Coastal Angler Magazine | October 2019 | Treasure Coast Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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Bull Reds

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Fly Fishing PRODUCT REVIEW PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BOOTH VOLUME 24 â€¢ ISSUE 295

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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

OCTOBER 2019

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Abel VAYA Vaya is Spanish for “GO!” as in go outside, go on an adventure or go fishing. Crafted by avid Colorado anglers, Abel’s VAYA series of fly reels introduces an allnew technical look and feel, paired with outstanding performance. The partially-ported VAYA frame offers the unique combination of minimized weight, incredible rigidity and just enough surface area to highlight Abel’s hand-anodized finishes, which are offered in numerous awesome colors and patterns, from flat black to brown trout, dorado and many more. Available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.

Filson Rugged Twill Compact Rod Case Filson has earned its reputation for sturdy quality construction and products that are overbuilt to handle the rigors sportsmen put their gear through. The Rugged Twill Compact Rod Case holds two 9-foot, 4-piece rods in their tubes with exterior pockets to hold reels and accessories. This lightweight yet durable case is perfect for days when you’ll need two rods and want to keep them safe when not in use. It’s constructed of water-repellant and abrasion-resistant 100 percent cotton Rugged Twill with brass hardware and bridle leather straps.

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Ross Reels Animas

Rod Vault ST Why waste time threading line through the guides? The vehicle-mounted fly rod storage solution from Denver Outfitter allows recreational anglers and professionals to arrive at their fishing destination with fly rods and reels intact, fully-rigged and ready to fish. Two roof-mounted aircraft grade anodized aluminum tubes hold two, three or four fully rigged fly rods up to 10’6 in length, and a locking reel housing area easily fits most fly reels. Protective polypropylene liners inside the Rod Vault eliminate rod on metal contact protecting guides and rod tips from abrasion. The Rod Vault was specifically over-engineered to keep valuable equipment safe in almost any circumstance. Stainless steel hardware ensures the RodVault will remain rust free no matter the fishing environment and fiberglass infused nylon construction protects the reel housing, mounting hardware and aerodynamic nose cone from UV degradation. Whether storing rods to fish before or after work or traveling across the country on an epic fishing trip the Rod Vault is designed to keep gear safe. Available in three models, the Rod Vault 2 holds two fly rods, the Rod Vault Original for three fly rods and the Rod Vault 4 holding four fly rods.

Ross Reels has taken the time-proven features that made the original Animas a guide favorite and introduced new machined features to bring the new Animas fly reel into the modern era of Ross. Proudly Americanmade in Colorado and weighing just over 4 ounces, the new Animas features a compositedisc drag system and an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle, which gets tackier when wet. A new troublefree spool release yields zeromaintenance performance, allowing the Animas to be ready for any fresh or saltwater excursion. The new Animas is available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.

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THE BAHAMAS: BEAUTIFUL, DANGEROUS

although great variability exists between the northern and southern islands. This variability is most easily seen on Andros, the largest Bahamian island, where pine forests dominate in the north and give way to more tropical vegetation in the south. The majority of The Bahamas are low lying, with about 80 percent of the islands less than 15 feet above sea level. This, along with the fact that the islands span a great distance in warm tropical waters, make them attractive to tourists, who flock in for beautiful beaches, friendly faces and fantastic fishing. The Bahamas are heavily reliant on tourism, and for many “Family Islands,” angling tourism is vital for their survival. Unfortunately, these geographical traits also make The Bahamas susceptible to flooding and damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. The expansive nature of the islands of The Bahamas is a mixed blessing. Being large means Bahamians are more likely to be impacted somewhere in the chain by severe weather, but it also means many areas will remain untouched. This was the case with Hurricane Dorian, which devastated the two most northern islands, Abaco and Grand Bahama, but left countless others unharmed. The impact from Dorian on Abaco and Grand Bahama is catastrophic, and the outpourings of aid a blessing. One of the best ways to help The Bahamas overcome this tragedy, and future events, is to help the tourism-based economy by travelling to untouched parts of the islands. The author with a Bahamian bonefish caught from Andros Island while fishing out of the Two Boys Inn with one of the many legendary Neymour For anglers, this is a great opportunity to fish new waters. If you have family of guides. never been, try Andros, the Exumas, Long Island, Bimini, Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Inagua or many other fantastic destinations By Tom Karrow throughout The Bahamas. he Bahamas are roughly 700 islands and cays with an additionIn this time of need, take the opportunity to help The Bahamas and Baal 5,000 low-lying rocks. Only about 30 of the 700 islands are hamians by simply booking a trip and getting on the water. Grab your fainhabited, leaving hundreds of tropical islands for wildlife. The vorite rods, reels, lines and leaders, tie up some Gotcha flies and give it a go. chain stretches more than 500 miles from the Island of Inagua in the Tom Karrow, PhDc, MES, BES, BED, is nearing completion of a PhD in Gesoutheast, to the northernmost island of Grand Bahama, an economic ography and Environmental Management, focused on sustainability of The Bahahub for the islands. mian bonefishing industry through ethnography. He was a research fellow at the Situated off the southeast coast of the continental United States, University of The Bahamas and is sponsored by R.L.Winston Fly Rods, Nautilus the climate is dominated by warm tropical-like air and water currents, Fly Reels, FishPond Gear, Costa Sunglasses and Simms.

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FLORIDA

NIGHTTIME

SNOOK

TAC T I C S

By John Saporito

ike many predatory fish, snook are more active under cover of darkness. In fact, fishing at night might be the single biggest thing you can do to increase your odds of connecting with quality snook. Night fishing is, however, a much different game than fishing under the sun. When the sun goes down, many snook leave their daytime habitat and head into shallow water to hunt. They can often be found in the shadow lines around piers and bridges, and may be holding tight to

shore in canals and bays. Many anglers are stunned to come across snook that are right at their feet as they fish shorelines at night. Snook make this move because the darkness gives them both a sense of security and a feeding advantage over their prey. It’s important, therefore, that you be cautious when stalking these fish. Move quietly and be careful not to produce any vibrations that will reach the fish and scare them away. The night is generally much quieter than the day, and clumsy movements are likely to be picked up by wary snook. In addition, you should never shine a flashlight on the water you will be fishing. This is a surefire way to doom your chances of hooking up. Although fish may be attracted to consistent light sources—such as lampposts on bridges and docks—erratic, unpredictable lights will spook them in a hurry. The lure types and colors you choose should be different from what you carry in your daytime arsenal. Snook switch from using the color-sensitive cone cells in their eyes to using their rod cells, which are honed to capture silhouette and profile rather than color and fine detail. It’s a good practice to choose your offerings accordingly. Dark lures, especially black and purple, are deadly at night. For a snook looking up from below, a dark lure will stand out well against the night sky, which is bright compared to the water beneath it. The more contrast you provide, the easier it is for these gamefish to find your lure. Baitfish and other prey items will also actively feed in the darkness, and swimming plugs are extremely effective at night as a result. Lures with rattles and those that produce enticing ultra-sonic vibrations will do well for you, as snook favor audible cues and vibration detection by both their inner ear and lateral line in the absence of color vision. A word of caution to those who choose to pursue snook at night: Although your catch numbers may increase dramatically, night fishing can be a dangerous game. Always have a fishing buddy with you and be extra careful around slick surfaces such as seawalls, jetties and rock pilings. Be sure to have your phone charged in case of emergency—and also to take photos of your trophy snook before you release it. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com and follow on Instagram @guerilla_angling

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CHEECA LODGE ALL AMERICAN BACKCOUNTRY TOURNAMENT

ar heroes will compete with world-class anglers at the Seventh Annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament Nov. 7-9, 2019 at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Fla. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the event invites two war heroes to join the tournament inspired by 41st President George Bush, who frequented Cheeca and the Florida Keys to pursue his love of fishing. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. “The All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament is part of Cheeca Lodge’s iconic legacy,” said Paul Burke, of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. “We’re excited to partner with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and to welcome Bruce Melnick, a former American astronaut and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, who will fish the tournament.” All American anglers fish on a guided charter boat or their own boat

with a licensed guide. They compete for trophies and awards for releasing five different species of inshore fish: snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. Individual and team trophies will be awarded for fly, general tackle/spinning/conventional and artificial lure divisions. Live bait is permitted in the general tackle division. Tournament entry fee is $1,500 per angler, offering two social events with dinner and beverages for four people, including the angler, guide and one guest each. Also included is a daily continental breakfast dockside at World Wide Sportsman, boxed lunches for anglers and guides and a gift bag per person. Social events will be held at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a sportsman paradise renowned for barefoot elegance, with fishing departing from nearby World Wide Sportsman. This first-class tournament will kick-off on Thursday, Nov. 7 with a cocktail reception, rules meeting, patriotic banquet on the beach and live auction. Competitive fishing hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. The tournament culminates on Saturday with an awards ceremony and banquet, where anglers can mingle with fishing celebrities such as world-famous fly angler, Stu Apte. Awards for Individual Grand Champion, Individual Runner-Up, Grand Champion Team, Runner-Up Grand Champion Team, Champions in the Fly, Artificial and General Tackle Divisions and Best Photo will be presented. New for 2019 is a Friday evening reception and presentation by Bruce Melnick from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Cheeca, included in the entry fee. While the tournament’s social events are included in the tournament registration, social-only tickets for the public are available in limited quantity by calling (305) 517-4512 or e-mailing lthornhill@cheeca.com to reserve. Social tickets are $70 for Thursday’s kickoff dinner and auction; $25 for the reception with Bruce Melnick and $95 for Saturday’s Awards Banquet. Cheeca will also host the 30th Annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 24-26, 2020, the second leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship.

For more information, visit www.cheeca.com/all-american, www.cheeca.com/presidential or call (305) 517-4512.

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Does Age Matter?

Photo by Zachary Nolan Divers swim over the deck of the Ana Cecilia.

By John Lidington pril, 1968—a time early in Palm Beach County’s history of artificial-reef-building. The Mizpah floats about a mile off of Singer Island. That’s a problem. She’s supposed to be on the bottom 200 feet below, but refuses to sink. More holes are cut in her hull, and eventually she goes under. During that prolonged descent, the Gulf Stream has intervened, pushing her into shallower water. She lands upright on the sand, less than 100 feet down. Fast forward to July, 2016. About 150 yards south of Mizpah’s position, the Ana Cecilia is set to become the next addition to Palm Beach County’s artificial reef system. Her interior has been stripped of potential snags, and doors and hatches have been removed to allow access to her interior. The goal is to attract divers and fish. Unlike Mizpah, Ana Cecilia slips swiftly beneath the waves to her resting place 85 feet below.

The two ships’ proximity makes it easy to explore both on a single dive. That’s my plan as I ready my gear aboard Pura Vida Divers’ boat Sirena. I want to see just what 50 years of immersion does to a wreck. Similar in size (Ana Cecilia, 170 feet; Mizpah, 185 feet), the ships were sunk with outer structures intact and rest in the same environment. The big difference? Mizpah has been submerged 48 years longer. As the current carries me swiftly along the bottom, I see the Ana Cecilia’s bow emerging from the blue. She looks like a wreck should look—a ship on a journey that was interrupted. Encrusting sponges, hydroids and bryozoans are taking hold, but paint still shows in a few spots. Swimming through her open interior, I can imagine refloating her, scrubbing her and proceeding to port. Mizpah offers a very different experience. She’s now a true bottom feature. Most of her superstructure has collapsed. Marine growth is luxurious and includes gorgonians and cup corals. While both wrecks have plenty of fish (including goliath groupers), Mizpah’s increased growth attracts greater variety. Comparing the two, it’s obvious that wrecks don’t last forever. They create homes for marine life for a long, long time. But there’s a limit to how long a wreck will offer divers safe, easy penetration. Fresh wrecks keep the dive scene vibrant. To this end, the Palm Beach County Diving Association is working with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management to sink a new wreck every year for the next three years. To help fund this program, they host an annual Artificial Reef Fundraiser, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Fla. Tickets can be purchased at Pura Vida Divers, at any other PBCDA member, or online at https://divepbc.com/events. To check out these wrecks for yourself, give Pura Vida Divers a call (561-840-8750) or make an online reservation through their website at www.puravidadivers.com. For a well-researched history of the Mizpah, check out Walt Stearns’ article at https://xray-mag.com/blog/diving-mizpah.

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Pelagic Rockstar Ready To Rock Central America’s Richest Offshore Tourney is Jan. 10-12 out of Quepos

ith more than half a million bucks on the line, the Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament will descend upon Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica Jan. 10-12 in what promises to be Central America’s richest fishing tournament. The Pelagic Rockstar is a fish all day, party all night kind of affair. With 60-plus boats expected to compete for more than $500,000, it is serious offshore competition. Back at the docks, it’s a massive party featuring multiple marina-side bashes and live rock ‘n’ roll. In the world’s premier offshore waters of the Pacific, target species for the tournament are sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped

marlin, tuna and dorado. During last year’s Rockstar, fishing was off the chain. The fleet released a staggering 424 sailfish and marlin, while the weigh station was kept busy with piles of big yellowfin tuna and dorado. The Pelagic Rockstar kicks off Friday, Jan. 10 with check-ins, happy hour at Marina Pez Vela’s Pura Vida Beach Club and a Captain’s Meeting followed by the Kick-Off Party Extravaganza and Concert. On Saturday, Jan. 11, the tournament procession will depart Marina Pez Vela at 6:30 a.m. to stage at the starting line for the customary 7 a.m. shotgun start. Day One weigh-ins will be from 3 to 6 p.m. The Docktail Party and music begin at 4:30 p.m. Tournament Day 2 is lines in at 7 a.m., lines out at 3 p.m. The awards ceremony and farewell bash concert begin at 7 p.m. General Entry is $3,500. All-In is $17,500. Save $500 with early bird registration before Dec. 1 and get a free Official Tournament Apparel Package. Gather your crew and head on down to Quepos for “Costa Rica’s Funnest Big Game Fishing Event.” For information and to register, go to www.pelagictournaments.com.

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LLEBROC UPS THE ANTE WITH THE NEW SV SERIES

lebroc Industries, a name synonymous with high-quality seats, has once again raised the bar for the marine industry. The SV Series will be unveiled at IBEX and The Fort Lauder-

FLORIDA

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dale Boat Show this fall and will quickly become the industry standard. With new stitching patterns and colors combinations, the SV Series is comparable to the cockpit of a Lamborghini. No matter the style or design of your boat, Llebroc will rise to the challenge and ensure your vessel is both stylish and comfortable. From helm chairs to bench seats and leaning posts, Llebroc is capable of designing and installing the very best seating available. Based out of Texas, Llebroc Industries has a long-standing tradition of working with any vessel big or small. From bass boats to yachts, they are equipped to handle any project no matter how big or small. One of the latest projects was outfitting the 45-Foot tender of an Ocean Alexander. “I love e ver yt hing I do, and that’s why we work on e ver yt hing no matter how big or small,” said Greg Carman of Llebroc Industries. This attitude has helped Llebroc Industries develop a brand that is a thoroughbred of design, comfort, and stability. You can see Llebroc seating and helm chairs throughout the marine industry. From Viking Yachts to Boston Whalers, every boat company is looking to have the best quality boat and that is why they turn to Llebroc for their seating. So, if you are in the market for a new seating set up on your vessel, be sure to stop by Llebroc Industries and talk to Greg Carman. You won’t be disappointed. For more information, go to www.llebroc.com.

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t happens every year. No one really knows whether it’s shorter days, a slight drop in water temperature, or something else that triggers baitfish and predators to gather in schools and start moving south. This annual migration in September and October provides some of the best fishing on all coasts. Whether you prefer trolling baits or casting into the schools, success depends on getting an offering in front of the fish without frightening the schools into diving for sanctuary. The problem is, when you discover a school of fish, you are seldom alone. Instead of approaching the fringes of the school, boats race toward the fish at full throttle. The perfect position is on the seaward side of the school just off the forward edge and moving slowly with the school. If you’re trolling, this puts your baits where they can be seen easily. Casters can work the edges of the school, working their offering close to the main body and in the direction the fish are moving. In real life, it seldom works this perfectly. Boats tend to continuously jockey for position, while trollers move right through the middle of the school, forcing fish into the depths. Most of the action takes place when predators find a school of baitfish and begin to feed. Often gulls and terns

FLORIDA

OCTOBER 2019

squawking overhead tell anglers there is action below. When the big guys aren’t feeding, it’s much harder to find them. You just have to keep studying the water’s surface until you see signs of fish. Baitfish have a habit of moving into an inlet and holding there for a period. Most of the time, you won’t see the action of breaking fish, but where there is prey, you can bet predators are nearby. As an angler, check every inlet carefully at this time of year. It could make your day. Whether you are retrieving a cast or trolling, baits should be moving in the same direction as the predators or not much of an angle to either side. Fish are not going to leave the school and chase something in the opposite direction. They will ease out of the main body, but they are going to maintain the direction of the school. Keep in mind that predators focus on one victim at a time. By working your offering on the edges of the school, but moving it in the same direction, it becomes an easy meal for them. For the surf fisherman, if you are working an area where mobility is possible, it pays to work up and down the beach until you find a school of bait or predators. Remember that casts must allow a retrieve in the direction the school is traveling. A single fish seldom goes against the direction that the main body is moving. This is the time of the year when coastal fishing can be spectacular. Take advantage of it. For more from Mark Sosin, visit

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Fall Fishing And The Mullet Run

Mullet along with other smaller baitfish bring in tarpon, snook, sharks and a variety of schooling bluefish, jacks, blue runners and mackerel. Fishing the ocean shoreline, the St. Lucie River and in the lagoon all pick up with the presence of mullet. The easiest way to follow the baitfish is to watch the birds, as flocks of pelicans chase bait along the shoreline. Sometimes there are so many birds you can’t cast. Bring lots of extra lures (spoons, jigs), because feeding bluefish will cut your line. Schools of baitfish run along the lagoon shorelines with snook, bluefish and jack in hot pursuit. Suddenly the mullet will erupt into the air with a half dozen snook leaping in the air after them. For waders, it’s easy to follow the trail of mullet and cast into the schools of baitfish. Boaters will need to deal with shallow water and piers blocking the way. Although using live mullet would seem to be the best way to have hookups, a topwater or a 4-inch paddletail jig fished near the surface will stand out more than one mullet amongst a school of a thousand. Locating the mullet schools is easy since they are everywhere. Some locations may not be as good. Look for feeding fish and birds. If there are no active feeders, find another spot. Cooling weather also turns on other lagoon and river favorites like trout and redfish. Both species like flats with vegetation. Some areas in Ft. Pierce have spotty grass (Bear Point), but Vero is still the best local area to find vegetation, with flats on the east side from Round Island to The Moorings the prime locations. I usually fish with a spinning rod and reel with light braided line and a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. If you use a light color braid (white), you can see your line better. On the beach, heavier line with a 40-pound leader will help land bigger fish. I prefer to use search lures like 4-inch DOA paddletail on a 1/8-ounce jig, a spoon or a shalBy Richard Matteson low-running Yozuri crankbait to locate feeding fish quickly around the ooler weather brings hot fishing to the Indian River Lagoon, schools of baitfish. Fall fishing on the Treasure Coast is one of the best times to the St. Lucie River and the beaches of central Florida’s Atlango fishing. tic Coast. The mullet run began in late September and will stretch into October as huge schools of mullet make their way south Richard Matteson is staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club. to winter spawning grounds. For information, call 336-414-3440.

2 CENTRAL FLORIDA

OCTOBER 2019

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IRL CLAM PROJECT TO RESTORE THE INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

Photo courtesy of IRL Clam Project. Members of the IRL Clam Project Team, including Capt. Blair Wiggins (center), reintroduce native clams to filter the Indian River Lagoon.

y some estimates, a million hard clams are capable of filtering 28 million gallons of water a day. It’s figures like these that drive the Indian River Lagoon Clam Project. Everyone who fishes or plays in the Indian River Lagoon has seen the decline in water quality. An excess of nutrients has led to huge losses of seagrass habitat as well as proliferation of harmful algae that has devastated estuaries that are world renowned for inshore fishing. Capt. Blair Wiggins, “The Mogan Man” from the show Addictive Fishing, decided something needed to be done about it. In partnership with CCA-Florida, FWC and the University of Florida’s Whitney Labs, the IRL Clam Project was launched a few years ago to reintroduce native clams to the system.

Wiggins tells of the damage done in the 1990s when commercial clammers were set loose on the waters he’s fished since childhood. He saw the reduction in water clarity and the resulting decline in seagrass that has afflicted the fishery. He said bringing large colonies of filter feeding clams back to the system will dramatically improve water quality and help bring back lost habitat. “If we can improve water quality by improving water clarity—and that’s what our filter feeders do so well—then we can re-establish seagrasses,” said Dr. Todd Osborne with Whitney Lab. “And those seagrasses then bring habitat and food sources to all the other organisms, the higher organisms like fish and manatees and turtles and things.” Clams require a certain number of individuals within an area to reproduce, which is why they need a little help repopulating the lagoon. So far, the IRL Clam Project has spawned 6 million clams from 24 big breeder clams collected from the lagoon. They are being introduced back to their native waters in colonies, where they will continue reproducing as they filter harmful nutrients from the water. The idea behind the whole project is to help return the Indian River Lagoon to its former glory. Goals like this require funding, and along with multiple other fundraising avenues, the IRL Clam Team is hosting an event Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Downtown Cocoa Civic Center and River Front Park to have a little fun raising money for an important cause. Celebrities like Capt. Blair Wiggins, Roland Martin, Shaw Grigsby, Capt. CA Richardson, Capt. Bear Holeman, Carter Andrews, Capt. Rob Fordyce, Capt. Jim Ross, Krissy Wejebe, Bobby Lane, Capt. Mike Anderson, Capt. Scott Martin, Josh Jorgenson and more will be on-hand at the evening’s Celebrity Dinner/Banquet. The festivities will begin with a Kids’ Fishing Derby in the morning and lead up to silent and live auctions and dinner. VIP tickets for $200 include a Private Celebrity Dinner in the Porcher House. General admission for $50 includes a Fish Fry and BBQ Dinner. Space is limited, so book now. All proceeds got to the IRL Clam Project.

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4 CENTRAL FLORIDA

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COASTAL ANGLER Treasure Coast edition Serving outdoors enthusiasts in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.

Bonito Blast Raises More Than $70,000 for Wounded Vets

t was standing room only at Pirate’s Cove Resort for the seventh annual Treasure Coast Bonito Blast fishing tournament. The event, held August 17, had veterans, anglers and families fishing in 179 registered boats. At the end of the day, the tournament raised over $70,000 for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) and featured approximately 2,000 pounds of bonitos, which were brought in for sale with the proceeds benefitting the WVRF. Anglers fished out of the St. Lucie Inlet on nearly flat, calm seas which made for great fishing. Tournament festivities took place at Pirate’s Cove Resort in Port Salerno. In addition to fishing, auctions and other fundraising activities benefitted the WVRF. The tournament was created to assist wounded veterans of armed forces servicemen and women who enlisted after 9/11. This year over 28 boats hosted 100 veterans for fishing, many of whom had never had an opportunity to fish in a fishing tournament. Kalani Garber won first place and $1,500 with the first largest bonito

PHOTO CREDITS: Treasure Coast Bonito Blast.

weighing 18.3 pounds. Paul Lankow took second place and $750 with the second 18.3 pounder caught. Third place and $250 with a 16.7 pounder was brought in by Capt. Patrick Price on the DayMaker, carrying Dano of 94.3 Real Radio and veterans Chris Baker and James Brown. Nick Merriman, 12, took top honors in the junior angler category with his 12.5 pounder while fishing on one of TCBB’s sponsors boat, Sea Tow; and Elizabeth Neal, 9, topped

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TREASURE COAST 1

9/16/19 1:48 PM

Florida Fish and Wildlife

FWC

news updates

From Tarpon to Bass, There’s Nothing Off Limits When Kayak Fishing By Amanda Nalley

ayak fishing is a growing sport and it’s easy to see why. Kayaks are nimble, less expensive than most motorized boats and provide access to places even the best casts from land just can’t reach. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation confirms that kayaks are the most popular type of boat for Americans to own and that the number of people participating in kayak fishing has gone up in the past six years. But those who love the sport say kayak fishing is more than just a

quick and less expensive way to get on the water. “You are more in tune with what is going on,” said avid kayak angler Tony Hart, who runs YakOutlaws. com, a website dedicated to all things kayak fishing and stand up paddleboard angling. “The slower approach gives you an opportunity to take in more. It’s almost as though you become a part of what’s around you.” “Because you are so low in the water, there is this sense of vulnerability when you start fishing, but you also have this feeling of freedom and accomplishment, blood, sweat and tears,” said Justin

PHOTO CREDIT: x.

Justin Ritchey with a red drum (above) and a king mackerel (right) caught while kayak fishing. PHOTOS COURTESY of Justin Ritchey.

Ritchey, who has been kayak fishing for 10-plus years and has competed across Florida and internationally, Ready to get your line wet? Check out these expert tips. Buying a ‘yak • Don’t be afraid to spend more for quality, safety and access. Ritchey says most kayaks will hold their value, so if you decide kayak fishing is not for you, you should at least be able to get some of your money back.

• Safety is key. Invest in a personal floatation device you will actually wear, carry a whistle or other soundmaking device, and establish a float plan or let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. “Buy a life jacket that fits and is comfortable,” said Hart. “To me that is the biggest thing. Spend the money. Get a PFD that’s going to take care of you.” Inflatable lifejackets are very comfortable and are gaining popularity as well.

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BLAST..................................FROM PAGE 1 • Try one out. “A lot of outfitters offer demo days,” said Hart, who suggests getting a feel for different types of kayaks before making a purchase. • With any luck, your paddling hands will be busy reeling in a big one, so look for a kayak with foot propulsion pedals. • Start with a sit-on-top, which is easier for ocean going trips (and dealing with Florida’s hot summers). • Accessorize: kayak fishing may have started with nothing more than a pole and boat, but these days anglers can customize for whatever preference or need they have, and we are not just talking cup holders. One of Ritchey’s three kayaks has a livewell, depth finder and a downrigger. Consider having more than one kayak for different types of fishing. Where to start • Learn from others. Attend seminars about kayak fishing, find others who kayak fish and ask lots of questions. • Get started in saltwater by sight-fishing in shallower water, two feet or less, or try bass fishing

at a local pond or lake. The key is to look for places without a ton of current to contend with until you get used to the feel. • Concerned about tipping? Try to keep the fish off the front of your kayak, which is the best and most comfortable way to fight a fish. Make it a lifetime sport • Have kayak, will travel. Florida is bountiful when it comes to different fishing experiences. Strap that kayak securely to the roof of your vehicle and take it with you. You never know what you might catch next. • Catch a Florida Memory. Add fish to your Saltwater Fish Life List, conquer a Grand Slam or land that Reel Big Fish, all while earning prizes and supporting marine fisheries conservation. Submit catches on catchafloridamemory. com. • Bring the family. Kayaks come in all kinds of sizes and make for a great family outing. Take out those kayaks and build fishing memories that will last a lifetime. “My fondest memories are when my wife, kids and I all go out together,” Hart said, referring to his two young sons.

the junior female angler category with her 9.4 pounder. Ronald Rimes pulled in the largest dolphin at 15.9 pounds and Steve Anderson claimed the largest bottom fish with a 30.4 pounder. Among the various distinguished guests attending the event was Brian Mast, U.S. Representative for Florida’s 18th Congressional district. Congressman Mast has attended this event in the past and delivered a passionate speech from the heart. He ended by saying: “[W]e can’t lose one of our own [veterans]…lets make that commitment…as a community that comes together in this way, that we will be there for every single veteran. We will not forget one of them. We will be there every single moment that they need us…Thank you for the community that you are…” Anglers, veterans and the public alike came out to join the Port Salerno-Stuart communities to support the cause. Stated by Kim Emmons of the tournament committee, “This was one of the Manatee Pocket’s finest moments.” View more photos and information at www.treasurecoastbonitoblast.com and on the Treasure Coast Bonito Blast Facebook page.

Treasure CoasT

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9/16/19 1:48 PM

fishing forecasts

MARTIN COUNTY deep sea Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 Safari-1.com

he fall festival of Florida fishing will be in full swing during the days of October. Offshore enthusiasts who ply the near coastal waters of the Treasure Coast will be greeted by liquid swarms of baitfish that have magically appeared on our salty doorstep. Mullet, Spanish sardines, and threadfin herring will be some of the main flavors of "live bait" that will set the fishy food chain in motion and energize fishing excitement this month. October`s ocean will be in a perpetual state of flux, as recent brushes with tropical weather systems will continue, and decidedly shape the weather contours that ultimately mold our offshore playing field. The

PHOTO CREDITS: Safari 1.

Capt. Rocky Carbia

ABOVE, LEFT: Trophy mutton snapper will be a highly prized target species this month, like this Jumbo caught by Ivan Savric (left) aboard the Safari1. ABOVE, RIGHT: There will be #Mutton2it during the days of October #MuttonFancy.

heavy, tropical weather of September will have moved many species of fish around, both from deeper waters and neighboring zones, and will have helped to propel the arrival of large schools of coveted reef fish that will take up temporary residence on our local bottom structures. Persistent ground swells will have the potential to direct solid populations of large vermilion snapper into our reef system in depths of 70 to 180 feet of water. Jumbo "BeeLiners"

historically can be caught in good numbers this month and will be a salty grocery target species during any fishing day. Mutton snapper will also be solidly representing along the vast reef line, offshore of Martin County, with large muttons of 15 to 20 pounds patrolling a preferred depth of 70 to 80 feet of water. Hefty mutton snapper have the ability to capture the fancy of any offshore hunter, as the strategy to land one of these tasty bottom brawlers requires

positioning finesse, fine-tuned terminal tackle, the ability to read and wait on the bite, and then engage in a physical, full contact angling battle. It`s the perfect, satisfying recipe for any fishing endeavor. Given a few user-friendly weather windows, October can be a dynamic fishing month as captains and crews uncover the hidden fish presents left behind, as Mother Nature rearranges the furniture of our offshore living room.

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

ctober can to be a transitional month for fishing spots and tactics as we enter the fall season. The mullet run should slowly die down in the river as they continue their migration south. While there is still mullet in the river, it sometimes helps to use live shrimp because they are easier for fish to catch with their big bellies.

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he worst of the heat’s behind us and now that the winds have come around out of the north a little, expect big things this October. After such a tragic beginning to our 2019 hurricane season, I can only thank God, we on the Treasure Coast were spared from Dorian and I pray that the Bahamas continue to recover quickly. Thank you to all the local business and residents for helping so much in aiding our neighbors. Capt. Pat Price at DayMaker Charters, the Stuart Jet Center, American Custom Yachts, Capt. Cody Holcomb, Jade

The snook are slowly making their way back up the river as they hang around docks and bridges. The big keeper snook are mostly found deep where we use 1.5-or 2-ounce First Light Jigs to “drag the bottom” with a down-current retrieve. Sunset and sunrise are the best times of day with moving water. The Ten Cent Bridge is one of my favorite places to jig for big snook with its deep water and shadow lines. October is also a great time of year to fish the flats for the occasional redfish, trout, or flounder. The Sailfish flats and Bird Island flats are showing more life as we made it through the summer without any Okeechobee runoff. This has also helped keep the fishing great back in the St. Lucie River. Lots of tarpon between the Roosevelt and Five Fingers canal. And this area is where the mullet run seems to last the longest, which

Michael Harrington caught this keeper snook casting a D.O.A. jig near the St. Lucie Inlet. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy.

can draw more fish to it as they fill up for the winter. Some schools of big jacks can be found near the Roosevelt Bridge for quick easy fun throwing topwater lures such as Storm Chug and MirrOlure PopaDog. October tends

to get windy, so I spend lots of time back in the St. Lucie estuary using mostly artificials or fly-fishing. You can’t go wrong casting D.O.A. C.A.L. Jigs along the mangroves and docks. My favorite colors are the Greenie, Gold Rush, and Figi Chix.

reef spots up and revealing Smith, Jerry Gilpin, the others. Mastroianni family from This is a great time to get Harbourside Marina along out on the water and do a with so many more went little exploring. Fortunately, above and beyond in the this is the time of year when organization and execution of we start putting the live bait local relief efforts. Thank you gear away and start focusing everyone! On a lighter note, more on trolling so we’re the last time we experienced covering a lot more area over similar conditions to this the course of a day allowing year, goes back to 2004 which us to see how the bottom kicked off six years of the best may have shifted. Expect fishing I’ve ever seen off the more change in shallower Treasure Coast. Jeff Dobines with a nice blackfin tuna water but don’t be surprised I’m especially excited caught while trolling aboard Off The Chain. what may have shifted out in to hear the news that PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett. the deep too. Focus over the Representative Brian Mast is achieving the goal of convincing to come. Last time when Frances Six and Eight Mile Reefs and around the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to and Jeanne came through, the waves the artificial bottom and seamounts stop the dumping of Lake “O” east were so big that they actually moved the Treasure Coast is known for and and west. This will help our river wrecks. The Rankin, for instance, I’m sure if you put your time in in along with our offshore fishing and moved a good deal to the south and that 70-to-270 foot range you will inshore a bit. I’m not saying that all have some great stories to tell. overall economy tremendously. Hope to see you out on the water I’m also pretty excited to continue the wrecks are going to be in different using the Humminbird Solix side places, but some will be and a lot of this month, and I hope your next trip imaging we just got in the months sand has moved too, covering some is Off The Chain.

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Capt. Charlie Conner

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

e transition into fall this month and the water will begin slowly cooling down for winter. It has been a warm year, so don’t expect a huge temperature difference. October provides great weather and hungry fish. Plan on

Fort Pierce Deep Sea

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

ctober is a transition month in Florida. The weather is cooling down, days are getting shorter and weather systems are showing up on the radar. October proves the presence of large ocean ground swells, but don’t let that get you down because with these big swells, there will be great opportunities to catch big fish. The pelagic species will be active as temperatures change, and all snapper varieties will be biting throughout the month. Even as the days get shorter and weather systems become more frequent, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and boy is it bright! With the ebb and flow of weather

enjoying this month. It’s a fantastic one to be fishing! The fall mullet run will start winding down, but there will still be lots of hungry predators out there chasing them around the river and along the beaches. Live finger mullet, croakers and pigfish will be the best live baits to use. D.O.A. TerrorEyz and Bait Busters will be good artificial lures to use for snook. Try around the docks, jetties, turning basin and bridges docks around the river. Lighted docks are especially productive when fishing at night. Redfish has continued to be a good bite for us again this year. Their population continues to grow and provide some awesome action for anglers around Fort Pierce. October will continue to be a productive month for those who seek redfish

patterns, gargantuan groupers will show up, and magnificent schools of mullet will stretch along the beaches and offshore regions. We predict that the cooler weather moving along the Treasure Coast will provide for some delicious dinners. mahi, cobia, king and amberjack will be biting, and bait is plentiful, especially the mullet. Our favorite local snapper and grouper species are biting. The adolescent mutton snappers have grown shoulders through the fall making for strong catches. The push of cooler weather will be accompanied by hungry mahimahi, displaying their superb flashes of yellow and green along the Treasure Coast. Several other species are enjoying the change in weather as well, including cobia, kingfish and amberjack. King mackerels have been ferocious the last few weeks and their relentless bite will put some smoked fish smack on the table. Get jiggy with it! Make sure you

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The trout bite will be good this month. Get out early with a top water lure for some exciting action on the river. Switch to a D.O.A. shrimp or C.A.L. jerk bait later in the mornings. Harbor Branch, Queen's Cove and Middle Cove are all great areas to fish for trout around the Treasure Coast. Look for some sheepshead, black drum and snapper to be moving in around the bridges, docks and channel edges. The surf will be alive with jacks, snook, bluefish and other predators, which will all be Capt. Charlie with a nice slot chasing the bait schools along the redfish caught while fishing docks beach. Croakers and whiting will along the lagoon in Fort Pierce. also be hanging along the beaches. It's another great month to fish PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Charlie Conner. along the Treasure Coast! Have fun on the flats. The D.O.A. 2¾-inch and get out fishing soon! Remember, fishing is not just shrimp or C.A.L. grub tails are two of the best choices for redfish along another hobby, it's an ADVENTURE! Good fishing and be safe! with a variety of live and cut baits.

Party boat fishing! Bringing people together and making memories. We look forward to weather friendly days and more catches like this! PHOTO CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.

have a pitch rod and a jig rigged up within arm’s reach as the occasional cobia is sure to swim by. Take a cruise along the shallows and look

SEE WHAT’S CATCHING ON NSTAGRAM - THE.LADY.CHRIS

fishing forecasts

for bottom structures and for bait balls. We recommend checking out the weather buoys and markers for cobias and triple tails. Work your jig near the bait, then call home and have them pick up some lemon and butter for your cobia dinner! October is just another great month on the Treasure Coast for anglers who seek and hunt some phenomenal catches. With the hurricane season in full effect, keep an eye on weather reports and small craft advisories. Take advantage of the weather windows and snag yourself some of the fall-time favorites, the mahi, cobia, king and amberjack with a side of snapper delight. If you need a ride, The Lady Chris will get you out there and reeling in the big ones! Tight lines and good vibes!

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Capt. Danny Markowski

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

ctober has arrived and with it will be the start of slightly cooling water temperatures. The waters to our north will cool down faster than the Treasure Coast and this will start our fall mahi run. This is when the mahi start heading south through our area. The fall mahi run is not typically as large and does not last as long as the spring run. The size of the mahi this time of year are not usually as large as those caught during the spring run, but they can span as large as 20-to-25pounds. Trolling is the best-known method of targeting mahi during the fall run. Multitudes of live bait will be in the area to catch including mullet. You can net the mullet and use them as live bait to catch mahi. Normal tackle set-up used for trolling for mahi is 20-to-30 pounds but when live bait trolling use a 50-pound leader as it will be less noticeable at a slower speed. When trolling with live bait, keep your baits spread out at different distances behind your boat

and always keep one in your propwash. A faster trolling method to cover more ground when targeting mahi is to use rigged ballyhoo and colorful trolling lures. Ballyhoo and lures can be trolled at higher speeds when looking for a mahi hookup. When trolling these baits, 30-pound tackle will still be sufficient, but I would suggest using 60-to 80-pound leader to compensate for the higher speeds (since it is moving faster it won’t be seen as easily as slower live bait trolling speed). Whichever trolling bait preference you choose or have available, make sure to always use mono main line instead of braid, you will want the stretch for the trolling strike. Everyone focuses on weed lines, rips and floating debris when looking for mahi but keep a bait in the water when looking, a nice mahi can always be caught in open water too. A fun fish for a big fight in the fall is the tarpon. Gather up some big mullet along the beaches and then look for the tarpon rolling along the surface. These fish will be from the beach to a mile or two off the beach. Big tarpon are very strong fighters so you will need to use some heavier gear. I prefer an 8,000-size spinning reel on a 7-foot rod. You will want to use at least 50-pound braid with about 5-feet of 60-to-70-pound leader to withstand the fight of these fish and their rough boney mouth. Cast a lively mullet or a mullet-like

Team LottaBull member Clinton hooked up this 35-pound African pompano while fishing solo out of Fort Pierce inlet. This fish was caught slow-trolling a live pilchard in 65 feet of water near structure.

lure in front of the tarpon. When they find your offering, hold on! The fight of a tarpon can last quite a long time but after getting the fish boat side for a picture of two, please revive the fish for a safe release. The water conditions will start getting rougher when the cool fronts start moving in so get out on the water and enjoy some time catching! The trout should start moving to the deeper parts of the flats and you

Capt. Joe Ward

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.

Capt. Joe’s River Charters (772) 201-5770 or (772) 461-1335 CWard11605@aol.com

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Mario Boriero caught this nice 22-incher at the jetty on a blue runner fillet.

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will need to fish slow and deeper than you have been fishing. Live shrimp or a finger mullet fished under a popping cork with a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a #2 circle hook will do just fine. As the mornings warm up, look for the action on the flats to improve. The trout, snook and redfish will be around the smaller patches of bait. Don't forget there will still be plenty of big jacks around the new city marina and they will be taking live baits.

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hanks to Hurricane Dorian, the opening of snook season was held up for a few days, even though people were calling for shrimp during the storm. As summer leaves and the cooler weather starts coming in, things should start to change for the inshore anglers. Around the Fort Pierce Inlet you will want to look for the schools of mullet and they will be getting chased by big jacks, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Find the birds and you will find the fish. Try live baits or anything shiny. The snook fishing should also be good for anglers fishing the deeper holes around and in the Fort Pierce Inlet, the turning basin and also the bridges. A mullet, pinfish, pigfish or a croaker will be the baits of choice. For this type of fishing you will need a heavy rod, a 30- or

PHOTO CREDIT: Clinton Skinner.

st. lucie county offshore

OCTOBER 2019

TREASURE COAST 7

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fishing forecasts

sebastian inshore

Sebastian Inlet – October

Eddy Riga, a Sebastian Inlet regular, shows off a slot snook that ate a live bait.

is a prime month to fish Sebastian Inlet’s turbulent waters. Snook fishing day and night will peak out in October. Redfish are often as plentiful as the snook that the inlet is famous for and less picky as to when and what they will eat. The snook and reds spread throughout the length of the inlet giving anglers more areas to fish. Croakers are never a bad choice, but pigfish, shrimp, pinfish and mullet will all draw strikes at the right time and tide. Nighttime will find live baiters floating the channel under A1A bouncing bottom, while plug and jig anglers will be on their favorite rocks east and west of A1A.

Capt. Gus Brugger

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

Sebastian

River – The Sebastian River can be a hotbed of activity in October. Casting live finger mullet in front of rolling juvenile tarpon often elicits vicious surface strikes that eventually turn into tarpon hook ups. If you prefer artificials, small mullet shaped topwater and suspending plugs will also do the trick. Fly rodders should also throw finger mullet patterns on floating and intermediate lines. Snook numbers will continue to rise in the Sebastian River, as postspawn fish return from the inlet and ocean. Hit the bridges and oyster bars early and late in the day with live mullet and topwater, then around and under the docks while the sun is overhead with D.O.A. Shrimp and jerkbaits. Keep your eyes open for schools of big

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger.

jack crevalle that enjoy rounding the fall, even mid-day, with jerk up schools of mullet in the lower baits and suspending plugs like the Sebastian River. MirrOlure Catch 2000 Jr. possibly being even more productive but not Indian River Lagoon – The as fun. Jack crevalle of all sizes will flats of the central lagoon will be at keep anglers busy between trout their best in October. Trout and reds bites. The occasional snook will will be in the shallows all day long. surprise anglers on the open flats Find the bait and find the fish is a around baitfish schools, but most general rule that is especially true in of the inshore snook will be setting October. Although live finger mullet up ambushes along mangrove will be very plentiful, artificials shorelines and around docks. will allow you to cover much more D.O.A. Shrimp and jerkbaits fished area and may be the better choice. tight together will draw strikes from Topwater plugs reign supreme in snook of all sizes.

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Near Shore Atlantic – The fishing along the beaches can be explosive in October. Tarpon will school outside Sebastian Inlet as long as bait stays available. Find tarpon schools by sight or with your electronics and cast a live bait, jig, diving plug or fly to them. Spanish mackerel should show up in hoards from the beach out to five miles, wherever the glass minnow are. Spoons, jigs and flies are all you need to fill the cooler with Spanish in the one-to-fivepound range. Tight lines!

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sebastian area offshore

Capt. Randy Lang

Sebastian Gypsy Fishing Charters Email: gypsycharters@gmail.com www.sebastianfishingcharter.com

ctober is a great month to get offshore and enjoy the cooler weather and a variety of fishing. It can be a windy month, but there will be great weather days, especially earlier in the month. The mullet run will be going strong all month long. This means there will be solid action close to shore and around Sebastian Inlet. This is the best month to hook a giant redfish around the inlet. Also, large schools of reds can be seen migrating well offshore. Keep your eyes open for this amazing sight. You’ll think they are large jacks until you notice the water has turned red! There can also be large schools of bruiser jacks this month cruising miles offshore. These giants will put up a fight you won’t soon forget. Early October is probably the best month for large tarpon along the beach in our area. Look for them busting big mullets along the beach and throw a large mullet in the melee. Black tips and spinner sharks can be

necessary. At times, the thick around the mullet kings are stubborn about schools and will provide rising up to eat especially some extreme drag at mid-day and in high ripping action. If you want boat traffic areas. to stay connected to these If you want to try for crazy sharks, go with an a home run, October is 8/0 circle, a couple feet of one of the top months for 7-strand wire and 8 feet of sword fishing in our area. 80-pound mono. When the weather turns Dolphin should be stable in October, many a good bet this month. experienced offshore Clean water and baitfish anglers will take a chance will keep the fish on this on catching one of these side of the Gulf Stream. delicious monsters. Trolling a typical dolphin Chad Milner from West Virginia worked over this Nighttime fishing is spread in the Gulf Stream stud of a jack out in 90 feet of water. What a battle. preferred as the fish rise will catch fish this month. It was on medium spin tackle. to the surface from the As usual, troll around the PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Randy Lang. 1000 foot depths to feed. birds, weed lines and color changes. When the bite slows, one their by-catch. Try chumming with a A rigged squid drifted at various effective trick is to set out a chum bag frozen block or chunks in the general depths is the traditional technique. and wait for the fish to come to you. area of the boats to get the bite going Daytime fishing for swords has become more popular and usually Turn the engine off around a fishy again. Kingfish fishing will continue to be requires presenting baits very deep. looking area and put out a chum bag. Be patient and let the chum deploy solid this month. Keep a live bait or a Gear, tackle and techniques are too for the better part of an hour. Drop frozen sardine freelined while bottom much to cover here, but it suffices to a couple pieces of chunk bait in the fishing. You’ll do best on a light single say that heavy gear is required to do water on a 6/0 circle hook and relax. strand wire leader and a 3/0 hook. battle with one of these monsters. Bottom fishing on the reefs is Keep your eye on the water and have Keeping your terminal tackle small a live bait ready for finicky fish. A and light will increase your strikes steady this month. Mutton and piece of single strand wire will catch when the kings are finicky. Target mangroves can swarm pretty well the occasional wahoo. Watch out for them by slow trolling and drifting over around the full and new moon cycles the shrimp boats out in that 130-foot the reefs or adjacent to areas where the especially during early morning and area. The black fins, bonito and other commercial king boats are working. night. Best of luck out there and predators will swarm around them Note the depth the kings are showing remember “you can’t catch ‘em sittin’ early in the morning as they release on the sonar and add some weight as on the couch”.

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fishing forecasts

FROM THE SHORE

Jayson Arman

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

ctober means MULLET RUN. If it looks like a mullet, swims like a mullet, it must be a mullet. The fall mullet run should be in full swing in October. All kinds of predators from snappers to sharks will be engaging in some of the most acrobatically explosions on bait fish you will see all year. Look for big schools along the beach. They will look like big dark spots but once you see the predators and blowing up in the middle of these dark spots you will know you are in the right location. Use artificial lures, like a Tsunami mullet swim bait or a D.O.A. Bait Buster. These will be some of the most intense battles from land you will get to experience. These big schools of mullet will also be in the river look for birds diving or just extreme chaos on the

surface during low light hours. There will be plenty of days where I book my trips where we can fish the river and the beach in one trip simply because of the amount of bait that will be accessible for the land angler. In the river, make sure you have a top water plug at first light and after that, I would even recommend going to a D.O.A. shrimp. I call it “slow and low fishing." Once the sun pops up, many predators will hunker down in little depressions on the bottom and wait for small opportunities to come their way. Try not to get frustrated during the mullet run. These fish have a lot of options and just remember when you are throwing your live mullet in a school of 100,000 other mullet sometimes your odds are not that good Always bring a second rod with a lure so you will always be ready for what comes your way. When opportunity knocks be ready. The “Silver King” (aka tarpon), will make you lose your mind. There is also normally a small window of opportunity on some good flounder fishing around your inlets with a live finger mullet on a T&A quarter-ounce jig head during the slower parts of the tide. Good luck on your next adventure That's R-Man over and out.

Max with a beautiful Indian River tarpon, caught during the 2019 mullet run. The Tsunami Mullet swim bait did the trick for us that morning.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Arman.

KAYAK FISHING forecast

Brian Nelli

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

INSHORE — October brings

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OCTOBER 2019

Offshore — The fall mahi run should

PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Nelli.

AvAilAble At

cooler weather and plenty of baitfish. Snook, tarpon, redfish and trout will all be cooperating this month. Matching the hatch is the way to go this time of year. Super Spooks, D.O.A. Bait Busters and Jerk Baits will be the go-to bait. When there is so much bait available to predators, it is sometimes hard to get a bite on your presentation. Try going with a less natural color that stands out in the pack. Focus your cast on the edges of the mullet schools and you will do well.

be in full effect this month. Look for them to start to move into shallower water compared to their summer patterns. The bottom bite has been particularly good to us during the fall months. Look to target mutton snapper and yellowtail snapper in 60-to-90 feet of water. I like using mullet this time of year for both bottom fishing and trolling. It is readily available and a great hardy bait to keep alive on your kayak. Check us out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into. See you on the water!

Mahi-mahi caught off Jupiter Inlet kayak style!

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ha ndian pon, uring mullet unami m bait ck for rning.

-mahi ht off er Inlet k style!

Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri

Size

Matters ...Believe It!

ho doesn’t like to catch big fish? As fishermen, we dream about landing that fish of-a-lifetime. That’s pretty much what we, as guides, have to deal with on a daily basis. Believe me, I totally get it, but what’s the reason that 10 percent of anglers catch 90 percent of all the big fish? Here is a variety of ways to land yourself in that ten percent. Mindset: Other than casting and fishing skill, you have to believe in what you’re doing. This is a very important part of the game. It makes you stay focused and pay more attention details. Learning through experience and following your instinct is what I learned when I was fishing and guiding a lot for Atlantic salmon in Norway. I truly believe it made me a better fly fisherman. Prepare: Learn about everything you can get your hands on. Spend as much time on the water fishing to learn the whole game. It is all about

And when everything came together, all hell broke loose and Frank Bagnasco lived his dream! PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Mauri.

timing, being at the right place at the right time (in our case - tide, current, bait, species, weather, light, season). Practice casting and handling the tackle. Learn how to get your fly out as quick and precise as possible and how to manage your line. Understand what a good strip set is and how you fight the fish hard and efficient to make sure you’ll land them quick with minimal fish handling so the fish will survive. Tackle: Rig and choose your tackle wisely and make sure it is up to date. No old lines or old

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leaders, no weak knots or bad hooks! Our tackle has evolved a lot over the last 30 years and it is our connection to the fish so use it properly! And yes, there is always luck involved while fishing but believe me, the better you fish and the better you are prepared, the bigger your chance in fulfilling your dream in catching a fish of a lifetime! Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321

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OCTOBER 2019

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diving forecast

Steve Wood

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

reasure Coast diving conditions will be interesting this month once the effects of large ocean swells fade away. Many divers look forward to exploring area reefs after a hurricane passes since many dive sties and the creatures that inhabit them tend to be rearranged and found in new places after a storm. In years past, lobster and big grouper have been reported in areas where they are usually less common making every dive an exciting exploration. Visibility reports have been hard to come by and divers may have to do some reconnaissance when planning the next trip. The Titan Tug out of Stuart is a great dive site to test visibility, temperature and current since it is directly east

of the St. Lucie Inlet and just a few dozen feet from the Six Mile Reef. A quick bounce dive to determine conditions could prove beneficial: if visibility is bad, head south towards the Loran Tower ledge or reefs off Hobe Sound. If visibility is good, dive sites closer to shore maybe better including the Donaldson Reef area, Guardian Reef, Pipe Barge or the Cement (concrete) Barge. Lobster should be easier to find since very few divers made it offshore during September due to the rough seas and poor visibility. Additionally, some lobsterman believe large pulses of fresh water, like the Treasure Coast inshore waters experienced at the beginning of September can effectively drive lobsters out of local inlets and out onto the reefs just offshore; these two combined should make for excellent lobstering this month Lastly, the return of cold fronts to local waters can foul plans since they are more common during October. Air temps may dip but the warm waters of the Gulf Stream keep conditions below the surface relatively warm through the month. Having tanks filled and gear prepped in advance will help divers make the most of shorter weather windows this month.

Scuba forecaster Steven Wood with a huge lobster found while diving Peck Lake in August. PHOTO COURTESY of Steven Wood.

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By Misti Guertin

t is impossible to ignore how fortunate Florida was that Hurricane Dorian missed our shores. It is deeply sobering to see newscasts and hear first-hand reports on the catastrophic damage, and the deaths, Hurricane Dorian caused in the northern Bahamas, a place many of us call a second home, and where many of us have friends and close ties. Relief efforts are ongoing. The Treasure Coast stepped up to send relief even before the storm left the Bahamas’ shores. Operation 300, the Stuart Sailfish Club, Capt. Pat Price/ Day Maker Fishing Charters, Stuart Jet Center, Joe Rieger of Blue Marin Cove, the City of Stuart, Missionary Flights International, Angels of Hope Outreach Ministries, White’s Tackle, HALO Animal Rescue, Walking Tree Brewery, Charlie’s Bar and Grill, and so many more dedicated time, resources, or served as collection points for supplies and organized outbound relief efforts. In addition to the larger organized efforts, many private boaters and pilots have ferried supplies across the Gulf Stream. They tirelessly and diligently took trip after trip to drop supplies on docks and on airstrips. They answered the call for emergency help of generators, water pumps, water, medicine, and food, for both man and animal. Some of our readers know of my and Gary’s close ties to the Bahamas. We used to publish a Bahamas edition of the magazine, and in the process of doing so, we traveled to many of the islands, where we established friendships and connections with many business and organizations. We are also the proud owners of three potcakes (island dogs), one from Bimini and two adopted from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, which holds a special place in my heart. After the storm hit Grand Bahama, Tip Burrows, the executive director of the Humane Society of Grand Bahama, asked for help getting a generator, water pump and supplies for the animals. I posted a request for help on both my personal Facebook Page and our Coastal Angler Magazine Facebook page. Many people came forward immediately to help. These people are heroes in my book. They went above and beyond

Hurricane

already been leaving supplies on the dock for the HSGB through their connections with Furry Friends. The night before they departed to take the generator and pump over to Grand Bahama, local resident and HSGB co-volunteer Mary Hutchinson and I met up with Leah and JT to drop off a van full of supplies for the humane society. Even when they saw the amount of animal medicine, food, extension cords, fans and so much more we hoped they could carry over, they never batted an eye. Leah Lynch is “the pirate who did everything imaginable”, along with her husband JT Lynch, of JT Lynch Concrete. Leah jokingly commented, “JT rode my tail feathers, and he and Jake got people to donate, as well as helped us with priority on the dock.” Leah and JT’s group includes the following: • Jake Smith, of Anything Marine, opened his business to be a drop off location and he captained the boat— Wired this Way, owned by Dirk Tally, which made countless trips to Grand Bahama and Abaco. • Sailfish Marina in West Palm Beach allowed the group to stage and load the boat for their trips. • Janelle Marrone at PHOTO COURTESY of Leah’s Angels. Furry Friends helped get multiple fittings for the pump to part of this group connected, and ensure it would work with the HSGB Furry Friends donated supplies and water tank, delivered it to the boat, $500 for fuel for the boat. • Kelsey Lavelle and Casey Citti, and also donated fans and a small refrigerator to keep the animal described as “crazy animal people” vaccines we were delivering cool. by Leah, helped lug all the bags of This same individual also helped dog and cat food on and off the boat to get horse feed to the horses on The three ladies worked together to ensure the HSGB items were Grand Bahama. Keith connected me with Leah situated on the boat so they could be and JT Lynch. They were part of a offloaded first and quickly to allow group that began taking supplies Tip and her volunteers to get back to over to Grand Bahama post-storm. the shelter and animals. • Tim Reynolds, who supported What I didn’t know, is that they had the relief trips with a huge financial donation and also helped load the boat. Leah, JT, Keith and Friends, you all are some of the biggest hearted people I have met in a long time. Thank you. Many thanks to all the individuals, organizations, companies, and volunteers who are helping in the Hurricane Dorian Bahamas relief efforts. The Bahamas has a long road ahead of it, but I know the Bahamas will rebuild, and I know our island friends are thankful for the help and generosity they are receiving.

Dorian

Bahamas Relief Efforts Come In Many Shapes and Sizes

what I was requesting. They deserve special thanks and I’m sure this list will continue to grow, as they keep responding to needs. They are awesome, every single one of them. The first one who came forward was Keith Knoff, of Prestige Equipment Sales & Services, LLC in Jupiter, FL. He responded to my request within minutes of posting for a generator and water pump for the HSGB. Not only did he donate this equipment, he put the generator together, filled it with oil, supplied

#BahamasStrong COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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OCTOBER 2019

TREASURE COAST 13

9/16/19 1:48 PM

Father-Son Team, Shane & Steve Surrency Take First in BCFA September Tournament

hirty boats headed out from Little Jim Bait and Tackle on September 7 to fish the Backcountry Fishing Association’s ninth tournament of the 2019 season. The temperature was extra hot and most of the participant anglers reported tough fishing. A total of 19 trout, 14 redfish, and 1 snook were brought to the scale. Father and son team, Shane and Steve Surrency took first place with a 4.81-pound trout and a 5.71-pound redfish, total combined weight of 10.52 pounds, winning $562.50. Kyle Schacht and Kyle Espich took second place with a 3.11-pound trout and a 6.64-pound snook, total combined weight of 9.75 pounds, winning $337.50. Jason Gillespie and Josh Pesce took third with a 3.36-pound trout and a 6.04-pound redfish, a combined weight of 9.40 pounds, earning $225.00 for third place and $200.00 in the redfish Calcutta. Tony Vercillo and TJ Kiefer took the fourth-place spot with a 2.92-pound trout and a 4.96-pound redfish, for combined weight of 7.88-pounds. Backcountry Fishing Association

Backcountry Fishing Association Fort Pierce, FL

President Scott Kuipers and 'First Lady' Audrey Kuipers took fifth place with a 4.00-pound trout and a 2.36-pound redfish, for a combined weight of 6.36 pounds. Firefighters Justin Carnes and Logan Sweat took the trout Calcutta with a 4.15-pound trout earning $210.00. September’s Lady Angler was Lorae' Simpson, who weighed in a 1.77-pound trout and a 3.27-pound redfish, for a combined weight of 5.04 pounds. She received a $25 gift card to the Taco Dive Downtown Fort Pierce. The snook Calcutta rolled over to October. The Backcountry Fishing Association tournament is a nine-

First-place father-son team, Shane and Steve Surrency, with their winning catch. PHOTO CREDIT: Backcountry Fishing Association.

month circuit which runs from January through September, with a two-day Classic in October. The artificial lure only tournament gives two-person teams and solo anglers the opportunity to win cash and gain points. Redfish, trout and snook (seasonal) are the qualified species. Anglers attempt to bring one legal fish of each species to the scales for weigh in and live release. Teams must participate in at least five tournaments to be eligible to fish the Classic which is a two-day event. The top five eligible teams with the highest accumulated points from the season are given a bye from day

one. The remaining eligible teams compete on an elimination basis the first day, where only the top five teams of day one progress to day two to compete against the season point leaders for the grand prize and cash for the top four teams. Membership fees are $25 for the year. To enter the tournament each month, the fee is $60 per team. The first day of the October Classic will take place on Saturday, October 5 (Captain's meeting on Friday, October 6). For more information, visit the Backcountry Fishing Association Facebook Page or call (863) 634-8527.

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OCTOBER 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

9/16/19 1:48 PM

STUART SAILFISH CLUB FOUNDATION

Hurricane DorianBahama Relief Efforts: 23 Helicopter missions, 55 fixed wing flights, 3 semi-truck loads, countless private vessels, 125+ tons of food, water and supplies, 100’s of volunteers donors and sponsors. 1 goal – to help those affected after Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas. Thank you to everyone for all your support and especially to those who led these herculean efforts to Freeport, Sweeting Cay, West End, Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbour, Scotland Key and Fox Town, including Charlie Conigliaro, President of Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation; Patrick Price of DayMakers Charters; The Capen family of Stuart Jet Center; and Joe Rieger of Blue Marlin Cove Resort. Please continue to make cash donations to help fund ongoing fuel and supplies for the relief efforts. Donate at Facebook/ StuartSailfishClubFoundation Photo by Steven Martine

The 66TH ANNUAL LIGHT TACKLE SAILFISH TOURNAMENT will be held in the pocket this year on December 11th-14th. Captains meeting in the Pocket and the Awards Dinner at Willoughby Golf Club. Stay tuned for more information or contact us at (772) 286-9373.

For more information, to register early and for sponsorship and registration packages, contact the Stuart Sailfish Club, 3867 SE Evans Terrace, Stuart, FL 34997 Sailfish@StuartSailfishClub.com or call (772) 286-9373. The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed for the purpose of promoting the conservation of game fish and • THEANGLERMAG.COM OCTOBER TREASURE COAST 15 encouraging visitors to fish in Martin CountyCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM waters. Membership is open to the public and all boaters, as well as those who do2019 not own boats or do not fish.

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9/16/19 1:48 PM

St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program:

Indian River Drive Oyster Reef and Voici Bernadette Monitoring Indian River Drive Oyster Reef

n March 16, 2019, the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, assisted by numerous volunteers, including the St. Lucie County 4H Council, completed the Indian Hills Stormwater Treatment Area Oyster Reef. The project, designed by Dredging and Marine Consultants, Engineers, and Scientists, Inc. (DMCES) consisted of six 10foot by 2-foot (20 square foot) reefs and four 15foot by 15-foot (225 square foot) reefs. The smaller, linear reefs were deployed in a row 23 feet from the shoreline while the larger, square reefs were placed in deeper water 50 feet offshore of the linear reefs. Recent inspection of the reefs has shown invertebrates and plants starting to grow on and near the modules. Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), hermit crabs (Clibanarius vittatus), small oysters (Crassostrea virginica), brown macroalgae, and red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) propagules have colonized the deeper oyster reefs. If the red mangroves can survive their first hurricane season without being displaced, they will create a vertical component to these reefs by providing additional substrate for attachment of oysters to the mangrove’s prop roots. The resulting mangrove/ shellfish/animal mosaic will provide habitat and forage for a diverse fish assemblage. A small patch (diameter = 10 feet) of seagrass (Halodule wrightii) has also started to grow just outside of the project area. Fish and wildlife have also started using the Indian Hills oyster reef. Fish observed on or near the reef include finger mullet (Mugil spp.), glass minnows (Anchoa mitchilli), mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus), pufferfish (Sphoeroides

ABOVE: Indian Hill Oyster Reefs. LEFT: Indian Hills Oyster Reef showing red mangrove propagule recruitment. PHOTO CREDITS: St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program.

spp.), sergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis), and sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephelus). Birds perching on the reefs or foraging near the reefs include ibis (Eudocimus albus), little blue herons (Egretta caerulea), mottled mallard ducks (Anas fulvigula), and seagulls (Larus spp.). These bird assemblages may also be related to the reappearance of seagrasses in the area by excreting guano that fertilizes plants in the area. Although seagrass

reappearance is a positive sign, shifting sands can still cover grasses if shorelines are not stabilized. Growth of seagrasses in the area may have benefitted from stabilization of the shoreline by the linear oyster reefs deployed waterward of the stormwater outfall. Water released at the outfall is deflected to the north once it reaches the linear reefs and is spread into a larger area. As the area increases, velocity decreases and suspended sediments fall from solution before they can reach seagrasses growing in the Indian River Lagoon. With less sediment in the water, light penetration to the seagrasses is likely to be greater, allowing seagrasses to expand and to grow more densely. Inspection of this area after the winter’s high tides will be needed to determine if seagrass growth continues or if sands in the area are rearranged again, covering any seagrass regeneration.

Voici Bernadette

Monitoring of the CCA - Curtis Bostick Reef via a mooring buoy equipped with a satellite communications system is progressing (http:// www.GRADOceanographic.com). A prototype of the system, developed by Peak Technology Group and Prestige Satellite Communications, Inc. in conjunction with Saltwater Interactive, will be tested the last week of September. To get further updates on the GRADOceanographic system, please sign up at hello@saltwaterinteractive.com.

Escarpment cut through sandbar by Tidal Creek.

For more information on the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator, at oppenbornj@stlucieco.org or (772)462-1713.

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OCTOBER 2019

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OCTOBER 2019

TREASURE COAST 17

9/16/19 1:49 PM

TREASURE COAST CASTERS RECAPS

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Treasure Coast Casters Inshore Tournament Treasure Coast Casters held its first inshore tournament of the 2019-2020 season on August 25 out of Dockside Marina and Resort, South Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce.

High School Division RESULTS 1st Place: Nicholas Rosario - 40 points 2nd Place: Ciara Franqui - 30 points 3rd Place: Josh Richter - 20 points

Middle School Division RESULTS 1st Place: Owen Nail - 35 points 2nd Place: Dayton Franqui - 20 points 3rd Place: Zach Sines - 10 points The biggest fish of the tournament, a 4.0625-pound sheepshead, was caught by Owen Nail. The next Treasure Coast Casters tournament is September 29, with the pre-tournament meeting on September 28. Treasure Coast Casters offers experiences that educate y o u n g Owen Nail with anglers his 4.0625-pound on the sheepshead. importance of marine conservation, while maintaining a sustainable and healthy estuary and marine environment. The all-volunteer non-profit offers two fishing tournament divisions, a Junior Division for youth 5-11, and a Senior Division for youth 12-18. There is no cost to join or to fish a tournament. Anglers bring their own bait and fishing gear. For the latest tournament news and updates, follow the Treasure Coast Casters Facebook page. The only trout caught during the tournament, weighing in at 1.25-pounds, was by angler Nicholas Rosario.

Cammie and Capt. Joe Ward www.treasurecoastcasters.org (772) 201-5773

PHOTO CREDIT: Treasure Coast Casters.

Serving the Treasure Coast and Beyond since 1985

August tournament winners. 18 TREASURE COAST

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OCTOBER 2019

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TREASURE COAST 19

9/16/19 1:49 PM

largest selectIoN oF FIrearms oN tHe treasure coast

COASTAL ANGLER Treasure Coast OCTOBER Day

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Time

1TU 4:39 AM 11:23 AM 5:08 PM 11:36 PM 2W 5:29 AM 12:13 PM 6:00 PM 3TH 12:26 AM 6:23 AM 1:06 PM 6:56 PM 4F 1:18 AM 7:20 AM 2:02 PM 7:56 PM 5SA 2:14 AM 8:22 AM 3:01 PM 9:00 PM 6SU 3:15 AM 9:26 AM 4:03 PM 10:04 PM 7M 4:19 AM 10:28 AM 5:04 PM 11:02 PM 8TU 5:20 AM 11:24 AM 5:58 PM 11:53 PM 9W 6:15 AM 12:13 PM 6:45 PM 10TH 12:38 AM 7:03 AM 12:57 PM 7:26 PM 11F 1:18 AM 7:45 AM 1:37 PM 8:03 PM

height -0.1 3.43 0.29 3.2 0.03 3.27 0.48 3.03 0.21 3.08 0.68 2.85 0.42 2.89 0.85 2.69 0.59 2.74 0.96 2.57 0.71 2.64 1 2.52 0.76 2.62 0.97 2.55 0.76 2.65 0.89 2.62 0.73 2.72 0.79 2.72 0.69 2.79 0.68 2.82 0.64 2.85

L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H

12SA 1:55 AM 8:25 AM 2:14 PM 8:40 PM 13SU 2:30 AM 9:03 AM 2:50 PM 9:16 PM 4M 3:03 AM 9:41 AM 3:24 PM 9:51 PM 15TU 3:36 AM 10:19 AM 3:59 PM 10:27 PM 16W 4:10 AM 10:58 AM 4:35 PM 11:04 PM 17TH 4:46 AM 11:40 AM 5:13 PM 11:43 PM 18F 5:27 AM 12:24 PM 5:57 PM 19SA 12:27 AM 6:15 AM 1:14 PM 6:49 PM 20SU 1:19 AM 7:12 AM 2:11 PM 7:52 PM 21M 2:20 AM 8:18 AM 3:13 PM 9:01 PM

0.58 2.92 0.62 2.9 0.5 2.99 0.61 2.91 0.45 3.02 0.62 2.9 0.42 3.03 0.66 2.85 0.42 3 0.72 2.79 0.44 2.94 0.8 2.72 0.48 2.87 0.87 2.65 0.54 2.8 0.94 2.6 0.59 2.75 0.97 2.58 0.63 2.74 0.93

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 3:30 AM 9:30 AM 4:18 PM 10:10 PM 23W 4:40 AM 10:38 AM 5:20 PM 11:12 PM 24TH 5:47 AM 11:39 AM 6:18 PM 25F 12:08 AM 6:47 AM 12:36 PM 7:11 PM 26SA 1:00 AM 7:43 AM 1:28 PM 8:01 PM 27SU 1:50 AM 8:35 AM 2:19 PM 8:49 PM 28M 2:39 AM 9:24 AM 3:08 PM 9:37 PM 29TU 3:26 AM 10:13 AM 3:56 PM 10:23 PM 30W 4:14 AM 11:01 AM 4:45 PM 11:10 PM 31TH 5:03 AM 11:49 AM 5:35 PM 11:58 PM

2.63 0.61 2.8 0.79 2.75 0.52 2.9 0.58 2.94 0.41 3.04 0.34 3.15 0.3 3.17 0.11 3.33 0.21 3.27 -0.07 3.46 0.17 3.31 -0.16 3.52 0.19 3.3 -0.17 3.48 0.27 3.22 -0.08 3.37 0.4 3.09 0.07 3.21 0.55 2.92

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OCTOBER 2019

Sebastian (Inlet)

Vero (Ocean) TIME OFFSET High Tide -55 min Low Tide -35 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.45 feet Low Tide 1.36 feet

TIME OFFSET High Tide -31 min Low Tide -18 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.14 feet Low Tide 1.50 feet

Jensen Beach (Indian River)

St. Lucie Inlet

Jupiter Inlet

TIME OFFSET High Tide -48 min Low Tide -24 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .93 feet Low Tide 1.0 foot

TIME OFFSET High Tide +2 hrs; 17 min Low Tide +3 hrs; 4 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .48 feet Low Tide .92 feet

TIME OFFSET High Tide +55 Low Tide +1 hr; 42 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1 foot Low Tide .50 feet

Fort Pierce

TIME OFFSET High Tide -10 min Low Tide -9 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.08 feet Low Tide 1.42 feet

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

9/16/19 1:49 PM

OCTOBER FISHING CONDITIONS October 1

GOOD

Evening

October 21

POOR

Morning

October 2

POOR

Evening

October 22

POOR

Morning

October 3

POOR

Evening

October 23

FAIR

Morning

October 4

FAIR

Evening

October 24

FAIR

Morning

October 5

FAIR

Morning

October 25

POOR

Morning

October 6

GOOD

Morning

October 26

POOR

Morning

October 7

GOOD

Morning

October 27

FAIR

Evening

October 8

GOOD

Morning

October 28

FAIR

Evening

October 9

BEST

Morning

October 29

POOR

Evening

October 10

BEST

Morning

October 30

POOR

Evening

October 11

BEST

Morning

October 31

FAIR

Evening

October 12

FAIR

Morning

October 13

FAIR

Evening

October 14

GOOD

Evening

October 15

GOOD

Evening

October 16

FAIR

Evening

October 17

POOR

Evening

October 18

POOR

Evening

October 19

BEST

Evening

October 20

BEST

Evening

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OCTOBER 2019

TREASURE COAST 21

9/16/19 1:49 PM

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408_Treasure_Coast_FINAL.indd 22

OCTOBER 2019

dogn Heave By Terry Gibson

or more than two decades, Bill and Jody Jacobs operated the Treasure Coast Hunting and Fishing Club on a gorgeous, 1,300-acre property off Martin Highway, less than a mile from the I-95 exit and about five miles from the Palm City turnpike exit. Countless puppies and kids were first introduced to bird hunting on that convenient expanse of pines, sloughs, and palmetto prairie. National field trial winners were broke to wing and shot in the training fields. And countless parties of friends and family followed staunch bird dogs and experienced guides through the woods in pursuit of bobwhite quail. Bill Jacobs, who enjoyed a distinguished career as a trainer and guide, passed away early in 2019. Many of us that enjoyed the club— especially those of us with our own dogs—feared that one of the last bastions of upland bird hunting in South Florida would disappear. It is the only private preserve where a hunter is still allowed to work dogs with or without supervision. And it is so conveniently located that members from the Treasure Coast area can easily get some hunting or training in before or after work.

Fortunately, three friends, Danny Mancini, Chad Bumb, and Bill Snyder, formed a team that will keep the bird-hunting traditions alive on the same property. The Quail Hunting Florida team has already improved the habitat in the hunting and training areas, raised the elevation of the camp area, and will improve the roads by hunting season. The camp headquarters will have a lodge feel, and modern restrooms. They’ve also invested in new hunting vehicles. In August, the team began hosting informal Saturday morning training sessions, and I’ve watched Chad and Bill in action. They’ve coached a variety of breeds and dogs of different ages with a variety needs, while teaching handlers with various levels of training experience how to help their dogs learn what the owners want from them. It has been fun to watch that menagerie of pups make significant progress, in just a few sessions, under their guidance. Danny, Chad and Bill became friends through the Palmetto Chapter of North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA), and so their experience comes from preparing dogs for the

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Terry Gibson has guided on the property since 2013 with his Deutsch Drahthaar, Kuno, and pointing lab, Cody. He is based in Jensen Beach.

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Erik Fawcett with a nice yellowfin tuna. Photo CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.

Nelson Maldonado, owner of Reel time Baits, started off snook season with a great catch at the Fort Pierce Inlet. Photo COURTESY of Nelson Maldonado.

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Rosa Fox getting some post Hurricane Dorian mahi-mahi 25 miles out from the St. Lucie Inlet.

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By CAM Staff

veryone has a theory on colors when it comes to selecting lures for inshore fishing. The generally accepted rule, and this applies everywhere in freshwater and salt, is to fish dark colors in stained water and more natural colors when the water is clearer. It makes sense. Most of the time, our favorite inshore species, whether they be trout, reds, flounder or snook, are feeding on shrimp or baitfish that are pale, sometimes translucent in color. In clear water, there is more visibility and more opportunity for gamefish to inspect an offering before taking it. This explains the natural colors in clear water theory. It calls for soft plastics in clear-sparkle, bone or pearl colors and hard baits in white or light gray with some silver flash. But what about dark colors in muddy water? Color selection becomes more about visibility than natural appearance in dingy water. Without the added attraction of scent, sound and vibration—all which can be remedied by lure selection— we’re relying on fish to see the offering. Darker colors show up better in murky water, and twotone combinations of colors provide contrast. This calls for plum, purple, motor oil, pumpkinseed or combinations thereof. And then there’s chartreuse. No color in the spectrum has proven more effective at catching fish, and this is a tough one to explain. Nothing fish eat even closely resembles this ridiculous bright green. But it works. No matter when, where or the conditions, it rarely hurts to choose a bait with a little chartreuse in it. To dive a little deeper, keeping up with the seasonal patterns on your bay, marsh or flat also makes sense. When glass minnows or small mullet are thick, obviously lighter-colored baits best “match the hatch.” A silver spoon with a white bucktail can be killer when trout and reds are keying on finfish. When shrimp are on the move, everything eats them. Browns and pinks become important. You might want to break out that gold spoon or any number of soft-plastic shrimp imitations. Of course, we’ve all been in situations when one color outperforms another for no apparent reason. That’s why it’s good to fish with a buddy. Start out throwing different baits and then hone in on a pattern once one of you starts getting bites. Gamefish survive feeding on forage that is often very hard for them to see. Vibration, sound, scent and movement are key to their ability to hunt. For this reason, lure choice and the way an angler fishes it are usually more important than color. Color can be like fine-tuning the presentation. Finding the right color definitely makes a difference, but first you’ve got to check the other variables off the list.

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f you’re halfway handy with a driver on the links, the New King Pompano Golf Rig is a new and very interesting way to get more range on your casts when fishing from the surf. Developed by Manuel Briceno, owner of King Pompano Bait & Tackle Shop in Vero Beach, the King Pompano Golf Rig is a fishing rig attached to a golf ball. To achieve much longer distances than a conventional cast, simply tee up and drive your ball and bait way past the breakers. Here’s how you do it: • Tie your mainline to the swivel on the rig. • Bait the hook. • Place your rod in a sand spike. • Open the bail on your reel. • Tee up in hard, wet sand. • Drive the ball and bait out to where the fish are! Included with each rig are: • One golf ball • One Eagle Claw 2/0 circle hook • Two #3 crane swivels • Two tees • 80-lb. test monofilament For more information, drop by the shop in Vero Beach or call 772-234-9300. Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/kingpompanoshop/.

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TAMPA BAY WATCH SEEKS VOLUNTEERS U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tori Long

ampa Bay Watch is seeking volunteers for two upcoming programs designed to restore lost habitat in Tampa Bay waters. The first, slated for Oct. 3-4, will install an oyster shell bar on the shoreline of MacDill Air Force Base from 9 a.m. to noon on each day. The goal is to prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. Oyster bars also make excellent habitat for gamefish. The second project, being conducted on weekday mornings of October 2, 15, 21 and 23, needs hard workers to help build oyster domes at the Marine Center in Terra Verde. The project involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster domes and taking apart the molds that were previously poured. This project is physically demanding in requiring bending, crouching, and some heavy lifting. It is entirely on land, and the domes will be installed at a later date to provide hard structure for oysters to grow. Oyster communities help stabilize shorelines, provide hard bottom habitats for fish and wildlife resources, and promote water quality improvements in the Tampa Bay ecosystem. For more information and to register for these events, go to www.tampabaywatch.org.

PERFECT FILLETS!

Sheri Daye

fter all the time, effort and determination it takes to land that beautiful fish, you don’t want to compromise the quality of your dinner by improper handling at the end. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years: 1) Dispatching/ bleeding: Whether you are fishing or spearfishing, try to minimize the amount of time the fish is under stress, as this can produce lactic acid which affects taste. Dispatching as soon as possible is humane and helps maintain quality. Bleeding also helps, especially for raw consumption. Spearfishermen can do it in the water, but if you don’t want to attract sharks, you Sheri Daye with a big Keys wahoo. can also do it on the boat. Cut the throat and place it in a bucket of water for a few minutes or use scissors and cut the gills. 2) Icing: Make sure you have plenty of ice, two pounds for every pound of fish. Saltwater ice is best if you can get it, and crushed

ice is optimal because it covers more surface area. Heat and air are the enemies, so ice your fish immediately. If you don’t plan to fillet soon, remove the guts and gills and fill the cavity with ice before burying it in the cooler. Drain and replace ice often to ensure fish stays cold and is not sitting in water, which will cause the fish to get mushy. 3) Filleting: When the flesh is chilled and firm, cutting is much easier, and a razor sharp knife makes quick work of filleting. After filleting, try not to rinse the meat, as water degrades the fillets and produces a breeding ground for bacteria. If you keep your knife clean, don’t puncture the gut cavity and you bled your fish beforehand, you should not have to rinse fillets. If the fillet is exposed to water, dry it promptly with paper towels. 4) Refrigeration: Fish can be stored in your refrigerator at 40 degrees for about three days. Wrap the fish in plastic-wrap and place in crushed ice. It is still best to store fish surrounded by crushed ice because the cooler you can keep it, the better. 5) Freezing: Store in the freezer at 0 degrees or lower. Lean fish (snapper or grouper) will keep for about six months. Fatty fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel) will keep for about three months. I like to vacuum-pack fillets. Vacuum packers are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and available at Target. Fill pre-cut bags with fillets and follow the directions on the vacuum packer. This keeps fillets airtight to prevent freezer burn. 6) Thawing: The safest way to thaw fish is in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Plan to cook immediately after thawing. Do not thaw fish at room temperature, and never refreeze fish. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS FROM A KAYAK Photo courtesy of Justin Ritchey

By FWC Staff ayak fishing is a growing sport, and it’s easy to see why. Kayaks are nimble, less expensive than most motorized boats and provide access to places even the best casts from land just can’t reach. But those who love the sport1say kayak fishing is more than just Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1 a quick and less expensive way to get on the water.

FLORIDA

OCTOBER 2019

“You are more in tune with what is going on,” said avid kayak angler Tony Hart, who runs YakOutlaws.com, a website dedicated to kayak and SUP angling. “The slower approach gives you an opportunity to take in more. It’s almost as though you become a part of what’s around you.” “Because you are so low in the water, there is this sense of vulnerability when you start fishing, but you also have this feeling of freedom and accomplishment, blood, sweat and tears,” said Justin Ritchey, who has been kayak fishing for more than a decade. “I’m very passionate about it, it’s a huge part of my life.” Like many kayak anglers, Hart and Ritchey got into kayak fishing for similar reasons: they loved fishing and didn’t have access to a boat. Ritchey got his start in college with two-person rental kayaks. He would ask classmates to foot the rental fee. Ritchey would provide the car, fishing gear and knowledge. Hart was fishing from a dock in Jacksonville when he noticed fish off a point too far for him to reach casting. “That’s when two young guys paddled by and I thought, that’s the smartest thing in world,” said Hart. “The next weekend I got two kayaks.” What often gets people into kayak fishing is the ability to access places they can’t reach from shore. “You can go anywhere you want with no stress of a motor breaking down or electronic failure,” Ritchey said. “And because you are quiet, you can often get closer than boat anglers can get.” Some might think kayaks are great for seatrout and redfish, but they can also be used for monster tarpon and sailfish. While what you catch within paddling distance will vary according to where in Florida you are fishing, if you can catch it, your kayak can take it. “Being able to catch every species from a kayak is personal goal of mine,” said Ritchey, who has personally caught sailfish, blackfin tuna, mutton snapper, kingfish and tarpon from his kayak. “In a boat, when a fish takes a lot of line, you have less control. In a kayak, you might be getting towed, but you are never too far away from the fish, which allows you to get the fish in much faster.”

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FLY FISHING

There are two schools of thoughts regarding bite-proof tippet. One school favors the soft, stainless-steel leader when fishing toothed game fish. The other school leans to the single-strand stainless-wire leader. Let’s compare the two.

BUILD THE PERFECT SALTWATER LEADER AND BITE TIPPET The basic fly leader is the saltwater fisherman’s most important connection between him and the fish. Tied incorrectly, it will place the angler at a distinct disadvantage when casting, especially under windy conditions. Simple in its design, the saltwater fly leader can meet the demands in almost every saltwater fly fishing situation. A leader’s length varies depending on conditions, but a 9-foot leader will work in most situations. A “4-3-2 combo” works well, as it allows the fly to roll over as it is cast. Creating this leader is fairly simple. First tie a two-turn surgeon’s loop of 40- or 50-pound soft monofilament at the fly line’s terminal. Then join the sections of your leader with blood knots, applying saliva to the knots to guarantee a solid connection. Take care to test the strength of each knot as you complete tying them. 4 feet of 40# soft mono 3 feet of 30# mono 2 feet of 20# mono Best Material for a Wire Leader When you fly fish in saltwater, there will be times when you deal with toothy critters like barracudas, sharks, needle fish, mackerel and numerous other fish sporting “ivories” capable of severing the heaviest monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders. It is the savvy saltwater fly fisherman who has learned to attach a bite-proof tippet to his fly line.

Soft Stainless Steel Wire Soft stainless wire is a good alternative to single-strand wire. It works well on smaller saltwater gamefish like Pacific barracuda, bonito and other toothy critters the fly rodder will encounter in many nearshore fisheries. The best attribute of the soft stainless wire is you can tie a loop knot in it rather than going through the time consuming process of making the haywire twist commonly used with single-strand wire. Single Strand Wire The second option, and my personal preference, is the single-strand stainless wire leader. The wire is tough, able to stand the raking teeth of a shark far better than its softer counterpart. Also, the advantage of using this type of leader is its small diameter. Like a piece of dental floss, it fits nicely between the fish’s teeth. As the battle rages, the wire does not wear against razor sharp teeth, giving the advantage to the angler in a difficult and prolonged fight. If your choice is the single-strand wire leader, the most commonly used knot is the reliable haywire twist. Although there are tools to assist you in the tying of this knot, I recommend the “old school” method you will find in numerous books and pamphlets, many currently available at your local fly shop.

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ELITE SERIES TO OPEN SEASON AT ST. JOHNS RIVER B.A.S.S. photo by James Overstreet

n Feb. 6-9, the Bassmaster Elite Series will begin its 2020 season with an event on the St. John’s River out of Palatka, Fla. Last year’s tournament on the St. Johns was one of the most exciting in history, with Rick Clunn weighing a 34-pounds, 14-ounce sack on Championship Sunday to complete an amazing come-frombehind win with 98-14. That final-day bag included two bass over 9 pounds. The big-fish factory is an apt location to launch a 2020 schedule that was designed for fans who love watching professional anglers catch big bass. With the St. Johns event, the world’s best professional bass

fishermen will embark on a journey that spans six states and nine events on some of the most storied fisheries in the sport’s history. “This year, we unveiled the mantra ‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.,’” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Fans will have an opportunity to see our anglers compete on some of the best big-bass lakes in America.” On Feb. 14-17, the Elite Series will shift focus to a location that has yet to be announced. The Bassmaster Classic takes the stage in March, when the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing descends upon Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, with weigh-ins and the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo taking place in nearby Birmingham. When regular season Elite competition resumes, B.A.S.S. will take a trip down memory lane with a return to Alabama’s Lake Eufaula on April 2-5. B.A.S.S. hasn’t visited Eufaula since 2006. But the lake on the Alabama/ Georgia border has been the site of 18 major B.A.S.S. events, dating back to 1968. The fourth Elite Series event will be in Manning, S.C., on the Santee Cooper Lakes. Lakes Marion and Moultrie, which have been on fire recently. A BFL event held on the Santee Cooper Lakes in March was won with five bass that weighed just over 30 pounds. The next fishery on the schedule is known for producing big crowds— the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. The 2020 event will be held May 29-June 1 and could challenge the fan attendance record of 36,200. The site for the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest will be announced at a later time. But the dates have been tentatively set for June 5-9 — just before the Elite Series makes its New York swing. That swing begins with a trip to smallmouth fishing’s holy country, the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y., on July 23-26. The 2019 Elite Series event on the river was won by Georgia pro Micah Frazier with an average of more than 20 pounds of smallmouth each day. The pros will then head to Plattsburg, N.Y., for an event at Lake Champlain on July 30-Aug. 2, where Vermont angler Bryan Labelle won with an average of almost 20 pounds of largemouth per day in 2018. With the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and numerous Bassmaster Classic berths hanging in the balance, the Elites will finish their season in Macomb County, Mich., at Lake St. Clair on Aug. 20-23.

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Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s Project Permit has reached a major milestone of 150 permit tagged with acoustic transmitters in south Florida since March 2016. Scientists track the movement patterns of tagged fish for up to five years, providing important information on habitat use and spawning locations. This information is essential to guide permit conservation efforts, and data from Project Permit have already influenced permit harvest regulations, such as the expansion of the permit harvest season closure in the Special Permit Zone (SPZ) to include the month of April. Recently BTT Collaborating Scientist Dr. Jake Brownscombe tagged 14 permit on the flats of Biscayne Bay with fishing guides Capt. Augie Moss and Capt. Carl Ball. Project Permit would not be possible without the help of the dozens of fishing guides who generously donate time and expertise to catch and tag fish with BTT scientists. Currently BTT is also seeking information on juvenile permit to gain a better understanding of the habitats that support the juveniles and sub-adults. For permit in the Keys, abundant newborns form 1 to 3 inches can be found on sandy beaches. Adults and larger sub-adults greater than 15 inches live on the flats or reefs and wrecks. However, fish between 4 and 14 inches are surprisingly rare. These 4- to 14-inch fish might be absent because the habitats they use are becoming degraded, and as a result, there are less of that size. Or, scientists haven’t yet looked in the right places for them. In either case, BTT seeks to identify the habitats these fish are using to restore them if they are unhealthy, or protect them so permit have a place to grow into adults. Report sightings and catches of permit in the 4- to 14-inch range to Florida Keys Initiative Manager Dr. Ross Boucek. Email Dr. Boucek at ross@bonefishtarpontrust.org.

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FLY FISHING’S

WARMWATER REVOLUTION By Nick Carter

here’s a brutish undercurrent gaining momentum in fly fishing. Whether it’s river-run striped bass, muskie or carp, long-rodders are targeting freshwater’s most powerful fish. Here are a few destinations where you can get in on the action. James River Photo courtesy of Matt Miles Muskie, Virginia The James River is one of the few rivers in the east that supports a fishable wild muskie population. Guide Matt Miles eagerly pointed out that most of the fish they catch, the 35- to 42-inchers, were spawned wild in the upper James. He said the monster 50-inchers might have originally come from the hatchery, but they still prowl the river, ready to give anglers the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Between Iron Gate and Lynchburg, Va., more than 80 miles of the James are considered muskie water. The relatively shallow pool and riffle habitat is uniquely suited to hunting freshwater’s biggest, toothiest fish with a fly rod. But muskie fishing isn’t for everyone. Casting waterlogged, 14-inch-long streamers on sinking lines with 10- and 11-weight rods is a workout. Doing it all day in hope of a single take requires mental fortitude. Peak muskie season is October through mid-March.

Saluda & Congaree River Striper, South Carolina Each spring, South Carolina striped bass go on the move. From the Santee-Cooper Lakes between Columbia and Charleston, fish run some 60 miles up the Congaree and arrive in Columbia to spawn in April. By early May they push into the lower Saluda, where they spend the summer in the cold-water refuge of a 10-mile stretch of tailwater. Jake Howard, of Saluda Valley Guides, tapes his thumbs during the June through August heart of the striper season because they become raw from lipping fish. He told of huge numbers of stripers and said 60-fish days are possible for anglers who can lay out line with a 10-weight rod and 350-grain sinking lines. The standard fish weighs 4 to 8 pounds, but 20-, 30- and even 50-pounders are caught each season. Catawba Chain Carp, North Carolina More than 15 years ago, Capt. Paul Rose left the Texas coast with his flats skiff in tow. He settled in the North Carolina Piedmont, far from the salt marshes he loves. But he found a new passion in the clear Catawba River lakes between Asheville and Charlotte, N.C. In the shallows, he watched carp tailing like redfish. The fishing style that arose is a lot like sight casting to bonefish. Rose poles anglers over clear-water flats, searching for pods of carp rooting and feeding. Many clients hire Rose to practice before a trip to the Bahamas. They return because carp are so much fun. Fish from 3 pounds up to 20 pounds call for a 6- or 7-weight rod. The peak season on impoundments like Lake Norman and Lake James runs from May through September. Nick Carter is the author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon.com, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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n enormous 40-pound, 6-ounce brown trout caught at Lake Taneycomo in southwest Missouri is a new state record and just a couple pounds shy of the IGFA all-tackle world record. Bill Babler, a veteran fishing guide from Blue Eye, Mo., caught the monster brown on Sept. 4 using a pink Berkley plastic worm. He caught it on 6x tippet, which equates to less than 4-pound test, making his catch 2 ounces heavier than the current IGFA 4-pound line class record. The previous state record, set just seven months, weighed 34 pounds, 10 ounces. It was also caught at Lake Taneycomo. Babler told the Springfield News-Leader he’d only been out fishing for a few minutes when he caught his new state record. “As soon as I set the hook it came to the top and I knew we had a good fish on,” Babler told the newspaper. “We positioned the boat in an unobstructed area. It was pulling drag pretty good!” Babler attempted to keep the behemoth alive in an aerated tank, but unfortunately the trout died before it could be released. Fisheries Biologist Shane Bush said the fish was eight or nine-years-old. For more information on Missouri state-record fish, visit the MDC website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3t.

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Ultimate Control For Saltwater Fishing Boats The Dometic Group Introduces New Optimus Electric Steering Actuator

altwater anglers who fish aboard today’s large center console fishing machines and other high-performance outboard powered boats will soon be able to experience a new level of precision steering and vessel control. The Dometic Group is introducing its new Optimus Universal Electric Steering Actuator. Incorporating proprietary technology and several new components designed and manufactured by Dometic, this new actuator is built exclusively for use with its Optimus Joystick and Electric Power Steering Systems. About the same size as the Dometic Tournament Cylinder, the Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. With its powerful drive train, integrated proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for separately mounted hydraulic actuators used in the Optimus Joystick and EPS systems. This means no more Pump Control Module, no more hydraulic pump, no more hoses, hydraulic cylinders and fluid, and no more purging the system. “We are continually inventing ways to make boat building more efficient and boating more enjoyable,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “Once again, we have taken marine steering to the next level. You have my word that we will never stop innovating and solving industry problems.” In terms of performance underway, ease of installation and seasonafter-season reliability, the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator will provide substantial benefits to boat builder and skipper alike. With the present system, the signal from the Optimus electronic helm goes to the Pump Control Module, which activates an electro-hydraulic steering system. Even though it is “by-wire,” hydraulic fluid is still pumped through hoses and into the steering cylinders on the outboard(s) which act on the tiller arms of the outboards to move left or right. With the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator, the electronic helm signal goes directly to the actuator which instantly moves the outboard. The “brains” of the Pump Control Module, including ECM, rudder position circuit and CANbus communication, have been

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transplanted into the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator itself. Steering power is delivered by a proprietary high-torque high-efficiency brushless DC electric motor, designed and manufactured by Dometic, and a patented compact roller-screw drive system, also a proprietary Dometic design. Both the motor and power train reside within the steering actuator. In terms of steering performance, skippers will sense a marked improvement in handling. Steering response will be immediate, smooth and precise, thanks to this robust, industry-leading drive train that provides unparalleled performance and system rigidity when needed most. Programmable steering settings, including adjustable speed-sensitive lockto-lock turns, adjustable speed sensitive wheel effort, and speed-sensitive rudder angle limits to ensure safe steering, continue to be available, now without the need for any extra components. Installation of the new system is a snap, with just three CANbus connections plus power. Twin, triple and quad outboard installations will be set up similar to the present design, with Optimus Electric Steering Actuators controlling adjacent outboards via tie-bars. In addition, the new Electric Steering Actuator will interface with compatible autopilot systems in the same manner as the present Optimus systems. Dometic’s SeaWays Autopilot and SeaStation GPS Anchoring functionality are also built in. The Dometic Optimus Electric Steering Actuator exceeds all applicable marine standards, including NMMA, ABYC, CE and SAE electrical and environmental requirements. The actuators are maintenance free, except for regular greasing of the steering ram via installed zerk fittings. Over 100,000 hours of rigorous testing during development assures safe and reliable performance under harsh salt and freshwater conditions, all in keeping with Dometic’s proven reputation for superior quality. To learn more, visit seastarsolutions.com

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He’ll typically kick the morning off with redfish encounters in depths of 2 feet or less. As the sun grows stronger, he’ll probe docks and structure looking for summer flounder before finishing off with feisty seatrout in feeder creeks. “I’m thinking this season will be a special one if we don’t get smacked by any major storms,” said Collins. “There’s tons of bait around already, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen as many mullet as we have this year. Crabs and small menhaden are abundant, too. Plus we have tons of shrimp; everything loves shrimp.” By Tom Schlichter Collins targets early morning reds around oyster bars, oyster reefs and oyster rocks in water that is generally hip-deep or less. He’ll work shoal areas and Seatrout: Dale Collins puts a fare even dig into the grass on White Oak Sound, White Oak River and the area on a pretty Oak River area sea trout. Photo courtesy of Do or Die surrounding Swansboro with a 7-foot, 6- to 10-pound class Star Seagis rod. His Charters, Swansboro, N.C. lure of choice for the reds is a Skitter Walk SW11 in a golden mullet pattern that always seems to bring surface thrills. Backing off the edges and working near docks and structure, he’ll switch to a ¾-ounce white Spro bucktail tipped with a 4-inch Berkley Gulp! pearl-white shrimp for the flatties. “For the reds,” disclosed Collins, “I keep a second rod rigged with a Z-Man soft plastic or Gulp! Jerk Shad impaled on a weedless screw-style hook. If a redfish blows up on the topwater but misses, I immediately send the soft plastic his way. He’ll slam that as soon as it starts to sink.” For flounder, Collins hops his bucktail about a foot at a time, but it’s vital you actually feel it strike bottom on the drop. “Most hits come as the lure falls, and if you don’t feel it hit bottom it’s probably in a fish’s mouth,” he said. “Strike immediately, because those flounder spit a lure out quickly once they realize it’s a fake.” As for the specks, Collins recommends getting on them as soon as possible. “You’ll find the biggest fish arrive first,” he said. Throw a Mirrolure MR 17 or ou’ve got to love fall’s promise here in North Carolina,” said Capt. Dale 18, or try my personal favorite: a Zoom Golden Bream on a 1/16-ounce jighead. Collins, of Fish or Die Charters (www.fishordiecharters; 252-422- Man can that lure catch some fish! Just work it slow and allow time for it to get 4236) in Swansboro, North Carolina. “The water temperatures are down deep. If you think you are fishing slowly enough, slow down a little more.” starting to cool and there’s plenty of red drum, flounder and big seatrout in our bays and creeks. Indeed, it’s my favorite time of year to fish around here.” If you’d like to fish the Swansboro area on your own, Collins suggests Collins should know. He’s built a reputation putting fares on big fish in launching from Cedar Point Wildlife Ramp near Dudley’s Marina (https:// skinny water in this area west of Morehead City and separated from Pamlico www.dudleysmarinanc.com; 252-393-2204) in Swansboro. For overnight accommodations Best Western Plus (252-393-9015) is right near the launch. Sound on the southern side of Cape Lookout.

SWANSBORO, NC: FALL ROCKS WITH REDS, FLOUNDER AND SEATROUT

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SIGHT CASTING TO LOUISIANA’S BIG BULL REDS ON THE FLY

Photo courtesy of Michael Booth Jr.

t’s no secret that the Louisiana coast is an inshore angler’s dream. A seemingly endless tangle of interconnected waterways, with big salt lakes, canals, grass, oysters and mud flats make the bayous south of New Orleans the No. 1 destination in the world for redfish. Places like Grand Isle, Cocodrie, Venice, Delacroix and Hopedale are the destinations for redfish anglers seeking out some of the best fishing on the planet. The region is filthy with reds, and targeting big bulls with a fly rod is the ultimate thrill. Angler Michael Booth Jr. and his buddies, many who are local captains, have made a practice of sight fishing these monsters. Instead of working the grass to find individual bulls or pods of slotsized redfish, they move out deeper on the big lakes in search of

schools of big bulls, which usually hunt in the 3- to 4-foot depths 100 to 200 yards off the grass. “The weather has to be good for a couple weeks beforehand for the water to be clean enough to see them,” said Booth “When we go out looking for schools of big fish, we start about 20 yards out and pole that line until we figure out where the reds are holding that day. Then they’ll usually all be in that same area.” On certain special days, when a strong northeast wind and a low tide suck the water out of the marsh around Hopedale, those 4-foot depths become 2 feet and spotting fish is easy. “Those big bulls will all be belly crawling with their backs out of the water,” said Booth. But normally, finding fish means looking for the telltale dark triangles of tails and fins or fish pushing water as they chase bait and root for crabs. Booth said a good pair of green-mirror glasses with amber lenses makes it easier to distinguish the shadows and colors of a big redfish in tannic-stained water. Once you find them, tempting them to eat a fly is a matter of trial and error to find the fly and retrieve they want on a given day. Booth prefers fishing on top, and a size 2 Surface Seducer Double Barrel popper is the hot bait at the moment. Booth likes purple, gold, chartreuse, black and combinations of those colors. Sometimes, when the fish aren’t feeding as actively, Booth said he’s forced to fish something that sinks. A size 2 shrimp pattern with extra large dumbbell eyes becomes the bait of choice. Again, purple and chartreuse work well, as do more natural tan or olive patterns. A 10-weight rod, floating line and a 50-40-30 leader with 12 to 18 inches of 16- to 20-pound tippet are in order. Booth said he’s seen days that brought 10 fish over 20 pounds to the rail and others when a single 40-pound red was reason for rejoicing. “Any day you’re able to catch a 20-plus-pound bull red on a fly is pretty awesome,” he said.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I NATIONAL 15 was At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means thatI the OCTOBER specified comparison, 2019 which is an item with the same or similar function,

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hft_coastalangler_1019_M-REG163332.indd 1

advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

9/3/19 12:37 PM

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www.stauer.com

Not shown actual size.

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

Rating of A+

• 5 ¼” 420HC stainless steel blade • Full-tang design with gut hook • Pakkawood handle with brass pins • Bonus heavy duty nylon sheath

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1782-18B Coastal Angler.indd 1

12/19/18 3:50 PM