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Fishing SUP FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO LEARN MORE PHOTO COURTESY OF FELICIA SCOCOZZA VOLUME 23 â€¢ ISSUE 277

F R A N C H I S E

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THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.

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

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

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

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com

WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Charlie Lamm • (252) 205-6472 • clamm@coastalanglermagazine.com

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

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

You guys are everywhere.

nglers share some very unique commonalities. One trait that seems standard across the board is that whenever we find ourselves in a new destination, regardless of why we’re there, we always want to find out about “what’s biting.” Normally a quick trip to a local tackle shop gets us up to speed. I often hear from readers that they were in a different state or a different region and found a copy of our magazine at the tackle shop they went into. One such reader recently told me, “I live in Wilmington, North Carolina, and I read your Wilmington edition every month. I was in Mississippi recently on business and I saw a copy of your magazine at a local tackle shop. The next month I was in Key West, Florida and saw a copy of the magazine at a tackle shop there. I just landed in Connecticut today and can’t believe that I just picked up another copy of your magazine at a tackle shop here in Connecticut. You guys are everywhere.” It is true; we are available for free in over 30 market areas, but we’re not everywhere yet. Our franchise publishing model is changing the way American anglers view a local fishing magazine, and we’re looking to further expand our footprint. If you think owning your own business as the publisher of your area’s local fishing magazine is something that would fit your career and lifestyle goals, give us a call for information on potential franchise opportunities in your area. Previous publishing experience is not required. We have a complete training program and ongoing support system that enables our co-publishing partners to quickly establish the magazine as a primary resource for the avid angler nearly everywhere. Best regards,

Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.

Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com

1-888-800-9794

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*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2013 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2018 and June 4, 2018 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. SAFETY COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL 2018 I NATIONAL 7 © 2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels. TRIM BLEED

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WHO CARES ABOUT PUTTING YOUR LURE RIGHT ON TOP OF FISH?

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

YOU SHOULD.

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For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting. For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

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Paddlesports Product Review CARIBE TIBURON INFLATABLE SUP You’ll be slithering through the waves with ease and gliding along in true mariner style when you hop on Caribe’s inflatable SUP. Decorated with a shark silhouette and further amplified by a cool camo print, this blue and black paddleboard is always a hit among water-lovers with a penchant for adventure. The Tiburon Inflatable Paddleboard comes with 6 D-Rings on the softpad so you can attach a variety of accessories like a cooler, 2 Kayak Seats, dry bags, etc. it also comes with a D-Ring on the front bottom deck, excellent for anchoring or towing the board. A very wide 34” design provides stability like no other board on the market. It’s ideal for fishing and long rides and has a smooth non-slip softpad that provides grip as well as comfort. Concerned about hooks on board or punctures from oyster beds? No worries! Double deck Tarpaulin layers protect the board from punctures while providing the most rigid inflatable experience out there. All Caribe’s boards come with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

WWW.CARIBESUP.COM

AIRHEAD SUP BONEFISH 1138 True to its name, the Airhead SUP Bonefish 1138 is a paddleboard specifically designed for fishing. This super-stable fishing SUP has two inflatable sponsons that give anglers the firm platform they need for fighting big fish and navigating rough water. There are four strategically placed mount pads on deck to accommodate four rod racks, Airhead SUP Fishing Racks and Bucket Racks. Two smaller accessory mounts are perfect for small rod holders or other accessories, and two stainless D-ring cooler tie downs round out endless possibilities for equipment customization. A classic teak-look EVA decking provides sure footing. At just 41 pounds, transport of the Bonefish 1138 is easy, and two molded handles fore and aft make carrying it to the water a breeze, even when it’s fully loaded. There is versatility built in with 10 stainless steel D-rings and two stretch tie downs. The Bonefish 1138 comes with a mesh backpack for transport and storage, a Hi Pressure hand pump for quick and easy inflation, a pressure gauge, valve wrench, board strap and repair kit.

WWW.AIRHEADSUP.COM

KAKU WAHOO 10.5 The new Kaku Wahoo 10.5 may be the baddest little ’yak on the water. It is a compact version of the Wahoo 12.5, which has proven itself as a superb fishing kayak. Kaku went and shaved a couple of feet and more than 10 pounds off of the original Wahoo to create a boat that is easier to transport and paddles very well in the tight environs kayak anglers often find themselves in. And while the Wahoo 10.5 gives up size, it does not sacrifice fishability or performance. It has all the features of the Wahoo 12.5. By flattening the rocker and lowering the keel, Kaku has designed a boat that tracks well and is easy to stand on. A sick deck pad rounds out the look of a quick little ’yak that is stable, comfortable and easy to handle.

KAKUKAYAK.COM

MANTA RACKS Whether it’s a mother-ship expedition offshore, a day-cruise to some isolated islands or exploration deep into the mangroves, there are a lot of places paddle-sports enthusiasts want to be that are too distant to access under paddle power. SUPs and kayaks take up a lot of room on the deck of the boat, and Manta Racks has come up with the perfect solution. The Manta Racks system stores your kayaks or SUPs securely to your boat, where they are out of the way, and it utilizes the boat’s rod holders, so there’s no need to drill any new holes for mounting. With a patented 360-degree locking swivel feature, paddleboards, wakeboards, kayaks, kiteboards, water skis and surfboards can be easily stored on the gunnel of the boat without drilling extra holes. All of your boards are out of the way of your passengers, securely fastened to your Manta Racks system. Go farther when you take your boards.

WWW.MANTARACKS.COM

WILDERNESS SYSTEMS RADAR SERIES With its new Radar Series, Wilderness Systems continues to build on its legacy of innovation, performance and quality in fishing kayaks. The Radar Series is Wilderness Systems’ first tri-powered kayak, which means it has paddle, power and pedal capabilities. It features S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology that combines stability, maneuverability, acceleration, responsiveness and tracking throughout the entire design for ultimate

performance in multiple water environments. In addition to a flat platform for standing and freedom of movement, the Radar boasts state-of-the-art outfitting including expansive SlideTrax rails, a multitude of storage opportunities, and scupper options to deploy the Helix MD motor drive, Helix PD pedal drive and multiple options for electronics, including down-imaging, side-scanning or both. With Helix PD, a built-in steering control system allows for easy navigation that leaves your hands free for fishing. The AirPro Max seat complements the package with optimized positioning for any mode of travel.

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Paddlesports Product Review NUCANOE FLINT NuCanoe made waves when it introduced its new Flint kayak at iCast. Here is a boat jam-packed with features for serious anglers, yet the price tag is way below what you’d expect for such a high-quality kayak. At 11’3”, and less than 70 pounds, The Flint is the perfect boat for exploring creeks, rivers and backwater marshes. It is agile, responding nimbly to the paddle, and it also tracks very well despite its shorter length. Light enough for easy one-man transport, this boat is amazingly stable, and unique scupper hole design provides a firm deck. The Flint cockpit is wide open and fishes like a much larger kayak. There’s plenty of room and stability for standing to fish on an uncluttered deck, and the new Hawg Trough channel keeps your measuring board handy but out of the way. With five gear tracks, handy spaces for tackle boxes and angled flush-mount rod holders, NuCanoe has come up with a simple yet efficient and customizable layout for everything an angler needs. The side handle that doubles as a quick-clip paddle holder is a handy innovation someone should have come up with long ago. Cap it all off with the comfy custom-height Pinnacle seat NuCanoe is known for, and this is a top-notch fishing platform for a reasonable price.

WWW.NUCANOE.COM

PERCEPTION PESCADOR PILOT 12.0 Perception’s pedal-powered Pescador Pilot is a fishing machine that is extremely comfortable and functional for anglers. It excels in flat water and is an excellent kayak for inshore and bay fishing as well as on freshwater lakes and ponds. The Pilot Drive propeller system effortlessly propels the boat, even in reverse, while leaving both hands free. The spacious, sit-on-top design with generous storage and accessory mounts make the kayak easy to customize. Superior stability allows anglers to cast and fight fish while standing. Comfort is absolutely necessary for serious anglers spending long hours on the water. The Pescador Pilot is built for that. A roomy captain’s chair features zonal mesh to promote cooling airflow. On-the-fly seatback adjustment tilts back for relaxed pedaling or forward for sportier pedaling.

With performance, comfort, features, and storage that outdistance its price point, especially for a peddle-driven kayak, the Pescador Pilot is also a great value. This boat is proudly designed, molded and hand assembled in the USA and is backed by a 5-year warranty.

WWW.PERCEPTIONKAYAKS.COM

OLD TOWN PREDATOR PDL Prepare yourself for a totally new fishing experience. Old Town has taken boat control to new heights with forward and reverse via an efficient and easy-to-use propriety pedal-drive system. It gets you to the spot fast, and keeps you on the spot without paddling. With forward, reverse and agile maneuverability, you’ll experience precise boat control while your hands remain free to focus on fishing. The removable pedal drive installs in seconds and tips up instantly for shallowwater docking. The Predator PDL’s specially-designed hull combines the perfect balance of smooth pedal stroke speed and stand-up stability. The Old Town PDL pedals exactly like a bicycle, converting modest pedaling into maximum propulsion. A 10.3:1 gear ratio means that anglers can reach speeds up to 5.5 mph to reach fishing spots fast and efficiently. It also makes trolling through a range of useradjustable speeds easy and effective. The Predator PDL is infinitely customizable with rigging accessories from Cannon, Scotty, YakAttack, RAM and more.

WWW.OLDTOWNCANOE.COM

SEA EAGLE 350FX FISHING EXPLORER For anglers who like to go it alone, Sea Eagle’s 350fx is a terrific choice. The most stable and rugged entry in Sea Eagle’s Explorer Series of inflatable kayaks, it’s a lightweight (51-lbs.) and easily portable one-person fishing machine. Nearly indestructible, the 350fx features a double layer of 1000 Denier reinforced protective layers on the tubes and bottom, a 40-inch fish ruler, plus two spray skirts—each with three rod holders and accessory belts that hold tools, hooks and lures. A fully adjustable foot brace is easily positioned for maximum comfort and more power per stroke while a nifty anchor system quietly locks in advantageous casting positions. Suitable for paddling in waters rated to Class IV, 16 high-capacity self-bailing drain valves make this entry ideal for fishing in moderate whitewater rivers up to Class III. Close the valves to remain high and dry on flat waters, and insert the removable skeg to improve flatwater tracking. Fully inflated in seven minutes, the 350fx fits in a car trunk and handles electric motors up to 34-pound thrust. This inflatable fishing kayak is 11’6” long and has a maximum weight capacity of 575 lbs.

WWW.SEAEAGLE.COM

FLYCRAFT STEALTH The Flycraft Stealth is one of the most versatile boats in the world. Its unique construction and shape give it the functionality of many boats in one. From motoring on the coast or lakes to rowing rocky streams and mild whitewater, the Flycraft Stealth is your one boat answer. The boat’s lightweight and minimalistic design allow it to be easily carried on a roof or in a truck bed. No roof rack? No problem; this boat deflates and packs down to fit in a trunk or closet. At just 98 pounds, one person can easily transport or load this boat solo. For information, call 801-810-4022.

WWW.FLYCRAFTUSA.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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FLY FISHING

Michelle Bowman with a Yucatan baby tarpon from an inflatable SUP.

For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM

GAME CHANGER Sea Eagle FishSUP Stand Up Paddleboard

Win th Sea Eagle e FishSUP Pro Moto r Fishing Rig Packa ge! Fu

www.Coa ll details at stalAngle rContest.c om

Fits in a Bag! Paddle or Motor

Incredibly stable, the new inflatable FishSUP FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard is an angler’s dream. Lightweight, packable, portable and ready in moments. The FishSUP fits in any car trunk and inflates in just 7 minutes. Stand, sit, fish, motor, troll, fresh, salt or brackish water...the FishSUP goes everywhere. 800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept C2048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1

• 12’6” long x 40” wide for exceptional stability • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories

MSRP $1149!

Port Jefferson, NY 11777

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NO 26

The best fishing stories start with you getting away.

F F

PINE ISLAND SOUND, FL

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Islandology is our way of life. It’s trying a new, secluded spot and finding no matter what you catch – you’re hooked.

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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO

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Center sp

For a limited time, get Suzuki Extended Protection, Instant Savings and attractive financing on select Suzuki outboards from 25 to 350 horspower. See your participapting Suzuki Marine dealer for details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

REPOWER FINANCE Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboard on approved credit.*

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/18 and 06/30/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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ENTER TO WIN

Game ChangER FishSUP FS126

Win the Sea Eagle FishSUP Pro Motor Fishing Rig Package! Full details at www.CoastalAnglerContest.com

800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS048B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1 Port Jefferson, NY 11777

SUP Fishing Will Never Be The Same. The new inflatable Sea Eagle® FishSUP™ FS126 Stand Up Paddleboard was designed specifically for anglers. Deliberately wider for greater stability this board has everything an angler could want. It’s rugged, lightweight, packable and can accept a large array of accessories so you can customize it to your needs! • Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor • EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing when needed • Heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough SUP board • 36” Built-in fish ruler • Multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear & accessories • Motor or paddle standing up or sitting

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crisp March air was cold enough to have me bundled up tight in layers and a heavy coat. To make things a little more interesting, the previous week of heavy rainfall had the dam wide open, causing swift current and massive waves in high winds. After fishing for half the tournaBy Ryan Kennedy ment day with no success other than a few short fish, I was feeling a little discouraged. have dreamed of certain That’s when things took a turn for the better. As my partner and days that would come I approached a stretch of rocky bank, I reached for a Red Crawdad along for as long as I have Rapala DT-6 crankbait and started slinging casts toward the bank. A been fishing bass tourna- few casts in led us to a small transition area where the size of the rocks ments. Those dreams turn changed. The first cast at this transition started with a bang. into goals, and those goals My St. Croix Mojo Bass Cranking Rod, which is a glass rod, was are attainable with hard work bent heavily. I was in for the first good fight of the day. After what and perseverance. It’s beyond seemed like an eternity, I was holding a 4-pound, 8-ounce Lake Gunamazing to me looking back tersville spotted bass. If you are familiar with the lake, you know a on my most recent tourna- spot of that size is something to appreciate. It’s just 3 ounces shy of the ment to see how God’s plan 4-pound, 11-ounce lake record. came together down to the My demeanor quickly changed for the better. Back on deck, with very rock that I bumped my one cast behind me after landing Spotapotamus, I was laser focused. I crankbait into before catching slung my crankbait as far as I could cast toward a log just past the same the fish I had always dreamed transition area. Within three cranks of the reel, my dream was about about. to become a reality. Moments later, I was holding a 9-pound, 8-ounce The goal that had elud- donkey of a largemouth. ed me thus far in my tournaTo get this straight, let’s go over what just happened. In three casts, ment career was catching an a near-lake-record spotted bass was in the boat, my new personal best absolute giant in a tourna- largemouth bass was in the boat, and 14 pounds of fish were in the ment. Don’t get me wrong, I am always excited to catch a big bass, but livewell. My partner and I ended up with over a 20-pound limit with whenever it happens it always seems to be while fishing for fun on the only four fish and qualified for the 2019 FLW Collegiate National lake or while pond-hopping around my house. This all changed, as I Championship! will forever remember, during the situation I am about to describe. Contact Ryan Kennedy at ryankfishing@gmail.com. Keep up with I was fishing at Lake Guntersville, Alabama, during the second his exploits on YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing, Instagram: @ryankstop of the FLW Collegiate Southeastern Tournament Trail. The fishing and Facebook: Ryan Kennedy Fishing.

By Chris Beardsley

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WEST MICHIGAN INSIDE Catch Photos Fishing Reports - Rivers & Streams - Big Lake - Inland Lakes

+ PLUS Expert advice from the area's top guides and charter boat captains Photo courtesy of Capt. Jeff Bacon West Michigan Fly Fishing

WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGAN For editorial comments, articles, photography, advertising, and all other inquiries please contact: The Angler Magazine West Michigan (616) 957-1714 â€˘ westmichigan@theanglermagazine.com â€˘ www.theanglermag.com/westmichigan

lake Cannon holds his largestice while the h oug thr t trout caugh Michigan on fishing with Sport Fish y Traverse Ba

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Eric lands an early spring female chromer on the Grand River with Capt. Greg Knapp.

Jason and Eric pull the dou with a nice hen and buc ble steelhead on the Gran k while out with Capt. Gr d River eg Knapp.

FISH TALES SPONSORED BY

Lawson holds a nice bur , caught on Traverse Baybot ice fishing with Ben Wolfe of Sport Fish Michigan.

Send your Fish Tale photos to: westmichigan@theanglermagazine.com Don't forget to include your name and the details of your catch.

3/18/18 4:29 PM

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his fly is for those who Materials pursue the “Alpha THREAD: Veevus 200 GSP (white) Predator” in the rivers and HOOK: TMC 5/0 specialty Beast Black hook lakes of Michigan. At 8.5 TAIL: Mangum Dragon Tail (Chartreuse) inches this fly is designed UNDER BODY: UV Polar Chenille (UV Pearl) for a fast action 7/8 rod. FLASH: Senyo’s Predator Wrap (Black/Chartreuse) Start with a 5/0 hook, then ACCENT: Grizzly Saddle Hackle tie in the dragon tail with (Chartreuse/Black) firm wraps just over the WING: Buck Tail (White and Chartreuse) and barb. Wrap the remainder Chartreuse Craft Fur of the dragon tail forward HEAD: Fish Skull 8.5 plastic head with eyes and tie off. Tie in the Polar Chenille and wrap forward. Tie in the predator wrap and distribute around the hook shank. Tie in two saddle hackles on each side of the fly. Reverse tie the Chartreuse and White Buck tail, then the craft fur. Push the Fish Skull over the hook eye and secure with UV Resin of choice. Add and secure eyes. Complete a thread dam in front of the Fish Skull at the hook eye and you’re done.

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APRIL 2018

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Michigan DNR Continues to See Increasing Number of Master Angler Recipients

t was another great year for Michigan fishing, as 2,176 anglers representing 24 states and Canada submitted catches recognized in the state's Master Angler program - a significant increase over 1,807 Master Angler fish in 2016. The program, in place since 1973, recognizes large fish caught by recreational anglers and has more than doubled since 2014. Of the entries accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 1,250 were in the catch-and-keep category while 926 were in the catch-and-release category. A total of 266 anglers received certificates for fish placing in the top five for both categories. Here is a breakdown of the most popular 2017 Master Angler entries by species: • • • • • • • • •

228 bluegill 121 pumpkinseed sunfish 118 smallmouth bass 111 crappie 95 rainbow trout 93 freshwater drum 90 channel catfish 62 cisco (lake herring) 59 lake trout

Dolores Jones caught-andreleased this redear sunfish through the ice in 2017 as part of the DNR's Master Angler program.

Master Angler entries for 2017 included two new state records, a 27-pound bigmouth buffalo caught on the River Raisin (in Monroe County) by Roy Beasley of Madison Heights and a 6.36-pound cisco (formerly known as lake herring) caught in Lake Ottawa (Iron County) by Michael Lemanski of Florence, Wisconsin. Submissions for the 2018 Master Angler program already are being accepted, and will be until Jan. 10, 2019. To download an application, visit michigan.gov/masterangler. Anglers are encouraged to submit applications as they catch their fish, rather than holding applications until the end of the year.

West Michigan www.facebook.com/theanglermagazinewestmichigan

Anglers can submit fish in one of two categories; catch-and-keep and catch-and-release. This lake whitefish was awarded in the catch-and-keep category to Michael Paoletti in 2017.

Content courtesy of the Michigan DNR via www.michigan.gov/dnr. Contact: Lynne Thoma, 517-284-5838 or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

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Rivers & Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Rogue River A Pere Marquette

lthough I no longer live on a farm, I still read the Farmers’ Almanac and put faith in their forecasts. This year they seem to be dead on, as they predicted our winter to be a real one with colder temperatures and snow that seems to be B Y : J E F F H U B BforAa Rwhile. D These conditions have caused B Y : G L E N R . B L A C K W O O D staying RogueService River to produce both shelf and anchor Outfitters Norththe Guide The Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company ice and in some sections completely freeze shut. (231) 898-6246 River anglers have a couple of choices, the obvi(616) 866-6060www.outfittersnorth.com ous, go ice fishing, (you will never land a fish staywww.troutmoor.net ing home) or make the best of a tough scenario. I easons are changing along the Pere Marquette River. choose to make the best of what Mother Nature The Pere Marquette is a great has created. To make the best of these tough conditions onestream must look to maximize on the water and fish in a productive fashion. We can do trout with its cooltime waters this by preparing our equipment. that last all year long. Trout do The constant issue we face cold air and water temperatures. How we deal with this exceptionally well.that April is aisgreat limiting will determine our success. monthfactor for swinging streamers for Looking at equipment first, most tackle designers thesedream resident rainbow never that brown someoneand is going to be using their rods and reels in sub 30 degree air trout. AfterA most of issue the steelhead eggs diminish, start to along key on temperatures. common anglers experience is reels andtrout lines freezing, with ice another meal So that’s hatched. Thisthismeal not an insect, whatbefore buildup in guides. how do we deal with issue?however To preventisfreezing issues with reels, most anglers think talking about a hatchRemove and fly your nextflywinter trip, would clean both your when reel frame and spool completely. anyfishing excess oil or for trout. Thisashatch thedirt. salmon. wild little salmon hatch by the grease from both, well asisany A little These lubrication goes a long way with modern reels and thousands along the River.a binding Big trout in on them, any additional lubricant willPere beginMarquette to solidify, causing effectkey between your spool and over leading the years I have witnessed trout blitzing minnows frame, to freezing. Dirt and sandbrown will trap moisture also these causinglittle premature freezing of along the shore. Just like a saltwater fish would attack its prey in the your reel. Upon finishing your angling day, bring your reels inside, remove the spool from the ocean, these trout will smash these little salmon to the bank and trap reel frame and allow both to completely dry and warm. them as it goes in for one big Another issue this time of the year is ice buildup in guides. Thereaiseasy no good wayIn to stop swoop to have meal. this, but there are ways to negate it happening rapidly. Try placing fl y fl oatant, cooking spray, April I enjoy swinging smaller or Vaseline on your guides to negate rapid ice buildup.wet Willflies these stop No, but they thatit completely? I tie to match will keep you in the game longer. Happiest of Holidays! these little salmon. By using a

smaller switch rod in the 4 or 5 weight range and a smaller head such as Air Flo's short Scout heads I can swing flies just as if I was steelhead fishing but for these resident trout. It's a lot of fun and can work quite well. Especially if the water is still colder in April, I think a smaller presentation and slower fly speed can be much more effective then stripping a larger fly through the current at a much faster speed. For flies at the end of your sink tip, try smaller olive and white salmon fry or parr imitations. Small works well if the water is clear so try to match the size of the real salmon swimming around you. If the water is off color and a little higher, a bigger fly with some flash works will well too. If interested in some trout fishing this Spring or Summer you can contact me at outfittersnorth@ hotmail.com and check out my web site for fly patterns and a up to date weekly fishing report at outfittersnorth.com.

Upper Pere Marquette REPORTS Manistee River River Muskegon B Y :Manistee JEFF HUBBARD B Ytters : L North A R R Guide Y R AService NEY Outfi B Y : RJ Premier(231) Angling Guide Service 898-6246

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www.westmichiganfl yfish appy Holidays to everyone! Winter sure hit early this year, with single digit temperatures in the evenings and teens during the day. The Pere Marquette River temperature and water level are really starting to drop. We're starting to see shelf ice and anuary brings thoughts anchor ice in some of the middle sections of the river system. and brown trout has been exceptio of the first steelhead beAs winter progresses look for steelhead fishing to slow down a bit.water Instead of and an alllevels temperature stayed ing caught in the New Year day bite you will start to get short windows of action throughout the summer day, usually andinasthe a result, trout had a here on the Manistee. This more weight in ant afternoon as water temperatures start to warm. Nymphs will also starttrout to betoapack key flony to is a time of solitude on the Thsteelhead is monthand will find the steelhe use this time of year. When the water temperatures really start to drop river, sometimes you can go for aHex better "lies"— places where th resident trout are looking forforwhatever can get as far as an easy meal. Nymphs, days notthey seeing another rainbow trout will find their winte Stone Flies and small Haresboat Ear'sororbank Pheasant Tails can start to produce. Eggs will also angler. It seems months. Lake run work well. Try small Clown Eggs and Nukes in more natural colors. For Swinging Flies try brown trout are n like your own private paraothersorwill do socanin the weeks ahead more natural colors too, withdise lessmost flash of as the water clears. Sculpins in olive brown the time. The Bothttersnorth. the fly fisher and light spin produce in the winter. Check out mycansitebeforthesome go-to patterns, www.outfi weather deciding withWater. sinking or sink tip lines, on on com. Remember trout Beads are not fl ies and are illegal in the Flies Only factor some days but by watching the weather forecast and water critical to the swing. Floa find fiday sh throughout theups, whole system. The fish are nowisstarting planningYou yourcanfishing around warm youriver can make runs thatwith don't require too long of a use their winter runs and pools. Look for fi sh in much slower deeper runs wood it happen. Water temperatures in the winter months on the long, deep runs and troughs where structure to hide them. You can fi nd this type of water in any stretch of the Pere Marquette, Big range from 32 to 35 degrees on average. As an angler, you handed rodsPlay are doing so with 11-1 oferent the weather; more difficult until spring. it have however to think because a little diff this timeaccess of thewill year.become With the 15' long. Flies for swinging are wid safe at the boat ramps and while wading the river. Practice catch and release on wild Pere water temperatures so low the fish tend to slow down and colors are also getting MarquetteYousteelhead. theysame don'tasgetantoangler. spawn, we don't to hookand anyvibrant in the future. get lethargic. shouldspring doIf the for getspawning pril means is here and the Look steelhead migration weights, in 9-10+'islengths, with 6-1 Good luck and Happy Holidays! slow woodyinruns pools, With slow current seams, andweather current and the water temps on fulland swing! the warmer for floating line rigs and chuck-n-d seams cut banks. the steelhead can start get outtheir spawning process. So thealong rise, deep fish will beginPlaces making redds and For the light tackle spin angler, of the currents andwe notconcentrate have to work soour hard. thismain time of year time on or near gravel. Most of our floating beads, flies, or bait under b We fi sh these type of spots with fl oats. Whether it being techniques change this time of year as well. Same flies can be used with spin gea putlinethe rods and pick the bottom bouncing gear. with a flWe oating andfloat fly rod, floataway rod and center pinup reels, As water temperatures drop, fis to but or Beads spinningare gear.typically Fishing a our float go of some sortdon’t enablesleave you toyour nymph box at home moving water. Line choices can ran because with and the speed risingofwater temps there control the depth your off ering to thesewill fish.be plenty of bug life going Locations to seek out for fishing theflwater. Theonoffunder erings for y anglers should be an egg pattern, be Dam, down rains to Muskegon, but a bul With the water levels constantly fluctuating from the spring it trout bead or yarn egg and a nymph of some sort. Hex's, make surePheasant you have selection of size and colorforofresident beadstrout, andfocus on the wate Green Caddis, Tails aandgood Buggers are my preferred Trout numbers drop off considerab nymphs because things can change sometimes day-to-day or even hour patterns. Center pin and spinning gear junkies may want to Winter fly fish fishing for trout with to hour. Being able to change with the conditions will help you put think about spawn, wigglers or jigs and wax worms to get it to hand. April can have some awesome fishing so get outside and and will be aenjoy great option for those done. what Michigan has to offer. Tight lines and high fives! month should fish well for both ste No reason to rush out first thing in the morning, sleep in in years have come to hand over th and have an extra cup of coffee. Most days the bite is best from Check my website for more trip det late morning to early afternoon. Remember think slow and I hope everyone had a great holi get out and enjoy one of Michigan's hidden winter activities, winter steelheading here on the Big Manistee.

FLY of THE MONTH Beaddazzled Stone

BY PHIL CUSEY

his is a great winter stone fly imitation! The rubber leg tail provides greater movement in the water. Using beads for the body gives a wonderful segmented profile and the dubbed head traps air and hence releases "bubbles" when fished. Be sure and adjust size; smaller for trout and larger for steelhead. Enjoy the solitude of winter fishing!

Materials FLY NAME: "Beadazzled Stone" HOOK: Tiemco 2457 - Sz.12- 8 THREAD: Uni 6/0 Black TAIL: Round rubber - Black - Small BODY: Spirit River glass bead - Iridescent Plum HEAD: UV Dubbing- Peacock

When Phil Cusey isn't guiding, he can be reached at streamertwo@sbcglobal.net. JANUARY 2014 4 WEST MICHIGAN

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Rivers & Streams

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Muskegon River

Grand River

B Y: C A P T. J E F F B A C O N

BY: G R E G K N A P P

Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures (616) 560-3195 www.westmichiganflyfishing.com

Getting Bit Guide Service 616-570-2946 www.gettingbitguideservice.com

pril usually brings a huge push of steelhead into the Grand River. These fish do not stick around like the fall and winter fish, they come in and move upstream fast to wherever they will spawn. The dam areas such as 6th Street Dam or Webber is where you will want to concentrate on the Grand. If you do not feel like fishing the mainstream of the Grand you can find these fish in the tributaries as well. Try fishing egg imitations, jigs, or hardware and you should catch fresh run fish on their way up as well as dropbacks that have already spawned.

pril is a magical time in Lake Michigan and on the Muskegon River as the mighty steelhead run is under way! Considered by many to be the most desired of the Great Lakes big game fish, these chrome creations of fins and muscle ascend their natal rivers on their annual spawning run and the Muskegon River has one of the best spring steelhead runs of any river east of the Mississippi River. With one of the longest spring steelhead seasons to be found, the Mighty MO will have these fish in from March - mid May most years and even longer, but weather plays a big role in determining how far into May our run will go. Fly fishing options include shooting line drift fishing, also known as chuck-n-duck, as well as indicator nymphing with floating lines, as well as stripping or swinging streamers on sink tip or sinking fly lines. Most rods are in the 6-8 weight range, in 9-11'+ lengths and fishing tippet ranging from 6-10# in most cases, quite a bit heavier when swinging streamers though and using 15+# tippet common for that. Conventional equipment anglers with me are using mostly longer rods in the 11' length, rated for 6-12# line and floating our "offering" under floats/ bobbers. Also, an option is bottom bouncing similar offerings on 9-10' rods, with similar line rating, through pools, runs and troughs where spring steelhead can be found. The great brown and rainbow trout are not far behind the spawning steelhead. With such easy meals available to trout, it's easy to see why some BIG trout are susceptible to being caught during the spring steelhead run. On occasion, we'll find our annual black stone fly hatch occur in April AND at a time when river temperatures have warmed enough to allow trout to identify all those tasty, easy meals floating on the surface. Water temperature is key here, as if it's still too cold for trout to come to the surface and justify staying up there to goggle a few dry flies quickly, then they won't key in on them. With most of the river from Croton Dam down to Newaygo having suitable habitat for steelhead to stage, spawn AND "drop back" into nearby pools in order to feed a little before going back to Lake Michigan, there is ample water to fish in.

Guided River Fishing www.WestMichiganFishingGuide.com

CAPTAIN JEFF BACON Phone: 616-560-3195 Email: jrbacon@ameritech.net 6 WEST MICHIGAN

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Grand Rapids (616) 281-0777 APRIL 2018

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Big Lake

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Ludington

PRIMARY FEEDING TIMES April 2018 April 8 Last Quarter

B Y: C A P T. S E A N M C D O N A L D Katch Me Charters (231) 510-2072 www.centurycircle.com

he first part of April small boats are the norm in Ludington trolling body baits near the piers in search of brown trout. March has shown us that it should be a decent year for browns some nice catches were made along with a few coho. Pier anglers also have a good window of opportunity with brown trout and steelhead present in the warming river water. In mid-April when most of the marinas open larger boats will begin their fishing seasons. Kings will begin to show up when the surface temperature is about 47 degrees. This is normally to our south in late April near Little Sable Point and larger boats may decide to make a long run in search of kings. If you find spring kings they are normally caught at different depths on spoons. As the water warms up good numbers of lake trout will be found from around 40 to 60 feet of water. For lakers bouncing bottom with downriggers and running divers on or near the bottom with dogers, spin doctors and whirly gigs or peanuts will be the standard. Cowbells are another often overlooked lake trout producer. Many charters in the Ludington area will target lake trout unless we have good numbers of kings to play with. We had a good hatch of alewives in our area last year and we hope it continues to keep our salmon fishery going. Look for alewives spawning near river mouths when the water temperature is 55 degrees. This is a great time to catch a trophy brown or a king feasting on our precious baitfish. Good luck on in the start of our 2018 Lake Michigan season.

8 WEST MICHIGAN

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Date

April 16 New Moon

Morning

April 22 First Quarter

April 30 Full Moon

Evening

(EDT)

Minor

Major

Minor

Major

7:31AM

1:09AM

8:44PM

1:33PM

8:02AM

1:56AM

9:47PM

2:20PM

8:34AM

2:44AM

10:50PM

3:08PM

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3:32AM

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3:56PM

11:49PM

4:20AM

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10:29AM

5:32PM

1:37AM

5:57AM

11:15AM

6:21PM

2:25AM

6:45AM

12:05PM

7:08PM

3:08AM

7:32AM

1:00PM

7:56PM

3:46AM

8:19AM

1:57PM

8:43PM

4:21AM

9:06AM

2:57PM

9:29PM

4:53AM

9:52AM

3:58PM

10:15PM

5:22AM

10:38AM

5:02PM

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5:51AM

11:01PM

6:07PM

11:25AM

6:21AM

11:49PM

7:14PM

12:13PM

6:53AM

12:38AM

8:23PM

1:03PM

7:26AM

1:29AM

9:33PM

1:55PM

8:05AM

2:22AM

10:44PM

2:50PM

8:49AM

3:19AM

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3:47PM

11:51PM

4:17AM

9:40AM

4:46PM

12:54AM

5:16AM

10:38AM

5:45PM

1:50AM

6:15AM

11:41AM

6:44PM

2:40AM

7:12AM

12:49PM

7:40PM

3:21AM

8:07AM

1:58PM

8:33PM

3:58AM

8:59AM

3:07PM

9:24PM

4:31AM

9:49AM

4:15PM

10:13PM

5:02AM

10:37AM

5:22PM

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5:31AM

11:01PM

6:28PM

11:25AM

6:01AM

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7:33PM

12:12PM

6:32AM

12:36AM

8:36PM

1:00PM

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Getting Bit on Time Out BY: MA R K MA RT I N

veryone needs a break now and then; even professional anglers. Despite what some may think, the fishing industry is not an allon-the-water fun-and-games career. Road time with fishing schools, seminars, videotaping for television shows as well office time doing radio interviews and getting articles out are more the norm for me these days than actually fishing. But even though I’m always talking and teaching fishing, I can’t help but yearn to make a few casts when I finally get to take a timeout. And it was a trip to the Hawaiian Islands a couple season back that really got me thinking about fun fishing while on vacation. More often than not, I hear folks tell me about their holidays to somewhere “fishy”, yet, they made every excuse in the book why they never wet a line. Most every one of them mentioned they didn’t have the same gear the locals use, and weren’t about to spend a lot of money on a specialized rod and reel just to fish am hour or two. Fair Enough But it really doesn’t matter if you own the exact equipment the locals are using or not. Overall, you can still enjoy fishing, as well catching, while away from home with much of the same equipment you already own. And there are a few products worth looking into that will make traveling with fishing equipment easier than ever; which can be used for many different situations for years to come. And just as you may learn a tip or technique that you can bring home with you to catch more fish, you, too, might be sharing with others in what will be new to them. Hula and Tuna While a vacation to the Hawaiian Islands is often thought of more as hula dancers at luaus on the beach, I found there are plenty of places for peace, quiet and fishing. One of the local hot spots for shore fishing nearby where my wife, Joni, and I were staying was about as unique of a place any anyone could ask for. It was an area where extremely deep water, over 1000 feet deep, and swirling ocean currents came within close proximity to shore; it’s one of the few places on earth where pelagic fish species (pelagic fish living in the pelagic zone of ocean or lake waters – being neither close to the bottom nor near the shore) come so close to land. The 30-plus-MPH trade winds continuously blow off shore here, and the natives would send chunks of cut bait skewered to a giant hook out

to sea via a balloon or kite, with nothing more than a Life Saver’s candy as the “clip” to connect their line to whatever device it was they were using to get their bait out. After a short while, the candy ring would dissolve in the saltwater and the baited line would waft down into the water column free from whatever device it was that sent it out. Their rod holders were nothing more than holes drilled into the top of the lava cliff. And the jagged face dropped 40 feet, straight down into the sea. Overall, their gear was oversized saltwater rods and reels, with coupled heavy with line and tackle. All were set up for fishing live or once-live bait. Crude? Maybe. But it worked. On the other hand, I had nothing more than a 6 ½-foot medium-power rod and ABU Garcia spinning reel loaded with 6-pound-test FireLine. My only lures were an assortment of Berkley Gulp! softbaits and Storm WildEye swimbaits. Because everyone else’s lines were so far out, I was able to cast, never having to worry about tangling with other. (Tip: Be mindful and ever upset local anglers. Being gracious will get you a long way. And as you’ll read, it helped me.) From a top the rock overhang I was able manage a fairly far cast with the ¾-ounce swimbait. I’d let the bait fall straight down for several second before starting a slow, methodical retrieve; just as if I were targeting walleyes. The 4-inch 3/8-ounce WildEye Suspending Swim Shad in Silver Ghost color I was using matches so many different kind s of baitfish. There are other WildEye swimbaits for saltwater use that I could have gone with that mimic ocean forage to a tee, such as their Anchovy, Sardine and Herring hues. But the one I had worked wonders as within only a half hour I hooked into a tuna. The hit was light, barely telegraphing through the FireLine. Now, if you’ve ever battled a saltwater fish then you know even the smallest of species put up an amazing fight. And this big o’ tuna I hooked? Well, I’m here to tell you it was as hard of a battle on light gear then I’ve ever had. And landing it was no small feat, either. One by one, the local anglers started down the lava-rock cliff, forming a line up the wall, with the bottom man holding a gaff. My job was to get the fish as close to the razor-sharp rocks below without letting the line come in contact with it. And after 45 minutes, when the time was perfect, the bottom man gaffed the fish, and then it was handed up to each man above until it was safely on top. It was a learning experience for me, and, it was for the locals, too. They had never seen

anybody casting a lure like that in that area. It was the only fish caught that day, and had them pondering what else they might be able to try to catch more fish there when the same ol’, same ol’ isn’t working. I felt as if I had just won a tournament. It was a proud moment for me, indeed. Travel Time I admit that traveling with fishing gear is not easy. Long rods and airline flights don’t always mix. Fenwick, however, has great travel rods that break down into multiple pieces. Their 7-foot HGG Travel Spinning Rod, for example, has four segments and comes with two tips for creating two different rod powers. One offers a medium-light/medium power with a fast action that can accommodate 1/8 to 5/8-ounce lures and 6- to 12-pound-test line, and, the other ¼ to ¾-ounces and 8- to 14-pound test. Match it to a size 25 or 30 ABU Garcia spinning reel and fill it with your preference of FireLine, monofilament or fluorocarbon and you’ll have a combo you can take anywhere in the world. And when it comes to lures and terminal tackle, bring along your confidence baits. But there’s no reason to overdo it as I find stopping in to the local bait and tackle shop to pick up the basics is all you need to get the inside scoop on where you’re most likely to catch fish and on what. Mark Martin is a touring walleye tournament pro and instructor with the Ice-Fishing Vacation/School. Check out his website at markmartins.net for more information.

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f this photo of a happy kid with a humongous fish doesn’t make you smile, nothing will. Chase Stokes, 11, caught his 33.25-pound, 40inch carp on a nightcrawler while fishing at Otter Creek in Panton, Vermont in April 2017. It is one of the three state records caught by Vermont anglers last year. All of them are species not typically targeted. In May, angler Mike Elwood landed a record redhorse sucker while fishing on the Winooski River in Colchester, Vermont. The sucker, landed on a live worm, weighed 9.9 pounds and measured 29 inches long with an 18-inch girth. The third record for 2017 was a cisco, also known as lake herring. Alan Franchot caught his 2.25-pound state record while trolling on Lake Champlain in September. “We saw some incredible catches in 2017, especially Chase’s carp,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “It was an impressive looking fish, but what’s really exciting to me is that we’re starting to see more Vermont anglers fish outside of the box, as I like to call it, by taking advantage of many of the overlooked fishing opportunities we have in our state.” Good said fishing in Vermont remains excellent for traditional species like bass, trout, salmon and pike, but that anglers should take a look at some of the oddball fish like bowfin, drum, gar, fallfish and suckers that can provide great action as well as trophy potential.

It’s Tarpon Time In The

Florida Keys

By CAM Staff • Photo by Pat Ford

t is the heart of the tarpon season in the Florida Keys. With the annual migration in full swing, there should be silver kings everywhere over the next couple of months. The big spring run begins most years in February. It can last deep into the summer when conditions are right. This is when the big fish are most vulnerable. Averaging 80 pounds and sometimes running much larger, tarpon in the keys offer a fishery unlike any other in the world. The west coast of Africa might have the world record 286-pound, 9-ounce tarpon, but nowhere in the world has the opportunities to sight fish tarpon like the Keys. Poling the flats, there is a very real possibility of encountering tarpon up to 200 pounds and heavier in shallow and ultra-clear water. Migrating tarpon will push up into the backcountry in the thousands, skirting the edges of the flats and channels. Staking out or anchoring the boat in an ambush point where the angler is likely to encounter numbers of hungry tarpon is best accomplished through a local guide who stays on top of the movements of these giant fish. One thing you’ll notice is that while some captains might guarantee “shots” at tarpon, none promise you’ll actually bring one boatside. With a fly, enticing a big tarpon to eat is something that takes a lot of skill and a little luck. First-timers are probably better off fishing live bait, and a crab fished under a float in the passes and around bridges where fish are

concentrated can lead to multiple hook-ups in a day’s trip. What follows is a fight that cannot be matched by any fish anywhere. The powerful runs and repeated jumps of a hooked tarpon are what made them so highly prized as a game fish. Even experienced anglers are frequently left broken hearted when the line falls slack. Winning a battle with Megalops is an achievement to be remembered. Winning the battle comes with a heavy dose of responsibility, as well. Tarpon have a life span of 50 years or more. They are slow growing, and it takes them seven to 13 years to reach sexual maturity. This and their value as a game fish make them susceptible to population decline. Every effort should be made to release them with the best chance for their survival. All Florida tarpon must be released, with an exception for anglers who have purchased a state tarpon tag for the purpose of achieving an IGFA world record. Large tarpon should remain in the water at all times, which means unhooking and photographing them should be done quickly, with an effort to keep the head and gills in the water as much as possible. Never attempt to drag a tarpon over the side of the boat. Tarpon will often fight to exhaustion, so reviving them after the fight will greatly increase their chance of survival. Hold them horizontally in the water with their mouth open, moving them forward to push water over their gills. Do this until they are able to swim off on their own.

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On The Water With

Kaku By Capt. Ryan Drygas

arpon Springs, a small town on the west coast of Florida an hour north of St. Petersburg, is a best-kept secret for redfish and snook. It sits within a web of waterways connecting the Gulf of Mexico to rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes and eventually Tampa Bay. This vast system offers excellent inshore opportunities, and it’s a ton of fun to explore under paddle power. I know a local who grew up there and knows the water like the back of his hand. Kevin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, invited me out on the water to try his newest SUP, the Voodoo. Kevin lives, eats and breathes fishing. When he’s not fishing from one of his kayaks or SUPs, he’s thinking about ways to design these boats so they’re better to fish from. The Voodoo is a hybrid that melds the best qualities of an SUP, a kayak and a micro-skiff. We launched from his local ramp on a Saturday afternoon a cou-

ple hours before sunset. I don’t have the words to describe the picturesque setting that spread out before me. Mangroves, oyster beds and hidden shoals were in abundance. We paddled to the tip of a mangrove island where a smaller canal led to docks, sandbars and windbreaks. We had to cross the main channel to get there, and there was a 1- to 2-foot chop with the boating traffic and winds. The Voodoo was stable and fast, tracking straight as it cut through the channel. I was surprised the chop didn’t offer more of a challenge, but the hull design of the Voodoo is flawless. It also features a chair, which—without adjustment—offers two seated positions and can be used as a poling platform. The boat paddles well from a seated or standing position, and the ability to make powerful strokes with a low center of gravity came in handy during the crossing. As we rounded the tip of the island, we found wind-shade in a pocket. We poled down to cast right under the mangroves and docks. The Voodoo’s stern has five molded-in Power Pole mounts that allow for dual or single Power Pole Micros. And from a stability standpoint, the boat might as well be the deck of a skiff. Kevin hooked into a 25-inch redfish and fought it with ease from the open deck. As we paddled through the backside of the mangrove islands, we cast to oyster beds and under docks. The final spot Kevin had planned was a back corner of an area with a long sea wall and sand flats. Kevin wanted to hit it right at sunset, when the redfish bite is best. We could see reds tailing over the shoals as the tide went out. If you are looking for a perfect fishing machine, look no further than Kaku. These boats are a fisherman’s Cadillac. Kevin’s obsession with crafting a superior fishing vessel is evident in the sleek, stable versatility of his boats. For more on Kaku Kayak, visit kakukayak.com.

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By Tom Schlichter

ou couldn’t tell by looking in the tannic-stained water, but Capt. Gary Dubiel was convinced redfish were holding just a few feet from the bank. “Toss your line up tight and see what happens,” he instructed. My cork popper landed with a splat and the trailing DOA shrimp settled toward the bottom. I waited a second, gave a “pop” and watched the cork slide under with an 8-pound red in full protest. “They’ll smack that setup every time,” smiled the skipper. It’s no secret that the coastal waters of North Carolina teem with redfish and stripers, but many visiting anglers focus their efforts solely on inlet and ocean waters. For truly amazing topwater action, the bays, creeks and river systems are also well worth exploring. “There’s amazing variety on the inside here,” said Dubiel, of Spec Fever Guide Service (www.specfever.com), who specializes in putting light-tackle and fly-fishing fans right in the mix. Dubiel especially enjoys working the Neuse River area because it hosts stripers and seatrout year-round, plus redfish from spring though mid-October. “These stripers are estuarine and don’t run to the ocean,” he explained. “They typically measure up to 32 inches, which makes them perfect for light gear and fly rods. Even better, they mix in with the specks and slot-sized redfish. We often catch all three on the same trip.” The striper action really heats up in late April when the bass return from spawning farther upriver to offer outstanding surface action from Oriental to New Bern, N.C. Much of the fun takes place in knee-deep depths here in the river’s mouth at Pamlico Sound, and that makes for a ton of topwater thrills. Interestingly, the Neuse River—America’s widest at 6 miles across the mouth— doesn’t have a lunar rise and fall in tides. Rather than look for current, Dubiel works around structure while using a trolling motor to quietly get in and out of

potential hot spots. He likes casting at old wood when possible, often using a Bob’s Banger Capt. Gary Dubiel of Spec popper. “Because the fish often Fever Guide Service works hang in the shallows here, you can call them from a considerthe long wand for shallow able distance if you make a litwater Neuse River stripers, reds tle noise,” he said. “This is also and specks. Photo by Felicia a great lure for covering a lot of Scocozza. water. Some of our wood fields are pretty expansive.” Push up into the Neuse River tributaries above and below New Bern and you’ll also find largemouth bass, crappie and perch. The creeks stay warmer than the river in the winter months, so there are times in late winter and early spring when you might catch any of these along with a striper, redfish or speckled trout as well. “It certainly makes for an interesting mixed bag,” quipped Dubiel. Just an hour drive from Moorhead City, N.C., the Neuse River is easily accessible from Oriental, New Bern or the ICW. For accommodations, consider Bridgepoint Marina (www.bridgepointe.com) in New Bern. It’s within 500 yards of public launching at both Lawson Creek Landing and Union Park Point. For more info on the New Bern area, visit www.visitnewbern.com.

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United States Power Squadrons–America’s

Boating Club

ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is the definition of getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks.

“We are United States Power Squadrons but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Gary Cheney, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Our squadrons are social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education— allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States Power Squadrons— America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 local clubs across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Members are vital to strengthening the communities they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Cheney. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong renaming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons–America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.

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FRESHWATER Jordan Lee Wins Back-To-Back

Bassmaster Classics Bassmaster photos by Andy Crawford

n sixth place headed into the final day of the Bassmaster Classic on March 18 at lake Hartwell, S.C., Alabama’s Jordan Lee was in striking distance to do what only two anglers have ever done—win the Super Bowl of bass fishing twice in a row. And he did it. With a final day surge that took him to the scales with 16 pounds, 5 ounces, Lee tallied a three-day total of 47-1 to edge out California pro Brent Ehrler by a single pound. With his Classic win last year at Lake Conroe, Texas, Lee joins Rick Clunn and Kevin VanDam as the only three anglers in the history of the sport to win back-to-back classics. With the $300,000 purse, Lee pushed his career earnings with B.A.S.S past the million-dollar mark.

“It was just a perfect week for me,” Lee told Bassmaster. “I caught fish on five different baits and a lot of different techniques.” Boat docks were the ticket to Lee’s success. Following poor practice rounds, he could not nail down a strong pattern. From Day 1, Lee reverted to his comfort zone and his strength. “I just wanted to cover as much water as I could to give myself the best chance of putting a bait in front of a fish,” he told Bassmaster. “On this lake, I knew boat docks were going to play because they always do—and that’s what I like to do.” Live on Day 1, video showed Lee pumping his fists over a chunky largemouth he finessed out from under a dock with black floats. Black floats tend to warm the water around them, and the fish were staging up prior to the spawn. A strong sack of 18-10 on Day 1 must have buoyed Lee’s confidence in the dock pattern. Despite catching nothing but smaller spotted bass and just 12-2 on Day 2, Lee was still solidly in the top 25 to make the cut to fish Championship Sunday. Lee found his magic pocket on Day 3. Fishing a Strike King Rage Swimmer, a Strike King Ocho and a Strike King Shimmy Stick, he stuck to that one little pocket and pulled fish from beneath almost every dock. Green pumpkin was his primary color. Jason Christie, of Oklahoma, who led through the first two days of competition, dropped back to third place after the final day with a three-day total of 45-15. Ehrler’s 46-1 earned him second place. Alabama pro Mark Daniels Jr. caught the Berkley Big Bass of the tournament, a 6-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that won him $2,500. Reporting by Bassmaster’s Bryan Brasher.

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ike land hunters or rod-and-reel fishermen, spearos also study and perfect some tricks of the trade. Spearos immerse themselves into the fishes’ environment, so the first skill to master is to look like you belong there. Beginners tend to exhibit aggressive behavior, chasing and spooking fish. If fish scatter when you get near, study how calmly an experienced diver moves in the water. Until you achieve a non-threatening aura, all other tips and tricks will be useless. After achieving smooth diving technique, here are some techniques to get near fish. 1) Aspetto (Italian for “wait”)—It starts from the surface with a smooth duck-dive into the water while removing the snorkel. You descend with soft kicks until you begin to free-fall as you scan the bottom. By turning your fin blades, you maneuver to the right spot, perhaps where the reef meets sand. You lie motionless on the bottom until curious fish come to check you out. Moving only your eyes, you pick out the prey, move your gun slowly, and make a well-placed shot. A good spearo will make this technique look easy, but it is not. This is especially effective with evasive fish that become curious when you do not move, such as mutton snappers in Florida, stripers in the northeast, and bigeye emperors in Hawaii. 2) Agguato (Italian for “ambush”)–This is a dynamic stalking technique to get closer to prey without being noticed. The diver navigates the bottom using the environment to get closer to the prey. The diver must consider current, visibility and available bottom structure while moving from one object to another, blending into shadows or hiding behind reef formations. If your body can be hidden while closing the gap, the fish will remain unaware of your presence.

3) Flashers/ Sheri Daye practices “aspetto” technique. chum—Especially Photo by Joe Marino effective for hunting pelagics such as jacks, tunas, dolphin and wahoo. Multiple mirrors dangle below a float, and the flashes of light in the water imitate the reflective glare from a school of baitfish. The fish come in to investigate. Chum can be used in combination with a flasher to bring them even closer and keep them interested. In addition to these techniques, serious spearos are likely to train in a pool, use meditation techniques, and do cardio exercises to increase their breath hold capacity. Many take freediving classes to increase bottom time and safety. While there is no certification required to do it, classes should be a pre-requisite, as freediving is a sport that can lead to “blackout” and death if not practiced correctly. Spearfishing is a beautiful, selective way to catch fish, but it is also physically and mentally demanding. Above all, be safe and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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hen Jesus Chavarria was a small boy nearly 60 years ago, he remembers a giant silver fish with huge scales brought to the dock at his home in the small Pacific river port of Sierpe, Costa Rica. No one had any idea what it was. He went on to captain offshore sport fishing boats all over the west coast of Costa Rica for the next 35 years and retired a few years ago to taking guests fishing the backwaters of the Sierpe River. His specialty is snook but now and then he began to catch tarpon. Tarpon are not indigenous to the Pacific Ocean, but over the years anglers began to encounter a tarpon now and then. The thought is that over more than a century since it was constructed, the Panama Canal has provided passage for tarpon, which now reside in the Pacific. Tarpon capture has been recorded as far south as Colombia and as far north as El Salvador. Saul Porras’ capture of a tarpon that weighed barely 3 pounds at a creek mouth in southern Costa Rica changed the whole thought process. Chances that a fish that small swam through the canal and that far are slim. Are tarpon now breeding in the Pacific? FECOP, the sport fishing advocacy and conservation group in Costa Rica, agreed to sponsor a project to find out more about tarpon in the Pacific. They contacted Didiher Chacon, who had worked on a Costa Rican Caribbean tarpon project almost three decades ago in Barra del Colorado for Dr. Roy Crabtree, of Florida. He agreed to work on the science part of the project. “The Sierpe Wetlands are perfect habitat for juvenile tarpon,” explained Chacon. “That very well may account for the increase in numbers of tarpon caught there in the last few years.” Most of the river tarpon are small, less than 30 pounds, but fish as large as 100 pounds have also been taken. Phase 1 of the project will concentrate in southern Costa Rica. A DNA comparison will be done between Pacific-caught tarpon and tarpon taken from different parts of the Caribbean side of the country. They will also study what the Pacific tarpon have been feeding on. Today this can be done with a small tissue sample without sacrificing the fish. All Pacific caught tarpon will also be tagged. Chacon noted that there is a possibility over time for tarpon to change the ecology of the rivers. It is not yet known what they are feeding on or how they will affect native fish. The Pacific-side tarpon are now showing with enough frequency to make it worth finding out. Tropical storm Nate delayed the project when the massive amounts of rain that fell not only caused major landslides but also completely flushed everything out of most of the country’s rivers. Find out more about Pacific tarpon and other FECOP projects on sport fishing conservation at www.fishcostarica.org.

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