in the wash. Usually the bait will start moving out after daybreak. Reels and Tackle: I use a medium to light spinning reel (400 series) with 10to 20-pound white braid on a 7-foot rod. A long rod gives you longer casts. I use a 30- to 40-pound fluorocarbon leader attached to the braid with a uni knot and attach the lure with a loop knot for better movement. Lures: My favorite search bait is a 3/8- to ½-ounce chartreuse jig with a pearl white paddletail, which gives the lure more movement and even works with a steady retrieve. That steady retrieve is useful in rough, windy weather. I use a variety of retrieves depending on whether the fish are hitting near top or off bottom. Usually, I try and fish near the top by holding my rod tip high, twitching the lure, and using a fast retrieve. For bottom feeders like whiting and croaker, I let the jig sit on the bottom and give it an exaggerated jerk, which brings it to the top. I also like shallow-running crankbaits and spoons in gold or silver. For long casts in wind and bigger fish, try 2-ounce silver crocodile spoon.
Your Spring Surf Fishing Forecast By Richard L. Matteson
Richard Matteson writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440. • CUSTOM RED IRON BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •
IT’S YOUR LUCKY DAY! WE HAVE GREAT SAVINGS FOR YOU.
$0
• DOWN FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECK • EVERYONE GETS APPROVED • GREAT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP
20X21 DOUBLE CARPORT
/Month + Tax
AS-LOW-AS $35.19/MO +TAX
KEENSBUILDINGS.COM
With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
$87.45
$39.88
$30.68
/Month + Tax
/Month + Tax
12X30 PORCH MODEL
18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO +TAX
AS-LOW-AS $92.32/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
START YOUR OWN GARDEN!
$159.31
$198.30
/Month + Tax
28X30X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $189.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
6
LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
Financing Disclaimer:
30X40X14 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $245.60/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995
620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)
LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548 211 72nd Trace
CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028 2495 Young Blvd.
PERRY
P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky
Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 3.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $3.33 followed by 79 amortized payments of $14.41. Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 11.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $9.99 followed by 79 amortized payments of $18.36.
$259.00
$29.98
/Month + Tax
/Month + Tax
/Month + Tax
IT’S GREENHOUSE SEASON
STARTING AT $35.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
WAYCROSS
P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501
KEEN’S 2 STORY BARN
AS-LOW-AS $275.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.
MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291 568 S. Broad St.
KEENSBUILDINGS.COM View our inventory online.
Subject to qualifying credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 12 months. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status.
• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • CUSTOM RED IRON BUILDINGS • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •
16 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Reel in the thrills. From deep-sea fishing to fly fishing, novice and experienced anglers cast with dreams of a prized catch. Use our exclusive credit to venture across crystal-clear waters to hotels and fishing lodges where you can fish on, all day long.
$300 FUEL CREDIT Discover how at OutIslands Anglers.com ACKLINS ELEUTHERA
ANDROS THE EXUMAS
THE ABACOS
BERRY ISLANDS
HARBOUR ISLAND
BIMINI
LONG ISLAND
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CAT ISLAND SAN SALVADOR
MARCH 2021
FLORIDA 17
YOUR WIFE CALLED, SHE HAS JUST GONE INTO LABOR…. 3 ½ WEEKS EARLY
‘NOW’ WHO DOESN’T CARE ABOUT SPEED?*
18’ HYDRASTEPP WITH MERCURY 115 HP, 2 PEOPLE, LOADED FOR FISHING, 60 MPH *ALL HYDRASTEPPS COME WITH AN ADJUSTABLE THROTTLE AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT
www.HYDRASTEPP.com • (407) 718-6695 “FOR THE HULL OF IT”
Latest & Greatest! New Penn® International® VI Series Available for the 30, 50, 70, 80, & 130 Models
Fastest Retrieval Rate on the Market!
855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM
5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334-4917 showroom: sales@hookerelectric.com 18 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
No angling library would be complete without stories of battles won and lost in The Keys. From marlin and tuna to wahoo, grouper and kingfish, our waters are teeming with the most eulogized game fish in the world. Moral of the story? Time to come down and write your own epic tale. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys For the latest protocols on health & safety in The Florida Keys, please visit our website. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MCTG-4937 Coastal Angler LO1
MARCH 2021
FLORIDA 19
KLUCH CONTENDER KITES
B
rand your boat over the top of an epic bite with two types of Contender kites from Kluch. The All Purpose Kite, which measures 34” x 34”, is ideal for winds of 10 to 15 mph. The Light Wind Kite, which measures 38” x 38”, is built for winds of 5 to 10 mph. Both kites are well built and fun for your crew. They are made with carbon graphite spars and polyester fabric, and they’re rigged with 200lb. hollow-core braid. There are five Contender designs to choose from, allowing you many opportunities to brand your favorite boat. Bank one left and one right and get ready. The bridle makes for easy adjustments as wind conditions change. You can tie a small or large balloon to the kite as needed. When you’re done, rinse the kite with fresh water, dry it and store in the clear plastic tube it was shipped in. Don’t forget to use the free Contender decal included with purchase to spread the word. Kluch Clothing Company is the premier source for promoting businesses and organizations all over the country. Check out kluch.com for all your boating www.kluch.com and outdoor apparel.
20 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
FLORIDA 21
YOUR
REPOWERSALE
AWAITS By Rex Hannon
Parts • Sales • Service • Trailers
PortsideOrlando.com Powered By:
I ORLANDO’S
REPOWER CENTER
407-249-1124
2730 Forsyth Road Winter Park, Florida 32792 SALES DEPARTMENT IS OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 8am -5pm | SATURDAY 9am-2pm 22 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
f you’re looking for a fishing adventure that’s just a short flight away, where the fishery is as good as any on the planet, and you won’t have to mortgage your home to afford it, don’t overlook Mexico and Belize. Flights to Cancun are available from almost every airport, and if you shop around, very inexpensive flights can be found. Once you get there, accommodations are very reasonably priced, and meals are cheaper than here in The States. I have fished the “Mayan Riveria” from Cozumel to Tulum, with results that are pretty awesome. What’s more, I had most of the areas I fished entirely to myself. I am a fly fisherman, and I spent days wading turtle grass flats for species like tarpon, bonefish, snook, a variety of snapper species, pompano and even the elusive Permit. I recently returned from a trip when the weather was marginal, at best, with high winds and rough seas. Still, I was able to produce several different species, along with some world-class triggerfish. These odd-looking warriors can be found hanging out on shallow coral reefs, and they are a ton of fun on the fly. I also spent a day fly fishing with my friend Will Robins, who owns and operates Fly Fish Costa Maya, in Chetumal, Mexico, near the Belize Border. In one morning, we hooked and broke off four trophy-sized triggers and had legitimate shots at three permit in the 10- to 15-pound range. If you know how difficult permit are to catch on the fly, you’ll understand that just having a few opportunities to cast to them is exciting. The highlight of the trip was a triggerfish we landed that would have been a monster anywhere. If Belize has been on your bucket list, the waters of Ambergris Caye are as good as their reputation. I’ve fished the caye several times with personal friend, Hilian Martinez. Most consider this man among the best in the country. Belize is also very easy to travel to, and reasonably priced. With a little homework, the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula and the waters of Belize can also produce good numbers for those who desire DIY fishing, without a guide. These are just a few examples of opportunities that await just a few hours away in a place that’s as beautiful as it is productive. A world-class fishery awaits, and it’s a lot closer and more attainable that you ever thought possible.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
TS Unforgettable Adventures. Feel-Good Savings. Get boat insurance serviced by the experts. Contact me today. 305-914-9220 13631 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami geico.com/northmiami
Some discounts, 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. © 2021 GEICO
RANGER BAY BOAT For Sale $56,999
2014 - 2310 Bay Ranger, 300 HP Yamaha recently serviced, 8ft Bimini Top, 36 volt -112 thrust Rip-Tide Trolling Motor, 12 ft Talon Shallow Water Anchor, 12” Lorance Gen 2 GPS/ Sonar, 4 bank on-board charger, 12 gal fresh water shower, matching custom Ranger-Trail Dual Axel Trailer with new tires & spare, always garage Kept Contact Phil Wolf @ 407-790-9515 replacement cost over 90K
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
FLORIDA 23
BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU?
SAVE
50%Insurance
up to
COAST GUARD APPROVED COURSE & EXAM
www.adamsmarine.com To Reserve a Spot Call: Toll Free 877-447-1950 Email: info@adamsmarine.com
on Boat
Get the
LOWEST Rates!
BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr
$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr
GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000
BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group
Covering Boaters throughout the south since 1988
Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance
24 FLORIDA
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
1782-20F Coastal Angler_march.indd 1
MARCH 2021
NATIONAL 13
1/29/21 11:15 AM
ENTER TO WIN! MARCH 2021 APPAREL GIVEAWAY!
coastalanglermag.com/contest GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 5TH
GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 19TH
GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 26TH
ENTER TO WIN THROUGH MARCH BY VISITING:
coastalanglermag.com/contest MARCH 2021
SPRING TROUT IN THE SMOKIES
G
GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 12TH
14 NATIONAL
STAY LOW FOR
By TAM Staff
uide Ian Rutter is fired up about spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ample rains and a mild winter bode well for the wild trout that inhabit more than 800 miles of trout streams in the park. This time of year, fish are perking up to feed on an abundance of aquatic insects. But there’s another reason the Smokies are inviting to anglers in spring. The summertime crowds, with their campers and inner tubes, haven’t yet invaded the larger rivers. Ian and his wife, Charity, run R&R Fly Fishing out of Townsend, Tennessee. They have guided anglers in the park for a quarter century and live a stone’s throw from Little River, one of the largest and most popular streams in the Smokies. From high-elevation brook trout rills to roadside rivers, they fish it all, but Ian said it’s wise to stick to the larger flows in lower elevations this time of year. In March, and even into April, it’s likely there will still be snow on the ground up in the hills. Trout thrive in cold water, but their metabolisms slow, and they feed less readily in icy temperatures. Also, the bugs they feed on are mostly dormant at higher altitudes, which can make things slow for fly fishing. Meanwhile, down in the valleys, larger rivers like Little River, Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee will be waking up. In afternoons, even on cold days, fish should be looking to the surface for hatches of mayflies like Quill Gordons, blue-winged olives and blue quills. Throw in a few early brown stoneflies, and you’ll see why the Smokies are known for great dry fly fishing. “Oftentimes you’ll have some combination of those bugs all at the same time,” Ian said. “They’re not too particular. And even the one’s that are particular aren’t as particular as some folks think they are.” Being sneaky is more important than fly selection, Ian said. Trout in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are wild, stream-born and extremely wary of predators. So wading very carefully and making short accurate casts are important to success. Another thing about trout in the Smokies is they grow slowly. Fishing is less about catching big fish and more about the overall experience. “I like to say, ‘your results may vary,’” said Ian when asked about angler expectations. “We do catch some 16-inchers, but the important thing to remember is it’s a wild trout fishery. There aren’t any stocked trout that were put in last week at 14 inches. A 16-incher might be 10 years old. It’s survived every type of predator out there, so it’s super-smart and difficult to catch.” A proficient angler can expect to catch good numbers of brightly colored 8- to 10-inch wild trout. Any angler can expect to wade through some of the most gorgeous mountain trout water in the East. For information on fishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, contact R&R Fly Fishing through their website at randrflyfishing.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Going the Extra Mile for Members UNLIMITED TOWING MEMBERSHIP
$90/$165
*
The red boats of TowBoatU.S. and the captains that man them, go above and beyond when it comes to helping boaters. These experienced and professional towers will rush to your aid to save the day when you need assistance. For worry-free boating, join today!
BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628
*One year Freshwater/Saltwater Membership pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.
BREATHE IN THE MOMENT WITH
G
ILLZ Technical Fishing Apparel takes you to new levels of performance and comfort. Designed in Florida, built by anglers, for anglers, and tested on the water—in every imaginable condition—GILLZ is innovative gear, with performance in every stitch, designed so you can fish better, longer and harder—in unheard-of comfort! Innovation runs deep in the GILLZ DNA.
From proprietary fabrics that breathe to superior functionality and bold graphics and colors, GILLZ is in a class of its own. It starts with revolutionary, chemicalfree GillzTec fabric. It’s engineered to quickly distribute moisture 360 degrees across the garment, so the moisture evaporates much faster, keeping you cooler. The cross-breeze ventilation system channels cooling air under the shirt. In
fact, you’ll find GILLZ shirts breathe like nothing you’ve ever worn. And of course, all of their shirts provide UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can fish from sunup to sundown safely. GILLZ masks feature “gills” that channel air down your neck and mesh mouth openings that prevent your sunglasses from fogging. Plus, their masks can also be worn in a variety of ways to suit your particular needs. Functional hybrid shorts with pockets where you need them also feature four-way stretch fabric, an expandable waistband and a vented, gusseted crotch that lets cool air in. And who couldn’t use some cool air down there? And you’ve got to check out the epic designs and styles. Each color and print is inspired by and pays homage to nature and marine life. You’ll find bold, confident styles for anglers like you. Whatever your destination – the Bahamas, Florida Keys, Outer Banks or the Gulf of Mexico… whether you’re fishing offshore, the flats, lake, or river, only GILLZ Technical Fishing Apparel brings this level of durability, comfort, and performance to the table. That’s why it’s the choice of many pros. Rest assured, GILLZ will continue to push innovation and performance to the limit with elite new products. So, breathe in that moment out on the water when your muscles are working overtime and the sun is beating down. You’ll know that GILLZ apparel breathes with you so you can be at your absolute best. See the latest GILLZ collections by checking out their website: www.gillz-gear.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
NATIONAL 15
LOCAL ANGLER CRUSHES VIRGINIA SWORDFISH RECORD A daytime deep drop expedition yielded spectacular results for a Virginia angler this past September. It took four months for the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament to officially announce it, but a 597-pound swordfish caught by Nicholas Kontodiakos on Sept. 25, 2020 absolutely crushed the existing state record. Kontodiakos, of Norfolk, Va., was drifting in 1,000 feet of water off Virginia Beach when the massive swordfish hit a bait suspended at 800 feet. Caught along the southern edge of Norfolk Canyon, Kontodiako’s fish topped the existing record by more than 130 pounds. The previous record of 466 pounds was caught in August 2019 by Tony Gower Jr., of Virginia Beach. Kontodiakos and fishing buddy Trey Wallace left Rudee Inlet at 4:30 a.m. aboard the angler’s 2007, 29-foot SeeVee. After arriving at their location, they made several long drifts and had a couple of bites that did not come tight. The lines were set for “one more drift” before they planned to head in for the day. At 3:30 p.m. the deep “buoy rod,” with a rigged dolphin belly on a blue and white skirt, came tight. After wrestling the fish for nearly five hours, it was clear it was a large swordfish, and when the fish was finally secured at the transom, they began to relax. But securing the fish to the transom was
just round one. Round two consisted of couple hours of inching the fish onto the deck. Kontodiakos’ passion for swordfish began a decade ago while living on the east coast of Florida. “I had no idea how to go about catching them,” he admitted. After moving to Virginia Beach and realizing there were swordfish 60-plus miles off the Virginia coast, he decided he needed a bigger boat. Unfortunately, even with a bigger boat, his lack of success in Florida tagged along to Virginia. “No one wanted to fish with me because I never came back with any fish,” he said. Relentlessly perusing information on the Internet and talking to successful anglers eventually began to payoff, and his success improved in recent years. He said he’s caught a swordfish in every month of the year except January. It was nearly midnight when the pair pulled inside Rudee Inlet on Sept. 25. A call had already been made to alert the Virginia Beach Fishing Center of the catch, and the boat’s bow was pointed straight to the Fishing Center’s main dock. Representatives from the Fishing Center were dockside to assist, and a small crowd of onlookers had assembled, despite the late hour. The fish measured 180 inches total length,
M Y
with a lower jaw fork length of 111 inches. It sported a hefty girth of 69 inches. Kontodiakos used a custom Joe Leffler 80-pound class rod, teamed with a Shimano Tiagra 50 reel, spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid and topped off with a 25-foot, 250-pound Moni mono leader with a Mustad 7691, 11/0 hook, attached to the business end.
Fis fea on Th we for
1-
Insist on Only the Best Cast Net for Grabbing Your Bait America’s #1 Cast Net Choice, Year After Year America’s Best
www.castnets.com | sales@castnets.com | 1-800-332-6387 ext. 116 | 16 NATIONAL
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Le
OFF add card auto at s This from
© 20
MAXIMIZE Your Time On The Water
Fish Mapping from SiriusXM gives you 8 dedicated fishing features plus all SiriusXM Marine weather information directly on your boat’s display, relative to your boat’s location. The service is delivered via satellite and is available offshore well beyond cell range. Add SiriusXM Radio and you’re all set for an incredible day on the water.
1-MONTH TRIAL + $100 REBATE
AVAILABLE ON
“Whether I’m near the dock or 60 miles offshore, with SiriusXM Marine I’m able to see up-to-date data on the storms building, allowing me to maximize fishing time and beat the bad weather in just the nick of time.” — Captain Moe, Journey South Outfitters, Venice, LA
FISH MAPPING AVAILABLE EARLY 2021 ON
Learn more at siriusxm.com/fishmapping OFFER DETAILS: Activate a new subscription to SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and receive your first month free (a $99.99 savings), plus get free activation (an additional $25 savings), for a combined savings of $124.99. Add SiriusXM Select radio package at the discount rate of $11.99/mo. Fees and taxes apply. A credit card is required on this offer. You must cancel during your free month to avoid being charged. At the beginning of your second month service will automatically renew thereafter every month and you will be charged at the then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see our Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content, and features are subject to change. This offer may not be combined with any other trial offers and may be modified or terminated at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately. $100 Rebate from SiriusXM available through Dec 31, 2021 with hardware and subscription purchase, see Rebate Offer Details at siriusxm.com/fishmapping. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
C S
p b sh It’s the fry can Bu catchin vetera tips to 1) crappi hold o times shallow “Th for the the spa mid-5 As Then seek o of cree back o Th targets spawn could have m Sa the 10 discard
S
pringtime is crappie time. When water temps begin to climb, the crappie schools move shallow to stage on structure before the spawn. It’s the time of year when loading coolers for a fish fry can be quick and easy. But the thing with crappie is you’re either catching them or you’re not. With that in mind, veteran crappie angler Dan Saknini offered some tips to consistently catch slab crappie. 1) Know The Cycles: The comfort zone for crappie is 35 feet and shallower, said Saknini. They hold on deep brush during the coldest and hottest times of year, but in milder weather they move shallower in search of optimal water temperatures. “This time of year, the crappie are fattening up for the spawn,” he said. “Their comfort zone for the spawn is when water temperatures rise into the mid-50s, preferably closer to 60.” As the spawn begins, fish stage up on structure. Then they’ll move extremely shallow in waves to seek out spawning areas on the banks and backs of creeks. The females move in, lay eggs and move back out. The males stay shallow to guard the beds. Through the stages of the spawn, Saknini targets brush in 15 feet or shallower. With the spawning season lasting about a month, these could be pre-spawn fish or post-spawn fish that have moved back out. Saknini shoots jigs in and around docks in the 10- to 15-foot range. Many lake homeowners discard Christmas trees off their docks. These are
F
the docks you need to find. 2) Locate Structure: Regardless of the season, black crappie school up on some type of structure. They change depths, and move off structure momentarily to feed, so catching them consistently means knowing the locations of brushpiles at all different depths. Saknini said good electronics and prospecting are key to being a good crappie angler. If you fish a lake that allows it, you can build your own honey holes. “I probably sink 50 or 60 brushpiles a year,” Saknini said. “Then I go back and fish them. There might be fish there, or there might not, but I always have another one to go to.” 3) Ditch the Minnows: Fishing a minnow under a bobber is traditional, and it can be effective. However, Saknini said fishing jigs is a far more efficient. “Once you get used to jig fishing, it’s always more productive,” he said. “If you’re fishing a minnow, it’s either under a bobber or on a downline, and it’s stationary. With a jig, you’re moving and covering water.” Crappie are lazy and won’t chase a bait more than a few feet, Saknini said. There could be fish all over a piece of structure, but you wouldn’t know it if your minnow is just a foot out of the strike zone. With a jig, you can cover water vertically and horizontally for a better chance of passing through that zone.
PHOTO BY NICK CARTER
Catch More Crappie
Dan Saknini is a member of Lanier Crappie Anglers Club. Check them out at www.laniercrappieanglers.net.
FREEDIVER SPEARS WORLD RECORD SNAPPER
reediver Stephanie Schuldt broke a world record in late November when she speared a 19.3-pound (8.8 kg) dog snapper in the Bahamas. At a depth of 45 feet, Schuldt stuck the big snapper with 9-foot Headhunter Nomad roller polespear while wreck diving off Nassau. The fish qualified her for the International Underwater Spearfishing Association’s women’s world record for the species in the sling/polespear division. It also outweighed the men’s record of 19.1 pounds, which was caught by JonMichael Degidio off Grand Cay in 2016. “At the end of my breath hold I saw the dog snapper swimming in and out of the wreckage,” wrote Schuldt in a description of the event. “I came back up to the surface and told my boyfriend, Matt, ‘There is a world record dog snapper down there.’ I took some time to get a good breathe-up, dropped back down into the wreck and got a solid holding shot on the fish. It fought for a bit on the way up, but I was able to clear it from the wreck and get it to the surface. Once at the surface, it tried to bite me and tangled up my float line, but I was able to grab it by the gills and swim it back to my boat.” Even on a rod and reel, Schuldt’s fish would have been impressive. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 24 pounds. It was caught back in 1994 by Capt. Wayne Barder off Abaco. Check Stephanie Schuldt’s adventures at www.saillaviecharters.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
NATIONAL 19
SPRINGTIME FISHING... Fiberglass Center Consoles and Pilothouses Embrace LET’S GO! www.
.com
E-Z ANCHORING By E-Z Anchor President Aaron Knopp
25’ C-Hawk CC
www.MitziSkiffs.com www.CHawkBoats.net CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER
252-235-2461
STURGEON SEASON LASTS JUST TWO HOURS
T
here should be a betting pool for just how quickly the Black Lake, Michigan sturgeon season will end each year. In 2020, the season lasted just six hours. This year, the scheduled Feb. 6-10 season was shut down after two hours of fishing when the harvest limit was met. Imagine getting all geared up to go spear fishing through a hole in the ice for these big prehistoric fish. The season opens at 8 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., your hopes are dashed when Michigan DNR knocks on the door of your ice shanty. Apparently, that’s the way Black Lake sturgeon season goes for a vast majority of anglers. More than 500 anglers registered to jockey for a harvest quota of just six fish this year. It’s a credit to Michigan DNR that they even hold the event at the 10,000-acre lake, which is connected to Lake Huron by the Black and Cheboygan rivers. Rehabilitation of the lake sturgeon population in the watershed is an ongoing effort, and this limited harvest creates excitement around the effort. There are reports of anglers who have fished the season for decades without getting a single sturgeon. The six fish caught ranged from 50 to 63 inches and 25 to 61 pounds. Three of the fish had been tagged before during studies of the spawning run up the Black River. A 61-inch-long female, estimated to be about 20 years old, was tagged during the 2006 spawning run. Male sturgeon have a lifespan of about 55 years. Females can live longer than 100 years. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/Fishing. 20 NATIONAL
MARCH 2021
L
ooking through Facebook and reminiscing on traveling for boat-show season, one conversation starter I remember most fondly is, “That’s too big for my rope locker.” In spite of American fiberglass OEMs like Sea Chaser and Sea Pro factory-installing the Rebel EZ-4 on specific series, there’s still a popular myth that drum anchor winches are built predominantly for aluminum boats. One too many boaters have told me this when they stopped at our company’s booth during the 2020 season, and while we’re officially homebound due to the pandemic, we’re as busy as ever answering questions and informing customers about our product. We want to help them achieve the best anchoring results for them. From newbies who have recently embraced boating, to longtime hobbyists who have extra time to add new features on their boats, there is usually an anchoring solution, whether it’s a Patriot direct drive unit or a Rebel free-fall unit. “You can click the ‘Products’ tab on the website and select the winch that interests you,” Sara Hitchins, E-Z Anchor Puller’s office and trade show manager said. “Select the unit you’d like to view and the link to the dimensional drawings are on the product page. One way to measure is to make a cardboard cutout at home to measure against your boat.” If you’re one of the new boaters looking for a new fiberglass model or researching that windlass upgrade on your family boat, these center consoles from customers and builders prove that a drum winch looks sexy on center consoles, too! SEA PRO: Sea Pro Boats introduced the world to their 320 Deep V Center Console at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, joining Carolina Skiff to become another American fiberglass OEM to factory-install E-Z Anchor Puller’s Rebel EZ-4 free-fall unit, adapting the innovative technology one year after Georgia-based OEM Carolina Skiff began installing. SEA CHASER: “I liked it so much I installed a Patriot on my own personal boat,” Ed Johnston, engineer at Carolina Skiff told us when we saw him at the Miami International Boat Show. The 35’ Sea Chaser also uses the free-fall Rebel EZ-4 and hides it in the rope locker. PARKER: “I know this is an old post, but I love my EZ on my 2820,” one writer on Classicparker.com posted to a company thread, “I have 600’ of dyneema, 75 of nylon and 50’ of chain. With lots of extra room still.” Live2fish posted several pictures depicting the Rebel EZ-4 unit resting on a bow pulpit. ARIMA: Mark Fitch was an avid poster of his installation process on ArimaOwners.com, documenting his journey with various “beer breaks” in between. Mark’s 1987 Arima Sea Pacer was sized for the Patriot EZ-1, a smaller complete 316 stainless steel unit. He still tags #ezanchorpuller in his fishing posts.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
s ce
G
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
NATIONAL 21
HUGE SWORDFISH SETS NEW FLORIDA RECORD
O
n Jan. 20, four young anglers from Pompano Beach, Fla. set out early from Hillsboro Inlet to get in on the fast action being reported from the swordfish grounds, some 15 miles off the coast. They returned to the docks that evening with a 767.8-pound swordfish that set a new Florida state record. The official record holder and the man who manned the LP electric reel was 21-yearold Timmy Maddock. The 31-foot center console they fished from belongs to 17-yearold Hunter Irvine, who put the final dart in the enormous fish. Lady angler, Jaime Johanson, 20, videoed the landing and got in with the gaff, while Jeremy Rafferty, 21, manned the helm as they subdued the new record. It took five and a half hours to fight the fish into submission. It took almost another hour and a radio call for help to get the swordfish through the tuna door and safely in the boat. Rob Doda, who was fishing solo nearby left his boat floating and boarded Irvine’s boat to help haul the giant fish onboard. It was an epic catch for the group of young anglers, and the 400 pounds of meat their fish yielded was shared with friends and family, with the charity organization Filet for Friends, and at a celebratory barbecue for the whole Pompano Beach fishing community. To read Timmy Maddock’s account of the catch, see the Florida section of this magazine or online at www.coastalanglermagazine.com. 22 NATIONAL
MARCH 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
NEW ENGLAND AWAITS
warm water, and they’re looking for that constant bait source. That’s what the rivers provide.” Action is fast in tidal rivers like the Weweantic on the north side of Buzzards Bay. Murphy walks the dog with topwater baits like a 7-inch Lil’ Doc to draw explosive strikes from good numbers of stripers in the rivers. They’ll also eat By Nick Carter soft-plastic eel or herring imitations like those made by Hogy, and although these river fish aren’t the monsters Murphy pursues later in the season, there aren’t many anglers who’d turn their nose up to consistent topwater activity from fish up to 20 inches. As the season progresses, the bite moves to the mouths of the rivers, where stripers ambush herring moving out. This is where some of the bigger fish come into play, and they also can be taken on topwater. By mid-May, Murphy said he’ll be chasing the classic New England bass blitzes, when schoolie-sized fish ball up bait and crash the surface. At this point, fish will have spread up around Cape Cod or through the Cape Cod Canal into Massachusetts Bay. Action ou can almost feel the excitement building on the coast of can be intense for fish in the 2- to New England. Winter is ebbing, and soon warming water 10-pound range. conditions will spark the migration of striped bass up the “You can go out early in the Atlantic coast. Jack Murphy will be waiting when they arrive. morning any day and find blitzing Murphy and his partner, Jack Loveday, co-founded Lucky Jacks schoolies,” Murphy said. “You can Fishing in Marblehead, Massachusetts. For them, April begins the catch 30 or 40 fish in just a couple busy striper season off Rhode Island and Massachusetts. hours.” As you read this, striped bass are spawning in tributaries of By the first part of June, anglers Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay and the Hudson River. When in search of big fish will head 5 to water temperatures rise into the 50s, these fish push north with 10 miles offshore to find big pogy huge schools of menhaden to feed ravenous post-spawn appetites. PHOTOS BY SEAN MAIORANO PHOTOGRAPHY (menhaden) schools. This is a Murphy said the first fish collect on the south side of Cape Cod WWW.SEANMAIORANOPHOTOGRAPHY.COM short-lived first-light bite. in Buzzards Bay. Timing is dependent on weather and water temperatures, so “When you come on one of these schools that’s getting harassed, you’re in Lucky Jacks spends spring studying winds and water temps to try and intercept the first waves of migrating fish. They normally show up in the second or third for a heck of a day.” Murphy said. “We’ve had a few days when our smallest fish were 37 pounds, and 40- to 50-pound fish are very possible.” week of April. “When river herring (alewife) push into the rivers to spawn, the first waves of stripes will be right on their tails,” Murphy said. “They’re looking for that Check out Lucky Jacks Fishing at www.luckyjacksfishing.com.
BLITZING BASS
Y
The Return of a
Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989
Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers
For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
MARCH 2021
NATIONAL 23
P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1
1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM
ls n e a i c ari e p S iM Make it a r e k t Super Cool White Winter Win S u z u with some amazing deals f ro m from Suzuki Marine
Al
a le in Pe b a l i a so Av
rl Nebular Black
33
INSTANT
SAVINGS SAVE RIGHT NOW ON
SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS
INSTANT SAVINGS 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]
SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.
™
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 01/01/21 and 03/31/21 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 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. 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 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. “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. © 2021 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.