Fred Hall Digital Show Guide 2019

FAST? OF COURSE. BUT YOU’VE ALSO GOT TO HAVE FORCE, AGILITY, RESPONSIVENESS – AND NO FEAR. WE BUILD OUTBOARDS TO HANDLE THE BIG LIFT. We describe performance the way you might describe a fighter. When a world class boxer plants his right foot for a jab, he’s setting up a complex series of motions designed to maximize his strength and his weight. The resulting momentum delivers a blow far beyond the sum of the parts.

Our approach to performance is like that. Lightweight components magnify the power generated by our large displacement engines. Fuel injection and integrated electronics take full advantage of precise timing and ambient conditions. Mechanical efficiencies eliminate wasted effort and provide quick recovery. So yes, you go faster, quicker, like an eagle, like a shark, like a fist.

If an engine has to work hard just to drag itself around, you’re going nowhere fast. That’s why Suzuki keeps weight to a minimum. We use innovative materials and simplify components and systems to deliver a power-to-weight ratio that assures top speed and acceleration.

Engines eat and breathe fire, so controlling the mix is vital to top performance. All our engines, from 9.9 to 350 horsepower feature electronic fuel injection.

Our Inline 4s and V6s rely on an advanced network of sensors to precisely control timing and fuel delivery so you get the most power from every stroke.

PERFOR M A N CE

We’ll say it again, ‘there’s no replacement for displacement.” When it comes to torque, big block Suzuki outboards deliver. That’s especially critical with the move to bigger boats, whether they’re pontoon boats, bay boats or the new breed of center consoles. At Suzuki, our approach to performance is multi-dimensional, starting with the dimensions of our engines.

Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual.

Suzuki, the Suzuki S and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

ULTIMATE

PERFORMANCE

AVAILABLE AT:

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For Media Inquires: Mike Bohn, New Business Advertising@BDOutdoors.com 949-400-8204

issue 1

2019

spring

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The Sailfish Capital of the World

16

C. Parlette Featured Artist

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Baja’s Virtual Aquarium

36

Hook To Fork Let’s Talk Rockfish

44

Fishing and NASCAR?

58

Super-Sized Baitcast Reels

68

Know your target: Pacific Bluefin Tuna

76

Which new fishing boat is right for you?

80

Hard Bait Calico Bass Anglers are a pasionate bunch that love to pour over information that helps them master their craft and catch bigger and more fish

FRED HALL DIGITAL SHOW GUIDE

FRED HALL DIGITAL SHOW GUIDE

NUMBER 4

BD Outdoors offers our readers constant access to fresh content and current information, which helps them make informed decisions about their gear purchases, fishing techniques, vacation destinations, and so much more

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Casa Vieja Lodge specializes in making a trip to Central America as easy as possible, whisking you away from the airport and delivering you to a fishing paradise where all your needs are taken care of. It is a great place to take the family, your fishing buddies, or your hardcore tournament team to practice.

The 90-mile ride to the coast and the town of Puerto San Jose goes quickly as you peer at smoldering volcanoes and vast tropical plantations of coffee beans and sugar cane.

As you pull into the lodge, you’ll feel as if you’ve discovered a tropical oasis. The Casa Vieja staff will greet you with fruity rum drinks and directions to your room. The entire staff, from drivers to servers and bartenders, are always willing to help with a genuine smile.

It must be mentioned that the staff comes to your door each morning for your personal wakeup call with a fresh pot of Guatemalan coffee, cream and

sugar. A delicious hot breakfast is only moments away, and the boats in the marina are only a five-minute ride in the lodge van. Air conditioning, hot showers and complimentary Internet are standard, and guests can also cool off in the pool or play some pool in the open-air rec room. There is a large flat-screen TV in the lounge area for a sports update or you can access the lodge’s in-house spa services for a massage. If you still have energy after a long day of fishing, there is a new gym with state-of-the-art equipment right on the property. The food is five-star quality with plentiful portions and, of course, plenty of cold cocktails to drink.

“The whole lodge is just fishy and a couple of notches above your standard fishing resort,” notes Ali Hussainy of Local Knowledge. “I’ve been lucky to fish a variety of places and CVL is one of the nicest.”

More importantly, the Casa Vieja sportfishing fleet is loaded and ready just down the road from the lodge.

Did we mention that Casa Vieja’s

fleet of boats is a thing of beauty and function? Capt. David Salazar, his wife Kristen, and their crew have assembled and restored some of the finest, classic sportfish boats, many with a rich history of their own.

Not only is Casa Vieja Lodge one of the best places anywhere to chase stunning numbers of sailfish, but at Casa Vieja Lodge, you are fishing with some of the best captains and crews in the world. They routinely set new records for fish caught and raised while fishing the loop currents that provide food for an unending flow of Pacific sailfish. There is a cyclical current just off the coast that traps bait fish and keeps them in the area.

These baitfish are closely followed by the gamefish and as a result, Casa Vieja Lodge is in the perfect position to tap an incredible fishery that gets very little fishing pressure. They also catch plenty of marlin, dorado, and tuna along the way, but the star of the show is the potential for sheer numbers of sailfish.

Capt. Chris Sheeder, who runs the Rum Line, says, “I think fly fishing is my favorite way to catch sails. We have dialed in a system that enables anglers of any experience level to succeed. The best part is that the fish ends up very close and fired up. When he sees the fly, it’s game over and it all goes down right at the back of the boat.”

Of course, the crews are adept at putting their guest anglers on fish using a wide variety of tackle.

Conventional, spin, or fly, the Casa Vieja fleet can put you on the fish using your favorite method. Professional fishing teams often come to practice bait-and-switch tactics because of the potential for an incredible number of shots each day. Practice does make perfect and getting multiple billfish bites to hone your technique is priceless when the chips are down.

If you would like to set up a trip to Casa Vieja Lodge or learn more about their services, check out the Casa Vieja Lodge website, Facebook page, or drop them a line. I promise you, they will help you anyway they can and will make your adventure the fishing trip of a lifetime.

For more information book checkout CasaViejaLodge.com

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Gamakatsu continues to bring innovative hooks and fishing tackle to discerning anglers around the world. Two of their latest products are already improving hook up ratios for a variety of fishing techniques. The Gamakatsu Magic Eye Tuna Plug 3X hook and the Double Assist 520 hook sets are off and running to improve angling success and ease of rigging.

The Double Assist 520 hooks have been designed for quick and easy hook replacement for all types of butterfly and flat fall jigs, and they work great on West Coast-style iron, too. Two incredibly sharp and strong Gamakatsu hooks are securely attached to either end of a six-inch piece of super strong braided line. Red heat shrink protects the connection and gives some added attraction.

1

It’s so easy to attach them to the solid ring of a jig like this Tady.

1

Just double the braid and pass it through the eye of the solid ring.

2

Next pass the hooks through the loop in the braid. You can make them even or stagger the hooks so that they hang up and down the lure.

3

Pull down tight and tie your leader to the solid ring too.

It’s that simple!

2

3 The Double Assist 520 comes in packages of two in 2/0 and 4/0 sizes.

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BDoutdoors.com

Gamakatsu Magic Eye Tuna Plug 3X hooks are a great choice for changing out the treble hooks that often come standard on larger lures like this YoZuri Long Cast Hydro Minnow. The 3x strength of the Magic Eye Tuna Plug hook is made to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing and the punishment dished out by braided lines and modern tackle.

There are several benefits to changing out trebles for inline single hooks.

The benefits are realized by both the angler and the fish.

Inline single hooks, when rigged in opposing directions, are often credited with a better hook-up percentage than trebles despite the visual difference of fewer points. The wider gap allowed by a single hook takes a bigger bite in the fish and is less likely to pull out during the fight.

Inline single hooks do less damage to the fish when a healthy release is in order. Trebles are more likely to snag and maim the fish in the eyes or gills than single hooks. Often more than one point of the treble gets embedded, requiring more time out of the water while working the hooks out.

Not to be overlooked, the safety factor for the crew is paramount too. Treble hooks thrashing about are much more dangerous to anglers and mates as they work to unhook a fish. Of course, a single hook will stick you too, so always be cautious, especially with the incredibly sharp Gamakatsu inline singles.

Being sharp right out of the package is important, but Gamakatsu has improved the inline single hook a step further. Big heavy-duty hooks have a relatively thick eye and can be a real chore at spreading the split ring wide enough to get the eye started.

The Magic Eye Tuna Plug hook has a beveled spot created in the eye of the hook which makes it much easier to start the hook into the split rings on the lure. It also keeps the split ring from stretching beyond the point of deformity.

The Gamakatsu Magic Eye Tuna Plug hooks come in sizes from 3/0 to 7/0 in a nickel finish that resists corrosion and is incredibly sharp and durable thanks to Gamakatsu’s proprietary sharpening process which creates a perfectly conical point.

Visit the Gamakatsu website for more great hooks and tackle that will take your fishing game to the next level.

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

13

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Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

17

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BD Outdoors is pleased to share with you the works and story of Casey Parlette, an extremely talented sculptor and outdoor naturalist. A southern California native, Casey grew up exploring the local hills, waters and wildlife. He drew inspiration from these elements and began to sculpt at a young age.

He went on to earn a degree in Anthropology from UCLA and then began working as a commercial diver. He later moved into a career as an ocean lifeguard. He also spent time exploring remote and exotic parts of the world, including working for FOX Sports as an underwater cameraman. During an eight-month stint living in the Peruvian Amazon, Casey discovered a new species of fish which was later named after him: Rivulus parlettei.

This immersion in nature has become the source of his sculpting inspiration. He primarily recreates marine subjects from a variety of mediums, often using a combination of wood, bronze, brass, steel, titanium, abalone, mother of pearl, stone, concrete and more. Using traditional blacksmithing techniques for the metalwork in his pieces, he carves, hammers, forges, heat tempers and welds his materials into the final form. Casey applies a respect for the elements in their natural states and utilizes naturally-occurring patterns to enhance the accuracy of a subject. “Many times, the nature of the wood defines the sculpture,” says Casey.

“Every now and then you come across a piece of wood that has a certain life in it; you look at it and see the sculpture in there. Then it’s about cutting away the excess for everyone else to see.”

Casey also uses various metals colored by heat to create nature-inspired jewelry pieces. For example, heating titanium creates amazing one-of-a-kind color patterns that compliment his natural designs.

Casey had been putting in a 40-hour week on his art for years in addition to his work as a lifeguard, but for the past year Casey has made the leap-of-faith to pursue his art fulltime. “I’ve been doing more corporate and public art pieces as well as work for hospitals, too. I enjoy all of it and it’s very nice to be able to focus on my art,” said Casey.

You can see for yourself that Casey’s artistic style creates remarkably naturalistic and beautiful artworks.

You can admire his work, contact him, or locate more exhibitions on his website CaseyParlette.com.

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

19

NEXT GENERATION INLINE 4 CYLINDER OUTBOARD MOTORS Following a tradition of incorporating their most innovative technologies in all their outboards, Suzuki is proud to announce next-generation 150 and 175 horsepower outboard motors. Thanks to proven Suzuki systems and components, the new DF150A, 150SS and DF175A are now more powerful, more reliable and more fuel efficient than their predecessors.

The DF150A and 175A are inline 4-cylinder engines with Big Block 175.0 cubic inch displacement. Weighing just 518 lbs. (20” shaft length), these new outboards feature Suzuki’s offset driveshaft engine layout, proven mechanical throttle and shift controls, and a powerful 2.29:1 gear ratio.

Thanks to Suzuki’s Easy Start System, these new engines start with just one push of a button.

“Our goal is to offer the boater the ultimate power solution for their boat and their kind of boating,” said Gus Blakely, Vice President of Sales for Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.’s Marine Division. “With these ‘next generation’ outboards we’re continuing to expand and improve our line of the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboards.”

More Powerful

With their semi-direct intake system, high-performance 10.2-to-1 compression ratio, variable valve timing and multi-stage induction, the new DF150A, 150SS and DF175A generate approximately 3% more torque than the original models. This added torque pays off when powering todays larger, heavier bay boats, center consoles and pontoon boats.

Improving Reliability

Suzuki outboards are well-known for reliability, and the new DF150A and DF175A will only burnish that reputation.

Combining high-quality components and exceptional skill in manufacturing and assembly, the new DF150A, 150SS and DF175A will now take advantage of onboard sensors that allow the engine to maximize operating performance under a wide range of conditions. An oxygen (O2) sensor improves efficiency by allowing the engine’s fuel injection system to best adapt to ambient conditions, and a new water detection system protects the engine should water contaminate the fuel system.

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Outstanding Fuel Economy

A hallmark of these next-generation outboards has been Suzuki’s Lean Burn Control technology, which will now be available on all new DF150A and DF175A outboards. Onboard sensors monitor engine operating conditions and allow the engine’s ECM (Electronic Control Module) to predict fuel demand. Precise control of the engine’s fuel injection system by the ECM adjusts timing and provides the optimal amount of fuel, resulting in up to a 14% improvement in fuel economy when cruising.

NEW WHITE PORTABLE MODELS

Starting in early 2019, Suzuki will offer several of their popular portable models in “Cool White.” Models include the DF6A, DF9.9B, DF15A and DF20A. With the addition of these models, Suzuki Marine now offers boaters a choice of color from 6 to 350 horsepower, so boaters and boat builders can best match the color of their outboards with their boats.

SUZUKI’S FLAGSHIP DF350A

Although it was introduced just over one year ago, the Suzuki 350-horspower DF350A continues to impress boaters who are looking for bigger outboards for either a new boat or to repower their existing vessel. With several innovative – and exclusive – technologies, the DF350A delivers when it comes to both performance and reliability.

350 Horsepower and a 12.0:1 Compression Ratio

Suzuki engineers achieved 350 horsepower while still designing a compact, lightweight powerhead. The robust engine displacement of 4.4 liters is matched by a high-performance 12.0:1 compression ratio, the highest ever for a production outboard engine. A unique combination of cool air intake, dual fuel injectors, and a strengthening of the pistons has virtually eliminated engine knock, a typical by-product of high-compression engines.

Suzuki Dual Louver System, Direct Air Intake

Suzuki Dual Prop System

The DF350A’s dual propellers provide three key benefits: compact size, increased stability and greater “traction.” By distributing the power of the engine over six blades, instead of just three, the size of the gears and gearcase could be kept to a minimum, which in turn allowed for the design of sleeker, more hydrodynamic gearcase.

Contra-rotating propellers also provide added surface area for more stability and increased “traction” or grip underwater. (Think of the wide slicks on a drag racer as compared to typical tires.) This results in exceptional acceleration, or hole-shot, truer directional propulsion (eliminating steering torque), better-than-expected top speeds and incredible reverse thrust.

Importantly, these benefits are apparent even on heavier boats with full loads of fuel, gear and people.

“From our portables to our flagship V6, Suzuki continues to work hard to offer boaters at every level the very latest in innovation, technology and performance,” added Blakely.

Suzuki engineers have designed an air intake system that allows the engine to draw in ample fresh air while separating out water, spray and moisture. Dual louvers under the hood trap larger water droplets and then moisture as it enters the engine cowling, resulting in zero water intake during testing. In addition, intake air temperatures are, on average, 10º cooler than ambient, providing the combustion chamber with cooler, denser air for a more powerful cycle.

Dual Injectors

Two smaller fuel injectors allow for precise injection of fuel to the center of the combustion chamber, which avoids off-center combustion – a major cause of knocking. In addition, because 100% of the fuel is injected into the cylinder at once, a degree of cooling is also obtained, providing up to 3% additional power without causing knocking.

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

23

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In addition to having released over 29,000 billfish (placing him in exclusive company with Capt. Ronnie Hamlin, Capt. Chris Sheeder, Capt.

Brad Phillips, and perhaps only a few others), at last count Carter has weighed in eleven 1,000-pounders, eighteen IGFA World Records, a Fantasy Slam Five – five billfish species in one day, a Super Grand Slam in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the 2006 AFTCO trophy for the most tagged and released billfish in the world. Over four decades he has traveled to eight countries and captained seven different boats, so it is safe to say that very few captains in the world of sport fishing 26 BDoutdoors.com

can match the experience, knowledge and expertise of Capt. Carter when he spoke of Mag Bay. This is literally a “fishing proving ground,” where it is likely your crew will hook more fish in a week or two than they normally see in most areas in a fistful of seasons.

There are trophy fish cloaked in daunting challenges in this unusual fishery.

Boats and crews, stunned by the sheer volume, often think that triple-digit scores are what it’s all about. Many

captains/owners wisely treat Mag Bay more like “Billfish Bootcamp” and use the opportunity to fine-tune their fishing techniques on a variety of tackle – light, heavy, spinning and fly – experimenting with their boat handling, cockpit management and fish finding capabilities.

Baja’s virtual aquarium, Magdalena Bay, is 131 miles long, is protected by five barrier islands – Isla Creciente, Isla Santa Margarita, Isla Magdalena, and two unnamed islands to the north – and is double the size of San Francisco Bay.

Carlos (pop. 6,000), a larger town with several hotels that is also the only deepwater port on the west coast of Baja.

DIY groups driving the 800 miles of paved road, towing boats to the paved launch ramps at either town, or the sport fishers traveling down the coast, will find fuel at Ensenada (60 miles from the border) and Turtle Bay (365 miles).

Mag Bay extends south of Puerto San Carlos about 60 miles down the Pacific Coast. Departing from San Carlos, the distance to the entrada or entrance is approximately 20 miles to reach the open waters of the Pacific.

In addition, Lopez Mateos and Boca Santo Domingo are located five miles north of town offering access to the Pacific. There are anchorages at Puerto Magdalena, a small village 10 miles from the pier at Puerto San Carlos, and 5 miles farther at Belchers, a small fish camp. The second exit to the sea is 15 miles farther south through the channel between Isla Margarita and Isla Creciente.

Approximately 800 miles below the Tijuana border by road, it is the last (and largest) remote area in Baja and is a saltwater angler’s fantasy, offering an astonishing combination of some of the finest inshore fishing from March through November. From midSeptember through November, it offers the most incredible offshore action for billfish and other pelagics found anywhere in Baja, or for that matter anywhere in the world!

The area is accessible by air, with commercial flights to Loreto and transfers to either Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, a small village (pop.

2,200) with two hotels, or Puerto San

The bay offers a variety of habitats – mangrove-lined channels, sandy beaches, rock structures, deep channels, and shallows sandbars.

There are a few mangrove channels near Puerto Magdalena and down the east side of the bay, as well as all the way to the southern end of the bay; there are a few more at Isla Creciente.

North of Puerto San Carlos, the wide main channel extends 60 miles and is lined with miles and miles of dense mangroves with smaller channels off the main one. However, local knowledge is essential for first-timers, and hiring a local guide for at least a few days is a must to meet the challenges of the area. If you ride with a guide in their boat, a handheld GPS is absolutely vital. The mangrove-lined channels quickly begin to look alike. It is easy to get lost.

If you are planning to fish in the entrance to the bay and in the bay

itself, you must have a boat that can handle the afternoon chop caused by the prevailing winds. However, when the wind comes up in the bay, fishing inside the estero (estuary) channels throughout the area is still practical.

Many of the freshwater techniques you have learned or heard about over the years will come into play: fishing the current as steelhead fishermen do, using topwater poppers like bass fishermen, and fishing different parts of the water column like trout fishermen with streamers.

Understanding tidal flow is crucial.

The temptation to attempt to capitalize on high and low slack is always there, and assuming that low slack will force the fish out from the roots into the channel to feed is unlikely. Conversely, contrary to offshore behavior, the bite usually shuts off at high slack. Incoming or outgoing tide or current is an angler’s friend regardless of fishing style – live bait, artificial or fly.

Ripping current and water color are a couple of clues to find productive zones. Birds diving, baitfish on the surface and fish chasing bait are additional clues. White seabass, spotted bay bass, broomtail grouper, corvina, halibut, pompano, snappers, sierra, black snook, palometa amarilla, and a host of other species can all be players in this game, and it takes an alert angler to capitalize on the opportunity. Cast along the edges of the channel, using different lures – topwater, sub-surface or heavier gear on the bottom – until the right combination is found that the fish can’t resist.

An excellent way to determine the most likely area to target is by slowtrolling a Rapala-style swimming lure along the mangrove-lined shoreline to locate spots where the fish are schooling.

Be alert when making a move from one spot to another – it’s always worth slowing down and checking out Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

27

birds diving and bait being pushed on the shallows at low tide. Often, there are corvina, sierra, spotted bay bass or something else pushing the bait. It’s easy picking with artificials.

Another visual cue is mangroves that appear to be silver at the very top branches. This is caused by strong tidal currents that create deep holes, exposing the roots of the mangroves which are ideal cover for a variety of fish while they wait and watch for bait being swept by in the tidal flow.

The four entrances in Mag Bay offer some spectacular fishing as the tides ebb and flow into the bay through these shallow openings. Varying in width from 100 yards or so to almost a mile wide, these can be tricky pieces of water to fish. Ideally, an early morning incoming tide is the best. Take some time and study each entrance and determine where the deepest cut or channel is located.

Due to the wind, tides and currents, the channel’s bottom configuration changes frequently.

What makes the Magdalena Bay offshore fishing so attractive is a convergence of conditions that occurs in the fall. This spectacle varies from year to year, but it often reaches truly amazing proportions in October and November when the volume of baitfish appears, attracting large packs of billfish – mostly striped marlin – and other species that can be found feeding frantically on huge bait schools.

The volume of billfish and other species that find their way into the lure pattern often exceeds the number of lures being trolled. The multiple double-digit events that occur per day demand adjustments in technique to be successful. It’s not unusual to get multiple bites from billfish, dorado and maybe a wahoo or yellowfin tuna, all at the same time.

Magdalena Bay offshore is only accessible to larger sportfishers with fuel capacity that have the ability of 28

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extended stays cruising up and down the Pacific Coast of Baja, as well as larger trailer boats.

In addition, a few lucky anglers fishing in local pangas and a handful of other local trailer boats sometimes manage to fish offshore.

The Magdalena Bay offshore zone stretches from the Uncle Sam Bank to the north to below Punta Tosca on the southern end, spanning the “Ridge” with its various bumps and high spots, including the Thetis Bank, all the way to Cabo Lazaro.

When the fish are in this zone, Santa Maria Bay is the preferred anchorage.

Ample mackerel are around to reload the bait tanks, which adds to the attraction of the area.

If the fish are farther down outside the entrada, Belchers, a fish camp a few miles inside the bay, offers another anchorage that is also a decent spot to load up the tanks. There is also an anchorage in front of Puerto Magdalena, although the bait fishing is not normally as good there.

If the main body of fish is in the lower zone outside of Punta Tosca at the south end of Isla Santa Margarita, your other anchoring options are either Punta Tosca or along the lee of the Santa Margarita Island, if you are adventurous and willing to run the narrow channel into the bay.

One of the mistakes often made by visiting sport fishers is heading straight for the high spots and failing to pay attention along the way. When leaving from Santa Maria, always check the 100-fathom drop-off northwest of Cabo San Lazaro for bird schools. In addition to a plethora of sea birds, this is frigate country. They are easy to spot from long distances, either high flying or in tight bunches down closer to the surface of the water – a sure sign that there is bait being pushed to the surface.

Often, fish are found inside a straight line drawn from Cabo Lazaro to Thetis Bank back toward Lopez Mateos, a zone where few boats venture.

Just because a fleet is gathered on a high spot doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s productive. This zone covers a lot of water worth checking out.

However, even when the billfish are missing there are usually wahoo, dorado, tuna and grouper down deep on the high spots, offering some spectacular action.

Although local knowledge is always essential when fishing, equally important is staying in

communication with other anglers, either local or visiting, who happen to be fishing offshore.

The outstanding offshore fishery in front of Magdalena Bay enjoys an almost mythical appeal and the esteros offer a quiet solitude.

However, there are trophy fish cloaked in daunting challenges in this unusual fishery.

Its popularity is growing and each year the number of local boats large enough to access the offshore action comfortably has grown. Many yachts traveling to and from Cabo plan their trips to take advantage of the outstanding fall fishery off Magdalena Bay. Some yachts even travel the long distances from the East Coast, as well as South America, to take advantage of this fishery.

Yet, the number of boats fishing there is still minimal compared to other Baja destinations, and seldom is the visiting recreational fleet large enough or the area fished tight enough to cause any issues. And Magdalena Bay, with its old Mexican charm, remains unblemished by major inroads of tourism.

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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seakeeper.com

Mia, nice meeting you last night.

About our date...would you like to join me on my boat tomorrow?

12 sec ago

It has a Seakeeper, right?

4 sec ago

ONCE YOU FEEL IT, YOU’LL NEVER BOAT WITHOUT IT. SCHEDULE A DEMO RIDE TODAY AT WWW.SEAKEEPER.COM/TAKE-A-RIDE

FRED HALL SHOW SAN DIEGO MARCH 6 - 10 th

th

FRED HALL SHOW DEL MAR MARCH 28 - 31 th

st

NEWPORT BEACH BOAT SHOW APRIL 25th - 28th

HYDRASKIN PERFORMANCE FISHING SHIRT

• UPF 50+ SUN PROTECTION • ODOR-RESISTANT • QUICK-DRY • RADIAL SLEEVES • KEEPS YOU COOL

hookandtackle.com

THRESHER’S 22’ CC & NEW 22’ PH The new North American-made Thresher 22’ has been designed with the SoCal sport fishing market in mind. New notable design changes for the Thresher 22’ include aggressive bow flare, increased bow height, increased gunnel height, increased beam / length and more deck space.

NEW FOR 2019! - Thresher Boats is proud to introduce our new Pilot House model AND to announce that all Thresher Boats models are now NMMA Certified Boats!

The Thresher 22 PH, or Pilot House, is the newest addition to the Thresher Boat family. Whether you are a private boater or commercial fisherman, the Thresher 22 PH model is a multifunctional weatherprotected platform to keep you dry/warm and to get the job done!

Our Manufacturing facility in Ensenada, Mexico is now in full swing w/ production of our Thresher 22 Center Console and Pilot House Models. We have boats in-stock at our San Clemente, CA showroom location and we are working around the clock to keep them coming in as we move into the busy summer months. “On average our guys are looking at a 2-4 week lead time on a custom build”.

Says Brandon Wesselink CEO of Thresher Boats. All Thresher Boats models are 100% assembled, outfitted and custom rigged for you specifically at their San Clemente, CA Facility.”

COME SEE A THRESHER BOAT AT THESE UPCOMING SHOWS Fred Hall Show Long Beach Convention Center March 6 - 10th Fred Hall Show Kern County Fairgrounds March 15 - 17th Fred Hall Show Del Mar Fairgrounds March 28 - 31st Day at the Docks San Diego Sportfishing Landings April 14th

Visit the Thresher Boats website ThresherBoats.com to learn more.

THRESHER 22’ CC SHOW SPECIAL $1,000 towards any upgrades or off purchase price and get a free 5-year Extended Mercury Marine Outboard warranty! This is our best discount for the year. Valid through 4/15/2019.

2019 Thresher 22 CC Available Pricing:

THRESHER 22’ PH SHOW SPECIAL $1,250 towards any upgrades or off purchase price and get a free 5-year Extended Mercury Marine Outboard warranty! This is our best discount for the year. Valid through 4/15/2019.

2019 Thresher 22 PH Available Pricing:

Single Mercury 115hp Command Thrust 4 Stroke Model - $32,995 + Tax

Single Mercury 150hp 4 Stroke Model - $42,995 + Tax

Single Mercury 150hp 4 Stroke Model $35,995 + Tax

Single Mercury 200hp 4 Stroke Model - $46,495 + Tax

Single Honda 115hp 4 Stroke Model $32, 995 + Tax

Single Honda 150hp 4 Stroke Model $42,995 + Tax

Single Honda 150hp 4 Stroke Model $35,995 + Tax

Single Honda 200hp 4 Stroke Model $46,995 + Tax

ADD a West Coast Trailers single-axle, galvanized trailer for only $2,195.

ADD a West Coast Trailers dual-axle, galvanized trailer w/ brakes for only $3,295.

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CUTTING EDGE - NEWLY DESIGNED - FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

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Pilot House Design with 6.5' Interior Height / Over 13 sq/ft Inside Deck Space (Total Interior Space Approx. 101ft/3) Custom Configuration Based on Individual Needs (Commercial/Private) Seating, Electronics, Roof Racks, Etc. Full Walk Around Design with Forward and Aft Fishing Decks 50 Gallon Freestanding Bait Tank Station Aggressive Bow and Carolina Flare Design for a Smooth, Dry Ride Certified Fuel Efficient, Over a 300 Mile Range on a Single Tank (150hp / 76 Gallons / 21kts @ 5gph) The List of Standard Features goes on and on!

www.ThresherBoats.com - (949)293-6113 - San Clemente, CA

Rockfish season opens March 1, 2019 after the annual two-month closure in January and February. Many of you were stocking up the freezer in December before the closure, because we all know how tasty those flaky white fillets can be. While you were fishing, I was busy slaving away in the kitchen as the Executive Chef of La Jolla Country Club with a half dozen holiday parties per day. That still didn’t stop me from sneaking out to some of my favorite rocks so that I could put away a few vacuumed-sealed fillets of my own in the freezer until the season reopens. I’m going to talk about some of my favorite fishing techniques and share a couple of my favorite recipes to help you along with both catching success and improving your culinary skills.

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Rockfishing can either be a lot of fun or very disappointing, depending on the rock you choose to fish. One thing is for certain – you will seldom drive home empty-handed if you put in the time. When I go rockfishing, I like to have a game plan because some of my spots are not always holding fish, so having numerous spots plugged into the GPS is necessary for success.

Personally, I enjoy fishing in 200 feet or less. Going deeper will typically increase your success and the size tends to be bigger, but it also wipes out your arms reeling in fish from the new legal maximum depth of 450 feet.

My go-to set up is a double dropper loop with 2/0 Owner bait hooks or 4/0 Owner Aki, 6- to 12-ounce weight (depending on the current), and Berkley Gulp. I like the Gulp Minnow

Grub in red or pink for the 2/0 Owner bait hook and the 6-inch Gulp Grub in nuclear chicken or white for the 4/0 Owner Aki hook. Be sure to make your dropper loops 6- to 12-inches long; this will increase your bites. I like to use a snap swivel on the bottom for your weight. This will limit line twists and makes it easy to change out your weight quickly if you need to scale up or down. I also never leave the harbor without picking up a half scoop of sardines and a couple bags of frozen squid. I like to have options, but you can almost guarantee that the Gulp will produce. Sometimes I like to use a squid strip on the bottom hook and a Gulp grub on the top hook; I call this “the buffet”. If one is getting bit better than the other, I will double up on that bait. Many times, the fish are

keyed in on live sardines, which on the right rock can produce bigger fish.

I’ve learned that there is definitely a pecking order on a rockfish spot.

The bigger fish eat first, so if you are catching a bunch of small ones, it’s time to move on to the next spot.

I’m affiliated with Okuma, so my favorite set up is the Komodo 463 (6:3 gear ratio) paired with their new 8-foot Heavy PCH Inshore Rod. I load it up with sixty-pound spectra (I like green) with about a six-foot top shot of 30# or 40# fluorocarbon. I prefer the higher gear ratio when fishing deep so that the line pick up is quicker and less fatiguing. I suggest spectra because

monofilament has a lot of stretch and is much less sensitive than braid, which may cause you to miss bites.

Fluorocarbon is a must in my opinion when fishing around rocks because it is much more abrasion-resistant than a monofilament top shot and will also increase your bite success. Having a rod with a lot of backbone is key, along with a sensitive tip so you can feel those deep bites. This also allows you to get those big fish up out of those rocks before they bury you and break you off. You can use a bigger reel if you prefer, but I personally like the sportiness of a 400-size reel with the comfort of a level wind for the shallow depths I like to fish.

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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Once you land your rockfish you have to take care of them. I personally bleed, gut and get them on ice right away. Taking the time to care for your fish will definitely improve the taste of the fish. There is nothing worse than filleting a fish that hasn’t been bled and gutted because you run into the chance of getting blood and bile juice (yellow nastiness) on the fillet.

I personally believe that rinsing your fillets with fresh water is a no-no. I simply pat dry the fillet with a dry or semi-damp paper towel.

Rockfish fillets cook really fast, so you have to be careful not to overcook them. The best method in my opinion is to use a nice non-stick pan. Before you pan-sear the fillets, lightly salt, pepper and oil both sides of the fish.

I use Kosher salt, cracked black pepper and either avocado or grape seed oil. Avocado and grape seed oil have a very high smoke point which is great for sautĂŠing fish and other meats. Next, you will want to make sure that your pan is preheated; a hot pan is a must so that your fillets do not stick to the pan. I then lightly coat the pan with one of the oils mentioned above and then gently place the fillets down, searing the presentation side first for at least a minute before flipping them over to finish. After you flip the fillets, melt a cube of butter in the hot pan and use a spoon to baste the fish. After about another minute and a half, remove the pan from the heat and continue to baste the fillet with the warm butter for about 30 seconds. Set pan aside and let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Your fillets should be crispy brown and perfectly cooked. I like to serve my rockfish with a spicy mango salsa and chipotle aioli.

If you have any questions you can DM Matt on Instagram @destroyer619.

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As word of mouth goes, the incredible stabilizing ability of the Seakeeper gyro is permeating the inner and outer circles of sportfishing and boating in general. Those that have experienced it themselves on a Seakeeper demo ride either offshore or dockside are the true believers. If you have not taken the opportunity to feel the roll eliminated right out of the boat, then you need to track down the nearest demo boat and try it for yourself.

If you find yourself at the Fred Hall Show in Long Beach, you’re in luck.

Just head over to the Seakeeper booth and register for a demo ride on the 29’ Albemarle rigged with a Seakeeper 3, which will be across the street at Pierpoint Landing throughout the entire show.

The Seakeeper units were initially built for vessels from 50 to 70feet, but Seakeeper had a vision of bringing this boat-changing technology to increasingly smaller vessels. The Seakeeper engineers

have realized this goal and continue to shrink the Seakeeper units to fit in and revolutionize the stability of smaller boats. The Seakeeper 2 is the latest release and the smallest to date. It performs well in boats from 27- to 32-feet long. Another crucial technological breakthrough was to create a Seakeeper that could be DC powered from a dedicated battery system and no longer require the use of a generator to realize Seakeeper’s benefits.

Can a Seakeeper really be lifechanging? That may sound dramatic, but if you or your family loves to boat and fish, but someone is afflicted with a tendency for seasickness, then the Seakeeper’s ability to take away almost all of a boat’s agonizing roll with the push of a button leaves you with nothing but the fun. We say that’s life-changing, and once you try it out, we’re sure you’ll agree!

So how does the Seakeeper work? The key is the high-speed flywheel that

spins in a near-vacuum chamber. The spinning flywheel creates a force that can then be harnessed and directed by the Seakeeper’s computer to counteract or cancel the boat’s rolling motion. Many styles of boats are realizing up to a 95% roll elimination.

The Seakeeper can be built into a relatively small area of a new boat or easily retrofitted into an existing boat.

It does not have to be mounted on the centerline of the vessel to work, and many marine service facilities are getting good at retrofitting them into customer’s boats.

Check out the Seakeeper booth. You too will be amazed that your boating future just might be changed forever.

For more information, visit Seakeeper.com

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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gear engagement between the drive gear and pinion gear. The compact HAGANE Body is strong and easy to palm.

Utilizing a microcomputer to control brake force at every moment of the cast, Shimano brings its digital control technology (I-DC4) to a new series of Curado baitcasting reels. Built upon a reel already known for its durability, dependability, and versatility, the new Shimano Curado DC reels will quickly allow all anglers - from the most avid tournament angler to those who are intimidated by baitcasting reels and the backlashes that can happen - to cast smarter by allowing the DC’s microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlashes and maximize distance. Winner of the ICAST 2018 New Product Showcase ‘Best Freshwater Reel’ award, the DC series includes the Curado DC150 and left-hand retrieve DC151 with 6.2:1 gear ratios, the Curado DC150HG and DC151HG with 7.4:1 gear ratios, and the even higher-speed Curado DC150XG and DC151XG with 8.5:1 gear ratios.

With the I-DC4 braking technology, anglers can fish with a variety of lures and in any weather conditions, with limited-to-no adjustments to the reel.

There are four external adjustable brake settings depending on fishing situations. The settings include a ‘max distance mode’ for ultra-long casts in calmer conditions, a ‘braid/mono mode’ for general all-around use of 40

BDoutdoors.com

those types of lines, a ‘fluorocarbon mode’ that is best when using these stiffer lines, and a ‘skipping mode’ for challenging casts (under docks and piers) or extreme conditions.

“The Curado DC reels appeal to anglers of all skill levels,” said Shimano product planning manager Trey Epich. “While everyone from bass anglers and those using the DC reels in saltwater for calico bass or yellowtail will appreciate how the reel curtails backlashes. Tournament pros and avid weekend anglers who are already accomplished with a baitcasting reel will quickly discover the added ability to skip docks without overruns and bomb out long casts to the kelp farther than ever thought possible. For us at Shimano, we’re excited to offer those who have been intimidated by baitcasters a new level of fishing with a reel they can easily learn to cast, so they can spend time fishing instead of picking out backlashes.”

In keeping with the Curado series, the DC reels maintain the overall lightweight feel from the aluminum frame along with other key Shimano features including MicroModule gears, rigid HAGANE body, CI4+ material sideplates, X-Ship and A-RB anti-rust bearings. For smoother and more sensitive rotation, Shimano’s MicroModule gearing provides more

“Digital control technology is unique to Shimano, and these new Curado DC reels will provide a fishing advantage not seen before in any baitcasting reel,” notes Shimano’s Kurt Mazurek, who has led Shimano’s efforts in introducing the reels to Shimano’s sponsored anglers, pro staff, dealers and fishing media. “During an afternoon fishing out of Grosse Savanne Lodge in Louisiana, Shimano pro angler Bernie Schultz was casting a big frog straight into the teeth of 30 mile-per-hour winds. We had folks in other boats in the same area, and we all watched in amazement. Most anglers would have made one or two casts, become quickly tired of picking out backlashes, and found a calm cove. Not Bernie with the Curado DC. He proceeded to put on a frog-fishing clinic. Never had a backlash. This reel does all we say it does.”

All six DC reels will hold up to 150 yards of 20# or 105 yards of 40# standard PowerPro braid, or up to 120 yards of 10# or 90 yards of 14# mono.

The DC 150/151 cranks in 26-inches of line per rotation, while the DC150HG/151HG reels in 31-inches per crank. With a slightly longer 48mm handle length (compared to 45mm handles on other models), the DC150XG/151XG blisters in 36-inches of line per crank.

All the reels pay homage to their Curado roots with green accents on the handle and spool. They all retail for $249.99 (USD).

For more information on Shimano’s DC technology and new Curado DC reels, see your local tackle dealer, visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano. com, or call Shimano’s product support team at (877) 577-0600 (9 am to 8 pm Eastern, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific).

“Queen Charlotte Safaris-Your Ultimate Fishing Destination” Why Queen Charlotte Safaris Lodge?

• Protected pristine and most importantly calm waters to fish in daily • Quality Chinook “King” Salmon all season long since Queen Charlotte Safaris fishing grounds are literally the highway for transitory salmon heading up the coast aka “the Feeding Grounds” • We specialize in catching Trophy Chinook Salmon and once you have limits we also have amazing fishing for Pacific Halibut, Lingcod and several species of Rock fish.

• Larger retention limits on Salmon, Halibut, and Lingcod than Alaska • Our Beautiful Rustic Lodge overlooks Shingle Bay in Sandspit • Wonderful atmosphere hosted by our friendly staff and their attention to detail • Easily accessible from most West Coast Major airports

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or Chronicles visit us •at ... FACEBOOK.COM/QCSAFARIS@QCSAFARISQCSAFARIS.COM Fish Taco Spring 2019

5

BY Ali Hussainy

About a year ago I received a random message via Facebook from a Local Knowledge fan named David. David told me he was a fishing nut and a huge fan of the show and wanted to find some way we could work together with his NASCAR team, Starcom Racing.

After a bunch of emails and couple of phone calls we hammered out plan to film a Local Knowledge episode around the NASCAR Monster Cup Championship weekend at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

Let me preface this by saying, prior to this event I knew nothing about NASCAR and honestly had little interest. I have a few friends that are NASCAR junkies and they always told me “you have to go to a race to understand.”

Boy were they right…

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The first step in our plan was to come up with a custom wrap for the race car that was eye-catching and one of a kind. A quick call with our Director of Graphic Design, Derek Redwine, and he was off and running. Derek loves a new challenge and man, he knocked this one out of the park! Within a few days the concept for the Local Knowledge 00 Mahi race car was born.

Dave and the Starcom team were awesome to work with and encouraged us to bring our family and Local Knowledge sponsors to the race. This led to a list of thirty VIPs, mostly NASCAR virgins, convening in Miami in mid-November for the big race. We had our close family on hand along with our friends from SeaVee boats, Evinrude, SeaDek, Yeti and Casa Vieja.

Rush and I arrived on Thursday, a day early, so we could fish the annual Hot

Rods and Reels Charity Tournament hosted by drag racing legend Darrell Gwynn. This is a great event that pairs up local guides with NASCAR drivers and anglers who donate for the opportunity to fish with them.

As soon are we heard about the tourney, we knew we needed help if we were going to compete. A couple quick calls and we had our ringer! Bass angler and fellow Evinrude Pro Scott Martin jumped at the chance. Suddenly we went from bass zeros, to heroes!

Scott was a great host and just a normal dude that loves to have a good time. The tourney was for fun and only a couple of hours long, but despite not catching a full bag, we were able to catch the biggest bass of the tournament. We had a blast and we look forward to sharing the event with our audience when it shows on Local Knowledge during Season 4 this spring.

The next day was the Xfinity and Truck series Championship. We came to the track to get our credentials, watch a little racing and get prepped for the big race on Sunday. David and his crew gave us the tour of the pits, track and hospitality areas.

If you’ve never been to a NASCAR event before, be ready to be blown away. This is racing at its highest level and there are big bucks supporting it. Everything is first class from the cars, and the race haulers to the VIP hospitality. We were completely floored.

Then we got our first look at the actual race car featuring our wrap.

It was AMAZING to see it in person.

It was so cool to see the NASCAR fans checking out the car and taking pictures with it. I gotta say, I’ve never been prouder of what our Local Knowledge team has managed to build in just three short years.

We met the Starcom team owner Matt Kohler and our driver Landon Cassil.

Both guys were very down to earth and super cool. I have to say we got the same treatment from everyone we met at the race track. NASCAR is a big business, but at the same time, it’s run by a bunch of normal people that just love racing, much like our fishing industry. Everyone we met was quick with a smile and a handshake and was stoked to show us their part in the racing program.

The one thing that really blew our minds was the access we enjoyed.

With the credentials we had, we

could go literally anywhere. We could walk right up to all the cars, we hung out in pit row, we were able to check out the war room in the race trailer and on and on.

The other part of the NASCAR experience you really can’t put into words is the SOUND. With just a couple cars going around the track it was deafening! I could only imagine what race day would be like.

When we arrived back at the track on Sunday morning, you could feel the energy in the air. Fans were pouring in by the thousands. Race teams were running laps and making final tweaks. Team owners and VIPS were landing at the track in a nonstop stream of Bel Ranger helicopters. It felt like being at the Super Bowl.

As our family and sponsors started to trickle in, we took turns checking out the pits, the “Camp” (a 50’ motor home and hospitality area) and taking in all the sights.

Once the race was about to start, we all shuffled over to the actual track and watched the national anthem with all the drivers and their cars.

The entire event was so patriotic it was hard to believe. With the StarSpangled Banner playing, jets flying overhead, and the pace car towing a 200’ long American flag

around the track, it was just an amazing experience.

Just before the race began, we were escorted to the “Pit Box”. The Pit Box is a GIANT tool box that transforms its top half into a mini bleacher set up.

This allows you to watch the race right from the pit wall!

The race was like nothing I’ve experienced before. It’s not hard to figure out where they got the name “Days of Thunder”. Loud and fast are about the only way to describe being there in person.

The speed is really hard to get your head around. The cars are pushing 200 mph and they scream by you in a flash!

After just a couple hours the race was near the end. Our car, the 00, was able to climb a few spots but unfortunately finished in the middle of the pack.

Win or no win, it was an amazing experience and I can speak for our whole team when I say we are ALL NASCAR fans now.

Be sure to check out Season 4 of Local Knowledge this spring on Discovery Channel. We will have the complete NASCAR episode where we take the team owner Matt and driver Landon out fishing in the Keys. Sure, they are fast, but can they catch fish?

We’ll see!

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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FRED HALL SHOW SPECIALS! SAVE on the Newest and Best from YO-ZURI®

Sardine 6-3/4”, 1 -3/4 oz.

GREENMACEREL 6-3/4”, 1 -3/4 oz.

Black Silver 6”, 1 -1/4 oz.

HYDRO® MINNOW LC

ENGINEERED TO CAST FURTHER AND ON TARGET The Yo-Zuri HYDRO® MINNOW LC is a realistic minnow-style lure with an all new Weight Transfer System for long accurate casts, even under the harshest of conditions. The tight wiggling action attracts many different saltwater predatory species. Available in two sizes, 6” and 6-3/4”, and 13 fish-proven colors.

HIGH SPEED VIBE™

The High Speed Vibe™ has an irresistible action and can be fished at any range of depth. This unique lure can be trolled up to 15 knots, casted and retrieve or fished vertically for a variety of saltwater game fish.

Available at:

Flying Fish 5-1/4” 2-7/8 oz.

Buy 2 spools of Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon and get 1 free spool of TopKnot Fluorocarbon.

Buy any 2 of the Hydro Minnow LC and receive a free 6 ¾” R1323 Hydro Minnow .

Available at: Turner’s Outdoorsman, Melton Tackle, Angler’s Choice, Fisherman’s Landing, Ketcham Tackle

TOPKNOT™ LEADER TOPKNOT™ LEADER is 100% Fluorocarbon, extremely abrasion resistant and super durable. Outstanding diameter to strength ratio. This is a must have for any angler!

Available in Disappearing Pink and Natural Clear. 8# – 200#.

H.D.CARBON™ LEADER Double your invisibility with Yo-Zuri H.D.CARBON Disappearing Pink Fluorocarbon Leader.

Yo-Zuri H.D.CARBON is the fluorocarbon leader that maximizes the advantages of fluorocarbon with a Disappearing Pink tint. Yo-Zuri H.D.CARBON is available in Disappearing Pink and Clear.

Tough and abrasion resistant, high knot strength, and exceptional hook-setting power. Be ready for any fishing condition with Yo-Zuri H.D.CARBON. 2# – 300#.

SUPER BRAID

™

STRONGER • THINNER • MORE ABRASION RESISTANT New specially coated braid that features maximum abrasion resistance, extremely low stretch and exceptional durability. Available in Dark Green, Blue and White. 10# – 80#

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Aluminum Pilot House Doors & Windshield Wipers Stainless Steel Handrails, deck hardware and rodholders Combination Rodholder/Cupholder Hydrayllic Steering w/Stainless Steel Wheel Navigation Lights & Cockpit Lighting Bildge Pump w/Float Switch Fresh & Raw Water Washdown Rod Storage & Toe Rails Under Gunwale Insulated Fishbox & Livewell Transom Door w/Access to Swim Platform 10 Year Limited Hull Warranty

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Stainless Steel Handrails, deck hardware and rodholders Hydrayllic Steering w/Stainless Steel Wheel Anchor Locker On Foredeck Combination LED Low Profile Navigation Lights Bildge Pump w/Float Switch & Raw Water Washdown Rod Storage & Toe Rails Inder Gunwales Bracket w/Ladder, Insulated Fishbox & Livewell Heavy Duty Sport Rub Rail w/Stainless Steel Insert 10 Year Limited Hull Warranty

Make your deposit today!

Save 18% by purchasing at the Fred Hall Show Build times for new orders is around 5 Months

Yo-Zuri Mag Series

The Yo-Zuri brand has long been associated with quality, fish-catching products and lures. That tradition continues with the Mag Series lures, created specifically to allow anglers to cast further and withstand the punishment of big fish from all around the world.

Casting farther is a tall order, but the internationally-patented Magnet Weight Transfer System does just that inside the Mag Series lures, consisting of the Mag Minnow Floating Series and the Mag Darter Series. Two small metal beads ride a sled inside the lure during the cast. When the force of the rod loads up, the beads transfer the weight in the lure to the tail end, carrying the lure straight and farther than similar baits. This is a huge advantage whether you are fishing the surf for stripers or trying to be the first lure into foaming bluefin tuna. What fishery wouldn’t you want to cast farther?

All Mag Series lures use premium components like stainless steel split rings, super extra strong round bend treble hooks and realistic oversized holographic 3D eyes. The 105- and 125-mm versions have wire-through construction to ensure nothing gets away.

The Mag Minnow Floating Series includes four sizes from 2-3/4 inches to 5 inches. The unique high-arched body shape creates a tight wiggle when retrieved slowly that triggers strikes from both salt and fresh water gamefish. The lipped plug will wiggle as it dives upon retrieve to a depth range of one to four feet depending on the model. The lures are offered in a wide array of colors including new holographic patterns and the go-to classics.

The Yo-Zuri Mag Darter brings more innovation to your favorite gamefish.

Still featuring the Magnetic Weight Transfer System for longer casts, the Mag Darter incorporates the diving mechanism into the face of the The Magnetic Weight lure. Instead of the traditional lip used to make a plug dig down upon Transfer System keeps the retrieve, the Mag Darter has a sloped, concave face that acts as the lure straight during the cast, lip and creates the natural darting action and wiggle. This can be even in high winds. a huge benefit when fishing around rocks, pilings and other lipbreaking surfaces. The Mag Darter is sometimes confused as a topwater lure, but with a steady slow retrieve it descends from Both of these innovative lure series one to four feet depending on the model and size. The Mag Darter come in a variety of sizes and the comes in three sizes: 4-1/8 inches, 5 inches, and the new 6-1/2-inch model. The hottest new color schemes with Mag Darter also features the same quality components that the Mag Series is scaled, holographic finishes that known for among diehard anglers. are state-of-the-art and very durable thanks to the polycarbonate bodies.

You owe it to yourself to pick up a few of each and see how the fish in your area Of course, there is more to a lure than respond to the enticing wiggle of the Yo-Zuri Mag Series. Don’t forget, with it just the body, and Yo-Zuri has also you can cast farther than the other guy! focused on using quality components to compliment their lure designs.

Be sure to follow us on YouTube at Yo-Zuri 50

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HMLANDING.COM (619) 222-1144 2803 EMERSON STREET SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92106

BD is excited to show off our new home page feature, the Fishing Machines boating section, dedicated to bringing you everything about boats. We cover the gamut from boat reviews, boat motors, marine electronics, boat maintenance, accessories, boating safety and so much more. We even feature the Bloodydecks boating classified listings for free, so members can reap the benefit of homepage exposure for their personal boat ads.

Let the voices of experience help you make the most of your boating investments and of course, catch more fish!

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Enjoy entertaining and informational boat articles from BD’s Lenny Rudow, Capt. Scott Goodwin, Erik Landesfeind and many more. Get in-depth features and quick reviews of the latest boats and related products coming to market.

Now we all love a good gadget, so the Boat Accessories section will feature all the good ones, both old and new.

There is a difference between a good gadget and a wasteof-money gadget. Let BD help you figure out the best tools for the job.

Safety is always paramount and our experts will guide you in keeping your family and friends safe while chasing your favorite pastime, fishing and boating. We offer the simple steps and the equipment to bring you home safe or call for help. These tips really could be life savers!

Not all boat chores are fun, but boat maintenance is crucial to the longevity and function of your boating investments.

Let BD’s pros guide you in the best way to maximize your boat’s ability and dependability for the long haul.

From kayaks to monster sportfish boats, BD Fishing Machines covers it all. No matter your experience level, you’ll find everything you need to improve or enjoy your fishing and boating experience.

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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Parker Boats at West Coast Marine

If you are looking for your first offshore boat or want to upgrade your current one, what key factors should you consider when searching for the best value for your money? Simplicity, strength, and seaworthiness – it just so happens that this is the motto for the Parker Marine Boats at West Coast Marine in Costa Mesa, now with their additional new location in San Diego, California.

Parker Marine has been building boats for the rugged waters of North Carolina and beyond for more than thirty years. They have become the boat of choice for anglers looking for solid, simple construction, good looks and fishability. Offering boats ranging from the 18-foot center console to the new 34-foot sport cabin, Parker has optimized the usable space in a boat while keeping it sturdy and easier to maintain. The Parker is a great platform upon which to build your “dream-boat” fishing machine and that’s why it has become the boat of choice in so many different fisheries, climates and locations.

West Coast Marine is a family business under the direction of Kevin Kelly, a Newport Beach native. An avid angler himself, Kevin is very knowledgeable about the entire marine industry and is a trusted source of information and insight to his returning and new customers alike.

“Our two most popular Parkers models in California are the Parker 2320 and the 2520,” said Kevin. “We sell more of these models to West Coast anglers because the size and features match our local fisheries perfectly. We are very excited to have expanded to a new location in San Diego where we continue to cater to anglers’ needs.

Of course, we are still going strong in Costa Mesa, too, so if you’ve been pondering a new boat, please come and see us!”

Kevin maintains a long list of satisfied testimonials from his customers and it is easily apparent they treat you like a “customer”, a rare thing in today’s world. Kevin adds, “We go out of our way to make sure each client gets our full attention for their needs and is a happy customer when they leave.”

West Coast Marine has a variety of Parker models in stock for customers to explore, but they can also quickly bring in a customer’s custom-ordered boat that is rigged out with the specific options chosen by the buyer. Anglers can also choose from a wide variety of custom additions and modifications installed at West Coast Marine, but as fishing season is rapidly approaching, it’s a good idea to place your order soon so that they can have it ready for the upcoming season.

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West Coast Marine is not just a retail store but also a full-service boat yard and service center. The boat side of the operation, West Coast Marine, not only inventories new Parker Boats but also offers a selection of used boats for the discriminating boater. West Coast Marine Service offers Yamaha Outboard sales and service, carries a full selection of parts and accessories, and is the only 5-Star Gold Yamaha Dealer in Southern California.

Buying a boat from West Coast Marine is just the beginning of symbiotic relationship between the dealer and their valued client. You owe it to yourself to visit them if you are in the market for a great boat or if you’re just “window shopping”.

For all your service needs or to purchase a new boat check out our newest location in San Diego or online at WestCostMarine.com

Come See The FS “Game-Changer” Full Graphite Rods!!!

200 S. Beach Blvd. • Suite A-1 • La Habra • CA 90631 www.fishingsyndicate.com • (562) 245-7515 • info@fishingsyndicate.com

Come See Us At The Pacific Coast & Fred Hall Shows!

TowBoatU.S. Locations TowBoatU.S. Ventura Ventura, CA 805-644-2762 TowBoatU.S. Channel Islands Oxford, CA 805-644-2762

The red boats of TowBoatU.S. represent the nation’s largest fleet of towers with over 300 ports and 600 boats across the country. In addition to assisting the more than half a million Members of BoatU.S., their services include much more than just towing stranded boaters. About 85% of local business is towing, but TowBoatU.S. companies offer many other types of assistance that often get disabled vessels operating again and save someone’s day on the water. This includes but is not limited to offering jump starts, fuel deliveries, and soft ungroundings.

There is a confidence born of knowing that TowBoatU.S. captains are standing by to help you in your time of need. Membership is incredibly affordable and pays for itself the first time you need to use it.

California Boaters enjoy having TowBoatU.S. operations up and down the West Coast.

In fact, take advantage of the incredible Fred Hall Show special offer of just $99 for a year of Unlimited Saltwater Towing Membership, a $60 savings off the regular price of $159.

TowBoatU.S. has more than 15 locations across California, so no matter your home port there is a TowBoatU.S. operation standing by. Check out the one nearest you and see how a BoatU.S. Membership could benefit your fishing and boating program, especially at Boat Show prices!

Visit BoatUS.com to learn about the BoatU.S. Membership and much more.

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TowBoatU.S. Marina Del Rey Marina Del Rey, CA 310-547-2260 TowBoatU.S. San Pedro San Pedro, CA (310) 547-2260 TowBoatU.S. Long Beach Long Beach, CA (562) 594-0888 TowBoatU.S. Catalina Avalon, CA (310) 510-1675 TowBoatU.S. Newport Beach Newport Beach, CA 949-278-3207 TowBoatU.S. Dana Point Dana Point, CA (714) 307-2413 TowBoatU.S. San Diego San Diego, CA 619-672-5918

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Today's tackle is continuously evolving, with a major trend in the saltwater reel market toward design improvements to enable anglers to maximize the use of the braided lines that have become so popular.

Every year you hear about smaller reels being designed with more drag, stronger gears, and increased torque, that fit magically into your hands for maximum comfort during hours of use.

While conventional-style reels have filled into this new niche by becoming smaller, baitcasters have filled in from the other side by becoming larger and stronger.

Originally, baitcasters were predominantly used in the freshwater market by bass fishermen and in the Gulf States by redfish anglers. But now, the use of baitcasters has expanded to include offshore fishing for smallto medium-sized pelagic gamefish.

easier casting with fewer backlashes.

The larger baitcasting reels offer an adjustable spool mechanism to control spool speed. When adjusted correctly, this greatly reduces the problems with backlashes and wind knots. The thumb-bar free spool mechanism and the direct drive click into gear offer anglers easy casting with the ability to directly put the reel in gear with a turn of the handle.

These two features can give new anglers the confidence to react to situations that arise on the water. The new super-sized baitcasters have also been designed with improved gears to handle increased torque, plus drags that exceed 20 pounds of force in most of the models.

The super-sized baitcasters have become very popular for the run-and-gun style of fishing for foaming and puddling game fish. It’s extremely easy to cast a popper or metal jig at these fish with a baitcaster and come up bit.

The key is to understand the limitations of the reel.

On the West Coast, the last five years has seen some of the best fishing in decades, with an abundance of yellowfin and bluefin tuna, dorado, yellowtail, and even a few exotics like wahoo. This great fishing has attracted a lot of new anglers into the sport, who have had to deal with a learning curve to handle the appropriate tackle.

One of the most difficult things to do in saltwater fishing is to effectively cast the conventionalstyle reels traditionally used to target these strong gamefish. With the increased free spool on many of the newer models, backlashes and wind knots can be a constant source of frustration. Some anglers move towards spinning gear, but more anglers are also now finding that the new super-sized baitcasters are a good alternative to the smaller conventional reels because they offer

Smaller grade fish up to 70-pounds are the ideal target for the super-size baitcasters. If you encounter a larger grade of fish to 100-pounds, it will be a little more of a challenge. That’s not to say you cannot land one, but it will depend on the fish. These reels are still limited when it comes to the drag and line capacity required for bigger tuna, for example. You’ll also need to make sure that the rod you are using is up to the task. The point is that there is a time and place for everything and understanding that is the key to success.

The super-sized baitcasters are excellent reels to have in your quiver and can be used pretty much all the time under normal fishing conditions.

Some of the best techniques for these reels are fishing artificial lures, basic cast-and-retrieve techniques, fishing

with jigs on the fall, or casting smaller live baits to cover. One major benefit is the ability to turn the handle into gear for an instant hook set.

Some factors to consider when selecting a reel are max drag, line capacity, gear ratio, line retrieval rates, power handle options, and reel weight.

Max drag is what a lot of anglers believe to be the key feature of a reel. One very important thing to do is to fill the reel with line and put it on a rod with the line through the guides. Attach a scale to the line off the tip of the rod and pull on it. It’s super important to understand what the actual drag setting on the reel you are using feels like. These super baitcasters can produce way more drag than you would normally use.

Testing it will give you a clear idea of what 12, 15, and 20 pounds of drag feels like on the rod. Drag settings are normally set at a quarter to a third of the line’s breaking strength. Drag will increase as line goes off the spool, too, so take this into consideration when setting your drag or fighting the fish. For example, 12# line has a drag setting of 3 to 4 pounds of drag, but as a fish takes more line off the reel, anglers may need to ease off the drag to prevent losing the fish until line can be regained.

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As with any reel, line capacity can also be very important and is a function of spool size and line diameter. Fishing deeper water for game fish that like to take a smoking first run tends to warrant higher line capacity, meaning you’ll need either a smaller diameter line or a reel with a slightly larger spool. If you are targeting fish in shallower water that pull hard towards structure, you can sacrifice a little capacity for a larger diameter line with higher breaking strength. Lighter line means more capacity, so know what you are targeting and choose a line rating that is right for you.

Gear ratio is an important consideration based on your target and style of fishing. Lower gear ratios offer more power for fish that are pulling straight down, trying to get into structure. Higher gear ratios are for taking up line quickly while using artificial lures and keeping your rod bent on fish that are changing direction or swimming right at you. A key aspect of landing fish is keeping the rod bent, so gear ratio is extremely important. Which gear ratio you need depends on what you are fishing for and how you are doing it.

Speaking of taking up line quickly, line retrieve is also important depending on technique and the targeted species. A lower gear ratio means less line retrieved per crank, versus a higher gear ratio that equates to more line per crank. The result is a tradeoff between power and speed, so you’ll want to pick the retrieval that matches your technique. Fast-winding artificial lures would dictate a faster gear ratio like 7.1:1. When jigging bottom fish, though, having the power to turn their head away from the structure is paramount, which calls for a slower gear ratio such as 6.3:1 or slower.

The power handle is extremely important for comfort while winding and for increased torque. Paddle handles tend to have a smaller radius, or distance between them, which 60

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Photo SulliPhotos.com

means you are winding twice as fast and with less torque for your cranking effort. With a larger knob and longer radius, today’s new power handles make turning the handle more comfortable and effective, giving you more torque for the same effort.

Reel weight is important when trying to put an outfit together and have it balance correctly. If the reel is heavier than the rod or vice versa, the outfit sometimes feels awkward and uncomfortable. Remember that matching the reel to the rod for balance will make your fishing time on the water way more enjoyable. The lighter the combo overall, the better.

All super baitcasters have a level wind feature that makes it easy for anglers to have an even line lay for casting and line management on the reel. This feature makes fishing extremely easy to retrieve line without worrying about winding line unevenly onto the spool.

The pros and cons of super-sized baitcasters Pros

Adjustable spool speed for ease of casting: less backlash!

Thumb bar for instant free spool Handle turn engagement for instant in gear Level wind for even line lay Ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand Power handle for comfortable, more powerful fishing

Cons

Limited line capacity Star drag mechanism is harder to monitor drag adjustments

If you presently do not have a super-sized baitcaster, you should add one to your tackle collection. They are comfortable and easy to use no matter what your level of expertise might be. Here are some of the best-selling models today, all of which are available in either left- or right-handed models:

Small spool diameter limits line retrieval and power at various gear ratios

Daiwa - Lexa 400HSP

Okuma - Komodo KDS-471 P

Shimano - Tranx 400HG

MSRP $295.95

MSRP $259.99

MSRP $299.99

Key Features Aluminum body Levelwind Power handle Gear ratio: 7.1:1 Capacity: 300 yds of 55# braid Drag: 25 lbs max Line Rerieval: 37.7” per crank Weight: 17.2 oz.

Key Features Aluminum body Levelwind Power handle Gear ratio: 7.1:1 Capacity: 275 yds of 50# braid Drag: 25 lbs max Line Rerieval: 37.7” per crank Weight: 16.5 oz.

Key Features Aluminum body Levelwind Power handle Gear ratio: 7.6:1 Capacity: 275 yds of 50# braid Drag: 22 lbs max Line Rerieval: 40” per crank Weight: 12.0 oz.

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Phenix rods

began their journey in 1977 as a custom rod builder in California focused on quality and function.

Anglers “in the know” were drawn to these custom rods and Phenix enjoyed a loyal following of dedicated fishermen. It was a natural progression when Phenix decided to expand their product lines and take their custom rods to the next level.

In 2006, Phenix expanded their current product lines to a much wider range of rod offerings that continue to use premium designs and components while maintaining the brand’s popular custom-quality look, feel and function.

Currently, Phenix is broadening their line of application-specific models as well as a boosting sensitivity and decreasing overall rod weight. Phenix now offers over 700 models of fishing rods for every fishery, from ultra-light trout to the heaviest saltwater series and everything in between.

Phenix also continues to sell rod blanks which are very popular with rod building enthusiasts and pros. All Phenix blanks carry a “no questions asked”, Limited Lifetime Warranty to protect your investment from the mishaps of everyday life.

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“We take pride in our aggressive designs, attractive price points and the fact that our customers swear by our brand,” says Phenix.

“We’ve also expanded our product line to include a variety of high quality braid in eight- to sixteen-strand versions. Our company distributes to over 30 countries worldwide and it’s still growing.”

Stop in and visit the Phenix booth at the Fred Hall Show. Check out the latest Phenix rod technologies and swap some fishing stories with their crew. They will have lots of great Phenix rods and accessories on hand, so don’t miss out!

ANGLER’S CHOICE DEALS Fred Hall Long Beach & Del Mar Shows Daiwa Deals Available At Shows & In-Store

FREE

FREE

Free Tatula HUK Tee With Purchase Of Daiwa Tatula Rod or Tatula Reel

Buy a Lexa 300 or 400 HD, Proteus Winn Grip Rod, Saltiga Spinning or Conventional Reel, Saltist Spinning or Conventional Reel get a FREE HUK Sweatshirt

HUK SWEATSHIRT

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Buy 2 filler Spools Of J-Braid and Get A Free Spool Of J-Braid 30lb or 65lb

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Buy 2 SK Jigs Get A FREE SK Jig

Buy A Rod or Reel Worth +$299 Get A FREE Large 24 Soft Side Daiwa Cooler

(equal or lesser value)

(equal or lesser value)

KITE FISHING AND DEEP DROP GEAR Tanacom

Seaborg AT ANGLER’S CHOICE TACKLE WE HAVE A FULL LINE OF DAIWA GEAR TO GET YOU INTO KITE OR DEEP DROP FISHING AND THE KNOWLEDGE TO ENSURE YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL

Available in 500, 750, and 1000

Available in 500, 750, and 1200

Angler’s Choice Tackle 1910 Rosecrans St. San Diego, CA 92106 619.223.2324 AnglersChoiceTackle.com

VISIT BOOTHS #846-847 & #944-947 63

Vertical Limits

BY Ron Ballanti What goes up…must come down. I repeated this immutable rule of gravity over and over in my head as I lifted the eight-foot jigging rod to roughly the 10 o’clock position, then slowly followed the fluttering descent of the lure with the rod tip until the line came tight at about 7 o’clock.

This rhythmic, lift-and-drop motion had become almost automatic when, suddenly, what went up, stayed up. Then, after only the slightest hesitation and a subtle “pop” telegraphed through the braided line, it came down — hard.

After a couple of quick reel cranks to seal the deal, I was solidly hooked into a powerful king salmon that bowed the graphite rod into a parabolic arch and pulled line from the Accurate lever drag reel in short, determined bursts. With a variety of “go-to” fighting moves that include strong headshakes and a penchant for suddenly rocketing towards the surface, Alaskan king salmon offer a spirited challenge for anglers — particularly when hooked on the light jigging tackle favored by Frontier Charters in Sitka.

This early June adventure to Sitka was my first time fishing exclusively with jigs, and, if you’ll pardon the pun, I’m hooked. Not only is catching salmon on the vertical jig seriously fun, at times it will clearly out fish bait.

Jigging Tackle & Tactics Time after time, our skipper Justin Guzman would mark schools of baitfish on his Garmin echosounder — sometimes with the telltale “boomerang” marks of king salmon prowling underneath them — then tell us to drop down our jigs. Rather than using line counter reels, Frontier sets clients up with small, yet powerful Accurate lever drags spooled with multicolored Power Pro Depth Hunter braided line. By following the guide’s instructions on how 64

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many colors to drop down, we were consistently able to put our jigs right in the strike zone. These are paired with lightweight graphite jigging rods that have a soft overall action but enough tip power to effectively work these metal lures and control fish weighing up to 30 pounds.

Once at the proper depth (anywhere from 30 to 200-plus feet), the lure is worked with a rhythmic pumping action.

The idea is to lift the jig sharply, then let it flutter and flash as it drops. It’s important to follow the fall of the lure with the rod tip, so you don’t throw too much slack in the line.

You also need to listen to the crew and react quickly if they tell you to wind up or drop your lure to intercept salmon passing under the boat.

Fight it Right When hooked on the vertical jig, king salmon usually shake their heads and make a few short but powerful runs.

Following this, they often rocket towards the surface with such speed that it’s hard to keep up with them — so follow the guide’s advice and wind, wind, wind.

Frontier Charters does mooch with bait as well, especially during silver salmon season when the bite gets hot and heavy. And their expert captains will get you into the giant lingcod and throw rug-sized halibut that make Alaska a world-class fishing destination.

Frontier Charters’ lodge is a beautiful four-story home with 8 bedrooms and more than 5,000 square feet. A typical day starts around 5 a.m. with a full buffet-style breakfast cooked by Frontier’s own chef. After packing your bag lunch from a wealth of choices, it’s down to your boat for a 6 a.m. cast-off. You usually get back to the lodge around 4 p.m., when most people relax with a cocktail and nurse their sore arms.

Visit FrontierCharters.com for more information or call (800) 388-1218

HOOKS YOU UP AT

ANGLER’S CHOICE Get Ready for Fishing Season with

HUGE SAVINGS on Shimano Gear at Angler’s Choice Learn more on page 14 DEALS

At Fred Hall Long Beach

Purchase a TALICA REEL, TRINIDAD REEL, TRANX 500 REEL, TWINPOWER REEL, or STELLA SW REEL

2

Get up to 500 yards of Maxcuatro (white) Braided Fishing Line On Your Reel FREE

Angler’s Choice Bring your receipt to the SHIMANO BOOTH to redeem your promo items

1

Purchase a SHIMANO REEL valued at $100 or more

Get Up to 300 Yards of standard PowerPro On Your Reel FREE Can’t be included with any other deal

Bring your receipt to the SHIMANO BOOTH to redeem your promo items

3

Purchase a TERAMAR Rod

Get a Flatfall 80,

Waxwing 118, and PopORCA 121 FREE

5

Purchase a CURADO DC REEL

Get a Curado Rod FREE

4

Purchase a TIAGRA REEL

Get up to 500 Yards of PowerPro Hollow-Ace On Your Reel FREE

6

Rod size limited to stock on hand

Purchase a SLX REEL

Get a Bass Rod valued at $100 Free

14

Fred Hall Deals Available While Supplies Last!

Angler’s Choice Tackle 1910 Rosecrans St. San Diego, CA 92106 619.223.2324 AnglersChoiceTackle.com

VISIT BOOTHS #846-847 & #944-947

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Sun PROTECTION

So much about fishing and boating relies on experience.

The same is true for making fishing and boating clothing; family-owned and operated since 1963, Hook & Tackle Clothing has plenty of experience.

Hook & Tackle came out with the first “sun protection” apparel over 30 years ago, which featured proprietary Air/X zippered vents to create the “air conditioning” effect of convective flow inside the shirt. The performance shirts in the Hook & Tackle lineup have come a long way since then, but they feature the same focus on design and a compulsive obsession for quality.

To maintain this level of quality, Hook & Tackle knits its own yarns and makes its own fabrics. For example, their Solar System fabric, like many other Hook & Tackle inventions, is a very soft micro-cotton material that is quick-drying, odor-resistant, and offers 50+ UPF sun protection. It is available in solid and fishing designs and is a Hook & Tackle best seller!

Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays with the Hook & Tackle Seamount Hoodie performance fishing shirt. Proprietary Solar System UPF 50+ rated fabric incorporates the latest sun protection technology.

Wicked Dry & Cool fabric technology wicks moisture from your skin to enhance your comfort level. The hoodie is designed with radial sleeves to allow full range of movement when casting or fighting fish.

Available in many styles from sizes S-3XL. Retail cost is $40.00-$45.00

Another Hook & Tackle innovation is the Hydraskin Fishing Board Shorts, made of 88% polyester and 12% spandex for a super-stretch premium soft feel. The Hydraskin material features Micro-Dry™ technology so your shorts dry faster. With Sonic-Welded zipper pockets and a Welt Plier Pocket, the shorts have an engineered performance fit while offering a comfortable 9” inseam.

Available in many colors from sizes 28-40. Retail cost is $55.00

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Another must-try material from Hook & Tackle is the all new Fish-Flex Stretch comfort fabric that always moves with you. It is made of a soft 90% polyester and 10% spandex blend and features radial sleeves, Quick-dry, moisture wicking to prevent odor, and UPF 50+ ultimate sun protection. It also features a unique back vent for maximum Available in many styles and airflow and added comfort.

color from sizes S-2XL. Retail cost is $45.00.

To top it all off, literally, check out the premium Lifeguard Straw Fishing Hat, built with strategic fabric patches and under-brim enhancements to totally protect your head, face, and shoulders from getting fried by the sun. It also features a stretch headband with an anti-microbial material, prohibiting bacterial growth Straw hats come in a variety of and unpleasant odors. designs and retail for $30.

Of course, we can’t forget the classic trucker’s hat with side & back airconditioned mesh, flat-stitched back embroidery, AEGIS® headband to prohibit bacterial growth and unpleasant odors, Trucker hats are offered in anti-glare under-visor, and adjustable snap back closure. a myriad of fishing-oriented designs and retail for $25.

Hook & Tackle products are found in many major stores and local tackle shops including Fisherman’s Landing, Melton International Tackle, Bass Pro Shops, and West Marine.

Do yourself a favor and check them out this summer. See for yourself the difference experience and pride can make in a product.

At Fred Hall Long Beach check out Hook & Tackle Apparel at Bob Sands Fishing Tackle and Angler’s Choice and visit the Hook & Tackle website to see their many products or find a store near you.

ANGLER’S CHOICE FRED HALL SHOW PROMOTIONS ANGLER’S CHOICE LURE JIG BAG Price: $59.99 $45.99 • • •

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9” X 10” X 7” 12 COMPARTMENTS FITS LARGE SURFACE IRONS, POPPERS, HARD TROLLING BAITS, & MORE SELF-DRAINING BOTTOM HEAVY CANVAS & CORROSION RESISTANT ZIPPERS

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Angler’s Choice Tackle 1910 Rosecrans St. San Diego, CA 92106 619.223.2324 AnglersChoiceTackle.com Booths #846-847 & #944-947

Anatomy and physiology Tunas in general, and especially bluefin, are champion swimmers.

Every part of their inner and outer anatomy is fine-tuned for fast and efficient swimming, from their streamlined bullet shape and dragreducing finlets to oversized bands of aerobic red muscle (the “blood line”) for sustained distance swimming.

All that swimming generates heat from muscle contractions, and tuna have special counter-current exchangers that trap the heat and focus it in their core and head. This type of partial “warm bloodedness” makes their muscles more efficient and powerful, boosts metabolism, and even improves their vision for feeding down deep in cold water and low-light conditions1.

What this means for targeting bluefin: Stay mobile. Just because bluefin were in spot one day doesn’t mean they’ll be there the next week, or even the next day. They have no problem swimming dozens or even hundreds of miles in just a day or two.

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Be patient if they totally disappear. They could be in the same area and just down deep for a day or two, especially if the bait also sinks out. Since they can keep their body temps warmer than the surrounding water, it’s easy for them to feed deep in the low-light zone where bait is trying to hide.

Make your gear invisible. Bluefin have excellent vision and are notoriously line-shy. For fishing live bait, use light line, a fluorocarbon leader, and the smallest hook you can get away with for the size of the bait. The tradeoff is that the bluefin’s hyper-efficient metabolism means you’ll be in for a long, hard battle. You can get away with using heavier gear at dawn or dusk when the low light makes your line harder to see. And of course, fly a kite! It keeps your line out of the water where bluefin have a harder time seeing it, meaning you can get away with heavier line and stand a better chance of actually landing the fish.

Chill out. All that heat in the bluefin’s core rapidly degrades the quality

of the meat after the catch, and it increases the rate of bacterial growth.

Getting your fish cold quickly will dramatically improve the end product you put on the table. Bleed your catch as soon as it hits the deck to remove a major source of heat from the core of the fish. Spike the brain to stop muscle contraction and prevent additional heat generation. Gut your fish to remove warm organs, and stuff the gut cavity with ice. A little seawater in your ice helps create a slurry to chill the fish even more. Plan to carry at least ¾-1 pound of ice per pound of bluefin you hope to catch per day, plus a quality insulated kill bag or cooler big enough to fit it all.

Diet Bluefin eat a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates based on what’s available. They’ve been known to eat mackerel, saury, juvenile rockfish, squid, red crab, and even krill2, and they’re locally famous for busting up on big spots of anchovy and chasing down flying fish. This wide variety of prey types spans a big range in how

easy each prey is to catch, and how nutritious it is. If there’s a ton of easy prey around, like big balls of anchovy, red crab, or krill, there isn’t much reason for a bluefin to spend more energy chasing down a healthy flying fish.

What this means for targeting them: Match the hatch. Have a variety of baits and lures at your disposal and try to match what the fish are feeding on at that time. When you find a spot of bluefin foaming up on anchovy, try a small chrome jig like a Colt Sniper.

If the tuna are holding deep, drop a vertical jig like a Flat Fall to imitate squid. Poppers, sticks baits, and surface iron do a great job of imitating injured or panicked baitfish trying to escape hungry predators. These bigger lures will sometimes work when the tuna are on tiny anchovy, either by triggering a reaction strike or by the simple luck of having a tuna swim into your jig with its mouth open. And of course, nothing beats a real flying fish or yummy flyer under a kite when the tuna are eating flying fish.

Basic demographics: growth, reproduction, and migration Age & Growth: Pacific bluefin grow fast and big. They can reach 50-inches long and almost 80 pounds in their first 3 years, and even the biggest “cows” (200+ lbs.) we’ve seen the last few seasons probably aren’t much more than 6-7 years old. They typically reach reproductive maturity by age 5 and can live for more than 15 years and weigh 1,200 lbs.3,4 Reproduction: Pacific bluefin spawn on the other side of the Pacific, in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea4,5.

They’re broadcast spawners, which means females release millions of eggs into open water for nearby males to fertilize. Fertilized eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into juveniles and grow into adults. Most of these fertilized eggs and larvae don’t make it past the first month or two – they either starve to death or

get eaten by predators. The number of juveniles that do survive each year varies a lot, making it very hard to predict how the population is going to change from year to year5.

Migration: Some of those surviving juveniles then migrate to our side of the Pacific in their first year, and the rest stay behind to grow up in the western Pacific. We don’t know what percentage migrate to our side, but it’s probably very different each year.

After 3-5 years of feeding and growing up, the bluefin then migrate back across to the spawning grounds4.

Some bluefin stay here longer than others, and lately they seem to be staying here longer than normal, up to 6 or 7 years.

Population Trends: All that year-to-year change in reproductive success and migration means bluefin populations fluctuate a lot. Even this boom cycle is at a low point in their total biomass across the entire Pacific – spawning stock has been estimated at just 2-4% of what it could be without fishing5.

So how long is this cycle going to last? Nobody really knows for sure.

At its core, it’s basically just the right combination of good reproduction, good numbers migrating, good numbers staying longer than normal, and good oceanographic conditions bringing them in to the Bight, all happening at the same time. One clue to watch is how many smaller 5-20-pound bluefin show up each year – that’s a marker for how many make the migration. After that, it’s up to local oceanographic conditions to determine where on this side of the Pacific they will hang out, and for how long.

What this means for targeting them: Be prepared. With so many different age groups hanging out on our side of the Pacific for longer than normal, you never know if the next spot of bluefin you run across is going to be the firstyear 10-20-pound grade or the older 200+ lb. cows. Bring the full arsenal – you don’t want to miss your fish of

a lifetime just because you left the heavy gear at home.

Enjoy responsibly. Nothing lasts forever, and when you add it all up, the local bluefin “boom” is going to “bust” at some point. Enjoy it while it’s here but remember that the bluefin we catch in SoCal haven’t spawned yet. We need to be careful to make sure enough fish make it back to the spawning grounds and have multiple chances to reproduce, especially since the number of successful babies each year is so variable and prone to neartotal failure. This means multi-national cooperation and responsible harvest limits at each point in the life cycle on both sides of the Pacific – including when they’re here in our local waters.

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Help out!

There’s a lot we still don’t know about the bluefin life cycle and migration patterns, but you can help researchers gather vital data to find out. Support collaborative fisheries research efforts like the Tag-a-Giant program, and donate your bluefin heads and organs to the Highly Migratory Species research team at NOAA Fisheries in La Jolla.

1

Block, B., et al. 1993. Science 260: 210-214.

2

Snodgrass, O., pers. comm. Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, CA.

3

Shimose, T., et al. 2009. Fisheries Research 100(2): 134-139.

4

Tag A Giant. https://tagagiant.org/science/pacific-ocean

2016 Pacific Bluefin Tuna Stock Assessment: Report of the Pacific Bluefin Tuna Working Group. International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like Species in the North Pacific Ocean. Available online at http://isc.fra.go.jp/pdf/ISC16/ISC16_Annex_09_2016_Pacific_ Bluefin_Tuna_Stock_Assessment.pdf Tuna illustration by www.studio-abachar.myshopify.com 5

The success of CCA-CAL is based upon a huge grassroots system and memberships are the lifeblood of our organization.

Protecting your right to fish • Advocate for all saltwater anglers • Build thriving artificial reefs • Create successful finfish hatcheries • Initiate truthful science • Expand youth programs

$

35

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CCA-CAL Annual Memberships

starts at

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Benefits of Annual Membership: · CCA-CAL Membership Card · CCA-CAL Newsletters keeping you informed · One year Subscription to TIDE magazine · CCA-CAL Membership Decal

JOIN

· CCA-CAL State Fish Decal

The objective of CCA-CAL is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Wayne Kotow

Executive Director of CCA-CAL wkotow@ccacalifornia.org

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The 73rd annual Fred Hall Show at the Long Beach Convention Center

is the world’s largest sportfishing show, California’s largest boat show and an international leader in hunting and fishing travel. Virtually all forms of outdoor recreation are represented at this enormous event, featuring: more fishing tackle manufacturer displays than any other show anywhere, California’s largest marine accessories display, hundreds of fishing tackle booths, hundreds of international fishing and hunting travel booths, acres of boats, casting ponds, Hobie kayak demonstration rides, hunter and angler specific vehicles, free dive and SCUBA diving equipment and instruction, air gun ranges, archery ranges, over 400 seminars and a full day’s worth of family fun activities.

Long Beach Show • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 72

The world’s largest sportfishing show and a world-class hunting section.

California’s largest fishing boat show Over 400 seminars in five days at the Bass Tank, the Daiwa Saltwater Tank, the Accurate Fishing Tackle Main Seminar Stage, the Mammoth Lakes Seminar Area The DFW will be bringing a panel back to the Mammoth Lake Stage Maui Jim will be presenting Paul Hebert from Wicked Tuna on the Accurate Main Seminar Stage CCA-Cal will be presenting the first Annual Anthony Hsieh CCA-Cal Conservation Award Costa will, once again, present the Sporting Chef Cafe with Celebrity Chef Scott Leysath Take advantage of test rides of Hobie Kayaks in the Hyatt Lagoon and learn about kayak fishing in the Hobie Kayak fishing seminar theater Ram Trucks will present the Ultimate Air Dogs Don’t miss the Paul Bunyan Lumber Jack Show Learn to dive at The Deep Blue Dive Pool Kids Casting Contest from the DFW Archery and air gun ranges Great American Duck Races-Kids Free Kids Fish Free at the Mammoth Lakes and Berkley Kids Fish Free Trout Pond Hundreds of fishing and hunting destination resorts One of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation travel shows Southern California’s largest marine electronics display from Johnson-Hicks Marine The NEW Johnson-Hicks Marine Electronics Seminar Area to learn how to use the latest in marine electronics The Shimano Reel Repair Station Daiwa Casting on the Hyatt lagoon The California Deer Association will have a special trailer with a majestic deer display Hundreds of boats on display Nearly 1000 booths BDoutdoors.com

San Diego Show • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

The 43-year-old Fred Hall Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Over 200 seminars in 4 days at the Daiwa Saltwater Tank, the Bass Tank, the Accurate Fishing Tackle Main Seminar Stage, the Mammoth Lakes Seminar Stage, the Hobie Kayak Seminar Stage and the Costa Sporting Chef Cafe.

Don’t miss the Ram Trucks Ultimate Air Dogs Southern California Ford Dealers Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show San Diego’s oldest and Largest boat show. Fishing Boats, Tow Boats, Pontoon Boats, Cruisers and the largest selection of kayaks in San Diego SCUBA and Free Dive displays Dozens of Fishing and Hunting destination resorts San Diego’s largest outdoor recreation travel show Archery and Air Gun Ranges The Great American Duck Races. Kids Casting contests from the DFW The Mammoth Lakes and Berkley Kids Fish Free Trout Pond Marine Electronics Display from Johnson-Hicks Marine NEW!!! A Giant RV Section…oval motorcycle racing…and so much more!

San Diego’s Ultimate Outdoor Experience

Bakersfield Show • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The 42-year-old Bakersfield show is now the Fred Hall Central Valley Sports Show One of the largest RV Shows in the Western United States with over 400 RVs on display The only boat show in the Central Valley with nearly 100 boats on display An entire building dedicated to fishing. The Fishing Hall has its own entrance and is the largest display of fishing tackle ever seen in this region Hourly drawings held in the Fishing Hall will amount to tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise being given away Kids Fish Free in the Berkley Trout Pond Archery range Nearly one hundred seminars in three days on the Bass Tank and the Accurate Fishing Main Seminar Stage Fishing and hunting travel displays The Super Cruise Car Show with over 500 vehicles on display The Bako Sand Drags…oval motorcycle racing The Ram Truck Dock Dogs The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show The Great American Duck Races Field Dog Training…Agility Dogs Demonstrations Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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advanced features and cutting-edge blank technology, the Daiwa line of PROTEUS WN RODS are sure to suit the needs of any serious saltwater fisherman on both coasts.

Daiwa Dream Outfit It’s a great time to be a modern angler who can reap the benefits of Daiwa’s new technology and dedication to function. While the variety of Daiwa’s offerings is vast, there are some new products coming to market that will create a “dream outfit” for SoCal anglers as well as anyone else who enjoys a variety of saltwater species.

We kick off this “dream outfit” with the new Saltist Star Drag Conventional Reel Power Gear Series. These taskspecific, star drag reels are designed with a 5.1:1 gear ratio that is ideal for surface iron fishing on the West Coast, bottom fishing in the Southeast, or slow jigging in the Northeast.

This series of reels combines torque and power at the reel’s spool. Built in five sizes ranging from a 15 to a 50, the Saltist series will suit many anglers’ needs. The bones of this reel are strong, utilizing a one-piece aluminum anodized frame that resists nicking, scratching and corrosion. The Centrifugal Break System keeps the line on the spool, increasing casting distances and preventing overruns.

The Black Anodized Crank is customdesigned for use with the slower gear ratios. The crank has a comfortable EVA handle but also accepts a WINN accessory handle. If you are looking for a lower-speed saltwater reel with plenty of torque, look no further then the specialized SALTIST STAR DRAG CONVENTIONAL REEL POWER GEAR SERIES. An integral part to any outfit is the rod, which is often underestimated 74

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in its importance. Daiwa is proud to introduce their new PROTEUS WN rods that integrate well-designed, practical component features with state-of-the-art blank construction.

The 7 conventional and 2 spinning rod designs are line class rated for both monofilament and braided lines.

The conventional rod blanks are constructed with the exclusive X45® BIAS GRAPHITE FIBER which reinforces the blank and prevents twisting when the rod loads up. The exclusive BRAIDING-X carbon fiber braiding technology additionally provides added blank reinforcement, further reducing unnecessary blank twist. This combines to delivers longer, more accurate casts. The spinning rod blanks incorporate HIGH VOLUME FIBER (HVF), a highermodulus carbon graphite construction with more volume of fibers and less resin, which makes the rods light, strong, and sensitive.

The D-VEC WINN® GRIP TAPE, a Daiwa exclusive, provides a soft, comfortable, yet firm grip throughout the rigors of landing a tough salt water gamefish. The solid and secure FUJI REEL SEATS sport a handsome woven insert. The blanks are wrapped with the advanced design of the FUJI® FAZLITE® RING GUIDES. The tangle-free guides are tough enough for salt water and hard use yet minimally affect the bend of the blank.

The commitment to quality is insured by the Limited Lifetime Warranty.

With this winning combination of

To complete your “dream outfit”, you only need to spool it up with the new Daiwa J-Braid Grand braided line.

J-BRAID GRAND is the new Ultimate Braid in Daiwa’s J-Braid Family. The line is strong, resistant to abrasion yet well-bodied enough to lay smoothly on the spool. The braid is spun with Izanas, a state-of-the-art new material utilizing 8 carriers. The 8 carriers are supple yet with the new material, 4 times as abrasion resistant as a typically tougher 4 carrier. The result is a much stronger, softer and smoother line that is more sensitive and casts farther.

Now, you’re ready to sling some iron or maybe even a Mebachi Popper at some SoCal bluefin tuna. The Mebachi popper is new from Daiwa and is designed to create maximum commotion on the surface to elicit vicious strikes. This quality manufactured lure is thru-wired and rigged with stout Owner Hyperwire split rings and VMC 8527 hooks.

Crafted in floating and sinking models, the popper can be fished using several different techniques and rhythms. The sinking model still plugs the surface but is heavier and better suited for wind chop, breeze and longer casts.

Finished in 8 realistic paint schemes, the handsome baits mimic a wide assortment of forage fish. If taking big gamefish on topwater poppers is your technique, then you owe yourself a look at the ME-BA-CHI (Big Eye) line of rugged all-around poppers – lures built for the toughest of fights.

For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to info@daiwa.com. You can also visit Daiwa’s website at daiwa.com/us.

We

handle everything so you only have to fish! Sitka Sound and Alaska’s inside passages are some of the most pristine waters in the world and Frontier Charters & Lodge are your ticket to paradise.

Enjoy Sitka’s world class fishing, comfortable lodging and friendly, expert guides and staff.

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– Lodging (double occupancy) – Full days of guided fishing for multiple species.

- Breakfast, lunches &dinners specially prepared by our chef – Top name tackle and all bait provided.

– Alaska fishing license.

– Unlimited fish processing – Airport pick-ups and transportation in Sitka.

SEE US AT THE FRED HALL SHOW OR CONTACT US DIRECT!

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frontiercharters@alaskan.com

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“We are proud of our affiliation with Accurate Reels, Grundens, Owner Hooks, Garmin Electronics, Promar/Ahi, Savage Baits, & Daiwa Braided Line”

Which New Fishing Boat is Right For You?

BY Lenny Rudow

With so many styles to choose from, ranging from center consoles to pilot houses to convertibles, how will you make the best pick?

There is no such thing as the perfect fishing boat. What’s ideal for angler A is not necessarily ideal for angler B, and may be an utterly awful choice for angler C. That’s one of the reasons why we have so many different types, styles, and sizes of boats to choose from. The secret to being a happy fishboat owner is finding the boat that’s ideal for you, personally, and that fits your own needs. So, while you wander the show, gawking at acre after acre of fiberglass, and drooling over all those hot new fishing machines, remember to keep these key points in mind:

Center Consoles

This quintessential style of fishing boat is a good allaround pick for many hard-core anglers, since it lets you fish all the way around the boat – literally. Having the ability to fish 360-degrees means you can follow those bluefin from the stern to the bow and back down the other side of the boat without having to dodge pipework or shimmy around a cabin. It means you can line numerous anglers along the gunwales when bottom fishing or post light-tackle casters from stem to stern. It even means that fly anglers will have the open space they need to swing their buggy whips.

Added Bonus: These days virtually every center

console over 20’ (and some even smaller) have a head compartment in the console, and many larger models have entire cabins including berths and even galleys.

Weakest Link: Most center consoles offer little to no

protection from the elements. This can lead to misery-trips for those who aren’t prepared to get soaked with spray or blasted by a chilly breeze, especially if you take the entire family out fishing.

Dual Consoles

This design is ideal for those who want a boat that’s fishable but can also pull double-duty for watersports like water skiing and wakeboarding. The ability to seal off the bow and sit behind a full windshield also offers some additional weather protection. Put these two factors together, and dual consoles become a natural choice for families with more wide-ranging interests than fishing alone.

Added Bonus: Having the passenger-side console

(usually with a head inside) adds a significant amount of lockable stowage, in many cases allowing for secure onboard rod and gear stowage.

Weakest Link: Significant amounts of deck (read:

fishing) space is lost to the pair of consoles mounted port and starboard and integrated seating in the bow.

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Walkarounds and Pilot Houses

If you aren’t interested in spending cash by the millions, but you still want a boat that can take on long oceanic voyages, and you’d also like to be able to enjoy the flexibility to fish many different methods, including light tackle and shallow water casting, then a walkaround or pilot house boat might be the best pick for you. Having the protection of an enclosed helm goes a long way in making long offshore trips reasonably comfortable, while most versions of these boats maintain easy bow access and some level of 360-degree fishability. What’s the difference between a walkaround and a pilothouse? On some levels it’s merely splitting hairs, but generally speaking, a cabin with an enclosed aft bulkhead would be considered a pilothouse, while one that’s open (or perhaps closed off only by a drop-curtain) in the back would be a walkaround. In either case, the enhanced protection makes year-round fishing in tough conditions a much more realistic possibility.

Added Bonus: This type of boat makes overnighting

offshore with a modicum of comfort a realistic possibility, thanks to sleeping accommodations in the cabin.

Weakest Link: The raised cabin increases a boat’s

windage and weight, and no matter how easy bow access may be, it’ll never be quite as fluid going 360-degrees around the boat as it can be on a center console.

Convertibles Express Boats

Expresses are, like convertibles, a big-boat option for big waters. Some people prefer them since they have a lower helm station which makes it easy for the captain to move from the wheel to the cockpit, to partake in the fishing action. Many also have a tower with an upper station, so they still enjoy the advantages of having an elevated view.

Added Bonus: Running the boat from the bridgedeck, If size and comfort are priorities and you have the wherewithal to bankroll a twin diesel sportfishing machine, a convertible may just be in your future. Thanks to sheer mass – plus a salon and staterooms in the cabin – many people would consider these to be the most comfortable offshore fishing boats on the water.

Added Bonus: The elevated helm on a flybridge gives

you a much better vantage point for watching the baits as you troll.

Weakest Link: Convertibles are best suited to fishing

in the open waters, and are simply too big for options like light-tackle casting or fly fishing.

the captain can remain a part of the social scene; on convertibles they’re often a bit more isolated by being stuck up on the bridge.

Weakest Link: You lose the salon and galley space to the bridgedeck, making for a more compact cabin belowdecks with less room for separate staterooms.

Okay: do you have your walking shoes on, notebook in hand, and cell phone camera at the ready? Excellent – then you’re all set to start walking through the Fred Hall Show and checking out one new fishing machine after another. And with a little luck, you might find the perfect boat. Perfect for you, that is!

Fred Hall Digital Show Guide

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Onyx outdoor recreation products

provide the reliable, dependable and trustworthy gear you need to keep you outdoors longer and experience nature on your terms.

Onyx has developed a new outerwear line featuring the highly successful Mossy Oak Elements camouflage fishing pattern. The new outerwear line features the Elements HydroVore Jacket, Pants, and Performance Hoodie. This rainwear is designed to be windproof, and breathable, by employing a 100% waterproof polyester outer shell and spandex rip-stop fabric.

This combination provides a 4-way stretch, allowing you to move freely.

The Jacket is loaded with features for all-day fishing. It features a three-piece hood, a high 78

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collar, a drawcord bottom, and wrist cuffs, all of which are adjustable to cinch up and keep the wind and rain out.

The Pants feature an elastic waistband with drawcord adjustment and knee-high leg zippers for venting and easy on/off.

The Onyx HydroVore Jacket and Pants and Performance Hoodie are offered in a wide range of sizes (Medium – 3X-Large).

Onyx products are comprised of a complete line of rainwear, inflatable life jackets (PFDs), fishing and hunting life jackets, pet vests, and paddling life vests.

Explore the outdoors in a new way with our exciting lineup of new products sure to enhance your fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, camping, or any other memorable outdoor experience.

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As a fisherman, I’ve had many memorable battles, most of them with fish, but the biggest fight I’ve faced in my angling career was overcoming the almost undeniable urge to overcomplicate even the simplest of fishing presentations.

Take weedless swimbait fishing, for example. When MC Swimbaits first came out with the technique, I tried it but didn’t catch anything, so I asked Corey Sanden, the owner, what I was doing wrong. His response was, “It’s pretty hard to mess up, you just cast it out and reel it in.” I replied, “I tried that. It didn’t work. What am I missing?” “Nothing. You just cast it out and reel it in.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” The conversation left me with the sneaking suspicion that while Corey’s lips were saying, “Just cast it out and reel it in,” his eyes were saying, “Wow this guy must be a crappy fisherman who obviously can’t understand the subtleties of this bait’s presentation, so I’m going to tell him to just cast it out and reel it in.

Maybe he’ll get lucky enough to catch something and stop bothering me with these stupid questions.”

My interpretation of what Corey “really meant” led me to spend several trips trying every variation in the book to try and find the magic presentation that would allow me to unlock the bait’s secret. None of them worked. It wasn’t until several months later, when Corey invited me out fishing, that I learned the bait was as simple to fish as he’d said. Presentation had nothing to do with it, I had just been throwing it in the wrong places at the wrong times.

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I used a swimbait story as an example because I didn’t have space to write the 4,000 words it would require to describe the five years I spent beating my head against the hard bait fishing wall while trying to figure out the proper retrieve rates, winding cadences and twitch-pause variations for each of the different bait styles, sizes, running depths and sink rates.

If you’re new to hard bait fishing, or have been struggling with these things yourself, I’ll save you the hassle of learning it the hard way. If you’re fishing in the right place at the right time, the subtleties don’t matter all that much.

Since each hard bait is designed to run at a specific depth, fishing in the

right place at the right time involves choosing a lure that will run at whatever depth the fish are feeding.

For example, if you’re fishing a kelp bed with a bait that runs 2 feet below the surface and the bass are chasing bait schools that are 15 feet down, you probably aren’t going to get many bites. By the same token, if you’re fishing a rocky shoreline, choosing too deep running of a bait is only going to result in snags and lost lures.

When it comes to calico bass you only need to cover three basic depth ranges: 0 to 4 feet, 4 to 8 feet and 8+ feet. The shallowest-running baits are not only the most popular but offer the biggest variety of options. These baits come in a variety of sizes and styles, like the YoZuri Hydro Minnow, the Daiwa SP Minnow and the Sebile Stick Shad.

All three of these baits can be fished along kelp beds, around boiler rocks and over hard bottom in open water.

While each of them has its own swimming style, all are fished with the same basic retrieve. The preferred retrieval speed will vary day-to-day, but the action is imparted to the lure using a stop-and-go retrieve. A good starting place is to follow a pattern like this: wind, wind, wind, pause; wind, pause; wind, wind, pause; and repeat. Play around with pace and repetition and let the fish tell you what they want on that day.

When fishing the kelp, you should focus on the up-current edge of the bed and look for areas where the stringers are sparse enough to create casting lanes. These baits are easiest to fish when the current is strong enough to lay the kelp down four or five feet below the surface, allowing you to fan cast around the bed. This fan cast technique also works well over areas of hard bottom in shallow water. When fishing around boiler rocks you’re going to need to cast your bait into the danger zone, and yes, you will lose the occasional lure to the rocks. If you aren’t hanging up now and then you aren’t putting your lure where it needs to be to get bit.

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Next up is the mid-range running lure. While there are several different brands that make similar baits, the only one I fish is the Lucky Craft DD100. This bait is considerably smaller than the shallow-running baits and needs to be fished on lighter tackle. I fish mine on 15# fluorocarbon line, which is significantly lighter than the 50# braid to 40# fluorocarbon leader that I fish for the shallow running baits. Why the lighter tackle?

It’s because this bait is impossible to cast on heavier gear.

The lure also fishes well around kelp beds but can usually only be fished in open lanes, as the current rarely pulls

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the stringers down far enough to avoid snagging them when fan casting. It also fishes well around areas of hard bottom and can often produce bites when the fish are not responding to the larger shallow-running lures. This lure is presented using a burn and pause technique. After making a long cast, I’ll give the reel handle at least 10 fast turns to get the bait down to its running depth and follow that up with a long pause and then 3 or 4 fast turns, followed by another long pause.

Repeat that until the end of the cast. Most bites on this bait will come on the pause or immediately upon restarting the retrieve following the pause.

Lastly, we have the deep-running baits. While there are some minnowshaped baits designed to run deep, I’ve found crankbaits to work the best.

There are a ton of crankbaits on the market, but my current favorite is the Berkley Dredger. It comes in a variety of running depths, but I only use the 17.5 (runs 16 to 19 feet) and the 25.5 (runs 22 to 26 feet). Crankbaits can be fished anywhere that other hard baits can, and their small size often gets bites when others won’t. Just be conscious of how deep they run to avoid throwing them somewhere that you aren’t likely to get them back.

My crankbait retrieve is very similar to that of the mid-range bait, except that I will usually retrieve them with my rod tip pointed at the water and occasionally down underwater to get more depth if needed. These are the only hard baits for which you need a technique-specific rod and reel. Mine is the Rainshadow Judge JDGCB710MH, which is a graphite composite rod with a soft glass tip, matched with an Abu/Garcia Revo Toro Beast 40 with a 5.8:1 gear ratio.

This soft tip and low gear ratio take some of the arm-burning brutality out of fishing a deep-diving crank all day and keeps hooked fish from tearing free from the lures’ light wire hooks.

While hard baits may not be as easy as, “Just cast it out and reel it in”, if you stop overthinking and invest that energy into paying attention to what the fish are doing, you’re going to win the battle.

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ECSTAR V7000 SEMI-SYNTHETIC MARINE ENGINE OIL Outboard motors operate in extremely hostile environments. Extreme humidity, salt water, and salt spray can wreak havoc on the inside and outside of these engines. Regular maintenance is a must if you want your outboard to last. Fresh water flush-outs after every trip keep the inside cooling system passages free of corrosion. Regular washing and waxing help keep the cowling and paint in top condition.

market required their engineers to create a premium oil that not only exceeded all standards set forth by the NMMA*, but more importantly was formulated specifically for Suzuki marine engines. When using ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil in their own outboards, Suzuki owners can be confident that their engine oil will stand up to the harshest conditions in any salt or fresh water marine environment.

Using a top-quality engine oil designed for use in outboards is also essential to keep your outboard running long and strong. Of course, you’ll want to change your oil in keeping with the engine manufacturer’s recommendations, but the quality and blend of the oil is important, as well.

FC-W CERTIFIED

INTRODUCING ECSTAR SUZUKI ENGINE OIL

Suzuki Marine is continually developing state-of-the-art technology to produce the Ultimate 4-Stroke outboards. The benefits of this innovation now extend beyond the engine to the development of a new high-performance engine oil: ECSTAR V7000 Semi-Synthetic Marine Engine Oil. ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil is specifically designed by Suzuki to withstand the demands of outboard engines.

Suzuki’s dedication to providing the highest performing products on the

ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil is FC-W certified and uses a high-quality, low sulfur content base oil that reduces ash buildup for increased durability. The high viscosity index in this base oil is also a major contributor to maximizing fuel efficiency. When combined with select high-quality additives that inhibit engine corrosion, the product is the best performing marine oil Suzuki has ever offered.

ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil is now available as a SemiSynthetic 10W40.

This formulation meets

the needs of every Suzuki owner, from the pro fisherman who demands all-out performance to the recreational boater who seeks optimum fuel efficiency and long-term reliability.

USED BY TOP PROFESSIONAL ANGLERS

In conjunction with Suzuki Marine, we are proud to announce six professional fisherman who will be trusting ECSTAR Genuine Suzuki Oil on the 2019 tournament trail.

Bassmaster Elite Pros Clifford Pirch, Brandon Card and Chad Pipkens, and Major League Fishing Pros Dean Rojas, Adrian Avena and Gerald Spohrer.

In addition, Suzuki Genuine Accessories will offer a complete line of ECSTAR Genuine Chemicals from fuel treatments to cleaning products. All ECSTAR Oil and Chemical products will be available exclusively through authorized Suzuki dealers.

For more information on ECSTAR Suzuki Genuine Oil, or the full line of ECSTAR oil and chemicals, please visit www.SuzukiMarine.com or call Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., (714) 996-7040.

* Suzuki ECSTAR Marine Engine Oil meets or exceeds NMMA FC-W standards

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION

PROTECTION

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG. ECSTAR features special additives that protect your engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions.

Go confidently with ECSTAR. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.