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A V A I L A B L E
MARCH 2018
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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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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
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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.
WWW.FISHHIPPIE.COM
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.
WWW.LLBEAN.COM
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.
WWW.CAPSMITH.COM COLUMBIA PFG SOLAR SHADE ZERO
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
WWW.HOOKEDSOUL.COM
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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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.
Learn more at www.americasboatingclub.org
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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.
GREAT FISHING REQUIRES GREAT REST!
Boater’s Welcome! Capt. Mike McNamara
(850) 510-7919
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MARCH 2018
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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.
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Your fish is waiting. Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information
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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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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
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
What’s Missing in North Carolina?
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oastal Angler and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine are part of a national franchise publishing system with over 30 locations throughout the country. 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. We’re very interested in expanding our publication into the Raleigh area. Adding a Raleigh location would complete our statewide coverage and make us the largest outdoor publication in North Carolina. Our franchises are simple home-based businesses, best suited for an outdoor enthusiast (fishing fanatic) with an outgoing personality and a bit of ambition. Our training program and ongoing support ensures that they operate smoothly. Our franchisee co-publishers ensure that they run profitably. If you or someone you know in the Raleigh area would like to -be your own boss and run your own business, you owe it to yourself to check out this franchise opportunity while it’s still available. You never know, maybe it’s you that we’re missing. This could be the start of a wonderful new career for the right candidate. For more information on the Raleigh Piedmont franchise, call 888-800-9794 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com.
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.
Franchise Opportunity The Angler Magazine currently has established franchise locations in Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington and the Outer Banks. We’re looking to add a Raleigh location.
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MARCH 2017
W O R L D W I D E
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Raleigh/Piedmont
MARCH 2018
NORTH CAROLINA 1
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WIDEST SELECTION OF KAYAKS & ACCESSORIES ON THE OUTER BANKS
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U S E D G E A R S A L E 2 NORTH CAROLINA
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MARCH 2018
HUGE SAVINGS ON K AYA K S • S U R F B O A R D S PA D D L E B O A R D S B I K E S • AC C E S S O R I E S
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2/16/18 10:49 AM
Wilmington/Morehead City edition
Wrightsville Beach Let’s hope March is a little more stable than our weather has been this year so far! Here are the species I like to look for during March around Wrightsville Beach and close by In March the redfish finally start to move around a little more than they have all winter. Not that they don’t move around in the winter; they just start to show up in places they like more during warmer times of the year. This is the time of the year you need to get out and locate where the redfish are going. In the cooler months, I’ve seen crustacean patterns work better for redfish; due to the fact that these baits are a little easier to catch than baits like fish patterns. A good handful of our local shrimp may have wintered over; also some of the little baitfish stayed too. All of this will make for a better March fishing scenario for sure! On warmer days the crustaceans and baitfish will move a little more; these are the days you need to look for redfish during March. Working scented baits like Berkley Gulp and Gulp Alive in patterns like two- and three-inch shrimp, two-inch peeler crab and threeinch hollow shrimp should get the redfish to bite. These baits don’t have paddletails so you can work them very slowly, which is still very important because the water will still be pretty cool in March. Find those banks where the sun can warm up shallows just a little more than other places. Look for dark bottomed banks and places with less current; these are the areas where the water will be warmer and the redfish will be feeding. Remember to keep your eyes peeled in the shallow water areas for reds, March can be a very good sight fishing month; just make sure you work the baits a little slower with a fluorocarbon leader for those clearer spring waters. March can be another mouth when Cape Fear River striped bass fishing will pick up. The striper size is very mixed during early spring. In March the stripers will start to move in to a little bit shallower waters, I look for the stripers in three to eight feet of water during early spring. This is when you need to also shallow up your presentation, go lighter with you tackle. I prefer Berkley Gulp jerkshad and Berkley Havoc Grass Pig lures; I use colors pearl, chart pepper neon and new penny (swamp gas). Using swimbait hooks size 6/0 in 1/4- to oneounce should put a striper on the end of your line! You can also cast mid-water crankbaits that dive three to eight feet; don’t let the lure drag the bottom too much or you will lose your lure to a stump or log! Look for Cape Fear River stripers around mud-flat edges, bulkheads, creeks and shallow reed-grass edges on sunny warmer days. Don’t count out a nice speckled trout during the month of March! But what is a trout going to hit in March? This is when you need to know where to start; what lures to try? One of my favorites is the good ‘ole MirrOlure; it’s been around a long time and it is still catching fish, but its cold so work them SLOW! The patterns I prefer are the 17MR, 18MR, 52M and 52MR. As for colors, MirrOlure makes a lot of different colors but here are some of my “go-to” colors around Wrightsville Beach area waters. MirrOlure color codes: 11, 21, 26, 51, 704, CFPR, CH, EC, HP and Capt. Jot Custom color (only found at Tex’s Tackle shop). Any local tackle shop can help you with these color codes. Best depths to use these lures; 17MR use these lures in two to six feet of
water. 18MR, 52M & 52MR use these lures in four- to 15 plus feet of water. Speckled trout is closed to possession until June 15, 2018. Yes, you can still fish for them. There is another kind of fishing I like to try in March but there is no saltwater involved. I like to hit the upper Northeast Cape Fear River and Sutton Lake the do a little largemouth above: Jot Owens III (father of Capt. Jot) with a bass fishing. If you nice Cape Fear River striped bass that hit a fivewant to try some- inch Berkley Havoc Grass Pig rigged on a TroKar thing different, try swimbait hook. some bass fishing; they are a lot of fun to catch on lighter tackle. Most of the time I use heavy sink worms from Berkley Powerbait in black, red shad and blue-flick colors. Work these worms very slowly off banks and stump beds. If you like to fly fish, try slow-sinking small minnow patterns along the grass flats in Sutton Lake on cloudy or foggy days. Tackle run down: PENN Battle II & Conflict II spinning reels in sizes 2000, 2500 & 3000 for the redfish, speckled trout, largemouth bass and striped bass; PENN Battalion rods in 6’6” & 7’ medium and med/hvy action; Spiderwire Ultra-cast line in 10- and 15-pound test; I use Berkley Pro Spec Fluorocarbon for my leaders in 20- to 30pound test. Thanks for reading, get outside and I hope March fishing is good to you! Forecast by: Capt. Jot Owens Penn Tackle Elight Staff •Ranger Boats Pro Staff www.captainjot.com • 910-233-4139
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MANY IN-STORE SPECIALS!
march 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 1
2/15/18 3:46 PM
Swansboro/emerald Isle SPRING INTO SOME SERIOUS FISHING!
March 20th marks the first day of spring along the Crystal Coast and anglers venturing out onto our beautiful coastal waters can find some serious inshore and nearshore action! Two of my favorite species to target this month are redfish and false albacore. Both of these fish offer sight fishing opportunities that will get your adrenaline pumping and test the limits of your favorite rod and reel combo! REDFISH! When looking for redfish this March, anglers should focus their efforts in the shallow bays and creeks behind our beaches as well as the muddy bottom bays and creeks along our mainland. As we move through early spring our daylight is getting longer and we often get some periods of warmer weather. Together, these two factors will slowly warm these shallow waters which will cause reds to move into these areas in search of food. The bays behind our beaches will have higher salinity water which above: Capt. Rick Patterson from Cape Carteret allows the winter caught this upper slot redfish this February during a algae, which locals scouting trip. call “terd moss,” to thrive. For this reason, I will often switch to a very light presentation on my baits. I like to rig a four-inch Smelt Gulp Minnow on a 1/16-ounce jig head or a five-inch Gulp Jerkshad on a weightless hook. Anglers can work these baits slowly with a quick twitch during retrieves and the bait will rarely come in contact with the bottom which is covered with the algae. If the fish aren’t feeding well, switching over to a live mud minnow suspended under a small float cork will usually entice a strike. Because the water is still cold in March, these fish will be schooled up and it will take a lot of time on the trolling motor searching area bays to locate them. Anglers that choose calmer days and put the time in will often be rewarded with some serious spring redfish action! FASLE ALBACORE! The little tunny or false albacore as they are more commonly known along the Crystal Coast is distinguished by a scattering of dark spots between the pectoral and ventral fins and elongated wavy markings found on the back, above the lateral line. Many anglers confuse false albacore with bonito. The easiest way for anglers to distinguish the two apart is by the teeth. Bonito have very noticeable sharp teeth like a Spanish mackerel and false albacore have very small bristle-like teeth. False albacore typically range between five- and 15-pounds here along the Crystal Coast and offer some serious rod bending, reel screaming action! Aboard Fish’n4life Charters we welcome fly anglers but, we usually spend more time casting light spinning tackle to schools of albacore breaking the surface. There are many locations along the Crystal Coast at which anglers can locate large schools of fish during March. Anglers should first scour the edges of the tideline just outside the inlets and along the surf zone before heading farther off the beach. Other great locations include nearshore live bottoms, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Locating small white birds, called terns, hovering frantically just above the water’s surface while often dipping down to the water is a sure sign that albacore are feeding below. I like to approach these birds head-on, idling very slowly. Too much engine noise will spook the albacore. Many bait 2 wilmington/Morehead city march 2018
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presentations will produce strikes. Some of the most effective baits I’ve used over the past 25 years include: fourinch silver/black topwater baits, 1/4-ounce double spec rigs, two-ounce Stingsilvers and 1/2-ounce jigheads with a four- to five-inch glass minnow imitation soft bait. My favorites are Zoom Super Flukes and the Berkley Gulp Jerkshad. Bait color isn’t as important as the fast retrieve action needed to produce above: Capt. Jeff Cronk from Swansboro caught this 16-inch Southern flounder strikes. on a Berkley Gulp Shrimp this February while fishing the shallow flats behind Bear Island.
FORECAST BY: Capt. Jeff Cronk Fish’n4life Charters • Carolina Fishing TV www.nccharterfishing.com Ranger/Yamaha/PENN/Berkley Pro-Staff Cell 336-558-5697 • Home 910-325-8194 jcronk@ec.rr.com
above: Taylor and her husband, Nick, had a blast catching and releasing upper slot reds this February while fishing some creeks in Swansboro with Capt. Jeff Cronk of Fish’n4life Charters.
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Dear Coastal Angler: I think Capt. Barefoot’s idea regarding a Flounder Stamp is a great idea..except I think the cost needs to be more. Recreational fishermen– $40, recreational giggers and divers– $300, commercial giggers and netters– $2,000, commercial draggers and pound netters– $3,000. Giggers with their strong lights can catch enough fish in a couple days to pay for their stamp. People need to put their money where their mouth is. And with that kind of funding there should be plenty of fish for all. But I’m sure all will cry how poor they are, and how broke they are. While they continue to strip our state’s resources and it doesn’t cost them hardly anything. If we continue the way it is, the resource is done. Your article summed it up perfectly. Thanks for your time. Butler Anderson
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march 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 3
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kayak fishing
Take a Test Drive
Spring is finally here with warmer days and cool nights and soon an extra hour of daylight. For kayak fishing, it is a great start to a new season on the water. Reds and flounder will be inshore with a sprinkle of bluefish and Spanish running around the Inlets grabbing at just about anything you put on a hook. This also the time of year when we start to see a lot of people coming into the shop, wanting to get into kayaking and kayak fishing. Once we have someone in the shop and they see all the choices, they have their eyes glaze over and they get a blank stare. There are a lot of great kayaks on the market today and there is one out there that is right for each one. But if you are new to the sport it can seem a little daunting. In the store, we can ask what they plan on fishing for and where they plan on paddling to try and get a good idea of what styles of kayaks are best to show them to help them make a decision on one that will be right for them. We feel it is our job to best describe each kayak we think would work for them and their pros and cons on the water. Once we reach that decision, then we discuss how we rig it for fishing and what kind of paddle and PFD they will need. For some people, and I admit I am one of them, I need to try something out before I purchase it.
That is why a lot of shops like us at Hook Line and Paddle hold an annual Demo day. If you fall into the category with me, this is a great opportunity to get out on the water in a few different kayaks. Find the one that you enjoy the most for what you are going to use it for. At our demo day we bring in manufacturer reps to help everyone out. So, people like this because we are all built differently and it might come down to which kayak seat is more comfortable than others for them. Or, that you really want is to stand and sight cast to fish...so check out all the ones you can stand up in and in their different lengths and paddle each of them. One might be lighter than others and you need that for loading and unloading. There are many different reasons why someone will choose one kayak over another. Go out and test drive to make the right choice for you. Take the time to talk to all the professionals at the event; that is what we are there for. At the end of the day you will know what you want and that you are making the right decision. If we can help you get into the right kayak and have you spend as much time on the water as you can, we have done our job. Hook Line and Paddle’s demo day will be April 7 starting at 10:00 am at Smith Creek Park in Wilmington. Come by and see us and take a test drive...you will be happy you did. article BY: Chris Tryon Hook Line and Paddle Canoe and Kayak Outfitters, Wilmington, NC Phone 910-330-6999 • email: hooklineandpaddle@yahoo.com
Flying Around With Captain Lee
The months are clicking away this year and soon the dogwoods will be in bloom and the shad will be up to the dams as well as the stripers right behind. The cold stun event we had in January really set the fisheries back in February with much kill-off of fish and baitfish. I thought flounder and trout seemed to have the worst of it, but the bait on which all of these fish forage on was hit even worse. However, I am seeing more come back each and every day. The warm spell we had in February really helped and I am seeing more things come back to normal, and by the end of March, I think most of the bait will return to what it should be. If you still have trouble finding fish, look for them in areas with deep water access...a small shallow bank nearby will give them a place to come up mid-day for the warmth of the sun. When the dogwood trees bloom, head up to Lock and Dam 1 on the Cape Fear for some great light tackle action on the shad. If you are into a road trip, head to Weldon off I-95 and you should find some 100 fish days with the American and gizzard shad. Little 1/8- to 1/4-ounce lead heads with grubs or hair work great. There are also a couple of “drone” spoons that work well. Colors like bright yellow, chartreuse, white and silver work the best. Also, make a double-dropper rig with a spoon on the top and a jig head on the bottom and hang on; the fish will tell you what they want. Right now, the lower Roanoke and the Neuse both are producing good numbers of stripers and shad. Stripers will follow right behind the shad and should be soon moving that way if the water temps hold. Stripers should be back to biting good in the rivers with the rising water temperatures. Soft plastics, hard plastic lipped baits like the Rapala in a clown color as well as a lipless Rattletrap in a green or blue color will get the job done. Also step up in size from the standard size rattletrap to help you get more strikes. The MR17 is another good bet for the suspended fish. Red drum have moved onto the flats some and they will be even prevalent as the month rolls on. Live bait or soft plastics with a slow presentation will get them going. above: Mike Hoffman from Wilmington with a nice You won’t have to rush out at first light, let it warm up a little and they will have the Cape Fear River striper.. feed bag on whey you get there. Finding them should be easy in the clear water, even on the windy days. You can still find them in the creeks; just look for deeper holes and oyster bars. Speckled trout will be feeding good again. MirrOlures and grubs are my choice of baits. MirrOlures are my first choice but I make sure that the barbs are mashed down for an easier release. Soft plastics on grub heads, hopped off the bottom are also a great choice. I look for seams on small marsh points and oyster rocks. In still water, rock bottoms and steep mud banks should hold fish. Slow trolling grubs under corks and MirrOlures are both great ways to locate fish. For the most part flounder are still offshore, but with the rising temperatures, they will be chewing. Look for them on the nearshore hard bottoms and ledges. A white bucktail tipped with a purple and chartreuse tail or live bait will do the trick. As always, be safe on the water and stay warm, overdress as the wind over the water will keep the temperatures down. 4 wilmington/Morehead city march 2018
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About the author: Captain Lee Parsons 910-540-2464 • www.gottaflyguideservice.com Located In Wrightsville Beach at the Bridge TenderMarina COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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march 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 5
2/15/18 3:46 PM
March is the Month to Have Your Boat Tuned Up!
March can still be pretty cold out on the water, so why not take time to take care of your boat and trailer now? Many boaters wait until the first few weeks of warm weather to take their boats in to be tuned up so that they are ready to get out on the water with family and friends. The problem is you just waited until your local boat marina is stacked up with boat repair orders and won’t get your boat out for weeks! Procrastination just messed up your weekend fishing trip or the family day out on the water that you had been promising to do! I met with Keith Barker, Service Manager at KC’s Marine Service. I did a little Q & A with Keith to see what you should expect for a good tune up on your boat. Q – When is the best time to get a boat tuned up? A – The best time obviously would be before the tournament/boating season starts, and by getting it in early, most boat service and repair shops are not as busy during the colder months and can usually get you in and out much quicker than during the heat of the season. This ensures you’re ready to go and not stuck waiting. Q – What is the down time boaters can expect by bringing in their boats this early in the year? A – Getting your boats in for service/tune-up early in the season is usually same day to next day turn around. Of course this depends on how many boats are already at the shop. Just remember, early means minimizing down time for the boater. Q – What does a boat technician do when a boater brings in their boat for a tune up? A – I would first get basic information from the customer to give me a brief history of when the boat was last serviced. This will give me a starting point to assess what service is required. In addition, I will ask if they’ve encountered any running issues to give me an idea of whether further diagnostics may be required beyond the basic tune up. Q - When you check out the prop on the boat during the tune up what are you looking for? A – When servicing the lower unit, I always remove the prop to grease the shaft and ensure there is no fishing line or anything else tangled up in it that could cause damage to the seals. I also inspect the prop for damage and can make recommendations from there. Q – What do you do about the boat trailer? Boaters tend to forget about the trailer and accessories until something happens on the road to or from the lake, do you agree? A – Yes, I definitely agree. I’ll inspect the trailer to ensure all lights are working properly. I will look for any loose or damaged wiring. I will also check the tires for proper pressure as well as making sure they’re not cracking or worn out. I’ll ask the customer when they last had the wheel bearings serviced and make recommendations from there. You can also look to ensure they’re not slinging grease which would be an indicator they need to be serviced. Q – Do you repack wheel bearings every year? Boat trailers now have oil bath and some have 100,000 miles throw a way hubs and replace them. So I guess as a tech you are seeing all kinds? A - We’ve just recently started seeing the ones with the oil bath and throw away hubs, but mostly the bearings with grease. Bearings and 6 wilmington/Morehead city march 2018
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races can last a very long time if you keep them properly greased and examine them when you repack. With or without bearing buddies, we recommend repacking grease once a year. This not only provides fresh grease, but it is the perfect time to examine races and bearings and check for heat discoloration on the races. If you find dark spots or rings on the races, you should replace both the races and bearings. Also, if you run your fingernails along the race and it snags, it is time to replace both as well. There is no need to replace bearings or races until you see cracks, heat marks, nicks or any signs of water. Q – Some of the older boats might still have the old fuel lines; can you tell the readers what they should do because of the ethanol in the fuel? What have you seen? Is it getting better? A – Yes, some of the older motors that we see may still have the fuel line that is not ethanol resistant. In those cases, we recommend immediate replacement because the ethanol breaks down the older fuel lines to the point where they are completely clogged, and particles from that can get into the entire fuel system. In addition, I recommend a fuel stabilizer additive at each fill up, or at a very minimum when the boat will be sitting for a while. As far as getting better, yes…absolutely. With the ethanol resistant fuel lines and the use of fuel stabilizers, you will have fewer issues. Q – You recommend boaters put fuel stabilizers such as, the product Stabil in their fuel tanks each time they fill up. Why? A – Yes, for sure. It helps to stabilize the fuel and provides metal corrosion protection from the ethanol sulfate. It also helps lock in fuel potency and helps prevent fuel oxidation, phase separation, gum and varnish build-up. Q - Are there any other tips that you can offer boaters? A – Always keep your batteries charged and maintained. Keep basic tools/safety equipment with you such as a jump box or jumper cables, good spare tire and jack, spare prop for outboard and trolling motor. For additional information or questions you can contact Keith Barker at KC’s Marine Service. Contact info: 919 498-3351. See you on the water,
Hal Abshire Tournament Angler
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2/15/18 3:46 PM
Surf City/ Topsail Island There is a lot to look forward to this month; daylight savings, first day of spring, March Madness, St.Patricks Day, and the promise of better fishing. This winter was unseasonably cold around Topsail Island and our inshore species took it on the chin. We had frigid water temperatures and the fishing for the most part was sub par. We really lucked out compared to other areas as far as any cold stun killed fish; there was minimal loss around Topsail, especially towards the southern reaches. The surf zone will continue to hold large numbers of redfish this month. These fish will likely be found near inlets around the shoals on both the north and south sides of the passes. Depending on wind direction these fish will move in and out of the inlet preferring either the flats on the inside or the shoals on the outside. Catching these fish can be challenging depending on the swell and wind direction. Definitely carry someone with you to help look for fish while the other keeps an eye on the waves behind the boat. Z-Man Jerkshads rigged on Fathom Inshore 3/8-ounce jigheads are my favorite bait to cast to these fish. Pearl, pearl and chartreuse, new penny, electric chicken, and golden boy are my top colors. `Mainland creeks, marinas, canals, oyster beds, and docks along the waterway are also holding redfish this time of year. Soft plastic shrimp and paddletails on 1/4-ounce and lighter jigheads are a great way to catch these fish; fish them very slowly on or just off the bottom. Cut shrimp, mullet, and crab will get these fish to bite when nothing else will. 3/0 VMC circle hooks rigged with just enough split shot to reach the bottom is a great approach. There will also be good numbers of black drum holding in these areas. They are typically eager to jump on a piece of fresh shrimp or crab. Catch-and-release speckled trout fishing is also something to keep in mind this spring. We have to be careful when hooking these fish because their numbers are low and we need to let the fish reproduce. Keep them in the water and minimize the amount of time they are out of the water for photos. Z-Man Swimming Trout Tricks, Trick ShotZ, and Fathom Inshore Squiddley Tails, rigged on 1/8- and 1/4-ounce jigs are effective baits to cast to early spring trout. Topwater plugs and suspending twitch baits by MirrOlure and Rapala are great offerings once the water temperatures begin to stabilize towards the end of the month. Nearshore structure will continue to hold keeper-sized black sea bass this month. Chicken rigs with squid baits, Bluewater Candy Roscoes, and SPRO jigs fished on the bottom will get the job done on the sea bass. Flounder will become more of a regular target in the same areas as we get towards the end of the month. Late March is the time of year we begin to see the first Atlantic bonito of the season. When sea temperatures are around 60 degrees these fish will invade out nearshore structure. Yo-Zuri deep divers, planer and spoon, and casting metal jigs are how most fish are caught. Take advantage of these fish while they are here because this fishery doesn’t last long. This is the time of year that we anglers begin to organize our tackle and replenish items that we have used up over the past year. Be smart and visit your local tackle shop for advice and purchasing your tackle needs. Give your local charter captains a call for and let them show you how good the fishing can this month. Feel free to call us at South End Anglers for advice on early spring fishing or to book a charter this month. Mention Coastal Angler magazine to receive special pricing.
Offshore/pelagics I don’t know about you folks but I personally have had enough of winter and am ready to get back offshore where I belong! It has been a tough, cold winter with many obstacles I had not anticipated and I was not sad to put 2017 in my rear view mirror. Keeping in mind that the sun always comes up tomorrow, we can relax a bit, shed some heavy winter clothes (and also some unwanted winter weight!) and get ready for the warmer weather and great fishing just ahead. Many of us will be working on our boats and tackle in March to get everything ready for the upcoming season. On the Savanna Leigh we have already had our reels serviced to beat the rush and now all we need to do is our spring haulout to finish up the main prep items on my list. Once we get that done we will be back in the water and ready for action – hopefully in time to get an early start to the season. The water is still cold near shore but the Gulf Stream is always warm and always has a bounty of fish if you find the right spot. March fishing can be hit or miss, so you will have some very slow days, but if you hit it right you can load the boat in a hurry. Wahoo, blackfin tuna, mahi, sailfish and maybe a blue marlin are likely species you can encounter this time of year – and if you hit the right spot on the right day you may land on a nice school of yellowfin tuna and things will happen fast! I have said it many times before but it still holds true, you never know what will come your way when fishing offshore and it pays to be prepared if you want to maximize your opportunities. The colder inshore/nearshore water can often make it easy to look for and find the more likely hot spots you seek when headed offshore. Those big temperature change areas can be very productive and at the least are pretty cool to see. Bear in mind that a big temp and current rip can be significantly rougher than the surrounding water and you will often have to get right into the slop to catch fish – this is part of the prep and safety stuff I always preach! Find the spots where these conditions occur over productive depths and good bottom structure and that is your starting point. Get out there and find the bait, you will find the fish! I still start off with mostly all wire leaders in my spread this time of year since the wahoo are likely to be around. If I find the tunas I will switch over to a more species appropriate spread depending on what we are seeing. My basic spread will always include blue/white sea witches along with a couple other favorites, I like a larger rig on my shotgun and I will always have my planer rod working. Adjust what you are pulling to what you are seeing and work with what Mama Ocean is giving you. You will be productive more days than not! There still won’t be that many boats out most days in March, so you need to make sure you have “your stuff” right before you go. Pick your weather, pick your spot and get on out there for some early season action on the offshore waters of the Crystal Coast. My off-topic words of advice, “tomorrow is never guaranteed, so take a minute every day to call a family member and tell them you love them – no fish out there is more important than that!” Plan ahead, be prepared and have fun! ! FORECAST BY: Capt. Troy Pate 252-917-0445 • capttroypate@aol.com
FORECAST BY: Capt. Chadwick Crawford South End Anglers • 540.460.3432 capt.chadwickcrawford@gmail.com • www.southendanglers.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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march 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 7
2/15/18 3:46 PM
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www.SportsmansWarehouse.com 8 wilmington/Morehead city march 2018
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ATlantic Beach/Morehead city It’s been a long winter down Cape Lookout shoals as they along the Crystal Coast, so move in from the offshore wawe’re glad to see March come ters. The albacore also will be around with some signs of mixed in with the blues as they springtime. It’s not often we see move into the area. When they snow at the beach and this year show up it’s feeding time...they we had two rounds of it, with will hit pretty much anything! one being three- to eight inchThe small heavy glass minnow es of the white stuff along with jigs we have in the shop are freezing temps for over a week, some of the best lures we’ve having our sounds and creeks found for casting. They were freezing over as far as an eye new for us last year and caught could see. I talked with some of lots of fish last season. the old salts in the area, they all Gray trout and hogfish said it’s been over 20 to 30 years fishing will start to pick back since they saw ice forming up as they move inside the across the waterways. Anyway, inlet this month. The high that seems to be all behind us rise bridges and Port Wall arnow and spring fishing is now above: Tommy Williams of Emerald Isle is the winner of the Chasin’ Tails Outdoors eas will be good places to fish. knocking on the door, which I 10th Annual Speckled Trout Challenge, with a speckled trout that weighed in at Jigging Stingsilvers and fishknow you anglers are looking 8.92 pounds. The fish was caught on a 17MR MirrOlure and released alive. The ing bait shrimp on the bottom forward to! should get you some action. catch earned Tommy over $4,000 in cash and prizes! As far as how the fishing As we get into late March has been it’s been pretty good for the weather we’ve been dealing with over some flounder will start to get around our AR reefs,. If you get lucky and the last couple of months. I like to look at March as a transition stage for the find the right reef you can find the flounder stacked as they move back in fish, when they’ll start getting out of their wintertime patterns of not feed- from the deeper water in large schools. Jigging Spro Bucktails tipped with ing much in our area. March is the month when fish will begin showing four-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp will be the “go-to” lure. I don’t care what back up, ones we haven’t seen since last fall. bucktail you use, but day in day out you won’t go wrong with a two-ounce The “hot spot” has been the Cape Lookout Rock Jetty with anglers Spro Bucktail tipped with Gulp. There’s omething about this lure combo catching red drum and black drum fishing with bait shrimp or live mud that just can’t be matched. minnows. Also, we’ve been seeing some pretty good sea bass at AR330, So, that kind of sums up what’s going on right now and what to expect AR285, North West Places, Big 10/Little 10, Atlas Tanker and 1700 Rock; to show up over the next few weeks for our local waters. It’s a good idea to all these areas have been holding keeper fish and good numbers. Two- check our local weekly fishing report at www.chasintailsoutdoors.com, we ounce Spro Bucktails in white tipped with four-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp will keep you up to date on what’s going on. Things can change a lot this or two-ounce Roscoe Jigs have been working well for artificial lures. Squid time of the year with the water just starting to and live minnows are a sure bet to get the job done on the sea bass. You will warm up and fish starting to make their way also see a few ringtails in the mix with the bass and a few bee-liners. back in! Now that we’ve hit on what’s biting right now and what we’ve been seeFORECAST BY: Capt. Matt Lamb ing over the last few weeks, let’s talk about what to expect in our area during Chasin’ Tails Bait & Tackle March. Chasin’ Tails Charters We will see the spring sea mullet run start sometime this month. It Atlantic Beach, N.C. 252-240-FISH could be any day now; last year we were catching them at the first of March www.chasintailsoutdoors.com even catching some late February. Year after year, they’ll show up in the Capt. Matt Lamb inlet area, 50- to 60-feet of water is usually a good place to start looking for arriving mullets. As we move more into March, the fish will start to move all the way back toward the Port area. I remember last March by the end of the month, we were having great luck in front of the Port Wall area. Sam’s Gitter’s Custom Spring Rigs from the shop tipped with bait shrimp and Fishbites will be the bait of choice for these tasty fish. Bluefish will also make their showing any day in our area, usually we’ll above: Dennis Cochran from Newport with his second place speckled trout that weighed 8.33 pounds, caught on a catch them up around the live shrimp, and Richard Gilligan from Wilmington with his third place speckled trout that weighed at 7.83 pounds. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Oriental’s Boat Show Continues to Get Bigger and Better; This Year’s Show Boasts 105 Exhibitors; Is April 13-15 Beginning with 2009’s forty vendors, the Oriental Rotary Club has steadily grown their annual April boat show to the point of hosting 105 exhibitors in 2017. And the show has grown in popularity to the extent that it is now one of the largest in-water shows between Annapolis and Savannah. Over the years the impressive small-town show has added a nautical flea market and a wooden boat exposition. Recently they have also hosted a Down East NC master craftsman who builds a juniper skiff entirely during the two and one half day show. Oriental’s Rotarians then raffle off that custom boat to a lucky winner. Since the show is in Oriental you might guess that it’s a sail boat show because the town is famously known as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina. However, Oriental’s boat show also benefits by being in Pamlico County which is coming to be known as “North Carolina’s In-shore Fishing Capital”. You may expect to find every type of watercraft at Oriental’s show – from sail to power, from fishing to cruising, from electrics to paddle boats, from kayaks to fifty-foot yachts. Expect to find an impressive array of nautical and marine-related
goods and services as well. Make plans to attend the biggest and best-ever smalltown boat show, the 10th Annual Oriental In-water Boat Show, Nautical Flea Market and Wooden Boat Expo, April 13-15. Pack a bag and bring your checkbook for some great boating deals – everyone else does! More information including a list of boat show exhibitors and their products is available at OrientalBoatShow.com.
Salty Dog Charters
Capt. Troy Pate 252-917-0445
capttroypate@aol.com
Aboard the Savanna Leigh
at the Capt. Stacy Fishing Center Atlantic Beach
THE 10 th ANNUAL
Oriental In-Water Boat Show
AND NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET & WOODEN BOAT EXHIBITION
APRIL 13–15, 2018 at Oriental, NC’s
beautiful Oriental Harbor Marina details at www.OrientalBoatShow.com or email to director@OrientalBoatShow.com ICW M/M 182
10 wilmington/Morehead city march 2018
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southport/ocean isle Fishing continues to get better and better here in southeastern NC! With the water temperatures warming and the weather becoming more and more favorable every day, soon the fish will be in-themidst of their springtime feeding blitz! With a couple of months of boat maintenance, tackle repair, and preparation for the 2018 fishing season behind us, March has finally arrived and quality fishing is just around the corner! In the backwater the red drum and flounder should begin to show up again getting ready for the spring “run” and anglers will find that the fishing really gets better nearly day-to-day. Simply employ your favorite artificial lures such as Betts Halo Shrimp or a MirrOlure tipped with a good coating of Pro-Cure Inshore Angler Super Gel around oyster outcroppings and deep-water drop-offs, as well as around points that provide a good eddy and ambush point for these fish to attack bait passing by, and soon the drag will be peeling off your reel with a nice redfish! In the midst of catching your drum, there will be the prospect of also hooking some nice speckled trout. Be sure to remember that due to the colder than normal temperatures we have experienced these past couple of months that the speckled trout harvest is closed until June 15, 2018 upon my last update. Check with NCDMF to verify this closure, and any others, have not changed. This is perhaps one of the best times of the year to take a kid fishing if you want them to be guaranteed to catch something. In the mouth of the Cape Fear River the whiting (Virginia mullet) will be biting as the water warms up. Find the freshest shrimp possible and use a two-hook bottom rig with pieces of PEELED cut shrimp on a moving tide. If the whiting are there your kids will be having a blast in short-order. Also, this time of year the spiny dogfish sharks invade our waters. Usually, they can be found on any nearshore structure and, once they find you, there is no getting away from them...which, if you are entertaining kids, catching these will be the perfect candidates! They fight hard, are quick to bite nearly anything you drop down, and are delicious table fare! Just be cautious when handling these contortionists, they have spines on their backs at the fins and they know how to use them! March and April are two of my favorite months of the year to venture to the offshore fishing grounds since the king mackerel that migrated to the edge of the Gulf Stream during the winter begin to make their way back to the above: Sarah Riviere of Minnesota and Tim and areas around the Jonah Riviere of Virginia enjoyed catching Virginia mullet, also known as whiting, on an early March Frying Pan Towtrip with Capt Butch Foster. er and Horse-
shoe, and they are hungry! Many days in March, once the water reaches the right temperatures, it is difficult to ever get a complete spread of baits in the water simply because when you find the schools of feeding kingfish they literally will take the bait before you get the rod in the holder! We utilize dead cigar minnows rigged on Pirate Plugs, trolled around two- to three- knots in order to entice this bite. The Pirate Plug, made by South Chatham Tackle, allows you to rig a dead cigar minnow so it will “swim” as naturally as if it were alive! After having a fun-filled morning of lis- above: Hayden Canada of Supply got in tening to reels “scream” on the spring red drum while fishing with and putting some kings Capt. Butch Foster. in the boat, many anglers choose to move a few miles to one of their favorite bottom fishing locales and at the end of the day find themselves making their way back to the dock with one box full of king mackerel and the other box full of quality black sea bass and snappers! Once again, be sure to check the NCDMF regulations for size and quantity on all of these and to stay updated on the current closures...usually grouper season is still closed this time of year. Blackfin tuna and wahoo are the words most commonly associated with the Gulf Stream in March around Southport/Oak Island. It’s good to have a set of ballyhoo rigged and ready to go on a Ballyhoo Pin Rig with a Laceration Lure Skirt. We prefer the skirts made of hair that make a good bubble trail after they break the surface. This tends to bring more attention to your spread and will entice the blackfin to attack! Oftentimes in the early Spring, Gulf Stream fishing is more of a “covering ground” search to find the bait and fish as they are migrating. A spread of Cedar Plugs coated with Pro-Cure Scent alongside a Green-Machine off the outrigger, a Yo-zuri Bonito plug or Manns’ Stretch run down deep and a skirted Ballyhoo on the shotgun line will create the fishing spread needed to fish at a higher speed so you can cover more water and at the same time delineate what color combination and pattern the fish are looking for that day. Once you discover you are getting hit often in an area, you can then switch-up to your ballyhoo spread and at the end-of the day this will normally pay off with more fish in the cooler! Let’s all make 2018 a year to remember with fishing memories made and stories to last the generations! No matter what your target species is, March is a great month to get back out on the water and put to work all of that new tackle and strategies that have been honed over the past few frigid months! Thank you for taking the time to read my forecasts and we here at Yeah Right Charters look forward to seeing you on the water! Fish ON!!!!
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FORECAST BY: Capt. Chris Foster Yeah Right Charters www.yeahrightcharters.com boat: 336-239-5429 office: 910-845-2004
march 2018
wilmington/Morehead city 11
2/15/18 3:46 PM
Morehead City Tides
Wrightsville Beach Tides Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 34.2133° N, 77.7867° W marCh 2018
Morehead City, North Carolina
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34.7200° N, 76.7283° W
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HUGE Online Store Available locally at Front Line Freediving (205)478-7897 frontlinefreediving.com AM 11/8/16 9:55
(910)679-4513 • 1316 S. 5th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28480
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2/15/18 3:46 PM
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
S
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
T
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
NORTH CAROLINA 3
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Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2/16/18 10:49 AM
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.
esy of Photo court utting C im Capt. T 6
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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. For information or to submit comments on the proposed plan, see www.dnr.sc.gov.
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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.
For more on FishingNosara, go to
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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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2/16/18 12:35 PM
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. Each Fishmaster top can be customized with a wide array of accessories including rod holders, lights, antenna brackets, an electronics box and more. Fishmaster T-Tops can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer or by a dedicated Fishmaster marine dealer. 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.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
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The Professional Choice For 200 Years
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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Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1
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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. Tobin created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for inshore fisherman wanting to take it beyond the basics.
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT LLEBROC GAME CHANGER Llebroc Industries teamed up with Shockwave to create Game Changer, the ultimate shock seat. The S5 military-grade shock mitigation system is the real thing, and boat owners owe it to their backs to check out this product. By combining the finest-riding seat on the market with the finest shock-mediating system, Llebroc has the solution to rough seas at an affordable price. Whether it’s helm seats, benches or bass-boat seats, Llebroc is already renowned for producing functional and comfortable marine seats. Every Llebroc chair features rugged durability, extraordinary comfort, functional design, an impressive set of standard features and an affordable price. With a wide variety of different chair styles and custom features, customers can create the exact chair they want. Shockwave’s shock-mitigating suspension has won more military awards after extensive review than any other manufacturer. The Game Changer is a combination that will allow you to fish longer and harder. Your ride can be completely customized with the S5 system. Dual dampener controls allow for adjustment of the suspension to make the ride harder or softer and dictate how fast the unit rebounds. An air pump provides additional control, allowing the system to be customized based on the weight of the person sitting in the chair. When you’re ready to experience the most comfortable, smoothest riding helm chair available, check out the Game Changer. For more information and to see all the different products Llebroc has to offer, go to www.llebroc.com.
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SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
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These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
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Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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