Coastal Angler Magazine | January 2024 | Volusia County Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

FREE

VOLUSIA COUNTY EDITION

WINTER'S

@CAMTAMagazine

BIG UGLIES

A Florida Fishing Charter with Coastal Angler Mag!

COOL WEATHER

SEATROUT VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 346

FEBRUARY 14-18 PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. JAMIE THRAPPAS YELLOWDAWGFISHING.COM | IG:@YELLOW_DAWG_FISHING

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

JANUARY 2024

W O R L D W I D E

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. No. 1 rating based on 2021 boat market share. Data is sourced from Ratefilings.com.

Never let your traditions fade. Protect your boat. Insure every moment with America’s #1 boat insurer. 1- 800 -PROGRESSIVE / PROGRESSIVE .COM

Get a quote in as little as 4 minutes

THERE ARE STORIES TO TELL B E L O W T H E S U R FA C E

RUN THE WATER™

YAMAHABOATS.COM

©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

Throw Yourself a Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. EXCLUSIVE If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. Stauer® 8x21 The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but Compact extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The Binoculars blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its -a $99 valueresistance to corrosion. with purchase of Huntsman Blade The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While What Stauer Clients supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 Are Saying About 8x21 power compact binoculars and Our Knives a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.  Your satisfaction is 100% “This knife is beautiful!” guaranteed. Feel the knife in your — J., La Crescent, MN hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you  don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, “The feel of this knife send it back within 30 days for a is unbelievable...this complete refund of the item price. is an incredibly fine Limited Reserves. A deal like this instrument.” won’t last long. We have only 1120 — H., Arvada, CO Huntsman Blades for this ad only. BONUS! Call today and Don’t let this beauty slip through your you’ll also receive this fingers. Call today! genuine leather sheath!

FREE

Huntsman Blade $249*

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: HBK221-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HBK221-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12” overall length; 6 1/2” stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

WELCOME

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Tuna Town TO

had only been fishing a few years when I wound up taking a job in Venice, Louisiana. I had gotten the lead on a first mate position through a mutual friend of a captain who I had never met before. When I called the captain, I asked when he needed me. He told me, “yesterday.” So I went to the tackle shop, bought my first pair of slickers, and hit the road. The only thing I knew about Venice was that there was no cell phone service and no women. As I drove down the road south of New Orleans, I began to notice ships on both sides of the road simultaneously. I realized I had better call someone to let them know I was heading to a deadzone in the middle of nowhere, filled with lonely, salty men. I arrived at night and located my captain’s houseboat, where I would be staying. I made the jump across to the boat and opened the door without knocking—as I was instructed to do. A dozen men, drinking beer, went silent as they stared at me. I looked around the room at the welcoming party, and the walls that were lined with shelves of alcohol bottles and a deer head decorated with Mardi Gras beads and bras. They offered me a beer and I declined. After the 14-hour drive, I most definitely wanted a beer, however, this did not seem like the time and place to let my guard down. The captain showed me the boat docked out back, my bunk where I would be staying, and told me what time to set my alarm for the charter the following morning. I had no idea what to expect or what I had gotten myself into, but I quickly fell in love with the fishery and a week-long trip turned into a year and a half. The fishermen there were nothing but respectful and treated me like one of the guys. I had only been fishing for two years at the time and had a lot to learn. I spent evenings teaching myself how to tie snell knots and throw a cast net. When the locals would go out fun fishing and bring back coolers with hundreds of trout, they were more than happy to teach me how to fillet fish. The fishermen didn’t cut me any slack for being a woman, which I was grateful for. I worked just as hard as they did, earned respect, and learned everything I needed to become a competent fisherman. I was openly doubted every step of the way, until I was able to learn and prove myself, which I did. But I was told that if I made it to the fall, there was no way that a woman could handle shrimp-boat season. Shrimp-boat season involves pulling behind shrimp boats and then boarding them by jumping from the bow of your boat onto the tires that hang from the stern of the shrimp boat. Then you promptly scurry up before your bow has a chance to crush your feet. You then shovel bycatch into a bag or basket, get it back to your boat, and hopefully get yourself back on the boat before your crew hooks up to a big tuna and abandons you there for the fight. The goal is to not die, break your ankles or get murdered by the shrimp-boat crew in the process. I did make it to the fall, and I did survive shrimp-boat season, and it was some of my favorite fishing I’ve done, to this day. It wasn’t until I left that the ball-busting ceased and I received positive feedback, when a captain called to tell me I did a really great job and that I’d earned a place and should come back for the following season. I am so grateful Tuna Town was a stop on my journey to where I am now. I am indebted to the fishermen there who helped teach me things the right way, without mercy. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, with Sweet e’nuf charters out of Marathon, Florida Keys, can be reached at (504) 920-6342. See CaptainQuinlyn.com and @captainquinlyn.

TZT

Go on a power trip with

GET BENT. With all this power, you'll find, pinpoint & catch fish like never before.

TZT19F 19" M ulti Touch IPS Display TZT16F 16" Mu lti Touch IPS Dis play

TZT12F 12" Hyb TZT9F 9" Hyb rid Touch IPS rid Touch IPS Display Display

Unleash the power to see fish clearer, deeper & on both sides of your boat, with unprecedented clarity. Built-in Dual Channel1 1kW TruEcho CHIRP™ 1

2kW/3kW TruEcho CHIRP™ "Deep Impact" Power Booster2

TZT9F is a Single-Channel 1kW TruECHO CHIRPTM

DFF3D Multi Beam Sonar See 120° Port-Starboard 2

Hi-Power Radar3 With Bird Detection Mode

Compatible with TZT12F/16F/19F only

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

Premium Fishing & CMOR Charts

Requires external sensor

PROTECTION

MONTHS

RINSE-ON CERAMIC www.gtechniq.com

TIPS FROM A PRO

Rinse On, Rinse Off Ceramic Sealant

TIPS FROM A PRO

THROW UMBRELLA RIGS FOR WINTER BASS

When the bass are feeding up on baitfish in the winter, the natural bait ball presentation with multiple baits swimming together drives these bass absolutely crazy. It can make for a very fun day on the water. Setting up your “rig” is not complicated. Depending on how deep you are looking to fish, use 1/8-ounce jig heads for shallow water (10 feet or less) and ¼-ounce jig heads for anything deeper than 10 feet. Pick TYLER WOOLCOTT out some small 3- to 4-inch natural shad colored boot-tail swimbaits to attach to your jig heads and that’s all there is to it. inter can be a tricky time of year to go fishing, The winter months is typically the time when bass to feed up before but I want to tell you about a bait that might help you put some more fish in the boat. In fact, this lure is so good that they spawn. Whether you see it going on or not, they are eating a lot of bait somewhere on your some tournaments don’t allow body of water. You can throw anglers to use them anymore. this rig basically anywhere, I’m talking about the Alabama and if there are fish around, rig, which some people call they will bite it! I throw it the umbrella rig. around grass, rocks, docks, This device made its debut open water, points and on the bass fishing scene in ditches. 2011 and absolutely dominated the tournament fishing scene Gear for a few years before it was When throwing an A-rig, eventually outlawed by most it can get pretty heavy once professional fishing series for you add all the jig heads and basically being an unfair way swimbaits onto it. You’ll want to catch fish. The rig consists to use a big heavy rod with of a baitfish-style head where some strong line. A 13 Fishing you tie your line with multiple Muse Black 7’6” rod paired metal-wire arms that extend with a Concept A 6:8:1 reel is out where you attach jig heads a good fit. Spool this up with with a swimbaits. Most come 20-pound Seaguar Abraz-X standard with five metal arms line and you are good to go! and five jig heads. Good luck out there! Even though the Alabama rig is outlawed by most pro fishing leagues, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it when you are out fun Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. fishing or even fishing smaller tournaments. It is a fish-catching machine! Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2024

NATIONAL 7

A GREAT LAKES FORMULA FOR

By Nick Carter

JUST ONE FISH

obi Pellerito’s goal in a day is just one fish, and with the surge in Great Lakes smallmouth fisheries, there’s a good chance he’ll find what he’s looking for: one giant smallie. “Big smallmouth is my jam,” he said. “It’s not like tournament fishing, where you’re looking for a limit. I’m out there looking for one big fish.” Pellerito theorized that three invasive species are responsible for Great Lakes smallmouth achieving grotesque proportions with weights in the 7- to 8-pound range. European round gobies and rusty crayfish from the Ohio River Basin have become important prey species since their invasion. European Zebra mussels are forage for another smallmouth favorite: perch, and these filter-feeders also create clear water, which is great for visual hunters like bass.

8 NATIONAL

JANUARY 2024

Pellerito bemoaned the destruction these invasives wreak but figures we might as well take advantage. THE FORMULA: The size of the Great Lakes system is incredible. From a home base in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Pellerito has explored parts of it from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, downstream through lakes Michigan, St. Clair, Huron, Erie and over to the St. Lawrence River. Over this vast expanse, state fisheries reports tell him where the largest smallmouth are. “Once you’ve picked a fishery, there’s no substitute for time on the water,” he said. “Find the most desirable structure in the lake or in the part of the lake you’re fishing.” Smallmouth can be patterned seasonally. From there, Pellerito fishes long days to eliminate water. He looks for big points and transitions in bottom composition. He seeks out subtle structure like boulders or logs on barren flats. Bait presence is important, whether its gobies or crayfish in the rocks, perch in the grass or balls of suspended baitfish. THE FISHING: When he finds an area he likes, Pellerito covers water quickly with a crankbait. He likes a Megabass Deep-X 300, which dives 12 to 15 feet. “Covering water until you find where the fish are is important, then you slow down,” he said. “The biggest fish tend to be a step off from where the rest of them are.” Big smallmouth hold in “wolf packs” of two or three fish, and this can sometimes lead to days of more than “just one fish.” Recently, Pellerito boated an incredible 35-pound, 9-ounce five fish limit. Find one big fish, and it pays to pick that area apart. For this, Pellerito switches to classic drop shots or tubes. A standard tube crawls through the rocks like a goby or a crayfish. With the drop shot, Pellerito fishes a Megabass 3-inch Hazedong, which looks like a goby. It takes light line to draw strikes in clear water. Pellerito uses 15-foot leaders of 5- to 7-pound fluorocarbon with a main line of 8- to 10-pound braid. He’s experienced tremendous success with these tactics. This season, he boated 39 fish heavier than 6 pounds, 19 heavier than 7 pounds and two heavier than 8 pounds. To see more of Cobi Pellerito’s giant fish, see his Instagram @cobi.pellerito.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Performance Bulletin Available

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

59 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

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

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

Custom Marine Service Saunders Yacht Works

Panama City

McKenzie Marine

Gulf Shores

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

St. Augustine

Oyster City Suzuki Apalachicola

On-Site Marine

Oﬀshore Performance Marine

Ruskin

Fort Pierce

Mastry Engine Center Clearwater

All Suzuki repowers come with the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.

Innovation Marine Corp. Sarasota

Bayfront Yacht Works Siesta Key

Twin Screws Marine Service

Marina One

Deerfield Beach

Fort Myers

Diversified Yacht Services

Fort Myers Beach

Many of our Suzuki RePower Centers feature Water Accessible Drop Travel Lifts. Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574

Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

CATCH FRENZIED SPANISH MACKEREL

panish mackerel are a year-round target, but this time of year they love following bluefish schools to clean up injured baitfish left behind. During this time, bluefish and mackerel all tend to school together into a feeding frenzy of terror. I definitely wouldn’t want to get my hand in the way of any of those toothy fish. Spanish mackerel are sometimes confused with baby kingfish and cero mackerel, since they can school all together. However, there are a few ways to differentiate these fish, which is important since they all have different regulations. All these mackerel have yellow spots on their sides, but there are a few differences to look for. Cero mackerel have yellow lines along their lateral line that are combined with the yellow spots. King mackerel tend to have smaller spots that are closely grouped along the lateral line. As for the Spanish mackerel, they have large uncontrolled spots. There is simply no rhyme or reason for their pattern. Another way to identify Spanish mackerel is they usually have a wider girth compared to the other mackerel. A large Spanish mackerel is considered to be around 24 inches and over 5 pounds, while kingfish are typically over 20 pounds and ceros tend to be smaller. Spanish mackerel are typically nearshore fish that hang close to shore in order to feed on bait

schools by pushing them into the breakers. In certain locations, you can find Spanish inside the intracoastal. In specific conditions, if the water becomes too warm, mackerel move deeper to find their preferred 70 degrees. Spanish mackerel are found off the Atlantic coast of the United States and in the Gulf of Mexico. They follow a migration pattern of spending the winter off Florida and then move north to North Carolina in early April and all the way up off the coast of New York by June. There are many ways to target Spanish mackerel. Some use live bait such as sardines, baby pilchards and smaller threadfins. A simple freeline with a short wire leader to a live bait hook and one of these smaller baitfish can be deadly. The wire is not absolutely necessary, but mackerel do have extremely sharp teeth. When mackerel are tailing bluefish schools, they are normally frenzied. They’ll slash at everything that comes their way. I like throwing crappie jigs into the frenzy, and I think any kind of small jig will work. A lot of commercial anglers use popping corks with a spoon tied about 4 feet below. The pop gets their attention, and then the shiny fluttering spoon is too much for them to resist.

FWC PHOTO

By Emily Hanzlik

For larger Spanish mackerel, X-Raps or other diving crankbaits work best since they imitate larger baits. If you’re throwing a lure, don’t use your favorite one. There is a good chance you might lose it. Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 62 IGFA world records in various categories. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

• CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES • SAVE • TINY HOMES FOR SALE • CARPORTS • EXCELLENT FINANCING OPTIONS • STORAGE SHEDS • ADU HOMES FOR SALE •

BUILD YOUR DREAM BUILDING IN 2024 WITH THE KEEN’S BUILDINGS 3D DESIGNER.

STEEL BUILDING •

$289.05 /Month

FROM BOAT PORTS TO GARAGES. DESIGN YOUR OWN BUILDING, WITH OUR 3D DESIGNER.

$238.70

$141.24

/Month

30X40X14 CUSTOM METAL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $328.95/MO

20X25X12 WITH 12X25 LEAN-TO AS-LOW-AS $235.18/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

12X30 DOUBLE ROLL-UP DOOR AS-LOW-AS $198.18/MO

$457.00 /Month

$305.40

$45.00 30X40X12 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE

(2) 12X10 ROLLUP DOORS, (1) WALK-IN DOOR, AND (3) WINDOWS AS-LOW-AS $569.44/MO

7 Locations

SERVING ALL OF FLORIDA AND SOUTH GEORGIA

/Month

20X20 BOAT-PORT TOP SELLER AS-LOW-AS $55.44/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028

PERRY

LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548

DADE CITY P: 352-583-2410

MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291

620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)

211 72nd Trace

$158.40

/Month

2561 N. Young Blvd.

20229 US 301

P: 850-223-1939 2444 South Byron Butler Pwky

24X36X12 METAL BUILDING W/

(2) 12X36X10 LEAN-TO’S + UTILITY STORAGE AS-LOW-AS $365.18/MO WAYCROSS

P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW OUR PRODUCTS

10X20 ROBIN

AS-LOW-AS $189.18/MO

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM View our inventory online.

568 S. Broad St.

• END OF SEASON SALE • SAVE • TINY HOMES FOR SALE • SALE • $0 DOWN FINANCING OPTIONS • EXCELLENT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP • APPLY NOW •

2 FLORIDA

JANUARY 2024

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

STEEL BUILDING •

Repower Center ✓ Large Inventory Cal lU ✓ Financing Available s ✓ Guide & Gov't Discounts ✓ Factory Trained Technicians ✓ Custom Fabrica�on Solu�ons ✓ Service and Maintenance RELIABILITY IS A FAMILTY TRADITION MEET THE NEXT GENERATION

advanced marine

Advanced Marine Services 1322 Carolina Ave Saint Cloud, FL 34769

407-498-5142 866-768-2628 advancedmarine.com

BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU? 6913 Norton Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 334054

Hurricane Season (561) 758-8758 Phone orders Can Be shiPPed

Be prepared with extra ropes, chains, anchors, shackles, and more!

SAVE

50%Insurance

up to

on Boat

GET THE

LOWEST RATES!

BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr

Custom Spliced Dock Lines & Anchor Rodes

$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr

GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000

BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group

Covering Boaters throughout the South Since 1988

Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2024

FLORIDA 3

By Astrid deGruchy

No Telling What You’ll Catch

ON THE PATCH

atch reef fishing is the epitome of, “You never know what you’re going to catch.” These underwater gems are filled with all sorts of fish, and it makes them fun and exciting places to be an angler. Patch reefs are small coral formations found in the shallower parts of the water. They were named for the patchy appearance when viewed from the surface and form wherever hard bottom exists in 10 to 25 feet of water. The rocky bottom, combined with ledges, coral heads and other growth provides the structure fish love. Many of these areas are well-known here in the Keys, but if you’re up for some exploration you can find less-pressured patch reef especially when the water is clear and visibility is good. Just keep an eye out for rocky or live bottom. These areas are usually not too far from shore, so they’re easy to reach and perfect for angling action. All sorts of fish congregate around these patches. The variety includes mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, lane snapper, hogfish, black grouper, red grouper, gag grouper, porgy, cero mackerel, yellowjack and barracuda. We fish a lighter setup on the patch reefs, and this makes for a blast. Our go-to is a PENN Authority 4500 reel with the PENN Carnage III rod. Live bait like pilchards or shrimp work like a charm. If catching live bait is a problem for you, just stop at a local tackle shop and grab some live shrimp, pinfish, or even some frozen ballyhoo. Keep it simple, and tie on a knocker rig or jig head. Anchoring the boat in the right position to present baits around the reef is an important part of this style of fishing. Dropping bait on the sandy areas near the reef allows you to fish the bottom without getting hung up. Chum can be a good idea, but don’t be so quick to put out the chum as soon as you get lined up. I recommend breaking it out only if the fishing is tough. Chum can attract some of the “trash fish” like blue runners, jacks and sharks. Also, make sure you’re up to date with the rules and regulations. There are so many species you might catch, and some of those species might be out of season. Patch reef fishing is a blast. It’s a mix of stunning views and tons of action. If you want to experience this, the cooler months are the best for this type of fishing. That’s when some better-quality fish move into the shallower reefs.

Whe Cen and rem add sing

Visit www.beansportfishing.com to book a charter and experience epic patch reef fishing in the Sportfishing Capital of the World.

4 FLORIDA

JANUARY 2024

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Water Acce

One if by Land . . . Two if by Sea With Mastry Suzuki RePower, It’s Your Choice

Join The Revolution Whether considering repowering your trailer boat or your offshore beast, there is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center that can serve your repower dreams. Mastry Suzuki RePower centers are the best in the business and have the experience, technical know-how and boating passion to make your repower project a remarkable success. With total boat systems capabilities your local Mastry Suzuki RePower Center can address all your upgrade aspirations. Essentially transforming your boat into a totally new boat at one single location. With 15 Locations Across the Southeast There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You.

REPOWER THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT *Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identiﬁcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional beneﬁts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574 Water Access CA 231209.indd 1

12/9/23 12:24 PM

No Profile Boat Lift

Four Piling Boat Lift

Eq Su the on

Durable boat lifts expertly designed with Florida in mind. ShoreStation hydraulic boat lifts are a reliable choice for coastal residents and boating enthusiasts alike. Their strong construction, made with corrosion-resistant materials, allows them to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including sun, storms, and saltwater damage. ShoreStation provides a steadfast solution for protecting waterfront investments, offering peace of mind to owners in the Sunshine State.

DISCOVER THE SHORESTATION ADVANTAGE

Q Se

Ma qu inn lift saf tod hy ne an wa con an les

ShoreScreen

REVOLUTION™ Canopy

No Piling Required Freestanding Boat Lift

REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy Cover

Solar Battery Charging System

Equipped with exceptional weather resistant fabric and breathable SunTex 80 woven mesh ends for maximum protection and durability, the REVOLUTION™ Series Canopy is the most innovative canopy on the market.

Never miss another moment on the water. Power your lift with clean, free solar power. Our speedy 20 watt charger features solar regulator drainage protection, saving your battery from permanent damage caused by overcharging.

Quickly Secures Boat Made from the highest quality materials, our innovative hydraulic boat lift is one of the fastest and safest lifts on the market today. When you have a hydraulic lift, there’s no need to worry about wind and waves getting in your way. This lift will give you confidence to safely land and secure your boat in less-than-ideal conditions.

& transform your waterfront! 772.247.4774 shorestation.com

SLIP CORKS AREN’T JUST FOR LIVE BAIT

Tim Barefoot

here was time in my life when I was fanatical about live bait, and a lot of the fishing I did was under a sliding cork. Well, that ship has sailed, at least the live bait part. I still fish under a sliding cork, but I now fish artificial lures under the cork for several reasons, only one of which is the evolution of soft plastic baits. Here are a few arguments for fishing artificial: 1) There’s no need to catch and store live bait. 2) My entire tackle box is now small and light enough to fit in a backpack for travel. 3) Soft Plastics are versatile in terms of presentation, and they’re effective. 4) Artificials can be cast farther and more accurately. 5) You can be ready to fish at a moment’s notice anywhere, under almost any conditions. These advantages add up to the sum of my new fishing style under a sliding or popping cork. I cherish my two- or three-hour mini vacations after work, wherever I am while traveling. I travel quite a bit and can bail out of the truck and fish for whatever is there. I’ve grown fond of fishing under and around bridges for several species, and the ease and effectiveness of this style of fishing is easy to love. In addition to fishing just a single lure under a cork—or without a cork in deeper, faster water—I’ve started fishing a tandem tackle. The bottom bait is the jig head for the weight, and the second bait has no weight and just trails out behind the jig. Some days, it’s all bites on the jig; other days, it’s a third or more of the bites on the weightless trailer. This suspended bait and trailer under a cork is not only effective, but it keeps you from staying hung up. Once I figure out how deep the water is, it’s easy to adjust the depth. I typically keep one rod set up for 6 feet deep as a starting point. If I see the cork laying over, it means the jig is sitting on the bottom. I’ll shallow it up a bit to where the jig is just off the bottom and makes a clean drift. If the water is deeper, I’ll adjust it deeper. The end goal is to keep the jig a foot or two off the bottom and allow a natural drift. I like to fish a pair of DOA Shrimp on this tackle in saltwater, and this same tactic is deadly in freshwater with Zoom Flukes or Super Flukes for smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass. The other bait I love for this style of fishing is Gulp! baits. For more detailed videos of the tandem tackle and how to tie it, and the construction of my sliding cork set up, visit my Youtube channel and/or the website. For more from Tim Barefoot, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

•A

•SUP •ENH •99%

8 FLORIDA

JANUARY 2024

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

*LIF 16 BREVARD

OWN YOUR

DREAM BOAT OWN WeYOUR have the

2 M

financing, DREAM BOAT Own yOur OWN YOUR

dream boat DREAM BOAT

selection

We have the financing, selection and deals to get you on the water.

N 17 St $ 60

We have the and deals to financing, get you on selection and deals thetowater. get you on the water.

L B S $ 2

2 S $ 911 N. Dixie Freeway • New S$

DiamonD Di

911 N. www

Call for priCing

Payments based upon approved credit @8.99% interest. • Mitzi Skiff @ 10 year term with $5,000. down • Maycrafts @20 year term with $10,000 down • 23CC C-Hawk 20 yea

Payments based upon approved credit @8.99% interest. • Mitzi Skiff @ 10 year term with $5,000. down • Maycrafts @20 ye

2023 Tournament 2024 17 2023 17 Tournament Mitzi Skiffs SkiffsSkiffs Mitzi

NEW! Flats Flats Boat Boat NEW! NEW! 17ft. 2 2in. Blue 17ft. in.Ice IceFlats Blue Boat 17ft. 2 Stock # 1536 Stock #1533 in. Ice Blue Stock #1533 60 HPper Suzuki engine $424 month

$424 per month 60 HP Suzuki engine 60 HP Suzuki engine

2023 208CC 208CC Maycraft 2023 Maycraft 2023 208CC Maycraft

DiamonD S NEW! NEW! Bay Bay Boat Boat NEW! Bay Boat 20ft. 20ft. 3in. 3in. 20ft. Stock 15303in. Stock ##1530 Stock #1530 Ice Blue Ice Blue 200 HP Ice Suzuki Blueengine

HP Suzuki engine 911 N.200 Dixie Freeway 200month HP Suzuki engine• New Smyrn $550 per $550 per month

www.dia

2023 208CC 208CC Maycraft Maycraft Maycraft 2023 208CC Maycraft Payments based upon approved credit @8.99% interest. • Mitzi Skiff @ 10 year term with $5,000. down • Maycrafts @20 2023 year term with $10,000 down • 23CC C-Hawk 20 year financing Maycraft NEW! Bay Boat NEW! Bay Boat Light Boat LightBlue Blue Boat with Light Blue Boat with with Bimini Bimini TopTop Bimini Stock 1532 Top Stock ##1532 Stock #1532 200 HPper Suzuki engine $486 month

per month 200 HP$486 Suzuki engine 200 HP Suzuki engine

202325 23CC-C-Hawk 2024 CC-C-Hawk 2023 23CC-C-Hawk

23ft. Sea Foam Green Center Console 23ft. Seawith Foam Green Stock#1534 only 1 hour on the water! Stock#1534 plus tax and tag $69,995 Stock # 1535 plus tax and tag $69,995 $579.00 per month 300 HP Suzuki $579.00 per month Fly by Wire Engine Twin 9” Simrads

NEW! Bay Boat 20ft. 20ft. 3in. 3in. 20ft. Stock # 15293in. Stock #1529 White White Stock #1529 200 Suzuki 200 HP HPWhite Suzukiengine engine

200month HP Suzuki engine $541 per $541 per month

Maycraft Maycraft Stock 1531 Stock ##1531

200 HP Stock Suzuki#1531 engine $58,995

$49,995 200 HP$58,995 Suzuki engine

200month HP Suzuki engine Plus $474Fees per $474 per month

DiamonD Suzuki (386) 424-9000 DiamonD Suzuki (386) 424-9000 911 N. Dixie Freeway • New Smyrna Beach, FL • Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-12pm • Closed Sun 911 N. Dixie Freeway • New Smyrna Beach, FL • Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-12pm • Closed Sun

www.diamondmotorsandmarine.com www.diamondmotorsandmarine.com

th $5,000. down • Maycrafts @20 year term with $10,000 down • 23CC C-Hawk 20 year financing with $10,000 down with approved credit . ear term with $5,000. down • Maycrafts @20 year term with $10,000 down • 23CC C-Hawk 20 year financing with $10,000 down with approved credit .

VOLUSIA COUNTY VOLUSIA COUNTY

COASTAL ANGLER ANGLER COASTAL

franchise owners Jamie & Deidra Thrappas franchise owners Contributing Writers : Jamie & Deidra Thrappas Marco PoMPano Freak on the Beach 386-212-4838

caPt. JaMie thraPPas Contributing Writers : Ponce Inlet and Backwaters www.YellowDawgFishing.com Marco PoMPano caPt. Michael Freak on the savedow Beach Edgewater Backcountry 386-212-4838 www.EdgewaterRiverGuide.com caPt. JaMie thraPPas caPt. englehardt PonceBarry Inlet and Backwaters Tomoka www.YellowDawgFishing.com www.FishingGuideDaytonaBeach.com caPt. Michael savedow caPt. Bryn adaMs Edgewater Backcountry Central St. Johns River www.EdgewaterRiverGuide.com www.highlandparkfishcamp.com caPt. Bryn adaMs caPt. Matt graves Central St. Johns River Offshore www.highlandparkfishcamp.com www.LimitlessFishing.com caPt. evan sanders caPt.with evan Sol Fishing thesanders Captain & Kids Sol Fishing with the Captain & Kids www.SolFishing.com www.SolFishing.com Blake aBBey Blake aBBey Kayaking Kayaking @kayakkingcharters @kayakkingcharters skye Burkhardt Inshore Adventures @BrassyAngler87

for advertising inquiries, call Jamie at 386.366.3424 or email volusia@coastalanglerMagazine.com

Are you reAding this? So so are all your cuStomerS! Customers!

Call call Jamie and reserve your advertising space!

(386) 366 - 3424

volusia@coastalanglermagazine.com

urrent is way too strong to fish, so I pulled in my first two lines on the beach and I noticed a third line which I had cast short. It had a big clump of seaweed on it and was hanging in the water. The next thing I know, the seaweed was up in the air. I grab the pole. It almost jerked out of my hand, and I was in the game. Whatever it was, was taking line and giving me a good licking. I started to gain ground on it. It was making its big run. I finally got it to turn, and shooting out through the waves was a nice slot red. It bounced up on the beach. The Skooly mullet are full in 6 inches of water, but I was fishing on a crab knuckle. Ya, mon! So, starting out today I had high hopes. I set up on the beach. Again, perfect conditions: nice green water and hardly any current. My rod started to bamba and samba. Those three little bangs on the pole that pompano outa here onrhythm the beach hoping something good happens. The madeunrise, turnedI’m into whole section. wind is from the west. the beautiful waves are flattened My biggest problem nowAll is not to lose this zigzagging, angryout. pompano. pompano! nose to is tighten actuallyjust twitching. Theand commercial I kept theI smell drag loose until IMy needed a little bit, watched guys are all in Ponce sticking up here in Wilbur By the this nice sizedown pompano surfInlet, onto but the I’m beach. Sea.After Out of the pack. catching a few more, things slow down quite a bit - it was just time Oneand of my poles just straightened out, which can onlypompanos mean one thing: to chill think about how I was going to cook these tonighta fish is swimming in. Ya, mon! is a whole grilled fish with mumbo sauce, so for my wife. Sophie‘s favorite Letwhat it run, mess it up. Justway tighten up the drag a little, do a little jig that’s it’lldon’t be, and this is the I do it: backwards. always keep pressure on my that way. StartingIwith Mumbo sauce, here’s theline recipe: Thejarhook won’tSusan come marinade out, it’s a circle hook and sets ltself, so don’t jerk it • 1/2 of Saucy like a yee-ha cowboy, be smooth keep reeling it in right through the • 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and and just finely grated wave, and onto the beach. A big • ground up cayenne pepper (orPampano. you can use Frank’s original hot sauce) up,oftap, and, tap, tap, tap the tip sauce of the pole, bending, towards • aNext: couple bigtap, splashes of Worcestershire the that’s no pompano. Let’s see what it is. • a ocean. cup of Now, orange juice A little little zag. Onbaste the beach, a beautiful sheepshead. If you’ve Mix thiszig, up aand use it to the fish. The never seenwas a sheepshead’s you’re in three for a shock. When you do, they pompano gutted andteeth, whole. I slice look yours or mine, with molars. Theyfor only sliceslike to the bone on each side, in order theeat good stuff: shrimp, crab, and they can gnaw oysters, Their meat tastes just fish to poach and isthrough also very good clams, when mussels. you like that: super marinate, to getsweet. it fully tasty. Next, I get a very alsocharcoal known and as convict fish sure because of their black stripes hot They grill - are we use wood. Make look just like a prison uniform. Thecook biggest one caught was 15 pounds in you don’t go too far, because these pretty Homosassa like wait to hang around fast, I put itFlorida. on one They side and till out I can see pilings, docks, sea walls, and structures, theyfish, alsoand come the scores frombut thelucky grill me, on the fliptoit.the shore during the winter, where got mine. mon! I scoreI the other Ya, side, turn it, and put on the For bait, sheepsheads like to eatsauce live shrimp, mumbo sauce - be generous, the is goingfiddler crab, sand fleas. They have a light touch are hard to feel when they’re once hook to caramelize andand blacken quite a bit, but it tastesbiting, great.but I end upyou cooking in, you’re for afor ride. each side in twice five minutes and after you hit it again with the mambo It’s you’re my wife Sophie’s favorite filet. It’s nothopefully the easiestitfish to like clean, but well sauce, done. Check out the picture, looks that. worth Thisit.is just the beginning of the Pompano run. The ones I caught were It’s been a great daythem out here. The tide’s running a little hard to up. the big and fat. We called the scouts. Theybeen are always the first to show north, but its beenwith pastures of plenty, so I can’t complain. And there’s no This comes along the cooler weather. complaint anywhere on the beach, The seabox is getting pretty rough, itsanyway still hurricane season, but it cools So the now, withSince these the pompano andlike sheepshead, I put they’ll on the stay reggae. The down water. pompano it from 65-75° around island Fantasric Ringcrab, up the fillet master, and eat,sounds as long(Shaggie’s as you have the rightBombastic), bait. Sand fleas, knuckles, salted, my friend whoshould insists do onjust filleting clam, freshTommyshrimp you fine. my fish- to come over with the German sharpened gets big percentage), let the filetare begin. I like steel, freshall live bait that’s(he just mya preference. A lotand of fishermen usYa, ing mon! fish bites. It does matter what kind of equipment you have. I hope, for as Tommy says, people can afford to some buy $10 worth of bait and head yourSo,sake, you have good lines and made good strong leaders. But to the beach to fish, and that’s a fact. No carbon footprint, no gas, no boat. without the good bait, equipment means nothing. JustI’d some when you leave,important there’s nothing behind, exceptI alsopoles, like toand mention it’s very to get left sputnik sinkers. maybe fewonly crab3legs. mostly ause ounce, they stick in the sand and release. I use 4 and 5 AndWhen then did mentionisthe workout get? It’s a definite core exercise. ounce. theIcurrent stronger myyou favorite ones are from the sinker You’re bending,who grabbing, working the poles on the beach, guy uppulling, in Jacksonville, ships running, everywhere. waiting, walking against all the currents Ya, mon! So now is my favorite partand of the day: putting on the island riptides, while breathing the best Wilbur Marco poMpano sounds ofallThe Brothers Within, a great By thereggae Sea air.band, getting the cooking Marco poMpano Surf Fishing Guide local Surf Fishing Guide I could go me on and but pomnow’s the Marcopompano@gmail.com vibes going,just and andon, these Marcopompano@gmail.com (386) 212-4838 time and these fish head to the pano for are me heading right to thetosmoker. (386)by 212-4838 Wilbur the Sea smoker.

2 Palm VOLUSIA Beach COUNTY JANUARY & Fort lauderdale NOVember 2024 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM 2023 areas COASTALANGLERMAG.COM JaNuarY 2024• THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM• THEANGLERMAG.COM

o fish, nes on rd line ump of water. ed was t jerkgame. e and o gain un. a nice

g on a

Again, startmpano ns. The mpano. mercial atched By the t time hing: onighta uce, so ttle jig

jerk it gh the uce) wards

you’ve o, they , crab, es just

stripes nds in walls, winter,

. They uoking hook ambo ut t. well t were to up. the ow re’s no cools e. The round master, salted, th the begin. re uspe, for ds.head But o boat. exceptI kers. and 5 ercise. sinker beach, island pano pano Guide

Guide il.com il.com 2-4838 2-4838 he Sea

Fishing Captain Directory

Hire these professionals for a guaranteed GOOD FISHIN’ time! reel harMony fishing charters

Pole dancer fishin’ charters

Call for a 5 star Fishing Experience Inshore • Snook • Redfish Tarpon • Flounder

Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Daytona Beach Redfish • Snook • Triple Tail • Trout

Capt Marty Goldys

Capt Jeff patterson

386-679-0317

386-451-4992

new legacy fishing charters

knot racing charters Knot

www.reelharmonyfishing.com reelharmonyfishingcharters@gmail.com

Capt Marshal Wallot Nearshore and Inshore Fishing Trophy Redfish & Black Drum Tarpon • Snook & More

386-214-9595

www.newlegacyfishing.com marshalwallot007@gmail.com

nauti diver fishing charters Capt Mark Gibson

www.smallboatbigfish.com captainpatterson@yahoo.com

Capt MiChael ChapMan Offshore & Near Shore Charters Grouper • Snapper • Triggerfish Flounder • Redfish

386-576-6889

www.knotracing.com Knotracingcharters@gmail.com

caught uP fishing charters

Capt bruno Bruno iMbrunone iMBrunone

Inshore / Nearshore / Offshore Redfish • Snook • Flounder • Snapper • Shark Trips

Inshore and Offshore Fishing New Smyrna Beach Snook • Redfish • Tarpon • Cobia Snapper • Flounder

nautidiver22@yahoo.com FB @CaptMarkGibson

www.caughtupfishingcharters.com caughtupfishingcharters@yahoo.com

386-214-1477

striPPin liPs fishing charters Capt dave Caruthers Offshore and Nearshore Fishing Trips Year Round Wahoo • Snapper • Grouper Tuna • Snook • Redfish

386-383-9881

www.strippinlipscharters.com dcaruthers50@gmail.com

coastline charters

386-689-7409

reef wrecKer charters yellow dawg Capt John “JJ” ellis fishing Offshore andcharters Near Shore Fishing

Capt thrappas ChartersJaMie “ Year Round”

Offshore Inshore ••Back Snapper •• Grouper SharkCountry Trips If it swims we catch it! Redfish • Snook • Cobia

386-366-3424 386-402-3957

www.yellowdawgfishing.com www.reefwrecker.com johnjellis1996@gmail.com

driftwood charters

Capt kevin Gill

Capt Jarrod tuttle

386-222-2805

386-295-7908

Ponce Inlet Snook • Redfish Flounder • Triple Tail

www.fishponce.com Instagram @fishponce Facebook @Coastline Charters

Inshore/Nearshore/Offshore Seasonal Wahoo, Swordfish, Tuna, Deepdrop trips Capttutt@gmail.com www.Gofishponce.com

out

ters

s h

agner Dr. W

om .com

rters

stry

na,

DOCTOR WAGNER IS A CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN AT UNTANGLING CAR CRASH KNOTS & SNAGS (386) 888-8888

with the

Captain KiDS

ol Fishing takes every chance possible when it comes to giving back to our community! We were honored to partner with Edgewater Police Department and sponsor the “Fishing with the Police” event! Over 30 kids between the ages of 3 and 12 got paired with an officer to enjoy a morning of fishing! The kids started out the day by learning boating safety and safe fishing practices. For the next 3 hours, the kids enjoyed catching a variety of species such as mangrove snapper, catfish, blue crabs, and much more! Edgewater Police Captain Chas Geiger said “This is by far my favorite event we do in the community every year.” We also spoke with one of the youth anglers at the event Aubrey Jo Deaton and she said “This was the best day ever!” Capt. Evan & Capt. Adam started the Youth Angler Program after finding out how many kids in the New Smyrna Beach area had never been fishing, never been on a boat, and was born and raised in the area. Since that day Capt. Evan & Capt. Adam strive to getting more and more youth anglers on the water each and every year! Sol Fishing will do everything possible to make every young man or ladies fishing dreams come true. It does not matter if the kids want to go offshore or inshore, Sol Fishing will target whichever species they want to catch. Some of the most recent species that the youth anglers have been wanting to target are red snapper, lane snapper, cobia, amberjack, sharks, barracuda, redfish, and snook. The Youth Angler Program is made possible by all our retailers who stock Sol Fishing’s gear such as our Hats, Decals, and Performance shirts and many more products. Stop by New Smyrna Beach Outfitters Outriggers, Donald’s Bait & Tackle, 38 Live Bait & Tackle, E & J Bait & Tackle, Sunglass Cabana, Shades of New Smyrna Beach, Boaters Exchange, and Pedago of NSB to get your Sol Fishing gear to help support the Youth Angler Program! Sol Fishing’s amazing sponsors such as Sportsman Boats, Simrad, Seadek Marine, Custom Marine Volusia, and Castaway Customs also play a huge roll in the program! capT. EVan SanDErS Sol Fishing Charters & Gear www.solfishing.com 407-796-2088

Central Florida’s Newest Fiberglass Supply Shop!

We have what you need !

www.fiberglasssuppliesdaytona.com located at the daytona beach flea market

1425 tomoka farms rd, daytona beach, fl 32124

6 Palm VOLUSIA Beach JANUARY & Fort lauderdale 2024 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM areas JaNuarY 2024• THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

seas brin bot wat live min sma and She in t sam offs war slow clea sear that all brid they shri lure they sha trac flies will are

l ’s t ss

m t

PONCE INLET & BACKWATERS FORECAST

anuary is a great time of year to fish the area, especially the river and flats. I spend a lot of my time this portion of the year chasing schooling reds in the backcountry up in the Ormond beach area as it has a lot less pressure than the lagoon to the south. These fish will school up in the flats during sunny days and are a blast to sight cast to. Since the water is not as clear as other areas, knowing a school of redfish pushing wake vs a school of bait can take some time to learn. A quick tip is that bait fish will make a point with the lead fish whereas a school of reds will almost be a rounded point for the lead fish. Once you find these fish it’s not uncommon to get multiple hookups. I use a variety of ways to get them from paddle tails, to popping corks, to even cut bait thrown right in the path they are swimming. I also spend a ton of time this portion of the year targeting sheepshead and black drum. The black drum tend to be in the deeper holes near bridges, jetties, or docks. The sheepshead are also around the jetties, bridges, and docks. literally any type of established structure should be holding fish. While cold fronts are inevitable this time of year, the days in between are usually filled with sunshine even when there is a chill in the air so get out there and catch some fish! As always if you see us on the water say hello!

capT. JaMiE ThrappaS Yellow Dawg Fishing www.yellowdawgfishing.com (386) 366-3424

EDGEWATER BACKCOUNTRY FORECAST

elcome to 2024, New Years is my favorite holiday of the year as it begins all the different fishing seasons of the year to come. January can bring the coldest temperatures of the season both air and water. Cold means clearer water in the Edgewater Backcountry. Drop live shrimp, small live finger mullet, mud minnow, or a 1/16 or 1/8 oz. jig head with a small light colored tail to the bottom of holes and channels. Trout, Reds, Snook, Drum, Sheepshead, or Mangrove Snapper may be in the deep spots. On mild sunny days these same fish will come up to the tops of the drop offs and surrounding areas because it will warm up a bit during the days sunshine. Fish slowly as cold fish will be sluggish, scan the clear water with your polarized sunglasses searching for signs of fish. A winter fish that will not be sluggish are Bluefish, found all through the backcountry, ICW channel, bridges, inlet, and surf. If they are swimming, they are eating I recommend to free line live shrimp, use cut bait, or a small darting flashy lure. They are also a great fly fishing target as they are not picky and eager to attack. Their sharp teeth mean a little heavier floro leader or trace of light wire. You may want to use lures or flies which are already scarred up because they will be abused by the toothy Blues. Sheepshead are always a winter target where fiddler crabs

Edgewater Backcountry Black Drum

are the best bait followed by small live or peeled shrimp. Best places to fish are bridges, dock pilings, and also the Ponce Inlet jetty rocks. Serious sheepy fishers will chum their spot by scraping barnacles off the pilings or dropping cracked oysters to the bottom. Use a smaller sharp hook as they have a small hard mouth. Use just enough weight to hold your bait close to the pilings, keeping your rig as stealthy as possible in the clear water. Starting time for a winter fishing trip does not have to be that early, during a mild period at sunrise or just after is a

good time to begin. On the coldest mornings, waiting until the sun has been up an hour or two, and at mid day into the afternoon is also a good time to fish. This gives the fish a little time with some sun on their backs to warm up a bit. On a nice sunny day, late morning into the afternoon can be the best time to hunt Reds and Trout on the flats of the backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon. After the shallow water has warmed up a couple degrees fish the dark bottom, oyster bars, and sand spots. Tail hooked select size shrimp, small live finger mullet, and mud minnows are good baits for the cold shallows. A small size light color soft plastic or Gulp bait is a good choice for artificial; remember to fish slow this time of year. Black Drum are also a winter target, best baits are blue crab and shrimp. They can be at the bottom of deep holes, channels, Ponce Inlet jetty rocks, and Haulover Canal. Shallow water schools of Drum also can be found in southern Mosquito Lagoon. Please consider photo and release versus keeping the larger “breeder size” Black Drum to keep the baby Drum coming our way for years to come. capT. MichaEl SaVEDow Edgewater River Guide EdgewaterRiverGuide.com (386) 689-3781

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 2024 VOLUSIA COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM JaNuarY 2024 Palm Beach JANUARY & Fort lauderdale areas 7

JANUARY SUPER

SALE!

JANUARY 12, 13 & 14, 2024

N Tick G D Spe

New & Preowned Boats at Blowout Prices! Boats from 15 of Central Florida’s Best Dealers Representing Over 70 Manufacturers

Meet Comedy Team The Longshoreman

Boat Show Hours

Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm

Fishing Boats Pontoon Boats Ski Boats Bowriders Cruisers Luxury Economical

With New Boats Arriving Just In Time for the Show! 1801 W International Speedway Blvd Daytona International Speedway - Turn One Plaza

FOR MORE INFO

8 8 Palm Palm Beach Beach & & Fort Fort lauderdale lauderdale areas areas

WWW.DAYTONABOATSHOW.COM

JaNuarY JaNuarY 2024 2024

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM •• THEANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM

Grand O pening!

Simple, affordable, memorable!

Classic Italian dishes, pizza, pasta, and more

NFL Ticket & Game Day Specials Nonne’s Italian Restaurant & Sports Bar

www.roySSurffiShing.com

386-675-6066 | www.NonnesItalian.com 5901 S. Ridgewood Ave. Port Orange, Fl. 32127

386.689.3753

pompano banana rig’S

made by roy in the uSa

Any style of vinyl fence & railing Thanks for voting Us! Best Fence Company

Your Trusted Fence Provider 801 Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114

(386) 253-4212

Whether its standard or something you made up on a piece of notebook paper, we have you covered!

StreSS free ordering at daytonavinyl.com 741 Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach | (386) 999-6300

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 2024 VOLUSIA COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM JaNuarY 2024 Palm BeachJANUARY & Fort lauderdale areas 9 9

D R A O B G BRA

ter Lucas Car e g High Brid t u o r T Gator N B L N

Lon don Michelle elease dR Catch an PB e d Dru m 40 inch R Keavoughn Dona ldson Sheepshead NSB Fi ddler Crabs

Doug N. NSB

Want to shoW off your catch?

DM Coastal Angler Volusia on Facebook or Instagram with your photos for a chance to get featured!

I Under NEW Ownership by Cody Moore, Third Generation Fisherman NSB Outfitters specializes in offshore bait and tackle, as well as inshore, flats, and fly fishing gear, with extensive options in apparel and accessories. New Smyrna Outfitters has the knowledge and experience to guide through whatever type of fishing you’re looking to do.

SAME STREET, NEW LOCATION! 223a Canal St. | NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com (386) 402-8853 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday Closed

Winter Caught Bally Hoo

’m lon bu sitting about of col State spawn of jea being as ear kickst season An which lake as Sin Count Febru 26th o lbs on or a Z slowly gettin somet this ba a hook screw my ba and ge bed. O

W h?

ram red!

KAYAKING FORECAST

’m currently coming home from a week long vacation in Northern California bundled in three layers of clothes. As I’m sitting on this airplane, I’m smiling thinking about the rest of the nation in the deadlock of cold winter weather and The Sunshine State starting to produce signs of our early spawning season. Despite the bitter chill of jealousy others may feel as big bass are being plucked from Florida waters beginning as early as January, this is actually beneficial for all anglers as a means to kickstart planning and preparation for one of the most exciting and active seasons of the year for bass. Another interesting point to consider is the length of the state itself which yields fish from South to North in waves, often times within the same lake as bass come and go. Since I’ve spent over 20 years fishing in Central Florida and Volusia County, I’ve personally landed all of my biggest bass in January and February. My first double digit bass on my kayak was in Deland on February 26th of 2021. I’ve caught bigger bass in my life, but catching a bass over 10 lbs on a kayak is special. I typically like to rig up with a white Zoom Z-Crawl or a Z-Craw Jr. with stocky deep-ribbed bodies, thin curled claws, and slowly waving antennae. This lifelike creature sends out plenty of attentiongetting vibration and provides a realistic feel on the pickup. When I bed fish, sometimes it takes time to get the female to commit, so I particularly like this bait because it moves on its own without me moving it. Zoom has built a hook channel into each bait to make Texas-style rigging easy. I like to use screw lock bullet weights with my soft plastics during this time of year so my bait is attached to the weight. When I’m bed fishing, I like to piss ‘em off and get that reaction bite with bright colors by creating a disturbance in the bed. One lake that has some very big bass close to the launch is Lake Dias.

Lake Dias Park is located at 5320 State Road 11, DeLeon Springs. This 36acre park includes a free boat launch, playground, pavilions, grills, picnic tables and restrooms. It’s free to launch your kayak there. I’ve landed some very large bass not far from this boat launch. Some of the little fingers and cutouts off of the main lake are very productive and easy to get into on a kayak. I feel like as a kayaker I have an advantage over boats because some of the areas I catch fish in aren’t easy to access with a bass boat. Also not having a trolling motor allows me to come in quietly and sit on top of fish without spooking them. If you are going out bass fishing on a kayak and don’t want to get to the shallows, you can also slow troll a shiner around the edges of the pads. I’ve been very successful doing this on Lake Dias. You will notice that there are lots of pads right around the kayak launch area and fishing slowly around the edges of the pads with a live shiner will help you get in position for a double digit fish. This is the time of year to get out there and get you a trophy bass. When you grab an 8-10lber on your kayak, it’s just an amazing feeling. Make sure you handle these spawning females with care and try to release them right where you catch them. This is very important in keeping this lake healthy and protecting the fishery for future generations. If you want to harvest bass, I recommend harvesting fish in the 14-18 inch range. I personally practice catch and release when bass fishing year round. I hope you all got some really cool new fishing gear for Christmas and are ready to get out there and catch ‘em up. Maybe Santa even brought you a new sleigh. I got a new Old Town Sportsman pdl 120 as an early gift to myself. Thank you Santa! BlakE aBBEy

Kayak King Charters 916-476-1403 @kayakkingcharters

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 2024 VOLUSIA COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM JaNuarY 2024 Palm Beach JANUARY & Fort lauderdale areas 11

www.USHarbors.com

Ponce De Leon Inlet South, FL - Jan 2024 High

Date

www.USHarbors.com

Ormond Beach, Halifax River, FL - Jan 2024

Low

High

Date

Low

Rise

Set

Mon