The Angler Magazine - May / West Michigan

FREE

WEST MICHIGAN EDITION

Striped Bass

Are Running

Electronics Edition

Picky-Trout

Local

Tactics

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEN WOLFE OF SPORT FISH MICHIGAN VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267

THEANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

0517_TAM_CVR.indd 5

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

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MAY 2017

4/14/17 10:51 AM

BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology

Interested in getting the most out of your own trusted transducer, or not sure you’re ready for the expense of installing a new CHIRP transducer? Furuno has a solution that will get the very best performance from your traditional narrowband transducer.

Our RezBoostTM Fish Finders deliver clearer images than ever before, we’re talking up to 8x sharper. Whether it’s NavNet TZtouch2 or the FCV588/FCV628 stand-alone Fish Finders, RezBoostTM will boost your catch!

Get up to 8x sharper resolution, using a standard narrow band transducer, to more clearly define fish targets.

Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.

Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).

COMMON CVRS_0517.indd 2

www.FurunoUSA.com

4/17/17 12:07 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 3

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

3

4/17/17 3:02 PM

4

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 4

MAY 2017

5

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:02 PM

Electronics GARMIN INREACH EXPLORER+ Going where the fish are often means exploring places where communication becomes very difficult. Whether you’re far offshore, deep in a marshy backwater or high up a remote mountain stream, wouldn’t it be reassuring to know you can connect with someone in the event of an emergency? Or you might just need to let someone know where the fish are biting?

The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is a handheld GPS navigator and satellite communicator that allows you to explore anywhere and communicate everywhere. It is a rugged, compact unit that uses 100 percent global Iridium coverage for two-way text messaging and tracking anywhere in the world.

Navigate with detailed, preloaded TOPO maps, follow routes, mark waypoints and find your way back with a high-detail bread-crumb trail.

Using GPS tracking, you can easily share your location with family, friends, social media or emergency responders. In case of emergency, the interactive SOS allows you to communicate back and forth and receive confirmation that help is on the way.

For added capability, use the free Earthmate app to pair your inReach Explorer+ with mobile devices and access unlimited maps, aerial imagery, NOAA charts, weather and more.

WWW.GARMIN.COM FURUNO DFF3D Turn your NavNet TZtouch or TZtouch2 MFD into a multi-beam sonar that can see 120 degrees port to starboard, allowing you to see the depth and direction fish schools are moving, while displaying the seabed condition in real time.

Furuno’s DFF3D gives you real-time 120-degree port-starboard view of the water column and seabed in deeper than 650 feet of water, allowing you to find fish in deep water faster than conventional

single-beam sounders.

Cross-Section displays the real-time sea column echo in 120 degrees port and starboard. This mode aids in understanding the distribution of baitfish and water column conditions. The 3D Sounder History provides an intuitive and easyto-understand 3D image of the seafloor, along with fish school icons. A single or triple-direction fishfinder image can be displayed. The triple beam display helps you understand the depth of fish and seabed condition in each direction, as well as the direction target fish are moving. Side scan clearly displays the shape of structure to port and starboard as a high definition image.

WWW.FURUNO.COM STANDARD HORIZON EXPLORER GX1700 GPS VHF RADIO The GX1700 makes DSC easy. With an internal 12 Channel GPS built into the front panel, there is no need to hassle with wiring the radio to a GPS for DSC. Out of the box and ready to go, DSC calling, position sharing, waypoint navigation and navigation to DSC distress calls can all be performed with just a few simple steps.

The Explorer GPS VHF radio has a compact rear case of only 3.5 inches. The Built-In WAAS GPS receiver and antenna give flexibility to flush mount the radio in tight areas.

The GX1700 is capable of entering and saving up to 100 waypoints, which may be navigated to by using a unique navigation compass display that shows bearing and distance to the waypoint.

GX1700 is an ITU-R M493 Class D class VHF with a separate Channel 70 receiver, which allows DSC calls to be received even when listening to communications. The DSC DISTRESS function transmits a digital MAYDAY including vessel identification, latitude/longitude and time, to facilitate prompt response.

Other features include a big, bold display; RAM3+ remote mic capability, easy position sharing, Clearvoice noise reduction technology, programmable channel names, NOAA Weather channels and Weather Alert. And it’s all backed by a 3-year waterproof warranty.

WWW.STANDARDHORIZON.COM 5

NATIONAL

MAY 2017

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 5

Product Review ACR ELECTRONICS RESQLINK PLB

At 4.6 ounces, the ResQLink distress beacon weighs less than a couple of energy bars, and it’s smaller than the cell phone in your pocket.

Small and mighty, the ResQLink PLB is a full-powered, GPS-enabled rescue beacon designed for anglers, pilots and backcountry sportsmen.

With three levels of integrated signal technology—GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability—the ResQLink PLB quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites. A built-in strobe light provides visibility during night rescues.

Even in extreme conditions and situations, the ResQLink activates easily. With its powerful 66-channel GPS, the ResQLink guides rescuers to within 100 meters of your position. And, in the continental U.S., search and rescue personnel are typically alerted in as little as five minutes.

Other features include: no subscription fees, self-test and GPS-test features and typical performance 30 hours. If you have to use your ResQLink PLB, ACR will replace it free of charge.

WWW.ACRARTEX.COM

JL AUDIO MEDIAMASTER 100S BLACK EDITION The MM100s-BE is hitting the market just in time for summer. This latest Black Edition of JL Audio’s MediaMaster was introduced with an updated user interface that offers enhanced volume control flexibility and four fully variable zones, each with independent feature/control options; Volume, Tone, and Naming.

NMEA 2000 interconnectivity is built into it and equipped with a NMEA2K Connector to integrate into existing networks, enabling MFD control functionality with Lowrance, Simrad and Garmin.

Designed for today’s modern media environment, the MM100s-BE features a Digital AM/FM/Weather Band Tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, separate line level AUX and USB/iPhone inputs, and it’s SiriusXM-Ready. Available with an optional MMR-20BE Wired Remote.

The MM100s-BE is a premium, single-chassis source unit with superb audio performance, excellent ergonomics and advanced audio features, specifically designed for marine applications. Check it out at http://www.jlaudio.com/.

Available at HIGH TECH MARINE in Hialeah, Fla. 305-883-9700.

WWW.HIGHTECHMARINE.COM ANGLER’S PAL ELECTRONICS MOUNTS AND TROLLING MOTOR STABILIZERS

Boaters and anglers invest a small fortune in their equipment. Fishermen, for example, know that quality sonar, GPS, chart plotters and electric motors are vital tools that enhance their experience.

For that reason, MarineTech Products, manufactures the Angler’s Pal line of electronics mounts and trolling motor stabilizers. Angler’s Pal mounts are designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and provide rock solid stability with minimal space requirements. The patented universal Ball Locking Device provides 360-degree adjustability and the strength to support the heaviest equipment without “drift.”

The Angler’s Pal Trolling Motor Mounts feature a unique rubber lock-down strap that protects your trolling motor from accidental deployment or excessive vibration that can damage the shaft. Overall length: 10” and now THE NEW 14” model for longer shafts and deeper gunnels.

They are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and hardanodized aluminum for fresh and saltwater use. They are available in a variety of lengths, and all Angler’s Pal mounts can be easily removed for storage. Angler’s Pal also manufactures 700 and 800 Series Rod Holders.

For information, contact Marine Tech Products at 1 651-4862010.

WWW.ANGLERSPAL.COM

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

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

5

4/17/17 3:02 PM

BE YOUR OWN BOSS. If you love the outdoors and the Fishing Industry, you owe it to yourself to check out the Franchise Opportunities available with Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine.

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com SOCIAL MEDIA : Shea Steininger • socialmedia@coastalanglermagazine.com

Make money doing what you love.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

COME JOIN OUR FRANCHISE TEAM! FREE Outdoor Apparel

FREE

32nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show

Outdoor Apparel

March 23-26

Bahamas

FLORIDA

Tuna Run

Spring

Bassin' Big Water Bronzebacks

Local

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF 'TEAM FINSTER' VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 266

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

PHOTO BY MATT SIRIANNI

MARCH 2017

VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 265

W O R L D W I D E

F R A N C H I S E 0317_CAM_CVR.indd 4

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

A V A I L A B L E

MARCH 2017

W O R L D W I D E

2/10/17 9:34 AM

CHECK OUT THESE AVAILABLE FRANCHISE TERRITORIES 0317_TAM_CVR.indd 5

GREAT LAKES GULF COAST (Expansion launch Spring 2017) (Available Now) • Milwaukee, WI • Detroit, MI • Cleveland, OH

NEW ENGLAND (Launch Spring 2017) • New Hampshire (the entire state) • Maine (the entire state) • Western Massachusetts • Gloucester, MA • Cape Cod, MA

2/10/17 11:55 AM

SOUTHEAST (Launch March 2017)

• New Orleans, LA SOLD! • Baton Rouge, LA • Lafayette, LA • Corpus Christi, TX • Austin, TX

• Raleigh, NC • Charlotte, NC • Savannah, GA • Southwest Georgia • Charleston, SC • Hilton Head, SC FLORIDA (Available Now) • Columbia, SC • Myrtle Beach, SC • Destin, FL (existing location – turnkey) (existing location – turnkey) • Naples, FL • Greenville, SC SOLD! (existing location – turnkey) • Okeechobee, FL (existing location – turnkey) SOLD! • Florida Keys (existing location – turnkey)

For More Information

Call (321) 777-2773 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com 6

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 6

MAY 2017

AND MORE!

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

Monica Isaza-Deal • (561) 945-8899 • monica@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Mike Weber • (414) 531-4172 • mikew@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/SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON/COLUMBIA : Eddie Hardgrove • (910) 264-5487 • eddie@coastalanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Kenneth & Ana Moore • (843) 446-5777 • kenmoore@coastalanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Seitz • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com SE & COASTAL GEORGIA : Tony Martin • (912) 269-9679 • tony@coastalanglermagazine.com

Travis Harper • (912) 266-1430• travis@coastalanglermagazine.com UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA : Gregg Thompson • (864) 542-3112 • gregg@theanglermagazine.com WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • woody@theanglermagazine.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

ALABAMA GULF COAST : Sarah Clark • (205) 522-1756 • sarahclark@coastalanglermagazine.com GALVESTON/MATAGORDA/UPPER COAST : Chanci & David Mowry • (713) 446-7395 •

chancim@coastalanglermagazine.com • davidm@coastalanglermagazine.com MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474 • gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com PENSACOLA/EMERALD COAST : Kevin Ogle • (850) 586-3474 • gulf@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES

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

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

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

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

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

HondaM

Destination Honda

For destinations found on a map, or ones that are simply a state of mind, trust a reliable Honda outboard to get you there. And back. Find out more at ca.hondamarine.com.

GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! OFFER ENDS JUNE 2. $

*

*Get up to $700 Instant Savings with the purchase of any new 40hp – 250hp Honda Marine outboard, January 3 through June 2, 2017. At participating dealers only.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM NATIONAL © 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meetMAY EPA 2017 and CARB emission levels.

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 7 HondaMarine_CA_Destination_8.125x10.875.indd 1

7

4/17/17 3:03 PM 12/13/16 2:30 PM

ERGONOMICALLY ELEGANT DOCK SURFACES

Micron: Generations of Innovation Every parent hopes their children will do well and have a better life than they did. At Interlux, we feel the same way about the products we make.

With each new advancement and generation of Micron® Technology comes better performing, higher quality solutions.

Innovation is a tradition we are proud to have carried on for over 30 years.

From the long lasting and always dependable Micron CSC to our new, powerful water-based Micron Optima with Activated Biolux®, we build on our past success to deliver state of the art protection today.

Whatever the year, you know you’ll always have the latest and best in Micron Technology.

Visit our website for more information – yachtpaint.com

PARTNERS AND INVESTORS: Please contact John Munn info@ergodockusa.com for information on how you can get engaged!

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

Scan the code with your smartphone to watch our new Micron film.

8

NATIONAL

8240/0117

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 8

MAY 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

:

!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 9

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

9

4/17/17 3:03 PM

Garmin Introduces

W

hether it’s by land, air or sea, Garmin has made a name for itself as the industry leader in navigational electronics. Its popular and varied GPSMAP product line offers the perfect tool for anyone who needs to know where they’re going.

In November, Garmin brought powerful new tools to the realm of marine electronics with the introduction of several new networking chartplotters and combination models to the GPSMAP line. Unveiled at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, these units lured in boaters and anglers with high-end features at a more than reasonable price point.

“These new GPSMAPs are designed for the budget-conscious customer who desires premium features typically found only in a higher-end product,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “We’ve packed these plotters with industry-leading features, builtin conveniences, and we’ve added two new screen sizes to our lineup—a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch keyed—to offer something for every boater.”

Ranging in size from 7- to 12-inches, these new plotters are available with and without built-in sonar.

gration, and a 10Hz GPS/GLONASS receiver for smooth on-screen navigation.

These compact plotters offer full-network compatibility for the Garmin Marine Network, which allows support for sharing sonar, maps, user data, radar, IP cameras and Panoptix all-seeing sonar among multiple units. Plus, there’s NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 support for autopilots, digital switching, weather, VHF, AIS and other sensors.

Anglers, cruisers and sailors alike will benefit from the xs series that comes equipped with built-in 1kW traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar capability for a near-picture quality view of what’s beneath the boat.

Preloaded premium mapping features can be found on the GPSMAP 742/742xs and the GPSMAP 942/942xs, including both BlueChart g2 HD charts for the U.S., Canada and Bahamas and LakeVü HD maps. The GPSMAP 722/722xs and GPSMAP 922/922xs come preloaded with a worldwide basemap for general reference with support for optional mapping available at garmin.com.

GPSMAP 7x2/9x2 and GPSMAP 7x2xs/9x2xs Touchscreen Series

GPSMAP 10x2xsv/12x2xsv and GPSMAP 10x2/12x2 and Keyed Series

The GPSMAP 7x2/9x2 series plotters are 7- and 9-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen chartplotters perfect for any boater. The xs series offers the perfect solution for anglers with chartplotter/sonar combination units. These compact and powerful units are exactly what’s needed when functionality is essential and cockpit or deck space is at a premium.

Building on the popularity of the 7-inch touchscreen Garmin pioneered in 2010, this series introduces a 9-inch touchscreen to the Garmin line. Both serve customers who value screen size as a compelling option. They feature builtin wireless connectivity for Garmin mobile apps and VIRB action camera inte10

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 10

MAY 2017

For those who prefer using a keypad, the all-in-one solutions offered by the new 10-inch GPSMAP 10x2xsv and the 12-inch GPSMAP 12xsv can’t be beat.

With an all-new industrial design, these combos feature a large, sunlight-readable screen coupled with a keypad interface and new multifunction rotary control knob that offers precise, simple control for easy menu navigation and setting control, even in rough water.

These units also offer four user-programmable hot keys for one-touch access to favorite features and functions.

In addition to GPS and connectivity features also found in the GPSMAP 7x2/9x2xs series, the GPSMAP 10x2xsv and GPSMAP 12x2xsv also offer impressive sonar capabilities with built-in

CHIRP sonar, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü as well as support for Panoptix all-seeing sonar. Other premium Garmin sonar modules are also available, including two new CHIRP transducer options–the GT8HW-IH and GT15MTM. The GPSMAP 1042xs/1242xs come preloaded with BlueChart g2 coastal charts and U.S. LakeVü HD, while the GPSMAP 1022xs/1222xs offer a worldwide basemap. Two non-sonar versions, the GPSMAP 1022 and GPSMAP 1222 are also available with a preloaded worldwide basemap.

Advanced Features For Sailors

Premium sailing features have also been integrated into both new series, offering laylines, tidal information, enhanced wind rose, a current slider and other elements that prove beneficial to sailors. All new models also offer integrated ANT support for use with the quatix 3 marine smartwatch, the Garmin Nautix in-view display, gWind Wireless 2 transducer, GNX Wind marine instrument and wireless remote controls.

Additionally, all sonar-enabled models feature built-in Quickdraw Contours software, a free, easy-to-use tool that lets mariners instantly create personalized HD maps with 1-foot contours on any body of water.

An Attractive Price Point

The GPSMAP 7x2/9x2 and xs series will range from $799.99 to $1299.99, while the GPSMAP 10x2/12x2xsv and non-xsv series will be priced from $1699.99 to $2999.99. This is exceptionally affordable pricing for top-quality electronics with so many sophisticated yet easy-to-use features.

What more could you expect from Garmin, the company that was recently named Manufacturer of the Year for the second year in a row by the National Marine Electronics Association.

For a full list of features and more information, visit garmin.com/newmarine.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

N A U T I C A L T E R M

# 1 7 8

full ahead: How Sea Tow Captains operate 24/7.

Running out of fuel or a conked out engine can happen to anyone. That’s why you bought ® a Sea Tow membership. They’ve got the equipment, experience and know-how to get you home quickly & safely. $10 off a Sea Tow Membership.

Discount Code: CNG 800-4-SEATOW \ seatow.com

Promotion Ends 6/30/2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 11

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

11

4/17/17 3:03 PM

Adjustable cap with brim UV-blocking polarized sunglasses

F

Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

or nearly a century, Eagle Claw has provided premium hooks for all kinds of anglers using American steel and designing and manufacturing them right here in the U.S.A. Founded in 1925 in Denver, Colo., Eagle Claw is extremely proud of its long history of American-made fish hooks. And it is also proud of the high-quality product it produces.

Trokar Eagle Claw’s Trokar hooks offer a competitive advantage for serious saltwater competitors. These premium quality hooks offer a faster, deeper, surer point penetration that requires half the pressure of the competition. Manufactured using cold forged high-carbon American-Made steel, they offer better durability and stronger holds for hard-fighting, big-game species.

Trokar hooks are surgically sharpened, and their triple-sided points are regarded as the most innovative, sharpest, and most durable on the market today. The Platinum Black finish is designed to withstand repeated use in saltwater and harsh marine conditions.

There are more than 20 models of Trokar hooks available for fresh and saltwater. A highlight of the Trokar saltwater line is the TK197 Primal Circle Hook, which is an awesome all-purpose bait hook with an offset, light-wire design. Made of high-carbon steel wire for strength and durability, this hook has a highly durable point and a salt-resistant coating. It offers stronger hold for battling fast and hard-fighting big game fish, and it is a dream come true for serious competition anglers who fish for serious saltwater species.

Lazer Sharp Eagle Claw’s Lazer Sharp hooks are designed to be “Sharper, Stronger, Longer,” which means the patented Lazer Sharp needlepoint and forged technology ensures a sharper, stronger, longer hold than the leading competition.

Lazer Sharp hooks feature uniquely blended coatings—Sea Guard, Platinum Black and Nickel— which are designed to be more durable and abrasion resistant after repeated use in saltwater.

There are more than 30 Lazer Sharp saltwater models available. The L2004EL has become a staple on the boats of big-time billfish anglers. They are approved by the Billfish Foundation for tournament use, and were the original and once the only tournament-approved circle sea hook. The design of this non-offset, circle sea, with a wide gap, light wire and a forged point, results in more solid hook-ups and a much higher rate of fish hooked in the corner of the mouth, which equates to fewer escaping fish as well as less-stressful releases.

To this day, the L2004EL is still the single best option for pro and amateur billfish tournament anglers looking for proven performance stemming from a decade of making champions out of competitors.

Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle, Co. is an American-based company that has been designing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality fishhooks and fishing equipment for more than 90 years. Its family of brands includes Eagle Claw, Lazer Sharp, TroKar, Wright & McGill and Shappell. For more information about Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle Co. and its family of brands, visit www.eagleclaw.com, find them on Facebook at facebook. com/eagleclaw/, facebook.com/TroKarHooks/ and facebook. com/shappellcorp/ or call 720-941-8700.

12

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 12

MAY 2017

SPF 30 bug-repellent sunscreen

You're protected from the elements.

What about your boat?

T-Tops

Center Consoles

Leaning Posts

Outboards

Chairs & Seats

CoverAlls gives your boat the same level of protection from the heat and elements you'd give yourself.

CoverAlls covers prevent expensive weather damage to your boat. They're made from tough custom material that's saltwater-proof, UV proof, and reflects 90% of radiant heat.

100% American marinegrade components like stainless grommets, braided poly draw cords, and non-metallic cam locks keep CoverAlls covers in place in all kinds of coastal weather.

Give your boat CoverAlls protection.

Save 10% with coupon code "angler" at checkout!

214-350-2690

sales@coveralls.biz

www.coveralls.biz

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

ON THE COVER Editor’s Note:

Each month, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Angler Magazine staff search our vast coverage area for photos that will grace our covers.

With well over a million readers in diverse coastal and inland markets, our magazines strive for broad national appeal as well as local-level intelligence to put anglers on fish. The cover is different depending on which edition you, the reader, are holding. The following is a little information about this month’s covers.

COASTAL ANGLER MAGAZINE Costa Rica Sailfish

FREE

The great shot of a Pacific sailfish that graces Pacific Sails the covers of this month’s Coastal Angler In Costa Rica Electronics Edition editions comes from Costa Rica Pro Staff member Francisco Mejias. Francisco is one of the great captains who provide monthly Striped Bass forecasts for our local Costa Rica edition, Are Running Local and he captures some stunning photography as well.

Knowing one’s way around a camera is important for getting cover-worthy shots.

And it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a target-rich environment like Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast to snap photos of trophy fish.

Inside this month’s magazine, Francisco and several other Costa Rica Pro Staff members came together to share the Pacific sailfish experience with our readers. From smaller boats, they pull spreads for sails that can top 200 pounds. The techniques and tools for catching and releasing them safely are laid out in the article, and they are techniques honed by the knowledge that can be gathered during 50-sailfish days. No kidding.

The fishing down there can be that good.

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCISCO MEJIAS, VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267

COSTA RICA PROSTAFF

COASTALA NGLERMAG .COM

F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MAY 2017

0517_CAM_CVR.indd 4

4/13/17 4:13 PM

THE ANGLER MAGAZINE Hudson River Striped Bass

FREE

All over the country, wherever striped bass Striped Bass live, spring incites migrations of these bruisers Are Running up the rivers to spawn. This is the time of year when very large fish can be caught in skinny water. In the Southeast, runs of landlocked Electronics stripes can be roughly timed by the blooming Edition Local of the dogwoods. In the Northeast, anglers Picky-Trout Tactics await the arrival of the Alewives.

Dave Maneri, of Tivoli, N.Y., caught the big striper on the covers of this month’s The Angler editions. His buddy Paul Hughes Jr. snapped the photo while they were fishing the striped bass run on the Hudson River, which feeds the Atlantic Ocean at New York City. It was an epic day for the two anglers. They caught multiple fish, including the cover fish and another one about the same size, which Paul is holding in the photo that appears with the article.

In that article, Dave tells us all about the Hudson River striped bass run and how he goes about catching big stripers from the shore as well as from a boat. The uninformed might assume there’s no fishing to be done in such close proximity to one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. But striped bass and baitfish still run up the Hudson each year to spawn, just like they have since time immemorial.

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL HUGHES JR. VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 267

F R A N C H I S E

THEANGLE RMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MAY 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 13

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

13

4/17/17 3:03 PM

st

LIST

ci

a

• Co

t ic • C os

BUCKET

fic

Ric a, P a

if

a

c

2017

Ric a, Pa

By Pro Staff Costa Rica • Photos by Francisco Mejias

T

he Pacific sailfish is one of the most sought after offshore game fish in Costa Rica. Growing larger than their Atlantic

counterpart, sailfish in Costa Rica average 60 to 80 pounds, but big ones can surpass 200 pounds!

They are migratory, with the main concentration of fish arriving in our area of the Central Pacific as the dry season sets in the end of December. They move away as the wet season kicks in during early May. Even though this is the main migration, there are always sailfish present in our waters year round.

We fish from smaller boats, so we use the traditional five-rod setup. A combination of natural baits and lures are used, and our main baits are ballyhoo. Our lures of choice are the Magna series from Santos. Variations of pink, lumo and blue combined with a Trokar hook are deadly combinations. If the bite is slow, we often sew a belly flap or strip bait into the lures for a more enticing bait.

On the outriggers, we use teasers. A squid chain in pink on one side and a bigger lure like a Santos Carolina Seastalker on the other is a good start. The shotgun gets a Santos lure as well as the long rigger.

The short rigger and the two corners are set up with naked swimming ballyhoos on Trokar 7/0 circle hooks. It is also handy to have a mullet, horse ballyhoo or tuna

rigged and ready to go as a pitch bait in case a marlin decides to crash the party.

Once the fish is caught it is time for a few photos. This is a critical part of the process, as it involves fish handling. Even though some boats still bring up a sailfish for a photo, it is highly recommended to not do so, as it can be extremely harmful to the fish. It is the process of pulling the fish over the rail of the boat that causes problems. The protective mucus covering is scraped off, leaving an area of skin exposed to bacterial and fungal attack. This can result in death of the fish at a later time.

Leave the fish in the water, and with a good pair of AFTCO gloves, grab the outer part of the bill and push the fish as far out from the boat as possible. Keep the head of the fish in the water as much as possible, and lift it briefly for a good photo. Take the shot from the tail end of the fish looking forward or from above if possible. Alternatively, grab the front part of the sail, pull it up and hold the bill with your other hand. Make sure the bill is always pointing away from you and not at you. Take the photo from the front of the fish.

If you have never been to Costa Rica fishing, it is definitely worth it and you will be hooked!

Pro Staff Costa Rica provides monthly reports for Coastal Angler Magazine’s Costa Rica edition. Search out Pro Staff Costa Rica on Facebook for more great photography, videos and fishing content.

INSPIRED BY STRENGTH HELL-FOR-STOUT CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES STAINLESS STEEL GEARS AND UP TO 30-POUNDS OF AVAILABLE DRAG.

NEW KOMODO SS REELS & SHADOW STALKER GULF COAST RODS Powered by aluminum framing, stainless steel drive and high-output Carbonite drag, Komodo SS reels in 350 and 450 sizes are instant favorites. Compact and comfortable with enough line capacity for incredible versatility inshore and offshore. • Shadow Stalker Gulf Coast 1-piece rod actions deliver superior sensitivity and back it with OC-9 carbon reinforcement for amazing strength when the fish of a lifetime strikes. okumafishingusa.com

14 NATIONAL MAY 2017 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM Okuma KomodoSS-ShadowStalkerGC-Strength 7.625x5.0125.indd 2

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 14

• THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/8/17 1:48 PM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

The all-electric Power-Pole Micro anchor is compact, virtually silent and drives the 3/4” Micro Spike at the push of a button.

Add the rechargable Micro Battery Pak and you’re ready to go wherever adventure takes you. Get all the details and find a dealer near you at power-pole.com.

THE DAY’S BIG CATCH SHOULD BE YOUR ONLY FOCUS Insurance coverage through BoatU.S. makes for a great start to what could be an epic day of fishing.

Our policies are designed with coverages custom-made for Anglers and include 24/7 claims service from boating experts.

• Agreed Value Coverage for Your Boat, Engine(s) and Boating Equipment • Coverage for Fishing Gear • Broad Cruising Areas • Tournament Coverage • Charter and Guide Coverage Options Available • Water Towing and Roadside Assistance from TowBoatU.S. – the Nation’s Largest Fleet

Download the NEW BoatU.S. app for self-service, marine weather, tides and more!

Log-on to BoatUS.com/insurance or call for a free quote 800-283-2883

All policies subject to limits and exclusions. In the state of California, the BoatU.S. Marine Insurance Program is provided through Boat Owners Association Insurance Services, CA License #0H87086.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 15

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

15

4/17/17 3:03 PM

Spring Striped Bass Run The Hudson River

By Nick Carter

E

ach spring, through the Hudson River’s mouth at bustling New York Harbor, a massive spawning migration of Atlantic stripers pushes some 150 miles upstream to the Federal Dam at Troy, N.Y. In this long stretch of tidally influenced river, striped bass show up when water temps reach the 60s.

Dave Maneri, of Tivoli, N.Y., said the trick is to keep up with the migration and put yourself in the right place at the right time to intercept pods of transient stripers.

“They move in big schools,” Maneri said. “Some days they’re there and you can catch them; other days they’re not. You gotta stay on the reports. They’re running the whole river, so you could travel to where the fish are or wait until they’re where you are.”

Smaller schoolie striped bass show up first. They come with the spawning alewives, which are baitfish commonly called herring. Schoolies remain in the river for a couple months some years, and there’s also a year-round resident population. But Maneri said the big cows remain only for a week or two each season. They are always on the move, and connecting with them can lead to unbelievable action with big fish measuring past the 40-inch mark with weights heavier than 30 pounds.

Fishing bait is generally the most productive tactic. The best bait is herring pulled right out of the river, either live or chunked.

Most locals use a scap net to catch herring. A scap net is essentially a 4’x4’ dip net. The schooling herring will follow a swimbait right up to the net where they are captured.

Maneri fishes his herring off the bottom using medium and medium-heavy rods with baitrunner-style reels that allow fish to run with the bait on free spool before the angler strikes to set the hook and engage the drag. He employs a main line of 30-pound braid with a 1 ½-foot leader of 15- to 20-pound fluorocarbon. A 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus should be hooked through the bait’s mouth, and the whole rig is kept down with a 2- or 3-ounce slide swivel teardrop sinker.

Maneri said stripers don’t relate to any kind of structure on their spawning run, so the good spots are the drop offs, channels and shallows where baitfish might be funneled.

Obviously, a boat gives anglers the ability to move and seek out fish. But fishing from shore is also productive. When he fishes from the shore, Maneri uses rod holders made from PVC pipe and rebar. They can be wedged into rip-rap to free up the angler while waiting on a bite.

And the bite can be a tricky thing. Maneri said these stripers have a knack for spitting the bait. One thing is for sure, though; when the hook sets solid and the drag is engaged, a big striped bass in heavy current is a formidable opponent.

Dave Maneri is a team member of Catskill Outdoors. Look them up on Facebook.

NEVER WAX AGAIN! RESTORE AND PROTECT YOUR BOAT Poli Glow does what wax can’t!

As seen on Ship Shape TV

for more than 12 months with a finish that is “like new!”

Game ChangER FishSUP FS126 Built in 36” Fish Ruler Thick Camo EVA Footpad Removable Motor Mount 15 D-Rings For Gear & Leash

*Shown with optional accessories.

Sup Fishing Will Never Be The Same.

“Recommending Poli Glow is a no brainer.” - PRACTICAL SAILOR, the #1 consumer resource of the U.S. boating industry

FREE SHIPPING Code: CA13 | 1-800-922-5013 WATCH THE DEMO at PoliGlowProducts.com 16

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 16

MAY 2017

The new Sea Eagle® inflatable FishSUP™ FS126 was designed specifically for anglers. A full 12’6” x 40” for incredible stability, EVA foam pad for secure stand up footing when needed, heavy duty two layer drop stitch construction for a solid, super tough, super rigid SUP board and multiple d-rings and elastic cord for gear.

Motor mount holds up to a 55 lb. thrust electric motor. Paddle standing up or sitting on the Sea Eagle® Swivel Seat Fishing Rig. 800-748-8066 M-F 9-5 EST Dept CS057B 19 N. Columbia St., Suite 1, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

OVER HALF A MILLION BOATERS CHOOSE US

24/7 DISPATCH ASSISTANCE

300 & 600 300 PORTS NATIONWIDE WITH OVER 600 TOWBOATS

1,200+

TRAVEL, MARINA & BOATING DISCOUNTS Unlimited* Towing Membership – $149 a year

DOWNLOAD THE NEW BOATU.S. APP FOR ONE-TAP TOWING SERVICE

WATER TOWING SOFT UNGROUNDINGS JUMP STARTS / FUEL DELIVERY

BoatUS.com/towing 800-395-2628

*Towing details can be found online at BoatUS.com/towing or by calling.

TheSkimmer SkimmerKayak KayakMotor Motor The KitKit

The Skimmer GetThe towhere where thefish fish are, and catch more fish!

Skimmer Kayak Motor Kit Get to the are, and catch more fish!

Kayak Motor Kit Motorize your kayak or canoe!

Motorize your kayak or canoe!

The Skimmer is easy to install.

It is a lightweight (6 lbs) and fits most Get to where the are, catch more The Skimmer is easy to fish install.

It isand a lightweight (6 lbs) fish! and fits most kayaks or canoes.

Battery Operated – No gas or pollution! kayak or– canoe! kayaks or canoes.Motorize Batteryyour Operated No gas or pollution!

17 lbthrust thrust trolling made for fresh water The Skimmer islb easy to install.

It is amotor, lightweight (6 lbs) and fitsand mostsalt ••17 lblboror2424 trolling motor, made for fresh and salt water

kayaks or canoes. Battery Operated – No gas or pollution!

• 17 lb or 24 lb thrust trolling motor, made for fresh and salt water

• The Skimmer propels • The Skimmer propels a a craft knots. craft 2-52-5 knots.

• The Skimmer propels a Lasts for 2-5 hours!

Lasts for 2-5 craft 2-5 knots. hours!

Lasts for 2-5 hours!

Great forfor people whowho do do Great people

Great for people doabout not want to who worry not want to worry about not want to worry about paddling hard intointo a a paddling hard paddling hardorinto current strong wind. current or astrong wind. current or strong wind.

Also great for those with physical shoulder, back or elbow

Also great those physical shoulder, back or elbow Also great for for those with with physical shoulder, back or elbow issues.

Fish with Safety and Confidence! issues.

Fish with Safety and Confidence! issues. Fish with Safety and Confidence!

With “The Skimmer”—just sitsit back and relax, andand With “The Skimmer”—just sit back and relax, and With “The Skimmer”—just back and relax, Return Home Safely.

Return Home Safely.

Return Home Safely.

Starts at $397.00 NOW $357.00 One year, full parts Why Pay $1200?

24 lb thrust $397 17 lb thrust $347 Starts at $397.00 NOW $357.00 One year, fullyear, parts Why Pay $1200?

24 lb thrust $397 17 lb thrust $347 Starts at $1200? $397.00 NOW $357.00 full parts Why Pay 24 lb thrust $397 One 17 lb thrust $347 replacementwarranty. warranty. replacement replacement warranty. See the Skimmer in Action: See the Skimmer in Action: See the Skimmer in Action: Call • • www.kayaktrollingmotor.com Call631.440.6114 631.440.6114 www.kayaktrollingmotor.com

Call 631.440.6114 • www.kayaktrollingmotor.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 17

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

17

4/17/17 3:03 PM

Tips For Catching Picky Trout

By Charlie Warfield • Photo by John Winkler, redhouseflyfishing.com

T

he upper end of the Delaware River, and more specifically the West Branch of the Delaware in the Catskill Mountains, is a favorite of many fly anglers in Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. It can also be frustrating place, as it holds some very picky trout.

The river has a reputation for crystal clear water, and because it is a bottom-release tailwater, it has a very consistent temperature, which makes for great hatches and healthy fish year round.

It is known for being very technical, and this is just a nice way of saying it will sometimes make you want to pull your hair out.

The first time I fished it, I was tested, even frustrated by this beautiful waterway. But besides the beautiful mountain setting and endless hatches, it is in part the challenge that drove me to go back time after time. I persisted and figured out ways of tricking the beautiful native fish. I learned lessons there that have made me a better angler. The following are some insights that will give you a leg up when you go fish the Delaware or any other technical stream.

Downstream Presentation: Many anglers learned to cast upstream and let the fly drift down. But when fishing for spooky or educated fish, this method can sometimes leave you frustrated. It’s harder to get a good, long drift with a downstream presentation, but many times it is your best bet. Next time you’re having a hard time getting a take, cast out at about 90 degrees to the bank, and quickly give an upstream mend, this will help you keep a drag free drift for as long as possible. Keep mending as often as needed, letting the fly swing to its full downstream position.

Sweep-Style Hook Set: The downstream presentation should be matched with a sweep-style hook set. To use this technique, swing the rod downstream and strip the line at the same time, this will pull the line through the water, creating tension and giving a good hook set.

By swinging the rod downstream, you are also pulling the hook into the corner of the fish’s mouth rather than pulling it up and away from the fish.

Slow Down Your Hook Set: Ok, we have all done it before. It’s a tough day on the water and all of the sudden you get a strike, BAM you set the hook… and nothing. I have heard people say things like, “Next time, set the hook faster.” But most of the time the opposite is true. A good technique is to wait one second and then give the rod a gentle lift or sweep.

Match the Hatch: Picky fish know what they want to eat. There can be significant variation in color, size and body shape in the same species of fly from region to region, and there are many subspecies for each type of fly we fish. So do your homework. I suggest hiring a local guide or at least stopping in at the local fly shop. It is good to support the community, and you can never beat local knowledge.

For more tips on trout fishing, go to

ANGLERLIFE.CO

18

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 18

MAY 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

Michigan Hard Water

WEST MICHIGAN REPORTS & EVENTS

Spring Break Planning

Catch Photos + PLUS Fishing Reports Expert advice - Rivers & Streams from the areas top guides and - Inland LakesFLORIDA GULF COAST charter boat - Big Lake FISHING CHARTERS & GUIDES captains

+PLUS

Local Fishing Reports Catch Photos Tournaments & Events Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Michigan

WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGA WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGA WWW.THEANGLERMAG.COM/WESTMICHIGAN

hing c t a c s ' o h W fish?

run Ben with a nice spring e th on d ea elh ste r.

Pere Marquette Rive

A successful day out on the water with Capt. Matt Whitney.

Stacy with two mo nster walleye over caught in West12Mipounds chigan.

George displaying one of many steelhead cau while out with Sport ght Fis Michigan this spring. h

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

367_WM_16.indd 1

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Are You Attracting Mature Whitetails to Your Land?

Premier Seed Blends, Feed, and Fertilizer • • • •

Food Plot Management Timber Management Property Consulting Services 360 Habitat/Property Management

616-550-8483 TIME TO PLANT: SPRING, SUMMER or FALL

PLANT ½ ACRE

www.killerfoodplots.com

Follow Us!

Attracts "Healthy Bugs

™

TURKEy’S #1 FOOD SOURCE

ESSENTIAL GREENS & SEEDS TURKEYS CRAVE & DEER DEVOUR

PERENNIAL FOOD SOURCE THAT LASTS 3-5 YEARS!

4 LLDPE

Net Wt 5 lbs/2.27 kg

Killer Food Plot products available locally at these fine locations.

MAGNUM SPORTS 6227 S Greenville Rd Greenville, MI (616) 712-6162

SHOOTERS RANGE 5333 Curtis Rd. Traverse City, MI (231) 421-9222

ALPINE FARM AND GARDEN 6535 Alpine Ave NW Comstock Park, MI (616) 784-1068

NORTH CENTRAL COOP 3 E Main St Hart, MI (231) 873-2158

MAC ’S RUSTIC SPORT SHOP 519 Ensley ST Howard City, MI (231) 937-4372

COOPERSVILLE HARDWARE AND FEED 364 Main Street Coopersville, MI (616) 997-8051

GOLDSTAR OUTFITTERS 358 W Howard City Rd Edmore, MI 48829 (989) 427-6037

JAY’S SPORTING GOODS 1151 S. Otsego Ave Gaylord MI (989) 705-1339

JAY’S SPORTING GOODS 8800 S. Clare Ave Clare, MI (989) 386-3475

TRIGGER TIME OUTFITTERS 14514 220th Ave Big Rapids, MI (231) 796-7100

www.killerfoodplots.com

2 WEST MICHIGAN

367_WM_16.indd 2

MAY 2017

GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49509

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Big Lake Trolling  Ice Fishing  Fly Fishing Traverse City Bass  Detroit River Walleye Vertical Jigging for Lake Trout & Whitefish River Trips for Salmon and Steelhead Casting Trips for Coho Salmon Custom & Multi-Boat Trips

BASS SUPERSTORE ner

Win ize d Pr 16 20

Big Bass PHOTO Contest!

n Gra

Enter at AlnBobs.com or on Facebook Starts May 22, 2017 Catch a Bass, take a great photo, you could win a weekly prize or the Grand Prize: a Thunder Duck Lake Michigan charter!

Sportsmen Serving Sportsmen

Huge selection of soft plastics!

SAVE 10%

Yum • Berkley • Zoom • Yamamoto Xtreme • Net Bait • Poor Boys • Vicious Jackall • Reaction Innovations The hottest baits in Bass fishing today!

Expires 6/30/2017

Limit one per Customer Excludes Licenses and Ammo ca

3 Blocks south of 28th Street on Division!

Monday - Friday 8 to 8 • Saturday 8 to 5

3100 South Division

WWW.ALNBOBS.COM

888-256-2627 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

367_WM_16.indd 3

Grand Rapids

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 3

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Rivers & Streams

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Muskegon River

PHIL BELSITO

Dear Readers, The Angler Magazine that you are reading is part of a franchise publishing system that spans the Northeast, the Southeast, Florida, the Gulf and even Costa Rica and the Bahamas. In total, we have 40 franchise locations.

This Western Michigan edition that you are reading is one of those locations and I am its publisher.

B Y: C A P T. J E F F B A C O N Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures (616) 560-3195 www.westmichiganflyfishing.com

M

The Angler Magazine is looking to grow its Great Lakes presence in 2017 and we are offering franchise locations in: • Milwaukee, WI • Detroit, MI • Cleveland, OH • Rochester, NY If you love the outdoors and think you would enjoy running your own business, I would like to encourage you to check out our franchise opportunities by contacting our Corporate Office at 888-800-9794 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com.

You’ll be glad you did. I know I’m glad I did.

Sincerely,

Phil Belsito Co-Publisher West Michigan Edition of The Angler Magazine 616-957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

BEMake YOUR OWN BOSS. money doing what you love.

FREE FREE

WEST MICHIGAN EDITION

FALL

P

Trout

Tour

ay is a truly magical month on the Muskegon River in West Michigan each year, as we have a great mix of late spring steelhead, as well as resident rainbow and brown trout to pursue.

Early May will find some of our later spring steelhead arriving in the river on their annual spawning run. NOT far behind them will often be both rainbow and brown trout, eager to get an easy meal of both steelhead eggs, along with the insects that are kicked up from the gravel in the river where steelhead spawn.

With rising water temperatures mid to late May, we'll also see the beginning of our several insect hatches that provide arguably the best fly fishing that the Muskegon River has to offer, for some truly impressive resident trout.

Starting with our stoneflies come late April and maybe even into early May, followed by cinnamon caddis in mid-to-late May pending water temperatures, then sulphurs, some BWO's on cloudy days, as well as gray drakes spinner falls in the evening. ALL of this, or course, is depending on Mother Nature and the weather and water temperatures she provides us come this very transitional month for the year for the Muskegon River.

Somewhere between the last push of Lake Michigan steelhead and the onset of significant insect hatches, we have streamer time!

Some of the better Muskegon River trout can be tempted to chase down a properly presented streamer on 6 or 7 weight fly rods, with light to medium heavy sink tips. NOTHING quite like pulling a stud trout from the depths on a streamer AND having them bite!

Much of the emphasis on May trout fishing is fly fishing, as conditions set up great for some of the better fishing for the fly enthusiast. The late steelhead fishing can be with both fly fishing or light spin tackle gear. It's all a matter of personal preference.

Should time, schedules, or life in general allow, get out on any river you can in the month of May, spring is a great time in the Great Lake State of Michigan! Happy Fishing.

Bass On Fly

LOCAL

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events

PHOTO BY GARNER REID, COHUTTA FISHING COMPANY

VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 261

THEANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

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

A VA I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

Bucket List Destinations

Guided River Fishing

OCTOBER 2016

VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 262

F R A N C H I S E

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

A VA I L A B L E

For More Information

NOVEMBER 2016

www.WestMichiganFishingGuide.com

W O R L D W I D E

1116_TAM_CVR.indd 7

10/16/16 8:11 AM

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

Call (888) 800-9794 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com

TALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I OCTOBER 2016 I NATIONAL 2 4 WEST MICHIGAN MAY 2017 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM 12/14/16 1:22 PM

367_WM_16.indd 4

4/17/17 6:27 AM

TS Nomad Angler Presents

PRIMARY FEEDING TIMES

FLY of THE MONTH

May 2017 May 3 First Quarter

May 10 Full Moon

Morning

Date (EDT)

Minor

Major

May 19 Last Quarter

Minor

Major

12:39AM 5:07AM

10:38AM

5:36PM

2

1:29AM

6:04AM

11:42AM

6:31PM

4

2:51AM

7:48AM

1:51PM

8:12PM

5

3:24AM

8:35AM

2:54PM

8:58PM

7

4:23AM 10:05AM

4:56PM

10:27PM

2:13AM

6

3:54AM

8

6:58AM

9:21AM

4:51AM 10:49AM

12:48PM

3:55PM 5:55PM

----

11:11PM

6:54PM

11:33AM

10

5:50AM

11:55PM

7:51PM

12:17PM

12

6:59AM

1:25AM

9:43PM

1:48PM

13

7:38AM

2:12AM

10:36PM

2:36PM

15

11:24PM

3:47AM

9:12AM

4:11PM

14

8:23AM

2:59AM

8:49PM

----

1:02PM

12:09AM 4:35AM

10:05AM

17

12:50AM 5:24AM

11:02AM

5:48PM

18

1:27AM

6:11AM

12:01PM

6:35PM

20

2:35AM

7:48AM

2:09PM

8:13PM

21

3:07AM

8:38AM

3:17PM

9:03PM

23

4:14AM 10:22AM 4:52AM

10:50PM

5:41PM 6:56PM

----

11:19AM

25

5:34AM

11:48PM

8:10PM

12:18PM

26

6:23AM 12:49AM 7:19AM

1:51AM

9:21PM

10:26PM

1:20PM

28

8:21AM

2:53AM

----

3:24PM

29

11:22PM

3:53AM

9:27AM

4:22PM 6:09PM

2:01AM

22

3:39AM

24

27

6:59AM

9:29AM

1:04PM

4:28PM

30

12:11AM 4:50AM

10:35AM

31

12:52AM 5:43AM

11:41AM

P

ull this fly on a sink tip paired with a 6/7 wt rod. Match colors to water clarity and river bottom color depending on the day. It can be tied in any color, yellow and olive being my favorites. When the water is very dirty and high, black or dark brown would be a wise choice. Having the back hook pointed upwards allows for a top jaw hookup, which is never a bad thing. It also allows the fly to tip over slightly on the pause, mimicking an injured/dying baitfish.

3:23PM

16

19

BACK HOOK: Gama B10s sz 4 BODY: Brown Barred Rabbit Strip Yellow (impaled) WIRE: Intruder Wire FRONT HOOK: Gama B10s sz 2 BODY: Brown Barred Rabbit Strip LEGS: Copper Flash Sili Legs TOP WING: Yellow Mallard Flank HEAD: Spun and Trimmed Deer Belly Hair EYES: Super Pearl Adhesive 3/32 THREAD: Gel Spun 100d White or Yellow

9:43PM

5:19AM

6:23AM 12:40AM

Materials

7:23PM

9 11

BACKHAND BITER

Evening

1 3

BY ERICH GROSS

May 25 New Moon

5:00PM

7:24PM

9:55PM

2:22PM

5:17PM

“Best diver I have ever used period!”

– Alan R.

Directional troll fishing sinkers, allow you to effectively cover a broad area, both side to side of the boat and at multiple depths, all at the same time.

Ordering and information online at:

www.chinookdiver.com

585-820-8603 • 825 Lee Road, Rochester NY COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

367_WM_16.indd 5

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 5

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Nomad Anglers Fishing Guides & Trips Smallmouth Bass, Trout & Steelhead 25 years of experience CLASSES

The Lure That Swims, Now GLOWS in the dark!

•3 models to choose from

Fly Fishing 101 – FREE Priviate Casting Instruction Walk-In Instructionals Private Fly Tying Instruction

•Works with soft baits!

• 2 hooks Included

THREE LOCATIONS IN MICHIGAN East Lansing Grand Rapids Rochester Hills 2850 East Grand River Ave 1600 East Beltline Ave NE 158 North Adams Road 517-349-6696 616-805-4393 248-608-4875

•Made in USA Scan this code to see the lure in action at www.keweenawtc.com

Outfitting anglers with fly fishing gear since 1989

www.nomadanglers.com

Mac's Rustic is a sporting goods store, gun shop, and gas station all in one! Why deal with the rest when you can be served by the best?

519 Ensley St Howard City, Michigan (231) 937-4372 6 WEST MICHIGAN

367_WM_16.indd 6

MAY 2017

Bass fishing lures, baits, rods and reels from your bass fishing headquarters.

LIVE BAIT • TACKLE • ARCHERY • AMMO

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Rivers Streams Rivers &&Streams

Upper Pere Marquette

REPORTS REPORTS && FORECASTS FORECASTS

RoguePere RiverMarquette A

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 H U for B Ba while.

A R DThese conditions have caused B Y : G L E N R . B L A CBKYW: OJOEDF Fstaying the Rogue River to produce both shelf and anchor Outfitters Guide Service The Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company North ice and in some sections completely freeze shut.

(231) River 898-6246 anglers have a couple of choices, the obvi(616) 866-6060 ous, go ice fishing, (you will never land a fish staywww.troutmoor.net www.outfittersnorth.com ing home) or make the best of a tough scenario. I choose to make the best of what Mother Nature has created. To make the best of these tough conditions one must look to maximize time on the water and fish in a productive fashion. We can do this by preparing our equipment.

The constant issue that we face is cold air and water temperatures. How we deal with this limiting factor will determine our success. Looking at equipment first, most tackle designers never dream that someone is going to be using their rods and reels in sub 30 degree air temperatures. A common issue anglers experience is reels and lines freezing, along with ice buildup in guides. So how do we deal with this issue? To prevent freezing issues with reels, before your next winter trip, clean both your reel frame and spool completely. Remove any excess oil or grease from both, as well as any dirt. A little lubrication goes a long way with modern reels and any additional lubricant will begin to solidify, causing a binding effect between your spool and frame, leading to freezing. Dirt and sand will trap moisture also causing premature freezing of your reel. Upon finishing your angling day, bring your reels inside, remove the spool from the reel frame and allow both to completely dry and warm.

Another issue this time of the year is ice buildup in guides. There is no good way to stop this, but there are ways to negate it happening rapidly. Try placing fly floatant, cooking spray, or Vaseline on your guides to negate rapid ice buildup. Will these stop it completely? No, but they pring has arrived andof hopefully will keep you in thefinally game longer.

Happiest Holidays! for good. The steelhead

S

run on the Pere Marquette has come to an end, and now it's trout time. The Pere Marquette stays cool all year round, so resident brown and rainbow trout thrive in its waters. May is a great time to target these resident fish. Flies of choice in the early part of the month are streamers.

Splat these flies on banks using a sink-tip line, then strip it back to you across the current. Keep the rod tip moving to mimic a wounded baitfish and hang on. This method is kind of a game of cat and mouse, and you can coax some explosive takes by a giant brown or rainbow trout.

As the month rolls into June, we can see some excellent dry fly fishing.

Hendrickson's start to hatch followed by sulphurs and then into gray drakes. Spring is a great time of year to dust off the cabin fever of winter and get out and spend some time on the water. If interested in some Trout fishing you can contact me at outfittersnorth@hotmail.com and check out our web site at outfittersnorth.com for a weekly fishing report.

Grand River

BY: J E F F H U B B A R D

Outfitters North Guide Service (231) 898-6246 BY:

GREG KNAPP

www.outfittersnorth.com Getting Bit Guide Service

H

616-570-2946

www.gettingbitguideservice.com

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 anchor ice in some of the middle sections of the river system.

As winter progresses look for steelhead fishing to slow down a bit. Instead of an allday bite you will start to get short windows of action throughout the day, usually in the afternoon as water temperatures start to warm. Nymphs will also start to be a key fly to use this time of year. When the water temperatures really start to drop steelhead and resident trout are looking for whatever they can get as far as an easy meal. Hex Nymphs, Stone Flies and small Hares Ear's or Pheasant Tails can start to produce. Eggs will also work well. Try small Clown Eggs and Nukes in more natural colors. For Swinging Flies try more natural colors too, with less flash as the water clears. Sculpins in olive or brown can produce in the winter. Check out my site for some go-to patterns, www.outfittersnorth. com. Remember trout Beads are not flies and are illegal in the Flies Only Water.

You can find fish throughout the whole river system. The fish are now starting to usehe their winter pools.River Look for in much deepersmallmouth runs with wood May onruns the and Grand is afish good timeslower to target structure hide them. Youbass, can find this typewalleye, of water inand any stretch the Pere bass, tolargemouth catfish, thereofare stillMarquette, a few however because of the weather; access will become more difficult until spring. Play it dropback steelhead here and there.

If you forwhile basswading in May water is still high from safe at theare boatlooking ramps and theand river.the Practice catch and release on wildthe Pere spring rainssteelhead. target the shorelines tubes, or Marquette If they don't getwith to spawn, we spinnerbaits, don't get to hookcrankbaits, any in the future. other you find a rocky shoreline there are usually smallmouth Goodplastics. luck andIfHappy Holidays!

T

holding onto it. Try whites or chartreuse colored baits with off color water, the same colors as well as more natural colored baits work as the water clears.

The river fishes well for big flathead and channel cats in May. Try fishing some live creek chubs in front of log jams for the big flatheads.

Run heavy gear as you never know when you will hook into a big one and you will need a broomstick for a rod and some heavy line to pull them out of the wood. Channel cats can be caught on just about anything but dead shad, alewive, and skein are good baits.

Walleye are back open in May and you can find them throughout the Grand River system. Try trolling or casting crankbaits or drifting crawlers along the bottom. There are usually a lot of fish that are just under keeper size so remember to bring a tape measure if you are planning on keeping them.

There are usually a few steelhead around still in May, try your luck just below the 6th street dam or in the tributaries. They will be sitting in the faster water and beads or egg patterns are a good option to toss at them.

FLY of THE MONTH Beaddazzled Stone

T

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 367_WM_16.indd 7

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

THE ANGLER MAGAZINE

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 7

WEST MICHIGAN 9 4/17/17 6:27 AM

Inland Lakes

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Northwest Area

Grand Traverse Bay

B Y: C A P T. C H A D D I LT S

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

Sport Fish Michigan

Sport Fish Michigan

www.sportfishmichigan.com

www.sportfishmichigan.com

(877) 442-4294

A

pril's warm temperatures and moderate rainfall have set the stage for excellent open water fishing in Northern Michigan for May. Anglers will have the opportunity to target shallow water brown trout, lake trout, and steelhead along the shorelines of Lake Michigan.

The walleye opener will open the gates to all inland lakes where shallow water trolling and casting can be terrific. Grand Traverse Bay will provide endless opportunities, offering a variety of species for the taking with varying techniques.

May will be great for brown trout fishing out of Frankfort, Arcadia, Onekama, Manistee, and Platte Bay. Water temperatures will gradually reach the mid-to-upper 40’s bringing in alewives and gobies to the shallow water rock structure and inner troughs. Trolling with in-line planer boards and floating body baits can be very effective at this time. Natural colors in Yozuri, Challenger, and Rapala brands work best. Looking for murkier water with pockets of warmer temps will help anglers find larger schools of hungry fish.

Inland lake fishing for walleye in May offers the hottest action of the year for this particular species. Post-spawn walleye are very aggressive and love to feed in the shallow flats and on top of weed covered drop offs. Trolling at night with body baits in 4-12 feet of water works best. It is key to maintain a stealthy program, dialing in your trolling motor to 1.3-1.9 mph giving your baits a very subtle action. Take advantage of the cold water and limited weed growth, May will allow you to cover areas and depths that will be unfishable throughout the summer. For daytime anglers, casting a jig with a paddle tail plastic will work very well on shallow gravel structure adjacent to spawning habitat. Post-spawn walleyes often will lie in wait for baitfish in the weeds, and a paddle tail pulled over and through this weedy cover should do well.

May is one of the best months of the year to hit Grand Traverse Bay. With cold-water temperatures, anglers will find most resident species along the steep depth breaks and rock-covered flats in search of baitfish and warmer water. This sets the stage perfectly for anglers to troll, jig, and cast for cisco, whitefish, lake trout and brown trout. Anglers wanting to troll should focus on smaller spoon presentations and lead core tactics. Warrior Flutter Spoons, Stinger, and Mini Silver Streaks tend to produce positive results.

Slide-divers and down riggers accompanied by lighter fluorocarbon leaders will work as well. Both the cisco and trout will attack this program.

Jigging is also a great way to capture most all species in GTB. Jonah Jigs, Elk Rapids S-Jigs, and Swedish Pimples work well for the vertical presentations. Jigging in 80 feet and deeper will be most effective. When fishing shallower, don’t be afraid to cast a blade bait presentation along the shallower flats and drop offs. This is a great way to cover large amounts of water for hungry fish—lake trout, ciscos, whitefish, and even smallmouth bass! The bass season is still closed for keeping, and so anglers must practice catch-and-immediate-release at this time.

8 WEST MICHIGAN

367_WM_16.indd 8

MAY 2017

(877) 442-4294

S

maller inland lakes warm the quickest, and the biggest and deepest bodies of water warm the slowest. With waters ranging anywhere from the mid 40’s to the mid 50’s depending on which lake, the patterns can vary. From the onset of the season, we like to target smaller bodies of water.

Blade baits can be great when the water is below 45 degrees. With a rip and a pause, or a hopping retrieve off of the bottom, a blade bait can really pay dividends with some great bites. As the waters warm above the 45-degree mark and into the low 50’s, a jerk bait really comes into its own. Generally, a cadence involving a combination of long pauses after a few jerks or pulls of the rod tip can be the ticket to getting bites. Smallmouths are sight feeders, and often will inspect a bait for quite some time before deciding to commit.

This is a combination of audible and visual presentation. The jerking portion of the cadence creates flash and noise to call a fish in, whereas the pause portion of the retrieve can seal the deal. The colder the water, the longer the pause.

A swim bait can also be a great option this time of year. It’s also a visual presentation, but it’s subtle. For fish that are first moving up onto the flats from their deeper winter and early spring locations, they can be spooky. A subtle bait style like a swim bait can be a deadly presentation, and really shines as the waters warm into the 50’s as the fish truly go on the prespawn feed! When the waters hit the mid 50’s, a spinner bait is another great option for thunderous strikes. But don’t be too surprised if a stray pike or two also finds a spinnerbait appealing!

Grand Traverse Bay is still cold for May, as it is a big body of water that can reach down to depths over 500 feet on East Bay. Sunny days will help warm this body of water, and when we do have those sunny days, the bass will flock to the shallower waters to sun bathe on the sand. Often is the case that the bass fishing is so good on the inland lakes, both for size and numbers, that we at Sport Fish Michigan and Traverse City Bass Guide Service often steer away from the bay altogether until late May.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 6:27 AM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

367_WM_16.indd 9

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 9

4/17/17 6:27 AM

BIG Lake

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Holland

Frankfort B Y: C A P T. G R E G S H E R E M E TA

B Y: C A P T. S TA C Y C H U PA I LO

Sara K Sport Fishing Charters

River Hunter Charters

(248) 444-3984

(616) 502-4657

www.sarakfishingcharters.com

I

ts looking good for May. Anglers are catching browns, and the cohos are showing up in force. Cohos and a few kings have been showing up from depths from 80 out to 280 feet with most of the fish coming out in that 200-280 feet. The top 50 has been the best, with some fish coming down as far as 100 down. Best presentations will be spoons on the coppers and lead cores. The divers fish well with small spinnys and flies and also meat rigs.

Make sure and stay up in that top 50 feet because that is where most of the fish have been coming. One helpful hint I can give you is to stack your downrigger rods with spoons. We have had several doubles this way and try to keep the spoons 8-10 feet apart. As far as inland fishing, we are starting to see the panfish bite start, and we should start to see the walleyes dropping back after the spawn. I have fished Holland for walleyes, and there are some very big walleyes. Anglers are catching some good eaters.

Most of the big girls come out early, and the males are not far behind. The best early fishing is off the piers until the season opens and then we work our way back into Lake Macatawa. Husky Jerks, swim baits, and jigging has produced well out of Holland.

I hope we keep the coho bite going and we see a few more kings showing up this spring. The panfish bite is in full swing, and walleye fishing will stay good until the alewives show up. Good luck and good fishing.

Fishing Gear

1000’s of items in stock!

Michigan brands, tackle, reels, poles, live bait, and more!

I

t’s time to shake off the dust and re-spool those big lake rods. A new Great Lakes fishing season is upon us and now is the time to get out on the water and chase those early spring species. During the month of May, anglers can experience a fantastic near shore fishery out of Frankfort. By staying in and around the harbor mouth, as well as up and down the coastline in about 5 to 25 feet of water, anglers will be able to load up on both browns, lake trout and the occasional king salmon.

With this near shore fishery, try using lighter presentations, this includes 8-12lb test straight mono rods, as well as 1 to 4 colors of lead core off Church Tackle inline planer boards. Couple this with a few Slide Divers with a 50ft lead off each side of the boat and you will be hitting every major target zone, remember “stealth” is key here! Try a variety of different types of baits including small spoons, floating and shallow diving body baits in bright colors. Productive baits include Dream Weaver Spoon Slims in orange/red color patterns, such as the wrecking ball and mixed veggie and regular Sliver Streaks in similar color patterns.

Choice body baits include Yakima 3.0 Mag Lips in orange and gold patterns and F9 and F11 Rapalas in black/silver, wonder bread, and standard orange and gold.

Keep your trolling speed somewhere between 2.2 and 2.5 mph on your GPS. Since you are in shallow many times, these fish may want an extra boost of speed, so don’t be afraid to vary from time to time!

Shop Our Webstore at

www.capt-chuck.com

231.843.4458

5756 W. US10 Ludington, MI 49431 10 WEST MICHIGAN

367_WM_16.indd 10

MAY 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 6:27 AM

GET THE NEW VISITORS GUIDE REQUEST OR DOWNLOAD AT: CadillacMichigan.com

S R E V I R & S E K A L EXPLORE OUR

h holding 7,500 acres of prime fis d bass. er ov er off ee uk sa is M Mitchell, and gills, perch, an Together Lakes Cadillac, tions of walleye, northern pike, crappie, blue la habitat, with large popu

higan.com ic M c la il d a C | 7 5 6 -0 5 (231) 77

Big Green Egg Angler Ad_Layout 1 4/14/17 8:25 AM Page 1

Rylee’s Visit us at

ryleesace.com

3 GRAND RAPIDS LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

367_WM_16.indd 11

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 11

4/17/17 6:27 AM

BIG Lake

REPORTS & FORECASTS

Grand Haven

Ludington

B Y: C A P T. M AT T W H I T N E Y

B Y: C A P T. S E A N M C D O N A L D

Whitney Charters

Katch Me Charters

www.whitneycharters.com

www.centurycircle.com

(231) 510-2072

(616) 846-6325

S

pring fishing is in full swing with anglers catching cohos in the southern ports. News of kings has been scarce, but that’s not entirely unusual as it can be tough to get past all those hungry silvers to search for the big boys. I expect a pretty good May fishery in Grand Haven this year.

Kings will be active on the outer edges of the stained river water. This line may extend out as far as five miles but the fish will be in the top 50’ early in the month with better concentrations of kings inside of 70 FOW. When fishing the stained water, I like Carmel Dolphins, Green Dolphins, Hog Wild, Orange Crush, Capt Gary, and Mixed Veggie patterns on spoons. Standard sized Dream Weavers, Super Slims, and Stingers are all productive. Don’t be afraid to run a Magnum or Sting Ray-sized spoon as mature alewives will be around. The bigger baits will often find bigger fish.

Look for water that is stained, but not as dirty as it is right at the river mouth. Finding the right color of water is often the ticket to success, but searching may put you in areas with a lot of debris. Check your baits often.

As the month progresses, or if the fish aren’t home, follow the river water out as far as it goes and keep going if they’re not on the western edge.

As you find cleaner water, mix in some Hello Darlin or Blue Dolphin patterned spoons along with a Spin Dr. or Paddle and Fly combo on a deeper rigger or a ways back on a diver.

Some cohos, browns, steelhead and the occasional lake trout will be hanging around the shoreline, and early in the morning, the action can be great on smaller bright colored spoons and natural patterned body baits.

This fishery tends to dry up as soon as the sun comes up though. The best action for the cohos to be in 150 FOW or more with most fish deeper than 70’ down where they’re feeding on shrimp.

The same spoons mentioned above will work well for these fish.

Present your baits on riggers and coppers from 150’ to 450’ in length.

Keep a couple short lead cores out as well in case there’s food up there that forces the fish to rise up. This will definitely be the case by the middle of May when insects become a larger part of the diet and steelhead show up around slick lines on the surface. Later in the month, lake trout will be easier to target. A Trash Can Dodger with a Spin’N’Glo or 10” Chrome or a Mt. Dew Spin Dr. with the same colored Whirly Gig down deep will put some fish in the cooler. Both of these rigs will also occasionally find mature kings hanging near the bottom looking for spawning-aged alewives.

M

ay is the start of boating season. The grass is growing, the lilacs are beginning to bloom, and morels are in the woods. These are signs that the harbor water temperature is near 55 degrees and the alewives should be spawning near shore along with other river mouths. Brown and lake trout can caught near shore with the warmest water in the lake near shore during the first half of the month. The biggest browns caught are normally caught near or in the harbor if we get a good alewife spawn.

Body baits work well for browns and dodgers and whirly gigs or spin and glows on the bottom for lake trout. Around the 3rd week in May we should have some decent spring king fishing based on catches in Southern Michigan this spring. Look for spring kings when the surface temperature offshore about 5 miles is near 50 degrees. When targeting spring kings spoons are the norm, but a few flashers and flies or meat rigs can be added to your spread. One thing about spring kings is they are easily caught and they fight very well in the cold water. Plan on a spring king getting close to the boat and running around your diver rods or downrigger cables and escaping more often than in August. Spring kings love structure, they can be caught anywhere from the bottom to the surface in the cold water. Plan on having spoons at multiple depths one will come on a 2 color lead core and the next 100 feet down or more on a downrigger. A bit faster trolling speed 2.6-3.0 mph pairs well for spring kings, they are very aggressive and you can cover more water in search of them.

Ser Jus

231

ww

BO SP R FI TR TO

Best Beer in Port $

87

1 OFF

Appetizers 410 S. James Street Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 845-2522 12 WEST MICHIGAN

MAY 2017

With Coupon

Expires May 30th 2017

jamesportbrewingcompany.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

1 W 367_WM_16.indd 12

4/17/17 6:27 AM

CHARTER CAPTAINS & GUIDE SERVICES Capt. Craig Coleman 231-233-6021

Capt. Mark Williams 586-531-2763

capt.mwilliams@gmail.com

capt.ccoleman@gmail.com

Harbor View Marina Ludington, MI

www.silveraddictioncharters.com

Place your ad here for only $ per month Call 616.957.1714

50

or email phil@theanglermagazine.com

C 231.510.5862 H 231.477.5554 Riverbum@kaltelnet.net www.premieranglingguideservice.com

Serving the Pere Marquette, Manistee, Juskegon and White Rivers 231-898-6246

www.outfittersnorth.com BOOK YOUR SPRING RIVER FISHING TRIP TODAY!

Your Source for Michigan's Best Fishing Captains & Guides BIG LAKE RIVER INLAND ICE

877-442-HAWG (4294)

www.SportFishMichigan.com

Ad Space Available

Ad Space Available

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM 1 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 367_WM_16.indd 13

MARCH 2017

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 13

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 4/17/17 6:27 AM

Flowing Water 'Eyes

Target walleyes in rivers this summer with simple-to-employ trolling tactics.

BY: MA R K MA RT I N Overlooked? Yep. Under-fished? You bet. Out of sight, thus out of mind? Oh yeah. I’m talking about the populous of walleyes that live in river systems all year long.

While spring is most definitely the average angler’s go-to time when it comes to targeting walleyes in flowing water—a time when literally fish by the millions may migrate from nearby lakes to spawn— savvy anglers will search out the fish that stick around all year long.

But truth be told, although they may not be as plentiful during the summer months, there are still more than enough resident fish to fill the livewell for anyone who’s willing to take the time to target them. And the best way to go about getting an offering into the face of as many fish as possible is to cover as much water as you can.

And trolling is how I like to get this job done.

The best part about targeting river ‘eyes in summer while trolling? The tactic is simple to employ. That and you’ll catch more fish than ever.

FLOW TROLLING BASICS Trolling both upstream and down will take fish. Either way, going just the right speed is the key to catching success.

Although the Lowrance sonars I have on both my Lund’s dash and bow are always on when I’m fishing rivers, I’m not concerned about my trolling speed being displayed on their screens when fishing rivers. This is because the current speed is always changing, run to run, hole to hole, and I have to change up my tempo accordingly. Nevertheless, trolling with the correct momentum is crucial.

Instead of relying solely on the GPS, I depict whether or not I am going a good pace by how my Rapala crankbaits are running within the current. Thus why I always have my hand on the throttle of my kicker motor; so I can adjust the RPMs and speed up or slow down depending on how my lure is waggling at the moment.

Luckily, Rapala lures run true right out of the package, and swim properly when trolling upstream in a heavy current. Bump a few too many rocks, however, and you may have to tune your Rapala back to its perfect out-of-the-box wiggle.

You can do this by bending the eyelet at the head of the lure just slightly with a pair of Rapala’s Fisherman’s Pliers. (Tuning tip: Bend the eyelet in the opposite direction the lure rolls, but only ever so slight. In fact, if you feel the eyelet move, you more than likely have twisted it too far.)

Another problem with trolling over graveland rock-filled bottoms is the lure’s hooks can become dull or damaged in a short time. I’m always testing the sharpness of my lure’s hooks by placing their point on my thumbnail and then try to scrape it over its surface. If the hook slides easily, it needs to be sharpened. If it sticks,

14 WEST MICHIGAN

367_WM_16.indd 14

MAY 2017

then the hook’s plenty sharp. To sharpen, I use a Rapala 2 Sided Hook File to touch it up.

If the lure’s hooks have been severely damaged or been filed off too much from sharpening multiple times, I like to replace them with the same size Daiichi hooks. The reason for making sure to use the same size hook is that the lures may not have the same action with lighter or heavier hooks, thus fish may not strike.

IN ITS PLACE Proper lure placement is a crucial piece of the walleye-catching puzzle in rivers, thus the depth below me is something I am always watching on the screens of my Lowrance units, even more so if the water’s stained and I can’t see bottom. At all times, I need to know whether my lure is in the middle of a deep run, along its edge or up on top of a shallow, silt-filled flat.

Overall, I want my lure to be running through the deepest part of a hole or run, yet, right up tight to where it starts to rise up and get shallower. It’s along the drop offs where the majority of walleye will sit, awaiting food to drift their way.

Whether trolling with or against the current, I want to motor just fast enough so that my Rapala crankbaits, such as Shad Raps and Scatter Rap Shads, are wiggling perfectly. That is, not too fast so that they spin out of control, or, not too slowly and don’t have any action at all.

When trolling upstream it may feel as if you’re nearly sitting stationary, all the while the lure will be swimming wildly waggling with nose into the flow. The opposite holds true when trolling downstream, however, and you’ll have to motor faster than you might think to keep the lure wiggling. But not to worry, river walleyes are used to nabbing forage as it swims downstream and will strike your fast-paced bait without hesitation.

Responsive rods and line are an important part of being able to “feel” if my lure is running correctly; thus I use a medium-action Fenwick rod and ABU Garcia reel spooled with 10-pound-test Berkley FireLine.

I also like using leadcore line in rivers as I can get my lure down deep without having to let a lot of line out, and which helps in reducing snags.

A medium-action trolling rod and ABU Garcia line-counter reel filled with Suffix 832 Advanced Lead Core is my preference. And I link the lure to the leadcore via a 6-foot leader of 10-pound-test Berkley 100% Fluorocarbon.

To the tip of the fluorocarbon, I tie on a Berkley Cross-Lok Snap (not snap-swivel) to allow easy on and off when changing lures, as well allowing the bait it maximum action. Too much “hardware” and the lure’s action will be ruined.

When trolling with more than one rod at a time, I like to place all but the one I am hanging

onto in rod holders”. But just because the rod is cradled in the holder rather than my hand does not mean I am not always adjusting the amount of line that’s out at all times.

The reason for continually adjusting the length of line a rod has out is I want my Rapalas to be running “at” bottom, not “on” it. The moment I see that the lure’s bouncing on bottom, I reel in a few feet of line until the lure stops ramming into it. And if my sonar shows the water just got deeper, I will let out just enough line until the lure ticks the river’s floor, and then reel in a couple feet to make sure it’s in the strike zone.

PULLING IN THE FLOW If you have a favorite river with walleye in it, then by all means cover water by trolling.

Crankbaits fished near bottom are always a great choice. Just make sure your lures are running true and in the strike zone.

Mark Martin is a touring walleye tournament professional, as well an instructor with the Fishing vacation/schools, who live in Michigan’s southwestern Lower Peninsula. Check out his website at markmartins.net for more information.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Church Tackle Co. WE DIDN’T INVENT THE PLANER BOARD, WE JUST PERFECTED IT!

New for 2016!

Mini Lock-Jaw

Locking Arm easy to open & close

Adjustment Screw Adjustment Screw Release Release Prevention Prevention

This clip may be mini but when it comes to holding power it’s second Hole for drop weights only to it’s big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! Holds mono, super or other applications braids, power pro, lead core or copper lines without damaging the line!

The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6 Replaceable planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44.

Pad The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, drop weights and Locator holes for 1 7/8” Long works for many other applications. attaching 1/2” Wide WE DIDN’T INVENT CLIPS, to side-planers Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk WE HAVE PERFECTED THEM!

Lock-Jaw Locking Arm 2 3/4” Long x 3/4” Wide easy to open & close Hole for drop weights or other applications

Pad Line Protector inside keeps line from making contact with screw

Locator holes for attaching to side-planers

NEW! Stingray Diving Weight

Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put more fish in the boat!

(10 1/4” long, weighs about 3 oz) (7” long, weighs about 1.5 oz) The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers, Lead Core, Water strikes top surface, forcing Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 makes it harder for Stingray downward. A fish on will An all new type of planer! fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to retrieve. The Vise Clip comes force the nose upward & Stingray to a T c k h l standard with the TX-44; especially designed for lead core & copper, makes e Co rc the surface. Unpainted or painted .

Chu accidental release almost impossible.

2 snaps for each weight included TX-44 is now also available in a Tournament Easy to attach and remove.

Size #1 - .7 oz Series which comes with a Lock-Jaw Clip, Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along #40302 #40300 Stainless Steel Rear Pin and E-Z Store for drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. black unpainted Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering A one-stop shop for planer boards easy tow-arm removal. Part# 60630 Size #2 1.4 oz the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth. 7 different styles & ALL MADE IN THE USA

TX-44 Super Planer

TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer

Part# 30610 (14” x 4 1/4” x 7/8”)

#40303 unpainted

EZ Store!

For Your Planer Board Allows for easy planer storage!

#40304 orange

(Board sold separately) RIGHT

Change tow-arm & clips in a snap! Optional E-Z Size #3 - 2.7 oz

Specia -2h T2 l ackle Co. Sodus, M rc I TX Chu hurchtackle.com www.c

Store devise easily attaches to the Walleye Board, TX-44 & TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change to another tow-arm & clip then slide back on when you’re ready to fish again. Part# 40519 sold 2 per package 1 left & 1 right 2 Special -2 ckle Co. Sodus, M rch Ta I TX Chu hurchtackle.com www.c LEFT

#40305 unpainted

#40306 chartreuse

Please check with your local tackle shop first, if they don’t carry our products visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all of our great American made fishing gear, or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog.

Quality Parts Guaranteed since 1932 • New, Surplus, and Recycled • Complete Line of Cooling Auto Parts Products • Remanufactured Engines and Transmissions

• Fast and Reliable Service

• New, Recycled, and Rebuilt Driveline Components

• Friendly, Experienced, and Knowledgeable Sales Staff

LO CATIO NS Grand Rapids, MI 2525 Chicago Drive SW 616-538-5000

Kalamazoo, MI 1629 Douglas Avenue 269-381-9490

South Bend, IN 23921 Western Avenue 574-282-2900

www.wellerauto.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

367_WM_16.indd 15

MAY 2017

WEST MICHIGAN 15

4/17/17 6:27 AM

C O N T R O L

F R E A K

OWN THE FIGHT with the most advanced patent-pending drag system ever designed.

Infinite adjustment from zero to dead stop in a single drag knob rotation. Renders any previous perception of “smooth drag” to obsolescence. Completely sealed and maintenance free.

Orvis innovation. American made.

Advantage angler. orvis.com/miragereel

MICHIGAN

®

PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.

70 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE ORVIS.COM/STORES

WEST 5955 CA 16 Ad3.indd 1

367_WM_16.indd 16

MICHIGAN

MAY 2017

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

4/10/17 9:41 AM

4/17/17 6:27 AM

Powerful. Agile. Responsive.

Move almost any trailer with our powerful, compact dolly.

With Stablelock technology, our dolly won’t tip, tilt or pivot and is easily controlled with a simple thumb control switch. Our units have the ability to freewheel and smart trailer brakes are an available option for added control.

1-888-926-5517 | www.parkit360.com

SAVE YOUR BACK With a touch of a switch

TILT & TRIM

Rated for 130 h.p. & smaller motors

WHY NOT BUY THE BEST? You won’t believe it is the same boat when you experience more prop clearance, more speed, better boat handling and lower fuel consumption while using this #1 selling after market tilt & trim.

800.654.3697 Call for your nearest dealer CMC Marine, Inc., 3920 S. 13th St., Duncan, OK

cook-mfg.com

PARKIT360 FORCE 5K POWER DOLLY Even a small, lightweight boat trailer can be tricky to maneuver in tight spots.

Parkit360’s Force 5K power dolly is perfect for these situations. It provides the muscle to effortlessly move up to 5,000 pounds around corners and obstacles, and is compact enough to fit in the trunk of a small sedan.

The Force 5K is simple to operate. It connects quickly and easily to the trailer using its included 1–7/8”, 2”, 2–5/16” or 50mm ball, and Stablelock technology. A thumb toggle on the handle provides forward and reverse. With the upgraded SD B2 and B3 models, it’ll even apply electric and surge brakes in the neutral position. And at only 67 lbs., it’s lighter than a lawnmower.

Because the operator is closer to the boat and looking straight at it, clearing tight spots is no longer a nerve-wracking experience. And with the Force 5K, there is no concern over jackknifing. The ability to make acute angles is what makes it so maneuverable. A video of it in use is at bit.ly/2hOhrDJ. The Force 5K’s 4-inch-wide tires provide plenty of traction to handle a broad range of surfaces. It’s powered by a robust 1.5 hp Bosch electric motor and conventional 12V deep cell battery. It has a built-in monitor and charger.

The Force 5K from Parkit360 comes with a 2-year warranty. Its cost is $1,096, but online pricing is commonly available.

Contact Parkit360 at 130-502 Industrial Ave., Carleton Place, ON, Canada K7C 3T2. Toll-free 888-926-5517. sales@parkit360.com.

WWW.PARKIT360.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 19

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

19

4/17/17 3:03 PM

By Nadeen Welch

G

oing on vacation and trying to decide where your next excursion should be?

Fort Myers and Sanibel, Fla. offer something for everyone.

Beaches, hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, birdwatching and shelling abound here. With mild temperatures and low humidity, outside is Photo courtesy of Capt. Terry Fisher/ where you want to be Fish Face Charters after being cooped up through the winter!

If fishing is your activity of choice, you have made a great decision.

You can take the whole family, only those interested or go it alone. Your best bet for a great day on the water is to hire a professional captain or guide. You can go out on a private charter, where you and your family are the only ones on board, or you may choose a “head boat” where there will be 50 other people fishing with you. Either way, almost everything needed will be provided—boat, license, rod and reel, bait, and a good time. Usually the only things not included are sunscreen and alcoholic beverages. Make sure you ask what is included, just to make sure.

Charter guides usually specialize in a certain type of fishing. Inshore fishing trips will have you fishing the flats, mangroves and back-bays.

The advantage of inshore fishing is it is usually a more active fishing day, and a windy day won’t ruin your day of fishing. Your guide will move to

Defender

different locations to find the fish, which are not sitting still waiting for you, and provide you with a better experience. This time of year, redfish, snook, mangrove snapper, sea trout and tarpon are what you will catch.

These fish will give you a good fight and provide an exciting day on the water.

Offshore fishing trips will still provide most required items. The captain will travel anywhere from 20 to 50 miles or more offshore to find fish. While you may not catch as many fish, you Photo courtesy of Capt. Larry McGuire/Show will catch larg- Me the Fish Charters er fish like king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, snapper, grouper and sharks, such as blacktips, spinners, bulls, and possibly hammerheads. This is an entirely different type of fishing from inshore and just as fun.

Then you have tarpon fishing. The “silver king” is world famous in these waters, and people come from around the world for the opportunity to land one. The food of choice for a tarpon is a pass crab. Boca Grande is famous for its tarpon fishing history and provides a beautiful environment, if you are here specifically for tarpon fishing and a laidback island environment.

If fishing is not up your alley, visiting Sanibel and Captiva will offer you many options. J.N. Ding-Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on Sanibel Island. It is home to one of the country’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems and is well known for its migratory bird populations. Captiva Cruises operates in two locations on the island and can take you to the private island of Useppa, Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key and Boca Grande, as well as many other options. On the island’s beaches, shelling like you wouldn’t expect is the norm.

Whatever you decide to do, relax and enjoy our “IslandOlogy.”

Nadeen Welch is co-publisher of the Fort Myers edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

®

NEVER BUY FLARES AGAIN! ELECTRONIC FLARE

SOS Distress Light

a The only electronic flare that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements a One time purchase - Never expires a The only alternative to traditional flares

dar.

Item 550696 THE

Only $9999

BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK FOR LESS Over 50,000 items IN STOCK and Ready to Ship!

www.defender.com 800-628-8225 20

NATIONAL

Coastal Angler May 2017.indd 1 CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 20

MAY 2017

Most orders Placed by 4:30 et shiP the saMe day!

PWC Fishing Towers

2017

FREE Catalog!

Enclosures

Rod Holders

Casting Platform

E-Box

Accessory Mounts

Lights

Storage Bag

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/10/17 9:14 AM

4/17/17 3:03 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 21

MAY 2017

FRESHWATER

21

4/17/17 3:03 PM

FRESHWATER

N

estled in the south Georgia pines just southwest of Adel, Ga. is 3,500 acres of sportsman’s paradise known as Live Oak Plantation. Campbell Roberts and I arrived with Ranger bass boat in tow via a fence-lined, well-manicured slice of green earth that led us to the lodge at Live Oak Plantation. This is where we met our expert bass fishing guide, Max Gresham. Max is a seasoned bass angler and a member of the Valdosta State Blazers bass fishing team.

Max perfectly planned our day of bass fishing. With 10 ponds and more than 500 acres of fishable water to choose from, he had his sights

22

FRESHWATER

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 22

MAY 2017

set on two main bodies of water that had been producing quantity as well as quality bass for the past several days. What a breathtaking sight it was as we traveled the winding road past Jim’s Backyard Pond just as the fog was lifting off the water. We made our way to our first destination, Gator Pond and launched at about 7:45 a.m. Yes, there is a reason they call it Gator Pond and yes, we did see a couple of resident gators. The pond was impeccable, with its splendor of bass cover including grass, dollar pads, lily pads and submerged timber.

We had a deck full of rods with an arsenal of big bass lures tied on: buzzbaits, frogs, flukes, trick worms and jigs. Campbell was first to hook up on 3-pound bass swimming a fluke across visible grass structure. Max and I followed with several bass including two massive topwater explosions on frogs that resulted in the big bass of the day. Gator Pond was very good to us that morning, yielding about 25 bass in about four hours.

We took a break and headed back to the lodge for a quick lunch and then it was back to fishing. This time we launched the boat in Outback Pond. This pond was heavy in willow trees, laydowns and grass. The bass numbers rose quickly in this pond, one after another. The action was nonstop, cast after cast, bass after bass. We located a ball of baitfish, and the bass were close by. The fluke bite was the strongest around these schoolers, and we managed to bag another 40 bass in about four hours.

We all caught our fair share of bass on both of these fine bodies of water. You would need a week or two to thoroughly fish all the beautiful ponds Live Oak Plantation has to offer. When you visit, you must stay and dine at the lodge. The lodge will accommodate up to 12 guests in 10 rooms. There is a conference center that will accommodate groups up to 20. In addition to some of the best bass fishing in the state, Live Oak Plantation offers quail, deer and turkey hunting. They also offer tower pheasant shoots. For additional recreation, there is a well-manicured golf course that has three greens and three tee boxes per hole that allows for nine different holes of golf, and there is also a driving range.

For additional Information on Live Oak Plantation, visit their websites www.fishliveoak.com and www.huntliveoak.com or call direct at 800-682-4868. Live Oak Plantation is located at 675 Plantation Road, Adel, GA 31620.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:04 PM

SPIDER KING ROD HOLDERS

FRESHWATER BOSSMAN TECHNICAL POLING SKIFFS

18,950

FR $

COMBO PACKS

OUTRIGGERS

100% ALUMINUM EASY INSTALLATION NO DRILLING NECESSARY

“ I had the chance to test the new Bossman TailSpotter and I must say I was very impressed.

I’ve run a lot of boats in my career and this boat is as good if not better than anything I’ve driven.”

Capt. Mike Hakala, Aqua Dream Lures

SKIMMER TUNNEL HULL

21,900

FR $

GUNNEL MOUNT SPIDER RIGS www.SpiderKingRodHolders.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 23

MAY 2017

FRESHWATER

23

4/17/17 3:04 PM

FRESHWATER

WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS WANTED! The Best American Hooks & Weights For Better #Fishing

OUR PRODUCTS: Egg Sinkers • Deep Drop Sinkers • Jigs Dipsy Bass Casters • Pyramids • Bank Sinkers Ball Trollers • Fish Weight • Cigars Wahoo Trollers • 3 & 4 Prong Hooks • YO-YO’s All New Fresh Water Hooks Leadex Diving Weights • X-Ray Shielding Lead Doors • Glass And Frames

ALL PRODUCTS PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA

WWW.LEADENTERPRISES.COM

305-635-8644

24

FRESHWATER

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 24

MAY 2017

(321) 409-5712 www.aquatechmarineinc.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:04 PM

UR-Cut

FRESHWATER Fillet Knives

Come Outside & Play

The only custom moldable handle fillet knife.

Ergonomically perfect.

Virtually non-slip.

Unmatched comfort.

Unmatched control.

Takes minutes to do.

UR-Cut features the same legendary DEXSTEEL, super-sharp edge, and just-right flexibility that you are used to with Dexter...

Okeechobee, Florida

www.visitokeechobeecounty.com (863) 763-3959

1.Dip handle in boiling water for 2 minutes.

2. Dip in cold water for 1 second.

3. Grip and form handle for 10 seconds.

4. Put back in cold water for 10 seconds and your done.

dexteroutdoors.com

MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT Build Your Own Custom Saltwater Rod With This Turnkey Kit

(866) 790-RODS

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 25

MAY 2017

FRESHWATER

25

4/17/17 3:04 PM

UNDER THE SEA 26

Diving in Tonga with my new PLB

A

fter several years of traveling for work, I had enough frequent flyer miles to take my family to Australia to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. After returning home, we heard on the news that two Americans had accidentally been left at sea by the same dive operator we had chartered. The crew miscounted when tracking divers, and by the time the search began, they most likely suffered a slow, agonizing death.

That nightmare incident was portrayed in a Hollywood movie.

Unfortunately, these “left-at-sea” stories are not uncommon. Boats can become incapacitated; divers can get caught in a current; the possibilities are endless.

According to U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers, the key to getting rescued is to make yourself visible. A whistle or Dive Alert air horn might be enough to catch the attention of your boat if it is nearby. If lost, it helps if you are wearing a brightly colored wetsuit hood or deploy a brightly colored safety sausage. Even better, you can carry signaling devices such as flares, a mirror (requires sun), or glow sticks (at night). A small LED dive flashlight or strobe can be seen from afar—especially if the USCG is searching with night vision goggles.

But what if your boat sank and no one was called? What if you are in a country where there is no coast guard? These thoughts rattled around in my head before a recent trip to a remote island off of Tonga. Fortunately, advances in technology continue to provide new solutions.

PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) on the market today are small, waterproof devices designed to alert search and rescue services of your location anywhere in the world. When activated, it transmits a message on the 406 MHz distress frequency which is monitored by the COSPASSARSAT satellite system. The alert is relayed to the nearest Rescue Coordination Center. Once in the area, rescue services pinpoint your location using the 121.5 MHz homing transmitter. Unlike EPIRBs, which are registered to a specific vessel, a PLB is registered to a person and can be carried wherever you go.

Before my trip, I bought an ACR ResQLink PLB from Bass Pro for

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 26

MAY 2017

$249. It can be used on land or sea, but divers need to know that taking it deeper than 5 meters could cause the device to activate due to pressure changes, so it should either be secured to a flag float on the surface or stored in a dive canister if taken underwater. The increased peace of mind was well worth the price.

There are several similar products on the market. The Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 operates in a similar manner. Nautilus Lifeline makes a “Marine Rescue GPS” which broadcasts a distress message to all AIS equipped ships up to 34 miles away and to the marine radio on your own vessel.

The ultimate survival tool is your ability to keep calm and maintain a positive attitude while taking action to make yourself visible. Prepare ahead of time, and your chances of rescue are very good. Safe diving!

Sheri Daye is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye, go to

CAMSPEARFISHING.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:04 PM

Selected Colors & Lengths

A Full Service Marine Lumber Yard

Specializing In Lumber, Pilings, Decking and Dock Accessories 3 LOCATIONS Showroom: CAPE CORAL 1005 S.E. 10th St. • 239-573-6857 FORT MYERS 10871 Kelly Rd. • 239-267-6857 CHARLOTTE COUNTY 3055 S. McCall Rd. • 941-474-0099

ShorelineLumber.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 27

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

27

4/17/17 3:04 PM

CAPTAINS OF FISHER GUIDING 28

A CAPTAIN AND HIS LUCKY LADY, FISHING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

BY LUKE CAMBELL

R

obert Mitchell hasn’t stopped chasing marlin since childhood, when he would see the species or its larger-finned counterpart, the sailfish, mounted on walls of seafood restaurants. After catching plenty wall-worthy fish in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico over the years, Robert chose the Virgin Islands to begin living his dream as a charter captain. Now, he takes guests on his boat, The Lucky Lady, to catch marlin and other trophy fish surrounding St. Thomas and St. John.

After visiting St. Thomas frequently over the last 10 years, local mainstays on the island have helped Capt. Mitchell settle in since moving there permanently in January. Mitchell said, “Jimmy Loveland has been great to go over to and get advice. Getting to talk to a legend like Jimmy has been fantastic. Jim on the Black Pearl (a fellow USVI sportfishing charter) came over and welcomed me into town. He is a good guy, and I would do anything for these two people.” The name Jimmy Loveland may be familiar to those who follow sportfishing. Loveland founded Marlin Magazine and the USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament that runs every August in St. Thomas.

In addition to advice from fellow anglers, Lady Luck has loyally followed Capt. Mitchell to teach him the nuances of fishing here.

Mitchell explained, “Everywhere I have fished, I have been blessed with good luck in finding boils, birds and porpoise. Birds down here are very few. When you see a bird, you better follow it. When you see the porpoise, you might make one or two passes, but that’s it. The lonely bird has been far more successful. The other places I have fished, you looked for a flock of birds and when following the porpoise, you were just about guaranteed a tuna strike.”

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 28

MAY 2017

Another key difference anglers find in the Virgin Islands is distance. In contrast to other destinations Mitchell has fished, the boat ride is short. The South Drop is 6 miles from dock, and the North Drop is only 20 miles. These drops are famous. While fishing, Mitchell has watched the bottom drop from 90 to deeper than 3,000 feet in a matter of minutes. Paying close attention, and staying over the intended depth is important.

Capt. Mitchell described a recent trip aboard The Lucky Lady when that awareness paid off for anglers. They started the day trolling around a FAD (fish-attracting device) when four out of six lines hit on a school of blackfin tuna. They put their spread out again, started trolling, and then the line popped with a 180-pound blue marlin. The group also caught a wahoo of about 45 pounds and a 25-pound kingfish. “It was a great day on the boat, and everybody got a chance to sit in the (fighting) chair and take a turn,” said the new captain.

Luke Cambell is a co-founder of Fisher Guiding, an online marketplace to find and book fishing guides, which is proud to partner with Capt. Mitchell and The Lucky Lady.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:04 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 29

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

29

4/17/17 3:04 PM

C

ustom rod building has entered an era of resurgence, with new components, fresh design concepts, and, most importantly, a broad base of sophisticated anglers and creative rod builders driving developments on multiple levels.

Today’s avid angler understands the importance of the rod with respect to a given approach or technique. Credit this recognition in large part to the broader segmentation of the markets for fishing rods and lines. Anglers have a much broader selection of both to choose from. More importantly, they have learned to discriminate and apply the right variations to the proper settings.

With better understanding and experience, a fisherman begins to dial in on the nuances that make a rod better suited to the technique and personal preferences.

Custom rod makers can give an angler everything he wants from essential components to bells and whistles.

While “personalization,” artistry and uniqueness drove custom rod making in the past, functionality and comfort are driving custom rod projects today.

“I used to have three to five rods that I would use for a given technique,” recalls bass tournament angler and rod builder Chris Adams of Mud Hole Custom Tackle and a member of the Winn Grips pro staff. “One had the guides I liked. Another had a more comfortable reel seat that added to the rod’s sensitivity, but it didn’t have the backbone or action I wanted. Another had the right power and action but didn’t have the components I liked. I realized the easiest way for me to get everything I wanted into one rod was to build it myself, the way I wanted it!”

Adams notes that rod grips from Winn (www.winngrips.com) factor into

30

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 30

MAY 2017

many rod-making decisions.

The comfort and tackiness of these all-weather grips provide sure-handed angler control.

Bass fishermen have driven a lot of technique-specific rod customization. But more and more saltwater anglers are tailoring rods to their task. Many saltwater anglers have taken up custom rod building as hobby or a basement business to build their own rod arsenals. Classes in rod building are available across the country.

At the Saltwater Fishing Expo in Somerset, New Jersey, in March, the custom rod craze was evident. Fishermen were building rods for everything from flounder fishing to trolling for big game species. Saltwater anglers often have a more complex set of needs, from guides resistant to corrosion to rod handles that provide adequate control and comfort.

A lot of attention at the Winn booth centered around the sneak preview of new tapered rod grips for heavy-duty saltwater fishing, available in multiple lengths and diameters, and the new Winn Rod Handle System.

Winn also unveiled a durable and versatile extension of its very popular overwrap, Winn Superior Rod Wrap. Like its predecessor, it can be the primary material in an original rod handle or applied over an existing cork or EVA grip. Winn also will expand its Saltwater Straight Cylinder line of 1.25-inch diameter grips this summer with black grips ranging to 18 inches in length.

Get to know a rod builder in your area to create the perfect rod for any technique or style of fishing. Or take up the practice yourself!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:04 PM

WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES

44

TOURNAMENT

WINS

RIGGED N’ READY!

TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED

“TOP GUN” SALTWATER TROLLING LURES

714-545 0196 6-pak Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case

FREE SHIPPING!

www.BALLYHOOD.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 31

MAY 2017

NATIONAL

31

4/17/17 3:04 PM

# 1 SEL

RAP ALU

Multi-Mounts

ITEM 6 62160/ 60569 s

Mount all your vital angling tools and protect your investment.

Great for sonar, chart plotters and GPS units.

Kayaks And Sonar:

SUP

How Big Is Too Big?

$5

By Paul Lebowitz

Aluminum/Stainless Steel 4” to 14” Fiber Composite 4”

Trolling Motor-Mount Easily secure your trolling motor to prevent damage in transport or high-speed boating.

Aluminum/Stainless Steel 10” NEW Aluminum/Stainless Steel 14”

For more innovative products, visit www.AnglersPal.com Another great innovation by MarineTechProducts.com

MTP-17-005 Angler's Pal Ad (Coastal Angler)_AMH.indd 1

f/Anglers-Pal

B

ack when everyone else was rocking a 3.5-inch grayscale fishfinder, Gary sported a color 7. He always seemed to catch fish. One day I had the nerve to ask him, “Hey Gary, how much did that thing cost?”

“More than the kayak,” was the deadpan response.

That was years ago. Since then, sonars are more and more capable and feature rich, for less scratch. A Lowrance Hook-7 will run you $449, much less than the kayak. Downscan and side imagining are commonplace.

Over time, screen sizes grew until Gary was no longer the exception, he was the rule.

So how big is too big? The answer depends on your bank balance and risk tolerance as well as the water you fish and the kayak you captain. Five to 7 inches seems like the sweet spot for kayak use. The screens are wide enough to offer high-resolution readability, yet compact enough to stay out of the way of a cast—or your foot.

These days the better question might be, “How big is the transducer?” For peak performance, it’s best to mount a modern transducer in direct contact with the water. Some transducers require adapters such as the Lowrance Ready Total Scan plate to fit properly. Alternatively, kayak anglers can go the MacGyver route and craft their own adapters. Where there’s a will and fish to be caught, there’s a way. Just ask Gary.

$

7

Com

SA $7

Custo

LIMIT 3 from origin

SA 64

BIG ICE

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE!

4/11/2017 11:19:28 AM

TRAYS

Custo

-Makes six 4” Cubes -10 lbs. of Ice per Tray -Last twice as long!

-No more plastic bags -Save money by easily reusing

LIMIT 9 from origin

bigice.com contact@bigice.com

contact@bigice.com | 504-710-7766

$ Fishing Lights Dock Lights Flounder Lights

www.power-pole.com

32

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 32

MAY 2017

785-621-2646

LIMIT 5 from origin

SAV 59%

Custom

fishinglightsetc.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

LIMIT 9 from origin

4/17/17 3:04 PM

hft_coas

# 1 SELLING

RAPID PUMP® 1.5 TON ALUMINUM RACING JACK ITEM 68053 62160/62496/62516 60569 shown

SUPER COUPON

$5999

$

20% OFF

3 GALLON, 100 PSI, OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS A. HOT DOG

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles • Lightweight 34 lbs.

ITEM 69269/97080 shown

A

B. PANCAKE

ITEM 95275 shown 60637/61615

SAVE 59%

99 79$129 .99

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

JACKS IN AMERICA

FREE WITH

6 PIECE SCREWDRIVER SET

ITEM 62728/62583 47770/62570 shown

ANY SINGLE ITEM

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase.

Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567.

Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented.

Valid through 9/1/17. Limit one FREE GIFT coupon per customer per day.

YOUR CHOICE

SAVE $70

$3999

B

$

Voted Best Winches

SUPER COUPON 2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

5499

Compare

Customer Rating

$98.62

ITEM 61258 shown 61840/61297 68146/63476

Customer Rating

$

SUPER COUPON

$4999

6999 $119.99

Compare

• Weighs 14.3 lbs.

• 11-1/4" W x 4-1/8" H

SAVE $70

Customer Rating LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

MOVER'S DOLLY

• 1000 lb. capacity

ITEM 60497/93888 shown 61899/62399/63095/63096 63098/63097

ITEM 69249/69115/69137 69129/69121/877 shown

$2

99

4

Compare $ 34 $8.48

LIMIT 9 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

$799

$

ITEM 93454/69054 63395 62603 shown Tools sold separately.

SAVE $265

SUPER COUPON

$129

99

Customer Rating

$

15999

SIZE MED LG X-LG

ITEM 62434/62426 62433/62428 62432/62429

SAVE 60% $ 99

YOUR CHOICE

$399 Customer Rating

Compare

™

5

$9.98

$99

99

METRIC

7

$ 99 $14.97

LIMIT 9 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 33 hft_coastalangler_0517_M-REG109337.indd 1

SAVE $106

$

2000 WATT CONTINUOUS/ 4000 WATT PEAK POWER INVERTER

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

ITEM 60432/69662 shown

$

3/8" x 50 FT. RETRACTABLE

SAVE $138

AIR HOSE REEL ITEM 93897 shown 69265/62344

SUPER COUPON

$5999

$119

13999 $215.41 SUPER COUPON

12999 $205.99

Compare

LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

ITEM 69651 18 VOLT CORDLESS 3/8" DRILL/ 62868/62873 68239 shown DRIVER WITH KEYLESS CHUCK

Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

Customer Rating

$

Compare

LIMIT 4 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 69043/63282/42304 shown

Blade sold separately.

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY

SAE

Compare

$339

99

ITEM 63054 69034/62858 shown

9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED COMBINATION WRENCH SETS

$599

Compare

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 9 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

YOUR CHOICE

19999 SAVE $95

Item 62429 shown

$395

ITEM 42305/69044/63171

$13499

LIMIT 4 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

MECHANIC'S GLOVES

Compare

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

$

Compare

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

• With Laser Guide

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 5 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

SAVE 59%

ITEM 69684 shown 61969/61970

1099 $19.97

LIMIT 9 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

204

$

12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

60", 4 DRAWER HARDWOOD WORKBENCH

SUPER COUPON SAVE

SAVE 59%

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

LIMIT 4 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

SAVE 64%

7

$ 97 VALUE

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Bauer, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Hercules, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, StormCat, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 9/1/17.

Compare

ANY PURCHASE

7999 $198.45

Compare

LIMIT 5 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

SUPER COUPON

900 PEAK/700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS GENERATOR

ITEM 63024/63025 shown

SUPER COUPON

SUPER COUPON

$1699

SAVE 65% $1999 Compare $49

LIMIT 7 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM Use Coupons: In-Store, HarborFreight.com or 800-423-2567

$8999

Customer Rating

SAVE NOW

$

10999

LIMIT 3 - Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 9/1/17.

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare” or “comp at” price means that the same item or a similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare” or “comp at”

price2017 by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days.

MAY NATIONAL 33 Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other

meaning of “Compare” or "comp at" should be implied. For more information, go toHarborFreight.com or see store associate.

4/17/17 3:04 PM PM 4/6/17 4:35

suzuki spring savings Three Limited Time Offers Make A Good Deal Even Better Suzuki Gives You All Three So You Don’t Have To Choose One Or The Other

Buy a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 300 horsepower and take advantage of not just one, but ALL THREE Suzuki Spring promotional offers.

Add cash rebates on select models and you can get up to $800 cash back. Plus our Repower Financing is available at attractive interest rates (on approved credit.*)

Just say, “Gimme Six!” and you’ll get six years of product protection. That’s right, you’ll get Suzuki’s three-year limited warranty and Suzuki’s 3-Year Extended Protection Plan at no extra charge.

See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today and find out how you can get the ultimate deal on the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard.

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

Cash Rebates on select models.

See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE

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

For details and the name of your nearest participating Suzuki Marine dealer, visit www.suzukimarine.com

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 300 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska.

Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Cash Rebates apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate rebate form at time of sale. Customer will have the choice to either apply the cash rebate against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account) or have a check sent directly to the customer. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your 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 4/01/17 and 6/30/17. “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. © 2017 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

34

NATIONAL

MAY 2017

CANGL_NAT3-NAT42.indd 34 SZ_Q2Promo_1PG_WIPv2.indd 1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/17/17 3:04 PM 3/12/17 5:04 PM

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

for your boat 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. Š 2017 GEICO

COMMON CVRS_0517.indd 3

4/17/17 12:07 PM

© 2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

THIS SEEMS TO BE THE PLACE WHERE ALL THE FISH HANG OUT. I THINK I’LL DROP IN.

12”

PROGRAMMABLE

HOT KEYS

PRELOADED

BUILT-IN

BLUECHART® G2 + LAKEVUU¨ HD CHIRP SONAR + CLEARVUU¨ + SIDEVU¨

GPSMAP® 1242xsv

COMMON CVRS_0517.indd 4 Coastal Fishing Ad_US-8.125x10.875-CoatalAngler.indd 1 17-MCJT512 GPSMAP 1224xsv

4/17/17 PM 3/8/17 12:07 9:13 AM