The Angler Magazine | September 2017 | Upstate New York

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PHOTO BY NICK CARTER VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 271

F R A N C H I S E

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THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Scott Deal • (561) 945-6999 • scott@coastalanglermagazine.com

Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

MARINE-GRADE BOAT COVERS

T-Tops

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

Chairs & Seats

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT / RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

GULF COAST

GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 •

chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES

UPSTATE NEW YORK : Frank Geremski • (518) 898-6484 • frankie@theanglermagazine.com WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL BAHAMAS : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

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no pressure

Gulf Grouper

By CAM Staff

C

rystal LaFosse fishes a lot. She’s traveled to destination fisheries around the world. Everywhere she’s been has its own allure, but she said when it comes to catching fish, nowhere compares to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast.

What would you expect to hear from a Louisiana girl?

Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. is the family business, which Crystal operates with her brother and her parents. She is the founder and director of the Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in Lake Charles and director of the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge at Hurricane Hole in Grand Isle, La. Even with so much fishing in her work life, she relishes the opportunity to launch out of Lake Charles with family, friends and her 6-year-old son Cardyn. Despite the excellent inshore opportunities nearby in the maze of waterways and Calcasieu Lake, Crystal’s favorite destination is well over 100 miles out in the Gulf in grouper water.

West Louisiana doesn’t enjoy the same proximity to deep water as destinations to the east. With runs inside 50 miles out of Venice or Grand Isle, anglers flock to the deep-water rigs and rock bottom where the edge of the Continental Shelf provides dramatic depth changes. Out of Lake Charles, it’s a 110- to 130-mile run to reach the 200-foot depths and prime grouper territory. However, those willing to make longer runs will find bottom that hasn’t already been picked clean by other anglers.

“Most people don’t come here to target grouper because the run offshore is so far,” Crystal said, “but that also makes it good because the area is not over-fished.”

Yellowedge, gag, and strawberry grouper are some of Crystal’s personal favorites, but she said it’s always fun when the rod tip bends over and you really don’t know what you’re bringing up. Regardless of the species, grouper are some of the best eating fish in the sea, and loading the box with delicious fish is half the fun.

“There’s nothing better than cranking in a huge Warsaw grouper.

That’s just the best!” she said. The challenge of strapping on a harness and battling a big Warsaw is enough to test anyone’s strength and endurance. Reeling up a 200-plus-pounder is on Crystal’s to-do list.

“Typically the big grouper hang on the up-current side of the rigs in 200 to 250 feet of water,” Crystal said. “Bottom fishing, you’re looking for rock or reef formations, drop offs and drastic water depth changes. Usually anything over 200 feet is good grouper territory.”

For Crystal, “anything over 200 feet” is sometimes 500 feet or deeper, when you never know what’s going to come up on the end of the line. Her rigs account for the dark waters at these depths with lights that mimic the bioluminescence of squid and attract grouper.

“There are several ways to deep drop, and grouper rigs can be made with one to five hooks, ” she said. “Typically when you’re targeting a big warsaw, it’s with an 18/0 or 20/0 circle hook rig with glowing lights, a 3- to 5-pound weight and live bait around the oil rigs. I make my own three-hook rigs using 8/0 or 10/0 circle hooks, glow in the dark squid, lights, and topped with dead squid bait… You can use the 3-5 hook rigs around structure or just bottom fishing on rock piles.

“The glow squid are from Offshore Angler, Fathom Offshore, and many other brands. The LED deep-drop lights range in colors of blue,

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red, green or disco, and there are many different brands from Offshore Angler or Lindgren-Pitman, which we have a selection of at Cajun Tackle,” she continued. “These lights and glow squid attract the grouper in the deep dark water. The squid are put on just above the hook, so when you add your bait it’s glowing right above it. The light is added about a foot above the rig and attached with a snap swivel or rubber band.”

As much as anything, heading offshore is an opportunity to explore. Crystal said she and her friends all have the same standard coordinates marked on their electronics, but everyone has their favorites, and she’s had a few trips when they ran up on new bottom that turned out to be great.

“We have spent time seeking out new numbers to mark, and that just keeps it interesting,” she said. “Keeping the depthfinder on while running from spot to spot, paying attention to any changes in depth and bottom, you can really find some good spots. The ocean is such a wonderful place, and there are so many new things to explore. I think that’s what keeps me coming back. Every trip is different and special in its own way.”

When she’s not fishing, Crystal LaFosse can be found working the shop at Cajun Tackle in Lake Charles, La. After a successful second-annual Salty Catch Fishing Rodeo in July, the Tuna & Swordfish Challenge is coming up Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at Hurricane Hole Resort and Marina in Grand Isle. Follow Crystal’s adventures on Instagram @crystallafosse.

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Mountain Lakes Are Calling

By Nick Carter eering into clear-green water from the casting deck, frantic movement is the first thing to catch your eye. As a morning fog evaporates, rolling mountains rise up all around and the sun breaks through to reveal small groups of blueback herring. They dart back and forth, skittering near the surface to evade or confuse predators below.

Then it happens. It starts with a few scattered topwater hits and intensifies. By the time you look up from impaling the nose of a blueback from the bait tank, there is an acre of water boiling. Big hybrid bass herd herring around the cove. The trolling motor whirrs to keep you in casting range.

For the next few hours the action came in flurries, with multiple anglers battling through double and triple hook-ups whenever baits encountered a school of hungry hybrids. Some fish came on multiple downlines arrayed in rod holders. The most exciting takes

P

were on the pitch rods, lightweight rigs kept ready for surfacing fish.

Either way, the key to drawing strikes was a lively bait, and this is the style of fishing you’ll experience with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service.

They fish the gorgeous mountain lakes on both sides of the Georgia, North Carolina border.

This trip was on Lake Chatuge, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Hiawassee River that stretches 13 miles from Hayesville, N.C. south to Hiawassee, Ga. The lake is known for big spotted and hybrid bass.

If you’ve never battled a hybrid approaching double digits on light tackle, it makes reeling in a 10-pound largemouth seem comparable to fighting a wet shoe. The same could be said for most of the species guides Shane Goebel and Darren Hughes pursue.

Big Ol’ Fish concentrates on three lakes in the region and plans trips based on where the current bite is best. Southwest of Chatuge, Lake Nottely is a 4,200-acre impoundment of the Nottely River. Its primary draw is trophy striped bass. Stripers from 20 to 40 pounds show up regularly on this reservoir outside Blairsville, Ga. The elusive 50-plus-pounder is what everyone seeks, and very lucky anglers just might find it trolling bluebacks, big gizzard shad or trout.

Those who prefer counting fish to weighing them will find fast action on Lake Hiwassee near Murphy, N.C. It is a 6,000-acre reservoir in the same drainage, which for some reason is spelled differently in North Carolina. Lake Hiwassee features breathtaking cliff formations and spectacular fishing for smallmouths that reach 6 pounds and larger, as well as big walleye and striper.

Over a couple action-packed trips with Darren and Shane on their The Angler Magazine-wrapped Carolina Skiff, one couldn’t help ask why they don’t fish artificials when the bite gets so hot. Their answer, almost in unison, was: “Because we like catching lots of fish.”

That sentiment is hard to argue with, but it’s worth noting that Darren owns Hughes General Store in Blairsville, the area’s primary purveyor of live baits. Rumor has it they make a mean biscuit.

Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service can be found online at bigolfish.com.

Call them at 828-361-2021.

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FOUL WEATHE ExOfficio Camino Convertible Pant-Short

Huk Next Level Kryptek All Weather Bib

Perfect storm, meet the perfect bib. Huk’s Next Level Bib is built to keep Mother Nature at bay.

They start with a lightweight stretch 3-layer, waterproof 10,000mm/Breathable 5000g shell. It’s 100 percent waterproof and windproof, which keeps all the elements out while maintaining best-in-class breathability. All the seams are taped and zippers welded to keep them from leaking. Non-binding and high-stretch, the bib is exceptionally comfortable and gives the wearer a full range of motion. Zip side entry allows for easy on and off, and there’s a zip fly for… well, you know.

Gear can be kept handy in a large waterproof tape-welded chest pocket or dual front-thigh bellowed cargo pockets.

There’s an internal mesh chest pouch pocket for items you keep close to your heart.

Articulated knees are reinforced for durability. Velcro side tabs attached to a rear belt system and boot hem zippers allow the wearer to completely customize the fit. Elastic Huk-branded shoulder straps also optimize comfort.

With Huk’s Next Level Bib, there is no such thing as bad weather.

www.hukgear.com Dakine Caliber Jacket The Caliber Jacket is Dakine’s go anywhere, do anything rain jacket. The company’s most technical men’s everyday jacket, the Caliber is sure to become an everyday, lightweight layer for guys who enjoy any type of outdoor adventure.

Don’t let the good-looking modern tailored fit fool you. This is a hard-core weatherproof jacket with a waterproof shell that features fully seam-sealed, breathable construction with waterproof zippers and a helmetcompatible cinch hood to keep moisture out.

Mechanical stretch 2.5 Layer construction provides a 20K/20K rating, which means this outer layer provides a wide range of motion with superb waterproof breathability. Underarm pit zips provide added ventilation for temperature regulation.

Anglers will appreciate bomb-proof zippers that will stand up to the roughest marine environments and the clean exterior, which limits linegrabbing and tangling potential.

Notable fit features include an extended back hem, articulated sleeves and adjustable cuffs. An invisible zippered media chest pocket keeps your electronic gadgetry safe, dry and secure.

Dakine is based in the windy and wet Pacific Northwest, and the Caliber jacket is designed to keep wearers comfortable and dry in just those conditions.

ExOfficio prides itself on high-performance apparel for travel and adventure, and their technical clothing might as well be custommade for anglers.

Their Sol Cool line is designed for the sun, and the Camino Convertible Pant-Short is perfect to keep you comfortable whether you’re wetwading a mountain stream, casting from the deck of a bass boat or poling the Bermudian flats.

The benefits of zip-off legs are obvious for anyone who has spent any time on the water, and UPF 50 sun protection is essential for long days in the sun. The jade-infused Nycott fabric with Teflon Shield+ is very durable, stands up to rough treatment and even feels cool to the touch. Silvadur anti-bacterial technology helps eliminate odor, so you’ll smell fresher when you come off the water.

The Camino Convertible Pant-Short features two security zip cargo pockets, a cell phone pouch inside the right leg pocket, two security zip back pockets, zippered leg hems, full inseam gusset, contoured tricot-lined waistband and an indestructible button system. All lengths zip off to an 8.5-inch short. And weighing just 10.5 ounces, you might forget you’re wearing pants.

www.exofficio.com Xtratuf Legacy 2.0 Engineered to withstand the world’s toughest conditions, the Legacy 2.0 is a hardcore fishing boot 50 years in the making. The latest addition to XTRATUF’s iconic legacy collection features an advanced new outsole that surpasses the SRC slip resistance rating, a textured heel for easy on/off that won’t get caught in gill nets and a contoured toppling binding so it does not rub harshly against calves. Acid- and chemicalresistant uppers along with shin and bib guards keep fishermen protected while a Polyurethane insole ensures comfort for long days on deck.

All boots within the Legacy collection are 100 percent waterproof with unique performance features. Each boot is made with XTRATUF’s signature triple dipping technique, which creates a seamless barrier that is highly resistant to many organic and inorganic acids, chemicals and contaminants. The latex neoprene is ozone resistant and is softer, lighter and far more pliable than ordinary rubber. Cushioned insoles with arch support help fight fatigue and stress on the legs and back. All XTRATUF Legacy boots come with a non-marking, slip-resistant Chevron outsole that provides unparalleled traction on any surface in the most extreme conditions.

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HER GEAR Sherpa Nilgiri Pant

If they’ll keep you comfortable in the Himalayas, they’ll keep you comfortable anywhere. Sherpa’s Nilgiris are the perfect soft-shell pant for any outdoor activity in cold conditions.

If there’s anyone who knows how to stay warm in bitter cold conditions, it’s waterfowlers, who view frigid temperatures as invitation to go out into the field.

Heybo’s Delta Vest is designed to protect you from bitter winds on those cold-weather days. This classic-cut piece features Realtree Max 5 camo, a vertical zippered pocket on the left chest, and two lower zippered pockets. The Delta Vest is built to be worn in the field or as a casual piece.

With a full zip front, the Delta Vest features 100 percent poly fleece to keep your core warm while allowing freedom of movement for your arms. Even in damp conditions, this moisture wicking garment will keep you warm.

The Delta vest may have been designed for duck hunting, but any outdoorsman will appreciate the warmth and functionality of this versatile vest.

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Stretchy and quiet, Nilgiris keep you feeling warm, dry and comfortable even as you work up a sweat.

They are made of a three-layer softshell laminate and lined with a light, soft fleece, so they provide breathable, durable, wind and water repellant shelter for your legs. They are also stretchy, which means moving in them feels unrestricted and effortless. Wear them with a base-layer or on their own to suit conditions.

The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket The Venture 2 Jacket is an unlined, packable, weatherproof rain jacket that is perfect for year-round use. Whether you’re in the backcountry of the Florida Keys or the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lightweight, waterproof and windproof jacket will be there to protect you from the elements when you need it.

The Three-layer softshell laminate is highly breathable and wind- and water-proof. A gusseted crotch accommodates a full and natural range of motion. Three zip pockets—two hand and one thigh—keep essentials handy. Long, twoway, ankle zippers allow for venting and easy on and off over boots. An integrated, adjustable belt customizes the fit, and there are no seams on top of the knees to chafe or cause discomfort.

These pants are functional enough to keep you happy in the harshest conditions and comfortable enough to wear around the house.

www. sherpaadventuregear. co.uk Under Armour Storm Surge The Storm Surge is exactly the lightweight rain jacket one would expect from Under Armour, a company devoted to designing high-performance apparel.

Unbelievably lightweight and packable, the Storm Surge is a jacket that is easy to keep on-hand, whether in a pack or stowed in a box, which means it is the jacket that will be there when those pop-up thunderstorms roll over the water.

UA’s Storm technology has created a shell that is 100 percent waterproof, with fully taped seams to keep the wearer dry in wet weather. And this piece of gear does not sacrifice breathability. A 10K/10K rating means the Storm Surge has found a good balance between keeping water out while allowing airflow For those warm, humid days, when some rain jackets just leave you wet with sweat instead of rain, on-demand zip vents under the arms provide additional breathability to keep the wearer cool and dry. On cool mornings, windproof materials and construction block out the breeze with 2.5 layer bonded fabric and a durable, smooth exterior.

The Storm Surge has a loose, fuller cut for complete comfort and a full range of motion.

Adjustable cuffs and a bungee hem keep moisture from creeping in, while zippered hand pockets keep gear safe.

www.underarmour.com

Heybo Delta Vest-Max 5

The North Face’s DryVent 2.5L technology utilizes a polyurethane coating that is remarkably waterproof, breathable and durable to create a jacket for active pursuits where light weight and packability are essential. An inner layer finished with dry touch print helps raise the fabric from the skin for comfort and to enable quick transfer of vapor to the outside. The Venture 2 also packs up small into its own pocket. In short, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, this jacket is designed to be there to keep you dry and comfortable.

A relaxed fit and adjustable hood provide a full range of motion as well as room for extra layers, hats or helmets. Pit-zip venting increases breathability. Hand pockets are covered and zippered to store gear safe and dry. Adjustable Velcro cuff tabs keep water from running down your arm while casting, and a hem cinch-cord stops wetness from coming in from below.

With a durable yet breathable ripstop exterior, it is likely the wearer will never need to use The North Face’s legendary lifetime warranty.

www.northface.com HammerHead Mahi Mahi Ahi Gloves The HammerHead Dentex, Mahi Mahi Ahi gloves are protection on “rear-knuckle” steroids!

Hammerhead has taken its best-selling red Dentex cutresistant gloves and added a thick coat of “EKP” or Enhanced Knuckle Protection to create the perfect gloves for spearfishing and lobstering.

Dentex gloves were already the No. 1 best-selling protective gloves for warm water. Made from special UHMW ANSI Level 5 fabrics, they are light, flexible and offer incredible cut and puncture resistant protection up to 15 times stronger than steel. With chemical- and heat-resistant Nitrile Grip coating, you’ll never lose your grip on pole spears, rocks, fillet knives, lobster snares or with any application where extra grip is desired.

With the addition of EKP, Hammerhead has brought a new and improved glove to the marketplace that offers complete protection for the front as well as the back of your hands and especially your knuckles.

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What’s It Like to Live in a Log Cabin?

By Ben Martin • Editor in Chief

View time-lapsed video at www.blueridgelogcabins.net As an outdoor enthusiast, I’m naturally drawn to the aesthetic charm of log cabins. I have enjoyed numerous stays and vacations in log cabins over the years. Living in one on a long term or even potentially permanent basis is an intriguing thought for me. With that question in mind, I set out to speak with individuals who have taken that step, just to get their honest opinions, before I make the leap to a log cabin as my permanent residence.

My first call was to Mark Alberghini, our Charlotte, North Carolina co-publisher. He and his family have been living in a log cabin for more than 20 years. According to Mark, returning to his cabin after a stressfilled day in the publishing business offers an immediate calming effect.

He went on to say that living in a log cabin has left him less interested in vacations than at any other time in his life. His now-grown daughters tell him they are always pleased to return to the log cabin for holidays and family events, and that it seems to have created a deeper sense of tradition than many of their friends who live in conventional homes seem to experience.

I then contacted several Blue Ridge Log Cabin homeowners to see how they compared the experience of log cabin living to conventional homes.

Jerry and Carol Clark, who recently moved into their Blue Ridge Log Cabin, said the experience of returning to their log home is much more enjoyable than that of their previous conventional homes. Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner and high school principle Charlie Burry informed us that, “As a high school principle, I value regular downtime away from the pressures of my job.” In that regard, Mr. Burry went on to say, “My wife and I greatly enjoy the peace and relaxation afforded by log-home living verses a conventional home.”

Jim Austin, another Blue Ridge Log Cabin owner, commented, “several years ago we decided to change our lifestyle and head out of the hustle and bustle of city life and settle for the quiet and serene country life. We found the perfect wooded location in the foothills of the Appalachians, complete with a little stream running through it. These past five years have been fantastic. We couldn’t have picked a better location or company to build our home. We absolutely love the quietness of the woods in which deer and turkey abound. The sound of our little creek in the morning mist seems heaven sent. Perfect setting, perfect cabin. We love it and wouldn’t change cabin living for the world.”

Throughout the numerous interviews that were conducted, the response was always the same. Those homeowners who had changed from a conventional home to a log cabin unanimously agreed, the feeling of contentment, relaxation and satisfaction with the log home was far superior to that of their conventional home. Had this little research project been a survey, it would have seemed artificially skewed. Rarely will you find 100 percent of your survey group in agreement on nearly any subject. In this inquiry, every single person, without exception, agreed that they would never trade log-home living for a conventional home. That’s what it’s like to live in a log cabin.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

UPSTATE NEW YORK

September – A Great Month to Fish

SEPTEMBER IS A GREAT MONTH TO FISH IN UPSTATE NY. The salmon fishermen on Lake Ontario are having one of their best seasons of late, forecasting an explosive salmon run. Our weather the last few years has been quite pleasant during late summer and early fall, so keep your boat in the water this late season and enjoy a magical time of year to fish. Walleye have been biting well all season on Oneida Lake and all over the state, and that great fishing should just get even better as water temperatures subside.

The King George Derby on Lake George is a great venue to enjoy the late season. This year’s event is in September, a perfect time when the lake crowds settle. This year, salmon have been added to the prize categories, and this should correspond with an optimal time to pursue these aerial acrobats.

Landlocked salmon like this one caught aboard Rod Bender Charters will add excitement to this years King George Derby.

NOW ONLINE www.theanglermag.com/upstate-ny For editorial comments, articles, photography, advertising and all other inquires please contact: The Angler Magazine Upstate New York.

CALL OR TEXT 518-898-6484 OR EMAIL frankie@theanglermagazine.com OR VISIT www.theanglermag.com/upstate-ny Lisa Halsdorf, Operations Manager, 518-898-6350 Deanna Grant, Graphic Artist Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theanglermagazineupstateny Instagram: www.instagram.com/theanglermagazineupstateNY

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King George Derby 2017 New and Improved!

BY RICH ORTIZ FISHIN’ MUSICIAN MY ENTHUSIASM FOR has been included, adding The King George Derby on to the excitement. Last Lake George September September fishing for these 15-17 is its multi-species beautiful specimens was format and that I love outstanding, and myself fishing Lake George for and others caught some true big fish, especially the trophy’s in Lake George. four-species featured.

The later date in First Prize of $2,000 September will allow for lake trout, large and a more relaxed fishing smallmouth bass and environment with summer now landlock salmon pleasure boating traffic challenge my multisignificantly reduced. species competitive skills.

Local participation is Most Important is that necessary to help make the proceeds of this event this 3rd year a success, and benefit SAVE and its we welcome fishermen efforts to Stop Aquatic from around Upstate NY InVasives from Entering to join in on the family Lake George www. fun and prizes.

Author Rich Ortiz scored this trophy Lake George salmon last September. fundforlakegeorge.org.

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Lake George enthusiasts entries to limit harvest have been waiting a long are detailed at www. time for an exciting derby like this to take place and this year’s kinggeorgefishingderby.com. Special Thanks goes out to the Lake adjustments will only make this event better. This is The King George Fishing Alliance and everyone else involved who have helped George’s 3rd year, though it is the first year that landlock salmon make this a great late summer event.

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CAPT JJ’S LAKE GEORGE REPORT WELL, THE SAME WEATHER PATTERN HELD UP THROUGH August, with the weather changing every few days plus a fair amount of rain, especially compared to last year. The surface temperature in the South Basin stayed in the mid-seventies… and the fishing was very good all summer. We saw really good numbers of keeper lakers, many in the 24-26” range plus some fat 27-31” trout. The large baitfish population, smelt and cisco, has the lake trout in really good shape.

Have been catching them mostly on spoons, using larger sizes than normal and expect that to continue into the fall. The lakers were starting to “stack up” as they do in mid-August, and more will join them as we near spawning time. These fish aren’t feeding but can be temped to bite the right offering, speeding up can help, 2.5 mph or more to trigger strikes. We didn’t spend any time fishing salmon in August, just like last year, tough to leave the great laker bite we enjoyed.

I believe the salmon fishing peaked in the South Basin last year, heard reports on some nice ones caught up North in August, though. They are out there and those willing to put their time in should eventually be rewarded with a sliver bullet jumping behind the boat.

Our team plans on spending time targeting them for the upcoming King George Fishing Derby as a salmon category has been added for this year. The bass have been biting great, too. One nice change has been the increased numbers of largemouth mixed in with the smallies, and they have been as deep as 40 feet. Bait was tough to get at times, the crayfish were small but worked great. Didn’t use as many Keitechs as the last few years, they seem to be having supply problems.

Started using Senkos again and they still work, the little 3” are great

Lakers like this will be waiting at The King George Derby, kinggeorgefishingderby.com. for smallmouth, they sink fast and have less resistance on a drift. This will be important in September and into the fall as the bass move deeper, can get them 50-80 feet down.

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ANGLER MAGAZINE FLY FISHING...

Edited By Jerrod Vila, The Angler Magazine of Upstate New York Fly Fishing Editor

Reading Water: Back to Basics THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF FISHABLE FEATURES CONTAINED within any given trout stream. Rivers and streams come in various sizes, depths, flows, aggressiveness etc. but all will contain certain traditional cliché fish holding areas. How you choose to attack them will often determine your overall success or failure. First off, identifying where the fish will be positioned within any given scenario is crucial, and more importantly why these fish are staged where they are is even more important in the overall big picture.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common ones and how to effectively evaluate and fish each situation.

The Pocket

Fishing aggressive flowing pockets and plunge pools are perhaps my favorite type of trout habitat. Freestone rivers like the infamous West Branch of the AuSable with steep descent grades are quite conducive of having lots of pocket water. There are many options to fish these pockets but I personally find tight-line or Czech style nymphing with a tandem fly set-up to be my most productive. For one, the flow is usually quite heavy making an excellent eye shield for you to sneak as close to the pocket as possible without worry of spooking the fish. Two, these aggressive flows associated with said pocket water are bringing food rapidly past the trout holding within, forcing them to make an immediate decision to eat or not to eat before that bit of sustenance (AKA your fly) is long gone, because of this the takes are usually very aggressive and easily deciphered above water. Also, as summer drags

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on and water begins to warm the plunge pools will also harbor the most oxygenated water therefore concentrating and containing the most active trout in the river.

The Backeddy:

Probably the most typical and well- known holding location for a trout. A steady flow broken up by some type of obstruction in the stream, whether it be a boulder, a log, really anything that breaks the current. Trout are lazy and will take advantage of a current break that still delivers the benefit of a full stream food influx without the exertion of energy to remain out in a strong flow. It’s really the best of both worlds for them. It’s like someone delivering you breakfast in bed. Why wouldn’t you stay there? As currents divert and come around each side of the break fish will stage on the edges. Think of this as a “V” with the bottom of the V being the current break, picture it in your mind and watch how the currents react. The stronger the flow and the larger the diversion, the larger the V will be. Fish each edge of this V as fish will be staged off both sides. The super soft water directly behind the obstruction will hold few fish, but the edges and as you get out a few feet will hold numerous.

The “Push”

The push, as I like to call it, is a sneaky little spot located directly opposite the backeddy. This is the upstream side “cushion” of water if you will that bounces back off an obstruction creating a spot soft enough for a trout to take up residence. This can be a great location to swing streamers or soft hackle wet flies across in a fanning motion starting upstream and getting ever so closer to the Ensuring tight lines for over 30 years diversion with each swing. Never pass The premier store up a few drifts in the for fly fishermen in “push.”

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The Pool

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Check out Jerrod and some really great outdoor adventures at www.downwindoutdoors.com system to fish and very possibly my least favorite trout holding area to target. They see the most anglers by far and contain the most educated trout. Dry flies prevail in pools, a nice presentation of the proper fly can surely elicit some takes as can some deep nymph presentions under an indicator. Definitely not a spot to pass up, but I personally don’t devote a ton of attention to large pools. On a side note, large pools can also contain some of the largest trout in the stream as well, to target these specific fish try throwing overly large streamers or mice at night when the traffic of fishermen has long since disappeared and the big guys emerge from deep structure under the cover of darkness to hunt.

The Run

Another solid trout holding location, a stretch of moving unbroken water that has the depth where trout feel comfortable remaining out in the open. The larger the run the higher the number of trout staged in it will be. The thing with a typical run you must remember is that the almost always the water near the bottom will be moving slightly slower than the water on in the top section of the water column. Hence, causing almost all fish to be lying within a few inches of bottom to conserve energy while the conveyor belt of food flows above them and they zip up off bottom to take whatever offering is overhead. When dealing with a run it can be very important to start your drift much farther upstream than normal. Think about where the fish should be and how long it will take your presentation to get down to their level. The faster and deeper the run the longer the cast you need to make upstream will be prior to starting your dead drift and actually fishing it. These fish are always looking up and sometimes the water can be somewhat smooth so be extremely careful approaching a run, especially on a sunny day. Don’t cast any shadows upon it and stay low as you make your casts and many fish can be caught from a single spot.

equates to big streamers.

Start upstream and drift them deep and under the bank and once in the zone make that fly scramble to escape as if it knows it is great danger of being eaten. Erratic fast strips will often trigger a big trout to not allow that fly to leave his domain.

Watch for followers coming out chasing your fly, if this happens hold off casting directly back in. Wait a little while and come back later. Drift your streamer in just a little deeper and repeat. You now know he’s there. Catch him.

The Tailout

On the very end of a pool or run right before the water changes into some other style of current there will usually be a few fish. Especially in periods of low light fish will often get into a feeding mode and stage up in this location. It can be a great spot to concentrate fish during a hatch as well. Approach from downstream and watch carefully for rising fish and make spot on accurate casts. Deeper tailouts can also be nymphed with excellent success.

The next time you’re on the stream remember these 7 basic “go to” Trout holding spots and fish them all. Best of luck.

The Undercut Bank

The big fish haunt. Chances are the largest fish in the river will be in this spot. It offers shade, an insane amount of cover and protection from predators, and an absolutely fabulous ambush point for a large predatory trout. Usually located on a bend in the river, it will be deeper water as well with a non stop flow of food directly into the face of big trout. Big fish like to make their energy exertion worthwhile. This

WEST CANADA CREEK REPORT

BY JERROD VILA THE MONTH OF AUGUST HAS SEEN THE LEVEL OF THE WEST Canada come up and go back down significantly many times over.

Fishing has been surprisingly good though, with such a large amount of precipitation this season it has remained fishable all summer.

September will now bring cooler nights which will gradually start to lower the water temperature and make the trout inherently more active. Night time golden stone hatches have been steady so nymphing girdle bugs and other large stonefly patterns in faster deeper runs like a Pat’s Rubber leg have been producing really nice fish, dropping and isonychia nymph off the back off the stonefly pattern has also accounted for quite a few fish. Early September will bring on sporadic BWO hatches and Slate drakes as well and as the month grows on it probably wouldn’t be a bad option to start throwing some bigger streamers as the fish should start becoming more and more aggressive and colored up with the onset of fall.

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UPSTATE NEW YORK 7

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UPSTATE NEW YORK 9

LAKE CHAMPLAIN REPORT BY SHAWN HAYES, WILL NOLAN WWW.SWILLYSLURECRAFT.COM AND JAMES VLADYKA OF WWW.FISHHOUNDSOUTDOORS.COM THE BROAD LAKE BITE HAS BEEN CONSISTENT THIS MONTH. It seems the thermocline has come up a bit from the 85 ft. it was at last week. The fish are beginning to group together nicely. The smallmouth bite is on fire throughout the lake. They are being taken in 20 fow or less.

Top water has been effective over deeper water and many largemouths are being taken in 1-3 fow along weed edges and lillies. Typical approaches like Spooks, poppers, buzzbaits, and frogs have been working well for us. The lake trout are being caught in great numbers and some nice fish being reported although the big fish this year have been taken south of Burlington. The alewives have been in heavy concentration farther south it seems finding the fish seem more actively feeding and not as finicky.

Typical techniques apply. We have moved to larger presentations and a slower approach with the lake trout.

The lake trout although grouped together seem to be on the move.

Trolling with riggers and dragging the bottom with larger spoons and stick baits when jigging is slow have produced good numbers. Although not in great number, in the broad lake and The Inland Sea they have been steadily producing some very nice salmon, steelhead and brown

trout. Most fish have been caught 80- 95 feet down. The salmon bite has been slow this year due to many factors. There seems to be a 2-year gap missing in our salmon population according to many. The 14-18inch salmon have not been reported much this year. Will Nolan When I think of Lake Champlain I think of it in two sections, southern end & northern end. To me the divide occurs at the Lake Champlain bridge. Typically, south of the bridge the water is warmer, shallower and often stained due to the clay bottoms. North of the bridge is completely opposite with much colder water temperatures, sandy or rock bottom with depths sometimes reaching over 300 feet. In the past 3 years the water levels have been drastically lower than usual however this year with the amount of rain that we have had the lake is closer to its normal level. The southern end of the lake has been producing very well. The Crappie bite has been hot with the fish piled up on structure. Bass have been holding in the drop offs so fishing deeper for them has been more productive. Pike fishing has also been good casting or trolling stick baits along the outside edges of the weed beds. As for the Northern part of the lake the warm sunny longer days have driven schools of lake trout up on the deep water humps (90 to 100 fow) making for some outstanding jigging as well as bouncing bottom with down riggers, dragging spoons and small stick baits. The salmon bite has seemed to slow up but is not completely nonexistent.

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Waddington Bassmaster “Elite Series” Big Success – Can’t Wait till Next Year Kevin VanDam dominates 2017 event from wire to wire KEVIN VAN DAM DOMINATED you save those dates for next year. The the top of the standings for the 2017 return of this highly sought event brings Bassmasters “Elite Series” from day one to life and energy to Upstate NY, and as a final weigh-in. He scored 20 bass for 90 lbs community we should support such a on the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, dynamic attraction and make it part of NY. What an incredible fishing feat. our traditions. The Bassmasters obviously KVD’s understanding of smallmouth is return because of the high quality of our legendary, spawning from his roots in fishery, but it is much more than that. The Western Michigan. He adjusted during the preparation, dedication and volunteering weekend and he landed most of the big fish by the local people is what made this event he hooked. I learned more about his tactics so successful. The professional fishermen by watching the Bassmasters TV show on who travel non-stop to compete couldn’t ESPN2 last weekend. KVD was using more say enough good things about how KVD after Saturday’s weigh in with Angler Frankie friendly and encouraging the locals were finesse spinning tackle than the other pro’s, possibly increasing his landing ratio. towards them, and they cherish returning and Rachel Vickers.

He often would seek out calmer waters to the St. Lawrence for the fishing and the behind islands and work the area where he had sighted big smallmouths people. The “Party in the Park” was nicely arranged to entertain all that transitioning from spawning on sand and rock. He changed his baits up attended. There were demo boat rides, great fish tanks to view, excellent often, mostly switching from plastics to stickbaits. I highly recommend live entertainment and local businesses setting up booths with reasonably you watch the show when it is re-telecasted. priced food and beverage items. Many large tackle and gear companies The Bassmasters event and aligned Waddington “Party in the Park” had elaborate displays free for the public. It was a rare FREE event that was a tremendous success. Over 32,800 witnessed KVD’s domination someone could bring their family and most everyone had something fun this year, and for the 3rd time in 5 years Waddington has hosted this to do. To summarize, this Waddington Party/Bassmasters event was an great event. They have already scheduled next year’s Bassmaster “Elite enjoyable time for everyone who took the time and effort to attend. I Series” in Waddington August 23-26, 2018. I highly recommend certainly look forward to attending next year.

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UPSTATE NEW YORK 11

IN THE PRESENCE

BY RACHEL VICKERS Secretary and Active Chair Member for the GSLFF, Field Writer/Expert The Angler Magazine IN EVERY PERSONS’ LIFE, THERE ARE A HANDFUL OF defining moments, I would like to share one of mine. Hopefully many of you were also able to attend, or at least follow the Bassmasters “Elite Series” 2017 in the Village of Waddington N.Y. Village Staff planned diligently since January to welcome back a record breaking crowd of over 30,000 people. With attendance equivalent to a concert at SPAC. The ESPN2 media coverage that follows the “Elite Circuit” is made up of a small army of mobile media centers equipped with working staff, that set up at each location along the tournament trail. They provide our Elite Pro-Bass anglers “The Red Carpet” treatment they deserve, since they have earned to be invited to compete in what is viewed as the “highest level of professional bass fishing tournaments.” When I learned that The Angler wanted me to help with coverage of the final 2 days of the event, and I could be part of this media army, I was out fishing with my father on Sacandaga. When I asked my dad if I should go? We both knew what my answer would be. I was going…. with no accommodation plans. It was already late Thursday night, and the tournament had started. I knew if I was going to make it there for day 3 & 4 of the series I needed some help. I decided to ask one of my most trusted friends, Aaron Bulluck to throw caution to the wind, and come with me. We arrived in Waddington in the early evening just after the Day 2 weigh in finished. As we pulled into the local gas station both of us immediately noticed the towns atmosphere. Calm, clean, upbeat, and the towns people and visiting spectators were polite, easygoing and hospitable. When we met Frank, he said- “Glad you made it…Its your

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world up here” He was right, I felt completely comfortable in my element, surrounded by like-minded people. Frank gave us our all access media passes, our “Golden Ticket” to all things Bassmaster Elite had to offer!

Frank also asked where I was staying, and I told him we had not crossed that bridge yet. He tossed me The Angler Mag and pointed out that Olivia at fourseasonsmx@aol.com 315-323-4138 would accommodate you short notice. He was right and we got settled in, even did some fishing.

Now that is Upstate NY hospitality!

We woke up to sunny skies, and warm temperatures. The weigh-ins of Day 3 were, nothing less than surreal. I made my way back-stage, behind the cameras, to the weigh in station. The Pro-Anglers started to line up their boats, and line up with their live bags. This is where the gravity of my situation started to sink in, I was about to come face to face with The WOLRDS Best Professional fishermen. I paid close attention as I listened to the Pros talk about their day on the water while they moved with their fish thru aerated bins that have a mild sedative in the water to keep the fish from being stressed during the wait. It is a common practice also, to use these powders for fish hatchery spawning. After weigh-ins are completed, and a short commentary is done with each remaining angler.

The fish are placed in “recovery” tanks on a pontoon boat, and brought back to the water to be released. The task to transport the fish back is given to the Kids in the JR Bassmasters Club. It helps them learn how to handle fish, and gain an understanding of the importance of conservation. The commentator then announces the Pro-Anglers rankings and standings, in a nicely directed entertaining venue. ESPN does their interviews with

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OF GREATNESS…. the top 10 on the leaderboard, as they make their way off the platform.

The pros will return the next morning and do it all over again. I really give so much respect to these professional anglers, they endure harsh conditions daily, sun included. The Waddington tournament was very special to one legendary angler. Kevin VanDam, who is ranked #1 in the world! KVD commanded a record breaking weight of 90lb-3oz.!

This earned the all-time Leading $ winner in Pro-Bass Fishing history his 3rd win on the St. Lawrence River and a $100,000 prize. In 1987, KVD made his 1st professional Debut here on the river in St. Lawrence, and now 27 years later! When asked how it felt to be an Elite Series Champion again, “Wow, I’m speechless, It was my 1st tournament, it’s my 300th event, and 24th win. It’s unbelievable!” KVD said. Brock Mosley had more than an impressive 2nd place finish. He was the only angler other than KVD to boat more than 20lbs on each day!

The following weekend I had an awesome lake trout trip planned for Lake Champlain, but on the Vermont side. Since the Bassmasters “Elite Series” was going to be in Plattsburg the same weekend, I enthusiastically followed up coverage by taking the 15- min ferry ride to NY. The first pro I ran into was Brandon Palaniuk who scored third in both the Plattsburgh and Waddington events. History was made again on Sunday at Plattsburgh, when a record breaking come from behind victory, 19th place at the start of day 3, Aaron Martens the veteran angler from Alabama, took the Plattsburgh Elite Series Championship home with him. Martens is currently ranked 12th in the World. Aaron was accompanied by his wife, Leslie and their two children, Jordan & Spencer for this historic win. This time the faces and names were all familiar so it didn’t seem so overwhelming. I was greeted by familiar faces from the past week. The Bassmasters staff

was extremely accommodating and friendly. We still were able to fish the entire day Saturday, we boated 38 early season Lake Trout with 21 under my name. I am going back up this coming weekend to try and beat my personal best. The last two weeks have been some of the most memorable of my life, and I have a feeling like I did about Waddington.

That this is just the beginning. We are in initial planning to be covering the Bassmasters Classic on Lake Hartwell Feb. 16th in Greenville,SC for The Angler Mag and Reel Rascal Reel Covers www.reelrascal.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

UPSTATE NEW YORK 13

Underground Fishing League ST. LAWRENCE – BY MICHAEL SORRENTO THE MIGHTY ST. LAWRENCE mouth bass. Paul Viapiano FLEXED IT MUSCLES TO the (the official “poultry” of the Underground Fishing League during UFL) broke his curse with a August Vince Sorrento Invitational, nice 4lb walleye caught on leaving the anglers wind-burned, a purple/clear/chartreuse soaked, and exhausted. The VSI Reef Runner. In the end, honors the late Vince Sorrento, safely staying out of the architect of Sorrento’s Shady Oaks intense chop and 20mph Cabin Rentals in beautiful Oak Point, winds favored Michael NY. The two-day competition is “maestro” Sorrento with a another one of the UFL’s signature few last minute fish in Blind multi-species tournaments focusing Bay to earn his 2nd VSI title. on walleye, small/largemouth bass, As the anglers rest and northern pike. up during the hot month The anglers enjoyed of August, their focus is comprehensive and convenient now on the season ending accommodations (cabins, dock, gas, Andrew Iraci Derby in Underground Fishing League Team. food) from Blind Bay Marina (thanks mid-September. They’ll to Kenny Goodman) to support an aggressive tournament schedule. be sharpening their skills on the water and enjoying all the fun Vince Gemelli came out of the blocks early with a 7lb walleye caught establishments that Alexandria Bay has to offer. Look for UFL anglers... trolling a Reef Runner 700 Series in 12 feet of water and was the man to and get ready! ~Maestro beat for the majority of the tournament. Jim Sorrento, Sammy Iraci, and Josh Alexander made respectable pushes with some impressive small

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Michael and Sammy with a pre-invitational 6 1/2 lb. walleye.

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What’s Happening on the River?

BY LARRY EWART OF ATOMIC E BAITS THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE BASSMASTERS ELITE THAT went out of Waddington NY saw plenty of quality bass at the scales, should see an even better showing next year when they come in August 2018. Now that water levels have become more normal, we should start to see activity get even better from Massena to the mouth of Lake Ontario. The walleye fishing will pick up as waters start to cool down as well as water levels slowly going down and with the current flow a bit slower, you’ll still want to use heavy jigs tipped with a worm or minnow and bottom bouncers 3oz or more. Those 1 ouncers aren’t going to cut it as well around here right now or most other times. The perch bite will also pick up, so keep plenty of fresh bait on hand or plenty of small plastics for these guys and other pan fish as well. As the smallmouth start grouping up on the points, rapala type jerk baits and rattle trap baits work well and drop shotting is always good to try on these spots.

Largemouth should be hanging in the 6 to 8 foot weed line area, jigs and beaver type baits pitched and flipped will do good here.

Always look to the weed lines of the bays for northern pike since they are going to be active as well and they love just about all baits. If you want a big northerns, try big spinners or give swim baits a try. The NY bass masters team event out of Ogdensburg should do well at the scales here on the 19th and 20thand a shot at the state team for 2018.

My fishing partner and myself decided to go out and check out an area that has done me well in past years up in the Brockville area of the St.Lawrence.

Thanks to today’s GPS systems it makes it easy to keep those places in check as before the GPS came along, as we started and worked along the area it didn’t take long to see the bass were there as my partner had a few fish follow up to the boat. I tossed in my spinner bait and we backed out a few yards for a better angle and Larry Ewart of Atomic E Baits switched our baits. at the Bass Masters Elite.

Rick went to and 4” atomic E-BAITS drop shot worm in blizzard and I went to a 5.25” atomic trick stix bait in Blizzard. On ricks 1st cast he picked up a nice 4lb 12oz smallmouth {He has caught around 50 bass on that same worm from last year when I first made this color} and few cast latter I caught a 5lb 9oz bass. Rick then boated another 4pounder and the a 4.8 on an atomic tube in amber gold and I picked up another 4lb bass on the trick stix as we moved along. We caught a few more here and there making for a nice afternoon on the river, with our best 5 best around 23lbs, for our very own Bassmasters bragging right.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

UPSTATE NEW YORK 15

MICKEY’S ONEIDA LAKE REPORT MOST OF US ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE EXPRESSION “There’s more than one way to skin a cat”. This years Oneida Lake walleye season will go down embracing that notion.

Did you ever hear of a walleye taken on top water baits in 25 feet of water? Heddon’s Zara Spook, a traditional bass lure, with the rear treble replaced with a feathered treble is putting walleye in the boat for some anglers.

If this cool weather keeps up with higher water level, we are in for an early walleye night bite. By the time this goes to print it wouldn’t be surprising to hear of anglers having success casting stick baits at night from their favorite perch.

Speaking of perch, all indications are that this fall could end up being a great time to target the striped critters.

They usually begin to school up around now. We certainly didn’t get them last We welcome fisherman!

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throughout the month of August is over. Septembers cooler temps usually mean that largemouth bass begin their annual migration into Oneida’s bays, it’s time to put on the feed bag. All in all, this time of year is great for fisherman, especially for the shore angler. Everything from crappie, bass, perch to walleye can be had in shallow water. A favorite tactic is to fish a small 1/32-1/16 oz jig under a weighted bobber. Line should be no more than 6 lb test. Jigs should resemble forage for this time of year, emerald shiners or shad.

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For information call 315-298-7605. The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is located on County Route 22, one mile northeast of the Village of Altmar, Oswego County.

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UPSTATE NEW YORK 17

EAST SHORE BAIT ONEIDA LAKE REPORT BY BEN BARRY ONEIDA LAKE FISHING HAS BEEN ON FIRE THIS YEAR. Walleye, bass and perch have been the main targeted species. We had a big algae bloom this year and it is now coming to end and the fishing has picked back up since the month of August. Walleye fishing has been good all summer and expected to stay this way the rest of the year. Be prepared for early fall fishing with big walleye caught from shore, casting stickbaits and various jigs. Methods of trolling stickbaits and worm harnesses in deeper water have still been producing good numbers of walleye. Back to jigging this month will also help you produce some nice walleye. Our Walleye Wednesday Tournament has been a great learning experience this year with walleye bags weighing

in over 8 pounds for three walleye.

These fish being caught in shallow water in the middle of summer just goes to show you don’t be afraid to try something new. Eight pounds in three fish that’s huge for this lake.

Lunkers coming in at 3-4 pounds what a great fishery.

The perch bite has picked up, jigging • Local Fishing Advise fathead minnows • Fur Trapper – Beaver, Coyote, or worms in 9’ This is from the free kids fishing tournament we – 12’ with large hosted. This is my daughter Saige Barry.

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Bass fishing has been great as well this year shoals and structured 93 Main Street areas producing the most fish your almost guaranteed to catch a nice Hudson Falls, NY 12839 small mouth. Live bait is working well this year crayfish and Shiners.

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UPSTATE GUIDE SERVICE REPORT BY MIKE CRAWFORD THESE DAYS FIND ME RUNNING AND GUNNING FOR FISH on lakes all over Upstate New York. In the last ten days I have launched on the Saranacs, The Indian River Lakes, and Otsego Lake!

I often focus on panfish besides smallies this time of year. Fishing, on the lakes slows down in August. September is a repeat of August, with high water temps and solid thermocline.

Shortening days and cooler nights move the fish toward transition.

But slowly. It takes a long time for the lakes to warm up, and even longer for them to cool down.

At this time the fry, or newlyhatched fish, have moved into suspension over the basins of the lakes, or gone pelagic, as fishery people say.

The sonar is invaluable on all lakes throughout the year, perhaps more so in mid-summer than any other time however.

Summer fishing for the lake angler is a game of cat and mouse... hunting the open basins for roaming schools of bait and fish.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

UPSTATE NEW YORK 19

WAYNE WEBER‘S TUG HILL/REDFIELD FISHING REPORT BY GUIDE WAYNE-O WELL I FEEL LIKE I COULD BE JUST COPIED AND PASTED the last few reports. It seems like this weather pattern isn’t going to end.

We get a few days of nice weather and then more rain. This has been excellent for trout fisherman. Streams are still fishing well but you must get away from the parking lots. By this time of year they have been hit hard and it is very unlikely you will find fish anywhere near them.

As I write this salmon have started to trickle into the Salmon River. I am guessing by the time you read this the run will be on. Make sure your tackle is in good order and you have new line on your reel.

You don’t want to lose the fish of a lifetime because you decided to save

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a few bucks using last year’s line.

I have been busy getting tackle organized and finishing up work around the house because I know once it starts there won’t be time for anything but fishing.

I did get out on the reservoir with my wife the other day and brought home a nice meal of panfish. Berkley gulp under a bobber along the shoreline was the ticket. We caught rock bass, sunfish, crappie, and smallmouth bass.

Walleye fishing picks up in the fall too. I am looking forward to getting into some walleye in the evenings after Salmon fishing in the day. From October until the reservoir freezes they can be caught trolling stickbaits.

This summer a number of eyes over 24 inches have been caught from the reservoir. It is starting to turn into a very good walleye Bait & Tackle fishery.

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A Passion for Pike

BY CASEY HOFFMAN I LOVE FISHING FOR NORTHERN PIKE AND HAVE BEEN infatuated with catching them for as long as I can remember. Stories my Pop-pop would tell of family trips to Quebec had me captivated even before I was old enough to go along to catch one. Once I did get to go fishing for them at the age of five, and saw a pike darting from cover to engulf a bait for the first time, I was hooked. Addicted. Obsessed.

Back then we would use old wooden boats without any electronics, where trolling simply consisted of throwing our lines over the side of the boat and driving around. Lures were usually Rapala minnows, large Mepps Comet Mino Spinners, or spoons like the Lucky Strike Red-eye. I was too young to understand my grandfather’s strategy on boat positioning or lure speeds, only that I was told to HOLD ON TIGHT to that rod!

Since then I’ve had the privilege of pursuing most of the well-known fresh and saltwater gamefish this continent has to offer (and even a little hand-fishing for goldfish in garden ponds of England). I’ve learned from some incredible guides and experienced anglers who have shared their lifetimes of experience for the given species they target. But I always find myself returning to chase pike. Their aggressive nature, and ability to grow to over 4 feet in length just adds to the pike angler’s passion. It’s probably not a coincidence that I now live a short drive from one of the best trophy pike lakes in the country, and the countless other pike filled Adirondack lakes and rivers to explore in the area.

The author proudly holding one of his first pike at the age of 5, along with his grandfather.

critters, they should be prepared with the proper gear to release them without either party being injured. A large net specifically designed for musky fishing will not only make it easier to get the fish into the net without catching the lure on the edge as it enters, but provides a holding pen where the fish can be unhooked without removing it from the water.

Hook removal is simplified with long needle-nose pliers and a pair of side-cutters to snip off any deeply buried hooks. Quickly cutting a hook BEFORE YOU GET STARTED from the lure will allow you to get the lure free from the fish and net,

Trophy sized pike and muskies are old fish and need to be respected. preventing further hook damage and eliminating some of the sharp As a fishing mentor of mine recently put it “the truly huge ones are old CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 enough to go have a beer with you”. Before anyone targets these toothy

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UPSTATE NEW YORK 21

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A Passion for Pike

continued from page

objects from the equation. Every effort should be made to reduce the amount of time the fish is stressed.

Keep the fish upright in the net and make sure the camera is prepared before you carefully lift it out of the water for some quick photos. Make sure that you’ve got one hand carefully placed under the gill plate, but not in the gills themselves, and the other supporting the belly of the fish. Your genuine earto-ear smile will happen automatically without any necessary instruction.

Then carefully place the fish back into the water and hold it by the tail until it regains its strength. Some anglers will slide the fish front and back in the water in an attempt to get more water to flow over the gills, but I believe that this just causes more stress on the fish. Before long you will start to feel the fish trying to swim on its own

A beautiful 42” pike caught while trolling a shallow diving crankbait over submerged weeds in upstate NY. and you will just let it go and watch that tail disappear into the depths.

Watching that scene of releasing a trophy fish unfold, a fish that was likely released by several others before you, will make the countless hours in search of it worthwhile. Knowing that the fish will still be there to enjoy in the future, even bigger, will provide far greater satisfaction than any amount of Facebook likes of your hero shot ever will.

GETTING STARTED Unfortunately, most articles on trolling for pike today will give beginner anglers the impression that they need a thirty thousand dollar boat decked out with top of the line GPS electronics, specialized rods and reels, and a whole lot of other trolling equipment. But these really aren’t necessary to get started and pike fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you wish to make it. At times these items absolutely do help to catch more fish, but can be extremely overwhelming, even to novice anglers. Up CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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New Product Report! Reel Rascals Developed in Upstate NY WHEN IT COMES TO FISHING REEL COVERS, EVERY GOOD fisherman understands the concept. You want to protect those expensive reels and keep the line from becoming brittle as it sits on the boat baking in the sun. Great idea, but the options were limited and many times too bulky or cumbersome to deal with, so you would buy them and they just ended up in a drawer in your garage.

The guys at Reel Rascal had the same problems. They wanted to use a reel saver, but just couldn’t find one that was light weight nylon, could fit in your pocket when off the reel, creates a water protective enclosure to keep the reel dry, dirt, bug and pollen free and also making it easy to slide on the reel from the top or the bottom of the pole AND was inexpensive!

They bought just about every saver on the market to see which had the best qualities and an affordable price, and surprisingly they couldn’t find any they thought were both functional and inexpensive.

So, the research and testing began. They came up with many different designs that still left them with a few concerns until they finally hit on the REEL Rascal “Wrap That Rascal” over the rod reel saver (Patent Pending) This waterproof nylon bag with a draw string top, hit all their criteria. Strong nylon waterproof material, that can be custom logoed, open end bottom that allows water to dissipate and not get trapped causing humidity. The Reel Rascal is washable, easy to put on and quick to take off and you can stuff up to 5 bags into a single pocket of your fishing shorts. When shown to competitive professional angler, he said, “What I really lie about it is I can rig up my gear with the baits I want

to use and the Rascal hides the lure, so my competition can’t see what I plan to throw”

Rob Slack, the inventor of the REEL Rascal states “I can’t tell you how much I spent on reels over the years. Seemed like every year I had 4-5 reels that the gears had just become too corroded or rusty to try and save, so off to the tackle store to run up another few hundred bucks on the Visa card. The real problem was me! I was too lazy to take the time to take the reels off, bag them up and store them away. I would just snap them in the rack and get back to my day” He ran the concept and idea past a few guys he was partners in a Thoroughbred racing stable “Don’t Tell My Wife Stable’s” and they wanted in! Colonel Craig Flowers (RET) of Austin TX, Kirk Godby, Ft Worth TX and Tom Smith of Lake George NY joined Rob in forming the Reel Rascal Fishing Company. http://REELRascal.com. Now their great product is available to you, to protect any type of fishing reel in an easy to use manner. A small investment to protect your valuable reels!

Angler Frankie testimonial – When I first saw The Reel Rascals, it seemed like such a simple product, and very affordable. It solved a problem for me instantly. Many followers know I like to hit the water all rigged. I like having everything tied up and ready to go. Putting the Reel Rascals on took seconds, and all my lures and knots are protected and concealed. I can see how this will also help during steelhead season when I may need to walk in deep snow to get to my favorite run. My reel will remain dry and removing it only takes seconds, and stuffing it in my pocket is easy and hassle-free. They are easy to use and simple. I love ‘em!

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UPSTATE NEW YORK 23

A Passion for Pike

continued from page 22

until recently, most of my fishing was done out of a simple 14ft aluminum boat with 10 horsepower tiller engine.

Other than a few rod holders that help to position multiple trolling lines without tangling, I believe that a fish-finder is the most critical piece of equipment to have and learn how to use properly. Even cheap electronics will allow the angler to understand bottom contours and position their baits at the proper depths. This usually means just a few feet above submerged weeds, but on some bodies of water this can also be around boulders, fallen trees, or current breaks in rivers.

I prefer shallow to deep diving crankbaits that imitate various baitfish, and consistently dive to a given depth. Spending some time to understand how deep certain lures will dive while trolling is critical so that the correct lure can be chosen for a given location. Most lure manufacturers provide estimates of lure diving depths, but they’re not always accurate, and vary greatly on the diameter of line used and distance behind the boat. One of the best ways to determine lure diving depths is to drag them across a gradually sloping sandy bottom area. Simply let out a known amount of line (line-counter reels can be helpful here, but one can also simply count how many hand pulls of line are taken off the spool) and observe the depth on the fish finder at which the lure starts bumping bottom.

Once this information is known for a variety of lures, the angler is ready to precisely present the proper lures for a given location.

Once you understand the bottom structure, and how your lures are passing over it, I guarantee that your catch rate for pike, and any species of fish will increase dramatically. If you’re a beginner, I suggest tagging along with an experienced pike angler to pick up a few pointers on catching and safely releasing these incredible fish. If you’re already an expert, find a kid to take with you. You might just change their life. But when you hand them a rod, just do as my Pop-pop did and remind them to HOLD ON TIGHT!

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Currently, this modification is available for the Shimano Tiagra 80 and 130 and the Penn International 80 VSW. Soon, it will be available for the Tiagra 50 and Penn 130.

The main benefit of the auto stop feature is that the reel can be set to stop retrieving line at any interval, including just before your terminal tackle reaches the rod tip. The auto stop feature can be used for swordfishing, deep dropping, pulling dredges and teasers or even high-speed trolling. Another great benefit is that you can control the reel from your iPhone through Hooker Electric’s app, ReelTime. All Hooker Electric reels come with full variable speed control that allows the angler to determine how fast line is retrieved. While the 16, 20 and 30 kite reel models operate on 12 volt systems, the 50, 70, 80 and 130 models are available for both 12 and 24 VDC systems and don’t require a converter box.

Hooker Electric reels are the fastest on the market, saving time and sometimes money. In addition, all models retain the benefit of the OEM handle for when the angler is feeling a bit sporty and wants to hand crank on a sea monster.

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Spectacular Salmon Season is On! By Frank Geremski

L

ake Ontario consistently produces some of the best Great Lakes salmon catches, and this year’s fishing has been nothing short of spectacular. Significant early summer rains brought high water, which stimulated a feeding frenzy for giant king salmon. Recent summers have endured dry weather, low water and thinner salmon runs. Both lake and river health was questioned during these dry years, but cool and plentiful rains have done wonders for this fishery.

It’s prime time to tangle with beasts that have been tipping the scales over 30 pounds!

The experts are excited about lake and river conditions in New York’s Oswego County, holder of 12 New York state and world records.

Bob Mallory is an expert on Lake Ontario and Oswego Harbor, where he pursues his passion for trout and salmon.

Here are Bob’s thoughts on the 2017 Salmon Season: “Fishing in the lake out of the port of Oswego has Tom Fernandez of The continued to get better every Tailwater Lodge with a trophy week as the season has proearly season King Salmon! gressed. The number of fish being hooked and caught right now is nothing short of amazing and points to a great river season. Trolling in the lake with downriggers and Dipsy Divers with flashers and flies has been my go-to method. In low light conditions, white eChip flashers with A-Tom-Mik Hammer flies is producing. In overcast conditions, try greens; brighter days favor chrome and Mountain Dew colors. As fish get closer to the pier head, J-plugs will produce.”

Tom Fernandez and the team at The Tailwater Lodge on New York’s Salmon River have developed a premier fishing resort. Huge salmon can attract a crowd when they blast up shallow runs and riffles on this picturesque river. The Tailwater’s 35 acres of private access solves that issue, and they provide a top-notch fishing concierge service. Tom is looking forward to an early salmon season with these words: “As the nights get colder in Altmar, we can only think about one thing, trophy king salmon exploding outside our back door in the Schoolhouse Pool. This year we are expecting the run to start earlier than we have seen in the past few years, with kings and cohos in the river system from September through October until we get deep into steelhead season. The high levels of Lake Ontario, the consistent good flow through the Salmon River and fish staging outside Oswego and Mexico Point have all the necessary ingredients for one heck of a salmon season. If I were looking for a time to experience the trophy fish on the Salmon River with thinner crowds, warmer temps and explosive fish, I would think about making the early run this year.”

To truly experience the salmon spawning process and have a great adventure with the family, the Salmon River Fish Hatchery in Altmar, N.Y. will hold their annual open house Sept. 23, where you can view the complete spawning cycle.

To learn more about Oswego County fishing, go to www.visitoswegocounty/fishing.com. Phil Belsito of The Angler Magazine of West Michigan said Lake Michigan fish are large and plentiful also.

Go to www.theanglermag.com, then select Great Lakes Region for reports from both Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario.

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he quick answer to this question is “probably not.” The ideal lens for the visual rigors of hunting is an amber lens, sometimes referred to as a copper lens. Not to make this more complicated than it needs to be, but a green lens is sometimes referred to as a G-15 or gray lens. Depending on the time of day and sun coverage, the gray (green) lens may also be a preferred option for hunting.

As a hunter, I prefer the low-light sensitive amber lens. The majority of my opportunities seem to come either during the early morning or late afternoon to dusk windows, when light enhancement is preferable to light dispersal. The requirements of your fishing sunglasses are starkly different than your hunting glasses. Looking deep into the water is directly in contrast to seeing long range with limited light.

Selecting the perfect hunting sunglasses normally takes a bit of trial and error. My best advice when selecting a new pair of hunting sunglasses is to purchase them from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Finding your best fit and lens requires a little work, but once you find your perfect pair you will find that they improve and enhance your hunting experience.

If you need any further advice on selecting your perfect hunting lens, always feel free to contact me or anyone here at Fowler’s. We know sunglasses.

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n late July, the attention of national news media turned briefly to a huge mako shark caught off the coast of New Jersey.

The 12-foot-long, 926-pound shortfin mako outweighed the current state record by 70 pounds, but because the rod passed hands during the fight it will not be officially recognized as a new record.

The big shark broke a rod in the fight to bring it aboard the 44-foot charter boat Jenny Lee, captained by Dave Bender. It happened during an overnight charter, drifting in 1,500 feet of water 100-miles out of Manasquan Inlet near the famous Hudson Canyon.

Shortly after excitement began to fizzle over this great catch, information was released on a new tagging study that suggests shortfin mako sharks might be experiencing overfishing in the western North Atlantic. Researchers from Nova Southeastern University’s Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI), the University of Rhode Island and other colleagues followed 40 satellite-tagged sharks in real time and 12 of them, or 30 percent, were captured in fisheries.

This information suggests the fishing mortality rates of shortfin mako sharks might be considerably higher than previously estimated using catches reported by fishermen, according to the press release. And despite their small sample size, researchers questioned the reliability of traditional data collection methods and expressed a serious concern over whether the current level of fishery catches for shortfin makos in the North Atlantic are sustainable.

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FLY FISHING

Lefty’s Deceiver

By Carlos Hidalgo

A

lthough he would deny it, Lefty Kreh is a legend. With great knowledge (he has authored or co-authored over 30 books and hundreds of magazine articles), boundless energy (he has performed countless lectures and casting demonstrations over the last 60+ years), down-home humor (a dumb person would “pick up a snake to kill a stick”), and showmanship (at casting demos, he finds a pretty woman and makes a cast that curls the fly line around her neck), Lefty has done more to popularize fly fishing than any other person in the last century. He has fished with Fidel Castro, Ted Williams and Ernest Hemmingway, but he hasn’t just witnessed fly fishing history, he has created it. His innovative fly casting techniques are used by millions of us today.

Oh yeah, he also developed Lefty’s Deceiver, the best fly pattern ever devised. Lefty tied the first Deceiver during the late 1950s. He wanted a fly that was easy to cast, didn’t foul, looked like a baitfish and had great action in the water. The pattern can be easily described: a tail made up of several matching hackle or saddle feathers with a bucktail collar. Add flash material to either or both, eyes to

the head and some type of red material for the throat, as needed. The hook shank beneath the collar (the body) can be wrapped with the tying thread or a flashy material, like mylar tinsel or Diamond Braid.

By the way, Lefty says the key to the pattern is to tie the collar at least as long as the rear of the hook, which keeps the hackle tail from wrapping around the hook.

In appropriate sizes and colors, Lefty’s pattern has deceived just about every fish that swims, from four-inch bream to 400-pound billfish. Lefty’s Deceiver has even graced a U.S. Postal stamp.

Lefty’s favorite Deceiver colors are chartreuse/white and yellow/ chartreuse. I tie them in many sizes and colors, and my favorite is tied in a Firetiger color scheme. This color works very well for many saltwater fish in sizes 1/0 to 3/0. It has also been very successful for me for peacock bass and largemouth bass in south Florida in size 2.

I imagine smallies would jump all over it, too.

Lefty’s Deceiver (Firetiger) Hook - Mustad 34007 or similar, size 2 to 3/0 Thread - fluorescent yellow Tail - two yellow and one yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with yellow Krystal Flash Body - yellow thread or Diamond Braid Collar - yellow bucktail with yellow Krystal flash and a small yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with green Krystal Flash and green bucktail Throat - orange bucktail, as long as the collar Head - fluorescent yellow, with painted orange/black eye, covered with five-minute epoxy Contact Carlos at cah6620@gmail.com to submit a pattern for consideration in this column or to order his book, “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”

By John Rice

This is a simple tie and a very effective pattern for trout everywhere. Soft hackles are basically emerger patterns. They do not belong on the streambed like nymphs, so this fly should be dropped a foot or so off a nymph so it can suspend itself higher in the water column where an emerger belongs.

Thread: 8/0 olive Abdomen: Olive goose biot Thorax: Tan superfine dubbing Hackle: Hungarian partridge Head: 8/0 Olive thread Hook: 1X long, size 18 Tiemco 3761 John Rice guides with Blackhawk Fly Fishing, which offers exceptional fishing for trophy trout in the north Georgia mountains. Contact john at jriceflyfishing@ gmail.com.

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UNDER THE SEA

before harvesting. Along with a closed mating season, this should keep the lobster population stable.

2. Mating season begins in the spring. Lobsters can be observed walking out of their holes in search of a mate, and males can be seen sparring for a lady’s affection. Mating season ends around August, here are a few good things about the fall season though egg-bearing females can be seen yearbesides cooler weather; one of them round. is the beginning of lobster season!

3. Males have proportionately larger legs and I dove with a commercial lobsterman for carapace, and females have a larger tail and extra a few years, and he was like a kid waiting pinchers on the abdomen to hold the eggs. for Santa. Teaming up with someone that Lobster tips from the master: knew where the good spots were gave me the 1. Let some air out of your BC, get your opportunity to spear some nice fish, but it buoyancy under control, and plant your knees in also gave me the opportunity to learn some the sand in front of the lobster. Your butt should tricks of the trade by watching a master not be up in the air! lobsterman at work.

2. Take your time and do not spook them. He First and foremost, you must learn said, “Lobsters are like cattle, you can herd them how to find lobsters. Fortunately, the same wherever you want, as long as you take your time.” territory that tends to hold fish life is also 3. The most common methods are the net good for lobstering. That is because life and tickle stick or looper, but there are some attracts life. When I was scuba diving beside interesting variations on the market now. Become Sheri Daye and Dave Earp display the results him and would see him approach an area of good at all of them, as some tools are better than of solid teamwork. the reef holding a school of fish fry, I knew others in certain situations. his senses were on high alert, and I’d start 4. When using a tickle stick, use aluminum looking for fish. Invariably, while he picked up instead of plastic. Lobsters do not respond as well a lobster or two, I would see a desirable fish. to plastic.

Over the years, we honed the most efficient method for hunting as a 5. Be careful not to touch the antennas. Tap or nudge a lobster from buddy team. He focused on lobsters while I did all the spearfishing. He behind to move it into position and put the net over it. Measure the would tow the flag, which meant I could be faster and more streamlined carapace, check for eggs (by the way, extra skittish lobsters often have in the water while going after fish. We drifted with the current, parallel to eggs), then place in your catch bag, and enjoy your dinner! the reef, side-by-side. If he missed seeing a lobster, which was extremely Fall is in the air. Happy hunting! rare, I would bang my tank to alert him, and he would do the same with fish. Over the years, we became the best of friends and a formidable Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer hunting team. of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow Lobster fun facts: “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

1. Lobsters reach sexual maturity in two to three years when the carapace is a little longer than 3 inches. Florida law requires a carapace For more Sheri Daye, go to to be longer than 3 inches, thus allowing lobsters a chance to reproduce

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Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 300 HP.

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska.

Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase.

If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your AVAILABLE actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories orAT other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors• purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 7/01/17 and 9/30/17.

“Gimme Six”,ANGLER the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t STRIKE ZONE ACE HARDWARE • LOWER KEYS TACKLE • ARMED ANGLER • SALTWATER • BACKCOUNTRY COWBOY OUTFITTERS drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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