Coastal Angler Magazine | December 2021 | Tampa Bay Edition

FREE

TAMPA BAY EDITION

@CAMTAMagazine

HOLIDAY

GIFTS

FOR ANGLER S

PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321

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

DECEMBER 2021

W O R L D W I D E

INTRODUCING MEGA JACKPLATE

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.

www.dometic.com

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.

PR DI

ê

Il St ag

—

Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES

êêêêê

I love it. I have several Stauer watches and once again you don’t disappoint.”

— F. from Jersey City, NJ

Dive in Without Taking a Plunge

T

The Explorer is one well-constructed 20 ATM dive watch for a price that won’t take you under.

he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches.

We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients.

Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three.

You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com

deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry.

Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

Limited to the First 1400 Respondents to This Ad Only Stauer Explorer Dive Watch $399† Your Cost With Offer Code

$99 + S&P Save $300

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code: EXW140-01

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

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer. com without your offer code.

14101 Southcross Drive W., ® Ste 155, Dept. EXW140-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Rating of A+

Stauer

www.stauer.com

• Precision movement • Stainless steel crown, case, caseback and bracelet • Date window at 3 o’clock • Water resistant to 20 ATM • Bracelet fits wrists up to 8 1/2"

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

LOAD THE BOAT WITH

WINTER CRAPPIE

T

ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities.

Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South.

Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode.

“Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of

By TAM Staff

the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.”

Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths.

His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish.

Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them.

Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line.

On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.

“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.”

Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line.

Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.

_BUI

The C

techn

neck

it’s ho

well a

gift th

BREATH

4 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

performance is the greatest gift for every angler

_BUILT FOR ANGLERS _DESIGNED IN FLORIDA _TESTED ON T E ATER

The Contender series longsleeve shirt is packed with performance technology to handle the elements on the water. This lightweight crew neck shirt is an ideal layer on cooler days and can be worn by itself when it’s hot. Designed with superior breathability and UPF 50+ protection as well as mechanical stretch for movement and comfort. Its versatility is the gift that keeps on giving.

SHOP THE ALL NEW FALL 21 PRODUCTS

BREATHABLE

UPF50+ PROTECTION

STRETCH

VISIT GILLZGEAR.COM

EASY FISHING AND FAST LIMITS OUT OF

F

ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys.

From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult.

Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels.

Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between.

The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide.

Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times.

Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action.

That was just fine with

H

By Nick Carter

my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer.

“It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein.

The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark.

“Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.”

Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-

f A r s w d m

W B b i

N m a g

S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails.

When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper.

They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water.

If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now.

Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.

L s c

L t

Contact Ana Banana Fishing Company through their website at anabananafishing.com.

S

• 2 ct

Flip Flip Hooray!

A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79

H

ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation.

As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.

Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz.

Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch.

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver

Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!

Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only!

To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size.

Chain sold separately.

“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.”

— Dolphins-World

Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316!

êêêêê

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

“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”

— Vivian, Cabool, MO

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DPP324-03 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP324-03, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

B

Fu bo

T

als If y wi loo Th ex bla res Th de fea na Th in wi aro for sp Bu las co she Hu Yo Fe on cra cu 30 ite Li las Bl be

Hu

O

1-

Yo

Yo

S

*D list

Ca Pr

•

8 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2021

P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

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

Clearwater

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 the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.

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

Find Your Sweet Spot

Build your own custom, high-resolution Personal Bathymetric Generator (PBG) charts to discover fish-hoarding structure others have missed.

TZT9F

9" Hybrid Touch MFD

TZT12F

12" Hybrid Touch MFD

TZT16F

TZT19F

16" Multi Touch MFD

19" Multi Touch MFD

DFF3D

Multi Beam Sonar* *required for PBG

Discover, map, then fish structure and wrecks in an entirely new way.

Create maps with PBG & DFF3D 50-100x faster than the competition

Create shaded relief maps from 10 ft. to 1,000 ft.

A lifetime of map storage on TZtouch3 MFDs

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

Bathymetric mapping up to 3x fishing depth

Draw contour lines where none exist

MFD

• METAL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • METAL BUILDING • CHRISTMAS SAVINGS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • METAL BUILDING • SALE •

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS SALE. OVER 500 PORTABLE STORAGE SHEDS IN-STOCK.

$0 DOWN FINANCING AVAILABLE UP TO $100,000

3 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS

6 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS

GROWING SEASON STARTS HERE

$0

• DOWN FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECK • EVERYONE GETS APPROVED • GREAT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP

$27.10 20X21 DOUBLE CARPORT

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM

/Month + Tax

AS-LOW-AS $35.19/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

$28.35

$35.10

/Month + Tax

18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO +TAX

/Month + Tax

8X10 PORTABLE GREEN HOUSE AS-LOW-AS $42.60/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

$54.90

Call for

/Month + Tax

Pricing

Call for

$275.00

Pricing

28X40X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $289.00/MO +TAX

30X50X14 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

6

LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Financing Disclaimer:

AS-LOW-AS $282.60/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

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028 2495 Young Blvd.

PERRY

P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky

211 72nd Trace

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.

Morning

AVAILABLE FOR SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY

12X24 ROLL-UP DOOR

AS-LOW-AS $58.93/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

WAYCROSS

/Month + Tax

KEEN’S BUILDINGS 2 STORY SHED

AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES AND BUILT ON SITE.

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.

• METAL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • METAL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • CHRISTMAS SAVINGS • SPECIALS • SALE • METAL BUILDING • SALE •

ON THE DEERFIELD BEACH PIER

By James P. Goss

A

s a small South Florida city, Deerfield Beach has many notable attractions. One of them is the International Fishing Pier. Depending on the season, schools of small fish cluster among the pilings, while along the ocean bottom stingrays, tarpon, turtles and moon jellyfish swim slowly by. Schools of baitfish swirl below and cloud the water.

On some mornings, the outer end of the pier is crowded with fishermen, hunched over the railings with their tackle and gear. Down below, the small bodies of fish fleck the water with silver, while larger fish breach the surface in a slow curving motion.

If there is a noticeable shift of energy in the air, this usually means some very large fish have arrived. This day, the excitement builds quickly when the

4 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

ble

Suz of a exte adv

Wh Co

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

MASARYKTOWN

P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501

Re

bonita are running.

“Vinny, can we get a line soon?” a fisherman asked one recent morning.

Vinny is a large man—larger than most of the others standing nearby. A bright bandana wrapped low on his forehead, Vinnie focused on his fishing line sloping over the railing, where it sagged into the water.

Nearby, the fishermen’s casts made a low whir, followed by a faint tuck, tuck as lures dropped beneath the water’s surface. The sound shifted as the mood in the air changed, from mild indifference to anticipation to high animation.

A man in flip-flops ran toward the fishermen huddled near the hut. The men were gathering more closely together, their five-gallon buckets, tackle boxes, nets, buoys, rolling bait tanks, coolers, and various unused fishing rods standing at the ready nearby. On a bollard, a curious grackle pecked at a plastic bag of shrimp.

“Get back! Get back! Get back!” one man shouted, his voice full of urgency, while another wheeled his cart of bucket and fishing rods toward the focal point of activity. Two fishermen had reeled in a bonita, which flopped desperately on the sun-splashed deck.

A grizzled fisherman in the crowd spoke to his friend, a middle-aged woman with a towel draped over her head. “I want you to take this fish home to your mother,” he said, approaching the two anglers, offering pliers to cut the lure.

Perhaps he knew the two men. Or he was somehow skilled enough to strike a quick arrangement with them: the gift of their catch. “It’s good to do things for others,” he said to the woman. When she asked what kind of fish it was, he told her, “It’s a bonita,” adding a translation: “Beautiful.”

Carrying the dead fish in a plastic bag, the woman left the pier to walk into town. The mood on the pier remained energized. More fish were caught, the bonita piling up. A man yelled, “I’ve never seen so many fish on one pier!”

An online fishing report said that boat catches offshore in varied depths of water were netting swordfish and mahi-mahi. And on the pier, the fishermen continued to feel the optimism that accompanies a beautiful day on the water.

•M

•M so

•M rig

•W pe

•O

• Fi

• Al w

For information, go to www.deerfield-beach.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Consider Ad for

ALE •

00

x

TE.

M

tus.

ALE •

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 latest factory backed 5-year warranty

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 Consider Ad for CA 210608.indd 1

7/15/21 8:30 AM

7TH ANNUAL

JANUARY 21ST-23RD 2022 All All of of the the top top boat boat brands brands are are featured at the Island Boat Show. featured at the Island Boat Show.

Come Come enjoy enjoy aa great great weekend weekend with with aa large large number number of of boats, boats, auction items and vendors featuring a variety of merchandise. auction items and vendors featuring a variety of merchandise.

Only Only $10 $10 Entry Entry per per person, person, Free Free parking, parking, and and Free Free shuttle shuttle service. service.

www.islandboatshow.com www.islandboatshow.com

Go Go online online to to see see ticket ticket purchase purchase options options

SHOW SHOW SCHEDULE SCHEDULE Friday, Friday, January January 21 21 -- 1pm 1pm to to 5:30pm 5:30pm Saturday, Saturday, January January 22 22 -- 10am 10am to to 5:30pm 5:30pm Sunday, Sunday, January January 23 23 -- 10am 10am to to 3pm 3pm Florida Florida Keys Keys Premier Premier Boat Boat Show Show Presented Presented by by

CONSTRUCTION - REMODEL - REPAIR CONSTRUCTION - REMODEL - REPAIR

EPAIR EPAIR

BIG

has turned into a full-on quest, in which Storin (a.k.a. Bean) designed his own micro-rod and is using it to catch some impressive fish.

“We were bored during covid, and we took out a bunch of those little ice fishing rods,” he said. “We wanted to see if we could maybe catch a tarpon with them.”

Viewers of Storin’s Youtube channel, Bean Screen TV, ate it up. It was entertaining, and it spurred Bean to design his own Bean Pole, which he sells on his website beansportfishing.com.

“It’s so fun. No matter what, the rod just bends and it won’t break,” Bean said. “As long as you’ve got the right line on it, you can land almost any fish in the ocean with it if you’ve got enough patience and fishing skill.

“No matter what you hook, it feels like a monster,” he continued. “You could hook a 12-inch mangrove snapper, and it feels like a monster.”

But Bean wasn’t content with mangos. He wants to test the limits of his new rods on true monsters of the deep. Bean Poles are intentionally noodle-stick flexible. He said the key to the design process was “to make them as bendy as possible, so they don’t break.” The reel seats, however, are designed to hold some serious gear. Bean usually fishes a 4,000-size spinning reel with 20-pound braid, but he’s gone as heavy as a 6,000-size reel and 60-pound line when pursuing big tarpon and sharks. He said the rod is capable of holding a 10,000-size spinning reel for folks who might want even heavier tackle.

So far, Bean has caught tarpon close to 100 pounds, an 8-foot lemon shark, keeper cobia, giant barracuda, king mackerel, a 30-plus-pound

By CAM Staff African pompano, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, juvenile goliath grouper and more with the Bean Pole.

“The next thing we want to do is catch a sailfish,” he said… “and a giant goliath grouper.”

In case you were wondering, Bean has normal gear, and he doesn’t force charter clients to fish Bean Poles. He does, however, keep one on e’ve heard of fishing light tackle, but this seems a little board… just in case. ridiculous… ridiculously fun!

Capt. Brandon Storin, who fishes out of the legendary Bud Contact Brandon “Bean” Storin through his website N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Fla. has taken light tackle fishing to the beansportfishing.com, and check out his YouTube channel, extreme. What started as a lark—toying with ice fishing rods in the Keys— Bean Screen TV, to see the Bean Pole in action.

FISH RIDICULOUSLY LIGHT TACKLE

W

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FLORIDA 2021

LOCATION 7

J

Coming to Orlando Jan. 5-7

S

urf Expo is gearing up for its upcoming in-person trade show to be held Jan. 5-7, 2022 in Orlando, Fla. at the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center.

Surf Expo’s January show has become known as a one-stop shop to preview and get a first-hand look at the latest and greatest apparel and accessories that will lead the industry in 2022.

A few of the brands featured in the Bluewater section are AFTCO, HUK, Pure Lure, Reel Life, Jeep by Buck Wear, Fish Hard Gear, Boat Builders Trading, Saltwater Born, Habit Outdoors, Fish Hard Gear, Unsalted Coast and Marsh Wear. Other brands in the show include Salty Crew, Costa, AVID, ANETIK, REEL Skipper, Chums, SMITH Optica, Aqualung, O’Neill and many more.

There are quite a few new brands you’ll find in Bluewater making their Surf Expo debut, including Bajio eyewear, Fireside Outdoor, Red Bobber Fishing Gear, Kahuna Wagons, RUMPLE and more.

The Bluewater section was designed with the buyer in mind—so they can see all the key inshore and offshore apparel and accessory brands in one location. They’ll find products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses, outdoor apparel and gear and lots more.

Steven “Fish” Fisher, Surf Expo’s senior buyer relations manager works directly with buyers from marinas, outfitters, boat dealers and bait and tackle shops. “There’s a definite need for product. People from Florida and across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and all over the globe are registering and excited to come,” he said.

“We staged two safe and successful shows in 2021, and we’ll continue to evolve our health and safety plan to keep those practices in place as we head into 2022 shows,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “We want our exhibiting brands and retailers to feel confident in returning to our show. Surf Expo will continue to assemble the right mix of brands, new products and events for inspiration and camaraderie that can’t be produced digitally.”

Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours.

Surf Expo will be announcing its full line up of special events in the coming weeks.

Registration is free for qualified buyers.

For more information, contact steven.fisher@surfexpo.com.

For more information on the upcoming show, visit www.surfexpo.com.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

8 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

J22_SurfExpo_Coastal_Angler_FPFinal.pdf

1

11/5/21

11:47 AM

JANUARY 5-7, 2022 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER WEST CONCOURSE ORLANDO, FL

Discover the newest fishing and marine apparel and accessory products for 2022 within Bluewater at Surf Expo

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

REGISTER AT SURFEXPO.COM. A Trade-only event.

Qualified Retailers Attend for Free.

21 FEET OF AWESOME

From award winning new handling technology to Yamaha’s most premium feature set, the 212SD is not just a class leader, it’s in a class all of its own.

™

2021 Yamaha Marine 212SD

Bo

Starting MSRP $63,799*

Black with Blue

White with Seude Gray

SHOP OUR FULL LINE UP OF YAMAHA BOATS

! p i h s r e n w Under New O Beach Blvd Motorsports is now: 10315 Beach Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32246 904-328-7651 | www.ridenowbeachblvd.com

•A

•SUP •ENH •99%

Get on the water at www.ridenowmarine.com *Manufacturer’s suggested retail price does not include freight, delivery, prep and other dealer fees. Pricing is subject to change.

*LIF 16 BREVARD

JA

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

2SD

Trailer Sales

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

799*

• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

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

(321) 254-2535

Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 564-9669

You Jacksonville

5615 Blanding Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32244

(904) 778-7775

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD

JANUARY 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

A N A LY Z E A N D

CAPITALIZE O N T H E S I T U AT I O N

I BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU?

SAVE

50%Insurance

up to

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 12 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

witnessed a scenario a few weeks ago that when analyzed might help us all catch more fish.

I was fishing a familiar cove, drifting my kayak across grass flats mixed in with sand potholes. This area typically holds clear water, and on low-wind days such as this, it should have been exceptionally clear.

The farther I drifted across the area, the more I noticed dinginess in the water. This area of the cove had a small island perpendicular with the shoreline and a 15-yard gap in between. I saw small mullet pushing up on the edge of the island.

At that point, I decided to anchor my kayak and work the area thoroughly with my rattling soft-plastic paddletail. This area was 1 to 2 feet deep and mostly carpeted with grass with just a few sand potholes.

To keep from fouling my jig on the grass, I was burning the lure just under the surface. I unexpectedly hooked up with a nice redfish that came out of the water to inhale my copper and silver soft plastic! Due to the redfish mouth being on the bottom of their head, they put on a nice show while attacking a lure on or near the surface.

I caught a dozen or so reds in this area using the same retrieve, and about half of them came out of the water or created a whitewater attack to strike. I was also able to sight cast to a few that swam through in groups of two or three.

As the bite started to taper, I noticed the water had begun to clear up.

This led me analyze the situation a little more. This area is not known for a lot of tidal movement, and typically you can’t see the water move, as was the case on this day.

However, the tide was incoming, which created the silty water, and this slight movement was also pushing the small mullet against the island. Once the water cleared, I realized the tide had slowed or stopped, and as that happened the mullet began to scatter through the cove. I still managed to pick up a few more reds and some trout, but not until I started to drift other areas of the cove.

Hindsight is 20/20, and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the end, but it was a great lesson I will use in the future. Even though I could not see the movement of the water, the dirty water was a clear sign of the incoming tide. The bait was reacting to the rising water, and that’s the reason the fish were feeding in that area.

I hope this story helps you out in the future. I will remember what I learned that day and apply it.

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT

BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

LET’S GO FISHING IN DECEMBER

W

both live and dead sardines and pinfish.

The key to finding redfish is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. Although chumming with live bait works, tossing dead cut bait around the mangroves on flood tides usually brings them out to investigate.

Fall cold fronts are beginning and so are the traditionally high winds that follow. As the water temps fall with each passing front, the near beach kingfish bite should improve.

hile fishing in Florida can be done comfortably year-round, fall offers some excellent opportunities for a variety of species.

During this time of year some species you’re likely to catch include snook, redfish, trout, snapper and the occasional cobia. If you can take a little rock and roll the kingfish and mackerel often move in close to the beaches as well.

For those of us that prefer a calm approach to fishing, the cooler water temperatures of shallow water fishing are just the thing. The fish start feeding and become more active as they search for food in anticipation of the upcoming winter bait slow down. This time of year, they’ll take an assortment of baits ranging from live to dead and artificials.

Snook usually top the list as the fall transition starts. The best bite has been at the beginning and end of the incoming and outgoing tides. Snook respond exceptionally to live baits as well as topwater lures and soft plastic jerk baits.

However, we’ve also caught larger fish using dead baits on the bottom.

We’re finding plenty of trout inshore and near shore in and around grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, deep holes and channels.

Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish near the bottom.

Sometimes I will attach a float which allows the baits to drift over the grass beds. This will also attract more attention to the bait. Casting with soft-bodied jigs and topwater poppers can also be productive.

Trout are very delicate, so promptly returning unwanted or illegal fish to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population.

The reds are still schooled up and should continue to be consistent on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures work as do

Large Selection of Cast Nets at Great Prices.

Penn Reel & Star Rod Dealer.

Rod Repairs.

• 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

Complete Line of Tackle.

Live & Frozen Bait.

727-893-1071 • www.mygulfport.us/marina

4630 29th. Ave. S. Gulfport, FL. 33711 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 1

ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA

WINTER IS COMING FAST

T

he weekly cold fronts have arrived. This can make fishing difficult, if you don’t have a plan. The snook have begun to move to 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 coming up. This will trap the fish in the potholes and channels. Live shrimp is a best bet. If you prefer to fish with artificial lures, go with a soft body jig like hookup baits or a suspending bait like a MirrOlure. The water is crystal clear this time of year, so don’t be afraid to drop down on your leader to 15-pound fluorocarbon. Another best bet is fishing the many residential docks that line the Bay. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, trout, flounder and snapper will stack up under the docks and can provide nonstop action. The additional bonus is that many of the docks are protected from the harsh northern winds. Again, live shrimp are your best bet. Soft body jigs like hookup baits 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 free lined with the addition of a small split shot, if needed. Throw lures up-current and work them back toward the structure slowly. fishing Winter 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 area bridges. The Skyway, Dick Misner and Gandy bridges all are famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live and 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. Good place to buy your tackle is St. Pete Fishing Outfitters. Remember to check out Waypoint TV for our show.

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

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THE FLORIDA SCRUB JAY By: Wes Tallyn

O

ften times in Florida, we focus our attention on the shorelines and surrounding waters, but we are blessed with some fantastic wildlife that sometimes can be overlooked. Case in point is the Florida Scrub Jay. This brilliantly gray and blue colored bird is one of the most endangered bird species in the United States.

They make their homes in upland scrub habitats, living in family groups consisting of a pair of breeding male and female and their offspring. The younger birds in the group help collect food and alert the

727.330.1750 SaltyCrabNorthBeach.com 462 Mandalay Ave.

others to potential threats.

They live in and are very specifically found in upland scrub habitat, which is dwindling in Florida due to development. The scrub becomes fragmented and this often makes it difficult for individuals to interact with or find mates from other family groups. One of the best parks to view the jays is Oscar Scherer State Park near Venice. The Park has large areas of sandy, scrub habitat providing food such as insects, acorns, and small amphibians/reptiles for the birds. They’re often seen perched on the tops of scrub oaks or in pine trees overlooking their “kingdom.” Sometimes, the best way to locate them is to listen for their harsh calls as they forage at or near the ground in the thick brush.

Let’s all get out and experience this very rare and beautiful bird species found only in our backyard!

Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoorsman, photographer, and environmental scientist.

Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors.

You can find him on Instagram @snookjam or call 727-410-5853.

727.210.1313 CrabbysDockside.com

Visit the World’s Longest Waterfront Bar

37 Causeway Blvd.

Plenty of boat docking You catch it, we’ll cook it Live Music & Cold Beer Beautiful Views

727.300.0191 CrabbysOnThePass.com 12754 Kingfish Dr.

727.608.2065 CrabbysBarandGrill.com 333 S. Gulfview Blvd.

727.216.8085 SaltysIsland.com

437 S. Gulfview Blvd.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 3

TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER

W

elcome back yak fans. This month the topics are skinny water, Indian Bay and my search for sheepshead. But first, wishing all y’all a Merry Christmas for the twelfth time. That’s right, I’ve been sharing my stories in CAM going on twelve years. But that’s not all. My daughter is getting married--woo, woo! On a personnel note, I’m hitting one of those “big” birthdays, yep 70; and they said I would never make it to 30. Locking back, I don’t know how I made it either!

The winter cycle is here in full force with negative low tides, which means I get to drag the yak a lot more than usual. Heck, if you don’t time it right, just finding a usable launch site is tough. For those intrepid souls (in my case, sometimes pronounced “stupid”), they offer a whole new fishing experience. I mean, how often do you get to see a bay disappear? Along with all the extra cardio I get from dragging the yak, there are payoffs at the end. First, you really get to know the layout and cuts where the natural dips and holes are on ... figure out where they went a negative tide. Plus, to wait for the incoming tide. you usually have the Sometimes you get lucky and they whole area to yourself, because nobody else stack up in a small depression and can run that skinny.

Second, big tide moveyou will see the pressure ments bring the fish waves and tails as they feed. out of the backwater.

If you time it right and know the area, you will be sitting there when they come out. If you get lucky, you may catch a school heading out. Work your way out with them and throw to the edges (not the middle). This will keep from spooking the school and give you more time to work.

My last trip was to the North end of Indian Bay in Aripeka. Other than a couple of miss-steps, I dragged the kayak to the back behind Indian Key to check two holes, but they were empty. So, then I got to drag the kayak back out with, of course, even less water. My excuse of “I thought there would be fish back there” didn’t even play well with me, after dragging the kayak the length of a football field--oh well! Finally, I got back into enough water to paddle. The trick at the low tide is to figure out where they went to wait for the incoming tide. Sometimes you get lucky and they stack up in a small depression and you will see the pressure waves and tails as they feed. This is when all the work pays off! Work the area with soft plastics or bait and let the fun begin.

The bite usually slows down at the bottom of the tide and will pick up again as you start to get a decent incoming flow. Then, you do it all over again in the other direction. I picked up 10 reds last time on both sides of the tide.

So, don’t be afraid of those negative tides--just learn how to use them.

Almost forgot, the annual sheepshead run is happening in the flats and canals near you. I’ve had many reports of big ones hanging out by the docks and tailing in the flats. More on that next month. ‘Till next time.

Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear are provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude, and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. | Bruce Butler “The Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@ IndianBayOutfitters.com Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com 4 TAMPA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

RESTOCKED FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE PADDLER IN YOUR FAMILY? WE OFFER A WIDE SELECTION OF KAYAKS, CANOES, PADDLEBOARDS, AND ALL THE ACCESSORIES YOU COULD NEED, WHETHER PADDLING RECREATIONALLY, NATURE WATCHING, FISHING, OR ENJOYING FLORIDA’S PARKS. WE ALSO OFFER LAYAWAY FOR THE MONTH, TO HELP YOU HIDE THE BOAT AND KEEP THE SURPRISE!

ASK ABOUT OUR RECENT RESTOCKS, INCLUDING: TARPON 120, PUNGO 120/125, AND THE BRAND NEW BONAFIDE P127!

CALL FOR DETAILS ------------------

(727) 545-4554

WE CUSTOMIZE, REPAIR, & OFFER RENTAL CANOES, KAYAKS, & PADDLEBOARDS, AND YAMAHA E-BIKE DEMOS MADE IN AMERICA __________________________________

CANOE COUNTRY OUTFITTERS 6493 54TH AVE N ST. PETE, FL 33709 CANOECOUNTRYFL.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 5

St. Petersburg

www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com www.USHarbors.com

St. Petersburg, FL - Dec 2021 High

Date

Old Port of Tampa

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

www.USHarbors.com ezdocktampa.com

Old Port Tampa, FL - Dec 2021 High

Date

Moon

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

12:47P

1.6

11:45

2.3

6:18

-0.2

5:44

0.7

7:03

5:35

1

Wed

12:14P

1.6

11:06

2.3

5:41

0.0

5:07

0.9

7:03

5:36

1

Wed

2

Thu

1:23P

1.6

11:36

2.5

6:31

-0.4

5:38

1.1

7:03

5:36

2

Thu

1:56

1.7

7:08

-0.5

6:19

1.0

7:03

5:35

3

Fri

2:30

1.5

7:20

-0.7

6:05

1.2

7:04

5:36

3

Fri

12:13

2.5

3:04

1.6

7:58

-0.8

6:50

1.2

7:04

5:35

4

Sat

12:10

2.7

3:39

1.4

8:10

-0.8

6:26

1.3

7:05

5:36

4

Sat

12:46

2.7

4:13

1.6

8:49

-0.9

7:21

1.4

7:05

5:35

5

Sun

12:48

2.8

9:02

-0.9

7:06

5:36

5

Sun

1:24

2.9

5:22

1.5

9:43

-0.9

7:54

1.4

7:05

5:36

6

Mon

1:31

2.8

9:56

-0.8

7:06

5:36

6

Mon

2:08

2.9

6:29

1.5

10:38

-0.8

8:34

1.4

7:06

5:36

7

Tue

2:19

2.7

10:52

-0.7

7:07

5:36

7

Tue

2:58

2.8

7:25

1.4

11:34

-0.7

9:31

1.4

7:07

5:36

8

Wed

3:12

2.5

11:49

-0.5

7:08

5:37

8

Wed

3:52

2.6

8:08

1.4

12:28P

-0.6

10:50

1.3

7:08

5:36

9

Thu

4:14

2.2

8:46

1.3

12:44P

-0.3

1:21

-0.4

7:08

5:36

10

Fri

5:33

1.9

9:04

1.5

11

Sat

7:18

1.6

9:26

1.6

1:48

12

Sun

9:08

1.4

9:49

1.8

13

Mon

10:42

1.3

10:13

14

Tue

11:59

1.3

15

Wed

1:06P

16

Thu

17

Fri

18

Sat

19

Sun

12:20

20

Mon

21

11:32

1.3

7:08

5:37

9

Thu

4:54

2.3

8:44

1.4

1:37

0.0

7:09

5:37

10

Fri

6:06

1.9

9:17

1.4

12:28

1.1

2:10

-0.2

7:09

5:36

1.1

2:24

0.2

7:10

5:37

11

Sat

7:39

1.5

9:49

1.5

2:14

0.9

2:56

0.0

7:10

5:37

3:27

0.8

3:07

0.4

7:10

5:38

12

Sun

9:25

1.3

10:19

1.7

3:50

0.5

3:40

0.2

7:10

5:37

1.9

4:35

0.4

3:46

0.7

7:11

5:38

13

Mon

11:03

1.2

10:48

1.8

5:03

0.1

4:20

0.4

7:11

5:37

10:37

2.0

5:27

0.1

4:21

0.8

7:12

5:38

14

Tue

12:22P

1.2

11:14

2.0

5:59

-0.3

4:58

0.6

7:12

5:38

1.3

11:00

2.1

6:10

-0.2

4:51

1.0

7:12

5:39

15

Wed

1:26P

1.3

11:39

2.1

6:45

-0.5

5:33

0.8

7:12

5:38

2:04P

1.3

11:25

2.2

6:49

-0.4

5:18

1.1

7:13

5:39

16

Thu

2:22

1.3

7:26

-0.7

6:05

1.0

7:13

5:38

2:57P

1.3

11:51

2.3

7:25

-0.5

5:40

1.2

7:13

5:39

17

Fri

12:03

2.2

3:13

1.4

8:04

-0.7

6:36

1.1

7:13

5:39

3:43

1.3

8:00

-0.6

6:00

1.2

7:14

5:40

18

Sat

12:28

2.3

3:59

1.4

8:40

-0.7

7:07

1.2

7:14

5:39

2.3

8:35

-0.6

7:14

5:40

19

Sun

12:58

2.3

4:42

1.4

9:15

-0.7

7:40

1.2

7:14

5:40

12:54

2.3

9:11

-0.6

7:15

5:41

20

Mon

1:32

2.4

5:20

1.4

9:50

-0.7

8:18

1.2

7:15

5:40

Tue

1:31

2.3

5:26

1.2

9:47

-0.6

7:32

1.1

7:15

5:41

21

Tue

2:12

2.4

5:53

1.3

10:24

-0.7

9:02

1.1

7:15

5:41

22

Wed

2:12

2.3

5:53

1.2

10:26

-0.5

8:27

1.1

7:16

5:42

22

Wed

2:55

2.3

6:23

1.3

10:58

-0.7

9:53

1.0

7:16

5:41

23

Thu

2:57

2.2

6:22

1.2

11:06

-0.4

9:37

1.1

7:16

5:42

23

Thu

3:43

2.2

6:51

1.3

11:34

-0.7

10:50

0.9

7:16

5:42

24

Fri

3:48

2.0

6:53

1.3

11:48

-0.3

11:01

1.0

7:17

5:43

24

Fri

4:35

2.0

7:21

1.3

12:12P

-0.6

11:56

0.7

7:17

5:42

25

Sat

4:49

1.8

7:24

1.4

12:31

-0.2

7:17

5:43

25

Sat

5:33

1.8

7:53

1.3

12:52

-0.5

7:17

5:43

26

Sun

6:05

1.6

7:56

1.5

12:34

0.9

1:15

0.0

7:18

5:44

26

Sun

6:44

1.5

8:27

1.4

1:10

0.5

1:36

-0.3

7:18

5:43

27

Mon

7:40

1.3

8:29

1.7

2:04

0.6

1:59

0.3

7:18

5:44

27

Mon

8:13

1.2

9:02

1.6

2:33

0.3

2:23

0.0

7:18

5:44

28

Tue

9:27

1.2

9:04

1.9

3:23

0.3

2:43

0.5

7:18

5:45

28

Tue

9:58

1.1

9:39

1.8

3:54

0.0

3:12

0.3

7:18

5:45

29

Wed

11:10

1.2

9:41

2.1

4:31

-0.1

3:25

0.8

7:19

5:46

29

Wed

11:41

1.1

10:17

2.0

5:07

-0.4

4:01

0.6

7:19

5:45

30

Thu

12:41P

1.2

10:21

2.3

5:31

-0.5

4:03

1.0

7:19

5:46

30

Thu

1:09P

1.2

10:58

2.2

6:10

-0.7

4:48

0.8

7:19

5:46

31

Fri

2:00P

1.2

10:59

2.5

6:27

-0.8

4:39

1.1

7:19

5:47

31

Fri

2:25P

1.2

11:34

2.4

7:07

-1.0

5:32

1.0

7:19

5:47

Moon

GULFCOAST #1 REPOWER SPECIALIST SINCE 1990 100% Financing Available at 5.99%

Limited Pre-Order Pricing MFS75AETL

MFS90AETL

MFS115AETL

Only $212.05 per month*

Only $219.84 per month*

Only $224.86 per month*

$8,440

$8,750

$8,950

***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

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Tarpon Springs

1500 US 19 Holiday, FL

www.USHarbors.com

Tarpon Springs, Anclote Anclote River River, FL - Dec 2021 High

Date

Hernando Beach

bluepelicanmarina.com www.USHarbors.com

Rocky Creek, LittleFL Pine Island Hernando Beach, - Dec 2021

Low

High

Date

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Moon

10:28

2.5

9:58

2.8

4:17

0.0

4:23

0.8

7:04

5:36

1

Low

AM

ft

PM

ft

AM

ft

PM

ft

Rise

Set

Wed

11:24

2.6

10:54

3.0

6:18

0.0

6:24

0.8

7:07

5:35

12:25P

2.8

11:34

3.3

7:11

-0.5

7:14

0.9

7:08

5:35

1:19

2.8

8:01

-0.8

8:00

1.0

7:09

5:35

1

Wed

2

Thu

11:29

2.6

10:38

3.0

5:10

-0.5

5:13

0.9

7:05

5:36

2

Thu

3

Fri

12:23P

2.6

11:19

3.2

6:00

-0.8

5:59

1.0

7:05

5:36

3

Fri

4

Sat

1:15

2.6

6:48

-1.1

6:42

1.1

7:06

5:36

4

Sat

12:15

3.4

2:11

2.8

8:49

-1.1

8:43

1.1

7:09

5:35

5

Sun

12:00

3.3

2:05

2.5

7:35

-1.1

7:25

1.2

7:07

5:36

5

Sun

12:56

3.5

3:01

2.7

9:36

-1.1

9:26

1.2

7:10

5:35

6

Mon

12:42

3.3

2:54

2.4

8:21

-1.1

8:08

1.2

7:08

5:36

6

Mon

1:38

3.5

3:50

2.6

10:22

-1.1

10:09

1.2

7:11

5:35

7

Tue

1:27

3.2

3:41

2.2

9:09

-0.8

8:55

1.2

7:08

5:36

7

Tue

2:23

3.4

4:37

2.4

11:10

-0.8

10:56

1.2

7:12

5:35

8

Wed

2:16

3.0

4:25

2.1

9:56

-0.5

9:46

1.1

7:09

5:36

8

Wed

3:12

3.2

5:21

2.3

11:57

-0.5

11:47

1.1

7:12

5:35

9

Thu

3:10

2.7

5:09

2.1

10:43

-0.2

10:45

1.1

7:10

5:36

9

Thu

4:06

3.0

6:05

2.2

12:44

-0.2

7:13

5:35

10

Fri

4:12

2.4

5:56

2.0

11:33

0.2

11:54

1.0

7:10

5:37

10

Fri

5:08

2.6

6:52

2.2

12:46

1.1

1:34

0.2

7:14

5:36

11

Sat

5:27

2.1

6:50

2.1

12:29

0.6

7:11

5:37

11

Sat

6:23

2.3

7:46

2.2

1:55

1.0

2:30

0.6

7:14

5:36

12

Sun

7:06

1.9

7:45

2.2

1:20

0.8

1:33

0.8

7:12

5:37

12

Sun

8:02

2.0

8:41

2.4

3:21

0.8

3:34

0.8

7:15

5:36

13

Mon

8:46

1.8

8:34

2.3

2:43

0.5

2:35

1.0

7:12

5:38

13

Mon

9:42

2.0

9:30

2.5

4:44

0.5

4:36

1.0

7:16

5:36

14

Tue

10:03

1.9

9:17

2.5

3:49

0.2

3:30

1.1

7:13

5:38

14

Tue

10:59

2.1

10:13

2.6

5:50

0.2

5:31

1.1

7:16

5:37

15

Wed

11:01

2.0

9:56

2.6

4:42

-0.1

4:19

1.1

7:14

5:38

15

Wed

11:57

2.2

10:52

2.8

6:43

-0.1

6:20

1.1

7:17

5:37

16

Thu

11:47

2.1

10:32

2.7

5:26

-0.3

5:03

1.1

7:14

5:39

16

Thu

12:43P

2.3

11:28

2.9

7:27

-0.3

7:04

1.1

7:17

5:37

17

Fri

12:26P

2.2

11:06

2.7

6:03

-0.5

5:43

1.1

7:15

5:39

17

Fri

1:22

2.4

8:04

-0.5

7:44

1.1

7:18

5:38

18

Sat

1:01P

2.2

11:38

2.8

6:38

-0.6

6:19

1.1

7:15

5:39

18

Sat

12:02

2.9

1:57

2.4

8:39

-0.6

8:20

1.1

7:19

5:38

19

Sun

1:35

2.2

7:10

-0.7

6:54

1.1

7:16

5:40

19

Sun

12:34

3.0

2:31

2.4

9:11

-0.7

8:55

1.1

7:19

5:39

20

Mon

12:10

2.8

2:08

2.2

7:42

-0.7

7:29

1.1

7:16

5:40

20

Mon

1:06

3.0

3:04

2.4

9:43

-0.7

9:30

1.1

7:20

5:39

21

Tue

12:43

2.8

2:40

2.2

8:13

-0.6

8:03

1.1

7:17

5:41

21

Tue

1:39

3.0

3:36

2.3

10:14

-0.6

10:04

1.1

7:20

5:40

22

Wed

1:18

2.7

3:12

2.2

8:46

-0.6

8:40

1.0

7:17

5:41

22

Wed

2:14

2.9

4:08

2.3

10:47

-0.6

10:41

1.0

7:21

5:40

23

Thu

1:56

2.7

3:44

2.1

9:21

-0.5

9:21

1.0

7:18

5:42

23

Thu

2:52

2.9

4:40

2.3

11:22

-0.5

11:22

1.0

7:21

5:41

24

Fri

2:39

2.6

4:18

2.2

9:58

-0.3

10:09

0.9

7:18

5:42

24

Fri

3:35

2.8

5:14

2.3

11:59

-0.3

7:22

5:41

25

Sat

3:30

2.4

4:57

2.2

10:40

-0.1

11:05

0.8

7:19

5:43

25

Sat

4:26

2.6

5:53

2.3

12:10

0.9

12:41

-0.1

7:22

5:42

26

Sun

4:32

2.2

5:43

2.2

11:28

0.1

7:19

5:44

26

Sun

5:28

2.4

6:39

2.4

1:06

0.8

1:29

0.1

7:22

5:42

27

Mon

5:50

2.0

6:36

2.3

12:15

0.7

12:27

0.4

7:20

5:44

27

Mon

6:46

2.1

7:32

2.4

2:16

0.7

2:28

0.4

7:23

5:43

28

Tue

7:30

1.9

7:32

2.4

1:36

0.4

1:35

0.7

7:20

5:45

28

Tue

8:26

2.0

8:28

2.6

3:37

0.4

3:36

0.7

7:23

5:44

29

Wed

9:04

1.9

8:27

2.6

2:51

0.0

2:43

0.9

7:20

5:45

29

Wed

10:00

2.1

9:23

2.8

4:52

0.0

4:44

0.9

7:23

5:44

30

Thu

10:24

2.1

9:18

2.8

3:57

-0.4

3:45

1.0

7:21

5:46

30

Thu

11:20

2.2

10:14

3.0

5:58

-0.4

5:46

1.0

7:24

5:45

31

Fri

11:29

2.2

10:05

2.9

4:56

-0.8

4:43

1.1

7:21

5:47

31

Fri

12:25P

2.4

11:01

3.1

6:57

-0.8

6:44

1.1

7:24

5:46

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

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 7

CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT

C

hristmas has many meanings for each one of us; family time with our relatives, the kids are home from college and a good time to bond with old friends. Christmas is also a time to thank God for our health, family and for giving us such a great country that we live in with the freedom to choose when, where and what to do. Cuban by birth, but American by choice, I know what freedom means and Christmas has a very special meaning to me and my family.

Christmas for me has many fond memories of my youth. My uncle, may he rest in peace, started taking me fishing at the age of four and was my mentor on what was to be the journey and adventure into fishing. He loved his fishing and making cast nets.

My first Christmas with him, he made a five-foot mullet net for me. I was so proud to be the only kid in the Ybor City neighborhood to own one. So, yes,

8 TAMPA

DECEMBER 2021

Christmas is a beautiful time to be alive and with our families.

Now, having said all of that, let’s talk fishing. December brings many surprises to the anglers of Tampa Bay, and it all depends on the weather. If it’s a warm month, we can count on large schools of redfish around the many mangrove islands and trout on the shallow flats. A warm month can keep many species such as mackerel and cobia in our Bay waters. These fish are usually gone by mid-November. A cold December is a different story. Look for redfish around deep water docks. Use live shrimp with a 1/0 circle hook and a small split shot about six inches from the hook. This keeps the bait close to the bottom where the water is warmer and the fish are most active.

Flounder is another species you can count on around docks this time of year.

For them, I prefer using a small jig head with a small live shrimp hooked through the tail (not the head) and dragged along the bottom. Cast the jig toward the shoreline parallel to the dock, and bounce it along the bottom until you reach the front of the dock. Continue this method on both sides of the dock, going from one dock to another. This allows you to cover the entire area around a dock where the flounder are waiting on their prey.

Snook will have made their way up the rivers and creeks looking for warmer water. Remember that snook slow down their bite this time of year, so cut bait works great on the bottom. Live medium shrimp, with the tail cut off, is another great bait to use. I prefer to use a small split shot to keep the bait on the bottom and, in many cases, I will work the shrimp along the edges of the river or creek bed where the snook are most likely to be waiting for food.

Warm water outflow from the different power plants will be another haven for snook, cobia, trout, pompano and sharks. The best time to fish the outflow is

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

just be 11:00 a higher tend to of the sugges you ca work y channe Th clear w to help my lea start w you fin more t worth Sh water t Go

F

BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES

just before sunrise to about 11:00 am. As the sun gets higher in the sky, the fish tend to move to the mouth of the hot water outflow. I suggest you start as close as you can to the outflow and work your way through the channel as the sun rises.

The cold water means clear water, so you will need to drop down on the size of your leader and tackle to help increase the bite. I notice that in cold water months, I have to downsize my leader in some cases to 15 pounds in order to get the fish to bite. I would start with 25-pound test fluorocarbon leader and work down from there until you find what’s working for you. The lighter leader means you must take a little more time in fighting the fish, but the increase in the number of bites is well worth it.

Sheepshead will be making their entry into Tampa Bay to spawn as the water temperature drops. This, I will cover in next month’s issue.

Good fishing and tight lines.

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 9

BARRACUDA BOB’S CLEARWATER AND DUNEDIN BY: CAPT. JOE LONDOT

CATCHING WINTER GROUPER AND SNAPPER

W

inter is finally upon us, and with the water cooling into the 60’s, grouper and snapper are migrating into shallow offshore and deep inshore waters.

On calm days between fronts, anglers with boats can make short runs out of Dunedin, and Clearwater to Veteran’s Reefs (they’re all within 10 miles of shore and just a few miles apart). Once there, locate likely structure and start dropping baited lines down. If your first spot doesn’t pan out, just pull anchor, locate another structure and drop baits again. The fish are there, you just have to find them.

Shore bound anglers can fish the channels running under the two Dunedin Causeway bridges. Both channels are around 30 feet deep and always hold keeper gag grouper, mangrove snapper and black drum.

The key to catching these fish offshore and from the bridges is chum.

I like to weight my chum bag with a pound or so of lead and lower it on a line to about 10 feet off the bottom.

For gag grouper, a drop rig on 40-pound test mono or fluorocarbon leader with two to three ounces of lead, an 8-0 circle hook and two to three feet of leader on both your lead line and hook line will position

your baits right in the strike zone when your weight is resting on the bottom. Just take up the slack when your weight hits bottom.

When grouper fishing, I like to start baiting with frozen squid and/or sardines. This always gets the smaller fish to bite and tear up the baits to disperse chunks of chum into my strike zone. Once I’ve made a couple of drops with the dead bait, I start dropping nose-hooked pinfish down to get the big boys interested.

Targeting snapper is a bit different. Chumming will entice the sharpeyed snapper off the bottom rocks where they like to hang, so they should be fished on a knocker rig made from 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, a quarter to a half ounce of lead and a 2-0 or 3-0 circle hook.

Live or frozen white baits (pilchards) make great snapper baits. I like to start by dropping chunks of bait into the strike zone to make the snapper stupid. Once they’ve chomped on a few chunks they get really competitive; just stick a hook in a chunk and drop it into the strike zone. You’ll fool them every time!

For the best in bait, tackle and rigging to tackle these, or any of the dozens of other fish species that inhabit our waters, just stop into Barracuda Bob’s on your way out. We’re happy to hook you up with the goods and a few fishing hot spots that are sure to make your day!

See y’all out there, Capt. Joe Barracuda Bob’s Clearwater and Dunedin Visit us at 240 Causeway Blvd. Dunedin, FL 34698 | 727-466-1776 Check us out on Facebook or at www.BarracudaBobs.net

Under New Ownership

Still #1 in Motorized Kayaks Sales • Rentals • Service

Mention this ad to get

$25 OFF any purchase $250+ excludes gift cards

Kayaks Kayak Motors Paddle Boards 651 ALT 19, Palm Harbor, FL 34683 10 TAMPA

DECEMBER 2021

If you're looking to get out on the water in a kayak, make Bay City Outfitters your first stop.

Now under new ownership, you'll find more kayaks and motors in stock than ever before, incredible customer service and the same technical expertise as always.

Come check out new gear and apparel brands too, from Bajio to Skinny Water Culture and more.

Make sure to visit us online!

We hope to see you soon. -Will

baycityoutfitters.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

(727) 772-7663

KELLY LILLY 301 WOODLANDS PARKWAY, STE 1, OLDSMAR, FL 32677

listingsbylilly.com | 813-453-8969

The best warranty in the business.

Only Honda gives you a full, five years,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 Honda Finance Corporation Rates as low as 3.99%**

The Power Of Boating

**APR financing available on all new Honda outboard engines through American Honda Finance Corporation upon approved credit.

3.99% APR financing for 24 – 48 months, available to customers who qualify for AHFC credit tier 1. 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.

For optimum performance and safety, read the Owner’s Manual before operating your Honda Marine Product. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 11

SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE

COLD WEATHER KAYAK FISHING

L

a Nina was this year. This natural occurrence affects the fishing and species of fish that will be more abundant to anglers this month. The constant cold fronts are a direct result of the weather pattern this special year. With that being said, big trout are plentiful in our coastal waterways, and they are sure fun to catch when you get into a school of them! Many do not know this, but the speckled sea trout is a member of the drum family, which is related to the redfish. You can often tell whether you’ve caught a male or female by the drumming it makes when you’re holding it up for a photo.

Large trout can be found in shallower waters on the grassy flats during cold days, warming themselves up a bit for feeding. Topwater lures are fantastic to

use for trout. They absolutely love to strike them and can, at times, provide quite the aerial assault on your lure. These voracious fish will follow your lure practically into the kayak, which makes for a super fun day on the water! Make sure to wet your hands before touching trout, as their skin is very soft and can be damaged by our hands.

Walk the dog in a little deeper water during the warmer days of Florida (the days where it’s cold in the morning, and warm during the day). This will entice the trout. These fish are great to target this month.

Once you catch one, more than likely, you’ll be catching them over and over again--with some tenacious fighting and jumping. These are great fish for seasoned anglers, as well as, beginners. Just watch for their oddly placed teeth We hope you have a great Holiday, and come check out your forever kayak with us, Natalie and Derick of Pure Florida WaterSports in Wesley Chapel. Good vibes and tight lines, always! purefloridaws@gmail.com purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824

6

12 TAMPA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

6000 66th St. N • St. Petersburg, FL. 33709 (727) 546-8484 • AmericanDiscountMarine.com

HERNANDO COUNTY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT

LAST CALL

T

hat’s right, it’s that time of year again-a chill in the air, decorations being hung, Christmas trees up and one of the best fishing times of year. The water temperature has dropped and the fish are eating.

From offshore to inshore, the bite is great.

With the gag grouper season ending at the end of this month (red grouper will reopen), now is the time to get out and test your endurance and gear. On recent trips, we have been getting some nice numbers and size of gag grouper. Size limit is still 24 inches and two per person. There are still a lot of “ last year’s models” which are just under the 24-inch mark. There are many different ways to target these hard fighting fish. Most anglers will anchor on structure and bottom fish. Everyone has their own way of gearing up for bottom fishing. I like to use a good conventional reel with at least 60-pound mono, a 4-ounce egg sinker and a 7/0 circle hook (you have to use circle hooks when reef fishing). Baits can range from live baits to frozen or cut baits. Sometimes the bite will be quick, or you may need to be patient. Chumming can also turn a slow bite into a feeding frenzy. One of my favorite ways to target grouper is to troll for them. Pick a diving lure that matches the depth you’re fishing. On charters, this is a good way to kick back and enjoy the anticipation of the drag screaming strike. If the grass is thick on the surface, this can be hard to do. Also, check your shallow inshore rocks.

With the cooler water, the grouper will move in more.

14 TAMPA

DECEMBER 2021

Another species to target offshore is the mangrove snapper. Snapper like structure, like a rock pile. Use lighter gear like you use inshore for snapper. A small hook or a jighead tipped with a piece of shrimp will put a few fish into the boat. Size limit is 10 inches in state waters and 12 inches in federal waters. You’re allowed five per person.

Inshore fishing is also on fire. Redfish and trout are moving into the backwater flats. Live shrimp, creek chubs, pinfish or artificial lures are working well on these fish. Reports of nice snook are being caught in our area. Target the shore line with any type of structure around it. Always remember, fish are structure oriented.

From Fishdaddy Joel’s family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! I’m always looking for reports and pictures. You can email me or stop by my website and become a “Fishhead.”

Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach.

Coast guard licensed, insured and Federal permitted. He knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips.

Check him out on facebook or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615.

Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR

S

heepshead have made their way into Tampa Bay. They are well known for their dominant presence during the winter months and, historically, peak in numbers in February. They can be found at any of the Tampa Bay bridges, docks, seawalls and jetties. I always head to my favorite mangrove snapper spots this time of year to find them. Sheepshead desire the same structure and environment as mangrove snapper. Most of the time, when fishing these areas, you will catch more sheepshead than snapper because of their great numbers during these months.

Choice baits to use are live shrimp and fiddler crabs. These baits should be presented on a size 1/0 hook free-lined, or with a split shot. Or, use your favorite 1/8 to ¼-ounce jighead. Where there is one, there are a bunch. Keeping count is important when catching these guys, because you can fill a cooler quick when the bite is right.

Another species to target this month are spotted seatrout. These hungry shallow water predators can be found stacked up anywhere that has a drop in depth adjacent to a sandbar, or sandy patches and potholes on grass flats. Take advantage of the mild water temperatures, as the fish are more active. The baits I use for spotted seatrout are scaled sardines and live shrimp. Both baits are presented on a size 1/0 hook free-lined. You can sight cast or drift fish these baits. Livingston Lures Schoolmaster or Highwater Lures “Get em Shad” are my top choice artificials to use, if you desire to cover a large area in a small amount of time.

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

TAMPA 15

RIVERS TO BAY REPORT

D

ecember in Tampa Bay is known for great trout fishing, fun sheepshead fishing and even the fair-weather snook, which have moved up into the rivers. Redfish are still milling through the flats, docks and ledges along drop offs. We get a lot of cold fronts this time of year, and you have to pick your days to fish in between the fronts or you’re going to be fishing on a windy day. However, the advantage to fishing Tampa Bay is that, even when it’s blowing outside, you have many areas to hide behind the mangroves; or, just go up in the rivers to have a very productive day on the water. Just make sure you’re bundled up but, then again, you never know what the temperature is going to be in December here; I’ve worn shorts on Christmas day on Tampa Bay--each year is different. When we get a strong cold front, it usually takes the fish a day or two to adjust if the water temps drop more than a few degrees.

The bait should still be around on the flats or on the markers, which is to Eas Fa Gu ily m lf, Ac ou IC ce s J W ssi oh & W bl e n’ s P orl as d s

BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS

a plus but, sometimes when it gets really cold, it can be hard to find.

I always have a backup plan, and wintertime is when I may have to change the strategy for how I’m going to catch these fish. I will typically have a livewell full of frisky shrimp for the sheepshead and other species if I’ve been having trouble finding the bait. But, since I really enjoy tossing artificials, December is a great time to do that. The nice thing about wintertime fishing is that you don’t have to start out at daylight and, sometimes, it’s actually better to let the sun heat things up, which is when the fish become more active.

Sheepshead love the cooler temps, but just make sure you have moving water. I like the first two hours of either the outgoing or incoming tides. Trout will definitely be on, as well, and I recommend either live shrimp or soft plastics (4-inch paddle tails on a 1/4-ounce jig). Again, pursue snook up in the rivers and, if you bring a live well of pilchards, you’ll keep the rod bent all day. Last, stop off at a few docks for the reds.

They may be looking for a free meal to get them through the holidays.

Before the year ends, take a few days off from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and go splash the boat. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, bent rods and tight lines.

Captain John Rivers | www.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com | 727-313-1781

SC • • • • • • •

Open 7 Days a Week Non-Ethanol Fuel Diesel & Propane Wet & Dry Slip Dockage Monthly & Transient Rentals Ice, Beer & Snacks Fishing Charters

• Boat Club • Close to Shopping & Great Restaurants • Live and Frozen Bait • Marine Supplies • Public Pump Out • Fishing Tackle

503 150th Avenue, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 | 727-399-2631 Marina@madeirabeachfl.gov | Madeirabeachmarina.com 16 TAMPA

DECEMBER 2021

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Your Spearfishing Headquarters.

Use code coastal10 for

10% OFF your order

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

Big or small, we have toys for all this holiday season!

Re-Discover Old Florida

Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

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 14 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

Tim Barefoot

T

PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

here is no comparison to anchoring versus drifting for grouper fishing. Catching grouper and big snapper consistently requires you to set up in one location. But there is a time and place for everything. Bear with me…

For grouper and big snapper fishing, you have to anchor or use a long-shank, GPS trolling motor—like a Rhodan—to keep your boat in place. I have talked about this in previous articles.

You need to “set the table” for the gags, reds and scamps. While anchored with 4 or 5 anglers onboard, we send down several rounds of whole squid, regardless of what comes up. Whole squid dropped on Decoy Jigs create a chum slick on the bottom directly below the boat. After three or four rounds of these “freebie” squid offerings, we send down the live baits on Decoy Jigs. This is more than grouper and big snapper can mentally digest. They see a live bait caught by a crab or squid. It’s a Happy Meal to them. To do this effectively, your boat must remain in a fixed position.

There are now a few brands of powerful, long-shank, GPSequipped electric trolling motors on the market that allow offshore anglers the same benefits enjoyed for years by inshore and freshwater anglers.

These machines allow you to anchor “virtually” or set a heading, among other things.

They are an absolute gamechanger. I use a Rhodan, so that’s what I’ll call it.

Using the Rhodan alone is my preferred method. It will keep you in one spot, and it’s so much easier than anchoring in deep water. It is accurate, fast, effortless and time efficient.

If the water is too deep or the current is running too hard, we will sometimes drift with the Rhodan. From barely in gear up to full speed, we use the trolling motor to slow the drift. This creates a good situation in which to drop baits for bottom fish while flying a kite out of the back of the boat. The Rhodan keeps the bow pointed into the wind or current, allowing you to deploy kites with live baits while also bottom fishing. It’s possible to fish for pelegics like wahoo and dolphin while catching bottom fish at the same time. The kite will work the Rhodan hard and reduce battery life, so keep this in mind.

A traditional anchor allows you to fly a kite with baits out for wahoo, while also bottom fishing without taxing the Rhodan to keep the boat in a fixed position. This combo, however, can only be used with a light wind. If the wind or current are up, a slow drift with the Rhodan is the best way to drop baits while tending the kite and float baits.

Like I said, there is a time and condition for one or all of the combos, but I’m sometimes old-school, and you just can’t beat an anchor for grouper fishing when the water depth and current speed are right.

For more information and instructional videos, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

Joint pain?

Mako SmartRobotics™ for joint replacement helps you get back to the things you love, quicker.

Learn more at Stryker.link/Angler IMPORTANT INFORMATION All surgery carries risk. Talk to your doctor to see if joint replacement is right for you. MKOSYM-PM-16_24378

Copyright © 2020 Stryker

The MicroWave Line Control System is scientifically proven to improve fishing rod performance.

Cast Further, Smoother & More Accurately with these

info@americantackle.us | americantackle.us COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FLORIDA 2021

LOCATION 15

4500 Bait Bump 1.5" connection

Hooker Electric’s

compact bait pumps are designed for high flow performance.

Engineered from sturdy 5086 aluminum & durable PVC. Variable flow or on/off capability. 12V DC electrical system.

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334 EMAIL: sales@hookerelectric.com

STHRCLUB.COM

SHRMARINA .COM

THE PERFECT ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF OLD FLORIDA

Book your dream getaway today at 352.498.3222 Coming Soon!

s t e i n h atc h e e m a r i n a at d e a dm a n bay SHOW THIS AD AT CHECK-IN FOR 10% OFF CABIN OR BOAT RENTAL!

16 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

By Richard Matteson

PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

LIFE IS A BEACH

December Surf Fishing Forecast

T

he beach is coming alive with the cooler weather, and the seasonal fish, which include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano, are showing up in numbers here on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

There have been some spectacular fishing days with 20-plus mackerel and numbers of jacks, some heavier than 15 pounds. The pompano are here, and although most are small, some keeper-size have been caught in the surf and from the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon. Birds and schools of fish have been following large pods of bait swimming just outside the trough. One reason for the increased activity are higher king tides, which eliminate issues with sandbars left from previous hurricanes.

The tides are a couple feet higher than they were this summer.

One- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons in silver and gold with a single hook are producing great results. I usually use a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig in chartreuse color with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. Even if the mackerel aren’t schooling at the moment, there are still lots of jacks and ladyfish around the trough.

I use 10- to 20-pound white braid with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. I like short leaders of 14 inches or shorter, which keeps the double uni-knot connecting the braid to leader from the first eyelet on the rod.

I always use a 6 ½- or 7-foot rod with some backbone to land larger fish like tarpon and snook. The standard surf reel is a spinning reel with enough braid (100 yards over mono backing) to land bigger fish.

If you are fishing in the Treasure Coast area, now is the time to take your boat out the St. Lucie Inlet and go about a mile south to the Peck’s Lake area known as Kingfish Hole to catch schooling Spanish mackerel.

Use a thick leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon or a wire leader, and expect non-stop mackerel action. Use small spoons or jigs, and move them fast near the top of the water. Look for boats following the schools to locate the best fishing.

Snook are still hitting in the surf on jigs and live bait with the best action near high tide. The best snook fishing is morning and evening.

Remember to fish around the trough; casting out way past the trough is wasted time when fishing for snook.

As always, look for birds to find the bait, and the fish will be there.

The surf is rough and the tides are high. Time to go fishing.

Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

Do you live in Florida?

Do you have family or friends who live in Florida?

Did you know you can help our oceans and estuaries?

By purchasing one of these Specialty License Plates you can directly support critical scientific research, outreach and education!

BUY YOUR PLATE TODAY AT YOUR LOCAL TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE OR ONLINE AT

hboifoundation.org/license-plates benefitting programs at

3545 Ocean Drive, Suite 201 ~ Vero Beach, FL 32963 772-466-9876 | www.hboifoundation.org Like us on Facebook!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

f

DECEMBER 2021

FLORIDA 17

18 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

r o the Holidays! f e m T n I t s Ju

APPAREL Short Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt

Embroidered Ballcaps & Visor

6.1 oz. 100% ringspun cotton. Sailfish design printed on back, and CAM logo over chest pocket.

Cooling Performance Long Sleeve Crew 100% polyester interlock, moisture wicking, stain release and odor resistant, ultra tight knit, reinforced shoulder seams, 40+UPF. Sailfish design printed on back, CAM logo on left chest, and “Protect Our Waters” on left sleeve.

FREE

SHIPP

ING

70% cotton 30% nylon, elongated bills, water and stain repellent, UPF 50, mesh lining, and terry cloth sweatband. Khaki with green undervisor on caps, visor with black undervisor to reduce glare. Caped ballcap has zipper pocket, and collar clip.

www.coastalanglermag.com/store

BE PREPARED For Hazards Of All Kinds

By Capt. Randy Cnota

R

ecently, I was enjoying a quiet morning on the boat, all by myself, catching several fish in a remote place on the lower end of the Apalachicola River system. The bass were chomping on my top-water jerkbait like they’d never seen one before, and I got complacent while dehooking one. The fish made a sudden, violent shake and suddenly I had two hooks in my hand with a flopping fish on the jerk-bait’s third hook. This is

one of the many hazards anglers should be prepared for when they occur; and hazards WILL occur, it’s just a matter of time.

Being an old experienced salt, the removal of those hooks from my hand was not that big of a deal; it just took some time because I was alone and had only one hand to use. Had that happened to an angler who’s never had a hook in his hand, it might have been a different story. Imagine this happening to your child, an elderly person or a loved one… would you know what to do?

Obvious hazards like foul weather, high winds and extreme cold are easy to negotiate as a recreational angler; you just don’t go that day! It’s the calm, pleasant, inviting days when you least expect some hazardous event to take place that they seem to occur.

My intent is to inspire you to prepare for the unexpected as best you can.

There are way too many hazardous scenarios that could play out in a day of fishing, so the following is just an overview of a strategy.

People getting hooked, cut or falling in or out of a boat are likely the most common hazards anglers experience.

Make sure everyone on board knows exactly where lifejackets and throw cushions are located and how and why to use them. Lifejackets are obvious, but some might not realize the importance of the throw cushion. When someone falls overboard, it’s imperative that someone keeps their eyes on him to maintain his location and get a cushion tossed to him immediately!

You’d be surprised how quickly this scenario can turn bad, so make sure all aboard know the drill.

A basic first-aid kit on board is a good start for tending to cuts, sprains and burns, but be sure to take the next step and keep a few extra items like duct tape, rescue tape, zip ties, super glue etc. Also, make sure you know how to remove hooks and be able to determine if a hooked situation is something that can be treated on the water or if a trip to the ER is required.

As a licensed Captain and retired military, I’ve had plenty of training with first aid, CPR and other emergency matters, but many folks on the water have not. If you captain a vessel, be sure to get this kind of training.

You owe it to the people who rely on you out there.

For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FLORIDA 2021

LOCATION 19

Donate A Boat or Car Today!

20 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DEC. 1 - DEC. 12

PALM BEACH WINTER POKER CLASSIC

$500,000 IN GUARANTEES DEEP STACKS - GREAT STRUCTURES LIVE STREAM FINAL TABLES WATCH ON YOUTUBE OR TWITCH

DEC. 11

PBKC MUTT DERBY

5:30PM START BRING THE FAMILY AND ENJOY FUN ACTIVITIES LIKE TRACKSIDE BBQ, FACE PAINTING, BALLOON ARTIST, ACE THE POKER BEAR, PRIZES, AND LIVE MUSIC. THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT LOCAL CHARITIES. WATCH THE CHAMPIONS RUN AT THE MUTT DERBY FINALE!

DEC. 26

PBKC SPORTS CARD & MEMORABILIA SHOW 9AM - 4PM FEATURING SIGNED ICON AND OVER 70 VENDORS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

Andrew Dice Clay

IN THE PADDOCK RESTAURANT AT PBKC THE PADDOCK IS PERFECT FOR COMEDIANS WITH ITS TIERED ROOM, SEATING FOR 300, GREAT FOOD, FULL BAR, AND MORE. DOORS OPEN AT 6PM FOOD SERVICE UNTIL 7:30PM MUST BE SEATED BY 7:45PM

FOR TICKETS, VISIT PBKENNELCLUB.COM OR CALL 561-683-2222, EXT. 140 UPCOMING COMEDY NIGHTS: DEC. 16 - JACKIE “THE JOKE MAN” MARTLING

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION PBKENNELCLUB.COM 1111 N. CONGRESS AVE. | WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409

561-683-2222

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

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

Our Polyurethane Fills voids Seals cracks Strengthens soils

Free Estimates Free 2nd Opinions

Competitive Pricing Serving All of Florida

Experienced and Reputable Fully Licensed

Family Owned Guaranteed Work

“This company and its employees are awesome, can’t say enough nice things about them. Great job and neat and tidy!” - Kevin O.

888.426.1002 www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com

#CBC1255391

1

DECEMBER SEASONS UPDATE

D

ecember is time to shift gears for inshore anglers in Florida. Snook seasons close and flounder harvest opens up this month.

New for 2021, flounder harvest was closed for 45 days this year during the fall run.

Many anglers look forward to fall as peak time to catch big doormat flounder, which is why the closure occurred when flounder populations are most susceptible to recreational and commercial anglers. The Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 harvest closure was intended to combat what FWC called a statewide decline in flounder populations. Other Gulf and Atlantic states took similar measures.

Starting Dec. 1, flounder harvest is allowed with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. These regulations apply in state and federal waters off Florida.

The Gulf snook season closure date is Dec. 1, and snook harvest will remain closed through the end of February in Gulf state and adjacent federal waters. The Atlantic snook season is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 in state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations for different zones exist for this species, so be sure to check current regulations online at MyFWC.com. On the Gulf side, from Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022.

GREAT FISHING!

WHERE THE SUWANNEE & STEINHATCHEE RIVERS MEET THE GULF OF MEXICO

YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A BOAT RAMP

DIXIE COUNTY VISITDIXIE.COM

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

291.7 POUNDS WINS BIMINI WAHOO MAYHEM

I

n case you’re wondering where the wahoo are in their annual migrations, the action at this year’s Bimini Wahoo Mayhem tournament might provide a clue.

With fishing days on Nov. 5 and 6, a fleet of 21 boats didn’t necessarily wear them out, but they brought plenty of ’hoos to the scales. The invitationonly tournament is billed as the highest-paying wahoo tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s held during the historic peak of the season in one of the world’s most prolific wahoo destinations. There are no tournament boundaries, so teams range all over the islands in search of big wahoo.

More than $192,000 was paid out after Day 2. The big first-place winner was Finnikki, which brought a very respectable 291.7 pounds to the scales. In a distant second place, Rake & Scrape weighed 148 pounds.

The tournament’s Big Fish was a 58.9 pounder caught by Rake & Scrape on Day 1.

For more information and complete results, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FLORIDA 2021

LOCATION 23

G3 Sportsman 1810

G3 20 Bay series

G3 Suncatcher V22F

MAKING MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!!!

100 N.E 23rd Avenue, Gainesville FL 32609 • 352-372-4900

24 FLORIDA

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

0:28 PM

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

T

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.

If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.

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

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

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

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

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

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

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

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

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

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

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK671-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

®

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK671-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

shown *Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the actual size. listed original Stauer.com price.

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

• 12" overall length; 6 ¹⁄2" stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

FWC PHOTO

T

he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting.

Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing.

The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023.

The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone.

In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors.

These changes must be agreed upon by

the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation.

Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper.

King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing.

However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield.

The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-

inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement.

Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing.

Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon.

Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock.

The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered.

Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered.

A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended.

The council selected a preferred alternative that would increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch. The Council will solicit public comment before taking final action.

PR ST

“L on

–N

For more information, visit gulfcouncil.org.

Easy Way To Get To The Fish Inflatable FishSUP FS126

Getting to the fish has never been easier. The FishSUP 126 folds up and fits in a car trunk, inflates in minutes and can be paddled or motored.

Extra wide 40” width provides stability while reeling in the big ones!

FREtEric PumspLast.

BP12 is the fast & easy way to inflate & deflate!

Elec

lie Supp BP12d Time. While31/21. ite 12/ *Lim Ends

Multiple D-Rings & Shock Cord

36” Fish Ruler

Swivel Seat Fishing Rig Package just $1199

with FREE Ground Shipping to contiguous U.S. Six more packages also available starting at just $999.

10 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2021

Removable Motor Mount

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Non-Slip EVA Foot Bed

1 or 2 Swivel Seats (or None!)

For a FREE catalog 800-944-7496 For more info SeaEagle.com Dept. CS122B 19 N Columbia St, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

•

2 1/2 carats of Sky Blue Topaz in precious sterling silver

ONLY $39

Save $260!

PRAISE FOR STAUER BLUE TOPAZ

“Love at first sight! Without a doubt one of my favorite pieces from Stauer!”

– N. B., Mattapoisett, MA

Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Sky Blue Topaz 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 a genuine sky blue topaz ring for a price that simply can’t be beat.

You could spend nearly a $1,000 on a sterling silver ring set with a blue topaz stone. 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 Sky Blue Topaz 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 Sky Blue Topaz Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

Sky blue topaz is aptly named, Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through as its translucence and clarity your fingers. Call today! is absolutely heavenly. If you are looking to mark Sky Blue Topaz Ring (3 ctw) $299† $39 +S&P Save $260 a milestone or make any occasion special, the Sky Blue You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Topaz Ring is all you need.

1-800-333-2045

This elegant ring features 2 1/2 carats of ethereal sky blue topaz 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.

“The blue topaz has both high clarity and a consistent, bright hue, making it ideal for custom cutting.”

— Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia

Your Insider Offer Code: TTR187-01 Please use this code when you order to receive your special 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. TTR187-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ¹⁄2 ctw Sky Blue topaz • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong.

ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions.

No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

SZ Q3 ECSTAR HALF HORIZONTAL CSTL ANGLR 7-16-21.indd 1

7/16/2021 9:56:33 AM

DOMETIC MARINE SEASTAR STANDARD TRIM TABS

U

nveiled in late September, the new SeaStar Standard Trim Tabs feature an intelligent actuator system and intuitive dial controller that put precision ride control at the fingertips of today’s boaters.

The dial controller at the heart of this system provides a level of control and precision not possible with tactile switches. While this controller is intelligent, it couldn’t be simpler for the boater to understand and use. The boater just turns the dial in the direction he wants to level the boat, and the actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride.

There are also single-press Bow Up and Bow Down inputs for manual adjustment, and a Favorite Button that lets boaters easily save a desired tab position. This makes it easy to return to a boat’s “sweet spot” ride position with the

12 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2021

touch of a finger. The s y s t e m’s Home Button quickly moves tabs to the home position.

Further simplifying operation are LEDs that indicate port and starboard tab positions. The dial controller also features Auto Brightness that senses ambient light conditions and adjusts the dial brightness for optimum visibility.

Dometic’s all-electric actuators reduce complexity of the system while increasing longterm reliability. For instant response, quieter operation and a better boating experience, these actuators feature a planetary gearbox, hightorque DC motor and freewheeling Ball Screw

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Dometic Marine has set a new standard for trim tab performance and ease of use with its new SeaStar Standard Trim Tab system.

mechanism.

For reliable performance over the long run, these actuators feature rugged housing with a simple two-piece design to minimize possible water intrusion points. They also feature dual housing seals, a rear seal in a protected bushing area, and a wiper that removes particles from the shaft and protects the rear seal.

Heavy-duty 12 gauge 304 stainless steel tabs complete the system. They feature 316 stainless steel marine grade fasteners, heavy-duty 14 gauge stainless steel hinges and sturdy ¼-inchthick hinge pins for added strength.

WWW.DOMETIC.COM

RED GROUPER

GIVE THE GIFT OF

SMASHES GEORGIA RECORD

A

ROD BUILDING

49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds.

Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012.

The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida.

Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.

MUDHOLE.COM GET A FREE CATALOG! MUDHOLE.cOM/CATALOG

For the current list of Georgia saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.

3 AM

Made in USA

TOURNAMENT BASS RETURN TO THEIR CATCH LOCATION

M C.A.L. 4” Shad Tail C.A.L. 3” Shad Tail C.A.L. 4” Jerk Bait C.A.L. 5.5” Jerk Bait

C.A.L. Paddle Tail C.A.L. Curl Tail

www.doalures.com

PHOTO BY ANDY CRAWFORD

C.A.L. 5” Swim Bait

ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada.

According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site.

Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught.

Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave.

The smallmouths were gone within a day.

One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.

For more information on this study, go to bluefishcanada.ca..

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 201667_DOA_7.14_CAL ad_Coastal Angler_3.75x5.indd 1

7/14/20 4:22 PM

DECEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 13

This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.

TIME !

G N I S I U R C

CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER

252-235-2461 WWW.CHAWKBOATS.NET

SPORTEX ITALIA PHOTO.

FOR

MEET THE WELS CATFISH Europe’s Freshwater Monster

By TAM Staff

I

n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream.

It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace.

Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more.

The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds.

Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain.

Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years.

In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more.

From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders.

They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs.

However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important.

Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items.

In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach.

That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly.

For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.

14 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

T

ar in an

E fo b

2 p 20 E Jo

2 b w

2 P se si

2 W D 99

G

G G pu or

5 Countries, 5 Pure Silver Coins!

Your Silver Passport to Travel the World

T

The 5 Most Popular Pure Silver Coins on Earth in One Set

ravel the globe, without leaving your home—with this set of the world’s five most popular coins minted in pure silver. Newly struck for 2021 in one troy ounce of fine silver, each coin will arrive in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. Your excursion includes stops in the United States, China, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

We’ve Done the Work for You with this Extraordinary 5-Pc. World Silver Coin Set

Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability, even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal tender value.

2021 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the single most popular coin in the world and it’s about to change forever. This 2021 Silver Eagle features the final appearance of the Heraldic Eagle reverse design by the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, John Mercanti. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint.

2021 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint.

2021 Canada Maple Leaf: Making its first appearance in 1984, the Silver Maple Leaf’s elegant design has made it a highly sought-after bullion coin ever since. Struck in 99.99% fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint.

Exquisite Designs Struck in Precious Silver

These coins, with stunningly detailed designs and gorgeous finishes that speak to their country of origin, are sure to hold a revered place in your collection. Plus, they provide you with a unique way to stock up on precious fine silver.

Here’s a legacy you and your family will enjoy, and cherish, for a lifetime. Secure yours now!

SAVE with this World Coin Set

You’ll save $14 off the individual coin prices with this Set, plus get a presentation case.

2021 World Silver 5-Coin Set $199 + FREE SHIPPING FREE SHIPPING: Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

2021 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue in 1983, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, offering a new design every year. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint.

2021 Australia Wedge Tailed Eagle: Introduced in 2014, the Wedge Tailed Eagle is the world’s first collaboration between Designer/Engraver John Mercanti and a foreign mint. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the Perth Mint.

For fastest service call today toll-free

1-888-201-7070 Offer Code WRD145-01

Please mention this code when you call.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. WRD145-01, 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.

BALLYHOOD TOP GUN LURES WAHOO TOURNAMENT PACK

” “KILLER! DEAL

ALL RIGGED 2 - 32 OZ “COWBELLS” & READY 2 - 14 OZ “EXPRESS” 2 - MONSTER ACTON “PAYBACK” JETS W/ FREE CARRY CASE & FREE SHIPPING

Regular Price $499 - NOW $299!

GET IT HERE: ballyhood.com/super-wahoo-tournament-pak/ E E SHI PP

I

NG

E

E

G

The Return of a

FR

FREE SHIP PING FR

BALLYHOOD

S H IP PIN

(714) 545-0196 • BALLYHOOD.COM

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 16 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

HOOKED ON™ SUZUKI TECHNOLOGY

BE SELECTIVE

THE CHOICE IS YOURS SUZUKI’S SELECTIVE ROTATION TECHNOLOGY Suzuki has achieved what no other outboard manufacturer has done and provided a simple way to setup dual, triple, and even quad engine applications (150HP and up). This cutting-edge Selective Rotation technology provides the ability for the consumer to select regular or counter rotation into a single outboard model. This technology adds ease of use and overall resale value for the life of the motor.

SUZUKI’S SELECTIVE ROTATION

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product 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 Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

Order Your Passport Today!

800.828.4244

CheersTrail.org