The Angler Magazine - March / Western North Carolina

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA EDITION

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Outdoor Apparel Spawning

Slab Crappie

Bass On The Beds

Local

Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB RICE, THE ANGLER MAGAZINE ATLANTA VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 277

F R A N C H I S E

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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).

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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BLEED TRIM

SAFETY

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

Dear Readers,

FLORIDA

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

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

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

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

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

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

WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

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

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

Owning a Fishing Magazine

This edition of the magazine is being brought to you by your local publisher. Their contact information is shown on the left of this page. They’re doing a great job to make sure that you receive accurate fishing forecasts and marine related information every month. They also ensure that you can easily find a copy of the magazine throughout your community. They also make sure that this magazine continues to be available to you for free.

As you read the magazine, you’ll notice that business owners place their ads in the magazine. That’s what keeps this magazine free to the public. Your local publisher of the magazine would appreciate you letting these businesses know that you saw their ad in the magazine and that you appreciate their support of this resource.

Our publishers do a great job of providing this resource to your community. You might even consider sending them an email or a call to let them know you appreciate what they do. Everybody enjoys hearing “Good job” from time to time.

If you or someone you know would be interested in learning about our franchise opportunities, we would love to hear from you. We want to expand our magazine throughout the country. Owning your own fishing magazine requires hard work and dedication, but it can be a very rewarding profession. Some say “the best job you’ll ever have.”

We currently have over 30 locations, and we have been franchising the magazine for 10 years. If you would like to turn your passion for the outdoors into a profession, give us a call. We may have just what you’ve been looking for.

Best regards,

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

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

INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

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

SAFETY

Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com

1-888-800-9794

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Outdoor Apparel FISH HIPPIE FLATWATER COLLECTION SHUCKERHUT PLAID Those who live an outdoor life should be able to represent it in their casual lives as well as “out there.” That’s the idea behind Fish Hippie, which was created by anglers who favor good times with friends, time on the water and “drifting off course” as often as life allows.

New for spring 2018 from the Fish Hippie Flatwater Collection, the Shuckerhut Plaid blends on-the-water comfort with casual style of the highest quality. Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the Shuckerhut delivers a silky-smooth touch with an apt range of movement and flexibility. Hidden-button collars prevent dreaded “collar flare,” while double chest pockets and two back shoulder pleats converge for an elevated level of functional, yet casual, style. The specially created four-way stretch fabric is 30+ upf, wrinkle and stain resistant and is easily worn fishing, as well as to the office or a night on the town.

The Flatwater Collection is the latest offering from Fish Hippie for those more at home on the road less traveled. Learn more about Fish Hippie and survey all the lifestyle-driven gear and apparel at www.fishhippie.com.

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L.L.BEAN ULTIMATE FISHING SHIRT L.L.Bean recently introduced its new Ultimate Fishing Shirt, and it’s exactly what you need for a long day on the flats or a wade trip up your favorite stream.

The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is a technical fishing shirt, thoughtfully designed with a combination of fabrics for ease of movement, comfort and durability. It looks good and keeps you dry with moisturewicking fabrics, but what makes it the Ultimate Fishing Shirt is its ability to provide protection from both biting insects and the sun’s harmful rays.

With UPF 50+ sun protection and No Fly Zone technology to repel insects, this shirt eliminates two of the most prominent factors that lead to discomfort on the water. It features four chest pockets to hold essential gear, it can be worn tucked or untucked, the sleeves can be rolled up and secured, and an extended collar unrolls from hidden snaps to provide added protection from the sun.

The slightly fitted design offers a relaxed fit through the chest and sleeve, with a slightly slimmer waist to both look good and provide for unhindered movement.

The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is available in Dusty Sage, Marine Blue and Graystone colors.

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CAPSMITH REEL ANGLER HEADWEAR

SHIMANO EVAIR BOAT SHOES

Do you need custom headwear? Capsmith Inc. is the No. 1 trusted source for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with more than 33 years of experience in the headwear industry.

A wholesale distributor of fishing headwear, Capsmith has a line of stylish hats designed specifically for anglers. Their Reel Angler headwear collection celebrates life out on the water. Their in-stock Reel Angler collection comes in a variety of cool fish designs including dolphin, marlin, tarpon, sailfish, yellowfin, bass, snook, seatrout and redfish.

These five-panel caps feature sublimation printed crown and bill inspired by nautical maps. A 3D embroidered Reel Angler logo on crown adds a premium look to this one-of-a-kind cap that features an extended bill with a green undervisor to avoid water glare. A soft performance mesh back and snapback closure ensures comfort for extended wear.

Wholesalers, distributors or custom-made customers can contact Capsmith at 1-800-228-3889 or sales@capsmith.com.

Perfect on the deck of or a boat, Shimano’s new Evair boat shoes offer both style and function for all kinds of fishing. The ultra lightweight EVA midsole provides all-day comfort, and if they get wet, the upper mesh is made from a quick dry fabric. The heel can be bent down to wear like a sandal.

Relying on its expertise with cycling shoes from its bicycle components division, and Shimano’s success with its Evair marine/ fishing sandal and award-wining Evair flats boots, Evair boat shoes include design features like a exposed EVA soft material on the inside front sole to better grip a trolling motor pedal. The non-marking sole is welcomed on any boat, plus it provides traction on a wet surface.

Designed, developed and manufactured by Shimano, Evair boat shoes are offered in two colors – blue and navy – and in whole sizes from 7 through 13.

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This woven button-up, longsleeved shirt is fully featured with Columbia’s new Omni-Shade Sun Deflector and OmniFreeze Zero to help keep you cool and protected for long days on the water.

This key style for Columbia PFG is strategically zoned and offers the sun-deflecting dots exactly where you need it on the shoulders and back, to help protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition, this shirt has a sun protection collar, roll-up sleeves, rod holder and Light Rail zippered chest pockets.

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CAPITAL SPORTSMAN ULTIMATE HYBRID The Ultimate Hybrid from Capital Sportsman is more than a great fishing shirt. Capital Sportsman set out to design one shirt that would be functional for any outdoor activity, while being stylish enough for indoor activities – the ultimate

hybrid shirt.

Available in three original patterns, four solid colors and limited-edition seasonal patterns, it was designed for comfort and is made of a 100% cotton twill fabric with a baby-soft hand. It also has a special “soft-as-butter” under the arms and in a back vent which provides exceptional ventilation. A relaxed fit provides freedom of movement for casting.

Other features include a roll-up sleeve tab, two easy-access chest pockets and a secured zipper pocket for important documents such as a license or passport. There is also a utility loop, which is important if you need to keep that extra fly handy.

The Ultimate hybrid already has people talking. Cory “Ruthless” Routh of Ruthless Outdoor Adventures said the Ultimate Hybrid is, “more comfortable than anything I’ve ever tried on. I can go from the field to the office, no problem.”

WWW.CAPITALSPORTSMAN.COM

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Product Reviews

SIMMS CHALLENGER JACKET

KLUCH MAKIN’ MOVES COLLECTION

From bitter early morning cold through late-afternoon storms, the outside elements can be a distraction when you’re zoning in on the end of your line. Simms’ men’s Challenger Jacket fights back against the elements with heavy-duty Toray fabric and fully taped seams for completely waterproof, breathable comfort.

Fleece-lined pockets warm your hands in the most numbing weather. An adjustable storm hood packs away in the collar, and a storm flap with water-resistant zippers adds protection from the driving rain. This jacket will keep you warm and dry while you fish, regardless of the type of fishing you do.

Whether you’re making a move toward the hot bite or looking to reset your spread, the new Kluch Makin’ Moves collection has the perfect shirt for every offshore angler. These shirts are available in short or long sleeve cotton. Each shirt sports a classic distressed design with comfort in mind. Head on over to Kluch.com today and get your hands on one before they’re gone!

WWW.SIMMSFISHING.COM

Hooked Soul is an outdoor apparel company offering premium men’s and women’s clothing, specifically designed for extended wear, comfort and with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Hooked Soul is an extension of the wearer’s passion for sports, hobbies, and lifestyle experiences with family and friends. Whether fishing in the blue waters of the ocean or freshwater lakes, rivers and streams, each outdoorsman demands comfort and protection from the elements.

Hooked Soul was founded in 2014 by three friends and fishing enthusiasts. The inspiration for Hooked Soul came from being outside, the camaraderie and the thrill of the day’s catch. Their passion for an outdoor lifestyle led these three friends to research and bring to market superior performance clothing, the kind they always wanted for themselves.

Today Hooked Soul has become an expression and a lifestyle. Hooked Soul, do you have it?

HOOKED SOUL

WWW.KLUCH.COM REALTREE FISHING HAT Realtree has always been about family, friends and the outdoors. As the America’s No. 1 camo pattern, the iconic brand has been providing quality to those who love the outdoors since the 1980s.

Last year, Realtree entered into the fishing world with a lifestyle brand ideal for sportsmen and women who trade their bows and guns for fishing rods during the summer months. Realtree Fishing gives an additional connection to the brand they know and respect.

Check out their good-looking Realtree fishing hats. They come in several different colors and designs perfect for fishing or everyday wear. These mid-profile hats feature the cool fishhook Realtree Fishing logo embroidered in the front panel, mesh backing and plastic snap closure.

WWW.REALTREE.COM SOFTSCIENCE FIN 3.0

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DICKIES WATERPROOF BREATHABLE REFLECTIVE JACKET From the job site to the boat deck, Dickies’ Waterproof Breathable Reflective Jacket has it all. It keeps you comfortable, dry and protected from the elements while providing greater visibility in low light conditions.

• Waterproof: The jacket is water resistant and its chest and lower pockets feature waterproof zippers.

• Breathable: At just 5.6 ozs., this jacket is lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions.

• Reflective: For safety, this jacket features enhanced visibility in low light conditions. It appears to light up when light is flashed upon it. 100% Polyester reflective print 10K/10K lamination.

WWW.DICKIES.COM OT WEAR CUSTOM APPAREL OT Wear designs using vivid colors and unique, custom graphics to exceed their customers’ expectations. Their professional designers create custom jerseys and athletic apparel for whatever activity you choose.

Distinctive dye-sublimated graphics combined with vivid colors on high performing, comfortable and durable apparel will give you a distinctive edge to stand out from the crowd. Your sponsors will be blown away with how their logos are showcased on your jersey.

Let OT Wear outfit you or your team in style with a range of men’s and women’s cuts and

The Fin 3.0 fishing shoe adds a four-eye textile lacing system, an easy-on pull tab and EVA reinforcements on critical toe, forefoot and ankle locations to provide maximum stability in virtually any weather condition.

Like all SoftScience shoes, it is lightweight, superbly cushioned and stable, with a woven, breathable reinforced upper. The forefoot water flow system is ideal for worryfree water activity, keeping your feet stable and not slippery.

A relaxed fit, the shoes have a removable, washable Trileon insole and Trileon nonmarking, slip-resistant outsole.

WWW.SOFTSCIENCE.COM choice of performance fabrics. They can give you true brand consistency by matching your other marketing materials. Submit your own artwork or let the designers work with your graphics to create highperformance apparel that is unique to you. You will have a stunning, unique look that won’t be matched by others.

All of OT’s apparel is made in the USA, from fabric to finished product. Contact them today and let them help you create an extraordinary new look for you or your team.

WWW.OUTDOORTECHWEAR.COM

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FISH & FISHING

Finding The Touch MARK SOSIN

T

oo many anglers blame what they consider the obvious when they are not catching fish. They reason that the fish aren’t hungry, they’re not fishing in the right spot, or the lure they have chosen is not producing the results they expected.

Sometimes, it merely takes a subtle touch to turn frustration into success.

Although my father fished around the bend many years ago, I still marvel at his skill working a yellow Upperman bucktail in the ¼- or 3/8-ounce size. To this day, I have never met an angler who could come close to matching his success with that single lure.

He caught countless species on that bucktail, from striped bass, bluefish and weakfish, to redfish, trout, bonefish, permit and tarpon. Even when I stood next to him and tried to match his every move, I fell far short. What that taught me is that some simple thing in the retrieve (or lack of one) can make a major difference.

Let me share a few examples with you. Two of us fishing side-by-side were casting MirrOlures. They were the same model and the same color. He would get strike after strike, while I could barely get a fish to hit my lure. No matter how closely I watched him, I couldn’t detect any difference in the area we fished and the speed of the retrieve. I had to threaten to physically harm him if he didn’t tell me what he was doing. The only difference was that he occasionally vibrated his wrist on the hand

holding the rod.

That caused the lure to flash just like a baitfish, and a predator reacted to that instantly.

In another example, my friend and I were both fishing a swimming plug with a lip.

During the retrieve, it would dive down, but if you stopped reeling the lure would start to float back to the surface. Once again, my partner got strike after strike, and I could barely catch an occasional fish. All he was doing was swimming the plug for a short distance, pausing for an instant, and then continuing the retrieve.

Every time he paused, the plug would start to rise in the water column and then dive again when he resumed reeling. The sudden dive made it appear the lure was trying to escape from a predator. That’s all it took.

Here’s one more example.

The successful angler would start with a rather slow retrieve and then speed it up about halfway back to the boat. If a fish happened to see the plug, the change in speed would make it appear as if the plug were trying to get away and that’s a trigger mechanism.

Seasoned anglers who fish artificials and score frequently limit the number of lures they carry and develop a touch for each one that produces strikes.

Basically, there is more than one way to fish any artificial.

My suggestion is that you keep trying a variety of subtle approaches until you become the angler that others envy and try to copy.

For more about artifical lures with Mark Sosin, visit

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FLY FISHING

Fly Reel Backing

L

osing a big saltwater gamefish after it is hooked and decides to head for the horizon is, in many instances, the result of filling your reel with backing that is either too short or too light. It can ruin an otherwise wonderful trip. Also, making wrong choice in backing can lose you not only your fish, but worse, it can cost you a very expensive fly line.

Twenty-pound backing is a good choice for most inshore saltwater fly fishing situations, and 30-pound backing will more than fill the bill in getting you through a tussle with an uncooperative bluewater gamefish.

The Old School Frame Of Mind: Dacron These days there are many choices when it comes to choosing backing for your fly reels. Some anglers prefer braided backing because of its small diameter. I prefer the tested and trued performance of standard hi-vis Dacron.

Why? Because, It’s easier on the fingers while fighting big fish, and it does not have the tendency—as braid does—to dig into itself when reeled back onto the fly reel.

How Much Do You Need?

Your fly reel should house a minimum of 175 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing. Many inshore saltwater gamefish will make initial runs of from 75 to 100 yards before they turn and settle into a fighting mode.

For bluewater fly fishing, 30-pound Dacron or gel spun is standard. A minimum of 300 yards should fill these reels. Big bluewater gamefish like the tuna and marlin will run off 200

yards of backing before you’ve had time to say, “Come back and fight like a man!” These fish can also dive to great depths, thus making essential an abundant supply of backing.

One caveat to remember is “Don’t short-line your backing.”

Best Color For Backing?

The phrase “getting into your backing” always arouses excitement through a saltwater fly fisherman’s being each time he hears it. There is nothing more exciting than witnessing one hundred yards of water-shedding backing slicing through the water, pulled by a bonefish, tarpon, sailfish or marlin. It’s a common occurrence in saltwater fly fishing. When this happens, the color of your backing is essential in tracking the fish’s direction. Is it swimming at an angle or is it sounding. Make no mistake, eventually every saltwater fisherman experiences this.

High-visibility backing will help determine how to fight the fish. For instance, when tarpon fishing it is important that you are able to turn a tarpon’s head during the tussle, a move aimed at keeping the tarpon off balance and assuring the fish is brought quickly to the boat. Also, the use of hivis backing allows the angler a better sight-line in tracking the fish’s direction so pressure may be applied in an opposite direction.

The best colors? As I stated above, I prefer hi-vis backing in bright yellow or bright orange, both highly visible backing regardless of weather conditions or water coloration.

For Tackle Box Essentials from Bowman, go to

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

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

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W

hen Yamaha introduced the 19-foot 190 FSH center console boat in 2016, the company tapped into a segment of boaters who want to fish more than runabout owners, but who also want to tow and entertain more than other center console owners.

By all accounts, Yamaha’s “family sports hybrid” concept proved to be a success.

Featuring an innovative, yet familiar, center console deck design, a performance sports boat hull, and the versatility unique to jet power, the 190 FSH is attracting more younger, first-time buyers than traditional center console brands, and is already the second best seller in the category.

For 2018, Yamaha is expanding their FSH offering to include a 21-foot model that is better suited for rougher waters and delivers the added peace of mind that comes with dual engines. And because the motors and driveline are tucked in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, the boat provides an open 360-degree experience that fishermen love.

The 210 FSH includes all the features that fishing enthusiasts require, along with family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include water sports, swimming and lounging—all in the same boat, and at a competitive price starting under $40,000.

The 210 FSH is available in three variations that include the base model 210 FSH, an upgraded 210 FSH Deluxe, and the flagship 210 FSH Sport that offers the features of the Deluxe with the addition of a custom T-top. All three models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines.

210 FSH Walkthrough Starting at the bow, there is comfortable, padded seating with ample room for four adults. The padded cushions snap off, so they are easy to store or leave at home when you are heading out for a fishing trip.

Under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles.

In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts up to reveal a cavernous storage area that also serves as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure included on the Deluxe and Sport models.

The 210 FSH is loaded with the angling features one would ex-

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pect in a premium center console boat to include coaming pads, vertical and horizontal holders for 14 rods and a 26-gallon aerated live well. A cool feature you won’t find on other center console boats is Yamaha’s exclusive Jet Wash system that uses pressure from the jet pumps for easy cleanup of the cockpit, whether you land a big fish or the kids fill the boat full of sand.

The Helm The helm is thoughtfully designed with a simple-to-remove windshield for low profile storage, a stainless-steel sports steering wheel, easy access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics.

The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics.

Behind the helm is a padded leaning post with a backrest (on Deluxe and Sport). Under the leaning post is a dedicated space for a removable cooler.

The Transom The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console boat on the market. Since the engines and drivetrain are in the hull, the entire back of the 201 FSH is open for unobstructed casting and watersports towing.

The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports.

Like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for the removal of debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat.

Rounding out the FSH’s list of innovations is the addition of Yamaha’s Articulating Keel, the latest in Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features. The Articulating Keel is an extension of the boat’s keel that moves and tracks along with the jet pump nozzle to provide comfort, stability and straight-line tracking at all speeds.

For buyers attracted to the iconic styling of a center console boat, but need more versatility to appease the family, look no further than the Yamaha 210 FSH.

For more on Yamaha’s 210 FSH Series, go to

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Center sp W

ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club comes in.

Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all.

Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks.

“We are United States Power Squadrons, but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Louie Ojeda, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do.

We go boating and have fun doing it. Over time, our squadrons have evolved to become social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education – allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.”

Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States

Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 squadrons across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education.

Squadron members are vital to strengthening the communities

they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups.

“Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Ojeda. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.”

In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong re-naming exercise.

To learn more about United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.

Join in the Fun!

United States Power Squadrons is America’s Boating Club Learn boating skills. Engage with boating friends.

Connect with the boating community.

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SOUTHEAST

By Randy Cnota

S

pring means one thing to me… bedding bass! This is that magical time of the year when giant bass come to the shallows to procreate.

Depending on where you fish, the first waves of bedding bass could show up in February or earlier, and in some places the spawn stretches through the spring and into summer. Their movement is affected by moon phases somewhat, but more so by water temperature. Once it’s in the 60-degree range, start combing the shallows for white spots where they’ve fanned out a bed with their tails.

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Once you’ve located them, it is important to understand that they’ve located you. Bass are extremely aware of their surroundings. This makes it difficult at times to trigger a fish to take a lure. I like to run through an area with the trolling motor on high and put a 6-foot tomato stake right smack in the middle of the bed that’s holding the fish I intend to catch.

Then I leave the area and allow the fish to calm down.

During this waiting period, I might spend an hour doing the same thing in another area or probe the deeper areas surrounding the flat looking for pre- or post-spawn fish. Fish will be in all three spawning stages throughout spring, and any shallows that hold fish will have fish in the deeper water nearby.

After an hour or so, sneak back quietly into the area you’ve staked out. Pole in, let the wind blow you in or troll in at a very low speed.

Remember, you must be quiet, which means no banging around. Have everything you need on the deck of the boat. This is when a shallow-water anchoring system is worth its weight in gold. Minn Kota Talons and Power Poles are the premier systems available. Other less costly ways to anchor a boat are available as well, like Boatsticks at boatsticks.com.

You’ll want to position your boat far enough from the bed to not spook the fish, but close enough to cast several yards beyond the target.

You need two Texas-rigged baits—a Z-Man Grass KickerZ and a Punch CrawZ. These baits float in the upright position, which tells a bass that something is feeding on her eggs.

Swim the Grass Kicker over the bed several times. This will get the fish fired up. Then hop it right into the bed and stop it. Give it a pulsating action. If this doesn’t provoke the fish to eat, try hopping the Punch CrawZ on the bed. Sometimes you have to go back and forth with those baits to entice a strike, but often you will get them to eat right away.

When you do this enough, you’ll learn to understand the fish’s behavior. If a fish runs big circles away from the bed and is slow to come back, it might not be catchable. If she displays aggression and stays close to the bed, that’s a catchable fish.

Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.

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Boater’s Welcome!

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By Capt. Chester Reese

W

ith winter on the way out, pompano and cobia start their migration from the south, up through the Gulf of Mexico, to reach spawning areas. When the water reaches 70 degrees, the hunt for these great eating fish begins. Both are hard fighting fish, offering anglers amazing fishing opportunities all over Franklin County.

To many people, pompano are the most excellent eating fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Some anglers work to be experts, understanding what time of day and tide range is best and exactly what tackle to

Discover

pick, so that they know when it’s best to grab a rod and go. You can catch them from the shore or a boat, and they’re perfect for firsttime anglers with limited experience. When water temps get right, they come in large schools to feed and spawn. Some reside in our waters all summer, so don’t give up on them in the warmer months.

The most commonly used set-up is a two-hook dropper rig baited with sand fleas or pieces of fresh shrimp. White bucktails and special pompano lures work well too. Tip them with fleas or shrimp and work them slowly on the bottom just inside the sandbars close to the beach. As the migration moves through, you can find them over our grass flats.

Cobia get my juices flowing in the spring. These fish can go over 50 pounds and provide anglers a catch of a lifetime. Another migrating species, they’re also arriving with the warmer waters. Cobia are found worldwide and are prized for their bountiful, white delicious meat. Structure of any kind attracts and holds these fish, and it’s not uncommon to find them in schools around wrecks or buoys. They also like to cruise the beaches where they can be sight fished from boat or shore.

Prime baits for taking cobia are crabs, shrimp, fish and eels, but lures catch them all the time, too. Work baits both on the surface and on the bottom, since they inhabit all areas of the water column.

When the bite is on, it can be a frenzy to hook and fight these bruisers. Even after fighting hard for a long time, when boated they can slap and jump until subdued. Be careful of the strong tail and dorsal spines.

We have a great fishery for cobia and pompano in our Franklin County waters, and some of the best captains and guides that can put you on them. Visit our local tackle shops in East Point or St. George Island, and they’ll set you up to successfully catch and prepare these special fish.

Contact Capt. Chester Reese and Natural World Charters at (850) 228-9060. For a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.

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n February, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management council took steps toward turning over management of the Gulf red snapper fishery to the Gulf states.

By approving Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications for each of the five states on the Gulf of Mexico, the council opened the door for a pilot program that would allow each state to manage recreational fishing for red snapper during 2018 and 2019. Seasons for red snapper harvest would be determined by the respective states, and red snapper landings would be monitored by the states. State seasons would close when a state’s quota is caught.

These EFPs are issued for scientific studies, and this study will determine the effectiveness of state management of the recreational red snapper fishery. At the federal level, NOAA Fisheries now must rule on whether or not to approve the program for implementation.

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I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly

at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth.

There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point.

Second, the fruit just taste

better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature.

Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together.

Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com

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NORTH CAROLINA

H

azel Creek is one of three Great Smoky Mountain National Park trout streams on the north shore of Fontana Lake in Swain County, N.C. Since there are no roads on the north shore of the lake, these creeks have gained an almost mythical reputation as backcountry destinations.

Backcountry fishing expeditions rarely begin on grounds so well maintained. Approach by boat across Fontana Lake brings you to the mouth of Hazel Creek, where a short walk up the trail puts you within the buildings and ruins of the long-abandoned town of Proctor.

The National Park Service keeps up this area near the mouth of the creek almost meticulously. The trail is a flat gravel road with a bridge.

The campsites are clean and include hangers to keep provisions out

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We currently have four successful franchise locations in North Carolina; Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington, and the Outer Banks. What’s missing? You guessed it, Raleigh Piedmont.

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of reach of marauding raccoons and black bears. Wilderness that’s supposed to be hard to get to should not be this comfortable.

The truth is Hazel Creek is not very hard to access. By foot, it is a day-long hike by whatever trail you choose. By boat, it’s just a quick ride across the lake. The novelty, the assumed remoteness and a reputation for good fishing actually draw a crowd. On busy weekends the campsites fill up with people.

The creek itself is a medium-sized, and its reputation as a good fishery is well earned. A few gorgeous 10- to 12-inch rainbows can be expected on a good fishing day mixed in with many smaller fish.

There is also a chance for larger fish in the 16-inch range. The creek boasts a good population of brown trout, as well, including some large individuals. In general, the fishery can be a little tougher than other streams that don’t receive as much pressure, but because of its size and ample aquatic insect life there remains the opportunity for larger fish.

On its lower end, the creek and trail are flat, like a stroll through the park. The water is mostly shallow riffles with some good pools scattered in. The main trails here are the old roads and rail beds of Proctor. They meander through the valley offering easy access to good water for several miles. The Hazel Creek trail follows the creek and remains relatively flat for about 10 miles. The stream does pick up some elevation, which provides larger pools and deeper runs upstream, and a few native brookies will begin showing up. The trail eventually leaves the creek after about 15 miles.

Those willing to hike, camp and fish over several days will find adventure and unmolested water. There are backcountry campsites scattered up the trail. Users must reserve these campsites with the GSMNP Backcountry Information Office.

For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@gmail.com.

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BLUE RIDGE

I

t’s been called the “Test of the Best” bass anglers, the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” and the “World Championship of Fishing.” By any name, the Bassmaster Classic was the salvation of Ray Scott’s Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) when the tournament was launched 47 years ago.

Now known as the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, the annual tournament began modestly with just 24 competitors in October 1971. Arkansas angler Bobby Murray won the inaugural Classic, held on Lake Mead, Nevada.

Scott recalls that the lakeside weigh-ins attracted only a handful of spectators. More important than crowds, however, were the two-dozen outdoor writers who attended at Scott’s invitation. Their articles in ma-

jor publications across the United States lent legitimacy to the fledgling sport of tournament bass fishing.

Founded 50 years ago, B.A.S.S. struggled for attention in the beginning. The B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail was popular among bass anglers but lacked broader exposure until Scott and then-Bassmaster Magazine editor Bob Cobb concocted the season-ending championship.

B.A.S.S. membership grew rapidly after that first Classic. Many industry insiders consider the birth of B.A.S.S. and its tournament circuits to mark the beginning of the modern era of bass fishing.

When the 48th Classic takes place March 16-18 on Lake Hartwell at Anderson, S.C., it will be unrecognizable compared to its meager beginnings.

The prize for claiming the first Classic crown was $10,000, winner take all. The event today pays out $1 million to the 52 qualifiers, including $300,000 to the champion.

Weigh-ins for the first 10 Bassmaster Classics were held at lakeside, but as crowds grew, weigh-ins moved indoors, and a boat and tackle show was added.

“The Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods has become a highlight of Classic Week for thousands of fans,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin, who noted that the combined attendance at Classic venues has averaged more than 100,000 for the past six years.

The Expo will be held March 16-18 in the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C. Weigh-ins will be in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville those days.

One of the biggest developments in the evolution of the Classic has been its impact on local economies. Las Vegas barely noticed that 60 or so people in town for a three-day tournament in 1971. In Greenville next month, 11,000 room nights will be booked in association with the event. Economic impact for the Greenville/Anderson area is expected to exceed $24 million.

Clearly, Ray Scott’s Las Vegas Classic gamble, almost 50 years ago, has paid off.

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BLUE RIDGE

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2/16/18 10:12 AM

By Jackson Dockery

A large stonefly nymph is one of my go-to patterns throughout the year, but particularly in the early spring. You’ll very often find this fly at the bottom end of my nymph rig, dredging deep pools and runs. The tungsten bead and wire helps the fly get to the bottom quickly, and stay there, putting it right in the trout’s feeding area. There is something about a large stonefly, with legs undulating, that larger fish looking for an easy meal just can’t resist.

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Islamorada On The Fly

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TOM SCHLICHTER

andy Moret pointed to port: “10 o’clock!” he said in a hushed voice. “Lead them.”

It took a second for me to sight in, but a moving shadow just beyond the bow brought things into focus. A pod of 70-pound tarpon were running a channel edge and we were perfectly positioned for an intercept.

Late with the cast, I dropped my streamer on the nose of the lead fish, which promptly turned and powered into oblivion across the shallow flats of Florida Bay, compatriots in tow.

Moret smiled and politely let me off the hook. “Happens all the time down here,” he said. “We’ll get another shot.”

Chalk one up to lessons learned. A heavy front was moving in, and what had been a drizzly morning suddenly turned threatening, sending us racing back to port for a round of refreshments at the Lorelei Marina (www.loreleicabanabar.com/ marina-and-fishing).

With the Florida Keys steadily rebounding from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, anglers across the country are once again making plans for an assault on the stellar flats fishery here. Featuring tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook and sea trout, the shallows of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park on the village’s lee side are ideal for fly fishing and Moret, one of the founding fathers of long-wand sport in these waters, couldn’t be happier.

“We still have a way to go before everyone is back on their feet, but we are getting there,” he said in a recent interview. “As for the fishing, it’s bounced back nicely.”

As a guide and outfitter, Moret (www.floridakeysoutfitters. com) logically suggests first-timers to the area head out with a professional skipper. “It’s the quickest way to learn the intricacies of tempting local gamefish,” he explained. Still, he noted that the

fishing in these parts is consistent enough that those launching a kayak or even fishing from shore around bridges and passes have a chance to score.

“The most important thing in the Keys is to practice your casting – especially when flyfishing,” he advised. “It’s vital to make a few casts in every spot you stop to factor in the wind, current and water depth courtesy of Sandy Moret before you even see the Photo Sandy Moret shows off a chunky Islamorada fish.” snook taken on the fly.

Moret, recently honored with 2018 Fly Fisherman Conservationist of the Year Award by the Bonefish Tarpon Trust (www.bonefishtarpontrust.org), works a wide range of patterns but does have several favorites. He likes a size 4 creamand-tan Merkin with lead eyes for bonefish. For silver kings, a Keys Tarpon Streamer in purple and black is his choice for murky water. To target snook and redfish, he throws purple Deceivers in discolored water and yellow and white in clear water. Concentrate your efforts on rising tides to avoid groundings, he cautions, and keep moving until you find the fish.

Getting to Islamorada is easy. Find your way to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and head south on U.S. 1. Once there, you’ll find plenty of places to stay including the world class Cheeca Lodge (www. cheeca.com) and Amara Cay Resort (www.amaracayresort.com).

Lake Erie Experienced

Record Walleye Fishing In 2017

Photo courtesy of Capt. Wes Carlton

D

uring the 2017 season, walleye anglers on Lake Erie experienced the highest recorded success in nearly 30 years.

“The New York State waters of Lake Erie are world famous for outstanding angling opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass and yellow perch,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Our Lake Erie waters have consistently ranked among

the top three most heavily fished waters in the state, and the fishery generates more than $26 million in economic activity annually. Anglers should take advantage of Lake Erie’s current conditions and experience this world-class walleye fishery for themselves in 2018.”

DEC has conducted an angler survey on Lake Erie to estimate fishing quality and fish harvest annually since 1988. In recent years, walleye fishing quality has been generally increasing.

Survey results for 2017 revealed record-high walleye catch rates that are nearly three times greater than the 30-year average. DEC estimates that anglers harvested more than 70,000 walleyes in 2017, a level not achieved since 1989.

This exceptional fishing was due in large part to contributions of strong walleye reproductive success in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Recent evidence also suggests that walleye reproduction was strong again in 2016.

Walleye are one of the most popular gamefish in New York, as they put up an exciting fight during the catch and make for tasty meal on the table. Walleye are aptly named because of their unique eyes that have a reflective layer of pigment called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see very well at night and during other low-light periods. This layer also gives walleye their “glassy-eyed” or “wall-eyed” appearance.

Lake Erie is continually ranked among the world’s top walleye fishing destinations by angler publications, with an abundance of trophy-size walleye ranging from 8 to 10 pounds. Local tournament winners often score fish exceeding 11 lbs.

Given that walleye typically live 10 years or more in Lake Erie combined with excellent reproduction rates in recent years, anglers should experience continued, exceptional walleye fishing in future years.

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MURPHY AREA LAKES

Fish Landing Tips for Trophy Time

By Aaron Kephart

M

arch is upon us, and hopefully with it, we will finally have some warmer weather. January, and the early part of February, were brutally cold, and it took a bit of a toll on our area lakes.

We had the beginnings of a bait kill on Chatuge and Hiwassee, and we had some of the lowest water temperatures I have seen on area lakes in a long time. However, all was not lost, and we still managed to catch a lot of very nice fish in January and February on all of our Murphy area lakes. Luckily, we are getting a big 55 degree rain as I write this, which will help our water temps more than anything else. Regardless of the weather, the days are getting longer, and the fish instinctively know that it is time for them to start eating.

March is traditionally THE month for big prespawn fish to move up and start eating in earnest, in preparation for their respective spawning rituals, and because of that, it is probably the single best month of the year for catching a true “trophy”. With that in mind, I would like to spend this month talking about a few fish landing tips to maybe help get that March “monster” in the boat.

First and foremost, I make distinctions between treble hooked artificials, single hook artificials, and live bait, when it comes to fighting fish. Typically speaking, treble hooks on lures such as jerkbaits, crankbaits, and topwaters, have a smaller gap/bend in them relative to single

hooks, and don’t get as much of a bite. The lures they are placed upon also tend to have a bit of weight to them. Because of those two factors, I typically like to keep a low rod tip when fighting a fish on a treble hooked lure simply because when a fish breaches the surface it has a lot of leverage to throw those hooks because of the weight of the bait attached to it (I will even put the rod down in the water if necessary to keep the fish down). I also like to use softer rods with treble hooks, and I am a big fan of monofilament line as well, simply because the added stretch acts as a shock absorber. In terms of a hook set, I often simply let the rod load up and allow the weight of the fish to set the hook for me, or I do a simple, soft sweep set. I don’t like to set hard with these types of baits, with the exception of large, 6 to 10 inch flutter spoons with giant trebles on them. Finally, I like to apply side pressure and keep a big bend in the rod in most situations when I have the fish hooked up.

Single hook artificials, such as shaky heads, hair jigs, texas rigs, and jigs are a bit of a different game. I still like to leave my drag as loose as I can get away with simply to help with a big surge at the boat, or something of that nature, but I also like to use stiffer rods for these applications for both sensitivity and to have more control over the fish. Other than hair jigs, I typically employ these baits in somewhat heavy cover (boat

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MARCH 2018

docks, sunken brush piles, laydowns, etc.), and getting the fish headed to the boat quickly can be important. I will also typically do a much harder hookset with these lures, and “horse” them to the boat more than I would fish hooked on a treble (essentially, I am fighting them much more aggressively).

My hooksets and fighting methods for live bait are different. In fact, I really don’t set the hook with live bait. I hear a lot of people complain about fish mortality because of live bait fishing, but I can honestly say that employing the following method leads to much lower mortality than even single hook artificials (especially fish hooked deeply with 5/0 wide bend hooks, for example). Remember, March is prespawn, and we want to do all in our power to insure that we can return the big girls to the water and let them pass on their genetics. When it comes to bass or striper fishing with live bait, I employ the smallest modified circle hook I can get away with, typically a number 2 size (and I typically use live baits in the 6 inch range). The key is to let the fish simply load up on the rod (I use specialty live bait rods), and once it has essentially hooked itself, the key is to always keep a BIG bend in that super soft rod to keep the hook from working loose, but also remember to take your time and loosen your drag because you have a little hook.

Unfortunately, I feel like more big fish are lost at the boat than at any other point in the fight. I think the combination of excitement and a bit of panic leads to this. I cannot tell you the number of fish I have seen tomahawked and knocked off boatside with the net. The key to netting a fish is to steer it headfirst (NEVER

tailfirst) into the net, and the rod man should keep a good bend at all times (I have seen a lot of fish lost at the boat by pointing the rod at the fish and either ripping the hook out or giving the fish slack and allowing it to throw the hook). Another thing to keep in mind is that truly big fish have a knack for reserving enough energy to go on another run or two right at the boat, so try not to stab at them with the net during those crucial last few moments of the fight. As a final note, I like big nets with long handles (in fact, I use a net with an 8 foot extendable handle for walleye and brown trout simply because the big ones seem particularly adept at coming to the surface 7 or 8 feet from the boat and then coming unhooked). Essentially, use enough net.

I hope all of you out there have a chance to get out and catch a March monster this spring. If you would like to go with me to catch smallmouth, largemouth, giant spotted bass, stripers, walleye, brown trout, crappie, or anything else, please give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you!

Aaron Kephart is the Owner of Mountain Lakes Guide Service. To book a guided trip on one of the Murphy area mountain lakes, contact him by phone at 865-466-1345 or by email at mtnlakesguide@outlook.com Check out his website at http://www.mtnlakesguideservice.com and catch him on facebook@mountainlakesguideservice

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LAKE HIWASSEE Extreme Striper Fishing in Western North Carolina on Lake Hiwassee

I

By Shane Goebel

n like a lion, out like a lamb.”

This ole folklore is so true for the Western North Carolina mountains. As early spring approaches and brings with it its hard to predict weather patterns, one thing is sure to be consistent, and that is that the fishing keeps getting better on Lake Hiwassee. For me, March has always been the kickoff to an awesome fishing season. With its warmer weather and longer days, it’s my favorite month for fishing.

Currently, Lake Hiwassee is 38 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been in the high 40’s to low 50’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and just slightly stained in the backs of creeks.

Striper fishing has been super out here lately. We’ve had a very successful January and February. Most of the stripers we are catching have been in the 15 to 35 pound range, and we’re averaging about 10 stripers a trip.

This pattern should continue into the month of March and increase as the stripers start their pre-spawn.

Continue the same techniques as the previous months, pulling planer boards with live herring in the backs of creeks and around shallow, sloping banks. Make sure you keep your bait close to the surface and work close to the banks. I usually run my shad and bluebacks 15-25 feet behind my planer boards. As you pull boards, it’s always a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. As the sun comes up, turn your focus to fishing the mouths of creeks, as the We Run Trips 365 Days A Year.

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stripers will follow bait to deeper water. With pre-spawn in mind, more and more stripers will start to stage in the mouths of creeks in March.

Keep an eye on your electronics for schooling stripers, and pay attention to where the bait balls are. I guarantee you, if you find the bait, the stripers will be close by.

The smallmouth and spotted bass bite has been extremely good. We are catching some very nice smallmouth and spots in the 4-5 lb. range and in large quantities. We are at least averaging 20 to 30 smallmouth and spotted bass, per trip. Several largemouth in the 8 to 10 pound range have been caught as well. These spotted bass and smallmouth, have been schooling up on points and shallow areas around the lake. Down-lining live bluebacks has been the best technique for catching a slew of these great bass in 15-25 feet of water. For the shallow water, early morning bite, keep a jerk bait, a Flex-It spoon, or a fluke on hand to work the banks and points.

March is a fantastic month for catching a lot of stripers and smallmouth on this Western North Carolina lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1-rated guide service put you on some of Lake Hiwassee’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime.

We are Murphy, NC’s premier fulltime guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Nottely and Chatuge (in North Carolina), and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your

live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have

the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!

Shane Goebel is the Owner of Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service and a member of The Angler Fishing Team. Contact him at www.bigolfish.com or (828) 361-2021 / 1-(844)-4-ANGLER.

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MARCH 2018

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 3

LAKE CHATUGE Lake Chatuge March Fishing Report

N

By Darren Hughes

ot much has changed out here on Lake Chatuge.

We’ve had a pretty warm winter thus far which have kept our water temps a little warmer than usual. This has lead to some great winter fishing on Lake Chatuge this season.

Currently, the water temps are

in the mid 50’s. Water levels are still around 6 feet below full pool. Clarity is clear to stained in the creeks.

The spotted bass bite has been really good for this time of year, and we’re seeing an awesome early morning to midday down line bite. Live blueback herring has been the key here. Top water has

been decent and should pick up in the next few months. Look for these fish to be holding off points and ledges off the main channel.

We’ve also seen some nice schools of bass on shallow flats throughout the lake.

Our hybrid bass bite has also been fantastic, with early morning being the best time to target these fish. Pulling planer boards and free-lining live bluebacks and shad have been the best techniques. We have also been catching some nice fish in the 10 to 13 pound range in the backs of creeks and off some sloping points.

March fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. Remember, live bait on this lake can be the difference between a successful day of

fishing and a horrid one. For all of your bait and tackle needs, come visit us at Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA--it’s the best place around for quality live blueback herring. We also carry ethanol-free gas and have some of the best hot, made-from-scratch biscuits in North GA. For guided fishing trips on Lakes Chatuge, Apalachia, Hiwassee, or Nottely, or questions about the bait shop, call me, Darren Hughes, at Hughes General Store. And whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area. Good luck, and get hooked!

Darren Hughes is the Owner of Hughes General Store & Bait Shop and a member of The Angler Magazine Fishing Team and Guide for Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Look him up at www.bigolfish.com or give him a call, (706) 745-6569 or (828) 361-2021.

The Flies Of Early Spring

By David Hulsey

T

he month of March is a welcome sight after the cold wet winter we’ve had here in the Southern Appalachians. Despite the lingering cold morning or two, snowflake, and the occasional tornado, March and April can be good months to be a fly angler. Upon those transitional winds of early spring can ride hordes of Black Caddis,

hatching on our local tailwater fisheries such as the Toccoa, Hiawassee, and Tuckaseegee. Massive swarms fluttering above the river can give the fly angler the first shot at matching the hatch in the new year. This particular Caddis fly normally can be imitated by a swung little black soft hackle the most effectively. Size 16 or 18 is about right for your pat-

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MARCH 2018

tern. The temptation of throwing an Elk Hair Caddis or other dry fly usually will be met with some frustration being that the trout will usually be feeding on the bug on its accent to the surface. Splashy riseforms from the fish will be a telltale tip to watch for.

Another great thing about early spring is the arrival of the first big bugs of the year. The Quill Gordon is a large gray mayfly that get the fish pretty excited if there are good numbers of them coming off the water at once. This beauty is about a size 12 or 14, with large sailboat type wings sticking upright above the body. You can use a Catskill style Quill Gordon imitation, or an Adams dry will usually suffice if it’s the right size. Our freestone streams of the area will usually “wake up” when this bug appears and the dry fly fishing with other flies, will remain good until it gets

hot in the summer.

The March Brown mayfly usually arrives the last week of March or the first couple of weeks of April.

Similar in size to the Quill Gordon, it’s another fish exciter when it bounces down the river trying to get air born. They must taste good because I’ve seen very large trout that are normally very particular do some really stupid things to get to these juicy insects. The Catskill tied version of the March Brown works well to imitate it, in about size 12. They normally turn up in our freestone streams along with throngs of anxious fly flingers trying to speed up the warm weather ahead. Give us a call at 770-6394001 to schedule a guide trip to shake off the winter blues and catch the fish of a lifetime. Check out our website at www.ncfga.com for information on our amazing trophy water fishing.

For a cold weather guided romp through the river give me a call David Hulsey at Southern Highroads Outfitters fly shop at 706-781-1414 in beautiful Blairsville, Ga

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SWAIN COUNTY / BRYSON CITY

Swainglers Hit The River!

By Tammy Parris

S

wain County High Schools first ever, fishing club, The Swainglers, enjoyed their lunch and club period on the Tuck! It was an unusually warm and sunny winter day. We were eager to hit the water again since it had been a long few weeks since the last trip, due to the Holiday break and snow days.

The morning of each trip, my office temporarily becomes a tackle shop. As soon as the lunch bell rings, students quickly flock to gather their gear and board the bus. Our destination was just two miles away to the Tuckasegee River.

Within minutes of the release bell, the anglers were finding their favorite spots on the river. Lures, baits and strategies were discussed as lines went flying into the water. Live baits

Tammy Parris

Anglers are busy doing their thing!

were allowed in the section of river where we were fishing and on that day, varied from baby nightcrawlers to big reds. An assortment of lures were also teasing the fish. It wasn’t long until I hear the cheer of, “Hey Ms. Parris, I got one!” The smiles on their faces make my day when they reel one in!

There is one student that seems to

catch at least one fish on every trip.

Freshman, JT Neugin, who I now call the “Fish Whisperer”, lived up to his name that day. JT was fishing with big red worms. The trout couldn’t

resist and soon, he had a nice twelve-inch brown trout on shore.

Whether or not all the young outdoor enthusiast caught fish, or maybe just hooked a tree limb, they were happy to be outside doing what they love and that always puts a smile on my face. It seemed like we just arrived when was time to head back to school.

I hope the students look forward to our adventures as much as I do. Planning for the next trip starts as soon as we board the bus with excitement and anticipation. Stay tuned to the Swainglers…Great things are ahead!

Tammy Parris is the Leader of The Swainglers fishing club at Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina. They fish once a month of the school year during club time. Contact her at tparris@ swainmail.org for more information or to support this popular club.

“Fish Whisperer”, JT Neugin proudly displays his Tuckasegee Beauty.

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MARCH 2018

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 5

Big Snowbird Creek

B

By James (Josh) Lane

ig Snowbird Creek in Graham County is considered by many trout anglers to be one of the best trout streams in Western North Carolina. Snowbird has a lot to offer, from the novice to the highly skilled trout angler. The creek is just a short, fourteen-mile drive from the town of Robbinsville. Visiting Snowbird Creek is like stepping back in time, to a majestic place. The scenery is not easily forgotten: It is beautiful.

Following is a little bit of history about the area.

In the 1940’s, the watershed was a major logging area operated by Bemis Hardwood Lumber Company. This was due to the vast supply of valuable oak, hickory, poplar, and the now extinct American chestnut. Old remnants of the railroad such as rails and cross ties can still been seen today. Snowbird creek has three sections for the trout angler. The first section

begins at the bridge off the state highway. Although a short span is posted properly by creekfront homeowners, this is still a great stretch offering many deep pools.

This area of the creek is hard to get to because of steep banks and heavy laurel, so wading is recommended. The next section is the delayed harvest waters. Similar to the popular Nantahala River, Big Snowbird offers a 2.8 mile stretch of artificial bait only, as well as catch and release waters. This area begins at the Chestnut Flats Bridge and spans northward to the end of the gravel road. One can expect to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout in this area. Big Snowbird also has one of the best wild trout sections that can be found. Starting at the end of the gravel road (also known as the junction), some of the best wild trout waters begin here. Many trail systems start at the junction and run adjacent to the

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MARCH 2018

creek. This is a level walk, which is actually the 1940’s railroad bed.

Brown trout and rainbow can be caught up to the lower falls, and only wild brook trout can be found above the falls. The wild brook are most commonly eight inches or less in size, but one can occasionally land a ten inch or larger fish.

This is considered a trophy “spec” to most anglers.

For those who enjoy camping, there are several camping sites along the trail. This is a backcountry and backpacking area, so plan on staying a few days. Several waterfalls can be experienced in this area also. I highly recommended the Middle Falls; this is a twelvemile round trip, but well worth it.

Big Snowbird has several primitive campsites with easy access right

off the gravel road, providing two nice restrooms. Fly fishing is very popular on Snowbird, most people who experience this creek often return. Springtime patterns, which I recommended, are a parachute adams (this is a “go to” fly) along with a mayfly hatch- I just try to match the hatch. Wintertime patterns are a little harder to catch fish, a streamer works well targeting a big fish; I recommend the crawfish pattern, and midges, and bead head droppers. Don’t expect many bites in cold water, but you could catch a big fish. If you’re wanting to experience a new creek, I encourage you to give Big Snowbird a try.

Whether you catch a limit or not, it is always great to get outdoors and enjoy God’s beautiful creations.

Josh Lane is a native of Western North Carolina in the town of Robbinsville. He is a long time avid fisherman and enjoys hiking, backpacking, writing and singing gospel music.

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RIVER REFLECTIONS

Library of Memories

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ucked up in the back corner of my walk-in closet is a small library of old photo albums. They start from the time I was about 14 years old. Annual additions end by the time I was about 21. Most of them are starting to come apart at the seams. The photo pages inside are coming unglued and the small sheets of notepad paper, with hand written notes on them, are starting to fade to yellow.

Like a frozen moment in time, these old photo albums capture a period of life that many books and movies attempt to recreate; the journey from comic books to adulthood.

Thankfully, I’ve got a complete photo diary right here at my fingertips to reflect from.

Remember when your week was measured by the next place you were going to fish? I do. By Wednesday, I was eagerly scanning the fore-

By Matt Mittan

cast section of our local newspaper. (There were no smart phones, weather apps, internet connections, or 24 hour weather channels back then.) By Thursday, I was plotting my strategy. By Friday, I was already getting my gear ready and my lures prepped. By Saturday morning, I could barely wait for the first glow of sunrise so I could finally get out on the water. It’s funny. During the

school week I would struggle to get out of bed on time. But Saturdays? I was often up an hour before dawn, with an eager spring in my step.

These photo albums are filled with hundreds of Saturday’s. Aside from seeing myself, and so many of my friends in their awkward and wonderful teen years, it also reminds me of the innocence of our

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lives back then. We didn’t yet know about bills, budgets and business.

We barely had girlfriends, never mind thinking about starting and maintaining households of our own.

Any girls in our lives knew that the fishing outings came first. We lived to fish. We lived to be out on the water together as a brotherhood.

Some of my favorite albums are the ones from “Wild Island”. This was a small island on an undeveloped lake that we would venture out to every summer. We would spend a week or two living on the lump of rock and trees that barely fit our 3 or 4 tents. We would assemble a small armada of canoes and rowboats to make the trip out to the back cove that housed our temporary home.

In the center of the island was a rounded rock surface that served

CONTINUED, RIVER REFLECTIONS, PAGE 11

MARCH 2018

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 7

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass – Unraveling Some Common Misconceptions

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inally, winter is slowly losing its icy grip here in the Southern Appalachians. With warmer temperatures and longer days ahead, it’s hard for my mind not to wander to chasing one of my favorite fish species on the fly, smallmouth bass, and the upcoming prespawn season. The river smallies are just now starting to emerge from their winter holding patterns into a more aggressive feeding nature. My love for these fish came when I first started fishing for them with spinning tackle, and later fly tackle, as I started my guiding career. Through countless hours on the water guiding and fishing myself, I have come to realize that there are several misconceptions that people have when it comes to fly fishing for smallmouth. For the sake of reading time, I’ll focus on two main points that I see as the most prevalent: fly/ tackle selection, and approaching smallie

By Ethan Hollifield

water with a new mindset.

First, let’s discuss fly tackle and fly selection. Many of my clients show up for smallmouth trips with conventional 5 weight rods that they think are “enough” to work with, along with a selection of wooly buggers and small bream poppers.

When I hand them an 8- weight rod rigged with a 5” long streamer and 250 grain sinking line, they’re almost always in shock. Smallmouth are predators, and throughout the year they are going to be hunting prey that fits their energy needs: baitfish, big hellgrammites, mice, frogs, crawfish; I’ve even watched one eat a baby duck before. There is a time and a place for smaller flies and presentations, but you should never be afraid to up your rod and fly size when chasing these fish on the fly. I learned this from watching 6-inch smallmouth try to annihilate an 8” fluke or senko. My subsurface

smallie box contains articulated streamers up to 8” in length, and some jig patterns that weigh around 1/8 of an ounce and heavier, like a conventional bass jig. You’d be amazed at the size of the fish that will come for these types of flies, both big and small. They are also among one of the strongest freshwater game fish species in the South, and 5-weight rod doesn’t do the fish justice. I personally prefer rods in the 7- 8-weight range to cast these larger flies and fight fish more efficiently.

Smallmouth are also incredibly finicky fish and need to be patterned throughout the year in order to figure out correct presentations. In river systems, you have to change your thought processes away from a trout stream mindset into an ambush predator mindset.

Look for places fish can hide from

their prey: rock to sand transition zones, ledges, and underwater logs all come to mind. They will often wait in these spots for food to either swim or drift by, and that doesn’t mean that you need to make your flies look wounded or in flight. I think I have caught smallmouth more often simply by giving big flies almost no action in water and waiting for the fish to move on them as it passes by likely ambush points.

Consistent success fly-fishing for smallmouth takes time and willingness to try new and unconventional things. Don’t be scared to sling some meat at these fish and to change your mindset on how to approach these fish, and I can promise you’ll fall in love with them as much as I have. Don’t tell my trout bum friends this, but they have become my new favorite species on the fly.

Ethan Hollifield is an Environmental/Physical Science Teacher and is also a guide for Southern Appalachian Anglers.

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ASHEVILLE / HENDERSONVILLE AREA

Excellence Remembered

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ost of the men and women writing for this magazine are pictured with big fish while explaining how they did it. I truly enjoy fishing, but these specialists have already forgotten more about fishing than I’m ever going to know. So bear with me; I’m taking a different trail.

Twenty odd years ago, I was driving in Buncombe County with a passenger beside me, a woman from Indiana. As we left the highway for a spin on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a man was walking down beside the entrance ramp toward us. When my truck drew near him, he raised one hand chest-high and lowered his head just slightly. I responded by lifting a hand partially off the steering wheel.

“Do you know that guy?” she asked.

“No… why?”

“Well, you just waved at each other.”

“Here in the South”, I quipped, “We have this thing called friendliness. You don’t have to actually know a person before you speak to him. If you lived here you would get used to it.”

In that same season of my life, I worked a lot in north Asheville and had occasion to visit the Post Office there. It was often busy with at least a short waiting line. One day a new sign graced the front of the counter…Remember, this was the nineties. In large letters the

By Wilson Love

sign read, “Customers Using a Cell Phone Will Not be Served”. I saw customers test the new rule and, upon such testing, the clerk would briskly ignore them and bark out, “next!” I loved it, but eventually rude became the new normal.

Men used to say goodbye with the sign-off “work hard!” It was understood and accepted that diligence breeds success. This manner of encouragement was unceremoniously replaced by the loafer’s motto, “take it easy.”

What am I getting at here?

Things have changed (to put it mildly) and often not for the better. One of the ways things have changed is that everybody has a voice now. Think about it. Before people were walking around with their very own portable compact personal device, communication had plateaued. But now we can “share” with the whole wide world instantly. Ha! This is a laughable situation if you can keep your wits and a sense of humor about it.

FAKEBOOK: “Wilson, did you see Billy Bob’s comment on Sallie Mae’s photo?”

“No, FAKEBOOK, I didn’t. But now that you have prompted me, I’ll bring my business (and all other facets of my life) to a screeching halt so I can pay attention to whatever ol’ Billy Bob has to say at the moment.”

Have we become a culture of individuals only? I hope not because

this will eventually result in a vacuum of civility. But look around; care seems to be escaping the atmosphere. You don’t think so? Look at people’s attitudes next time there’s a line at the boat ramp. Or just stand at a busy intersection and clock how long before the next “get out of my way” horn blows.

What to do? What to do?

Uh, start caring.

No, I’m not kidding. It’s just that simple. Blowing your horn won’t change the other person. Not blowing it could give you some peace.

When you’re in the grocery checkout, turn around and see if someone looks worse than you feel. Give them your place in line.

Don’t touch your cell phone the next time it rings when you are

face to face with a friend. That way, your friend will know that your conversation with him is more important to you – at the present time – than the constant distractions we all face.

Ah yes, I remember excellence.

We can still go there. The road is paved with a quality of life that puts others first (Phil. 2: 3-4). That is the only way to reach the personal satisfaction we all desire. You’re invited to travel along.

Wilson Love is Owner/Operator of The Practical Outdoorsman, a retail and consignment store.

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MARCH 2018

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 9

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RIVERLINK

Exciting New Partnership for RiverMusic and RiverFest 2018 By: Suzanne Moore

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iverLink is pleased to announce our partnership with New Belgium Brewing as presenting host for RiverMusic and RiverFest 2018. We are kicking off the summer of 2018 with RiverMusic and RiverFest taking place on the lawn of New Belgium Brewery, along the banks of the French Broad River. RiverMusic and RiverFest serve as annual fundraisers for RiverLink, and proceeds raised at each event directly support the work RiverLink does in our community. The RiverMusic series takes place on Friday evenings in June, July and September with RiverFest falling on Saturday, August 18th. RiverFest is also home

RIVER REFLECTIONS

to the famous “Anything That Floats Parade”, the signature event of RiverFest and one that brings a procession of wildly decorated rafts, built by creative and sustainably minded folks from all over the Southeast.

“New Belgium is thrilled to be hosting the RiverMusic series and RiverFest benefitting our friends at RiverLink. We are constantly reminded of how fortunate we are to have made a home in a community full of organizations like RiverLink, who work tirelessly to make Asheville a better place to live. Be prepared to have a lovely time with us: Cheers to furthering community partnerships that impact all of our backyards!”-

Jen Stampley, Beer Pedalin’ Pixie.

New Belgium worked closely with RiverLink and the City of Asheville to control the stormwater runoff from their campus. RiverLink secured the $400,000 in funding from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund for the project which set the standard for development within the urban core of Asheville, economic development through the creation of local jobs, improved community recreational opportunities and im-

proved water quality in the French Broad River. “We are honored to partner with New Belgium Brewing.

Not only do they create an amazing pint of beer, they also put sustainability and environmental stewardship at the top of their priority list in their daily operations. We are extremely grateful for their support, and we are looking forward to an exciting 2018 RiverMusic and RiverFest.”- Suzanne Moore, Development Manager, RiverLink.

continued from page 7

as the epicenter of all our activities.

From the top of it, you could easily scan the conditions out on the main lake. Down one side of the rock was formed a natural soft sloped area that made for a perfect fire pit and seating enclave. The island was surrounded by the thickest labyrinth of Lily Pads to be found within a day’s drive. And the closest place on land that people could approach us was a high rock face at the front entrance to the back cove. We could spot intruders long before they could even think about approaching our water world sanctuary. And make no mistake. It was ours! We were the “Kings” of our own island. Our mote was the large lake that spread out all around. We cooked all our own food. We took turns making firewood runs along the vast wooded shoreline. For bathing, we would head out into the middle of the lake with bars of soap and swimsuits to do flips off of my 18 foot, wide bottom, unsinkable Guide canoe.

We couldn’t see a future where we didn’t live exactly the way we

wanted to. If there was something we wanted, we planned and worked to make it a reality. I sometimes wonder what life does to wash some of those ideals away as we go through the chapters of our lives. Is it actually different, or do we just convince ourselves that we can’t live with that sort of freedom once the weight of adulthood bears down on us?

Like the pages of my library of memories, some friendships came apart at the seams. Some of the personalities that were so central to my life came unglued. And even memories themselves seem like they start to fade, the further from their genesis I go. I’m thinking that maybe that’s why we are supposed to keep making new memories. Why we are supposed to strive to live free. Why we have to put in the planning and work to get those Saturdays in the wheelhouse of making our weekly dreams come true. It starts by deciding what I will do this coming Saturday. I’ll check the forecast Wednesday. What about you?

“Matt Mittan is a long time broadcaster in NC, based out of Asheville. He currently applies his years of experience as a business owner to serve as a Licensed Employee Benefits Adviser to companies large and small across WNC, Eastern TN and the Upstate of SC. You can reach Matt by emailing MattsFishingDiary@gmail.com.”

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MARCH 2018

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA 11

BREVARD

Wintertime: Feast or Famine

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By Scott Norton

inter can be a gamble for the angler trying to salvage a cold water bite. Lakes are dipping as low as the upper 30’s in high elevations, and the 40’s in lower elevations in the mountains. It can pose a challenge of will and patience, which is the ultimate test for the best of anglers.

The ups and downs in the winter can either pay out or be a total bust.

I find that, in the winter, downsizing and presenting a slow presentation will bring in some quality bites but in some cases, a fish won’t bite unless the meal is big enough to make the effort worth it. During this time, upsize and finesse fish with big lures. Fish get lazy and lethargic with their metabolism rates slowing down to conserve calories, so they want a big meal without wasting energy to get it.

When downsizing, you’ll want

to use light line such as a 4 to 6-pound fluorocarbon and a light action rod. In upsizing you’ll have to use the lightest gear possible that you can get away with. This will allow you to “finesse fish” those big lures.

Your electronics or your fish finder will play an important role in finding where the fish are, at what depth, and the temperature to help with your plan of action. Without your electronics, it’s a “needle in a haystack” scenario, but it can be done. The “old timers” developed the art of search and destroy and each had their own way. If you could take one of these anglers with you in the winter, you’ll see an extra sense being used as a radar.

If you’re the fair weather angler, this is the perfect opportunity to get your reels serviced and gear organized and ordered. Check your line

12 WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

MARCH 2018

to see if it needs replacing.

You really need to replace it once a season because of exposure to the elements.

If you’re thrifty, which a lot of anglers are, you’ll know when it’s time to replace as breakage becomes an issue.

It’s good to have line with you when it gets too brittle to use. You don’t want to get on a good bite in the spring and find you can’t even pull a fish in.

If you’re not using your boat in the winter, make sure you protect your investment by winterizing and using a good cover to keep the moisture out of your boat. The motor will need an oil change in the lower case, to remove water that the seals may have let in. Motors

with carburetors need to be level to allow the fuel to drain. I like to remove the spark plugs and spray WD-40 in the void where it was.

The fuel in the tanks needs to be filled to “full” to stop condensation from starting, or a fuel treatment can be added to stop fuel from separating.

Scott Norton is a native of Western North Carolina. Born in Asheville, NC, he is a long time avid hunter, angler, and weekend warrior.

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New IGFA Observer Training in Mattituck, Long Island

Photo courtesy of Casa Vieja Lodge, Guatemala ver wonder what it would be like to sit on a big, beautiful sportfishing boat and watch a top-notch crew work their magic against monster marlin and schools of sailfish?

Can you hear the lines going off?

Can you hear yourself screaming “release!” Then you’re ready to become an observer.

All observers must take the IGFA Observer Training Course.

It takes about four hours, it’s a great way to meet other fishing enthusiast and there’s no test or exam.

The International Game Fish Association will conduct an observer training courses in New York on Long Island at Strong’s Water Club and Marina in Mattituck, Long Island, New York on Saturday, May 19.

The half-day session teaches observer responsibilities and duties, billfish identification, and IGFA’s International Angling Rules. The class will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a training manual, two DVD’s, a one-year IGFA membership and costs just $150.

Take the course, and observe in luxurious resorts in Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

To learn more, go to igfto.org. To sign up, go to igfa.org/Educate/ Observer-Training.aspx.

E

By Doug Haddaway

Photo courtesy of Capt. Mike Weinhoffer

For more about the Dry Tortugas, go to

CRYSTALSALTWATERS.COM

By Chris Scalley

North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop

W

ith spring in the air, anglers are finally ready to shake the dust off their fly gear and hit the river to remedy that cabin fever. Anticipation of the first dry fly action of the season gets all fly fishermen fired up!

But hold your horses. Let’s really think about the aquatic bug lifecycle. For advanced invertebrates like caddisflies or black flies, the sequence of stages are egg, larvae, pupae, adult. With more primitive insects like mayflies and stoneflies, the cycle goes egg, larvae (nymph) then adult.

Early spring, usually March in the South, is the starting point for most aquatic invertebrate’s initial emergence. Anglers should

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focus on the middle stages like larvae, nymphs and pupae, which are most readily available to the trout. Even though you might see a rise here and there, you will likely catch more and bigger fish on subsurface patterns such as nymphs and wet flies.

I have always agreed with my clients that one fish on a dry is worth 10 on nymphs, but at the end of the day, most folks just want to catch a lot of fish.

Over most of the southern waters, the best dry fly fishing won’t begin in earnest until a little later in spring. That’s when trout will key in on adult and pupal stages of hatching insects on the river. Then it will be very handy to know about rise forms created by trout and fly fishing the “surface” and “surface film” with dry flies.

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MARCH 2018

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2/16/18 10:12 AM

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

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pring is around the corner, and a lot of fishermen who hang up their gear for the winter can’t wait for the temps to rise. Although the enthusiasm is high, spring can be a difficult season to successfully pattern and consistently catch fish inshore. Most fish are still in transition between the deep mud and the shallow sand and grass flats, which has them spread out through the bays. Add high winds, cool fronts, the small size of the forage, and you have a tougher puzzle to put together than the other three seasons. I have put together a few tips to help you sort though this maze and hopefully land a few more fish this spring.

First and foremost, the size of the baitfish is extremely small this time of year. It is not uncommon to find dozens of small glass minnows in the bellies of trout and reds in spring. This makes my first tip very obvious. Downsize your lure presentation if you can. Obviously, this can impact one’s casting abilities, so rigging small lures in tandem can be a plus and increase casting distance.

Something else I like to use in the spring is a clear or transparent lure with some glitter or maybe one with a light translucent color. I choose these

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because it’s more difficult for the fish to see its actual size and gives the appearance of being smaller than it actually is. I’ve found this to be a productive alternative to downsizing my lure. While choosing a typical size trout and red lure for this application, I look for one with subtle movements. I like either a darting-style bait or a very subtle vibrating paddle lure. Strong, big vibrating tails have their place, but early spring is not one of them.

One thing I notice about schools of small baitfish is that when they are displaced they seldom dart deeper before quickly regrouping. Most of their movement is to the side and up. Due to this characteristic, I also like a light lure that has a slow sink rate. I feel this imitates the spring forage movements and increases my strikes. I like a lure you can twitch from side to side that doesn’t sink very fast on the pause.

In early spring while the fish are in transition, they will start to congregate on sandy shores with grass. This will be the main cover for the small fry.

While employing these techniques and lure choices, concentrate your efforts on broken grass flats with potholes and distinct edges. Early in the season, areas like these near deeper water is where I would start.

I hope you find these tactics helpful. As the weather warms and you enjoy the outdoors, don’t forget to take a kid fishing!

Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

he N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters in 25 western counties at 7 a.m. on April 1. The season will run through Feb. 28, 2018.

While fishing on Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, anglers can harvest a maximum of seven trout per day, with no minimum size limits or bait restrictions.

To give trout anglers opportunities to plan fishing trips in advance, the Commission has posted on its website a Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters stocking schedule that provides information on what weeks each water is being stocked. Anglers can search by county and by month. The agency also posts daily updates at noon for all waters stocked that day. Information can be searched by county, by month, or both.

Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, marked by green-and-white signs, are stocked from March until August every year, depending on the individual stream. Many of these waters are stocked monthly, although some heavily fished waters are stocked more frequently.

Commission personnel will stock nearly 916,000 trout in 2017— 96 percent of which average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length.

Stocked trout are produced primarily at two mountain region fish hatcheries operated by the Commission and are distributed along hatchery-supported streams where public access for fishing is available. While Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters are open to public fishing, many of those miles are privately owned so the Commission urges anglers to respect the property they’re fishing on and remember that landowners can take away access if they feel their property is being misused.

Anglers can help prevent the ltoss of public access to fishing by: • Respecting private property and landowners at all times; • Removing all trash and litter from fishing and parking areas; • Parking only in designated areas and leaving driveways open for traffic; • Closing and/or locking gates after use; and, • Reporting wildlife violations by calling 1-800-662-7137.

For a complete list of all Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, as well as trout maps, weekly stocking schedule, and daily stocking updates on Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, visit the Commission’s trout fishing page.

For more information on fishing in public, inland waters, visit the Commission’s fishing page, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing or call the Inland Fisheries Division, 919-707-0220.

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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

MARCH 2018

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By Will Robinson

C

hoosing the right fly reel can really make your head spin.

From basic drags to sealed-disk braking systems, the prices and quality vary dramatically. My gut always tells me to get the best that I can. Buy it once and you won’t be replacing it in a couple of years.

While this typically holds true for fly reels, there are instances when it can be overkill. If you are looking for an inshore 8-weight and will be typically chasing snook in the backcountry, the need for

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a reel with a silky smooth drag and 300 yards of backing is pointless.

You will likely be fighting most fish within 50 feet of you. And much of the time, you’ll be hand-lining them and have no need for a fancy drag system. In these situations, the reel is more of a line holder and can be much less expensive than their highly tuned cousins.

A good starting point is deciding if you need a sealed drag reel.

They are nice, and most are very well made with super smooth drags, but that comes at a price. A great advantage of these reels is that they are virtually maintenance free. The sealed drag keeps water out, so rinse them down well after fishing and, you are pretty much done. The negative is they are typically higher-end reels and a bit pricey. For nearly two decades I have fished with non-sealed drags and have never had an issue, but I need to do a little more maintenance and cleaning on those reels. Also, if you primarily fish from a boat where dunking a reel is not likely, this could be a great way to save some dough.

Another important question is size, which often has to do with how much backing you think you will need. Since the tackle is lighter, it’s nice to have the line for long runs when fishing open areas, but again, if you typically fish tight spots there might not be a need for 300 yards of backing.

Conversely, if you are looking to chase large tarpon or go offshore, you need plenty of backing. Larger arbors are great, even with limited backing. They allow you to pick up line at a much faster pace, making life easier on both the fish and fisher. Finally, opt for ported reels, as they are lighter and allow your backing to dry much faster. This is important for the longevity of the line.

Smooth drags and plenty of backing are always nice. But be honest with yourself, this is an instance in which you can save a considerable amount of weight and money depending on the type of fishing you will be doing.

Will Robinson is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for more than two decades. His picks for the best reels can be found at Galvanflyreels.com and Nautilusreels.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

2/16/18 9:26 AM

By CAM Staff

T

o many inshore anglers, springtime means flatfish, and there’s no destination fishery more closely associated with giant doormat flounder than Murrells Inlet, S.C. When waters begin to warm into the mid 70s, the inlet fills up with glass minnows, pogies and mullet. Flounder follow the bait, and they’ll set up in ambush points waiting for an easy meal. Murrells Inlet becomes the epicenter on the Atlantic coast for anglers seeking tasty flatfish. Most years, the flounder bite begins as early as April and will reach its peak in June.

But flounder aren’t the only game in town. The same influx of bait draws all sorts of gamefish into this closed system of marshes and backwater creeks. Speckled trout fishing heats up, and as the crabs get more active on the flats, large schools of tailing redfish provide excellent sight fishing opportunities on light tackle as well as on the fly. With lures,

For more information on fishing, golfing and the Inlet Sports Lodge at Murrells Inlet, S.C., go to www.inletsportslodge.com/ or call 877-585-9360.

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flies or live bait, the grass edges, creeks and oyster bars offer an almost surefire shot at an inshore slam of flounder trout and reds, and hard-pulling black drum will likely be in the mix as well.

In the sound, there is even more sight fishing to be done. Triple tail and some big sharks will be taking advantage of all that bait. There’s good news from the federal fisheries managers, too. After almost a year of no harvest, cobia are again fair game. There is not much in fishing as exciting as spotting and casting to cruising cobia, but big bull reds definitely give them a run for their money in terms of pure strength.

Along with the famous fall run, bull reds show up at Murrells Inlet in spring. Fish in the 20- to 40-pound range are a common occurrence.

Outside the inlet, with a run of just a few miles, the nearshore reefs can be easily accessed, even on a half-day trip. Mackerel, sharks, black sea bass, reds, flounder, bluefish, spadefish and more make for an exciting cooler-filling outing.

A little farther out, there is excellent trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and amberjack, as well as bottom fishing for snappers, groupers and sea bass. And serious anglers should look into a full-day or overnight trip to the Gulf Stream. From 55 to 70 miles offshore, opportunities for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin and sailfish abound. Trolling the Gulf Stream for big-game species off the lower end of the Grand Strand is tough to beat anywhere.

If all that fishing isn’t enough to pique your interest, the area is also world famous for its golf courses, and there’s a vacation destination on the inlet that caters specifically to the needs of anglers and golfers. Located at the heart of Murrells Inlet, the Inlet Sports Lodge is a comfortable and classy boutique hotel with the finest amenities in the area. It’s minutes away from three marinas, works closely with the area’s best charter captains and can accommodate boats up to 25 feet. There’s a fish cleaning room for prep, as well as gas and charcoal grills available in the courtyard to cook your catch.

Or, for those who’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the COSTA Coastal Kitchen and Bar on-site offers up fine, fresh Italian and seafood fare. There are also several other restaurants nearby that prepare the kind of delicious right-out-ofthe-water dishes that have made Murrells Inlet the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.”

If days on the water paired with a days on the links sounds like the perfect way to relax, the Inlet Sports Lodge has you covered. With golf packages booking a wide variety of the Grand Strand’s famous courses, there’s more golf than you can swing a stick at, including two award-winning courses with the same ownership as the Inlet Sports Lodge. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation are two of the finest courses in the area as well as the nation.

For more fishing at Murrells Inlet, go to

ANGLERSLIFE.CO MARCH 2018

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ver the last five years, Columbia, South Carolina’s Lower Saluda River has been on the rise as a trout fishery. Fed by the cold waters of Lake Murray, it took work by South Carolina DNR as well as habitat improvements to turn what once was a purely put-and-take fishery into viable year-round tailwater trout fishery.

With improved dissolved oxygen levels and a new flow program, anglers began catching large holdover fish back in 2012. Where stocked rainbows were once expected to die off during summer months, rainbows and browns are now thriving throughout the year. Trout exceeding 20 inches in length are now a real possibility for anglers fishing the tailwater.

South Carolina stocks this stretch of river with about 18,000 rainbow and brown trout by helicopter in winter. Regulations allow for no bait or tackle restrictions, and there is a daily harvest limit of five trout per day, per person. It would be interesting to see how stricter regulations might affect the fishery.

That’s exactly what South Carolina DNR has proposed. In February, public meetings were held to provide information and gauge opinions on a catch-and-release-only section of the Saluda. A 1.3-mile special catch-and-release zone has been proposed on the river’s nearly 10-mile run from the dam at Lake Murray to its convergence with the Broad River. Regulations would remain unchanged for the rest of the Lower Saluda.

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Angler Chuck Hanford and Capt. Alex with a 60-pound roosterfish released on the Harvester in February.

T

he 2018 season is in full swing in Nosara, Costa Rica. The five boats of the FishingNosara team have already run 225 trips since our season kicked-off in November, and show no signs of slowing down.

As usual, the flagship Wanderer has led the charge with great action this season. One of our favorite anglers Leah Merryfield helped the Wanderer ring in the New Year with a great day of action on Jan. 1. Capt. William found a 40-plus-pound dorado lurking offshore, and Miss Merryfield was there to land the monster. Mate Johnny had his work cut out for him to filet this big green beast. With dinner on ice, Mike battled a big sailfish all the way in for the release. Filets for the table and another trophy release for the scrapbook… that’s a perfect day of fishing to kick off 2018.

On Jan. 9, Soren and Marianne Dalberg-Pedersen had a big day with

Capt. William, highlighted by a pair of awesome marlin releases. They added a big dorado for the icebox, and all of this happened on just a fivehour, half-day trip!

Our big battleship Discoverer also has been delivering big fish and big smiles. Our dear friend Jerome McKown continues to add to his FishingNosara Hall of Fame resume with a great day of action for his group on Feb. 1. After a sweet sailfish release, these Texas anglers scored a nice yellowfin tuna with a baitcaster reel he brought from home.

Ryan McPherson joined Capt. Carlos and had the best five-hour trip you can imagine on Jan. 31. First up was a big blue marlin release. The blue water kept producing with an excellent sailfish backed up by a tasty yellowfin tuna.

Our newest weapon, the 32-foot Eduardono mega-panga Harvester, has already redefined the potential of panga fishing in Central America. After three full days of fishing, angler Chuck Hanford saved the best for last with a mammoth roosterfish release on his final day of action on Feb. 5. This monster was a legitimate 60 pounds, proven by Captain Alex’s Bogagrip. Great work by the mega-panga to photograph and release this monster.

Meanwhile, our smaller pangas, the Explorer and Adventurer, are delivering the best bang-for-your-buck fishing action in all of Central America. The Explorer put on a show for Maurycy Krzastek, of Poland, with a wonderful day of action on Jan. 12. The fish were fired-up as the Explorer released not one but two mighty marlins. This amazing feat was backedup with plenty of dorado, so these boys will be well fed. Great work by Capt. Fico!

The Adventurer scored a swarm of permit, snappers and yellowfin tuna on Jan. 6. Want to have ceviche, sushi and filets all in one meal? Capt.

David is known for delivering a wide variety of edible delights every time he hits the water.

Daily updates on the team’s catches are available at blog.fishingnosara.com and on the major social media platforms.

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By TAM Staff

T

his is the time of year when crappie anglers flock to the water.

The predictability and seemingly never-ending abundance of these tasty fish make them a springtime tradition with a community feel. No one’s going to fight you for crappie; there are plenty for everyone.

Here are a few tips to help you load a cooler this spring.

• Fish The Right Areas: This time of year, crappie are either shallow or thinking about moving shallow, depending on where you fish.

With warming waters, the spring spawn will find them right up on the banks in water as shallow as 1 ½ feet. Explore backs of the creeks that feed reservoirs or the flats adjacent to creek channels. Crappie use those channels to travel in and out of their spawning areas, so they’ll be stacked up in shallow brush near those slightly deeper areas when they move up. They’ll be holding in those slightly deeper channels before and after the spawn.

• Brush, Brush, Brush: The necessity for cover cannot be overstated. Crappie seek out hard bottoms with abundant cover to hide and

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protect their beds. Laydowns on the bank, shallow docks, timber and brush stacked up by currents, angler-placed brush in shallow water, all of it will hold spawning crappie as long as there is firm bottom for them to build their nests and something to conceal them.

• Tactics: Male crappie are usually the target when fishing during the spawn. Males are the ones that guard the beds, and while they are in protector mode they are aggressive. They are not necessarily feeding; they are attacking.

Minnows under a float are the traditional bait for crappie fishing, and it is a tactic that works any time of year. But during the spawn, minnows can actually hurt your productivity because fishing them out of the livewell and hooking them up is time consuming. If they will take a jig, there is no reason not to use one. Jigs are just more efficient.

This time of year, bright and gaudy colors are the way to go. Angry fish don’t need to be enticed into feeding, just getting their attention is often enough to make them strike. Whether you’re vertical jigging thick cover or casting to the banks, move quickly until you find crappie and then slow down to catch all of them that will bite.

• Remember: When you find a good spot, mark it on the graph or remember where it is. Crappie know where to go to spawn successfully and comfortably. They will utilize the same areas year after year, and so should you.

This holds true on a short-term basis also. Catch a limit one day, and you might think you’ve fished a particular bank out. Don’t count on it. Those good spawning sites reload. New fish will move in to take the place of the ones you took home to the fryer. That spot is worth checking again as early as tomorrow or even this afternoon.

For more on fishing Crappie in the spring, go to

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER PUNCHING MATS

BRANDON LESTER

T

he first pro event of the 2018 Bassmaster schedule was the Bassmaster Eastern Open in Kissimmee, Fla. I love Florida in winter, and love it even more now. I finished the event in second place, my highest professional finish to date. To notch that result, I had to adapt. Here’s how I did it.

In practice and early on day one I was catching fish on a prop bait. The fish were eating it, but I started catching smaller fish as time wore on.

I knew big fish were in the area but weren’t willing to hit a topwater. They were buried in the cover, and I needed to go in after them. That meant punching the heavy mats.

My arsenal for approaching the thickest Florida cover is simple but vital. I like to

use a MHX FP936 flipping stick with a 1 ½-ounce tungsten weight. I like a 4/0 Mustad 3X Grip Pin Max flipping hook, which helps keep a compact creature bait on the hook shank while penetrating abrasive cover. I pair it with 65-pound Vicious No Fade Braid to a high-speed reel to ensure I can muscle trophy fish from matted cover.

A big key to punching heavy cover is the bait. It must have a compact shape to slip through the mats behind that big weight.

I worked with X Zone Lures to create a new punching bait that does just that and is a new look for the fish. The Muscle Back Finesse Craw is the result. You can find them on the X Zone website (www.xzonelures.com).

I relied on the Okeechobee Craw and Black/Blue Flake colors, which are both Florida staples.

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FRESHWATER PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Fishmaster has unveiled a new line of folding aftermarket T-tops suitable for inshore or offshore applications. The first model in Fishmaster’s new Pro Series features industry leading 2.25-inch aviation grade 6061 T6 schedule 40 aluminum for optimum strength-to-weight ratio. Its patent pending design features sleek lines, integral grab handles and lateral support bars for superior stability. The top provides more than 35 square feet of coverage and features Sunbrella fabric for weather protection and comfort.

The top can be folded without the use of tools to accommodate storage, trailering and low bridge or tree clearance. It is available in bone white powder coating or polished and anodized finish for maximum corrosion resistance. This Pro Series model adjusts from 24-50 inches wide to fit virtually any center console on the market.

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For more information about the new Pro Series or the name of your local Fishmaster dealer, call 877-777-8693 or visit Fishmaster.com.

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UNDER THE SEA

What To Wear?

W

ho says you can’t have it all? When it comes to wetsuits—whether man or woman, warm or cold water, scuba or freediver—there are many great choices on the market. They are more comfortable, better-fitting, and more fashionable than ever.

Pioneers in the dive world had to endure cold temperatures sometimes. Finally, in 1952, a University of California physicist invented the wetsuit. Water conducts heat away from the body about 20 times more efficiently than air, which is why an unprotected individual feels cold even in “warmish” water. The inventor created a foam-like material to cover the body, which reduced the water’s ability to conduct heat away from the body.

This, plus the fact that water is warmed by your body and trapped inside the suit, made for a more comfortable experience.

Previous materials were very fragile or very rigid. Due to product innovation, wetsuits are more flexible, warm, and come in many different colors—even camouflage patterns. Better-fitting designs and new methods of joining the seams make today’s suits even more waterproof and reduce “flushing,” which is the seeping in of cold water.

In the warmest parts of the world, divers may opt for a simple “lycra skin” for protection from jellyfish, coral and sunburns.

However, even in the summer, most will still wear at least a 2-mil wetsuit. On the other end of the scale, my very admirable friends in northern California wear two-piece 8-mil wetsuits complemented by thick neoprene boots, gloves and hoods. As an example, someone in the Bahamas might wear a skin for the summer and a 2-mil in the winter. Someone in Florida might own a 3-mil for the summer and a two-piece 5-mil for the winter.

A Californian would probably own a two-piece 5-mil for the summer and 8-mil for winter.

The rule of thumb is that you want to wear the thinnest possible wetsuit, but enough to feel comfortable throughout the dive. That’s because you want to maintain maximum Photo by Jose Fernandez flexibility and reduce the amount of lead needed on your weight belt to submerge (wetsuit material is buoyant). The beauty of owning two-piece suits (hooded top and farmer john bottoms) is that you can switch pieces around for the perfect combination—such as wearing a 5-mil bottom with a 3-mil top. Along these lines, it’s also possible to buy a sleeveless vest for more layering options. With just a few basic pieces, many different combinations are available. This is especially handy if traveling and exact conditions are unknown or could change.

The following brands are available at your local dive shop: Yazbeck, Mares, Riffe, Omer, Cressi and more. If an off-the-rack suit does not fit, there are several affordable custom manufacturers who will tailor one to your measurements, such as Polosub or Elios. These days, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable in the water.

Happy diving!

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

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By CAM Staff

M

ichael Clark’s 9.66-pound sheepshead might not be the biggest ever caught, but it’s the heaviest officially recognized sheep ever caught on a fly rod in Louisiana.

Clark, of Charleston, S.C., and his father-in-law Craig Pagels booked a couple days with Louisiana Low Tide Charters and Capt.

Lucas Bissett last January to fish the marshes of Delacroix.

The big sheepshead came on the second afternoon of the trip. The day had dawned clear and calm, but when winds picked up in the afternoon it stirred up the mud bottom they were fishing. Capt. Bissett made the call to move in search of a sand bottom and clear water. It was a good call.

Bissett spotted two sheepshead from the poling platform.

“He told me to strip out all my line and said ‘four o’clock, four o’clock,’” Clark said. “I threw it out there and dropped it right on the shadow. Then I waited for what seemed like forever. Then I twitched it once and it took the fly.”

The fish ate Bissett’s own pattern, a Bissett’s Mud Bug, which has a deer hair head and a baitfish profile. It was caught on a 10-weight Orvis Helios. The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) recognized it as the fly-caught state record.

The all-tackle LOWA record for sheepshead was caught in 1982 by Wayne Desselle. That one weighed 21.25 pounds.

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By Tobin Strickland - CAM Special Correspondent Photo Courtesy of Capt. Ernest Cisneros - Simms Ambassador

pring temperatures can swing widely; the morning can start very cold with late season frontal passages, or strong winds with clouds or fog. Even warm days can feel cold due to the water’s ability to cool the near surface layer of air.

However, those cold mornings can warm to hot afternoons and back to cold.

First, start with a thermal layer that breathes well that can be worn on its own if it warms up. I prefer merino wool for this, but cotton thermals are fine as well if that’s your budget. The merino seems to wick and dry better and is comfortable in a wider range. Next comes a hoodie of some sort, whether that be heavy cotton, fleece or poly, and on your legs either poly sweats or jeans are usually enough for spring.

The hoodie will be a welcome addition over your hat of choice at dawn, during high winds, or evening low-light conditions. The final layer should be some sort of windproof and waterproof layer. For wade fishing or rough water conditions, I like a pair of Simms fishing waders and a jacket. I can’t stress enough how important it is to block the wind and water on the top layer.

Spring fishing brings variable conditions that require you to layer your clothes so you can adjust through the day. The mornings may be cold, but the mid afternoon leaves you peeling off clothes and sweating.

You’ll be ready if you layer.

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