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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 2020

W O R L D W I D E

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n the history of timepieces, few moments are more important than the creation of the world’s first Piezo timepiece. First released to the public in 1969, the watch turned the entire industry on its head, ushering in a new era of timekeeping. It’s this legacy that we’re honoring with the Timemaster Watch, available only through Stauer at a price only we can offer. Prior to Piezo watches, gravity-driven Swiss watches were the standard bearer of precision timekeeping. But all that changed when the first commercially available Piezo watch came onto the market. The result of ten years of research and development by some of the world’s top engineers, they discovered that when you squeeze a certain type of crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. And, if you pass electricity through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency–exactly 32,768 times each second. When it came on the market, the Piezo watch was the most dependable timepiece available, accurate to 0.2 seconds per day. Today, it’s still considered a spectacular advance in electrical engineering. “[Piezo timepieces]...it would shake the Swiss watch industry to its very foundations.” —Foundation For Economic Education With the Timemaster we’ve set one of the world’s most important mechanical advances inside a decidedly masculine case. A handsome prodigy in rich leather and gold-finished stainless steel. The simplicity of the watch’s case belies an ornately detailed dial, which reflects the prestige of this timepiece. Call today to secure your own marvel of timekeeping history. Because we work directly with our own craftsman we’re able to offer the Timemaster at a fraction of the price that many Piezo watches cost. But a watch like this doesn’t come along every day. Call today before time runs out and they’re gone. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Spend some time with this engineering masterpiece for one month. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. But we’re betting this timekeeping pioneer is a keeper.

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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

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In The Sailfish Capital of the World By Nick Carter

apt. Scott Fawcett didn’t hesitate when asked to make a prediction about sailfish season off Florida’s Treasure Coast. His outlook is extremely bullish. “This is going to be one of the best sailfish seasons we’ve had in a long time,” he said. “By the middle of December, I think we’re going to see the best sailfishing we’ve had in the last 10 years.” Fawcett’s optimism is based on a number of factors he’s followed for more than three decades fishing Florida’s Atlantic Coast. December and January is the historic peak season from Vero south to Palm Beach, Fla. The bite is heavily influenced by winter fronts and the proximity of the Gulf Stream, and everyone is eagerly awaiting strong northeast winds to usher sailfish south to their wintering grounds and closer to shore. Closer to shore isn’t far out of Stuart, Fla., where Fawcett’s Off the Chain fishing charters is based. In an area known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” it’s typically a short 8-mile ride in his 4 NATIONAL

DECEMBER 2020

32’ Contender “Off The Chain” to reach the color edges and temperature breaks where sailfish hunt. In November, Fawcett’s attention was tuned to fishing reports some 600 miles to the north off the coast of North Carolina. “We had a phenomenal sailfish summer,” he said, speaking of the action that usually goes down from April to June or July most years. “It seems like that body of fish disappeared offshore for a while and then showed up off Morehead City. Last time that happened, we had a fantastic season. I expect to see good numbers of sailfish in December.” With the relatively flat bottom out of Stuart, blind trolling to cover water along the temperature breaks, color edges and reef lines is the preferred tactic. Fawcett pulls a dredge, an umbrella rig of some 30 or 40 baits and lures, to locate and draw in fish. “You’ll see them come up behind the teaser,” Fawcett said. “Then you’ll put your hook baits in front of the fish.”

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It’s up to the anglers to manipulate those “hook baits”—usually ballyhoo on a circle hook— in front of the fish. “On a good day, expect five or six sailfish bites and the same amount of dolphin bites and then some bonito or a big kingfish mixed in,” Fawcett said. “Occasionally, we’ll also get a blackfin or a big wahoo while trolling or kite fishing.” Kite fishing out of Stuart requires the right conditions. Sometimes when Fawcett finds a good current rip or color change, he’ll drop the trolling motor and deploy kites and live baits. Off The Chain’s center console allows 360 degrees of fishability, and when kites are flying, it’s worth dropping baits to the bottom, as well. While waiting on sailfish, anglers can fill the cooler with whatever’s in season. A mixed bag of snapper and grouper species is the norm. Check out Off the Chain at www.offthechainfishing. com. Call Capt. Scott Fawcett at 772-285-1055.

I T B Y N H T A O S A A

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Every Region

Has Its Season! J im Baugh Outdoors TV has had the pleasure of filming in most parts of the East Coast over the last 33 years. However, the bulk of our programming comes from the Mid-Atlantic region. The Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers, and all up and down the Outer Banks has been our mainstay of outdoor storytelling. Every region in the United States has a species of fish it is known for. From largemouth bass to white marlin, where you are determines what you catch. While our Mid-Atlantic states offer a large variety of species to fish for, one of the most popular fish—and one that the Chesapeake Bay area is renowned for—is rockfish. Also known as striped bass, these fish are widely sought after because they grow large, put up a decent fight and will make for one of the most delicious holiday meals one will ever have. ’Tis the season for rockfish! Our favorite rockfish has had its ups and downs over the years. In years past, there have been moratoriums, then come backs, then the fish seem to “disappear” by simply not coming into the bay, then everything seems to rebound again. These fish are pretty closely monitored,

By Jim Baugh

and I do hope all sportsmen will adhere to the regulations. These swings affect a lot of things like tourism dollars and fishing tournaments. One of the longest-running and best-run rockfish tournaments is the Rockfish Shootout, held at the Oyster Farm on Virginia’s Eastern Shore in December. If you are thinking about coming to our area, I highly suggest you try this tourney out. It is always a great event. If you are coming to the Chesapeake Bay and are new to rockfishing, here is some good advice. As always, contact local tackle shops to get the latest and current info. Hiring an experienced local charter is always a great idea and will introduce you to how the locals catch their fish. A tried-and-true method is live eeling, simply with a freeline or small sinker. Fish the channels and over the tunnels of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge or the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. These bridges have Years of rockfish TV Shows are available on Jim fantastic “light lines” in the water caused by Baugh Outdoors TV channels; season 33 is on the highway lights on the bridges. Get yourself both Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. some bucktails and soft-plastic shad and cast to If you want a great Christmas gift for your the pilings at night. Just be sure to fish the upfavorite outdoorsman, check out Jim Baugh’s current side of the bridge pilings. book “HOOKED,” which is available on Amazon.

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DECEMBER 2020

KLUCH FOR THE HOLIDAYS

his holiday season, it’s about local love and appreciation. The team at Kluch, a Boynton Beach business since 1992, drew its inspiration from their own backyard and is paying a tribute to the Boynton Inlet. Like the rest of the world, Kluch spent a few months locked down at home this year, which motivated the inspiration and appreciation of our local surroundings. The company’s “Boynton bite” design showcases the iconic Boynton Inlet, which is notorious for its strong current and intimidating for the inexperienced. The Inlet, just a few miles from the legendary Atlantic Gulf Stream, is abundant with a wide variety of fish including sailfish. Kluch had local artists collaborate on a design adding a sailfish “out front” the inlet. At Kluch, quality products and customer service are top priority and they are proud to have merchandise that stands up to consistent wear without sacrificing fit or feel. There is sure to be something for everyone on your holiday gift list within this collection of T-shirts, SPF hooded performance shirts, ladies tank tops, hats and accessories.

Shop the Boynton Bite and Out Front designs among many others online at www.kluch.com

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Gulf Nearshore Heating Up With

Hogs&Tripletail D By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

ecember on Florida’s Gulf Coast presents unique opportunities to nearshore fishermen, as autumn cold fronts push many species closer to shore. Nearshore fishing is optimal right now, which is great news as weather may prohibit offshore trips. Blackfin tuna will start showing up closer to land than any other time of the year, tripletail will be stacked on crab trap buoys that pepper the beaches, and the hogfish bite is becoming extremely reliable. Crab trap buoys have been soaking along the beaches since October. They have become residences for one of the most interesting fish in the Gulf. Tripletail are visible as dark to golden blobs hanging just below the buoys. While cruising set traps, you can get relatively close without spooking these fish. Be ready with shrimp or greenbacks, and take your time casting; you may only have one shot at it. Once a tripletail notices the hook in your bait, it is not likely to go after it again. If you miss the first shot, make the next cast with a different type of bait. If that also fails, it is time to move on to the next trap and the next fish. Tripletail might also favor different depths on a given day. If you see one, continue along that same line of buoys. Alternatively, if you aren’t finding any, try scooting out to a line of traps in deeper water. Farther offshore, the hogfish are getting fired up. Hogfish fishing grounds can be difficult to locate and might not appear as anything special on your bottom machine. An experienced captain makes finding them a lot easier. If you choose to go it alone, the following tips might help. Hogball jigs are essentially weighted balls with a tiny chain leading to a hook. This is a great tool for catching hogfish that can be replicated

T H E

P E R F E C T

E S C A P E

I N

with other rigs. The idea is to have the bait lying on the bottom for these scavengers to find. Shrimp is key to catching hogs, and you can be equally successful with giant live ones or small, stinky defrosted ones. If you choose not to use a hogball, a standard setup with a jighead or a small weight with a short leader will work. The bait should sit on bottom with a little slack. The slack gives hogfish a chance to get the hook in their ridiculous mouths. The bite-tohookup ratio with hogfish isn’t great, so be patient and keep sending down shrimp. You’ll want a landing net when targeting hogfish, as they often come unbuttoned at the surface. They also vary in size, and a net ensures the giant ones get into the boat while the undersized ones are handled gently for release. Capt. Haddon fishes with Reel Lucky Fishing Charters out of St. Petersburg, Fla. Call or text Capt. Joseph Dephillips to book a charter at (727) 557-7829. Contact Capt. Haddon at QuinlynHaddon@ gmail.com and check out catch photos at Instagram@CaptainQuinlyn.

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End of the Year Musings W

ell, 2020 has certainly been a year! Who would have forecast last December that COVID-19, quarantines, lots of tropical systems, one heck of an election year, and even the closure of the Roosevelt Bridge would impact our lives so greatly? Not us! Despite the year’s challenges, one aspect that loudly rang this year, is fishing and outdoor activities got many of us through (and continue to do so) a very tough year. While economic casualties have occurred, tackle distributors, bait and tackle shops, boat dealers, and outdoor sports retailers have reported increased sales and traffic due to folks spending more time fishing, boating, paddling, camping, hiking and biking. Who would have thought this would be the case? While the domino effect of job losses, closures, COVID-19 related illness and subsequent deaths, and social distancing are/were horrific, some of the impacts were not—many families spent and continue Treasure Coast Coastal Angler to spend more quality time fishing, exploring the outdoors, and Magazine Co-Publishers, spending time together as a family. Some awful results, but also some Misti and Gary Guertin. awesome outcomes. For those of you who suffered the loss of a loved one this year, our heartfelt and sincere condolences. For those of you who endured job loss this year, new beginnings are not easy. We have been there. If you are still Saving money on car seeking employment, consider reaching out to many of the marine industry and boating manufacturers we have here on the Treasure Coast—several are insurance means hiring. Fishing and outdoor centric activities have always been there and always more to spend on will be, and here on the Treasure Coast, our waterways and great weather are blessings to be enjoyed year-round. the ones you love. Whatever 2021 brings our way, we wish our readers, contributors and advertisers more time on the water, brag board catches, memory-making celebrations with family and close friends, and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Be kind, keep safe, and fish on! Happy Holidays,

Gary & Misti Guertin

Co-Publishers, Treasure Coast Coastal Angler Magazine

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 1

Florida Fish and Wildlife

FWC

news updates

MANATEES

ARE ON THE MOVE! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public that manatees are on the move. As temperatures drop, many of the state’s over 8,000 manatees will be on the move, migrating to warmer waters for the winter. During this time, it is especially important for the public to be alert and look out for manatees while enjoying time on the water. Injuries to manatees from boat strikes are more common this time of year, as migrating manatees venture into areas frequented by boats. Boaters can make a big difference by following guidelines and obeying manatee protection zones, which go into effect in the fall, depending on the county. The zones

are marked by waterway signs and maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/ Manatee by clicking on “Data and Maps.” Natural warm-water habitats, such as Florida’s springs, are critical to the survival of manatees during the winter because they can’t tolerate water temperatures lower than 68 degrees. Disturbing manatees at warm-water sites may cause them to leave those areas where they are safe and could put them at risk. “This is a very important time of year for manatees and we need the public’s help to make sure they get to their warm-water habitats safely and are not disturbed during the colder winter months” said Michelle

Manatees in the Indian River. PHOTO CREDIT: Chip Deutsch/FWC.

water sites may cause them to leave these areas during the winter. • Follow posted manatee protection zones. • Wear polarized sunglasses to spot them moving, grazing and resting in the water. • Keep a lookout for the circular “footprints” or ripples they leave on the surface of the water. Ways you can help manatees: • Follow manatee viewing • Observe manatees from a distance to limit disturbance. guidelines and always observe Disturbing manatees at their warm- manatees from a respectful distance. Pasawicz, manatee management program lead with the FWC. “By going slow while on the water and viewing manatees from a safe and respectful distance, you can help conserve them so future generations are able to enjoy these amazing animals.”

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• Don’t feed or water manatees. Doing so is illegal and can put manatees at risk. • Report injured, entangled, orphaned or dead manatees to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888404-FWCC (3922), #FWC on your cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com. • Purchase a manatee decal or license plate and let your friends know how you’re helping support the FWC’s manatee conservation efforts. • Contribute to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Marine Mammal Fund by visiting WildlifeFlorida.org and clicking on “Support Us,” “Funding Priorities” and “Marine Mammal Fund.” For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Manatee.

KING MACKEREL RECREATIONAL BAG LIMIT INCREASED

March 16, 2021, in all Atlantic state and federal waters from MiamiDade through Nassau counties. This change is consistent with recent changes in Atlantic federal waters to address forgone fishing opportunities to the recreational fishing community. Learn more about these changes in federal waters at Fisheries.NOAA.gov by searching for “king mackerel emergency rule.” Learn more about recreational fishing at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”

is overfished. Federal fishery managers adopted more restrictive recreational bag limits in federal waters, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Management Commission requested states implement similar regulations.) Atlantic State Waters

COASTAL ANGLER PUBLISHERS GARY & MISTI GUERTIN SALES GARY GUERTIN EDITOR/DIGITAL CONTENT MISTI GUERTIN GRAPHIC DESIGN LAURA KELLY

Minimum Size Limit: 12” fork length Daily Bag Limit: 3 fish per person from Nassau through Miami-Dade counties

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jayson Arman Capt. Gus Brugger Capt. Rocky Carbia Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. Scott Fawcett Capt. Cole Hazelief Capt. Danny Markowski Capt. Michael Mauri Capt. Giles Murphy Brian Nelli Jim Oppenborn Capt. Nate Shellen Cammie Ward Capt. Joe Ward Capt. Terry Wildey Steve Wood

Atlantic Federal Waters

(regulated by the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Mgmt. Council)

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NEW ATLANTIC BAG LIMIT FOR BLUEFISH

The recreational daily bag limit for bluefish recently changed to three fish per person along the Atlantic coast from Miami-Dade through Nassau counties. FWC regulations for bluefish do not The recreational bag limit for extend into federal waters of the king mackerel has been increased to Atlantic. (Why? A 2019 federal stock four fish per person per day through assessment found Atlantic bluefish

Daily Bag Limit: 3 per person for anglers fishing from private recreational vessels and 5 per person on for-hire vessels

Link for more information: https://myfwc.com/fishing/ saltwater/recreational/bluefish

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CLOSURES

Hogfish: Nov 1 – April 30 Spotted Seatrout: Nov 1 – Dec 31 Snook: Dec. 15 – Jan 31 Grouper: Jan 1 – April 30

(772) 214-9347 or email TreasureCoast@

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DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 3

FISHING FORECASTS

MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE

Capt. Scott Fawcett Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 fishscottyf@bellsouth.net offthechainfishing.com

t. IT: Cap S CRED

Capt. Scott Fawcett from Off The Chain releasing a beautiful Treasure Coast sail during a November charter.

. awcett Scott F

ith 2020 going down as one of the most unpredictable years any of us have ever seen, there’s one thing I feel pretty confident about, this December should offer some of the best consistent sail fishing we’ve seen in years. This summer offered one of the greatest late season sail bites we’ve seen in decades and now that the winds have switched around, that body of fish should be surfing its way back to the Treasure Coast. Northerly winds, and cooler waters to the north provide the push we’re looking for to help fish seeking warmer waters migrate back down to the south. Focus along color changes, temperature breaks, reef lines and bottom structure in depths from

PHOTO

75-to-275 feet for your best bet at finding bait and migrating fish. Although most of us troll dead bait this month, when live bait is available, and conditions are right, it is a great way to target our fall and early winter fish. Aside from sails, expect good mahi fishing with the occasional blackfin tuna and wahoo bite. King

Tom Tranberge brought his son-in-laws for a three-quarter day and had great bottom action on light tackle along with a sailfish and some other critters.

mackerel and little tunny will also be migrating back down in big numbers, so make sure you bring plenty of bait as they can sometimes offer action faster than you can set baits out. We still have the remainder of this month with grouper season open and it is usually pretty good this time of year. I recommend having at least a jig rod ready for when you pass over

a good mark, but after seeing how productive it can be, I’m guessing you’ll eventually have a dedicated bottom rod ready to go at all times. Wishing everyone a great ending to a difficult year and a wonderful ‘21! If you’re looking to get out on the water, please give me a call. I hope your next outing is Off The Chain!

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MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE

Capt. Giles Murphy Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle (772) 288–1219 Fishing Charters (772) 475 - 4857 www.stuartangler.com giles@stuartangler.com

ovember was a cool, windy month pushing some migratory fish down the coast, such as Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and pompano. This can be a fun fishing opportunity for all anglers fishing from the beach or by boat. The Spanish mackerel will school up a bunch down the coast from the St. Lucie Inlet to Peck Lake Beach. My favorite lures to cast with

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 Safari-1.com

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

a fast retrieve are the Gulfstream Flash Minnows in chartreuse green. Some other options are #2 green Clarkspoons, Gotcha Plugs, and long-shank synthetic Clousers flies. Once you find the mackerel, you can chum them by tossing handfuls of glass minnows to keep them close to your boat. Snook season ends December 15, but these last couple weeks can be a great opportunity to catch them by jigging the bridges with First Light Jigs and D.O.A. Deep Baitbusters. You can also find lots of snook back in the South Fork along the mangrove shorelines and seawalls. For them, we mostly use D.O.A. C.A.L. jigs and Giles~Jigs. Fishing back in the South Fork is a great way to hide from the windy conditions we typically have during the winter. The concrete

between the House of Refuge and Boy Scout Island can be fun to look for “skipping pompano” jumping near your boat while cruising 5-to-10 miles-per-hour. Have some bait rods ready with sandfleas and a jigging rod rigged with a 3/8-ounce High Jinks jig. I usually drop the Power-Pole as soon as I find them skipping. If they don’t eat right away, be patient because it sometimes Capt. Giles took his brother Colin takes a minute for them to start and nephew Guy fishing for snook eating after you spook them and using live shrimp. make them “skip.” PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy. Some deeper spots to try for seawalls back there often hold nice the pompano are the Crossroads, snook that love topwater lures and the Stuart Causeway, and just inside the St. Lucie Inlet between the two gurgler flies. The pompano season has started channels. We also catch some big for surf casting and jigging the flats. croakers, sheepshead, and snapper Surf casting is always best with an in these same areas using live incoming tide using sandfleas on a shrimp. And sometimes get lucky double or triple hook rig. The flats with a Stuart bonefish.

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 user-friendly days, fishing crews will want to target reef structures in 50 to 180 feet of water, as these reefs have the 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 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, “Merry Mutton to all,” says Frank especially around artificial reefs just Orio with a sweet mutton snapper east and northeast of our St. Lucie caught aboard the Safari 1. Inlet. Thus, in December, make your PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1. fish wishes come true by fishing around “bottom” and post up on can be found along our offshore reef one of the many “honey holes” that contours.

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DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 5

FISHING FORECASTS

SOUTH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters (772) 284-3852 captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com www.fishtalescharter.com

Hunter caught the biggest fish of the day with this nice black drum.

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Capt. Cole Hazellief Lady Chris Charters (772) 971-7179 TheLadyChris.com

ecember is the season of joy and holiday bites! It seems that just about everything and everyone is in a bit of a frenzy, from the top to the bottom of the water column. The groupers are frisky, the snappers are biting hard, sailfish are splashing, and cobia are cruising. All of this action will be going on while we deal with shorter days and the winter-time weather patterns. Sailfish will be migrating south and swimming right along the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Making their presence known all along the Treasure Coast with spectacular runs

Snook season closes on December 15, 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. Trout, redfish and snook will be

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targets throughout the winter. Trout will tend to hang around the deeper cuts of the river. Move off to three to six feet of water for trout. Live shrimp on popping corks or D.O.A. Deadly Combos will work best for them. Redfish can be found around

and aerial acrobatics, it is no wonder that our area is known Sailfish Capitol of the World. Fighting one of these beautiful, high-speed fish will leave you both breathless and in awe, creating an experience that will last a lifetime. The snapper bite will continue with plentiful catches and variety. The lane snappers will be nice and fat, and there will be plenty of hefty mutton and gray snappers in the mix to fill the fish box. Last call for grouper! As the weather conditions ebb and flow, grouper of impressive stature will show up. When fishing for these grumpy sea beasts, our number one recommendation is to use live bait and a rod with some backbone. Both the grouper and snapper can be found swimming in depths of 60 to 100 feet. But there is no time to waste, the grouper season will be closing midnight on December 31, So, take this opportunity to bring

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hat a strange year 2020 has been. I could never imagine what this year turned into. COVID and elections have affected everything in our lives, and we are just hoping things will be better in 2021. It has been a good year for fishing despite what is happening around us. December should prove to be an awesome month to fish.

local docks during the winter months and a live shrimp or D.O.A. Shrimp can entice them into striking. Don’t forget about the deeper cuts along the mangroves for redfish and snook in December. A mild winter will have them feeding in the shallows this month. Pompano are already arriving in the area and providing great fishing action. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will continue to hang out in their favorite haunts of the river. Drum and sheepshead are arriving early again this year. Fish around docks, channel edges or bridges for these tasty fish. 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. Remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it’s an ADVENTURE! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sandy and friends with a beautiful mixed bag including triggerfish, mangrove and lame snapper. PHOTO CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.

yours home before the year ends. Look for the baitfish around the reefs as a good indicator of where to throw the lines out. Cobia will also surface and can make for a pleasant addition to a day of fishing. Trolling rigged ballyhoo or mackerel while keeping a pitch rod standing by will get you in the game.

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Be sure to take advantage of weather windows as fishing will be hot and the weather nice and cool. We want to thank all of you that sailed with us this year and wish all the readers happy holidays from the Captain and Crew on The Lady Chris. Tight lines and good vibes!

ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE

Capt. Danny Markowski LottaBull Fishing Charters (772) 370-8329 lottabull4@bellsouth.net lottabullfishingcharters.com

ith cooling water and air temperatures, December is here! December will have the sailfish migrating south and traveling right through the Treasure Coast waters. Even though sailfish can be caught in our waters all through the year, this is the time of year that we will have the biggest abundance of them. Sailfish seem to like rougher days with a lot of chop on top of the water. In December, we usually have cold fronts approaching from the north making for windy conditions and rougher seas which are the conditions that sailfish love to play in. It is best to watch the pre-frontal and post-frontal forecast and pick your days. Sailfish are one of the most sought-after sportfish in our local offshore waters. Sailfish should be in depths of 80 foot on out. There are

many ways to fish for sailfish. The most common method for is to troll rigged ballyhoo with a circle hook on 25-to-30-pound tackle. This tackle is enough for a good fight and will allow you to quickly get the fish to the boat without tiring it out too much. The circle hook rig will allow the hook to get hooked in the corner of the mouth instead of a jay hook in which the sailfish could swallow which may cause internal damage. Another way to get the sailfish’s attention is by dragging a couple of dredges behind your boat and in the prop-wash. If you don’t have a dredge, you can also place some squid teasers off outriggers to bring a sailfish up to the surface. Keep a watch in the water behind what you are pulling and when a sailfish surfaces, drop a circle hook rigged with ballyhoo back to the sailfish and reel or pull in the teaser and/ or dredge back to the boat so the sailfish will eat the rigged ballyhoo. When hooked up with a sailfish, you will experience some magnificent jumps and speed creating a great acrobatic show. After fighting a sailfish, getting it to the boat and getting your pictures, please take some care and revive the sailfish. To revive the sailfish, hold the sailfish boatside with the sailfish

ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE

LottaBull team member Clinton hooked up this African pompano fishing solo out of Fort Pierce Inlet. The fish ate a live trolled pilchard in 60 feet of water. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Danny Markowski.

facing the bow of the boat and very slowly idle the boat forward to allow the water to wash over the gills until the fish is strong enough to swim on its own. If the hook went too deep,

cut the line as close to the hook as you can to cause as little damage to the sailfish as possible. Be safe on the water, keep an eye on the sky and catch them up!

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verything should start changing with the inshore fishing in December with the fronts starting to push down from the north. Look for some good catch and release trout action around the deeper cuts and stay along the deeper ends of the flats. A live shrimp fished under a popping cork is hard to beat. The redfish action should continue to improve around the Fort Pierce Inlet and the local bridges. A small live crab, a shrimp or a piece of cut bait will do just fine. You will need to fish these baits on the bottom with a small weight and a #2 circle hook. With snook season closed, look for plenty of catch and release action around the bridges, in the Fort Pierce Inlet and at the jetty. Your best choice of baits will be a live pinfish or pigfish, a select size shrimp or for artificial, try a Redtail Hawk. The bottom fishing will start changing with plenty of sheepshead

Capt. Joe Ward with grandson Thomas and the junior angler’s first catch and release snook. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Capt. Joe Ward.

and black drum around the docks and bridges. Use a small live shrimp, a piece of frozen shrimp or fiddler crabs and fish them on a #2 long shank hook with a small weight and a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. There should be plenty of fish in the surf to keep you busy with catches of whiting, a few pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and even a snook or two.

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FISHING FORECASTS

SEBASTIAN INLET – Flounder

SEBASTIAN INSHORE

Capt. Gus Brugger Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787 www.WelcomeToSebastian.com

enerally, by December, the waters of the Indian River Lagoon have cooled down enough to fire up the redfish and seatrout bite. Likewise, pompano and flounder will show up from the beaches to the lagoon backwaters once water temps get into the high 60s. If things remain on the warm side, the Sebastian area can be home to an incredible variety of gamefish in December. This is great news for anglers who just want to bend a rod, but those seeking specific species may have trouble finding consistent action.

SEBASTIAN RIVER – A warm late fall could have snook and tarpon continuing to be viable options for anglers in the Sebastian River during the last month of 2020. If cold weather does make an appearance, trout, bluefish, pompano ladyfish and jacks can keep anglers busy by bouncing jigs in the deeper areas of the north fork. INDIAN

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Seatrout season is closed in the Sebastian area through the end of the year, catch and release only. Redfish and larger trout share habitat in the lagoon in December. Fishing shallow backwater flats and shorelines with D.O.A. C.A.L. jerk baits and jigs is a great way to cover ground and get strikes from both redfish and trout. Sight-fishing for both reds and trout can be an option if a sharp cold front with freezing temperatures arrives and clears the waters. Fly fishermen and light tackle anglers can stalk along mangrove shorelines looking for cruising and laid up reds. Some of the best inshore pompano fishing consistently coincides with the Christmas break. Bouncing pink or yellow Goofy Jigs around spoil island drop-offs, flats edges and in Sebastian Inlet can be a fun way to catch a cooler full. Trout, weakfish, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, flounder, snappers, juvenile grouper, Spanish mackerel, and whatever else decides to swim in Sebastian Inlet to enjoy the bounty of the lagoon will hit jigs, plugs and live shrimp in these same areas.

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are the main draw to Sebastian Inlet from Thanksgiving throughout December. Land-bound and boating anglers both find soaking live finger mullet and mud minnows in areas of broken rocky/sandy bottom is the best way to put a doormat in the cooler. Flatties up to 15 pounds are an annual catch at Sebastian Inlet. Snook season will close on December 15 and depending on ocean water temps, legal fish can be caught right up to the deadline. Bluefish are usually abundant in and around the inlet and some of the biggest reds of the year can show up with the cold fronts. Sheepshead and black drum numbers increase at the inlet in December.

A December chill will fire up the redfish bite in the backwaters of the Sebastian area. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger.

NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC – The

beaches all along the Treasure Coast begin to fill up with snowbird surf fishermen in December, and for good reason. Schools of pompano cruise the troughs and sandbars along the coast hunting down sand fleas, crabs, clams, and glass minnows. Pompano, a favorite eating fish, is also an excellent gamefish on light tackle. Ten-plus-foot surf rods with three hook pompano rigs is the standard technique for both pompano and the tasty whiting that share the surf with them, but casting Goofy Jigs on light spinning gear can be very productive when the surf is calm and clean. Live sand fleas are top bait followed by cut clams and pieces of fresh shrimp. Blues and Spanish macks will also keep surf fishermen and boaters busy along the coast in December. Cut bait, spoons, jigs and Got-Cha plugs are all good choices for these toothy gamesters. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

e up waters .

SEBASTIAN AREA OFFSHORE

Capt. Terry Wildey Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072 Email: captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharter.com

f my last 48 years of making my living from the ocean tells me anything, it’s that December is when the migratory fish (kingfish, Spanish mackerel, sailfish, dolphin and blackfin tuna) move south ahead of the cold fronts that bring the cooler water temperatures. In the past we’ve counted on this cold water to bring schools of Spanish mackerel from the north down our way in the 25-foot to 60-foot depth range. Big smoker kings show up at The Pines. That’s an area of good bottom northeast of Sebastian Inlet in 60 feet of water. Look for the sailfish, dolphin and blackfin tuna to show up on the weed lines, rips, color and temperature changes in the 120-to240-foot range. Also remember December is the last month of grouper season. Expect grouper to be pushing into shallower depths. The grouper in 160 feet and 240 feet will be moving into the 80-

and-90 feet reefs and even as close as 60 feet. I’ve even caught them in December and January trolling deep diving plugs along the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway south of Sebastian Inlet. This will be a good time to get that last shot at putting some grouper fillets in the freezer before the season closes end of December. Remember all this is based on cold weather moving the cold water south. So, if we get that warm December like we do sometimes with 88 degrees all the way through Christmas, expect our fishing to mimic the same routine as we had in November. It’s best to be prepared for both. That means stock up on tackle for live baiting kings, #6 sabikis for live thread fins and pilchards, live bait can really make your day, #4 extra strong treble hooks, #3 and #4 wire, 30-pound and 50-pound trolling rods and some medium ballyhoo for the dolphin, tuna and sailfish. In case the water looks good and the fish are marking in 85 feet and 90 feet, have your bottom rods ready. I always stop there and check before heading to the deep. Have some squid and sardines ready just in case. Some call it Plan A and Plan B. We call it Plan A and Plan A because if Plan B was any good it would have been Plan A. Three keys to success: (1) Moon

phase especially when bottom fishing. I like the rise of the moon. Sometimes right up to and including the full moon; (2) Water quality, if there’s been a big swell causing dirty water all the way to 90 feet, be prepared to go deep. Look for the edges, rips and, color changes where the water goes to an emerald green or blue green to blue; (3) Wind direction if you’re trolling. West winds are tough because the edges get blown apart. I like anything from south to east to north. This will line up the edges better. If there’s no visible edge, keep your eye on your temperature gauge. You are looking for it to jump up a couple degrees Warden with a nice mutton and over a few hundred yards. Like from big mangrove snapper caught last 77 degrees to 79 degrees. Fish will December on Big Easy. A great congregate up and down this change. example of what we are looking Always look for a show of bait. If forward to come December. you see flying fish, blue runners or PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Terry Wildey. smaller baits you can be sure there’s something hungry following them. your kids fishing, make it fun and set As always support your local an example. Thanks for reading...fish tackle shops. Don’t forget if you take on, gotta go! Coastal Angler Magazine – Treasure Coast is pleased to welcome veteran charter boat Captain Terry Wildey to our team of contributing writers. Capt. Wildey and his charter boat Big Easy are based out of Capt. Hiram’s Marina and he will be providing the Sebastian Area Offshore forecast cast each month. Capt. Wildey has fished Florida’s East Coast for 48 years with 20 years as a commercial fisherman. He also has years of experience fishing the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica and beyond. Thank you, Capt. Terry, for joining our team. Our readers will look forward to the knowledge that you will share each month.

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TREASURE COAST 9

FROM THE SHORE

Jayson Arman That's R-Man Land Based Fishing Services (772) 530-8080 thatsrman4677@gmail.com

ecember’s forecast can be like November’s, as cool fronts approach, fishing will be good. When the change in season comes, it will make it tough at times. I find myself doing some different things this time of year. Flounder fishing during slack tides around your bridges and jetties will be a pattern in December. Using live shrimp on jig heads ¼-ounce to ⅜-ounce jig head or small bait fish on a fish finder rig 1-ounce to ¼-once slide weights depending on your current and wind. Pompano fishing on the beach can also be a pattern. My preferred technique is using Fish Bites and a clam combination. Having a good surf rod, like a Tsunami 12foot surf rod, will help you get out

a little further. Also, using fluorocarbon in your pompano rig can help increase bites. In the river, trout fishing will be hot if you can find seagrass. It’s not that easy to find these days in the Indian River Lagoon but where there is some you will find a good concentration of sea trout. I like using Bass Assassin Sea Shad and D.O.A. Shrimp when the water drops. I have a technique called “low and slow”. Rigging the sea shad with a weedless hook instead of a jig head will give it a slower fall. Using the D.O.A. Shrimp giving it extra hard twitches with an extra couple seconds of doing nothing. These techniques will work good on multiple species of fish. I also want to announce I am running my “Buy One Get One Fishing Special” for the holidays from now until Christmas. My guided fishing trips will be $100 for two people. The certificate will be valid for one year from the date of purchase. Good luck on your next adventure…That’s R Man over and out.

Brian Rose enjoyed a great morning of wade fishing with his father. The topwater bite is normally over once the sun rises.

INSHO

PHOTO CREDIT: Jayson Arman.

FISHING FORECASTS

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KAYAK FISHING FORECAST

Brian Nelli Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899 Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com

eyes will intrigue these guys to have a snack. You can run circle hooks or stinger rigs if you don’t want to miss out on the king and possible wahoo bites. These cold fronts will continue to bring in the mahi and sailfish throughout the winter. Brave the wind and waves and you should hook into a few fish.

INSHORE: The first couple of cold

fronts have pushed through the area. With these fronts some new inshore species start to show up. With the next couple fronts, start to look for pompano and bluefish to be roaming the flats and channels. Places like Hobe Sound and the mouth of the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter are great places to check for activity. For pompano, I love using a D.O.A. shrimp in the potholes on the flats and edges of the channels. For bouncing the bottom of channels, a Goofy Jig or buck tail jig will do the trick for both pompano and bluefish. Just because the weather has become cold, don’t think your redfish, snook and trout have shut down. Try fishing a little later in the day so the water has a chance to warm up and target sand holes and muddy bottom areas. These holes will warm up faster than surrounding areas.

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FRESHWATER: December is my

favorite time of year to target peacock bass. With the colder temps, these fish start to school up and catching bigger numbers of fish becomes more common. Live shiners and jerk bait lures like a Yo-Zuri 3D Twitch bait will fool a few fish. Check us out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (TCkayakfishing) on OFFSHORE: The mahi fishing Facebook, Instagram and YouTube should be going good up and down for all the latest adventures my the coast. Live mullet and goggle clients and I get into.

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DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 11

FISHING FORECASTS

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Capt. Nate Shellen Shellen Guide Service (863) 357-0892 OkeechobeeBassFishing.com sjmike7@aol.com

he cooler fall temperatures will trigger many different changes on Lake Okeechobee. After reaching into the high to mid-80s during the summer, the water temperatures have fallen into the high to mid-70s. This cooler water triggers longer feeding periods in general. The large trophy sized female bass that make themselves scarce during the summer months suddenly appear on the outside grass lines stalking the massive schools of baitfish that have hatched out during the summer. Along with the big females, all the bass in the lake are in a feeding frenzy as they eat to prepare for the long spawning season. There are numerous patterns that will work for catching fall bass. It’s

a great time to catch bass on a topwater bait. With the many styles, colors, and sizes of top-water plugs, it is difficult to pinpoint what really works best. My experience has been that the bait an angler cast and works with the most confidence, is the most successful for that angler. One of my favorite lures is Pop-R’s which has a cupped face that throws water and imitates a fleeing shad. A Bang-O-Lure is a very old bait but still performs quite well. It has props that throw a shower of water as you retrieve it. Then too is a Zara Spook Jr. that features a walking type action that drives fish crazy at given times. There are literally hundreds of different baits available and they all will catch bass in the right situation. Knowing what color and action to use in certain situations is a skill that is acquired by tying a bait on and making enough casts that you become proficient with it. Spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and lipless crankbaits all have their place in the boat and will all draw strikes in the right time frame. Being able to read the cover and having the imagination to use the right bait with the correct presentation is a skill that is learned from putting in long hours on the water. Fishing with a more accomplished angler is a great way to

Jim and Tom from Ocala caught these giants at the same time on different sides of the boat. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nathan Shellen.

learn new skills and perhaps widen your understanding of reading the cover you are fishing. The best anglers in the world are those who can adapt to any situation and still catch fish. As fall progresses, the bass will form into large schools and move about the Lake following either the baitfish or responding to the moon phases. Okeechobee is blessed that our bass do not all spawn at the same time, waves of bass will move in to feed up and then spawn from midOctober through the end of April or May. What this means is that at any one time we have bass that are in prespawn mode, bass that are actively spawning at this time, and then there

DECEMBER FISHING CONDITIONS December 1

BEST

Evening

December 21

POOR

Morning

December 2

BEST

Evening

December 22

POOR

Morning

December 3

BEST

Evening

December 23

FAIR

Morning

December 4

POOR

Evening

December 24

FAIR

Morning

December 5

POOR

Evening

December 25

FAIR

Morning

December 6

FAIR

Evening

December 26

FAIR

Morning

December 7

FAIR

Morning

December 27

FAIR

Morning

December 8

POOR

Morning

December 28

FAIR

Morning

December 9

POOR

Morning

December 29

BEST

Evening

December 10

GOOD

Morning

December 30

BEST

Evening

December 11

GOOD

Morning

December 31

FAIR

Evening

December 12

POOR

Morning

December 13

POOR

Morning

December 14

POOR

Evening

December 15

POOR

Evening

December 16

POOR

Evening

December 17

GOOD

Evening

December 18

GOOD

Evening

December 19

BEST

Evening

December 20

BEST

Evening

12 TREASURE COAST

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. SOURCE: The Old Farmers’ 2020Almanac

DECEMBER 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

are bass that have already spawned and are ravenous from the rigors of spawning. The long spawning “season” is the thing that separates Lake Okeechobee from all other bass fisheries in the USA. This fall has already started out with a bang with four fish over nine pounds between early October and Nov. In addition to world-class bass fishing, the town of Okeechobee offers great amenities for the anglers and their families. Great accommodations, fish camps, downhome cooking, and friendly folks are all waiting for you. Come see for yourself what Lake Okeechobee is all about.

n Shellen.

DIVING FORECAST

Steve Wood Deep Six Watersports - Stuart (772) 288-3999 Stuart (772) 562-2883 Vero Steve.wood@deepsix.com www.deepsixintl.com

isibility reports have been scarce since Tropical Storm ETA passed through our area last month but that could change as surface conditions improve in December. Passing cold fronts are common but are usually interrupted with a calm spell that can last a week or more this time of year. Divers who plan around cold fronts and are ready to take advantage of calm seas should expect exciting dives It was so windy and rough in November that hardly anyone actually made it offshore to dive and reefs should be loaded with fish and lobster since there has been little to no pressure for the better part of a month. Once the seas lay down, many are surprised to see clear water return after about a week or less of calm conditions, thanks in part to

Lobster battalion. Reefs should be loaded with fish and lobster since there has been little to no pressure for the better part of a month. PHOTO CREDIT: Carli Segelson/MyFWC.com.

South Florida’s proximity to the Gulf Stream. This northbound current does a nice job of flushing away murky water and replacing it with cleaner water coming up from the Caribbean. Unfortunately, freshwater releases are still happening, but the good news is these plumes are limited to inshore and nearshore waters and have minimal effect a few miles out. While it’s true freshwater releases continue to pillage the St Lucie River, lagoon and inlet, it is surprising

how much misinformation there is surrounding the effects on reefs offshore. Inshore waters are for sure brown and even reefs near the St Lucie Inlet, like Peck Lake, are affected too, but that’s not the case once divers venture a few miles offshore. Reefs offshore and especially south of the St. Lucie Inlet do not experience the same impacts as those close to shore. For example, Loran Tower Ledge is around 12 miles southeast from the inlet and is relatively unaffected by

the releases since the prevailing north current does not allow water to make it this far offshore; same is true for the south end of the Six Mile Reef. These are great places to explore without having the deal with freshwater from inshore waters. While closer to shore, it has been noted that, since freshwater is less dense then salt water, it floats near the surface. This means a murk layer in the first 10 to 15 feet will dissipate giving way to clear water beneath.

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DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 13

Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri

Christmas List 2020

s Santa Claus a fly or bait guy, is he keeping the fish or more on the catch and release side? Questions over questions which cramp my brain since childhood. I’ve never found the answer, but I can at least help you to find answers that will make your fly-fishing life easier. Here they are!

cheapest, but they are certainly not overpriced for their quality.

Mark with a nice Stuart snook.

Q: What is the best UV epoxy for fly tying? A: Solarez. It’s that simple and my friend Bob Clouser changed my life with hooking me up with it.

Q: Best trolling motor? A: For me it’s the Minnkota, but not because of the trolling motor, instead it’s the excellent service I A: My answer to one of the most receive from Master Repair (here in common questions, TFO Signature 2 Stuart) with Mike and his team, who in 8wt. 2pc with a Scientific Angler keep me going on the water. It should be easy for you to Redfish fly line warm floating in 9wt. Super smooth and easy to cast for all Google all these items and if you skill levels and boy did we land big have any questions please feel free and send me an email. with that rod! Merry Christmas, happy holidays Q: What is the best fly reel and all the best for 2021. for your day-to-day work as a fly-fishing guide? Capt. Michael Mauri

Q: What is the best rod and line combination for our fishery here on the Treasure Coast?

A: In my opinion, Nautilus fly reels. Made in Miami, super solid and reliable. They are not the

2020…a tough but successful year! Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year from Capt. Michael!

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Sizeable Reward Offered in Florida Sawfish Slaughter Investigation

Intentionally killed sawfish found near Everglades National Park.

By Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

OAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the killing of at least seven critically endangered smalltooth sawfish in southwest Florida near Everglades National Park (available at https:// bit.ly/3lpPOj2). The sawfish were found along the causeway between Everglades City and Chokoloskee and several had their rostra, or saw, removed. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for tips leading to prosecution of the offenders. Smalltooth sawfish are protected from targeting and harm under the federal Endangered Species Act. Those caught accidentally must be left in the water and immediately

PHOTO CREDIT: National Park Service.

released. Florida state law offers additional protections including a ban on the harvest, sale, purchase, or exchange of sawfish rostra. “Anglers have a legal responsibility to know and follow regulations and arguably an ethical responsibility to care for our natural resources,” said Adam Brame, the sawfish recovery coordinator for NOAA Fisheries. “To intentionally kill an ESA-listed species is not only highly illegal but also grossly unethical”. The once widespread population of smalltooth sawfish in the United States was seriously depleted from overfishing; the species is now rarely found beyond southwest Florida.

Female sawfish typically give birth to only seven to 14 offspring every other year, meaning the loss of these seven sawfish is the equivalent to one mother’s entire biennial offspring. Such a loss could turn about to be a set-back in the recovery of this already depleted population. “This incident is not only heartbreaking, but a real threat to long-fought efforts to protect this irreplaceable species and bring its U.S. population back from the brink of extinction,” said Sonja Fordham, President of Shark Advocates International, a project of The Ocean Foundation. “To prevent this from happening again, we need NOAA to

follow through with the investigation and meaningful penalties. The public can help by reporting tips and encouraging accountability.” NOAA is offering a reward up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty in this case. The Center for Biological Diversity has added an additional $5,000 to the reward. If you have any information, please call the NOAA Enforcements hotline at 1-800-8531964; tips can be left anonymously. Tonya Wiley may be contacted at Tonya@havenworth.org or (941) 201-2685.

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DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 15

DECEMBER UPDATE By Michael Conner, Executive Director

FR Mosq

eather-wise, October came in like a lion. And November came in like...another lion. Any angler who reads Coastal Angler Magazine may agree that this has been a most trying time given fall’s wind and rain, and Indian Riverkeeper hopes along with you that dry season has come into play by December 1. As of this writing, rain from Tropical Storm ETA only exacerbated the water quality situation, which is tied into quantity. We last visited the Canaveral region of the northern Indian River Lagoon (IRL) on October 18th, and came away with a bleak report, as we documented on our Facebook page, Indian Riverkeeper and the last CAM column. The dense nanoplankton bloom persists, mostly from

roughly Cocoa Beach north. We also witnessed a reported fish kill (bass, bluegills, carp, and a few snook and reds in a residential canal, but it was on the freshwater side of a boat lift dam. The saltwater side of the “H Canal” in a neighborhood just south of Kelly Park near Port Canaveral did not have a kill, though the bloom was dense, with low dissolved oxygen readings and high turbidity. It is no secret that heavy rainfall produces runoff from many sources—stormwater (street and yard) runoff, fertilizers, septic leeching and sewage failures. The spike in this bloom happened as summer rains increased. Dry season sees a temporary decrease in nutrient loading, but the

problem does not go away. Municipalities must implement all measures to mitigate this, and all residents must also take personal responsibility. We suggest all Treasure Coast residents consider not using turf fertilizers, or herbicides such as glyphosate (Roundup). The jury is still out on the correlation between their use and seagrass loss, but why not be on the safe side? The worst of it has been the St. Lucie River, even prior to the Lake Okeechobee discharges, which commenced once the Lake reached 16 feet elevation. The river and much of the Indian River Lagoon from Vero Beach South was black with runoff and sediment. And the typical “hot spots” for enteric bacteria (fecal contamination)

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BOaTinG! FROM OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT: Chronic brown algal bloom, southern Mosquito Lagoon; Lake Okeechobee discharge water, downtown Stuart, St. Lucie River; Dense nanoplankton bloom, canal leading to Indian River Lagoon, Port Canaveral.

Delivering Boats on Christmas eve for over 60 Years... Robalo R272

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saw high readings which prompted warnings for human exposure on a handful of places in Martin and St. Lucie counties. Both the north and south forks of the St. Lucie were posted for enteric bacteria. Anglers should know that fecal bacteria can cause intestinal distress if the water is ingested. Indian Riverkeeper is concerned that over 25 days of zero or very low salinity may have killed off most if not all of the oysters in the middle and upper River. We will be looking for official word on that possibility soon. The lone good news is that the horrific Cyanobacteria blooms that infested the St. Lucie River during Lake Okeechobee discharges in 2018 had not happened as of Nov 10, partially attributed to the lower water temps, fewer hours of sunlight, and that cyanobacteria blooms tapered off on the big Lake before the discharges started.

Some Help on the Way

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District announced the approval of an emergency deviation to the Combined Operational Plan (COP) Water Control Plan to provide relief from high water levels in the Everglades. The emergency deviation should reduce water levels in Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA-3A) for the protection of fish and wildlife resources. “We have initiated an emergency deviation to relieve stresses on the Water Conservation Area,” said Col. Andrew Kelly of the U.S. Army Corps. “We now have the increased capacity to move water out of WCA3A in order to reduce the duration and magnitude of high water levels in WCA-3A.” This diverted volume of water in wet times would otherwise flow into the river, causing

stressors to seagrass and oysters.

Egret Marsh Water Project

We toured an innovative watercleaning project in early November, the Egret Marsh Stormwater Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, west of Vero Beach. The project removes nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from 10 million gallons daily of surrounding suburban stormwater runoff. The “scrubbers”of the pollution are various alga that grow over 4.6 acres of shallow water and on a regular basis that algae is loaded up to take to a landfill far removed from the Lagoon. The nutrients in that algae would have otherwise reach the IRL. Learn more about this Indian River County project by checking out our live Facebook posts or visiting www. https://ircstormwater. com/facilities.htm.

from Our Crew to Yours...

Opportunities to Help Indian Riverkeeer

Indian Riverkeeper has launched our new website at www. theindianriverkeeper.org. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are still avoiding large public gatherings, including fundraisers. We invite you to check out our Facebook (Indian Riverkeeper) silent auctions. We are also offering new members at the $50 level a bonus Engel 22-ounce insulated mug. Charter fishing captains willing to donate a trip for auction, or the proceeds of a half-day charter will qualify for our “Captain’s Honor Roll and will receive recognition both on social media and our web site. For more information, to volunteer or to inquire about business partnerships, call Executive Director Mike Conner at (772) 521-1882.

GO BEYOND THE HORIZON

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DECEMBER 2020

TREASURE COAST 17

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[Mycteroperca bonaci], black seabass [Centropristis striata], gag [Mycteroperca microlepis], red grouper [Epinephelus morio], spiny lobster [Panulirus argus], and yellowtail snapper [Ocyurus chrysurus]) that undergo this movement between inshore and offshore habitats have been recorded using both artificial reefs offshore and other habitats inshore. Sea and Shoreline has already received permits for planting 10,000 individual shoalgrass (Halodule wrightii) plants in Tucker Cove. The shoalgrass will be planted inside of herbivore exclusion cages to prevent grazing by manatees until the plants become established. These are the same cages that have been used in Crystal River and Moore’s Creek to protect against herbivory from

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ABOVE: Juvenile yellowtail snapper (left) and juvenile black seabass caught on Fort Pierce City Marina breakwater islands in 2014. RIGHT: Location of proposed stormwater outfall at Tucker Cove. PHOTO CREDIT: St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program.

manatees, turtles, and ducks. The FDEP and FWC have located a site in Tucker Cove that is waterward of a St. Lucie County mosquito control impoundment. It is hoped that seagrasses will also recruit to this area following oyster reef development. The design will mimic a similar project the FWC and FDEP constructed at the MacArthur Beach State Park and will use at least 125 tons of 1-foot diameter limestone boulders. The St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program is hoping to assist

with the development of the FDEP/ FWC oyster reef in several ways. The Program will attempt to expand the design of the reef by offering additional materials for the reef. Materials which currently must be removed from Harbour Pointe Park include ten cubic yards of oyster shell (left over from previous project funded by the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program) and five Ecosystems artificial reef modules (manufactured locally and donated by McCulley Marine Services). The Program will also provide

intergovernmental coordination to ensure that the proposed project does not interfere with St. Lucie County Mosquito Control District operations and hopes to coordinate to allow use of the Countyâ€™s staging area at Harbour Pointe Park. The District has been at the forefront of providing fish habitat in the Indian River Lagoon through its management of mosquito impoundments via Rotational Impoundment Management. The County may also provide coordination with private entities

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TREASURE COAST 19

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The Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament is Back... with Something New for 2020!

December 9-12, 2020 CASH PRIZE WINNER TAKES ALL!

To Benefit The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and Victory Leidner, daughter of local Capt. Billy Leidner in her fight against cancer

$1,000 per entry goes to Payout!

Plus Trophies for Dailies

Wednesday, Dec. 9 4:30-6:00pm – Late Registration 6:15pm – Captain’s Meeting and Kickoff Party Thursday & Friday, Dec. 10-11 FISHING DAYS Saturday, Dec. 12 Ladies Tournament Day Awards Dinner

NEW!! This year a Meat Fish category will be included in addition to sailfish releases for both the Light Tackle Tournament and Ladies Only Tournament. Species included are: WAHOO, TUNA, KINGFISH, and DOLPHIN

Awards will be given for aggregate weight for both the Light Tackle Tournament and Ladies Only Tournament

SOMETHING NEW FOR THE LADIES!!! This year, Saturday will feature a Ladies Only 1-Day Tournament!

ENTRY FEE - $500 includes crew and 2 anglers / $750 includes crew and 6 anglers Ladies Only tournament participants may depart from any inlet from Lake worth Inlet to the Ft, Pierce Inlet

ENTRY FEE - $3,000 4INCLUDES ANGLERS

All Events at Pirate’s Cove Resort & Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. • Port Salerno

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2.76 0.18 2.63 -0.36 2.9 0.09 2.71 -0.5 3 0.02 2.77 -0.57 3.04 -0.02 2.79 -0.56 3.01 -0.01 2.75 -0.48 2.93 0.04 2.67 -0.35 2.8 0.11 2.54 -0.17 2.64 0.2 2.4 0.02 2.48 0.27 2.25 0.2 2.32 0.32 2.14 0.36 2.19 0.33

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 L

22TU 2:20 AM 8:23 AM 2:38 PM 8:54 PM 23W 3:18 AM 9:19 AM 3:29 PM 9:45 PM 24TH 4:14 AM 10:11 AM 4:19 PM 10:32 PM 25F 5:06 AM 11:00 AM 5:09 PM 11:16 PM 26SA 5:54 AM 11:44 AM 5:56 PM 11:58 PM 27SU 6:39 AM 12:26 PM 6:41 PM 28M 12:38 AM 7:23 AM 1:06 PM 7:24 PM 29TU 1:16 AM 8:05 AM 1:45 PM 8:07 PM 30W 1:55 AM 8:46 AM 2:24 PM 8:49 PM 31TH 2:34 AM 9:28 AM 3:04 PM 9:30 PM

2.06 0.46 2.09 0.31 2.04 0.52 2.04 0.26 2.06 0.52 2.02 0.18 2.12 0.48 2.04 0.1 2.2 0.43 2.08 0.01 2.29 0.36 2.13 -0.07 2.37 0.3 2.18 -0.15 2.43 0.25 2.21 -0.21 2.47 0.2 2.24 -0.24 2.49 0.16 2.23

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he To third first w tourna Gliobl and to about discov and cu Th kick o at Cob on Fri Fishin Jan, 2 Saturd Re are lennys com the littlejim Tea sailfish of $15 with t

Third Annual Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament Set for Jan. 2 – Jan. 9, 2021 • Fish Any 3 of 8 Days

remaining 50% will be returned he Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial to winners. New this year is a Tournament will host its lady’s tournament and a junior third annual tournament the division. first week of January 2021. The An awards party will be held at tournament is organized to benefit Little Jim Bait and Tackle in Fort Glioblastoma medical research Pierce on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. and to share and spread awareness Both the captain’s and about Glioblastoma to someday award’s parties will feature live discover possible leads to its cause performances, food, auction, and cure. 50/50 and giveaways. All parties, The 2021 tournament will food, liquor, music, and door kick off with a captain’s meeting prizes are being provided by at Cobb’s Landing in Fort Pierce tournament sponsors. on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 at 7 p.m. The inaugural Lenny Schelin Fishing commences on Saturday, Jr. Memorial Tournament was Jan, 2, at 8 a.m., concluding on fished by 15 boats, over 50 fish Saturday, Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. were weighed in, and a donation Registrations and rules check awarded to The University are available online at of Miami Brain Cancer research lennyschelinmemorialtournament. fund in the amount of $15,000. com or follow the link for This past year, $40,000 was the Lenny Tournament on presented to The Cleveland Clinic littlejimbaitandtackle.com. Martin Heath Foundation for Teams can choose between a Brain Cancer Research. This year sailfish division, with an entry fee of $1500 per team, or meat division, will have three declared fishing of entry fees will be donated to with the entry fee of $500. Teams days during the week. Fifty-percent research for Glioblastoma and the SEE TOURNAMENT..................... PAGE 26

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TREASURE COAST 23

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL By Vincent Encomio, UF/IFAS FL Sea Grant Extension Agent for Martin and St. Lucie Counties

aw oysters are among the freshest seafoods that you can eat. They are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. Oysters also have the highest zinc content of any food. Zinc can improve response to infection. Raw oysters with a splash of lemon juice (Zinc + Vitamin C) may be the ultimate natural immune booster! Oysters are also a very sustainable seafood, so you can feel good about eating them too! But a big barrier to eating raw oysters at home is that many people

Oysters on the Half Shell

INGREDIENTS

• 1 dozen oysters • Sliced lemons for the oysters • ¼ cup of your favorite vinegar (red or white wine, champagne, rice vinegar, or combine!) • 1 tablespoon minced shallots • ¼ teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper, or to taste • Lemon juice and/or zest, to taste

don’t know how to shuck an oyster. DIRECTIONS In my Florida Seafood At Your 1. Slice lemons and prepare mignonette sauce before shucking oysters. Fingertips Live! Webinar (view at Mix sauce ingredients and set aside in the refrigerator. facebook.com/floridaseagrant), I 2. Shuck oysters carefully and place on serving dish. Place shucked show you how to safely shuck oysters oysters in the refrigerator, or on ice while shucking others. Careful so you can enjoy them just like at your not to spill the juice, or liquor, in the shell! favorite raw bar. It’s a really simple, 3. Squeeze lemons and/or add sauce to oysters, to taste. healthy dish, and a great way to 4. Slurp and enjoy! Wash down with your favorite white wine. support your local seafood industry. Although oysters can be enjoyed with just a squeeze of lemon, or even nothing at all, I include a classic WHERE TO BUY OYSTERS be found here (https://www.fdacs. mignonette sauce to add to your Your local seafood market. A gov/Consumer-Resources/Buyoysters. list of Florida seafood markets can Fresh-From-Florida/Seafood-Retail-

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Fishermen oystering in Apalachicola Bay at Indian Pass.

PHOTO CREDIT: Stan Kirkland/FWC.

Markets). Several aquaculture farms can attain wild harvestable size (3”+ length) between 2-4+ years. sell direct to consumer as well. The eastern oyster is a keystone species, providing filtration, WHEN TO BUY OYSTERS Despite the lore of eating oysters shoreline stabilization, and reef only during the “R” months (e.g. habitat that supports many other September to April), you can still animals. Oysters are the dominant buy quality oysters year-round from reef forming organism in temperate Florida oyster farmers, even during waters, only surpassed by corals in the summer, or non-”R” months the tropics. Under ideal conditions (May to August). Many farmers sell adult oysters can filter up to 20-50 triploid oysters which do not spawn, gallons of water per day. Historical remaining meaty during the summer. (back to the 1600’s) populations in the The advice to only eat oysters during Chesapeake Bay could filter the entire the winter and spring descended volume of the Bay in less than a week! from historical fishery regulations that restricted harvesting during the summer months to allow oysters to reproduce (an early sustainable practice!) – not because of concerns over shellfish safety. That being said, warmer waters still carry a greater risk of bacteria. Nowadays, however, the state regularly monitors shellfish leases Oyster farms may use floating to ensure good water quality and (shown here) or suspended a safe product. Shellfish beds will bags to grow oysters. close if water quality is impaired (high bacterial counts and/or PHOTO CREDIT: Rabbitti/Shutterstock. during harmful algal blooms). Even with good water quality, there are WILD VS. FARMED OYSTERS Although traditionally harvested strict guidelines for handling and processing shellfish from harvest to wild, mainly in Apalachicola Bay, declines of the commercial oyster wholesaler. fishery spurred the rise of oyster aquaculture. Florida Sea Grant was HOW TO BUY OYSTERS Ask to see the processing tag instrumental in training prospective to see where and when the oysters oyster farmers, creating a growing were harvested. Try to choose your new Florida seafood industry. own oysters. If they are open, they Fished or farmed, Florida oysters are are dead – do not select those (and delicious either way! So again, please join me on inform your fish monger). You can rap oysters with another one, and Seafood at Your Fingertips LIVE! if they sound hollow and feel light to enjoy delicious, healthy and in weight compared to others, don’t sustainable Fresh from Florida select those. Always keep in mind that oysters. Tune in live on Facebook and eating raw shellfish still carries a risk. visit our website to view new and past If you have any concerns about recipes. Bon apétit! eating raw oysters, you can always cook your oysters WHAT ARE WE EATING? The eastern oyster is the predominant oyster species along the eastern seaboard of North America and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Adults grow to 3-5” in length, generally, but can grow larger. Depending on their location, they

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TOURNAMENT................. FROM PAGE 23 corporation and is fully funded

by donations with 50% of the tournament organizers have set a goal Tournaments registration fees paid of $50,000 to be awarded, more boats out for prizes. To ensure a successful tournament, the non-profit depends and larger prize amounts. on contributions made by sponsors Staggering Numbers of all dimensions. For those who do not or do not want to fish, there • There are 130-different types are a number of ways to support the of brain tumors. efforts of the tournament, whether by • An estimated 700,000 Americans individual donations, sponsorships are living with a brain tumor. 50/50 drawing, donated auction items • An estimated 87,240 people will and bidding on the auction items. receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2020 About Lenny Jr. • Glioblastoma is the most Lenny was an avid fisherman both commonly occurring primary recreationally and professionally. malignant brain tumor. His love for the sport brought him (accounting for 14.6% of in contact with many in the fishing all tumors, and 48.3% of all community. He was well known and malignant tumors). respected for his fishing skills and his • For the most common form of intense dedication to the art of sport primary malignant brain tumors, fishing. This all came to a halt when Glioblastoma, the five-year relative he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma survival rate is only 6.8%. multiform brain tumor on Feb. 6, • An estimated 18,020 people will 2017 at the age of 32. Removal of the die from malignant brain tumors tumor was necessary, but it left him (brain cancer) in 2020 which is with memory loss, stamina depletion, approximately 1,300 more people and personality changes along with than 2019. loss of vision and stability. Not only did this take away his livelihood, but The Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial it would also take his life on July 28, Tournament is a non-profit 501(c)3 2018. For more tournament information, to become a sponsor or to donate, visit lennyschelinmemorialtournament.com

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PHOTO CREDIT: Backcountry Fishing Association.

FORT PIERCE’S PREMIER INSHORE FISHING TOURNAMENT SERIES

2020 Team of the Year, Zach Foltz and Kevin Slade.

BCFA 2021 TOURNAMENT SEASON KICKS OFF Backcountry Fishing JAN 1-2 Association

he Backcountry Fishing Association will kick off its 2021 season with a captain’s meeting on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 and fishing on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021 at Little Jim Bait and Tackle, located at 601 North Causeway, Fort Pierce, Fla. The Backcountry Fishing Association is a nine-month circuit, which runs from January through September, finishing with its twoday Classic in October. Teams must fish in at least five tournaments to be eligible to fish the Classic. The artificial lure only tournament gives two-person teams and solo anglers monthly opportunities to win cash and earn points. Redfish, trout and snook

Fort Pierce, FL

(seasonal) are the qualified species. Anglers attempt to bring one legal fish of each species to the scales for weigh in and live release. Membership fees are $25 for the year. To enter the tournament each month, the fee is $60 per team. At the end of the 2020 season, the association had 67 teams, a total of 134 members, and an average of 39 boats per tournament. For more information, visit the Backcounty Fishing Association on Facebook.

Backcountry Fishing Association Fort Pierce, FL

Next Tournament

Saturday, January 2nd Captain’s Meeting Friday, January 1st SNOOK, REDFISH & TROUT - Artificial Lures Only THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 SPONSORS:

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TREASURE COAST 27

SaltWater SistersTournament Raises Funds for Friends in Pink ABOVE: Kelly Johnson, Top Lady Angler and first place sailfish, and second place snapper, with Rob Gluckman, and Brittany Baumgatner, second place sailfish and first place snapper caught aboard Unbelievable with Capt. VJ Bell. LEFT: Unbelievable Capt VJ, Brittany Baumgartner and Rob Gluckman. BELOW: Madelyn McDowell, first place dolphin.

he Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation hosted the SaltWaters Sisters PHOTOS CREDIT: Leonard Bryant Photography. Ladies Fishing Tournament for the 35th year Oct. 16-17, 2020. Nine inlet tournament day. in Pink, a non-profit that helps those boats registered for the tournament; The Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler in need of financial assistance while however, the weather was a little Tournament benefits the Treasure fighting breast cancer. “sporty” and only six boats broke the Coast’s local organization, Friends “Since 2005, Friends in Pink has helped more than 300 individuals pay for life-saving treatments and surgeries, that they otherwise might not have been able to afford,” said club president, Charlie Conigliaro. Keeping with social distancing guidelines, tournament organizers kept registration evening brief with a preview of silent auction items and a kayak raffle, which was won by Dan Cremins. There were three sailfish releases and limited fish brought to the weigh-in. “The silent auction is essential to the fundraising efforts of the SaltWater Sisters Ladies tournament. We thank those who participated in first ‘Virtual Silent Auction’ and And Reach The entire our for making it a huge success,” added TReAsuRe CoAsT Conigliaro. “The Stuart Sailfish Foundation has donated more every Month! Club than $39,700 to local Breast Cancer u.s. CiRCulATion 400,000 Charities over the past few years. The Club will present Friends in Pink TReAsuRe CoAsT 10,000 with another donation, bringing the total to well over $40,000.” Magazine and ads also available online, so readers around the world can find you. And, your online ad links to your website! For more information on this year’s

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28 TREASURE COAST

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SaltWater Sisters Lady Angler Fishing Tournament, visit www. StuartSailfishClub.com/tournaments or Stuart Sailfish Club on Facebook. The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation is a 501(c)3, not for profit organization.

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TOURNAMENT RESULTS SAILFISH: First Place - Kelly Johnson, Unbelievable; Second Place - Brittany Baumgartner, Unbelievable DOLPHIN: First Place - Madelyn McDowell, 10.5 pounds, Azule Cielo; Second Place - Stella Bray, 8.4 pounds, Finsatiable SNAPPER: First Place - Brittany Baumgartner, 2.2 pounds Unbelievable; Second Place - Kelly Johnson, 2.0 pounds Unbelievable Top Lady Angler: Kelly Johnson, Unbelievable Polley Whippen Award for Club Member: Carolyn Smith, Austintatious Top Junior Angler: One junior angler fished on Safari 1, but no fish were caught. Great effort by Sage Bourque.

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SAWFISH NEWS By Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

Anglers Can Help with Sawfish Recovery and Conservation

he population of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) in the United States experienced a dramatic decline during the 20th century caused by overfishing, habitat loss, and the species’ limited reproductive potential. Given the decline, NOAA Fisheries listed the U.S. population of smalltooth sawfish as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2003. The ultimate goal of the listing is to recover the population to the point that it no longer needs the protections of the ESA; therefore, NOAA Fisheries convened the U.S. Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Implementation Team (SSRIT) to develop and implement a plan to recover the U.S smalltooth sawfish population. The team identified the

most severe threats to the population and recommended specific steps for recovery, focusing on (1) educating the public to minimize human interactions with sawfish and any associated injury and mortality, (2) protecting and/or restoring important sawfish habitats, and (3) ensuring sawfish abundance and distribution increase. As the SSRIT lead, I am happy to report that, despite the pandemic, our team has been able to continue our work to implement the recovery plan, protect the remaining sawfish in the United States, and rebuild the

population. One of the best ways to track the effectiveness of ongoing management and conservation efforts is to collect information about the sawfish encounters of divers, fishers, and others. Details of public sightings and captures of sawfish can substantially increase the data we have about the species, allowing us to make management and policy decisions that are reflective of the realities in the water. Because of their countless hours on the water, we are seeking to partner with the angling community to collect information about their sawfish interactions. Our team developed the guidelines below to inform anglers about how to safely and legally release any sawfish accidentally caught while fishing: • Release sawfish immediately • Leave the sawfish, especially the gills, in the water at all times • Never lift a sawfish from the water or drag it ashore • Do not use gaffs or ropes to secure any captured sawfish • Cut the line as close to the hook as safely possible

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• Share the details of your sawfish catch with scientists Anglers should note that advertising fishing trips or charters aimed at catching endangered smalltooth sawfish can be considered “targeting,” which is a violation of the ESA. And I strongly urge that the following conservation messaging be included in all social media posts regarding sawfish catches: Sawfish are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Help protect this critically endangered species by following NOAA Fisheries handling and release guidelines available at www. SawfishRecovery.org. You can promote sawfish recovery by following these guidelines and educating others about them. Please share your sawfish encounters by visiting www.SawfishRecovery. org, calling 1-844-4SAWFISH, or emailing sawfish@myfwc.com. Your encounter reports will be used to track recovery of the population and steer research efforts, which will ultimately benefit the species and the areas in which you fish. Tonya Wiley may be contacted at Tonya@havenworth.org or (941) 201-2685.

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he 47th annual Stuart Boat Show, named as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast, kicks off the 2021 boat show season Friday, January 15-17, 2021 in the “Sailfish Capital of the World”. The largest boat show on Florida’s Treasure Coast features more than 175 local, national, and international exhibitors displaying hundreds of boats in water and on land, including the latest models of motoryachts, cruisers, center consoles, speedboats, sportfishing boats, and pontoons ranging from 12 feet to more than 90 feet in length. Stroll the grounds and see what’s new in personal watercraft, marine electronics, outboard and inboard engines, accessories, boat lifts, fishing gear, and safety equipment; talk insurance and financing with experts, and browse the jewelry and nautical wear. The Stuart Boat Show has something that will interest every boating enthusiast. There will be plenty of music, delicious food, and drinks to add to the festivities. Parking for the boat show is 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. A free shuttle service will take you directly to and from the show. This year, due to the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19 safety protocols have been established at the Stuart Boat Show based on the latest recommendations and guidelines of the Florida Department of Health,

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Friday, January 15 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, January 16 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, January 17 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. Tickets will be on sale at the gate, but for faster, contactless service, advance ticket purchase online is strongly recommended. http://www. stuartboatshow.com/tickets The Stuart Boat Show is owned by the Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast and produced by AllSports Productions, LLC.

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Frank Orio and a friend with #muttonbutfun fishing with Savage Pursuit Fishing Charters out of Fort Pierce. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Frank.

Kevin Council caught this beauty on a live finger mullet at the C-24 Canal Spillway in Port St. Lucie, estimated to be 34 -36 inches. She was released right after the pic and swam off strong.

Kurt Depuydt with a nice redfish. PHOTO SUPPLIED by Kurt.

PHOTO SUPPLIED by Kevin.

Capt. Tony Schaus shared this pic of a 43-pound mackerel caught with The Bounty Sportfishing in 80 feet of water outside of the St. Lucie Inlet. PHOTO CREDIT: John Lumberson.

Avid angler Jesse with a with a 20-pound gag grouper and 10-pound mutton snapper.

Michael Vars with a 30-inch snook, his first slot snook caught from the beach. Michael used a D.O.A. C.A.L. paddle tail on a 1/4 jig head, while fishing in the trough of Jensen Beach to hook up this keeper.

PHOTO CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.

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Rhonda DuBord with a 10-pound-plus black margate grunt caught off the second buoy east of the Fort Pierce Inlet. PHOTO CREDIT: Pete Knoll.

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SURF EXPO COMING TO ORLANDO JAN. 6-8

urf Expo is gearing up for its upcoming in-person trade show to be held January 6-8, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse in Orlando, Florida. “Our top priority is to reunite the industry together safely. Our team is committed to creating a live experience where we can safely and effectively conduct business,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo Show Director and SVP. Bluewater at Surf Expo caters to the waterman’s lifestyle and will feature top fishing apparel and accessory brands, including: AFTCO, AVID, Bimini Bay, Fish Hard Gear, What the Fin, Flomotion, Hook & Tackle, Weekender, Kanga and more. As the Premier Watersports & Beach Lifestyle Marketplace serving manufacturers and buyers in the watersports, beach and resort industries since 1976, Surf Expo’s January event has cemented its reputation as the one-stop-shop to preview and get a first-hand look at the latest and greatest fishing apparel and accessories that will lead the industry in 2021. Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours. Surf Expo has in place a comprehensive preparedness, prevention and response plan, based on guidance issued by the by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and federal, state, and local governments. More information can be found on surfexpo.com.

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Targeting Trophy Seatrout D

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONTROLLED DESCENT LURES

This trip was a few days after a cold front, and the air and water had begun to warm. Being late fall, the tide had not dropped drastically, as it does when winter takes grip on the bay and chills and lowers the water significantly. This area was a soft bottom covered with grass and scattered potholes. My feet would sink half way up my foot and occasionally ankle deep. The water was very clear, and the wind was blowing into the shore. The mud bottom combined with clear shallow water made this the ideal location for the water to be a few degrees warmer than the surrounding area. The entire area was not more than 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep. This shore also had the key ingredient, active bait in the form of mullet. Due to the depth of the water and the abundance of sea grass, my lure needed to be weedless. This ruled out big trout lures with treble hooks. Even a modified dangling single hook would foul with a few cranks of the reel. There was also floating grass to contend with, and my single-hook topwaters were not enticing strikes, despite all the fishy signs being there. Since the water temp was cool and the fish somewhat lethargic, I slowed my approach and presentation. Rigging a slow-sinking soft-plastic paddletail on a 1/16-ounce weedless weighted hook gave the desired presentation. The action I utilized was as simple as it gets, and one that is frequently overlooked. Long casts were key due to the clear water and wary eyes of larger trout. Fan casting to cover 180 degrees ensured I did not miss any opportunities. By Capt. Michael Okruhlik This also allowed me to bring my lure through the cover at differing angles in relation to the wind, current and sun angle. The retrieve was a simple reel and pause. A few cranks of the reel handle fluttered the paddletail; a pause allowed the lure to slowly descend from a few inches under the surface to the top of the grass or sand if it was over a pothole. All of the fish that day o trophy seatrout excite you? They definitely excite me, and I will go over struck the lure on the pause. When it comes to tricking a trophy, sometimes it requires a different the events that led to the catch and release of the 8-pound trout in this photo. Perhaps something in the approach will help you hook-up with approach. The angler willing to think outside the box and concentrate on big trout will be rewarded. more true trophies. On this particular December trip, I set out specifically target large trout. To Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures consistently catch trout over 7 pounds, you must target them. They donâ€™t behave with the built-in tail rattle, Controlled Descent Lures like schooling-size trout, and you need to fish a little differently and have patience. and owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com

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PHOTO BY JED RECORD

THE HIGHER THE SUN, THE DEEPER THE BITE TIM BAREFOOT

e’ve all experienced the mid-day slowdown, when a hot morning bite tapers off into nothing more than a boat ride. There’s a pretty simple explanation for this lull after the early morning feeding period. It’s right above our heads; it’s the sun! Fish don’t have Maui Jims… or even eyelids. Anything with a big eye, like wahoo or tuna, uses water depth to regulate the amount of light that reaches them. The fish haven’t stopped feeding. They’ve retreated to depths where they are more comfortable. It’s the reason why the planer rod is many times the only rod working during the middle of the day. That rod is attached to the only bait you’ve got down deep. There’s no rule that says you have to use ballyhoo and/or keep the trolling speed at 6 or 7 knots. Here’s a little tip I learned from another captain that has proven deadly during the mid-day lull. Try this on for size: Slow down significantly and put a couple big natural baits down on a downrigger. Ballyhoo are the trolling bait of choice for good reason. Ballyhoo are responsible for more trolling fish than all other baits combined. They are not, however, a naturally occurring baitfish everywhere. You know what is a natural forage item everywhere? Squid! It is the bait that is down deep where the fish are, and it is a bait they eat. I’ve said it many times, “Don’t go to a Chinese restaurant and order a pizza.” Well, squid are like General Tso’s chicken when fish dive to escape the glaring sun. On the downrigger with release clips, set one squid at 50 feet and another at 100 feet deep. One or both of them are all but certain to get a bite. Catching fish while all the other boats are just riding is

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fun, and another thing I like about this style of fishing is it lightens up the tackle considerably. Instead of winching a wahoo to the boat on the planer rod, you can use your stand-up tackle very effectively. I know what you’re thinking… “Squid are so dang difficult to rig, and they are not readily available in the size I need.” Think again! Recently, big beautiful squid have become “plug-and-play” easy to rig in seconds on a Chin Weight. They are readily available via Fed Ex or UPS. A major seafood importer has listened to us and now delivers the goods! Visit my website for details on both. Click on the video “Squid on a Chin Weight” for all the details.

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LIFE IS A BEACH

Surf Casting Against The Wind O

ne factor to consider when surf casting is the wind. Recent tropical storms and weather conditions have made fishing on the beach difficult. The winter months at the beach are notoriously windy; so what do you do? There are a couple strategies. If there’s an easterly wind, with the wind in your face, it makes casting harder, so you need heavier weight. I usually use a 3/8-ounce jig or a ¾-ounce spoon, but against a strong wind I’ll add weight and go with a ½-ounce to ¾-ounce jig or a 2-ounce Crocodile spoon. If the breakers are 150 yards out and the water is churning, you need to reach the cut where the fish are. On low tide, sometimes you need to get in the water and get wet. The fish are not able to feed in the trough near the shore, and you need to get your lure out to them. In rough water, I favor a slow, steady retrieve because the fish have a hard time finding your lure in the churning froth. Unless you see bait and feeding fish, keep the lure near the bottom and work it slowly. Remember, no matter the weather, fish are there and they are feeding… maybe just a little farther from the first cut. Here on the Treasure Coast, there are always plenty of snook on the beach, and they get shallow no matter the weather. Until the water temperature drops to the mid-70s there will be snook action. The coldwater fish like bluefish, pompano, mackerel and jack are active all winter long and can be taken on jigs in the surf. Pompano like deeper water, so casting for them in the ocean is impractical. Fishing the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon is much easier. Around the inlets (Ft. Piece; St. Lucie; Jupiter) there are places you can fish where you don’t have to cast directly into the wind. When you go around the bend at Bathtub Beach, you can get the wind out of your face and have it on your left side and eventually at your back as you go around the bend. Remember, the lagoon is accessible in heavy wind, and any 20 mph wind, whether east or west, can be fished by fishing the side with the wind at your back. There are also protected areas like bridges and coves. You can fish these when there’s a mostly north or south wind. Put on your waders and fish the side of the lagoon with the wind mostly to your back. As always, fish the rising and falling tides and find places in the lagoon where the wind isn’t so strong. Don’t let the wind keep you off the water. Tighten up your hat and go fishing! For more information about the Stuart Rod and Reel Club, visit stuartrodandreelclub.com or call (336) 414-3440.

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FLORIDA SEATROUT SEASONS

ome recreational harvest closures for spotted seatrout are coming up over the next few months in Florida. In the Central East Zone, harvest closed PHOTO BY NICK CARTER in November and will remain closed through December. This includes all state and federal waters from Palm Beach through Volusia counties. In the Western Panhandle Zone, from Escambia County through portions of Gulf County, harvest will close for the month of February 2021. Spotted seatrout, red drum and snook remain catch-and-release only through May 31, 2021 in waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County. This is a proactive change to conserve spotted seatrout impacted by red tide in southwest Florida. While the red tide has subsided, the fishery needs time to recover. For more information, see myfwc.com.

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PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

NEW YEAR PICK-UP

he year is winding down. Holiday season is here—a time for giving gifts and making resolutions. It would be great to tap into this spirit and close out this covid-marred year on a high note. I’d like to offer a suggestion to all you divers out there about how to do just that. Since mid-year, as covid restrictions began to ease, the South Florida dive industry has been working hard toward recovery. Many changes have been made to address health concerns, and most dive operators are up and running. If you live near good diving, a resolution to “dive local” will certainly speed their recovery. As you familiarize yourself with local sites, consider making a second resolution. Try adding a volunteer “citizen science” component to your diving! There are many ways you can do this, but what could be better than channeling your efforts into improving your diving environment? Since 2011, Project Aware has been running its noteworthy Dive against Debris program. Eight million tons of trash enter the ocean each

year, with upwards of 70 percent of that ending up on the bottom. Out of sight, out of mind. But that’s where most SCUBA divers spend their time, so who better to enlist as volunteers in addressing the problem? This unique program not only runs underwater clean-ups, but also carefully catalogs the “what, when and where” of everything collected. Its results are impressive. Although the covid outbreak has disrupted both the collection and recording of data, the program is currently closing in on 2-million pieces of debris retrieved globally—quite a feat for an allvolunteer effort. The heavy emphasis on collecting data—amount, category, type, location and date—is essential in helping get the problem under control. Identifying patterns at sites over time helps identify potential sources of the offending material—a necessary step in ultimately eliminating, or at least controlling them. To be useful for scientific analysis, the data must be carefully collected and reported in a consistent manner. Dive Against Debris’ website (www. projectaware.org/diveagainstdebris) provides a host of information on what is required. In Palm Beach County, Pura Vida Divers bundles this helpful information into the PADI Dive Against Debris specialty course. You will learn how to conduct a Dive Against Debris survey and how to identify, report and dispose of what you collect. Then, use that knowledge on more dives! The course even counts toward your Advanced Open Water certification. To join an upcoming Dive Against Debris class, contact Pura Vida Divers at 561-840-8750 or email reservations@puravidadivers.com. Even if you don’t take the course, Pura Vida Divers commitment to help clean up the ocean can help you with yours. They are the AdoptA-Park sponsors for Phil Foster Park through Palm Beach County and have adopted the Blue Heron Bridge through Project AWARE. They will loan you gloves, mesh bags and grabbers to do individual clean-ups at the Bridge or on their charters. For more on the Dive Against Debris program, go to www.projectaware.org/diveagainstdebris.

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J.O. SPICE COMPANY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS AND 4 GENERATIONS

teamed blue crabs seasoned with J.O. No.2 or a custom blend that J.O. manufactures is the flavor people experience at crab establishments all over. Most people credit this crab house seasoning to another product but J.O. has been the crab houses’ seasoning of choice since 1945. J.O. Spice, started by J.O. (James Ozzle) Strigle and his wife Dot in Baltimore City in 1945, is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. A native of Tangier Island, Va., J.O. Strigle brought the seafood spice blend he created in his kitchen on the island to Maryland. Jane McPhaul, J.O.’s daughter took over operations of the family business in the late eighties while her son, Don Ports, was serving in the Marine Corps. In 1990 Don joined his mother in the family business with a vision to expand. In the summer of 1991 Don met his spice girl, Ginger, with the pick up line, “you’re destined to be mine; you’re named for a spice,” said J.O. Spice Company president Don Ports to wife Ginger Ports the moment they met. Twenty eight years later, Don and Ginger- alongside their children Brittany, Tyler and Bethany, are continuing the family traditions of quality seasonings, spices, and more at reasonable prices at their Halethorpe based J.O. Spice Company. “We can provide crab houses everything they need for the crab eating experience, minus the crabs”, Don says. The company added crab boxes, crab paper, bushel baskets, crab knives, crab mallets and a variety of other items to their offerings. “We purchased our first laser engraver and that opened the door to the retail gift world and personalized options,” Don says. J.O. specializes in custom blended seasonings for pizza companies, pit beef stands, butchers, potato chip companies and more. We are more than seafood seasonings. “My children, the fourth generation, and our amazing team work side-by-side to make all of this happen,” Ginger says. “At J.O., we are all family who enjoy working with so many other family businesses. We are blessed.” Please visit us at jospices.com.

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BLUE CAT CRUSHES GEORGIA RECORD

Florida man fishing Georgia’s Chattahoochee River caught a 110-pound, 6-ounce blue catfish Oct. 17. The monster blue cat crushed the existing state record by more than 17 pounds. Tim Trone, of Havana, Fla., was fishing the Chatt Kat tournament out of Florence Marina on the upper end of Lake Eufaula when he caught the monster fish. He had run way up the river south of Columbus, Ga., and dropped baits in about 50 feet of water when the giant catfish picked up a piece of cut bream Trone was using for bait. Surprisingly, the fish didn’t put up much of a fight. “I reeled it up like a 100-pound log,” Trone told a reporter from the Tallahassee Democrat. “It was just a little bump. It took about three minutes to reel it in.” Trone’s blue catfish bested the previous record of 93 pounds, which has stood since 2017. That fish was caught on the Altamaha River in southeast Georgia. The current IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 143 pounds. It was caught on Virginia’s Kerr Lake.

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Fall Specials from Suzuki Marine Fish On! Make sure you don’t REPOWER miss a single bite this fall. Reel FINANCE in a super low finance rate from Suzuki Marine or hook a select model and get instant savings. Now bring it home with Gimme Six, get six years INSTANT of protection without SAVINGS paying extra! SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

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