Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2020 | Daytona/New Smyrna/Deland Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND EDITION

BIG @CAMTAMagazine

FREE view online at issuu.com

PELAGICS From Little Plastic Boats

PATTERN SPRING SPECKS PHOTO BY JORGE BUSTAMANTE, COURTESY OF BRIAN NELLI - WWW.TCKAYAKFISHING.COM VOLUME 25 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 301

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

APRIL 2020

W O R L D W I D E

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

IF YOU HOOK THEM, THEY WILL COME.

A full metal body and sideplate withstand the torque of the toughest inshore fish. The Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing and new Clutch Armor System triumph over corrosion. CNC Gear™ Technology and HT-100™ Carbon Fiber Drag make sure a hooked fish is a boated fish. The new, more durable PENN® Clash™ II.. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

captpeterdeeks

Merritt Island, FL

1782-

1782-20A Coastal Angler.indd 1

For: Coastal Angler

3/2/20 3:38 PM

Due: 3/2/2020

Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

or those who want to catch a heavy speckled trout, April is perhaps your best opportunity. April trout are still heavy from their lowered metabolism of winter. They are heavy with eggs and about to spawn. This makes April a prime month for heavy fish. The warmer water also makes them extremely aggressive and more willing to strike artificial lures of all styles. Let’s go over the how, when and where to target trophy trout in the spring. How: When water temp reaches the low to mid 70s, topwater action can be some of the best of the year. Aggressive trout are attracted by the rattling sound and erratic sway of the cigarshaped lures. You can’t go wrong with bone/white/ silver or a combination of these colors. I like to match the size to the conditions and forage in the immediate area. Required casting distance and surface conditions also play a vital role in my decision making. In rougher conditions, I typically use a large lure. The rattles of various lures also have different pitch. I prefer to use the higher pitch over a muddy bottom and a lower tone over sand, grass or shell. Slow-sinking, rattling, shad-style twitch baits

are also a good choice when trout don’t want to “rise” to the occasion. I prefer these lures with near-mirror reflective finishes. They do an excellent job of impersonating a wounded baitfish, and no large spawning trout in its right mind will pass up an injured baitfish. I can’t leave out the most versatile trout lure of all, the soft plastic. There are many styles, sizes and colors, but I prefer those that give more bang for the buck. When the fish are aggressive, I steer toward a soft plastic with a larger paddle that vibrates, creates a great swimming motion even on the pause, and one that rattles. These three components stimulate a fish’s lateral line, and they can’t resist the need to feed. When: I plan trips according to the solunar tables. I make every effort to be at my spot fishing during peak feeding times so that I’m not traveling from spot to spot when the fish are eating. Where: In spring, I direct my attention to grass flats. Wading is the superior method to consistently catch large trout, but you can still target flats from a boat. I prefer a flat with broken grass patches, potholes, channels, the dreaded prop scar or anything else that breaks up the grass to create ambush points for trout. Try to cover each transition from multiple angles, as trout will

stage on the edge of the sand against the grass. Pay attention to the where, when and how on your next trip. It will increase your odds of landing a trophy trout. It never hurts to practice catch and release on these beautiful fish. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

WEIGHS LESS THAN YOUR LAB, SO PACK IT UP & TAKE IT WITH YOU.

AT 32LBS. IK ANGLER 11’ IS PERFECT FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. Available at outcastboats.com or 800.966.0976 4

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Latest & Greatest! New Penn® International® VI Series Available for the 30, 50, 70, 80, & 130 Models

Fastest Retrieval Rate on the Market!

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

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334-4917 showroom: sales@hookerelectric.com

OUTCAST SPORTING GEAR IK ANGLER 11

ew for 2020, Outcast Sporting Gear released a sweet little inflatable kayak with the performance, portability and comfort to take you wherever the fish are. The OSG IK Angler 11 was recently awarded Best of Show for boats/ personal watercraft at the American Fly Fishing Trade Association show in Denver. It was designed specifically for avid anglers seeking to access more open water. Weighing just 32 pounds, the IK Angler 11 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on those trips to out-of-the way places that are difficult to access with bigger boats. And it will haul a load, too. With a 350-pound capacity, it’ll carry even the largest anglers and all their gear. This kayak was built for all-day fishing in comfort, with an adjustable seat that sits high off the water for easy casting. It is a stable platform to fish from, and a removable fin provides straight tracking on long paddles as well as a shallow draft for skinny water. Other features include a quick, one-handed paddle holder; a self-baling floor; interior cargo loops for lashing gear; and an innovative Integrated Gear System, which incorporates a moveable base in a sleeve that accepts cargo pockets, rod holders and anchor mounts. At just under 11 feet in length and 37 inches wide, the OSG IK Angler 11 is a compact boat that delivers on the water. It comes with a www.outcastboats.com 5-year warranty. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

Defender

THE BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK

Axiom Pro RVX Series Multifunction Displays with RealVision 3D and 1kW CHIRP Sonar • Touch Screen Display Available in 9”, 12” or 16” • Chartplotter w/ Lighthouse Coastal Vector Charts • Includes Lighthouse US Coastal Vector Charts or Navionics NAV+ North America Charts • Smart LightHouse 3 Operating System • Blazing Fast Quad Core Performance

Prices Starting at

2749

Defender Exclusive!

Lewmar Windlass packages with rode V700

Pro-Fish

Defender.com 800-625-8225

atching big pelagics is one of those “someday” goals for many kayak anglers. Venturing into the open ocean under paddle power after species like kingfish, mahi, sailfish and tuna can seem daunting to anglers accustomed to inshore waters or freshwater lakes and rivers. The first question you might have is: “Where am I going to find them?” Inshore, there are grass flats, mangroves and channels drop-offs that offer kayak anglers good places to start. Offshore waters don’t always give up information quite as easily, but the clues are out there. You just have to know what you’re looking for. The ocean is a big place, but I believe 10 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish. Narrowing it down to that 10 percent is the first step. Start your research off the water by locating a beach or other launch point that is close to hard bottom, wrecks or a reef line. This can be done with a little online research and a good mapping chip for your GPS. When the day comes to venture into the pelagic zone, take some time on the beach before heading out. Know the current, wind and water conditions. Is it calm? Is it rough? Are there a lot of weeds on the beach? Is there bait close to shore? Which way is the wind blowing? Answering these questions helps you decide what baits to use and at what depths to fish them. In general, calm days call for running baits deeper in the water column. With some surface chop or visible action on top—like bait jumping or fish breaking the water—run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are rips, color changes, birds and weed lines. A rip is an area where two currents meet. The water will look more turbulent than surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along its edge. Usually these color breaks and rips consolidate debris and weeds, and often birds will hover over these areas. The weeds and current attract bait, which in turn attract the pelagics. When you’re offshore, you have to take what the ocean gives you. Anything that looks different than the surrounding water is a place to put baits out. If you find yourself on the water with no wind, surface activity or weeds, look to your GPS to show you the way to hard bottom, structure, rock piles or reefs. There will always be some type of baitfish around these areas to attract pelagics. Find the bait, and you will find the fish. If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a start on your quest to land a pelagic from your kayak.

• Knowledgeable & Experienced Sales Staff • • Same Day Shipping on Most Orders • 6

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

Coastal Angler April 2020 half vertical.indd 1

By Brian Nelli

Brian Nelli operates south Florida’s Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters. Check them out at www.tckayakfishing.com and email Brian at brian@tckayakfishing.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/9/20 3:35 PM

Take a

ROD BUILDING CLASS

Houston, TX

Clark, NJ

Tulsa, OK

Baltimore, MD

Oviedo, FL

Sacramento, CA

Dallas, TX

San Diego, CA

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES

MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY

Dave Scadden

Paddlesports

Gray 2021 Stingray 360 X

2021 Dragonfly Backslash XX

Boat in a bag. Hardcore inflatables for serious anglers.

Olive 2021 Stingray 360 XX

RV friendly Airline friendly Apartment friendly Whitewater capable Inflates in 3 minutes No assembly required Fits in the trunk of your car Revolutionary frameless technology

www.davescaddenpaddlesports.com (801)392-5404 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

Urgent: Special Summer Driving Notice

To some, sunglasses are a fashion accessory…

But When Driving, These Sunglasses May Save Your Life!

Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that most (74%) of the crashes occurred on clear, sunny days

Drivers’ Alert: Driving can expose you to more dangerous glare than any sunny day at the beach can… do you know how to protect yourself?

he sun rises and sets at peak travel periods, during the early morning and afternoon rush hours and many drivers find themselves temporarily blinded while driving directly into the glare of the sun. Deadly accidents are regularly caused by such blinding glare with danger arising from reflected light off another vehicle, the pavement, or even from waxed and oily windshields that can make matters worse. Early morning dew can exacerbate this situation. Yet, motorists struggle on despite being blinded by the sun’s glare that can cause countless accidents every year. Not all sunglasses are created equal. Protecting your eyes is serious business. With all the fancy fashion frames out there it can be easy to overlook what really matters––the lenses. So we did our research and looked to the very best in optic innovation and technology. Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist. A NASA rocket scientist. Some ordinary sunglasses can obscure your vision by exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays, blue light, and reflective glare. They can also darken useful vision-enhancing light. But now, independent research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has brought forth ground-breaking technology to help protect human eyesight from the harmful effects of solar radiation

Eagle Eyes® Lens

simulation

Slip on a pair of Eagle Eyes and everything instantly appears more vivid and sharp. You’ll immediately notice that your eyes are more comfortable and relaxed and you’ll feel no need to squint. The scientifically designed sunglasses are not just fashion accessories—they are necessary to protect your eyes from those harmful rays produced by the sun during peak driving times. ®

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

light. This superior lens technology was first discovered when NASA scientists looked to nature for a means to superior eye protection— specifically, by studying the eyes of eagles, known for their extreme visual acuity. This discovery resulted in what is now known as Eagle Eyes®. The Only Sunglass Technology Certified by the Space Foundation for UV and Blue-Light Eye Protection. Eagle Eyes® features the most advanced eye protection technology ever created. The TriLenium® Lens Technology offers triple-filter polarization to block 99.9% UVA and UVB— plus the added benefit of blue-light eye protection. Eagle Eyes® is the only optic technology that has earned official recognition from the Space Certification Program for this remarkable technology. Now, that’s proven science-based protection. The finest optics: And buy one, get one FREE! Eagle Eyes® has the highest customer satisfaction of any item in our 20 year history. We are so excited for you to try the Eagle Eyes® breakthrough technology that we will give you a second pair of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses FREE–– a $59.95 value! That’s two pairs to protect your eyes with the best technology available for less than the price of one pair of traditional sunglasses. You get a pair of Navigators with stainless steel black frames and the other with stainless steel gold, plus one hard zipper case and one micro-fiber drawstring cleaning pouch are included. Keep one pair in your pocket and one in your car. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not astounded with the Eagle Eyes® technology, enjoying clearer, sharper and more glare-free vision, simply return one pair within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. The other pair is yours to keep. No one else has such confidence in their optic technology.Don’t leave your eyes in the hands of fashion designers, entrust them to the best scientific minds on earth. Wear your Eagle Eyes® Navigators

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Navigator™ Black Stainless Steel Sunglasses

Receive the Navigator™ Gold Sunglasses (a $59.95 value) FREE! just for trying the Navigator™ Black

Navigator™ Gold Stainless Steel Sunglasses

Certified EAGLE EYES® was developed from original NASA Optic technology and was recently inducted into the Space Foundation Technology Hall of Fame.

Fit-ons available for $39 +S&H Black or Tortoise-Shell design

with absolute confidence, knowing your eyes are protected with technology that was born in space for the human race. Two Pairs of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses $119.90† Offer Code Price $49 + S&P Save $70.90

Offer includes one pair each Navigator™ Black and Navigator™ Gold Sunglasses

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: EEN891-06 You must use this insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W.,

Ste 155, Dept. EEN891-06 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com Rating of A+

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

Smart Luxuries—Surprising Prices ™

FORCE ISC™ 10K B2

By Nick Carter

ennessee’s Lake Chickamauga has garnered a lot of press in recent years for giant largemouth bass. The introduction of Florida-strain largemouths certainly paid off for this 60-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment. The thing is, all the hype over bucketmouths has overshadowed world-class fisheries that already existed on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga down through Chattanooga. Flowing between high ridges of The Scenic City, the big river pumps out some pretty spectacular action for catfish and smallmouth bass. Richard Simms, of Scenic City Charters, said the fishing heats up with water temperatures this time of year. Whether you’re looking for bigshouldered river smallies, giant blue cats—or a little bit of both—right now is the time to be on the water. Smallmouth Bass: The Chickamauga tailrace lights up with aggressive smallies in spring. They feed up in a 10-mile stretch below the dam. Simms said fishing jigs and soft plastics around rip-rap, current seams and edges is productive. But drifting live threadfin shad or shiners with the current leads to faster action. With light 6-poundtest line enticing the most bites, any smallmouth is a handful. They typically run from 2 to 4 pounds on the river, and a decent day will produce 10 to 15 of

these scrappy bronzebacks. Simms said to expect a mixed bag on live bait. Everything eats shiners, so anglers will also catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and maybe a striped bass. Catfish: Big blue catfish are abundant on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam all the way down through Chattanooga. When flows are right, the tailrace can be very good. When too much water is being released from the dam, Simms heads up to the reservoir. Either side of the dam, the prespawn bite peaks in April. “Both fisheries hold great big catfish,” said Simms, “and pre-spawn is a great time for catching trophy fish.” On the reservoir, deep drop-offs and river channel holes with structure are the places to vertical drop cut skipjack herring, bluegill or chicken breast. Below the dam, Simms drift fishes those same baits on light 10-pound tackle. In 2009, Simms’ client, Jerry Uhrine, caught a 52-inch-long, 75-pound blue catfish on 10-poundtest line. It is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record. “That light tackle technique is really fun because the average catfish we catch is 5 to 10 pounds,” said Simms. “Those 10 to 20 pounders aren’t unusual,

Photos courtesy of Scenic City Charters.

and every now and then we get one of those really big fish.” An average half-day trip from April through October typically yields 50 to 100 pounds of catfish. “It’s real easy to stock a freezer,” said Simms. Check out Scenic City Fishing Charters at www.sceniccityfishing.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

NEED CUSTOM HEADWEAR?

RETAIL, WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS WELCOME • SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM MADE & PRIVATE LABEL

SALES@CAPSMITH.COM | 1-800-228-3889 OVERSEAS & DOMESTIC PROGRAMS LOW MINIMUMS

SHOP IN STOCK

STYLES AT

CAPSMITH.COM All original artwork is the copyrighted work of Capsmith, INC. and is protected under the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 101 et. seq., All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized use or reproduction, including derivative works, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

FREE SHIPPING IHATEHATS.COM HHEEAADDWWE EAARR D DI S TT RR I BI B UU T ITOI O NN IS Masks & Gloves

OVER

25 PURCHASE

USE CODE: COASTAL

Caps & More

Arm Sleeves

GREAT SUN PROTECTION!

NATIONAL

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Photos courtesy of Tuna Duck Charters, Hatteras, NC.

April action can be fast and furious off the Outer Banks. Here’s one on deck and another on the line.

By Tom Schlichter

he Outer Banks of North Carolina needs little introduction to fishing fans. A true angling Mecca, it boasts super action with striped bass, red drum, cobia, sea trout and a host of inshore species while also offering tremendous offshore action for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and additional pelagic favorites. These ocean predators really get your blood boiling in April, when the action comes alive 25 to 30 miles offshore. “We really do see a great mix of blue water species in April,” said charter Capt. Dan Rooks of the 51-foot custom Carolina Sportfisher, Tuna Duck (252-216-6160; http://tunaduck.com) which sails out of Hatteras Harbor Marina (252-986-2166; https://www.hatterasharbor.com.) “Typical action this month sees yellowfins in the 40- to 70-pound class, blackfin tuna weighing 20 to 25 pounds, and wahoo to 60 pounds. Early in the month, you might also deck a bluefin while the end of the month sees white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish arrive on the scene. Many of the big blues will top 400 pounds.” It’s the combination of bottom structure and a meeting of offshore currents that draws big game species to these waters, explained Rooks. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and cool waters of the Labrador Current dropping down from the north meet along the edge of the continental shelf, providing sharp temperature breaks that stack squid, ballyhoo, flying fish and other baitfish. Match a Anglers aboard Capt. Dan Rook’s Tuna Duck Charters celebrate a break over some structure, and you have a great spot to start hefty tuna that slammed a popper off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. your search. “It’s not as important that the temperature break be large as that it be well-defined,” noted Rooks. “I’ve seen breaks here as small as half-a- said. “A storm might push the cool water farther out or bring warmer water degree and as large as 20 degrees. Any break can produce if the surrounding closer in, so you constantly need to make adjustments. Expect to spend some conditions are right. Look for clean water, active baitfish and plenty of life. time searching out the fish even if they were stacked up just a day before. That’s one plus for heading out with a charter skipper; we’re on the water daily, Those are tip-offs that you are in the right area.” Although he’ll sometimes jig or work poppers for tuna, Rooks spends which helps us keep track of shifting currents, temperature breaks and baitfish most of his time trolling. His favorite setup is a natural dead-bait spread, with schools. Some days you find the predators sooner than others – but never give eight ballyhoo trolled in a V-pattern at 7 knots. He works hard to drag his up hope because once you dial ’em in, the fishing here is as good as it gets.” Anglers looking to trailer to this area can find transient dockage, fuel, hotel offerings across structure points, where temperature breaks are discovered accommodations and a boat launch ($10) all at Village Marina (252-986-2522; using on-board temperature gauges and satellite imagery. “The breaks move, of course, and you need to be aware of that,” Rooks www.villagemarinahatteras.com) in Hatteras. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

NATIONAL

Unforgettable Adventures.

Feel-Good Savings. Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program

NATIONAL APRIL 2020Insurance I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM provided Ithrough Boat Association Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Suzuki Repower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

Performance Bulletin Available

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

55 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

Mastry Engine Center has received the 2018 Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales!

Custom Marine Service

St. Augustine Marine Center

Panama City

St. Augustine

Oyster City Suzuki Apalachicola

Marine Pro of Central Florida Inc. Cocoa & Port Canaveral

COMING SOON

Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.

Hillsborough County

Mastry Engine Center St. Petersburg

Innovation Marine Corp.

Bayfront Yacht Works

Sarasota

Siesta Key

Marina One

Calusa Certified Marine

Deerfield Beach

Cape Coral

COMING SOON

All Suzuki repowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme Six!” 6-year protection.

Collier County

Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

FLORIDA

Go Goonona apower power trip tripwith with

GET GETBENT. BENT. With Withall allthis thispower, power,you'll you'll find, find,pinpoint pinpoint&&catch catchfish fish like likenever neverbefore. before.

THREE THREEALL-NEW ALL-NEWMFDs MFDs

Unleash Unleashthe thepower powertotosee seefish fishclearer, clearer,deeper deeper&&on onboth bothsides sidesofofyour yourboat, boat,with withunprecedented unprecedentedclarity. clarity. TMTM Premium Built-In Built-In Dual Dual Channel Channel 2kW/3kW 2kW/3kW TruEcho TruEcho CHIRP CHIRP * * DFF3D DFF3D Multi Multi Beam Beam Sonar* Sonar* Hi-Power Hi-Power Radar* Radar* With WithPremium

TMTM Fishing && CMOR CMOR Charts Charts 1kW 1kW TruEcho TruEcho CHIRP CHIRP "Deep "Deep Impact" Impact" Power Power Booster BoosterSee See 120˚ 120˚ Port-Starboard Port-Starboard Bird Bird Detection Detection Mode Mode Fishing

*Requires *Requires external external sensor sensor

Get Get the the whole whole story story atat NavNet.com NavNet.com

FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

V2V2 - Get - Get Bent Bent - Coastal - Coastal Angler.indd Angler.indd1 1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/20/20 1/20/208:36 8:36 AMAM

Why Wait?

We Have IN STOCK Inventory!

REPOWER NOW!

AUTHORIZED REPOWER

Largest Inventory, Lowest Prices!

mercurymarine.com

THE ALL NEW MERCURY V6 & V8 FOUR STROKE OUTBOARDS – IN STOCK NOW QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, INNOVATION, RELIABILITY. Nobody makes a more reliable, powerful, and efficient lineup of outboard motors than Mercury: Verado, Pro XS, FourStroke, SeaPro, and Jet. Backed by decades of innovation and leadership, Mercury outboards are built to go the distance, delivering legendary performance driven by forward-t hinking technology.

LARGEST INVENTORY LOWEST PRICES

PARTS SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES CK O SPECIALISTS N ST

Home to the largest inventory of Mercury and Mercruiser engines, parts and accessories in the southeastern United States.

C TO

IN STOCK

C TO

V8 VERADO

BLOWOUT PRICING on 150hp and 350hp IN STOCK

T NS

FourStrokes

PRO XS

175 - 300hp

IN STOCK

20”, 25”, & 30”

250 - 300hp IN STOCK

All New Mercury Racing 450R Delivers Unrelenting Outboard Performance Supercharged 4.6-Liter V8 Offers Unmatched Power Density and Technology

PRO XS VERADO V8 BLOWOUT PRICING 15881FOURSTROKES Chief Court, Ft. Myers -239.489.0884 - offshoreperformance.com 175 - 300hp

175 - 300hp

Why Wait?

20", 25", & 30"

on 150 hp and 350hp

We Have IN STOCK Inventory!

DOUBLE REPOWER NOW! your REBATE with this ad! Factory REBATES up to $2250!

Largest Inventory, Lowest Prices!

AUTHORIZED REPOWER

mercurymarine.com

QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, INNOVATION, RELIABILITY.

Nobody makes a more reliable, powerful, and efficient lineup of outboard motors than Mercury: Verado, Pro XS, FourStroke, SeaPro, and Jet. Backed by decades of nnovation and leadership, Mercury outboards are built to go the distance, delivering legendary performance driven by forward-t hinking technology.

PARTS SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES

15881 Chief Court, Ft. Myers - 239.489.0884 - offshoreperformance.com IN STOCK

Home to the largest inventory

:36 AM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

FLORIDA

REEK MA C R E I N RI ER

V A T & THE

BOKOR FAMILY PRESENTS

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

I OCTOBER 2019 I REGION

DO THE MATH!

SUZUKI REPOWER OWNER’S EDGE

TRADE ALLOWANCE PROGRAM

The Suzuki Repower Trade Allowance Program is exclusive for members of Owner’s Edge. Members receive a trade allowance based on the age and hours of their original engine toward a new Suzuki outboard as detailed below.

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT UP TO AGE*

MONTHS

TRADE IN ALLOWANCE OF THE ORIGINAL SUZUKI ENGINE PURCHASE PRICE

LESS THAN HOURS*

500 HOURS

18 750 24 1000

MONTHS

HOURS

MONTHS

HOURS

30 1250

MONTHS

HOURS

36 1500

MONTHS

HOURS

85 % 78 % 70 % 63 % 55

* WHICHEVER COMES FIRST

• Suzuki Repower Centers are located throughout the southeast. • Mastry has over 5-decades of repower experience. • Options that will ﬁt most any budget. • Financing available 3

suzukirepower.com

1-800-545-4574

• All Suzuki repowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme 6” 6-years of protection. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

FLORIDA

n today’s uncertain world, everyone, especially kids, welcomes an opportunity for stability. One obvious source is family, and any activity that strengthens family will pay dividends. Snorkeling certainly qualifies as a family building activity. The family that plays together stays together. Having fun is important for building family unity if for no other reason than it makes you want to continue what you are doing. But it’s what happens during play that creates feelings of strength and security that make family members see family as a source of support. Building family strength requires communication, shared responsibility, commitment, shared chores and established routines. Snorkeling together fits this framework well. It gives adults and children the chance to demonstrate and practice these behaviors. Consider what goes into planning a dive outing—and how each family member can have a role: • Where do we go? Everyone can have a say on the big trips, while choice of quick local trips could rotate among family members. • What do we bring? Deciding what gear will be needed and how to organize and pack it may require adult oversight, but kids can, and should, take part. • How do we stay safe? Again, age may dictate how you buddy up, but even youngsters should understand they have a responsibility to stay close and check on their partner. Who tows the dive flag this time? • How do we finish up? Everyone needs to take on chores to pack up,

FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

unpack, clean, dry and store the gear once home. So, when should you introduce your child to snorkeling? Plant the seeds early. I think using a mask and fins should be part of learning to swim. A mask gives clear underwater vision and forces mouth breathing. Fins greatly increase kicking efficiency, boosting a child’s confidence. As soon as they are comfortable swimming and diving with the mask and fins, add a snorkel. While teaching basic snorkeling skills is a family affair, there are other fun ways to strengthen and add to those skills. Pura Vida Divers’ offers a summer Kids’ Snorkel Camp for kids 8–12, built around the PADI’s Skin Diver program. This day camp uses exciting, interactive games and group activities to enhance skills ranging from marine life identification to underwater buddy rescue. The last day brings the whole family together for a pizza party and snorkel outing. The ultimate memory maker is a family snorkeling vacation. There’s no shortage of locations offering interesting aquatic environments for snorkeling. Two very special snorkeling trips are offered each year by Pura Vida Divers—a manatee watching trip to Crystal River, Fla. and swimming alongside whalesharks off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. For information on the Kids’ Snorkel Camp, guided snorkeling at the Blue Heron Bridge or manatee and whale shark trips, call Pura Vida divers at 561-840-8750 or visit their website at www.puravidadivers.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Huge!!!

Used Outboard

Superstore!

2010 MERCURY

200 VERADO SUPERCHARGED 20” Shaft

$6495 2001 MERCURY 225HP Optimax 2 Stroke 25” CXL

$2995

2008 MERCURY

2007 MERCURY

300 VERADO SUPERCHARGED 4 Stroke with New Rigging 25” or 30” Shaft

250 VERADO SUPERCHARGED 4 Stroke 20”/25”/30” Shaft

$8900

$6495

2000 YAMAHA

2006 MERCURY

225HP OX66 2 Stroke 25” Pair Fuel Injected Includes Used Rigging

25HP 4 Stroke 15” Shaft Electric Start

$2290

$5995

VERADOS Starting At $4495

Used Par ts! Powerheads, Lowers & Superchargers

2015 MERCURY 350 VERADOS COMING SOON! CALL NOW TO RESERVE

2 0 0 8 M E R C U RY 300 VERADO TRIPLE SET XL, XXL & CXL 25”/30”/25”

Includes DTS Rigging & Powersteering

$24,900

Link to our HUGE Superstore for more choices. https://www.ebay.com/str/callahanoutboards2393330237

Call Today! Ask For Tommy

(239) 333-0237

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

FLORIDA

EVERYTHING

FOR A GREAT DAY ON THE WATER

321-952-1303 4550 U.S. Highway 1 Grant, FL 32949

CarpCoastalMarine.com Facebook.com/CarpCoastalmarine

MARINE SUPPLIES FISHING TACKLE ENGINE/BOAT/TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIR BOAT STORAGE AVAILABLE 8

FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

FREE PAIR OF OCEAN EYES OR CALCUTTA SUNGLASSES New customers with purchase of $75 or more. Offer valid with this ad only. Some exclusions apply. While supplies last. Expires 4/30/20.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

PALM CITY YACHTS Lantana, FL 872 N. Federal Hwy.

www.pcylantana.com

(772) 220–3000

Stuart, FL 2901 Gran Park Way

www.palmcityyachts.com

(772) 220-3000

2500

2300

79,985

2019 Bulls Bay 2200

52,995

224 Bay

33,995

GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICE! AS LOW AS

**5.99% Financing W.A.C. - All Prices are plus applicable sales tax. Limited quantities at these prices. Installation includes Suzuki Rig Kit, SS prop & labor.

36,495

5.99%**

*Plus Registration, Tax, Freight & Prep

FREE RIGGING & INSTALLATION

WITH ALL REPOWERS!!!

S S COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

FLORIDA

Reel in the thrills. From deep-sea fishing to fly fishing, novice and experienced anglers cast with dreams of a prized catch. Use our exclusive credit to venture across crystal-clear waters to hotels and fishing lodges where you can fish on, all day long.

$300

FUEL CREDIT Discover how at OutIslanders Anglers.com ACKLINS

ANDROS

ELEUTHERA

FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

THE EXUMAS

THE ABACOS

BERRY ISLANDS

HARBOUR ISLAND

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

BIMINI

LONG ISLAND

CAT ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

By Capt. Kirk Waltz

n a lifelong pursuit of many fish up and down the East Coast, I finally found the species that constantly holds me in awe when I planted roots in northeast Florida more than 30 years ago. With their beauty, strength and tenacity, redfish are second to none. At one point not too many years back, redfish were almost was wiped out, but with good conservation they bounced back in a big way. They have become one of Florida’s pet fish, a favorite of many anglers, that have provided untold hours of fun. Of all the redfish studies conducted, one intensive study by South Carolina’s Dr. Charles Wenner stands out as one of the best. He dissected the habitat of the species and really gives insight as to where, when and what they do. North Florida’s Atlantic coast offers prime habitat that allows redfish to grow to enormous size. Here are some interesting tidbits gleaned from Dr. Wenner’s study. The world record redfish weighed 94 pounds, 2 ounces and was caught out of Avon, N.C. on the Outer Banks. With a range that extends from the Texas Gulf Coast all the way to Maryland and Delaware in the Atlantic, they are also called red drum, spottails, channel bass, redfish and puppy drum. After hatching, juvenile reds grow to about a half-inch in a short period of time and then move from deep water to shallow estuaries. They love our spartina grass flats, where they begin the transition from fry to sub-adults. This occurs during the fall and winter, when they don’t eat much. They remain fairly inactive while waiting for spring. When spring sets in, their metabolism kicks into high gear. By July, juveniles can grow to 7 to 8 inches or longer by

eating small crabs, shrimp and small fish. Redfish mature at about 33 inches and 5 years of age. They typically begin the spawning cycle around the last moon of August and peak from October into November, depending on water temperature. Males produce a drum-like sound, hence the name red drum, which draws the females close and lets the school know it’s time to spawn. Dr. Wenner studied eight females and 22 males in a huge tank. They produced 60 million eggs in a three-month period. Large individuals reach a ripe old age of 45 to 50 years. That’s a long time for a fish to live, so be sure to handle big ones carefully. One of the coolest things I learned was that a redfish tagged in Bulls Bay, S.C. was caught 189 days later in Mantanzas Inlet, Fla. That’s quite a journey for a fish that measured 18 inches to start. Most redfish only travel about 5 to 10 nautical miles from where they were hatched. Capt. Kirk Waltz is a radio talk show host, writer and charter captain who runs Enterprise Fishing Charters. Like them on Facebook or Instagram or go to www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com. Listen to the Outdoors Show in the First Coast area every Saturday on 1010am or 92.5fm from 7-10 a.m.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

FLORIDA

ups & Clubs Welcome o r G g n i t a o B venture Today! rve Your Ad Rese

State of the Art Marina in Ft. Pierce, Florida

Located on the Ft. Pierce Inlet, one mile from the ocean, ﬁnest deep-water inlet on Florida’s east coast, 13 miles from the Gulf Stream for some of the best ﬁshing in Florida!

Marina Amenities: 58 Slips Accommodating Vessels Up to 200 ft.

24-Hr. Security • Gated Dock Access Pump Out Stations • Ship’s Store • Bait & Tackle Shop Electric Service: 480 Volt – 100 amp-3 phase 240 Volt – 30-50-100 amp • 110 Volt – 20 amp

Resort Amenities: 35 Unit Hotel – Poolside, Waterfront and 1-Bedroom Apartments

Housekeeping Service • Cable TV • Free WiFi Laundry Facilities • Two Pools (One Heated) Pet Friendly • Continental Breakfast Onsite Restaurant & Tiki Bar

WWW.DOCKSIDEINN.COM

EMAIL: INFO@DOCKSIDEINN.COM MARINA RESERVATIONS/INFORMATION (772) 201–5773 RESORT RESERVATIONS/INFORMATION (772) 468–3555

FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

Photo courtesy of Capt. Scott Burgess, Skinny Situation Charters

By John Saporito

n fishing, it often pays to be suspicious. Unchecked hearsay saturates the pursuit, and it all amounts to an unfortunate barrier that every novice angler must confront. As a result, few people ever really get good at this sport. For the proficient angler, a thorough understanding of fish and their habitat ushers fishing far closer to a science than it does to a crapshoot. As humans, we are born only with an understanding of how to operate on dry land. We are able to breathe, to move about, and we know how to seek out comforts and avoid dangers. These capacities do not translate to the marine environment. We are biologically unfit to survive beneath the water’s surface, and most people, therefore, cannot empathize with the aquatic world. Water is an incredibly different medium than air. The most tangible distinction is the tremendous shift in density from one medium to the next. The sea is roughly 800 times denser than the air. Think about that for a moment. Sea creatures, as a result, don’t experience the constraints of gravity that land-based organisms endure. Their bodies are perpetually supported by water. This leads to a phenomenon known as indeterminate growth, which allows fish to continue growing throughout their lives. If a fish keeps living, it keeps growing. Such a trait can give rise to colossal specimens, but it requires a feat of survival. The sea is the ultimate crucible of life and death—a domain where mistakes spell doom and second chances are nonexistent. A seemingly endless, hopelessly convoluted food web blankets the planet’s marine ecosystems, bridging regions that are separated by immense distances and orchestrating the fates of all organisms that make their home in the sea. There is no getting ahead in this world; survival ensues on a meal-by-meal basis. Predatory fish, masters of instantaneous evaluation, must promptly determine the risk and reward in every feeding opportunity. Each decision a gamefish makes will dictate whether it perishes or lives long enough to feed again. The fundamental duty of all fish is to eat without being eaten by something else. From its earliest days as a fledgling hunter, the survival of any gamefish is contingent on its ability to carry out this task. Most will not even have the good fortune of transcending their formative stage as hunters of plankton. The minority that survive long enough to contribute a new generation to the sea will do so by becoming proficient in sensing danger and making good predatory choices. This is why big gamefish are so hard to catch; their size is a reflection of a lifetime of excellent judgment. A big fish is a smart fish, an experienced fish. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

CENTRAL FLORIDA 1

Parts • Sales Service • Trailers Orlando’s Authorized Suzuki Service Center

IN STOCK NOW! New Excel Center Console Packages 18’-22’ – Starting at $21,995 Plus tax, tag & title

DF70ATL White or Black

DF90ATL White or Black

DF140ATLW White or Black

QUALITY ALUMINUM TRAILERS

16’-17’ from $1850 18’-20’ from $2100 20’-22’ from $2850 22’-24’ from $3450

DF150ATXW White or Black

IN STOCK!

DF115ATLW White or Black

PortsideOrlando.com 407-249-1124 2730 FORSYTH RD, WINTER PARK, FL 32792 SALES DEPARTMENT IS OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 8am -5pm & SATURDAY 9am-2pm

2 CENTRAL FLORIDA

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

R E P O W E R S A L E

S R

R E P O W E R S A L E

STATE RECORD FISH REQUIRE PROPER CERTIFICATION

hat largemouth bass you’ve been battling with is now in your boat. It’s huge. Could it be the new state record? And if it is, how do you certify it? The current state record for largemouth bass weighed 17.27 pounds and was caught by Billy O’Berry in Polk County in 1986. Although that record has stood over 30 years, recent submissions of giant 15- and 16-pound bass to FWC’s TrophyCatch program has anglers and biologists wondering when the next state record will show up. If you’re the lucky angler holding a potential state record, here’s what you need to know: To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species, and an FWC employee—usually but not necessarily the same individual—must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for

Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter with his 14-pound, 11-ounce bass.

FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC. com/contact by clicking on “Contact an FWC office” then the “Regional Operations” tab. Biologists urge anglers not to confuse the state record certification with the FWC’s TrophyCatch program. TrophyCatch is a citizen-science program that partners with industry leaders, such as Bass Pro Shops, to offer rewards for the catch, documentation and release of largemouth bass weighing 8 pounds or more. Nathaniel Scott Kicklighter just became the current leader for TrophyCatch’s eighth season with a 14-pound, 11-ounce bass from an unnamed Putnam County lake. “It’s important to note that while all that is needed to submit a fish for TrophyCatch is a photo of the entire fish on a scale with the weight clearly visible, that photo is not enough to certify a state record,” said Allen Martin, FWC’s North Central Regional Fisheries Administrator. “A state record catch is an amazing angling accomplishment,” said Martin. “However, if the fish isn’t certified in person by an FWC biologist, the angler won’t get credit for a new state record.”

STUDENTS SOUGHT FOR IRL RESEARCH

RCA (Ocean Research and Conser vation Association) is seeking 15 highly motivated high school students to conduct real-world science research on the Indian River Lagoon. As interns, students will receive a $1,000 stipend and gain experience in: project planning, proposal writing, grant writing and acquiring sponsorships, project management, field work, lab work, quality control, statistical analysis, data interpretations and identification of conclusions, and communication of results. TeamORCA Citizen Scientists will work side-by-side with ORCA scientists in both the field and laboratory. In the field, student scientists will collect sediment and water samples, measure muck depth, use a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to assess seagrass and biodiversity, and use technology to measure a complete array of water quality parameters. This first group of TeamORCA students will then recruit and train other students from their respective high schools, which will further cement their knowledge and increase their confidence, as well as create a sustainable Citizen Science program. To be eligible for this program candidates must: • Attend an Indian River County High School • Be a current Freshman or Sophomore • Commit to attending bi-monthly meetings, leadership training workshops and quarterly field sampling • Have parent/guardian commitment

Students interested in applying should email Missy Weiss at mweiss@teamorca.org. Applications are due by April 20.

Live Bait

Rods & Reels Penn Diawa Shimano Ugly stick

Live Shrimp Frozen Shrimp Frozen Sardines Northern Mackeral

Sand Fleas Ballyhoo Claims Squid Chum

Rental+Repair Available Upon Request

Hours

Monday-Saturday 7am-6pm • Sunday 7am-5pm Large selection of lures, cast nets & other items.

• 1825 South Patrick Drive • Indian Harbour, FL •

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

CENTRAL FLORIDA 3

CA_H

2GU2AR,0AN0TE0ED

UT PAYO

JUNE 5TH - 6TH, 2020

GUARANTEED

14 ,000 GENERAL AWARDS $

GUARANTEED

5BIG,000 FISH

GUARANTEED

3 ,000 GENERAL SLAM $

Harris Miller

4& Bernhardt CENTRAL FLORIDA PA

APRIL 2020

Team misTress COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

A BUCKET-LIST FISH WORTH CROWING ABOUT Photo courtesy of Crocodile Bay

By Todd Staley

hen anglers think of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, they usually think about billfish. Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world to chase these pointy-nose acrobats. Many folks travel to Costa Rica with billfish fever and are not even aware of the great inshore fishery available. A fish many anglers have never even heard about before their arrival in Costa Rica is the roosterfish. This unique-looking fish with seven combs as a dorsal fin is only found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific between southern Mexico and Ecuador. In its most northern and southern ranges, the fish move as the seasonal drop in water temperature arrives. Costa Rica, being in the smack-dab middle of Roosterfish’s range, enjoys a fairly constant water temperature and a year-round fishery. In many places, roosterfish are only available by fishing the surf break. Not in Costa Rica. Of course they cruise the beaches looking for an easy meal, but they also roam the many volcanic reefs. One area that is extremely productive is the Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, a 32-mile-long tropical fjord. Here you find roosters almost everywhere, along the beaches and even over reefs in 200 feet of water. This allows anglers to target them using several different fishing styles. The locals also catch them with dead bait using handlines off the beach. Roosterfish in the Golfo Dulce average 15 pounds, and fish over 50 pounds are taken weekly. The resort record at Crocodile Bay is 106 pounds. Live bait is most always a sure bet. Blue runners, goggle-eyes, sardines and lookdowns are the favorite choices and are readily available. If you are looking for a monster and have the patience to wait it out, bridle up a 3- to 5-pound live bonito and hang on. The best method to fish live bait is to either slow troll behind the surf line or drift fish over volcanic structure. In the deeper areas, a 2- to 6-ounce weight is added to send the bait closer to the top of the reef. In Costa Rica, circle hooks are required by law when using bait, so it is best to have the “crank don’t yank,” mentality firmly planted in one’s brain. Popper fishing is also popular. Fish will often rise to a lure that is really ripped through the water. This is not a walk-the-dog fishing. The faster you work the popper, with lots of splash, the more hits you will get. At times, you will be surprised by a big orange flash as a hefty cubera snapper comes up from 80 feet to smash a popper. If a fish misses its target, don’t stop. They will often come back and strike again. A long stiff rod and six weeks of dumbbell curls are required to cast poppers any length of time.

Photos by Capt. Allan Smith Jigging will also get you your first rooster, but they are a little shyer to a jig than live bait or poppers. White or chartreuse bucktails produce in the shallow water and mental jigs work in the deep areas. Just about any brand of jig will work as long as it is worked fast. No one I know has found the “Holy Grail” for taking roosterfish on a fly. If you are looking for a real challenge, it’s game on. If you are looking for big numbers on a fly, roosterfish is probably not a good choice of adversary. There has been some success by teasing up roosters, much like you would a sailfish. They can be teased with a lure or live bait or by casting a popper with the hooks removed. To get a fly in front of charged-up rooster though, you have to have the speed of a Western gunslinger and the accuracy of William Tell. If you happen to be lucky enough to be on top of a school of bait and a herd of roosterfish charge in on them, you can get your fly in the middle of that action and have a good chance of hooking up. Some have had success trolling the fly, but that is taboo in many a fly guys’ book. To sum it up, if someone tells me they regularly catch roosterfish on a fly, I certainly wouldn’t leave my wife alone with them. Surely they can’t be trusted. Anyone thinking about a Costa Rica billfish vacation should really book at least one day inshore. Roosterfish are a strong and beautiful fish with an iridescent hue. Their unique dorsal cuts the surface as it hones in on its target. When hooked, they make powerful runs and sometimes clear the water in an aerial display. They make for an exciting sporting challenge and a replica makes for a great conversation piece on the wall. They really are a fish to crow about. More information can be found at www.crocodilebay.com or by calling (800) 733 1115.

Enter To Win A VOODOO KAKUKAYAK! The Kaku Voodoo is the ultimate sight casting paddle craft. This Authentic Fishing Paddle Craft has a unique look and performance. Part Kayak, part paddle board, with some micro skiff qualities. “ The Kaku Voodoo is like a Cadillac on the water, comfort and stability combined with all the accessories an angler could want.” Length 13’

Visit

Width 35” Hull Weight 77lbs Capacity 450+

CoastalAnglerMag.com/contest

MATCH YOUR TACKLE TO THE FISH

By Robert Wiggers

or fish that are released, their survival often depends on the rod and reel used to catch them. Fish naturally don’t want to have a hook in their mouth, attached to a line, being pulled in a direction they don’t want to go. So, like any animal, they resist in an attempt to free themselves. The longer they fight, the more exhausted they become, and in some instances they deplete every amount of available energy in an effort to escape. The battle is over and the angler has won. Unfortunately, when it comes time to release the fish, it’s too exhausted to swim away on its own. Even if it is able to swim away, it certainly doesn’t have the energy to avoid predators that may be lurking around waiting for an easy meal.

Hooking and fighting a fish is an exhilarating experience. There was a time when it was considered to be more “sporting” to catch a large fish on very light tackle. A long fight requires a degree of skill and finesse in order to successfully bring a large fish to the boat. Anglers are recognized for such achievements through acknowledgement in the record books. However, the majority of recreational anglers don’t go fishing with the sole intent of trying to break a line-class record for a specific species. We go fishing simply to catch fish. Some anglers want something for the table, while others just want the satisfaction of catch and release. Regardless of reason, we usually choose a rod and reel that gives us the best chance of successfully landing the species we are targeting. Most anglers wouldn’t use freshwater bass tackle if they were trying to catch a billfish. The rod and reel you choose to use when fishing for a particular species should be carefully considered when practicing catch and release. Nowadays, the options for rod and reels are endless. Rods come in all lengths and are designed with different actions ranging from ultra light to heavy. Reels also range in size to match the rod, but have different gear ratios that allow an angler to retrieve the bait at a faster pace with less effort. Each combination performs differently. For this reason, many anglers carry a number of rods with them on any given trip. While it may be more fun to use a light rod and reel for catching a big fish, it’s simply not good for the fish or its chances of survival after being released. Studies have even shown that mortality of released fish can happen several hours after being released. There are always instances when anglers unexpectedly hook an exceptionally large fish on light tackle. But if you know beforehand that you are going to fish specifically for large fish, be sure to use appropriate tackle that reduces the fight time. I don’t know of any conservationminded angler that wouldn’t be heartbroken to see a large fish float away knowing the fish was potentially older than they were or that they just killed a spawning fish that could contribute more to the population.

DAYTONA • NEW SMYRNA • DELAND

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

pril is here and we couldn’t be more excited! This is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. Water temps are rising, bait migrations are starting, mahi are moving in, cobia are on the rays, and inshore is on fire to with nighttime fishing starting to heat up. One of the best fishing trips of my life was in April some many moons ago. It was on 6 pack charter out of Port Canaveral with some great friends. We started looking for mahi and only found a kingfish or two, so we switched to bottom fishing. We LOADED up with all types of species, at one point we were all trying to give up the rod because are arms were so tired. After a hefty bottom bite we went back on the lookout for some mahi and boy did we find them. It was an entire day of reeling fish in and my friends and I still talk about that day all the time. Spring is a fantastic time to catch a large variety of species, but you won’t know if you don’t go. So, reach out to your buddy with a boat, or local captain to get you out there and on the water. A day at sea is definitely better than a day on land!!!! Tight lines, The Chibbaro Family

Contact Information: Chris Chibbaro | Coastal Angler Magazine | Daytona, New Smyrna and Deland | 386-478-9234 | cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com

Locally Owned With A Chef Inspired Menu Millie’s offers fresh LOCAL seafood, meat and produce. 3218 S. Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

386-275-1492

Hours: Monday 11am-9pm • Tuesday closed Wednesday - Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 9am-9pm DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 1

Come Experience

The Fishin’ Hole Difference Off Shore & In Shore Tackle Live & Frozen Bait Expert Rod & Reel Repair ANGLERS CLOTHING

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

SALTWATER PRO SHOP

Contact Chris Chibbaro for more information:

thefishinholeinc@gmail.com

cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com

450 N. Beach Street Downtown Daytona Beach

386-478-9234

386-252-9804

2 DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST CAPT. BARRY ENGLEHARDT

Tomoka Report

pril in Central Florida is some of the best fishing as far as weather & temperature go. Redfish are on the move early morning in the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp and bait fish. During the day they are in small schools looking for glass minnow and mullet. I like beginning the day throwing a surface lure, thereby covering as mush shoreline as possible to find the fish. Once I find them, I may change to shrimp attached to a popping cork or other lures such as stick bait or jig with a paddle tail. The reason I change at times is to not scare the fish away with a lure splashing the surface. Snook will have moved out of their wintering grounds. Expect to find larger fish in the basin and around the mouths of the feeder creeks. Our home grown tarpon should be active in the river and Strickland. Look for the mullet schools and the tarpon will be nearby. Trout will be hanging around the oyster beds and in the drop offs in the Halifax River. Peak times are early light before the sun is up and dusk through the night hours. For big trout use croakers if available. Generally, the black drum begin moving into the Tomoka River and you will find them around the bridges and deep holes. Captain Barry Englehardt | fishwithcaptainbarry.com

Family owned for over 30 years

DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â&#x20AC;˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM 3

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST INSHORE ADVENTURES WITH SKYE

Hello April, let there be sunshine and schools of fish hookup to in the Lagoon are redfish, trout, and black drum. You can find those larger fish in the shallow waters and large grass flats. While your smaller species fish around mangroves, bends, islands, canals and dropoffs. Right now the trout bite is on fire, with the right baits and techniques will certainly makes for a happy angler.

Baits

As you all know, I love my artificials. Topwaters, heddon spook, jerk baits shrimp chartreuse and of course my favorite D.O.A soft plastics will do the trick. Want to keep your trip simple and target multiple species I recommend the basic paddle tail jig (pearl mullet) on a weedless hook, my go to landing redfish, snook, tarpon, trout, black drum and even flounder.

his month you can expect more consistent fishing. With the last of cold fronts moving out and water temperatures warming up. Although we have had some winds pushing through you will find tails in this stirred up water. Some of my best days in Mosquito Lagoon and the Tomoka Basin were spent just this past week bringing redfish and trout to my yak and skiff, or I just may stop off on a drive in town to cast at those school blowing up from the shore line! Yup, that was my old big white F250 parked on the side of the road reeling ‘em in!

INSHOREADVENTURES WITH SKYE Feel free to check out my inshore fishing adventures on Facebook @ Inshore Adventures with Skye and on Instagram brassyhooker87

Knowing your waters and vessel

This lady angler goes from wading the shorelines, to kayak, to skiff, to our offshore Mako! Most of these areas are super shallow grass flats. So, anything that will allow you to get skinny and hit those muck holes that others can’t reach is ideal. You will find me in my Pelican kayak or polling around in my skiff.

What’s biting

Right now, the three main species you will

Tips From Skye • The most fundamental rule is to fish brightly colored baits in dingy or muddy water and light, subtle colors in clearwater. • Know how to work your lure, that can be more crucial than the color you use • Work your bait in a upward twitch and pause in between allowing it to hit the bottom (when typically most fish strike) • If you are in an open flat, cast towards those light and sandy holes. Fish hang around the edges. Again, those holes are structure. • Double your chances of success on the water and fish the tides when they are falling or starting to come back in, I prefer to fish the last hour of incoming and first hour of outgoing.

4 DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND

APRIL 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Ponce Inlet

FISHING REPORT & FORECAST CAPT. SHANE RYAN

Offshore Fishing

TIDE CHART APRIL 2020

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

High AM Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Date

t’s the beginning of the new season and we will be switching from high speed lures to trolling baits for palegics migrating north. We have been having great fishing for Mahi and Blackfin on ballyhoos on floss rigs or wire for toothy critters like wahoo or kingfish. Keeping a eye on eddy’s and changes in sea surface temps, edges and weed lines are usually easy to find. I have been finding the fish working the temp breaks and putting the time in on those areas for the bites. On the nearshore the cobia are early and coming in strong. It’s likely the easiest fishing we have since every local redneck with a pulse will be out there. Head out the inlet and ride the beach until you find a fleet consisting of multi million dollar Sportfishers to johnboats with stepladders strapped for towers looking for manta rays. Casting jigs or livies will usually get a cobia attention. It’s great table fare and a lot of fun for the family so go out and enjoy some great fishing close to shore. Also don’t forget to hit some nearshore reefs for resident cobia ready to eat.

Sun

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

29 30

Wed Thu

Low ft PM ft 2:31 3.2 2:59 3:37 3.2 4:11 4:47 3.3 5:18 5:48 3.5 6:16 6:43 3.6 7:09 7:35 3.7 8:01 8:25 3.7 8:52 9:15 3.7 9:43 10:3 10:04 3.5 3 11:2 10:53 3.3 3 11:44 3.1 12:3 12:16 3.9 8 1:13 3.7 1:37 2:13 3.5 2:39 3:15 3.3 3:45 4:18 3.2 4:50 5:17 3.1 5:46 6:08 3.1 6:35 6:53 3.1 7:18 7:35 3.1 8:00 8:15 3.0 8:39 8:55 3.0 9:17 9:33 2.9 9:52 10:2 10:10 2.8 7 11:0 10:46 2.7 3 11:4 11:23 2.6 1 12:0 3 12:4 12:24 3.4 9 1:13 3.3 1:43 2:09 3.3 2:43

AM 2.4 2.5 2.7 3.0 3.4 3.7 3.9 4.1

PM 9:13 10:12 11:10

ft 0.6 0.5 0.4

12:14 1:12 2:08 3:01

-0.1 -0.3 -0.4 -0.5

9:03 10:07 11:13 12:05 12:56 1:44 2:30 3:16

4.2

3:54

-0.5

4:02

4.1

4:46

-0.3

4:50

5:42

-0.1

5:41

2.9

6:43

0.1

6:39

2.7 2.6 2.6 2.6 2.8 2.9 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.4 3.5

7:45 8:46 9:45 10:42 11:34

0.2 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4

12:39 1:26 2:09 2:49 3:26

0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2

7:42 8:44 9:46 10:48 11:47 12:20 1:01 1:39 2:14 2:48 3:21

3.5