Coastal Angler Magazine | April 2023 | Volusia County Daytona Beach Edition

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MAHI A Few Facts About Everyone’s Favorite Fish

By CAM Sta

On the end of a line or wrapped up in a tortilla, dolphin sh are a worldwide fan favorite. Here are a few facts you might not have known about mahi-mahi:

• What’s in a Name? Mahi-mahi is the Hawaiian term for the sh historically called dolphin or dolphin sh in the mainland United States. In Polynesian “mahi” means “strong,” and “mahi-mahi” translates to very strong. Although most U.S. scientist still refer to the species as dolphin sh, the term mahi has become more

prevalent in recent years, perhaps through foodsh marketing or to avoid confusion with the mammal also called dolphin.

Spanish speakers typically refer to the same sh as “dorado,” which means “golden.” Obviously, this comes from the sh’s color, and dorado is also used widely in the Paci c as well as in English-speaking South Africa.

Dolphin sh are found in all the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans. ey go by many names in many languages. ey are Shiira in Japanese, goldmakrele in German, lambuka in Arabic… and the list goes on.

• All the Pretty Colors: Dolphin sh are revered for their gorgeous colors, which change according to their excitement level. ey can change colors and even icker from day-glow green and yellow with blue highlights to lighter blue and metallic silver over the course of a ght. As soon as you pull them out of the water, this brilliance begins to fade. ese changing colors are due to cells called chromatophores in their skin. Chromatophores re ect light, contain pigment, and are controlled by central nervous system, which gives mahi their awesome chameleon-like abilities.

• Rabbit of the Sea: Part of the allure of mahi for anglers is their prevalence. When they are around, there are usually a lot of them around. ey grow quickly and reproduce proli cally, like rabbits. Dolphin sh can grow up to 3 inches in a week and reach sexual maturity in just ve or six months. ey spawn two or three times a year, and each female can release up to a million eggs during each cycle.

• Size Matters: While smaller “peanut” mahi travel and feed in giant schools, larger individuals cruise in smaller packs of two to ve sh. e average dolphin only lives two or three years, and they have a lifespan of ve to seven years. e IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 87 pounds and was caught o Costa Rice in 1976.

• Speed: Dolphin sh are estimated to swim up to 50 nautical mph, which allows them to feed on pretty much anything they can t in their mouths. is includes their little brothers and sisters.

• Management: It’s usually bad news for anglers when the federal acronyms pay special attention to a species. However, years of declining catches have led Florida shermen to call for tighter regulations for dolphin sh in the Atlantic. Currently, NOAA and SAFMC are looking at options.

Florida boasts some of the best dolphin shing in the world. e sharp multi-year decline in the shery is alarming. Last year, while SAFMC mulled potential regulations changes in federal waters, Florida preemptively slashed limits in state waters by half—from 10 sh to ve sh per person, with the vessel limit dropping from 60 to 30 sh per day.

SAFMC did not follow suit. With opposition to tighter regulations from North Carolina, where dolphin shing appears to be getting better, the per-person bag limit in federal waters of the South Atlantic remained at 10 sh per person, while the daily vessel limit was modi ed from 60 sh to 54 sh. ere is a minimum size limit of 20 inches in federal waters o South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. ere is no minimum size limit o North Carolina.

Many Florida anglers were stunned by the decision to pretty much allow federal regulations to remain as they were. Changes, however, are likely on the way. NOAA/SAFMC have initiated a “management strategy evaluation” with a stated goal of annually determining dolphin sh supply before allocating harvest equally to di erent regions and user groups. We might get a look at what that means by 2024.

• Grocery Shopping: Most of the mahi-mahi you nd in restaurants or at the grocery store comes from the Paci c. In the South Atlantic, just seven percent of the total catch limit is allocated to commercial shing.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE!

Tim Barefoot

A“double tackle” is what I call rigging two lures on the same main line. In certain situations, this appearance of a school of eeing bait sh or shrimp is irresistible to predators, and I’ve got a clean and simple way to rig a double tackle.

is the time of year, a double tackle can be deadly in inshore sheries. Spring brings huge schools of small, immature bait rolling up the creeks o the Intracoastal. ey push into the shallow bays and up the rivers trying to nd a place to hide from all the predators. Rigging two identical baits together can be irresistible to predator sh, and at the same it confuses them. I think sh look at this tackle, with baits zigging and zagging, and are forced to decide which one to eat, rather than whether or not to eat.

ere is always the possibility of catching two tackle. It happens a lot.

Speckled trout, striped bass and American shad are a few likely candidates for this tackle. Spring trout sometimes key on juvenile shrimp, and this tackle is a dead-ringer for the job. American and hickory shad are complete idiots for this tackle, as they stage in tight schools and you o en catch doubles. For the speckled trout, I like a 3-inch DOA Shrimp. For shad, I prefer small so -plastic worms.

Depending on water clarity, I sh 20- to 30-pound uoro for trout and 8- to 12-pound uoro for shad. is a very ne line between using a uoro light enough to get the bite and heavy enough to withstand the force of two sh yanking against each other on the line. e knot that connects everything together is pretty simple, but it takes a little practice to get it just right. It is a must to moisten the uoro when cinching the knot

down tight, as it will cut itself if it’s not wet. Test your knots, pulling hard on them, before use.

I’m going to get sporty this year and make a double-squid tackle for the black n tuna. I may get two at once, but that’s a gamble I’m willing to take. Stay in touch to my YouTube channel for video featuring the black ns. I think the black n tackle will be made with 50-pound uoro.

Regardless of the lure, I use jig heads that make baits walk the dog underwater like a Gotsh the front lure with a jig head, and it zigs and zags with the same cadence of the trailing lure, which has no jig head, just a hook. O en the trailing bait gets the bite.

I’m not going into a lengthy explanation in writing about how to make this tackle, but will show an up-close detailed video that explains this simple knot and rigging completely.

To see video instructions on rigging Tim Barefoot’s double tackle, go to https://youtu.be/FsdUGwyM9c4. For more, visit barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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Catch More Springtime Crappie

By TAM Sta

It’s the time of year when crappie shing can get mighty easy. However, you can always strive to load the cooler with more and bigger sh. Here are a few tips:

• Know Your Prey: Crappie are on the move this time of year. ey might be staged up at prespawn or postspawn depths, or they might be right up on the banks in a foot and a half of water spawning. Knowing their cycles will help you nd them.

Before and a er they spawn, crappie hold on brush and structure just outside of their spawning areas. ey move up into the shallows to spawn in waves, and this can go on for a month or more. So, while some sh are easy targets when they’re spawning or guarding fry on super-shallow brush, there are other, possibly larger, sh feeding a little deeper.

If you’re not catching the numbers or size you’d like to see in the shallows, get on the trolling motor and use your sonar to nd the creek channels and rst drops o the spawning areas. Find some good brush or search the fronts of docks. You might nd big schools slab crappie. Pitch jigs or minnows to individual brushpiles or slow troll these deeper areas to nd sh.

• Ditch the Bobber: A minnow under a bobber is a traditional and e ective crappie rig. It is not, however the most e cient way to catch them in most situations. During the spawn, male crappie are the ones that stay shallow and guard the nests. ey are aggressive, and they are not necessarily feeding when they attack. ese sh are particularly susceptible to gaudy, brightly colored jigs.

Crappie jigs are the best way to cover water both on

spawning banks and on deeper brush. Even when they’re feeding heavily, crappie on brush won’t chase their prey more than a few feet. A jig allows you to make numerous casts and thoroughly cover the water horizontally and vertically in the time it would take to hook and soak a single minnow under a bobber.

Move quickly until you nd the you can slow down and catch them all. If you still want to support the local live bait store, go ahead and buy some minnows and thread them through the lips on a crappie jig.

• Scent: You might not need it all the time to catch sh, but scent helps crappie nd your lure and convinces them to eat. It doesn’t hurt to tip your jig with a minnow, and arti cial attractants like PowerBait Crappie Nibbles or JJ’s Magic can sometimes make them bite when they’ve got lockjaw.

• Network: Make friends with other crappie anglers. ere’s no shortage of available crappie in most lakes. Sharing information with other anglers helps everyone stay on top of the sh. You don’t have to tell anyone where you sunk your Christmas tree in January, but a little give and take doesn’t hurt when you’re talking about stages of the spawn or e ective colors.

For more crappie shing, visit www.coastalanglermag.com.

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BIG BLUEFISH ARE ON THE WAY

By Emily Rose Hanzlik

With spring nally here, the ocean is open to many possibilities here in South Florida. One of my favorites is the arrival of larger blue sh, which tend to migrate this direction at this time of year.

Blue sh are a popular game sh in almost all the waters surrounding the United States. Smaller blue sh from 7 to 9 inches are sometimes called snapper. ese sh have extremely sharp teeth, with prominent canines on both the top and bottom jaw.

Blue sh are common along the Atlantic coast of the United States, and

range from Cape Cod down through Argentina. eir migrations are a tricky subject. Most people believe blue sh travel from Florida up to New Jersey, and then back down to Florida. However, this has never truly been proven. While doing some research, I found a few studies that never came to a clear conclusion.

What we do know is that blue sh spawn at the edge of the Gulf Stream o Florida in spring. e timing varies from year to year, but there is usually a three to seven-day window when larger blue sh swim closer to shore. For Florida, this is the time when we catch our largest blue sh, and this week is normally sometime in April.

Most smaller “snapper” blue sh tend to hang around mangroves, estuaries and bridges to ensure their safety. is provides them with cover from predators and access to smaller prey also hiding in these “safe” areas. Once they get large enough, they move o the coast to feed on larger, more abundant prey. ey are typically found in inlets, around piers and o the beaches, where large bait schools ensure a better hunt with less energy being exerted.

When hunting for blue sh, you’ll want to start where the bait is. Most of the time you will see blue sh schools popping bait schools on the surface, and other blue sh will be cleaning up the mess below. For this situation, you can use any kind of spoon, X-Raps or jigs. Normally, you’ll want to use a small piece of wire so that they don’t cut you o

If you don’t see blue sh popping baits, you can look for oil slicks. Some experts say they can smell the odor from their oils. But, for those who can’t “sni out” the sh, you can throw chunks of dead le over bait and let it stink up the water to draw them in. Usually a 2-inch chunk of mackerel, jack or even dead bait sh like sardines will attract any blue sh in the area.

Currently, on the east coast of Florida, you can keep three blue sh per person, per day. Many people prefer to use blue sh as bait, while some will make a stew or cook them whole. e IGFA all-tackle world record blue sh was a 31-pound, 12-ounce monster caught out of Hatteras, North Carolina.

Emily Rose Hanzlik holds 56 IGFA world records in various categories. She hails from West Palm Beach, where she has a part time Bow n Guide Service as well as shing classes for Jr. Anglers. Find her on social media @emilyhanzlikoutdoors.

Photo courtesy of Grant Bataille @grantbataille

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PORGY, SNOWY GROUPER, BLUELINE TILEFISH

At its late February commission meeting, FWC approved regulations changes to cut possession limits for three species and establish new open seasons for two of them in Florida’s Atlantic state waters. e modi cations are consistent with current and pending regulations for federal waters of the Atlantic.

• e bag limit for red porgy will be cut from three to one sh per person, per day. An open season of May-June will be established.

• e snowy grouper bag limit will be one sh per vessel, per day. is is a decrease from one sh per person, per day. An open season of May–June will be established.

• e blueline tile sh bag limit will be reduced from three sh to two sh per person, per day, and for-hire captain and crew will be prohibited from retaining a bag limit.

Last year, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved management changes to help rebuild the red porgy and snowy grouper stocks, which are over shed and undergoing over shing, and to reduce the risk of over shing for blueline tile sh.

e red porgy recreational limits will be e ective April 1 in Atlantic state waters, and the snowy grouper and blueline tile sh regulations will go into e ect at a later date once pending federal regulations have been implemented.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com.

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RELEASE DEVICES Now Required in State Waters

Anglers pursuing reef sh in Florida state waters will now be required to have a descending device or venting tool onboard that is ready for use. ey will also be required to use the device or tool on sh exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release. is new rule was scheduled to become e ective April 1 a er being approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at its February meeting.

Release mortality is a top sheries management challenge. As reef sh are reeled up from depth, they can su er a pressure-related injury known as barotrauma. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to sh Descending devices or venting tools can help sh recover from the e ects of barotrauma.

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. In Gulf federal waters, shers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. In Atlantic federal waters, shers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use. is new rule for Gulf and Atlantic state waters allows anglers to choose which type of tool

best ts their circumstances.

A summary of the proposed rule presented at the meeting also indicated a concern about private anglers either not being aware of the requirements or not having con dence with the use of such devices. FWC has committed to an outreach program designed to raise awareness on the proper use of barotrauma mitigation tools.

Find current reef sh gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef sh species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RETURN ’EM RIGHT

ANGLERS LAND NEW IGFA WORLD RECORDS

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record sh catches around the globe. eir world record database is a great source to see some of the sh anglers are catching around the world. Here are a handful of catches recently approved for the record books. To see all newly approved IGFA records, visit igfa.org.

Pin’s Snakehead

On Aug. 12, 2022, Ng Yam Pin landed this beautiful 28-pound giant snakehead in Rawang, Malaysia to set IGFA’s mens 20-pound line class world record. Pin caught the big snakehead on a Duo Fangbait lure and released the sh a er recording the weight and proper measurements. e IGFA all-tackle world record for giant snakehead was also caught from Rawang. It weighed 30 pounds. Bluch’s

Rainbow Trout

On Nov. 5, 2022, Aussie angler Frank Bluch was shing the Tekapo Canal, New Zealand, with guide Nicor Sutherland, when he landed this impressive 21-pound, 13-ounce rainbow trout. It set the new IGFA men’s 2-pound tippet class world record. e sh ate a y Frank calls the “Orange Monstrosity.” e all-tackle world record rainbow was caught from Lake Diefenbaker, Canada. It weighed 48 pounds.

Ochmann’s Wels

Joachim Ochmann caught this huge 140-pound, 10-ounce wels from Rio Ebro, Spain on Oct. 1, 2022. It took him nearly two hours to land the new IGFA men’s 16-pound line class world record. He released it a er taking proper weight and measurements. e all-tackle world record wels was caught from River Po, Italy in 2010. It weighed 297 pounds, 9 ounces.

Okuyama’s Grass Carp

Fumiya Okuyama holds several IGFA world records for grass carp, and he recently set another with this 109-centimeter (nearly 43-inch) sh he caught on Oct. 20, 2022, to establish the new IGFA all-tackle length y world record. e all-tackle world record by weight was caught at Piasuchnik Dam, Bulgaria in 2009. It weighed 87 pounds, 10 ounces.

COASTAL ANGLER

FrAnChiSE OwnErS

Jamie & Deidra Thrappas

Contributing Writers :

Freak on the Beach

car accidents

Marco Pompano

Capt. Jamie Thrappas Yellow Dawg Fishing yellowdawgfishing.com

Capt. Michael Savedow 386-689-3781

Cap. Evan Sanders solfishing.com

Capt. Barry fishingguidedaytonabeach.com

Kyndal Lynn @kyndal_lynn

Blake Abbey @blake_jay_abbey

So, some striper bass Massachusetts beach surf fishermen decided to try their hand at fishing for pompano and whiting down here in Wilbur-bythe-Sea, Florida. It’s the same in one way, but way different in another. Different fish species and bait, hook, line and sinker, and it was on.

For advertising inquiries, Call Jamie at 386.366.3424 or email volusia@CoastalAnglerMagazine.com

Some of the nicest weather to hit Florida all year, great conditions: Little current, wind lightly from the west, the water was clear blue-green with a little tumble to it. The water temperature is a perfect 68°, so those pompanos don’t need to go anywhere, just stay here and feed. They handle the rods and reels like they know what they’re doing. The pompano keep leaving, make a big U-turn somewhere south of us, and then they come back in droves. They disappear from day to-day just as quickly but today’s not one of those days. Ya, mon.

We set up four poles. Immediately pole number one and two start to Bamba. The pompano were angry and hungry. After getting a couple, things settle down for an hour, and then it was Bamba time again. This time poles three and four, they seem to be hitting two of the time. My new and old friends from Mass were on it and running as fast as they could. They could taste the ceviche for later on in the day. Nothing’s better than fresh pompano, lime, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño,  tomato, onion, salt and pepper. Oh, yeah! Did I mention the lime? Leave it in a bowl overnight for the best results. The lime cooks the chopped pompano fillet. Get some crackers and you’re in the game.

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Not to get ahead of myself, though - put the horns on and let’s get back to fishing, The beaches have been overrun with trucks, plows, cranes, and earth moving equipment. They’re hammering the sea wall stairs, finally. The wooden beach overpasses that were all destroyed in Wilbur by the Sea in Ponce Inlet are getting put back together. Not as quiet and peaceful as it used to be, but it’ll get back. They have been dumping coquina rock, giant sandbags, and new large pieces of concrete to try to prevent the relentless ocean from taking back more of the dunes on the beach. They’re also still ripping down a bunch of the houses that were partially or totally destroyed by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole.

I’m set up again today in front of some of those wrecked houses. It’s now 72° ocean water and the bite is on. The wind is blowing from the west at 5 miles an hour. Things couldn’t be finer.

There are stingrays no more than 300 yards offshore, jumping, which means the wonderful cobia is hanging out underneath, but you need a boat. The beach is really abundant right now. Just when you think things could get crazier, my neighbor fishing next to me is running down the beach with his rod - it looks like he’s got a spinner shark. It’s jumping so high! It’s a big one. He’s calling me for help, wants to know if I want to taste reeling that baby in. Of course I said, “ Ya, mon.”Neighbor Pat and I finally got it onto the beach after a half hour. Then there was a catch and release. I really didn’t have to revive the shocked shark too much.

I’m putting on the reggae music of Collie Buddz, taking a well needed shower, and me and these fish are heading to the smoker.

Fishing Captain Directory

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ChArTErS

Capt eriC sChWeikart

Inshore and Offshore fishing trips

NSB / Daytona

Redfish • Snook • Flounder

Snapper • Cobia

407-415-8281

erikschweikart@yahoo.com

CAPT JEFF PATTErSOn

Inshore & Nearshore Fishing

Daytona Beach

Redfish • Snook • Tripple Tail

Trout • Flounder

386-451-4992

www.poledancerfishincharters.com

captpatterson@yahoo.com

KnOT rACing ChArTErS

Capt MiChael ChapMan

Offshore & Near Shore Charters

Grouper • Snapper • Triggerfish

Flounder • Redfish

704-728-6987

Knotracingcharters@gmail.com

CAughT uP FiShing

ChArTErS

Capt Bruno iMBrunone

Inshore and Offshore Fishing New Smyrna Beach

Snook • Redfish • Tarpon • Cobia Snapper • Flounder

386-689-7409

caughtupfishingcharters.com

caughtupfishingcharters@yahoo.com

rEEF wrECKEr ChArTErS

Capt John “JJ” ellis

Offshore and Near Shore Fishing Charters “ Year Round”

Snapper • Grouper • Shark Trips

Redfish • Snook • Cobia

386-402-3957

www.reefwrecker.com

johnjellis1996@gmail.com

yELLOw DAwg FiShing

ChArTErS

Capt JaMie thrappas

Offshore • Inshore • Back Country

If it swims we catch it!

386-366-3424

Yellowdawgfishing@.com

www.yellowdawgfishing.com

CaptainKiDS

Captain & The Kids found themselves deep in the back waters of New Smyrna Beach this past month with two best friends looking for a highly sought after inshore fish. We also are featuring a father and daughter fishing team which love catching MONSTERS at night!

Best friends Ben and Erik had one thing on their mind, and it was to catch BIG SNOOK! After the boys loaded up the boat, Capt. Evan had his 22ft bay boat pointed to his favorite snook spot. Once arrived to the first spot of the day, Capt. Evan had both of these avid youth anglers hooked up on snook within the first few minutes of the youth trip! The first few fish of the day were all between 15 and 20 inches. With rod bending action and line peeling off the reels the boys were hooked up again but with much bigger fish! When both snook jumped, the boys knew this is what they came for…. Big Snook!! After two great fights, both Ben and Erik landed their personal best snook!

Youth angler Kendall Kavanough is also one of our featured anglers of the month! The fish better watch out whenever Kendall and her dad are on the water! This BIG FISH fighting lady angler knows what it takes to catch Monsters at night which is one of her favorite times to go! When talking to Kendall about why she likes fishing at night, she says “She can’t wait to feel the tug of a big bull redfish, or watching an over slot snook jump in the air! Kendall and her dad take every chance they can get to go out and night fish together! You won’t find a better fish catching team than them!

kayaking FORECAST

Spring is one of my favorite times to hit the backwaters and really explore Kayak-friendly areas. These spots are hard to get to for most, and have little to no boat traffic making them ideal for kayak fishing.

Bulow Creek is one of my all time favorite spots and most productive areas this time of year. I usually start off my day by picking up live shrimp and paddle tails from Yellow Dog Bait and Tackle, conveniently located on Highbridge road. I launch at the Walter Boardman Bridge where parking can be limited, but there are spots along the side of Highbridge as well. I always bring 3 rods with me. My first rod is a live bait set up: 1/0 or 2/0 circle hook with a split shot about 12 inches above the hook. I like to use a 15-20lb monofilament or florocarbon liter. My second rod is a Heddon Spook jr. in the bone color. And my third rod, a nlbn 1/4 oz jig head with a nlbn paddle tail.

On my most recent trip, I arrived at a school of snook busting top water right under the bridge. I was hooked up within minutes of casting my spook from the kayak. There are always fish that hang around bridges, but this bridge is sometimes a 10-15 fish spot if you hit it right when the tide changes. Beware of the skinny water oyster beds when crossing under it and make sure you make your presence known so someone doesn’t throw a cast net on you when going under.

As I started to work my way north, I free-lined a live shrimp behind my kayak while throwing my spook parallel to the banks on both sides. I always look for cut-outs or something unique, like a branch hanging in the water, rocks or oyster beds. Different looking areas usually yield fish for me. As I got around the first bend, I landed another 26” snook on the spook that put on an air show after blowing my bait up in a foot of

water. As I continued farther north, I got my first bite on my live shrimp which was a slot red drum. I continued to explore, checking out all the points and banks for about a quarter of a mile when I saw a few tarpon rolling. I cast my shrimp in front of my kayak and drifted it over where I saw them and hooked up on my 3rd drift. What a fun time landing juvi tarpon on a kayak! Nothing like it.

I rounded out my day catching one largemouth bass on my spook in the 2-3lb range which was really cool.

If you are scared of big alligators, this is not an area for you. There are some dinosaurs that are locals on this stretch of water, and they will often be lying on the banks. From my experience, if you don’t mess with them, they won’t mess with you. If you’re a Florida local I’m sure you’re rolling your eyes because you already know this, but for all of you out-of-town folks, DON’T feed the gators!!!

Bulow Creek has a lot to offer for a fun paddle and/or an epic fishing trip. The brackish water allows for multiple species and a surprisingly vast mixed bag of quality fish. Definitely check out Bulow Creek for quality fishing grounds! If you are into catching blue crabs this is also an amazing spot for that! Have fun out there! Be safe and hit me up if you need a local tour guide!

BlakE aBBEy

Follow his social media: @blake_jay_abbey

Locally

With

Millie’s

Millie’s south

3218 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores 386-275-1492

Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

3218 S. Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

386-275-1492

386-275-1492

Hours:

Millie’s North 330 S. Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach 386-238-9756

Hours:

With A Menu seafood , produce. Avenue 32118

Monday 11am-9pm • Tuesday closed Wednesday - Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 9am-9pm

Monday 11am-9pm • Tuesday closed

Monday: 11am - 9pm tuesday: Closed Wednesday - sat: 11am - 9pm sunday: 8am - 9pm

mosquito lagoon FORECAST

kynDal lynn

forts on all species of fish through satellite tagging worldwide. Tagging fish with Gray Fish Tag has allowed me to combine my love of science with my favorite hobby of fishing. So, you may be wondering, what does a day tagging redfish look like? Let’s get into it! On a day I set out to tag, I load the boat with all necessary supplies. I have a tackle box full of tagging supplies that includes a handheld tag applicator, dart tag and research report cards. Depending on the time of year, I will grab whatever bait I think will produce bites for that day.

As a new writer I would love to begin by introducing myself. My name is Kyndal Lynn and I am a female angler from New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I have been fishing Mosquito Lagoon for four years now and have fallen in love with not only the sport of fishing, but the fish themselves. Although I would love to fish every day, a career in Medical Laboratory Science keeps me busy most days. Working in the medical field means always striving to learn more and I have found that I am able to apply that same mindset to my fishing hobby as well. I have only fished saltwater for four years so as you can imagine, I have packed my brain full of every bit of information I can obtain. Learning about each species, tidal influences, different bait, where the fish are depending on the season, and how to navigate our waterways has been an amazing adventure. I get excited even thinking about how far I have come but at the same time, I realize how much more there is to learn.

One of my favorite learning experiences on the water has come from teaming up with the research company, Gray Fish Tag Research, and tagging redfish in the lagoon. Gray’s Fish Tag Research is the world’s largest cooperative fish tagging research program and they conduct research ef-

During the months of January and February, the water was clear and I preferred sight casting with live shrimp. Once the boat is loaded, I am off to find fish! I try to fish different areas and capture redfish of all sizes but fishing is fishing and I take whatever I can get. Once I have a redfish on the line, I do my best to keep fight time to a minimum. I do not want the fish to endure extended amounts of stress, so a quick capture is essential. Once the fish is in the boat I get straight to tagging. My tagging supplies are always on deck and easily accessible. Before I take a quick measurement and approximate weight with the Boga grip, I wet the gunwale of the boat where I will be tagging the fish to ensure I don’t disrupt their slime layer. The tag is placed approximately an inch from the dorsal fin and once it has been properly placed, the fish is ready to be revived and released. Proper revival is key to fish swimming off strong!

After a successful release, I enter all of the pertinent information into Gray’s fish tagging website where the fish are registered for research. In the event of a recapture, the fish’s new location, weight and length will all be recorded and this gives the company insight into how fish are moving and how quickly they are growing. I love Mosquito Lagoon and the ecosystem within it and I am so glad that I am able to combine my love for fishing with my “research wired” brain. I can only hope that my efforts will help both anglers and scientists better understand our fish and their habitats. Thanks for reading. Tight lines!

Follow her social media: @kyndal_lynn

April is one of the best months to fish. The water is getting warmer and the fish become more active. Hopefully the shrimp will venture in and thereby bring the fish with them. If that takes place we will  have an assortment of fish to catch. In the beginning of April, we will have sheepshead around the docks and bridges. Choice of baits are fiddlers, sand fleas, and shrimp. The best location is the Halifax River. The basin should be holding reds, snook, and trout. Look for jacks, blue fish, and ladyfish following the shrimp. The later part of April will be a good time to night fish in the Halifax targeting the docks that are lighted. I like shrimp on a floating cork and free lining a shrimp or finger mullet. If you are an artificial fisherman I like Zman 3 inch paddle tail on a 1/8 once jig head in red or yellow with a white or chartreuse tail. Yozuri’s 3 inch floating minnow is dynamite with a superb wiggle. Keep an eye open for the tarpon in the river and basin and use a popping cork with a mullet or crab floating with an open bail. Tight lines!

caPT. Barry EnglEharDT

Fish With Captain Barry fishwithcaptainbarry.com (386) 871-8500

a Morning of fishing, prizes, & Delicious Homemade Cookies

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club held their annual Special Needs Fishing Tournament May 4th at the pier under the Dunlawton Bridge. Children and young adults enjoyed a morning of fishing, prizes, delicious homemade cookies. At noon everyone dined on hamburgers and hot dogs with all the trimmings. The tournament ended with awards for the biggest fish, the smallest fish, the most fish and more.

Doug Allen and Chad Russell won Biggest Fish. Doug Allen also won for Fattest Fish. Ashton Taber won Most Fish and Thomas Butler won Smallest Fish. Alexander Rodriguez won Most Colorful Fish. Alexander came over from Orlando to go fishing with his dad and big brother after recently receiving his last chemo treatment for his battle against leukemia.

A big “thank you” to our sponsors: Fishin Shack, Dunkin Donuts, Ed Gardner, Backyard Boys, Bob’s Space Racer, and Evans Mechanical Systems. And of course, to all the volunteers from the Halifax Sport Fishing Club and community.

PonCE inlEt & BaCkWatERs FORECAST

April is one of my favorite months weather wise, not too hot or humid just yet and we get a few fronts that will push through with great fishing opportunities just ahead of them. Early in the month I will be wrapping up my sheepshead targeted trips as their spawn will be just about over. I will be focused on structure for these guys as I have mentioned before such as the jetties, docks and the causeways. A short Carolina rig or a jig head tipped with fiddler crabs is the best bet, but you can also use shrimp and even an extra piece of fish bites. On the calmer days early in the month Cobia will be a good fish to target. Throughout the past couple of years, they have gotten so much pressure that they tend to stay down more than they have traditionally but on the right day you may hit the jackpot. Regulations have changed on them in regards to size and quantity so please do your homework before heading out on the hunt. My favorite way of targeting them is cruising the beach looking for rays. When you spot a ray with fish on it, PLEASE and I cannot urge you enough, please don’t cast right at the ray and snag it.  You will only ruin your chance of catching a fish. You have to stay far enough away that you can cast ahead of the ray and get your bait alongside it or even to swim under it.I like using both Bucktails and large soft plastics for Cobia. My color preferences are green, Chartreuse, and pink but I have heard plenty of other success stories with other colors.  Also, if there is a boat on a ray out of common courtesy do not run up on that same ray and start casting. I see it happen every

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

spring and it blows my mind that anglers would act this way as all this does is ruin the chances of either boat getting a fish. Lastly as the month rolls on and we get some fishable offshore days the Mahi bite should turn on. This year as the water is somewhat warmer than usual this time of year everything should happen a little sooner than usual. Ballyhoo accompanied with a skirt of your color preference will do the trick. Weedlines, temperature changes, and even just some sort of floating debris should have a fish on it! As always get out there and catch some fish, if you see us on the water please say hello!

Under NEW Ownership by Cody Moore, Third Generation Fisherman

If you are looking for a 5-star inshore fishing experience, you will want to connect with Captain Marty Goldys of ‘Reel Harmony Fishing Charters’.

A waterman since birth, Captain Marty grew up fishing waters of the Chesapeake Bay for striper (aka Rockfish) and flounder. Surrounded by local fisherman, crabbers, and environmentalists growing up, Marty knew his destiny was a future captain. He was raised on a diet of Blue Crab, local fish, and seafood that he, his family, and friends would harvest.

Naturally, moving to Florida became a goal once he discovered the huge array of saltwater species available to target in this region. Fishing Ponce Inlet, Spruce Creek, and the Halifax River have been the practice since arriving to Florida in early 2000.

Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Black-drum, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Snapper, Mackerel, Cobia, Triple-tail, and Permit are among the most common inshore species Captain Marty targets. That being said, don’t be surprised if you see this captain offshore targeting pelagic species as he is experienced in all types of fishing.

If you want your money’s worth on a local charter, you want to book with ‘Reel Harmony Fishing Charters’ as this Captain runs a very organized operation that ensures everyone on board catches Fish!

If it is a personable Captain you’re in search of, look no further. This local guide will provide tactical tutorials from the moment he greets you, all the way through the conclusion of your fishing charter. Captain Marty is a very patient individual who enjoys hosting junior

Meet the Captain

of reel harmony fishing Charters

Capt. marty goldy

anglers and their families. Taking this ‘Hands on Approach’ to guiding has families returning to fish with Captain Marty each year.

This operation takes place on a Pathfinder 2200v equipped with the latest technology and safety features. Trolling motors, power poles, electronics (Chartplotter/Fishfinder), and innovative fishing tackle that ensures you have the advantage over others.

Licensed and insured, Captain Marty prides himself on Safety on the water while educating his customers on the surrounding environment, the fish being targeted, and the equipment being used.

‘Reel Harmony Fishing Charters’ strives to make your family friendly fishing experience a memorable one, so he provides high quality photos of your trophy catches and complementary fish cleaning/packaging services.

Eco-tours and Sunset excursions are also an option if you’d like to get out on the water with family or friends and leave the fishing poles home. This is a great way to gain exposure to some amazing wildlife like exotic birds, and beautiful native marine life that share our waterways and surrounding environment. Not to mention EPIC Sunset photos of you and your party.

Captain Marty would encourage you to visit his social media platforms to see what he has been catching lately as well view a listing of current rates and special offers.

‘Reel Harmony Fishing Charters’ welcomes novice or expert anglers of all ages as the goal remains the same, to catch fish and have FUN!

EDgEWatER BaCkCountRy FORECAST

The spring shrimp run has a big influence on April fishing in Edgewater Backcountry and Mosquito Lagoon. Every fish swimming in coastal waters eats shrimp; to target the different species of fish you have to choose the types of locations and techniques for each fish. For redfish in the backcountry stick mainly to shallow water flats, shorelines, drop off edges, and oyster bars. Seatrout go to deeper drop offs and points with a current break. Snook, sheepshead, and snapper hang around structure like docks, bridges and jetties. Jack crevalle, bluefish, and ladyfish like open water with bait and a flowing current. When sight fishing on the lagoon’s shallow flats, look for pushing wakes and tailing fish to find schooling redfish and black drum. Seatrout also spread over the grass and off the edges. Use as light of a leader & weight as possible where ever you are fishing to produce the most bites with a natural presentation. Throw artificials like DOA and Gulp shrimp or other soft plastics to match the hatch. Of course fly fishermen can’t go wrong with shrimp patterns. With an outgoing tide still running at sunrise, fish the ICW and the “old channel” first thing early morning, you may see fish striking the surface with flipping shrimp trying to escape. Most likely

fish here will be trout, jacks, ladies, or blues. Fish free lined shrimp, soft plastic imitation, or fly right into the action. This is the perfect scenario for fun sight fishing by spin fishers & fly casters. It does not last long after the sun is up a bit, the action will slow on the surface then time to go deeper with your baits. With the spring run of bait fish still in the area such as glass minnows, pilchards, and mullet keep an open mind and try different baits and lures.

With warming water temperatures of spring, dock light fishing will be getting good again. A free lined shrimp drifted right through the circle of light is the go to bait. But small size soft plastics and a shrimp fly for you flyfishers outgoing tide can be best with shrimp movement on the falling, but incoming can also produce with a good flow. Expect seatrout, snook, jacks, blues, ladyfish, or a surprise catch. The Ponce Inlet jetties can be very fishy in the spring, flounder are one of the main attractions on the New Smyrna side. The flat fish have been deep offshore during winter, spawning on the bottom of the ocean. They return to inshore waters with many stopping to feed at the jetty rocks. Fish as close to the rocks as possible, best baits are lip hooked small size live finger mullet and mud minnows, with live shrimp and jigs second choice. Black drum, redfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, pompano, and whiting are also possible catches on shrimp around the rocks. Jack crevalle, blues, and spanish mackerel can be great fun on Gotcha lures and small silver spoons worked fast off the jetty during times of clear ocean water especially at high tide.

COASTAL ANGLER BRAG BOARD

Volusia County

Capt Matt with Limitless Charters with a nice Black drum from his customers

Kandi From VA Beach with some nice sheepshead she turned into lunch!

Haley from Woodrow Farm’s in Illinois with a 24” flounder!

Capt Marty with Reel Harmony charters gets his customer a redfish at day break

SEND US yoUr catch photoS!

For a chance to be featured on the Brag Board, upload your high-quality photos (at least 1MB) along with all the details at: www.coastalanglerMag.coM

2023 Offshore Tournaments

22nd Annual Offshore Challenge

APriL 20Th – 23, 2023

$10,000.00 1st Place (based on 40 Boats)

$ 400.00 entry

Early Bird Entry $ 325.00 (before midnight April 15, 2023)

Thousands of dollars and great prizes up for grabs for the biggest Mahi, Wahoo and Kingfish !

35th Annual Lady Angler Tournament

JunE 3, 2023

$10,000.00 1st Place (based on 40 Boats)

$ 400.00 entry

Early Bird Entry $ 325.00 (before midnight May 27th, 2023)

Thousands of dollars and great prizes up for grabs for the biggest Cow + Bull Mahi Combo !

3rd Annual King Fish Tournament

JuLy 29, 2023

$5000.00 1st Place (based on 40 Boats)

$250.00 Entry

Early Bird Entry $ 225.00 (before midnight July 22, 2023)

Thousands of dollars and great prizes up for grabs for the biggest King Fish caught in State Waters Only ! (Inside 3 Miles)

For More information go to www.hsfc.com or follow us on Facebook Halifax Sport Fishing Club or email us at Tournaments@HSFC.com

Let’s grow with Florida together.

LARGEMOUTHS ON LAKE SANTA FE Springtime

Iget the springtime bass itch when the azaleas bloom. It’s the time of year when largemouth bass spawn on Lake Santa Fe.

Bass spawn around the full moons of February and March on this 5,000-acre Alachua County reservoir. is year, I planned my annual Santa Fe trip for March 2-3, ahead of the March 7 full moon.

It was like entering another world that morning as my wife Kim and I motored onto the main lake. Mist rose through the lake’s ancient cypress trees. Wood ducks whistled and banked overhead. Ospreys squealed at us from nests high in the cypress, and loons serenaded us from open water.

Just being there made me feel so fortunate. I thought back to when I was 12 years old on my rst Santa Fe trip with my dad and brother. We stayed at Gri ns Lodge, which was a famous destination for speckled perch, bream and bass shermen in the 1960s and 70s. ey had small cottages for rent and a sh camp run by an old

man named Roy Gri n.

Ol’ Roy taught me to sh Santa Fe. Over the years, he kept telling me to get away from the shoreline and to slow troll. I never really understood why until sonar showed me the grasscovered humps and ledges holding congregations of bait and game sh.

On the lake, Kim and I slowed to trolling speed to get lines out. I sh 7-foot mediumaction rods with Ambassadeur 5500s loaded with 15-pound mono. e rig is simple, just a #2 wide-bend hook tied directly to the line. I hook wild-caught shiners through both lips from the bottom up.

We pull baits very slowly with a three-rod spread. Using level-wind reels, I let baits out 50 or 60 yards behind the boat. I leave the spool in cast mode and tighten the anti-backlash knob to provide enough tension to keep the baits from pulling line. You know you’ve got a bite when the line starts running out.

We only got two lines out before our rst

strike. When the middle rig started paying out line fast, I picked up the rod and pointed it at the sh. A er 20 seconds, I engaged the reel, took up the slack and set the hook hard with a sweeping motion. I reeled fast to keep pressure on the sh and kept the rod tip low to discourage the bass from jumping.

e rst sh was a fat 4-pound female that was full of eggs. Kim landed the second sh, a gorgeous 5-pounder. We caught several more in the 4-pound range before I landed a fat 8-pounder to nish an action-packed three-hour morning with eight total sh. We released them all safely a er admiring the beautiful dark coloration characteristic of Santa Fe bass. I believe this is caused by the clear but tannin-stained water.

We experienced a great nature show, and I told Kim the bass we caught were like a bonus.

Oh, how I love Ol’ Santa Fe!

Danny Patrick is co-publisher of the Northeast Florida edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

By Danny Patrick

Ashore-based charter shing group intended to catch the largest shark they could from Pensacola Beach, Fla. on Feb. 12. ey did not, however, expect to crank in the estimated 13-foot great white that picked up their bait.

John McLean, of Big John Shark Fishing Adventures, runs shore-based charter trips for clients who want to catch the sh of lifetime. On this particular trip, his clients wanted to “go big, or go home,” so they used a huge yellow n tuna head for bait and enlisted the help of local charter captain, Capt. David Miller, who paddled a small kayak 900 yards o the beach in rough surf to deploy the bait.

Normally, McLean uses a remote-controlled boat to deploy his baits, but these baits were too large for the RC boat to handle. ey had a big sh on before Miller even made it back to shore.

“As soon as his kayak had hit the sand, we were hooked up to a massive shark,” said McLean in a YouTube video documenting the catch.

“I’ve never seen one that fast before,” he says in the video as line rips o the spool of an oversized big game reel.

All four of his clients took turns cranking the reel while everyone else gathered around to help secure the rod rack Mclean drives into the sand and uses to battle giant sharks. Even with heavy gear, the torque of the ght with heavy braided line loosened the reel from the reel seat.

“ is shark was the strongest sh I had ever had on the line. It took all four of my clients switching in and out to land this shark,” McLean said. “ is is the only time I’ve ever seen my shing gear pushed to the absolute limit.”

It took a little more than an hour to bring the giant shark into the surf, and as soon as McLean realized it was a great white, his attention turned to releasing it as quickly as possible. ey used a tail rope to control the giant white shark, and with the leader removed from its mouth, pulled it into deeper water to revive it before it swam away on its own.

White sharks are federally protected. ey must be released immediately when they are caught, so McLean did not take measurements. However, he has extensive experience with big sharks, and he estimated this one at about 13 feet. A 13-foot white shark can easily weigh more than 1,000 pounds.

Great whites are a rare catch in the Gulf of Mexico, and especially from shore. is was not McLean’s rst monster white shark, though. In early March of 2021, also on a shore-based charter in Pensacola Beach, McLean’s clients caught and released an estimated 12-footer.

Check out Big John Shark Fishing Adventures at bigjohnshark shingadventures.com, and see the video at http://bit.ly/3LjTtyw.

Salina spinning reels feature a hybrid carbonite and Japanese felt DFD drag system that outputs more than 33 lbs of fsh stopping power. Constructed from advanced LITECAST body material that is 15% lighter than die-cast aluminum, these reels are built for both light inshore and heavy ofshore use. With an interchangeable screw-in handle system and six available models from 4000 to 14000, Salina spinning reels are designed to maximize your success on the water.

okumafshingusa.com

SA-10000A

Famous for its incredible strength, the Palomar knot ties well in all line types. at’s a huge advantage, and few knots can equal it on that front. Tied properly, this knot won’t slip even on braid, making it a popular choice as an all-around knot for securing line to swivels, hooks and pretty much anything else where a snug connection is desired.

It’s also quite easy and fast to tie, though it can be a tricky choice for lures because it requires a large loop to be passed completely over and around your terminal tackle.

For more tips and tricks, check out https://usangler.com

Re-Discover Old Florida Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS

Kingfsh Lodge includes a wide screenTV and bar for small gatherings

Sailfsh House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups

• Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power

• 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area

• FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet

• 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet

• 12 miles to the Gulf Stream

• Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks

349-2206

THE ULTIMATE MIXED BAG in the Salmon Capital of the World

By Capt. Lukas Brickweg

The wondrous world of summer shing in Alaska draws anglers from around the world who ock to these rich waters annually. Ketchikan, Alaska, nestled in the heart of the sprawling temperate rainforest known as Tongass National Forest boasts the title of “Salmon Capital of the World,” and for good reason.

But salmon are not all visitors can expect to catch in this world-renowned shery. As an experienced captain who runs daily charters out of Ketchikan during the season, I still nd myself surprised by the productivity of these waters. Along with ve species of salmon, we also land big halibut, giant lingcod, paci c cod and rock sh in our daily catch limits. e shing is superb, and so is the wildlife watching. Hit the water with us, and I will gladly hand over the binoculars when marauding pods of orcas show up on the surface or when magni cent humpback whales breach. We share these waters with eagles, sea lions and so much more. It makes a perfect shing getaway for the entire family.

e awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds Ketchikan is something that must be witnessed to understand. From the rugged terrain of old growth forest in Tongass down to the vibrantly rich waters, each day surprises visitors with landscapes and

wildlife that make Ketchikan a bucket-list destination.

Who doesn’t dream of giant halibut or monstrous king salmon on these scenic waters? Peak season runs from midJune through September, with the absolute best shing during the months of July and August. is occurs when we have an overlapping run of king salmon, silver salmon and pink salmon. All the while, big halibut will have moved in from deep water to feed on the abundance of food present. For these reasons, one can expect to catch all species with potential record catches of halibut, salmon, lingcod and rock sh hitting the docks by day’s end.

Here’s what you might expect on a good fullday charter. We start out bottom shing for halibut in 150 to 400 feet of water until we get a limit. Using deep-water jigging rods, you’ll be tasked with reeling in hard- ghting halibut from the depths. en we switch gears to trolling with electric downriggers, running four rods for all ve species of wild Paci c salmon. Whether or not we hit our limit of salmon, we usually end the day jigging with light tackle for giant lingcod and pelagic rock sh to top o the day’s catch. Why settle for one species

when you can sh for them all?

A processing service will llet, vacuum seal and box up your catch to be shipped home overnight or taken on your ight as a checked bag. Ketchikan is easily accessible with convenient commercial ights, just two-hours out of Seattle, and lodging accommodations are available for groups of all sizes.

Book your dream trip to Alaska with Capt. Lukas Brickweg, of Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters, at www.ketchikan shingtrips.com, call (907) 6174717 or email at ketchikan shingtrips@gmail.com.

FEDS SLASH ALABAMA RED SNAPPER QUOTA

is federally imposed catch limit is the latest point of contention in a two-decade-long power struggle between the Gulf states and the federal bureaucracy over management of one of the region’s most iconic and economically important sheries. Recreational red snapper shing brings millions of tourism dollars to the Gulf Coast each summer. In Alabama, o cials say the quota cut will bring an early end to the season.

e cuts are the result of a complicated formula used by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to assess red snapper stocks. Federal regulators and environmental groups are pointing to 2022’s reduced red snapper landings as evidence of a depleted shery. In 2020, recreational anglers o Alabama caught 1.1 million pounds of red snapper. In 2022, that gure dropped to less than 500,000 pounds.

AL.com reported that Sean Powers, a leading researcher in the 2020 Great American Red Snapper Count, said the limited landings in 2022 were caused by reduced angler e ort because of high gas prices and poor weather. “ e number of days people went out was half and we caught half of the quota,” Powers told Al.com. “ at’s straight forward. I don’t think it re ects on the health of the stock.”

It’s worth noting that the Great American Red Snapper Count is the study that showed there were more than three times as many red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico than the gures NMFS was previously using to set quotas. For years, sheries managers and politicians from all the Gulf states have been speaking out against NOAA’s “ awed science,” and the Snapper Count seemed to prove their argument. Since the study, NOAA has come up with a new system it says melds the Snapper Count with federal and state surveys. ere is plenty of skepticism over NOAA’s “calibration.”

“Red snapper shing is a huge part of Alabama’s Gulf Coast economy, which is why I’ll continue pushing back against the Department of Commerce’s disastrous proposal to decrease limits for red snapper anglers based on inaccurate data,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R/Ala.) to Al.com.

Frustration is again mounting over federal management of the red snapper shery in the Gulf of Mexico. is time, the uproar is coming from the Alabama coast, where NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) slashed the state’s 2023 recreational quota by more than 50 percent.

Alabama’s quota this year is 558,200 pounds, down from 1.1 million pounds in 2022. e Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council meets in April, and there is a possibility Alabama’s quota could increase slightly.

See www.al.com to read an excellent article on the issue by John Sharp.

WALK THE DOG FOR SPRINGTIME BASS

The months of covering water with your favorite topwater are upon us, and what a wonderful time it is! In some parts of the country, bass are already done spawning. While in others, the move to the shallows has only just begun. No matter the circumstances of your sh, they are on the feed and will certainly bite your lure if the right situation presents itself.

Where I live in Florida, the bass have already nished with their spawn. ey are roaming and chasing food to replenish themselves a er a few hard weeks up in the shallows. One of my favorite ways to catch these sh is by covering water with a walk-the-dog style topwater. Not only is it just the coolest bite ever, but it is also a bait that can mimic a ton of di erent food options. is should be used to cover water at a fast pace. Once you locate groups of sh, slow down with something else. row topwater around anything the treble hooks won’t get hung up on, and remember to stay near areas where sh just nished spawning.

In many other parts of the country, bass might currently be up in the shallows spawning. is is another awesome time to throw a walking topwater. Use it to nd sh spawning, and then slow down and pick up a few more sh with a slower bait, if needed. e target options are endless. Grass ats, shallow banks, wood, points, anywhere bass might be spawning is the perfect place to throw a walking bait.

Up North, sh might be in the very early stages of prespawn or even still have ice over their heads. Whatever the case may be, sh will bite a walking bait when the time is right… or when the water is in a liquid form. I have been very successful, especially on smallmouths, throwing a spook-style bait around spawning ats and points for very aggressive sh that are preparing to spawn. Some of the greatest shing memories

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I have from those parts of the country are from the prespawn. row it over rocks or grass points where bass chase bait as they feed up ahead of the spawn. Walk it over open water or down the bank; they will bite it.

Topwater rod and reel setups can be fairly simple. I like a shorter rod, which makes it easier to walk the dog, with a moderate action, so you don’t rip the hooks out of the sh. e 13 Fishing 7’3” Medium Defy is an a ordable rod with the perfect action. I pair this up with a 7:5:1 Concept A2 spooled with 40-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid for long casts and minimal stretch. e 13 Fishing Power Slide is an awesome topwater for these situations, and I always stick to natural bait sh colors. Grab one of these, get out on your favorite body of water and have some fun!

Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcott shing.com.

TYLER WOOLCOTT

YAMAHA 22 FT FSH LINE: FISH AND PLAY IN VERSATILE LUXURY

Yamaha’s product line of 22 FT FSH boats has made quite the splash since hitting the water in August of 2022. Building upon the success of Yamaha’s versatile 21-foot center console line that it replaced, there are three separate 22-foot FSH® models that come with Yamaha’s best center console technology and features.

“Speci cally, the new models are 9 inches longer, with gunwales 2 inches higher at the helm and 4 inches higher at the bow than the previous 21-foot line,” said Jon Sutter, Yamaha Boats Product Planning Manager. “And the gunwales are thinner too, which adds to the roominess when passing by the center console.”

is series begins with the value-minded 220 FSH Sport powered by twin 1L TR-1 HO (High Output) engines. Moving up the line is the featurerich 222 FSH Sport, and the premium 222 FSH Sport E being the pinnacle of the series.

O ering sleek lines, agile handling, and superb performance, the new Yamaha 220 and 222 Series center console boats are big, with twin Yamaha marine engines generating up to 360 horsepower. Both 222 FSH models feature added performance delivered by twin 1.8L HO motors. All three models come with a fabric or berglass-molded T-Top with four “rocket launcher” rod holders.

e new 22-foot platform continues Yamaha’s trend toward contemporary design with its deep cockpit and great freeboard, enabling a spacious interior and large bow and cockpit areas.

e center console is nicely nished with plenty of room for Yamaha’s Connext® 5-inch touchscreen that controls the boat’s entertainment and vital system functions, a glass windshield, stainless steel steering wheel, a locking glove box, and a 9-inch Simrad® marine electronics system. And for the rst time on a Yamaha center console boat, all three models get a wirelesscharging phone mount.

ere’s nothing better than hanging out at a favorite cove listening to a great summer playlist. Yamaha has you covered here with its a Hertz® premium sound system that comes standard on the 222 FSH Sport E. is marine sound system comes with a Hertz® head unit, four deck speakers, and two speakers in the color-matched hardtop.

All three 22’ FSH models come standard with mounts for optional swimup seats. At anchor, two removable seats can be attached to the stern. ese seats sit just below the water’s surface, providing comfortable in-water seating facing the transom of the boat. And since the reboarding ladder is located between both seat positions, egress onto the swim platform is a breeze.

Fishing Amenities for Anglers

Understanding that fishing is the heart and soul of this product line, anglers around the globe have the below features to look forward to when purchasing a Yamaha 22FT FSH series boat:

• Storage for eight rods under the gunwales

• Storage for six rods on the side of the console

• Aerated 26-gal stern livewell

• Simrad® multi-function display

• Jet Wash® washdown system

Ultimately, Yamaha’s 22’ FSH models have set the standard in versatile luxury, while continuing to keep the end consumer in mind with its plethora of convenient amenities. Whether you’re enjoying its premium sound system or relaxing with the award-winning swim up stern seating, your days on the water can only be enhanced with Yamaha.

Learn more at YamahaBoats.com

222 FSH Sport E

Doing Your Homework

Eat, sleep, sh, repeat. Although I would love to live this life, it is just not possible… yet. I recently saw a cartoon that listed things I like to do in my spare time. Go shing, buy shing tackle, research shing and talk about shing. is rang true to me since this sport consumes my thoughts as it does many of yours. Here are a few things that I do when I am not shing that help me when I do have the opportunity to go. With the high winds of spring upon us, we all might have a little more dock time than water time.

I’m fascinated with weather. Not only do I look at the current conditions and forecast where I am, but I also look at it in areas where I travel to sh. is does a couple of things for me. First, it allows me to see possible great weather opportunities when I might be able to plan ahead and sneak away. It also keeps me from going on a day when the weather might be great, but the previous several days featured winds blowing strong from an unfavorable direction. For example, here on the Texas coast, southwest is a detrimental direction for high winds. It muddies most bays on our coast. e previous days’ wind velocity and direction are good to know and determine where I head when I launch the boat.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and I like listening to shing podcasts. Some of these give general information, and some are weekly reports covering current conditions and activity. ese can be great to stay in tune with what is happening and to learn from new points of view on approaching certain situations. ey might also cover new products I want to try.

Di erent social media platforms also keep you in tune. Find reputable anglers or guides in your area or an area you plan to go. Some frequently post how-to or what’s been working for them. ey might also talk about how to approach a certain area. If you like to travel to new areas, which I do, knowing how to approach an area can be key. In my local waters, we might approach a spot one way, but if I go to another state they may do the opposite. Knowing the local game plan can save the day.

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Last but not least, I look at satellite imagery very o en. One tip is to change the view and the year the image was taken for areas you sh. ese images can be dramatically di erent than the current images, and they might o er a much-improved view of bottom structure to point you to a spot you’ll want to try next time you are on the water.

e weather is warm, don’t forget to take a kid shing!

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures®, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES®

How To Rock a Walking Stick

An essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe

In the 17th century, the walking stick overtook the sword as an essential part of a gentleman’s wardrobe. Though it was primarily used as a decorative accessory, it could also function as a weapon if necessary. For men of the era, these walking sticks were a statement piece, and a way to communicate their wealth and refinement.

carats

Today, walking sticks still represent status and prosperity –– a way to show off your deep pockets without being too flashy. In that vein, we present the Santa Fe Walking Stick. Made of eucalyptus wood painted a glossy black with an antiqued silverfinished sculpted handle, what gives this piece of finery a distinctive edge is an 18-carat turquoise inlay that’s been enhanced to bring out its best blues. Don’t be bashful about your affluence. See why the Santa Fe Walking Stick is the embodiment of sophisticated elegance for the modern gentleman.

Don’t delay: Our must-have Santa Fe Walking Stick was one of our best-selling items this past year. Because of this, we can only offer 723 walking sticks at this price with this ad! See why Stauer is becoming one of America’s fastest-growing sellers of walking sticks today!

Praise for Stauer Walking Sticks

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Speci cations:

• 18 carats of enhanced turquoise. Antiqued silver-finished and sculpted brass handle. Eucalyptus wood. Rubber tip

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Santa Fe Walking Stick

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