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DECEMBER 2023
NATIONAL 3
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF
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DECEMBER 2023
inter fishing in the Florida Keys can be a double-edged sword. This time of year can be limited by more frequent windy days. However, some of our best fishing occurs very close to land this time of year, and you don’t have to go far to get into the heart of it. Snapper are always a viable option on the reef, and targeting them also provides the opportunity to fill up the livewell with fresh ballyhoo to use for sailfish, which will be showering bait under diving frigates. If you happen to get out there on a sporty day, and the thought of rocking on anchor first thing in the morning makes your stomach turn, wahoo might be a better option. Trolling lures can be productive for targeting wahoo, and reduces the rocking of the boat that causes seasickness. Utilizing deep-diving lures, planers and trolling sinkers, there are countless ways to set up an efficient wahoo spread that can be pulled at varying speeds. Since wahoo like their baits moving quickly, high-speed trolling is a great way to target them while lessening other species as bycatch. Another great option for wahoo fishing is using live bait. This method is more exciting, and uses bait that can be acquired without dropping anchor. With wahoo rigs already set with wire leaders, and extra prerigged leaders on hand, head out to the wrecks to catch fresh bait. When targeting bigger baits like bonita, blue runners and goggle eyes for wahoo, use a heavier rod and reel, with the appropriately overpowered sabiki rig. Accounting for tangles, breakoffs and unwanted mackerel attention, make sure to have more than a few extra sabiki rigs on board. Affix a weight to the sabiki and drop it down to fill the well with blue runners, or troll the sabiki over schools of bonita, hooking them immediately to the wahoo rig and sending them back out. Power drift or bump troll a spread of live baits with some weightless, flatlined on the surface, or even under a kite, and others at varying depths with a breakaway weight or downrigger. Watching a hungry wahoo skyrocket on a surface bait provides all the adrenaline needed to knock any lingering seasickness out of you. Wahoo are excellent table fare, and they are also one of the best fighting fish you can target. Keep in mind that if your line goes slack, they might be swimming toward the boat. It is a wahoo until it’s not a wahoo, so keep reeling until you see the end of your line. Charter fishing in the Florida Keys is busy during the winter, so make sure to book your charter in advance. Sweet E’nuf Charters offers gift certificates for all the Santas out there with fishermen in the family. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, of Sweet E’nuf Charters, operates out of Marathon, Florida Keys. Check out her website at CaptainQuinlyn.com, her social @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.
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NATIONAL 5 4/7/22 10:19 AM
SAVOR THE SEASONS in Upcountry South Carolina
Every season is the best season to explore the many treasures in the Upcountry.
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troll up WINTERTIME SLAB CRAPPIE C
By Nick Carter
old water makes catching fish more difficult, right? Not with crappie, according to allaround outdoorswoman Terrie Huffmaster. She looks forward to deep winter, when she can load the boat with the biggest slabs of the year. Huffmaster is a South Georgia farm girl from Quitman, way down on the Florida border, so she calls crappie speckled perch, or specks for short. “You catch the bigger specks in wintertime,” she said. “I like to go into the deeper water trolling for them.” A great thing about crappie is they’re predictable. In spring they move shallow to spawn, but throughout the rest of the year they are nomads in search of comfortable water temperatures. You’ll always find them near structure or cover, and they are usually schooled up tightly. Huffmaster fishes for specks on Lake
Seminole, a nearly 40,000-acre impoundment that straddles the Georgia/Florida border. It’s a relatively shallow lake, full of stumps, brush and submerged grass. When Huffmaster says “deeper water,” she means the deepest water Seminole has, which is 25 to 30 feet. Trolling delivers both quality and quantity when water temps are in the mid to high 50s. But Huffmaster isn’t looking for a 30-fish limit. She’s hunting 10 or so giant specks in the 15- to 18inch range. She catches a lot of smaller fish in the process, but she throws those back. “When you get on ’em good, it’s crazy how
many you can catch,” she said. This is how she gets on them: Huffmaster has a line she trolls that she’s identified on electronics and with previous success. It’s just outside a channel marker, where there’s a ton of submerged trees, stumps and other brush and debris to hold fish. She pulls jigs over deep water and up over humps and ledges that rise to as little as 5 feet. “You keep that trolling motor on low,” she said, “just enough where your line’s pulling, where you’re barely trolling.” Huffmaster said there’s no need to deploy huge spreads from a bank of rod holders. She fishes just one, maybe two rods at a time. Her favorites are a lightweight Mr. Crappie Slab Shaker combo and a Lew’s 6-foot Ultra Light with a Lazer Light Speed Spin 75 reel. She spools up with 8-to 10-pound braided main line and uses a 4- or 6-pound fluorocarbon leader tied to a 1/16-ounce Crappie Magnet Fin Spin or a Mr. Crappie jig head. Paddletail and curly tail bodies both have their place. Chartreuse/pearl and pumpkin are good colors. She trolls her jigs 10 to 15 feet behind the boat and keeps a loose drag so the hook doesn’t tear out of a crappie’s paper-thin mouth. “Call me old fashioned, but that’s how we do it,” she said. “And we don’t seem to have any problem catching a mess of them… and some big ones. Search up Terrie B Huffmaster on Facebook and terries_dusk_2_dawn_fishing on Instagram.
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DECEMBER 2023
NATIONAL 7
Which Would You Change First? By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
C
hange is inevitable. In all aspects of life, change is necessary. This is especially true for anglers. When things are not going right, we immediately think of the next lure to throw. We all embark on our fishing journeys with a plan before hitting the water. We may base it on predicted conditions, time of year, experience, or possibly, but hopefully not, a social media post. Let’s discuss what I would do when plan-A doesn’t produce as envisioned. Imagine we are in the perfect looking spot, conditions are exactly as planned, active bait is visible in the area, the tide is flowing, but nothing is biting. Most of us would make a change, and I think we are all in agreement that our first correction would not be to move with everything looking right. Now, here is where I feel most people will make a mistake. Let’s say we are throwing soft-plastic paddletails. What is the first thing you would change?
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®.
SIZE OR COLOR:
I bet you said color. Am I right? During my decades of fishing the salty bays and marsh, I’ve found that color is the last thing I should change. If some bass fishermen are reading this article, I am solely basing this theory on saltwater for trout, redfish and flounder. It’s not your fault that you tend to change color first. Let’s face it, color is the first thing someone mentions when they describe the lure they used, and when we walk into the tackle aisle there are significantly more colors than lure choices or sizes. We are bombarded with so many colors. Color must be the key to catching, right? Well, maybe not, most of the time. I’ll use my lure brand for an example. I produce 34 unique colors, but I only produce three different sized paddletails. Having all these color options at our fingertips can be overwhelming, and hearing others focus on the color that landed
the big one has caused fishermen to focus on color first. I have found more success in changing the size of the lure over the color. The fish are typically not feeding on anything that resembles the color we are throwing, but they are feeding on a specific size that we have in our box. Matching the forage size is the better option. If that doesn’t produce a bite, then I will even switch the style of lure before the color in most situations. Ultra-clear water is an exception, and these conditions play by different rules. We can cover that in another article, but until then focus less on color and more on size and action. Take a kid fishing and enjoy the outdoors. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
GET READY FOR THE FALL BOATING SEASON It’s the most wonderful time of the year There’ll be much offshore fishing And wake surf for swishing When the water is warm and clear It’s the most wonderful time of the year
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By Charlie McCullough
GTECHNIQ:
Wax on Boats is Old Tech
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an you wax your 17’ to 20’ boat inside and out in 30 minutes or less? I can tell you first-hand that it is possible, but to do it you’ve got to forget about wax and get with the times. Gtechniq’s ceramic coatings are the technologically advanced way to get great results with less time and effort. I tested it on an 11-year-old Key West 1720, and this author will never go back to wax. Wax is old technology. Do you have a rotary phone? Do you use a pager? What about a flip phone? We have new technologies available. Once
you learn of a new spray-on coating that provides three months of shine and UV protection, would you still wax-on/wax-off? With a $20 bottle of Rinse-on Ceramic, you can get shiny results in 30 minutes! First you need to start with a very clean boat. Remove stains and buff out the dull surfaces, then follow with a good scrubbing with bleach in soapy water to remove all previous wax if any is still present. Hook up the spray nozzle in the Gtechniq Rinse-on Ceramic kit to the water hose and screw on a bottle of Rinse-on. The red knob adjusts material flow and it’s recommended to run it wide open. All you do is rinse the boat with water, and then turn on the material flow to apply the ceramic coating. You’ll see a slight sudsy effect letting you know material is being applied. Rinse boat inside and out with material flow open all the way. After the first application, you will want to wipe the boat down with microfiber towels. That’s it! Spray down the cleaned boat and wipe off in 30 minutes or less! Plus, there is an added benefit: you get a thin UV coating on all your hardware, lighting, switches, console gauges and expensive electronics. Wax is now a cuss word to this author. Application is quick and easy, but what about the results? Three months and 10 trips in saltwater later, and you can still feel the coating. What about a slippery deck? Nope. The stippled deck on the Key West is not slippery after application. It is ready for another application, yet the only part of the boat that doesn’t look new and shiny is the area under waterline. Beneath the waterline did stay clean for two months, but now it has slight yellowing. This 11-year-old vessel needs a light buff under the waterline. The coating is still there, and water beads/sheets off, but stains are caught in the tiny pores evidenced by the dull appearance. This stuff is pretty amazing, and this author will never waxon/wax-off again! GTECHNIQ.COM
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FLORIDA 7
Sportsmans Licenses and Park Passes 50 Percent Off!
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ooking for an awesome Christmas gift for your kid? A Lifetime Sportsman License with all the privileges they’ll need to hunt and fish in Florida is the gift that keeps on giving every year. Right now, through Jan. 13, some licenses and state park passes are half-off! Here are the bargains being offered by the state: Gold Sportsman Licenses, which include saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, hunting privileges and all associated permits are 50 percent off and available at the following rates, plus applicable fees. • Annual Gold Sportsman - $50.75 • Five-year Gold Sportsman - $247.75 • Lifetime Sportsman License - Age 4 or younger - $201.50 - Ages 5–12 - $351.50 - Ages 13 and older - $501.50 Florida State Parks Annual Passes have a 50 percent discount and are available at the following rates: • Family Annual Pass - $60, plus tax • Individual Annual Pass - $30, plus tax All of these rates are a tremendous bargain. Get one for a kid for Christmas, and you’ll be buying them the privilege to not worry about being licensed for the rest of their life. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/license/recreational.
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50TH ANNUAL STUART BOAT SHOW Returns Jan. 12-14, 2024
T
By Bonnie Schultz
he 50th Annual Stuart Boat Show, named one of the top 20 events in the Southeast, is celebrating its golden anniversary in the Sailfish Capital of the World, Friday, January 12 to Sunday, January 14, 2024. The largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast features more than 200 local, national, and international exhibitors displaying technology, gear, and hundreds of boats in water and on land, including the latest models of motoryachts, cruisers, center consoles, sportfishing boats, speedboats, and pontoons ranging from 12 feet to more than 90 feet in length. The 2024 Stuart Boat Show, owned by the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and produced by AllSports Productions, has something that will interest every boating enthusiast. Stroll the grounds and see what’s new in marine electronics, engines, accessories, personal watercraft, boat lifts, fishing gear, and safety equipment; talk insurance and financing with experts, and browse the nautical apparel and jewelry. Lively music and delicious food and drink add to the festivities. Southern Boating Media’s popular on-water Pelican Lounge is back this year. The floating dock display is the ideal gathering spot to take a break, have a cool drink, chat with friends, get your Southern Boating apparel, and soak up the breathtaking water views. On shore, the Coco Bar offers an upper deck to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the show. The Association of Bahamas Marinas will once again be hosting the Bahamas Pavilion, and don’t miss Legacy Marine’s display not only in the show but also welcoming guests at the gate. Parking for the boat show is
DATES/TIMES
Friday, January 12 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, January 13 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, January 14 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Hundreds of boats will be on display, in water and on land, ranging from 12 feet to more than 90 feet in length. PHOTO CREDIT: AllSports Productions.
LOCATION
55 NW Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL
ADMISSION
Adults: $18; Veterans: $15; Children: $8 - 12 & younger; Infants Free
PARKING: $5
SOUTH: Witham Field Airport: off Monterey Road, turn onto Southeast Flying Fortress Lane NORTH: 827 NW Dixie Hwy. (Dixie Hwy. and NW Wright Blvd.) Free shuttle service provided directly to and from the show.
Sorry, no pets allowed.
at Martin County’s Witham Field Airport off Monterey Road with additional parking available in the lot at the intersection of Dixie Highway and Northwest Wright Boulevard. Free shuttle service, sponsored by Hurricane Boat Lifts, will take attendees directly to and from the show. Don’t miss this fantastic, family friendly, outdoor event. For more information, or to purchase advance tickets (which is strongly recommended), visit www.stuartboatshow.com.
TOWING FROM
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TREASURE COAST 1
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DECEMBER 2023
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grass beds and along the edges of vegetation.
FISHING FORECASTS
LIVE BAIT RECOMMENDATIONS: If you prefer live bait, wild shiners are the go-to choice for bass. You can drift or anchor near key structures like cattails, submerged hydrilla, and the Kissimmee grass lines, and present the shiners using a free-line or under a float. Bass will eagerly take these live offerings.
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Capt. Nate Shellen Shellen Guide Service Okeechobee Bass Fishing Guides/Charters (863) 357-0892 sjmike7@aol.com OkeechobeeBassFishing.com Headwatersfishingguide.com
A
s we dive into December 2023, Lake Okeechobee offers excellent fishing opportunities for both seasoned anglers and newcomers. The water temperature is cooling down, which means the bass and other species are becoming more active. Here’s a fishing report to guide you through your December angling adventure on Lake Okeechobee. BASS FISHING: Bass fishing remains a top draw on Lake Okeechobee, and December is no exception. The cooler water temperatures encourage bass to
PANFISH AND CRAPPIE: December is also a great time for panfish and crappie fishing. Crappie are often found near submerged structure and can be enticed with small jigs, Todd Bond of Palm Beach caught minnows, and tube baits. over 50 bass on a six-hour trip with Panfish like bluegill and redear Capt. Nate Shellen in Nov. of 2023. sunfish can be caught using PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen. live worms or crickets fished become more active, making them under a bobber near vegetation. Remember to check local more responsive to a variety of baits. For artificial baits, try using lipless regulations and weather conditions crankbaits, soft plastics like Senkos before you head out, and always and creature baits, and jerkbaits. practice catch-and-release to help Lipless crankbaits in shad or crawfish preserve the lake’s diverse fish patterns can be especially effective population for future generations. for covering water and locating fish. Enjoy your angling adventure on Work them through submerged Lake Okeechobee in December!
COASTAL ANGLER PUBLISHER EMERITUS GARY GUERTIN PUBLISHER & EDITOR MISTI GUERTIN GRAPHIC DESIGN LAURA KELLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Capt. Gus Brugger Capt. Rocky Carbia Capt. Jonathan Earhart Capt. Scott Fawcett Capt. Scotty Gold Ed Killer Capt. Michael Mauri Brian Nelli Jim Oppenborn Capt. Bo Samuel Chris Beachwalker Sharp Capt. Nate Shellen Capt. Adam White Capt. Terry Wildey
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DECEMBER 2023
TREASURE COAST 3
FISHING FORECASTS
COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST
MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE
Capt. Scott Fawcett
DECEMBER DAY 1F
TIME
4:31 AM 11:14 AM 5:04 PM 11:19 PM 2SA 5:18 AM 11:58 AM 5:54 PM 3SU 12:07 AM 6:09 AM 12:43 PM 6:49 PM 4M 12:59 AM 7:04 AM 1:30 PM 7:44 PM 5TU 1:56 AM 8:01 AM 2:19 PM 8:38 PM 6W 2:54 AM 8:58 AM 3:10 PM 9:28 PM 7TH 3:52 AM 9:51 AM 4:01 PM 10:13 PM 8F 4:46 AM 10:40 AM 4:50 PM 10:56 PM 9SA 5:37 AM 11:25 AM 5:39 PM 11:38 PM 10SU 6:25 AM 12:09 PM 6:25 PM 11M 12:21 AM 7:12 AM 12:52 PM 7:12 PM
HEIGHT 0.24 2.57 0.65 2.34 0.4 2.44 0.72 2.22 0.54 2.33 0.74 2.14 0.66 2.25 0.72 2.1 0.73 2.2 0.65 2.12 0.75 2.18 0.55 2.18 0.72 2.19 0.41 2.29 0.66 2.23 0.27 2.41 0.58 2.28 0.12 2.54 0.49 2.35 -0.02 2.64 0.41 2.41
L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H
12TU 1:04 AM 7:58 AM 1:35 PM 7:58 PM 13W 1:48 AM 8:45 AM 2:20 PM 8:46 PM 14TH 2:35 AM 9:32 AM 3:07 PM 9:35 PM 15F 3:23 AM 10:20 AM 3:57 PM 10:27 PM 16SA 4:15 AM 11:10 AM 4:51 PM 11:22 PM 17SU 5:11 AM 12:01 PM 5:49 PM 18M 12:22 AM 6:12 AM 12:54 PM 6:50 PM 19TU 1:24 AM 7:16 AM 1:50 PM 7:53 PM 20W 2:30 AM 8:22 AM 2:48 PM 8:54 PM 21TH 3:35 AM 9:26 AM 3:47 PM 9:52 PM
-0.14 2.72 0.34 2.47 -0.23 2.77 0.29 2.51 -0.28 2.78 0.25 2.52 -0.27 2.75 0.23 2.51 -0.2 2.7 0.2 2.48 -0.1 2.63 0.17 2.45 0.04 2.55 0.11 2.42 0.16 2.47 0.03 2.42 0.24 2.41 -0.06 2.45 0.28 2.37 -0.16
L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L
22F
4:38 AM 10:25 AM 4:45 PM 10:47 PM 23SA 5:37 AM 11:20 AM 5:40 PM 11:38 PM 24SU 6:30 AM 12:11 PM 6:32 PM 25M 12:27 AM 7:19 AM 12:59 PM 7:21 PM 26TU 1:14 AM 8:04 AM 1:44 PM 8:06 PM 27W 1:59 AM 8:47 AM 2:28 PM 8:49 PM 28TH 2:42 AM 9:28 AM 3:11 PM 9:30 PM 29F 3:24 AM 10:07 AM 3:53 PM 10:11 PM 30SA 4:05 AM 10:45 AM 4:35 PM 10:53 PM 31SU 4:46 AM 11:22 AM 5:17 PM 11:37 PM
2.51 0.28 2.35 -0.24 2.56 0.25 2.36 -0.3 2.6 0.22 2.37 -0.33 2.61 0.2 2.37 -0.33 2.59 0.19 2.36 -0.29 2.55 0.2 2.32 -0.23 2.48 0.22 2.26 -0.15 2.41 0.24 2.19 -0.04 2.32 0.28 2.1 0.09 2.23 0.3 2.02
SEBASTIAN (INLET)
VERO (OCEAN)
FORT PIERCE
TIME OFFSET High Tide -48 min Low Tide -24 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .93 feet Low Tide 1.0 foot
TIME OFFSET High Tide -55 min Low Tide -35 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.45 feet Low Tide 1.36 feet
TIME OFFSET High Tide -31 min Low Tide -18 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.14 feet Low Tide 1.50 feet
JENSEN BEACH (INDIAN RIVER)
ST. LUCIE INLET
JUPITER INLET
TIME OFFSET High Tide +55 Low Tide +1 hr; 42 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1 foot Low Tide .50 feet
TIME OFFSET High Tide -10 min Low Tide -9 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.08 feet Low Tide 1.42 feet
TIME OFFSET High Tide +2 hrs; 17 min Low Tide +3 hrs; 4 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .48 feet Low Tide .92 feet
4 TREASURE COAST
DECEMBER 2023
H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H
Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 offthechainfishing.com fishscottyf@bellsouth.net
T
with 6-foot 5-inch Blackfin rods make a good all-around set up for around here. You should also have one or two rods that are a little larger to either use on a downrigger or with a planer. December is a good time of year to catch that wahoo for sure. We use Cannon downriggers to pull our dredges and they make things so much easier than anything else I’ve used. Packing plenty of power, and speed, the Optimus 10TS lets me operate my dredges from the unit itself or from the tower via Bluetooth remote giving me total control of the teaser and allowing me to fish them more effectively. Using the auto mode setting out and clearing is a huge time saver too and lets you focus on
he year may be coming to an end, but the fishing season is just getting started. Sailfish, dolphin, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and kingfish were stacked up to the north of us all summer long and as the water temperature starts to cool, that body of fish will make its way down to the Treasure Coast like they do every year looking for warmer water and food. There are two main reef systems and many artificial reefs along the Treasure Coast which act as migratory highways and fast-food restaurants for our pelagic targets. Focus along the Six Mile and Eight Mile reefs, Loran tower ledge, the Peanut, and Push Botton Hill, these are all natural reefs with live bottom and will often hold fish. Always keep an eye out for color Fun day aboard Off The Chain last month with changes, weed lines, the Rainey’s and their guests. Dolphin, sails, and bait, birds and pieces blackfin tuna. Expect more of this all through of float. Trolling December. Plenty of openings on both boats. and live baiting are Call me! (772) 285-1055. both very effective PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett. this time of year but as they say, “timing is everything”. getting back to the spot or rigging Setting out with live bait in a dead back up while it deploys itself. While zone can make for a long day. we’re on the topic of teasers let me Dragging small ballyhoo rigged on just quickly remind everyone how circle hooks at speeds between 3.5 important a good teaser is and more and 6 knots in conjunction with importantly, a good set of polarized mullet or ballyhoo dredges is a great sunglasses. Being able to see those way to cover some ground and find fish that are deep on the teaser or where the fish are. Once you locate tailing down sea is a huge advantage. them or find a nice edge to fish on, Costa Del Mar 580 lenses come in fire up the Tigress kites and dangle a various tints for various conditions and will help you see that fish that no few live baits from them. Most of our fishing this time of one else does. If you’re interested in getting out year takes place shallower than 350 feet, but I’ll never say always. Fifteen- on the water this December, please to-20-pound test on Shimano BFCs give me a call. I hope your next trip or Finnor Marquesa reels paired is Off The Chain.
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MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE
Capt. Jonathan Earhart Chaos Fishing Charters (772) 341 – 2274 www.chaosfishigcharters.com jon@chaosfishigncharters.com
F
ishing this month is off to a hot start for pompano. Fishing along the sandy sailfish flats is a great place to start this time of year. Drift fishing on windy days will allow you to cover large areas of the flat increasing your odds at locating large schools of pompano. Expect a lot of ladyfish, jacks, snapper, bluefish, and the occasional bonefish. Using artificials such as pompano jigs or small casting jigs (white or pink in color) work best. If you locate a school of
fish, anchoring can be a good idea if you are trying to target limits of pompano. While on anchor casting out weighted pompano rigs with sand fleas tends to work best. Also, bottom fishing with shrimp around different types of structure has been good for black drum, sheepshead, tripletail, redfish, and snook. Nearshore has been hot for Spanish mackerel along Peck Lake reef just south of the St. Lucie inlet. Casting flashy lures with a fast retrieve will get all the bites you can handle. Snapper fishing has been good for muttons, lanes, vermillion, and grays on local nearshore reefs and wrecks. Chicken rigs with cut bait will yield plenty of bites. Cobia can be around wrecks this time of year so be sure to have a large spinner rigged up with a large casting jig in the event of a hungry
MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA
Capt. Rocky Carbia Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 www.safari1deepseafishing.com
Pompano chaos while drifting the sailfish flats casting T&A 1/2 Wacky Pompano Jigs downwind along a sand flat channel. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Jonathan Earhart.
cobia decides to follow a snapper up to the boat. Kingfish have been plentiful in 40-to-60-feet of water. Trolling skirted ballyhoo with wire
leaders on a small planner works wonders for larger kingfish this time of year on natural reefs and around vertical wrecks.
in 130 to 180 feet of water. Live baits of all flavors and heavy tackle will yield the best chances for success while bottom fishing for grouper. Lane, mangrove, and mutton snapper will also be high on the wish list and will be found in good numbers from 50 to 90 feet of water,
especially around artificial reefs just east and northeast of our St. Lucie Inlet. Thus, in December, make your fish wishes come true by fishing around “bottom” and post up on one of the many “honey holes” that can be found along our offshore reef contours.
S
Fawcett.
eason`s Greetings from the wharf and “Best Fishes” to all for Happy Holidays` where it is the season to fish!! The festive days of December will roll out stockings stuffed with salty presents in the form of the many offshore species of fish that inhabit the coastal waters of Martin County. Local anglers will be able to enjoy Florida`s winter excitement of intersecting and catching an all-star lineup of ocean-going gamefish like sailfish, dolphin, king and Spanish mackerel, grouper, and snapper. Florida`s winter weather will be in full swing this month, hosting the typical procession of cold fronts that will pass over our peninsula with fresh breezes. These fronts and the winds associated with them will directly determine offshore conditions and force anglers to plan their ocean fishing trips around daily weather forecasts and the sea states they encounter. While there will be many rough ocean days this month, there will also be some favorable weather windows for fishing in between the arrival of cold fronts. During these userfriendly days, fishing crews will want to target reef structures in 50 to 180 feet of water, as these reefs have the
Another sturdy mutton snapper caught by Safari 1 angler Bill Payne.
Monday-Saturday Sunday TRIP 8:30AM-1:30PM 8:30AM-3:00PM TIMES Adults $70; Children $60 Adults $80; Children $70
PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1 Deep Sea Fishing.
potential to hold baitfish that will prove to attract top water pelagics like sailfish, cobia, mahi, and king mackerel, as well as bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper. Locating bottom structure to employ one’s fishing strategies upon, will be the key component to catching success during the month of December. Trolling, drifting, and anchoring strategies for deploying baits is always enhanced when doing so around and over top of some bottom (reef structures). Grouper will be at the top of the holiday fish wish list, as December will be the last month of an open catch and keep season that will close at midnight, December 31. The last chance to gather grouper groceries will have anglers targeting reef zones
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FISHING FORECASTS
Merry Fishmas Memories One and All In the land of sun where waves embrace, Florida’s shores, a festive place. Offshore waters, a cobalt blue, Where holiday dreams come into view. Beneath the palms, inshore we find, Anglers casting, hearts entwined. Mangrove shadows dance in glee, As lines are cast to the sparkling sea. In Gulf Stream’s dance, where sailfish play, Silver scales gleam in the sun’s array. Sailfish tournaments, a thrilling quest, As captains and crews give their best. Wahoo’s speed, a burst of delight, Slicing through waves in the morning light. In the offshore realm, where trophies gleam, Holiday dreams become a fishing team. But inshore realms, where the rivers weave, Snook and redfish, tales they leave. Amidst the reeds and the seagrass sway, Joyful anglers welcome the holiday. So, whether offshore or inshore delight, Florida’s waters sparkle bright. In the holiday glow, where lines are cast, Merry fishing memories are built to last.
Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays! Misti Guertin, Publisher Coastal Angle Magazine Treasure Coast
ST. LUCIE COUNTY DEEP SEA
Capt. Scotty Gold Miss Fort Pierce Fishing (772) 766-0191 fortpiercefishing.com
A
s December falls upon us, the water temperatures continue to drop. Mangrove snapper will continue to bite as long as the water on the bottom doesn’t get too cold. We will continue to target mangroves in 75 to 90 feet of water, fish with 10-to-20foot leaders and use cut grunt plugs, sardines, and finger mullet. Lane snapper fishing will really heat up with the cooler water temperatures. Chicken rigs will be the mainstay. Hook rigs with a sinker on the bottom spaced 10 inches above the sinker, and 12 inches in between each hook add squid strips or grunt strip baits. Look to fish on the high bottom of the reefs in 48 feet to 90 feet of water. Fish the highest points of the reef area, as that’s where the fish will school up.
PHOTO CREDIT: Miss Fort Pierce Fishing.
This will be the final month to catch grouper before the season closes at midnight December 31. Grouper will bite on all the ledges of the offshore reefs in 75 to 220 feet of water. Use live pinfish or live grunt. Throughout the month you will see some mahi and cobia up off the surface as well as some kingfish. When you see them swimming around the boat, pitch out a sardine or ballyhoo on a flat line or even a squid head and hang on for the fight. The Miss Fort Pierce will continue to fish the all-day schedule in
BOATS TAKEN SERIOUSLY. SEE SLC DEEP SEA........................PAGE 9
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Capt. Adam White St. Lucie Flats Fishing Charters (609) 820-6257 www.stlucieflatsfishing.com
J
ust like that, another year enjoying the fishing opportunities on the Treasure Coast is coming to a close. Here it is December already and the holidays are almost upon us. Both inshore and offshore fishing have provided anglers with many great fishing adventures. You can see the seagrass trying to make a comeback to the Treasure Coast. Hopefully, this winter will be milder, the water quality improves, and the fishing is great for everyone. Snook season closes December 15, 2023, but many anglers will
still play catch and release with them. Fishing around bridges, docks and inlets can bring great action with snook hanging around the deeper waters of the river. Pompano, sheepshead, and snook will be the primary targets throughout the winter. The sheepshead will hold on the deeper docks, channel markers, and most artificial structures. Live shrimp, sandfleas, and fiddler crabs on jig heads are great bait to target these tasty fish. We have been seeing a few more redfish this year while we have been targeting sheepshead. These guys used to be a regular occurrence so please handle them with care and remember that they are catch and release only in our region. Pompano are already arriving in
Small” for those special anglers on your Christmas shopping list. All local fishermen, as well as visiting anglers from the north, will catch the Capt. Bo Samuel excitement of the season while fishing Pullin Drag Charters the bountiful waters of the Treasure Coast. December winds can produce (772) 971-6661 facebook.com/Pullin-Drag-Charters some rough waters but there will still be plenty of good weather windows in catainbofishing@gmail.com the forecast. ’Tis the season for migratory ecember is here at last so fish like kingfish, Spanish mackerel, start wishing for great winter dolphin, and sailfish to come pushing fishing and remember to “Shop south following cold fronts that lower
ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE
D
Another very productive way is to anchor up and use the same two hook rigs they use in the surf with sandfleas once you locate some fish. Spanish mackerel, jacks and ladyfish will be plentiful for anglers wanting fast action. There is a good variety of fish to target on any given day in any kind of weather conditions. We had a several boat records topped this past year. We had a permit that was over 40 pounds, a 30-pound snook, and a tarpon that was PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Adam White. just a bit shy of 200 pounds. the area and not only provide great These new records are going to be fishing action, but they are great tough to beat in 2024. I hope everyone has a wonderful on the table as well. I like to skip pompano before I start to fish for holiday season spending quality time them. Drift fishing with Goofy jigs is with your loved ones and making by far my favorite way to target them. some memories on the water. Brandon with a great redfish that was caught underneath a dock while sheepshead fishing.
the water temp. December is also the last month of grouper season (until May) and you will find them moving into the shallower depths of the 70-to-90-foot reefs. Live pinfish and mullet are the best choice to take advantage of this final month to land some delicious grouper groceries. A seafood fest with grouper as the main attraction makes one amazing Christmas dinner! Bottom fishing is spectacular in December with the ideal spot being straight out our beautiful Fort Pierce Inlet in approximately 80 feet and on out to 150 feet. Snappers have been plentiful with stellar mangroves and monster muttons being reported, plus some very nice triggerfish. I recommend live shrimp and cut bait for your best success. If windy conditions make it tough to go offshore, try fishing the power plant boils for snook and red drum (redfish). We are seeing some great, productive action using live pinfish and croakers. As part of the Indian River Lagoon Management Area, red
Novice & Experienced Anglers Of All Ages Welcome PHOTO CREDIT: Pullin Drag Charters.
PAGE 9
ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE
drum are catch-and-release only, but a prize photo might just make the family Christmas card! Just a heads up to Fish “The Lenny”, the 6th Annual Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament, held each year to benefit glioblastoma research. The dates are January 5-14, 2024. The kick-off party will be held at Cobb’s Landing in Fort Pierce and the Awards Party will be held at Little Jim Bait & Tackle. You can get more info at lennyschelinmemorial tournament.com. Many thanks to all who foughtand-caught with us in 2023! Your support is greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to stuff those stockings with great deals from your local bait and tackle shops like my home base of Little Jim Bait & Tackle. I hear that gift certificates for charter trips include a lifetime of salty memories and Pullin Drag has ‘em! Wishing everyone a happy holiday season. If you catch up with Santa, tell him all I’m wishing for is a new rod and reel so I can keep Pullin Drag!
All Bait, Rods and Tackle Included! No License Required!
SAILING DAILY AT 7AM Located at Causeway Cove Marina, 601 Seaway Dr., Fort Pierce
Captain Bo after a successful grouper mission!
For Reservations, Call (772) 766-0191 or Visit: FortPierceFishing.com
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SEBASTIAN AREA OFFSHORE
Capt. Terry Wildey Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072 captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com
Nice half-day bottom fishing for lane and mangrove snapper aboard the Big Easy. From left: Eric, Anna, Matthew and Shayne.
O
ur offshore water temps should be dropping down from the 79 and 80 degrees to the mid- to-low 70s. This will once again move migratory species south. Big smoker kingfish will be on the beach, near color changes and tide waters as well as up and down our 60foot reefs. Large live baits like thread fins and blue runners work best, but you can also catch them trolling deep diving lures and strip baits behind a sea witch, on a down rigger or plainer. Nearshore should yield schools of Spanish mackerel from the beach out to 50- and 60- feet. Look for the birds and surface action. Trolling spoons will usually always produce strikes. The cooling water temps usually produce some good catches of triggerfish in the 65- to 85- foot reefs. Keep a jig ready also for the cobia to pop up. I’ll also run a line in midwater with a live grunt or pin fish. This will often get you a shot at that cobia that’s too smart to show itself. The 80 and 90 reefs should
PHOTO SUPPLIED by Capt. Terry Wildey.
produce some mangroves snapper, mutton snapper and lane snapper. Keep in mind the high winds and big swells that come with December cold fronts to expect to find some dirty water that’s going to make the bottom bite to fall off, so it’s a good time to come prepared to run off in search of a color changes. Trolling some ballyhoo down any edge where water goes from green to a clear blue green, should give up some bigger dolphin, wahoo, black fin tuna and
sailfish. When you find a color change that also shows a degree or two in temperature change such as 77 on the west side and 78 or more on the east side is even more likely to hold fish. If you find sargassum weed with flying fish or other small bait life, stay with it, there’s going to be fish down that line either to the north or south. Don’t forget it’s winter weather. Not the calm days of summer. Take
advantage of the rough days and go through your equipment. Not just fishing tackle but the thing that keep you floating. Bilge pumps and switches. Radio and safety equipment. Polish makes her look good, but “Chrome won’t get you Home.” As always be courteous to your fellow boater, you never know when you’ll need a tow. “Fish on, gotta go!”
SLC DEEP SEA......................FROM PAGE 6 December, except Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We sail daily at 7 a.m. for eight- and nine-hour trips, and trips are always limited to no more than 28 passengers; reservations are required. To reserve your spot, visit www.fortpiercefishing.com. We look forward to meeting you this holiday season. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and most prosperous new year.
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DECEMBER 2023
TREASURE COAST 9
DECEMBER FISHING CONDITIONS December 1
POOR
Evening
December 21
FAIR
Morning
December 2
POOR
Evening
December 22
FAIR
Morning
December 3
FAIR
Evening
December 23
GOOD
Morning
December 4
FAIR
Evening
December 24
FAIR
Morning
December 5
FAIR
Morning
December 25
FAIR
Morning
December 6
POOR
Morning
December 26
BEST
Morning
December 7
POOR
Morning
December 27
BEST
Evening
December 8
GOOD
Morning
December 28
FAIR
Evening
December 9
GOOD
Morning
December 29
FAIR
Evening
December 10
FAIR
Morning
December 30
POOR
Evening
December 11
POOR
Morning
December 31
FAIR
Evening
December 12
POOR
Morning
December 13
POOR
Evening
What do the ratings mean? POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line. FAIR day means that you catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so. GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified. BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water.
December 14
POOR
Evening
December 15
GOOD
Evening
December 16
GOOD
Evening
December 17
BEST
Evening
December 18
BEST
Evening
December 19
POOR
Evening
December 20
POOR
Morning
FISHING FORECASTS
FROM THE SHORE
Chris Beachwalker Sharp (772) 320 8611 beachwalkerfish@gmail.com
H
appy Holidays! December brings cooler weather and water temps. The number one fish that is going to test you as an angler this month is my favorite, the jack crevalle. This fish pulls with such strength that is underrated on the Florida coast. A great and easy to catch for every member of the family. I like to get up before sunrise and watch them come into the river or just off the beach, destroying any bait fish around. Can’t beat using any top water lure to get blasted. The jack isn’t picky and gets up to 50 pounds, so hold on. Pompano fishing is hot this month. Look for the cleaner water and cooler temps on the beach. Hobe
SOURCE: The Old Farmers’ 2023 Almanac
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INSHORE: December should put us in full swing of wintertime targets. Look for pompano, Spanish mackerel, and bluefish to start to show up along the beach and pushing into the Intracoastal near inlets. The more cold fronts we get the more fish will push into the river and intracoastal. Try fishing for pompano along channel edges near your favorite inlet. Pompano jigs, D.O.A. Lures 2.75-inch shrimp and a good ole bucktail jig are a few of my favorite lures. Bluefish can be a lot of fun on the beach and on the inside intracoastal. Topwater lures like a Yo-Zuri Topknock and D.O.A. Lures Baitbuster will give some exciting action on top. OFFSHORE: Prepare for being cold
Jack caught on a Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow. PHOTO COURTESY of Chris Sharp.
Sound Public Beach and Walton Rocks are my favorite locations to find them. Fishing on the Stuart or Jensen Beach causeway can’t be beat. Spanish mackerel will be everywhere along the beach. Use spoons to get the bite. Blue fish can also be caught in the mix. If trout and redfish are your target, look for them on the flats. Shrimp under popping corks are best and my favorite location to find them are on the west side near the power lines. Have a great December and tight lines. while out there. Sailfish and kingfish will be the most common catches with a random mahi and wahoo in the mix. Slow trolling goggle eyes and blue runners in 90-to-250 foot of water will be your best bet get a bite. Try trolling one bait up top on the surface and one 40-to-80 feet below the surface using a downrigger of rubber band and egg weight attached to your line. The egg weight will break away when bait it struck and you are free to fight the fish.
VIS AT STU BO SH BO #2
Matt with his first wahoo. PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Nelli.
Check out Pushin’ Water Kayak and wet when going offshore this time of year. Get a good pair of bibs or light Charters on Facebook, Instagram and waders from Frogg Toggs to keep you TikTok for all the latest adventures dry launching and wave splashes my clients and I get into.
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Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri
THE MACKS
are Back in Town!
O
h boy do I love fly fishing our waters no matter what time of the year! There are so many options that it is sometimes hard to make a decision about what to fish for, however not at this time of year! Catching these little torpedoes on fly are too much fun to pass by. Spanish mackerel are easy to find and easy to catch in big numbers even for a fly fishing beginners as long as you are able to cast your fly out there. Look out for these big schools, the splashing and flashing when they are running wild on the surface, keep an eye on the birds, or have a look at your fish finder. If you are not confident in finding them just look out where all the commercial fisherman are. You can’t miss all these boats but make sure to stay out of their way. There is more than enough fish and no need to get
too close to other boats. Mix up your game and fish your fly from very fast to very slow. Many times, I don’t even strip my fly but just swing it in the current. Search in different depths and when you get the bite, strip set! Set the hook through a long and strong pull with your line hand and make sure that you always point your rod tip towards the fly. You generate most pressure towards the fish through a straight line! That’s important to know especially for setting the hook. You can use any 6-weight to 8-weight set with floating, intermediate and fast sinking lines with a 9-foot leader. I typically use a 6-foot straight 30-pound mono and a 3-foot straight 25-pound fluorocarbon with a thin wire as a shock tippet. Any flies will work from Clousers
John and his son Cullen enjoyed fishing our Spanish mackerel season.
to baitfish patterns, especially when they are white and chartreuse in size 1/0 - 2/0. Have fun and embrace the Florida winter!
TAKE YOUR FLY FISHING GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL! GUIDED TRIPS CASTING LESSONS
PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Mauri.
Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321
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A
marine biologist that I greatly admire recently questioned my call to seek a sustainable balance in our approach to the ecological systems of the Indian River Lagoon. He correctly pointed out that after the massive seagrass die-off, the Lagoon is in a state of sustainable balance now, albeit as a phytoplankton dominated system. Many of us wonder what state we should return the Lagoon to? Balance is a matter of perspective. The Indian River Lagoon has had many shifts in salinity. Each time an inlet opened or closed, or a hurricane dumped extra rain or a period of drought struck, the salinity regime shifted within a region of the Lagoon. A different set of organisms would naturally thrive, and others would die. I think we can agree that the Lagoon and many other bodies of water in the state of Florida are impaired. They no longer exhibit the qualities of habitat health and diversity that we remember, or that we want as our legacy. The shift in the Indian River Lagoon’s autotrophs, the organisms that use photosynthesis to produce glucose, the foundation of the food
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web, is because we have moved so many nutrients into the waterways that they have become eutrophic. This has been one of the many unintended consequences of our intentional development of the state of Florida to fit our agricultural, commercial, and aesthetic desires. As we sculpted the landscapes and changed the water courses, soil, nutrient fertilizers, and our waste have altered the natural and fragile balance of the most diverse ecosystems in North America to something else. It’s hard to accept that the Indian River Lagoon should no longer support large meadows of seagrass and oyster reef habitats that allow clear water and abundant fish to flourish. I have a really hard time believing that a turbid muck bottomed ditch between the mainland of East Central Florida and the barrier island is the best ecological equilibrium for the Lagoon that I love. While entropy is inevitable and certain tipping points may be very hard to reverse, that doesn’t absolve us from accountability and a certain responsibility to do the right thing
and try to fix what we broke. There are a number of negative influences to the health of the Lagoon that we probably don’t fully understand and many complex interactions that we probably haven’t even imagined. There are whole communities of organisms that live within the rhizome network of seagrass root systems, many resident species have not even been identified much less their particular function within the network yet defined. It’s likely that there is a whole “rhizomalverse” of everything from viruses to polychaetae worms that have feedback loops of chemical interdependence that have significant effect on the soil and the health of the plant. It’s a question of perspective. How well do you see and understand the micro to understand the macro. Physicists study quantum mechanics to understand the universe. There is much about the mechanics of the Indian River Lagoon and the system’s interactions that we don’t understand and that we have only just begun to study. How a system is balanced depends on one’s perspective. This can be a subjective bias, influenced by a depth of understanding or the granularity of study.
If we choose to manage or restore the Indian River Lagoon to a sustainable balance, we need to understand that change is natural. We should default to a standard of self-regeneration as a definition of sustainability and balance, by approximating the conditions for a biome’s natural state before human influences tip a system into an unnatural state of degraded equilibrium. Natural systems have a wonderful ability to recover if we get conditions right and get out of the way. It may not be on our time frame or look exactly like we want. But neither is the wreckage that we have wrought. So, let’s stop polluting the Lagoon and begin to effectively regulate ourselves. Let’s protect what we love by designating the Indian River Lagoon and nearshore reef as a National Park. And embrace the protections and restrictions that might afford. The Indian River Lagoon is worth it. If you are a business owner and would like to learn more about the benefits of supporting Indian Riverkeeper, email Exec. Director Jim Moir at IndianRiverKeeperFL@gmail.com or call (772) 341-4953.
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Nicky Prine, from Hobe Sound, with a nice snook. PHOTO COURTESY of Nicky Prine.
Tania Schulze with a nice 30.75-inch permit caught at the boils in Fort Pierce. PHOTO SUBMITTED by proud husband Michael Schulze.
Melissa Fox (Team Salt Life) and family got a nice wahoo on an Islander lure. The wahoo seem to be showing up around the full moon in around 200 feet of water. PHOTO COURTESY of Leonard Fox.
BJ Anderson with a 31-inch, 41.5-pound mutton snapper. “Mr. Mutton hit like a linebacker.” BJ caught the “monster” using live bait on the reef. . PHOTO CREDIT: Craig Lawrence.
16 TREASURE COAST
DECEMBER 2023
Honeymoon trip to Puerta Vallarta, Daniel and Suzie Farmer fishing in 30ft of water 100yards off the beach using live Goggle eyes.
Marley Osep caught a 29-inch keeper fishing in downtown Stuart.
PHOTO COURTESY of Susan Edwards Farmer.
PHOTO COURTESY of Marley Osep.
Chris Giuffrida with a 36-pound redfish.
Erick Crockett caught and released a nice false albacore tuna in 70 feet of water trolling off Fort Pierce.
PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Giuffrida.
PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Wiza.
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urf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Jan. 10-12, 2024, in the West Concourse with a broad selection of brands and a full event line up. Over 700 exhibiting companies are expected to participate in the January show, including over 60 new exhibiting brands. “Surf Expo continues to be the ‘go-to marketplace’ for buyers and brands to connect in person, discover new products and trends, and conduct business,” said Roy Turner, Emerald SVP and Surf Expo Show Director. “Our January show allows retailers to preview all the new styles and new introductions ranging from top surf brands, hardgoods, apparel, footwear, swimwear, boutique fashions and accessories, value-priced resort items, fishing and marine products, souvenirs, and coastal gifts.” The show has also expanded its footprint with watersports and coastal retailers with its new Shoreline offering. This new floor area compliments neighboring product categories on the show floor – Surf, Skate, Paddle and Bluewater — by targeting business associated with recreation found along rivers and lakes. Shoreline will feature products related to day camping, portable power, inflatables, overland, wakeboard, SUP, and performance related clothing and footwear. “From the trails to the lakes and beyond, Shoreline at Surf Expo supports the natural evolution of the waterman’s lifestyle with gear, apparel and accessories that will take them from coastal shoreline activities into camping, hiking, climbing and other recreational activities found along the rivers and lakes,” said Turner. A wide range of exhibitors have signed up for the January 2024 show that cater to the outdoor and fishing industries such as: Howler Bros., HUK, The Duck Co., Xtratuff, Keen, Guy Harvey, AFTCO, Fahalo, Columbia Sportswear, Teva, BAJIO Sunglasses, Chums, Dark Seas, Salty Crew, Fish Hippie, Mang and many more. Surf Expo is also the market to find the next new. More than 60 new exhibiting brands have signed on including Finaddicts, Handy Beach Goods, Neso, Paddlesmash, Sun Drunk, American Hatmakers, Fate, K’Lani, Livin Hooked Headwear, ORB, Our Own Candle Company, Tres Bien, ShuBug, Patsy Kane, Great Coast – Woodcraft, Jodi Melissa, Little Miss Zoe, Conscious Step, Jack & Sage Co, Hardcore Apparel, Dip LLC, and more. Surf Expo January will feature a full schedule of events including industry networking events, daily fashion shows, happy hours and learning labs. Special onsite events will include The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame 2024 Induction Ceremony and the annual Florida Shape Off surfboard shaping competition.
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ANGLERS GET TWO MONTHS FOR GULF AJ
I
t will be another short season for amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico next year. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council decided in late October to modify both the recreational season and commercial trip limits for greater amberjack. The result for recreational anglers is a two-month fall season, which is expected to close a few days early based on projections. The council chose to modify the recreational season so it opens on Sept. 1 and remains open through Oct. 31, unless the annual catch target is projected to be met earlier. The projected date for reaching that annual catch target is Oct. 26. The council also chose to reduce the commercial trip limit to seven fish, which is equivalent to about 210 pounds gutted weight. This framework action will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation as soon as practicable. In anticipation that this rule may not be implemented before the beginning of the 2024 commercial fishing season, the Council requested that NOAA Fisheries implement an emergency rule to reduce the commercial trip limit to seven fish at the start of the year. Since Amendment 54 reduced catch limits by about 83 percent, and the 2023 commercial annual catch limit was exceeded, a payback provision will reduce the 2024 commercial annual catch target to 56,661 pounds whole weight. Under the current 1,000-pound trip limit, the commercial fishing season is expected to be incredibly short. For more information, go to https://gulfcouncil.org/.
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Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
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enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
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Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
A.
The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today! Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings
Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2” Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.
1-800-333-2045 Offer Code STC851-09
Rating of A+
You must use the 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.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. STC851-09, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color
Stauer… Afford t he Ext rao r d i n ar y.®
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
DECEMBER 2023
NATIONAL 13
We’ve Found the Most Beautiful Endangered Species Theirs sold at auction for $226,000. Ours is JUST $29! Curious? Read on!
T
o art nouveau jewelers at the turn of the last century, nothing was more beautiful than the dragonfly. In the dragonfly’s long body and outstretched wings, jewelers found the perfect setting for valuable stones. These jewelers’ dragonfly designs have become timeless statements of style; a dragonfly pendant designed by French jeweler René Lalique recently sold at auction for $226,000. Inspired by his stunning artistry, we’ve crafted our Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection, an elegant jewelry set for JUST $29!
Buy pend earrings Fant, get REE!
$29
True artisanship in Austrian crystal and yellow gold. This necklace and earring set features gorgeous multicolored enamel paired with Austrian crystals and a yellow gold finish. Ask any jeweler and they’ll tell you it takes true artisanship to properly blend the blues and purples found in this enamel. While art nouveau dragonflies are hard to come by, we’re helping to repopulate their numbers with this artfully stylized depiction of some of nature’s smallest wonders!
A NEARLY VALUE FOR JUST $29! Buy the pendant, get the earrings FREE. If Stauer were a normal company, we’d sell the necklace and earrings for $199 each, but because we engage the world’s best artisans and cut out the middlemen to sell directly to you, we’re offering the necklace for JUST $29! Even better: If you buy within the next few days, we’ll throw in the earrings for FREE! That’s a nearly $400 value for JUST $29! Act fast! The first time we ran this jewelry in our catalog, it sold out in a matter of days. Get this collection now before this offer goes extinct! Jewelry Specifications: • Enamel with Austrian crystal. Yellow gold finish • Pendant: 1 ½" W x 1 ¼" H. Chain: 18" + 2", lobster clasp. Earrings: 1 ¼" L, french wire Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection A. Necklace $199 $29* + S&P Save $170 B. Earrings $199 FREE with purchase of Dragonfly Nouvelle Necklace *Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
FREE! A $199 value!
Your Insider Offer Code: DFC208-01 Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DFC208-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
14 NATIONAL
DECEMBER 2023
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CLEANS EVERYTHING.
PERIOD.
Clean, Waxes & Protects Glass, Lexan, Isinglass, Metal, Gelcoat, Fiberglass, Paint, Plastic & Rubber
Remove & Prevents Oxidation, Scuff Marks, Bird & Spider Poop, Fish Blood, Rust, Water & Exhaust Stains
Restores Gelcoat, Fiberglass, Metal, Plastic Windows & Rubber
USE CODE BOAT10 FOR 10% 0FF
www.koenigpolish.com • 1-877-843-9929 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
DECEMBER 2023
NATIONAL 15
Over 2 carats of Verdant Peridot in precious .925 sterling silver
ONLY $39
Save $260!
“Known as ‘the Evening Emerald’ because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day.” — The American Gem Society (AGS)
Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Verdant Peridot for just $39
G
oing over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can bring you an effervescent verdant peridot ring for a price that simply can’t be beat. Its vivid and unique color makes verdant peridot unlike any other green gemstone. If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Verdant Peridot Ring is all you need.
This elegant ring features 2 1/3 carats of captivating verdant peridotA. in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 sterling silver setting is finished in tarnish-resistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.
“Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem” — Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia
PRAISE FOR STAUER PERIDOT JEWELRY You could easily “...absolutely beautiful. The picture spend $400 on a sterling silver ring set does not do it justice. It is a real with peridot stones. stunner.” – S. C., Berkeley, CA But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for affording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Verdant Peridot Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Indulge in the Verdant Peridot Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through your fingers. Call today! Verdant Peridot Ring ( 1/2 ctw) $299† $39 +S&P Save $260 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: TPR283-02 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Stauer
®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPR283-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Rating of A+
• 2 1/3 ctw Verdant Peridot • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
16 NATIONAL
DECEMBER 2023
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
ABALONE HUMMINGBIRD PENDANT & EARRINGS COLLECTION Graceful Hummingbird Design Solid 925 Sterling Silver Abalone Mother of Pearl
Matching Abalone Hummingbird Earrings
Complimentary 22” Chain 1.57” Length
Natural Abalone Shell
TAKE FLIGHT WITH THIS DAZZLING DELIGHT The hummingbird is a traditional symbol of love and beauty. Suspended in mid-flight, with a rainbow of iridescence in wave-like patterns, outstanding shimmering Abalone decorates her body and wing. Each unique, one-of-a-kind piece of Abalone shell has been molded into a sterling silver pendant. Traditionally, Abalone shell is believed to induce feelings of calm, compassion and love. It has a tranquil, warm and gentle cosmic vibration. Spiritually uplifting, Abalone is said to soothe the nerves, encourage serenity and bestow a feeling of inner peace. Originally priced at $249, this stunning piece of jewelry can be yours today for a special offer price of just $79 with promo code: CA3DHB
Original Price Without Code $249 - With Promo Code Now Only $79 Abalone Hummingbird Pendant $79 plus S&H Abalone Hummingbird Earrings $79 plus S&H Abalone Hummingbird Complete Collection Now Only $149 (EXTRA SAVING)
ORDER NOW TOLL FREE 24/7 ON: 1-800 733 8463 AND QUOTE PROMO CODE: CA3DHB Or order online at: timepiecesusa.com/ca3dhb and enter promo: CA3DHB PAY BY CHECK: Timepieces International Inc. 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018