Guy Harvey Magazine — Summer 2016

The Art of Ocean Conservation VOLUME 6, ISSUE 24 SUMMER 2016 $6.95

Fishing Brews

38

The Cobia Question

Abaco Bones

Is slow fishing a sign of fewer fish?

There are many shades of Bahamas flyfishing

Chasing Dolphinfish A Carolina tagging project shows this fish loves to travel

COMPLETE ANGLER: Special Spearfishing Edition | Hunting Ethics | Spearfishing East vs. West | Spear Gear Primer & Spearman G.R. Tarr 1 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

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CONTENTS

SUMMER 2016

flSUBTLE SHADES OF ABACO

24

RISK & REWARD

38

33

FISHING BREWS

Dolphinfish are a favorite target for anglers and other blue water

There’s an old joke about finding a nice little drinking town with a

predators. Slapping a pricey satellite tag on one might seem a dicey

fishing problem. Well, who says it has to be a problem? A growing

proposition, but it’s paying off for a group of Carolina researchers.

number of breweries now craft special beers and donate a portion

BY JEFF DENNIS

of their profits to conservation.

BY FRED GARTH

28 33

THE COBIA QUESTION

46

MAKO THRILLRIDE

Whatever you call them—ling, cobia, lemonfish—a dedicated band

The latest stomach-churning roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando

of Gulf Coast anglers hunt them every summer, but reports of fewer

carries a shark theme and a delivers a strong conservation message to

fish have many captains concerned.

everyone who rides it.

BY FRANK SARGEANT

BY SUE COCKING

SUBTLE SHADES OF ABACO Bonefishing is a big deal in Abaco, and if you arm yourself with a flyrod, there is almost no end to the variety of habitats, conditions and fish you can encounter.

BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

PHOTO PORTFOLIO

50

DEPARTMENTS

14 16

50

A Better World Guy’s latest partnership has the potential to impact

Brandon Verdura, Mike Raabe, John Dornellas & John Paul Castro

millions with a healthy conservation message.

We offer up epic images from four divers who are as good

BY GUY HARVEY, PhD

with a camera as they are with a speargun.

Exclusive Online Content

78

Blake Rushing

Discover the latest in digital opportunities in the GHM

Chef Blake Rushing brings global experience and good eats

universe.

to his southern home.

BY GHM STAFF

18

News, Notes & Gear Get a report on fishing Guatemala, find some of the

44

82

Hooked on Snapper

coolest gear to hit the market and catch up on the latest

The Freditor relishes in the success of red snapper management

conservation news.

in the Gulf, even if he can't catch the last fish.

BY GHM STAFF

BY FRED GARTH

Where, How & When to Fish GHM's Online Fisherman serves up a lifetime of fishing know-how in tasty, bite-size pieces.

On the Cover: Out of the Blue

by Guy Harvey

CONTENTS

SUMMER 2016

SPEARFISHING EAST VS. WEST

60

62

DOCK BUZZ

Spearfishing and Conservation?

65

65

FEATURE

Spearfishing East vs. West

Does shooting a big fish with a spear make sense if we

Like politics or barbeque, there can be a lot of differences

want to protect our resources? Our guest editor might

between east and west coasts when it comes to spearfishing.

surprise you with his answer.

Our two pros provide a taste of the action in each region.

BY JEROMY GAMBLE

BY JOHN DORNELLAS & MIKE RAABE

BACKLASH

G.R. Tarr

74

GEARHEADS

Spear Gear 101

G.R. Tarr is the real deal—a true “spearo” in the sport’s

From guns to essential accessories, we offer a primer on

vernacular. He’s known as a veteran spearfisherman,

spear gear. Whether you’re just starting out or hunting blue

regular tournament champion and all-around good guy.

water monsters, we’ve covered every level of the sport.

BY GHM STAFF

BY DARYL CARSON

CompleteAngler Angler(CA) (CA) our “magazine within the magazine,” Complete is is our “magazine within the magazine,” dedicated dedicated to fishing hard-core fishing enthusiasts & delivering to experts, to hard-core enthusiasts and delivering access toaccess experts, the the latest in fishing gear, and the hottest fishing spots on the planet. latest in fishing gear and the hottest fishing spots on the planet.

GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE OFFICES: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA Fred Garth, Editor-in-Chief NEW YORK, NEW YORK Merrill Squires, Partner SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Scott Smith, Partner

CREDITS TO: PUBLISHER Lost Key Publishing Managing Editor Daryl Carson Art Director Carly Stone Marketing Director John Guidroz Circulation Director Penny Jones Director of Sales & Marketing JJ Waters Marketing Consultant Justin Gaudin Editor, Complete Angler Nick Honachefsky Accounting Karen Belser Copy Editor Kerrie Allen Contributing Editors Dr. Guy Harvey, Danny Thornton Contributors John Paul Castro, Sue Cocking, Ozzy Delgado, Jeff Dennis, John Dornellas, Capt. Troy Frady, Jeromy Gamble, Ernie Pate, Mike Raabe, Frank Sargeant, Charles Slattery, Brandon Verdura Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Guy Harvey, Chad Henderson, Bill Shedd, Dr. Mahmood Shivji, Harvey Taulien, David Wilkinson

WE’RE GREEN:

Finding an environmentally-friendly printer is important to us. That’s why this

magazine is printed at Publishers Press in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Publishers Press recycles more than 50 million pounds of paper products each year, which saves 10 million gallons of oil, 35,000 trees and 14 million gallons of water. Publishers Press also recycles more than 300,000 pounds of aluminum printing plates annually and no hazardous wastes are ever sent to a landfill, but are recycled and reused. Additionally, they recycle

217 tons of plastic each year and have set aside 550 of the 700 acres they own to be used for conservation and recreation.

GUY HARVEY MAGAZINE, Issue 24, Spring 2016. GHM is published four times per year (quarterly) for $24.95 per year by Lost Key Publishing, LLC, 7166 Sharp Reef Road, Pensacola, Florida 32507. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Pensacola, FL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Guy Harvey Magazine, PO Box 34075, Pensacola, Florida 32507. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without express written permission from Lost Key Publishing. Occasionally, we may make all or part of our subscriber list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and/or services that may interest you.

FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME, GET HOOKED WITH THE LOUISIANA CHARTER BOAT ASSOCIATION

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CONTRIBUTOR’S PROFILE JOHN DORNELLAS John Dornellas is happily married and the expectant father of a soon-to-be-born son or daughter. He is a world-record spearfisherman, 200-ft. freediver, world-traveler and selfproclaimed “decent cook.” The oldest of three “ocean-boys,” John grew up in Merritt Island, Florida. At the age of 14, he was trained as a windsurfing instructor by his father, Tinho Dornellas, an internationally recognized master instructor trainer and Olympic windsurfing coach. Today, John is also a Freediving Instructors International and U.S. Sailing-trained instructor trainer. He has nearly two decades of teaching experience, including windsurfing, standup paddling, sailing, surfing, freediving and spearfishing as well. John studied English at Brigham Young University Hawaii and is an accomplished underwater photographer. He has been internationally published in various spearfishing magazines and is the co-author/photographer for the newly-released Fii (Freediving Instructors International) Spearfishing Curriculum, the first of its kind worldwide. johndornellas.com

MIKE RAABE At five months of age, his mom fibbed about his age and enrolled him in his first swim lessons at the local YMCA. Mike Raabe has been water logged ever since. His growing up years were spent all over the east coast of the U.S., including the Jersey Shore, New Hampshire and North Carolina. When not submerged in the ocean or a nearby lake, Mike fed his love of the water and its creatures (especially sharks) with everything Nat Geo and Discovery Channel could put out. While playing football at the University of North Carolina, Mike realized he was not going to the NFL and decided to quit and pursue a career in underwater photography. He moved across the country to attend Brooks Institute of Photography. After graduating, Mike moved to Los Angeles, where he is currently a commercial photographer

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and director of photography for underwater and sports productions. raabephoto.com

GUY TALK

A BETTER WORLD It’s interesting how quickly fishing has evolved from mostly catch-and-keep

family structure. As an alternative,

to mainly catch-and-release. Just in my lifetime, I’ve witnessed a sea of change in

SeaWorld is building more natural

people’s attitudes and practices to encourage that we keep only what we’re going

habitats for them to live out their

to eat so we can ensure a sustainable fishery. Companies can change, too. In fact,

remaining years. The company has

it’s true that some companies must change in order to be on the correct side of

moved to the correct side of history.

history. At the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, we began as a marine conservation

SeaWorld has undertaken

organization and our charter remains committed to education and research.

other new initiatives as well, one of

But in the past year or so, SeaWorld had to change as it came under scrutiny

which is focused more on human

and criticism for keeping orcas in captivity. Just as the fisherman’s mentality has

behavior. In fact, it is making people

changed, the general population is now viewing captive animals much differently

scream with joy, and perhaps a

that in past decades. Even zoos and aquariums are rethinking their charter.

large dose of fear. I’m speaking of a

Fortunately, SeaWorld has changed their colors and reinvented themselves.

new roller coaster named in honor

When the Humane Society, which had been battling SeaWorld for years, became

of one of my favorite creatures,

At the Roaring 20s gala in New Orleans. Guy (center)

an advocate rather than an adversary, it showed that SeaWorld had made a

the mako shark. I was in Orlando for

mingles with Leon Galatoire (far right) and GHM

historic decision to embrace marine conservation in new ways. As you’ve probably

the unveiling of the massive thrill

staffers/flappers, JJ Waters and Penny Jones, along

heard, the company is no longer breeding orcas and is phasing out their shows

ride and I painted a mako mural for

with “gangster” Mark Culotta (far left).

for a more educational experience. Sadly, orcas that have lived their entire lives

their display. The best news is that

under human care wouldn’t survive if released into the wild. They don’t have

part of the GH merchandise sales at SeaWorld will go towards our shortfin mako

the skill set to hunt their food, much less integrate into a pod’s complex, social

tagging efforts. In addition, our tagging expeditions will be featured on various

marine television shows that SeaWorld sponsors, thereby increasing awareness

a significant section of the magazine to a special type of selective fishing:

of this threatened species. I applaud SeaWorld’s efforts to change and to support

spearfishing. As a teenager in Jamaica, I did a lot of spearfishing and it led to

conservation initiatives. Look for more news from them in the future. And, to learn

perfecting other disciplines in diving such as photography. Of course, I strongly

more right now, just turn a few pages and read the excellent article my longtime

object to allowing spearfishing in small island states like the Cayman Islands

friend and veteran writer for the Miami Herald, Sue Cocking, wrote for this this

where target species are worth more alive than dead in a thriving sector of the

issue. Thanks Sue!

tourism business. And, as you’ll see in this issue, I also believe that spearfishing

The SeaWorld collaboration comes on the heels of another exciting project we did with Norwegian Cruise Lines. No doubt, you’ve heard or seen the 1,200-ft.-

should only be conducted while free diving, except for lionfish culling.

Finally, I want to thank all of my new friends in New Orleans for a superb

long hull that we adorned with my artwork. What a truly massive project! It turned

gala they hosted in June to raise money for the GH Ocean Foundation. I’d never

out better than I could ever have expected. It’s satisfying to see giants of tourism

visited that great city and I found out why it has a reputation for bon temps. We

like SeaWorld and NCL getting onboard with marine conservation projects and

all dressed up in Roaring ‘20s outfits, ate fantastic cuisine at the iconic restaurant

helping to fund the critical work that we and other scientists are pursuing.

Galatoire’s, had a live auction, a silent auction and a casino—all to generate funds

Speaking of which, sometimes just one man with a vision can make a

for marine conservation projects. And, we had some fun at the same time.

monumental impact. One of my favorite fish to catch and to occasionally put

My special thanks to JJ Waters and Penny Jones at Guy Harvey Magazine, and

on the grill is the dolphinfish, commonly called mahi mahi. In Charleston, SC,

Randy Pausina and Teri LaRose of the Recreational Fisheries Research Institute in

Don Hammond has been tagging and tracking dolphinfish since 2006 when he

Louisiana for putting on the ritz and creating a spectacular event. Also, thanks for

founded Cooperative Science Services. Don’s work involves putting a $3,500 tag

Leon Galatoire for being such a gracious host and providing delicious food.

on a fish that anglers are trying to catch for food. But the risk is paying dividends

As always, the positive aspects surrounding our conservation efforts are

and now the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is helping to fund Don’s outstanding

growing and I appreciate your support for this magazine, other GH products and

program. Without data showing migration patterns, growth rates, feeding habits,

all of our many initiatives.

etc., we can’t protect this valuable sport fish. Of course, you can also read more about Don and his work within this edition of GHM in an excellent article by one of our regular contributors, Jeff Dennis. You’ll also see that we’ve dedicated

Fair winds and tight lines….

Manatee Incorporated The cutest aquatic mammal in Florida is expanding its brand.

From Fishing Boat to Kayak What kind of gear do you need to transition from boat to kayak fishing?

SeaWorld and GH Partner for Ocean Health and Shark Conservation Educating the public about sharks just got a lot more serious...and fun.

Alabama Project Deploys Structures to Improve Fishing Any fisherman knows, fishing around structures is good fishin’.

GUYHARVEYMAGAZINE.COM | GHMOF.COM

Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite Wins 2015 Great Shark Race Conservation in the Caribbean gets a boost thanks to the Virgin business mogul.

You drink We donate With ever y White Tip Lager sold, a shark gets a second chance at sur vival and you get a chance to do something good for your marine environment.

#GuyHar veyOceanFoundation www.caybrew.com The beer of the Cayman Islands.

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NEWS, NOTES & GEAR GHM READER PHOTO

After a long day on the water with Captain Ernie Dosier, Bill and Sue Shanklin overlook Silver Lake from their cottage at Captain’s Landing in Ocracoke, NC. Photo: Bill and Sue Shanklin

Attention Readers!

The Origin of Fishing Gear

Send us your best photo for a chance to be published in the BITE. Limit one submission per issue. penny@guyharveymagazine.com

BY DANNY THORNTON Fishing gear gets better each year. There are innovative lures, more responsive

is there: lures, knives, pliers, tackle boxes, apparel, eyewear, rods, reels, kayaks,

rods and reels, high-tech lines, amazing electronics, and on and on. Of course,

rafts, anchors, etc. It’s a mind-blowing and awe-inspiring collection that pretty

even with all of that, my buddy Walter still can’t catch a fish. But most of us

much makes any fishing person’s mouth water. The highlight of the ICAST show

embrace the latest and greatest gear like kids on Christmas morning.

is “The Vote” on the best of the best product. At the end of the show, winners are

So where, you may wonder, does all of that cool

announced in each category.

stuff come from? Well, the answer is obvious—lots

So, if you see a company advertising that it won

of fishing companies are out there trying to “one up”

the ICAST Best of Show award, that is an illustrious

the next guy and improve the technology. And each

honor. It means their product bested all of their

year, they all get a chance to see how they stack up

competitor’s gear. It is simply a very, very big deal.

at a place called ICAST.

This year, ICAST is in Orlando from July 12–15. But, as

Besides it’s clever name, ICAST (acronym for

mentioned, it’s a trade show, not a consumer show,

International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) is a trade show for peeps in the fishing

so only people in the fishing industry can attend. Of Photo: Courtesy of ICAST

industry. Each year, we (yes, I’m an industry peep) gather at a giant convention center in Orlando or Las Vegas to strut our stuff.

ICAST is the place where companies like Shimano, AFTCO, Hobie, Furuno, Hell’s

course, if you want to come to the show, maybe it’s time to rethink your career and get into the fishing biz. It might be the best decision you’ve ever made!

ICAST is a product of ASA (American Sportfishing Association). In addition to

Bay, St. Croix, and everybody in between gathers to mingle, network and unveil

promoting fishing through www.keepamericafishing.org, ASA has advocated for

their masterpieces for the coming year.

the recreational fishing community for 83 years. Using numerous avenues, ASA is

As a journalist, I also get entry into the coveted New Products Showcase. This is the Shangri La of fishing products, all on display in one huge room. Everything

the voice of fishing to government leaders in Washington, for marine conservation and for the business of fishing.

A REEF Lionfish Derby Near You? This summer, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) will be hosting

This series is funded in part by a grant awarded from Mote Marine

their 8th Annual Summer Lionfish Derby Series. Lionfish derbies are competitions

Laboratory’s Protect Our Reefs Grants Program, which is funded by proceeds from

where divers and snorkelers compete to bring in the most lionfish in a single

the sale of the Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate. Learn more about the

day for over $3,500 in cash prizes. The events are free and open to the public,

Protect Our Reefs program at www.mote.org/4reef. REEF’s Lionfish Derby Series

and since the first derby in 2009, REEF has facilitated the removal of over 16,000

is also sponsored by Zookeeper, LLC, Diver’s Direct, Ocean Reef Conservation

lionfish from all around South Florida.

Commission and FWC.

2016 Lionfish Derby Series Dates

are threatening Florida’s marine ecosystem health by devouring over 120 species

Invasive lionfish, originally from the Indo-Pacific, are voracious predators that • July 8–10: First Annual Sarasota Derby

of native fish and invertebrates. First sighted in 1985, invasive lionfish populations

• July 15–16: Fort Lauderdale Derby

have exploded and can be found as far north as North Carolina and as far south

• August 12–14: Palm Beach County Derby

as Brazil. With 18 venomous spines to defend themselves and a predation style

• September 9–10: Upper Keys Derby

unknown to our native prey fish, lionfish have taken over our reefs. Thankfully, divers can significantly reduce local populations through large removal events

This year, REEF is adding a fourth derby to the series in Sarasota, partnering with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and ZooKeeper, LLC. They are also

such as REEF Lionfish Derbies.

REEF is widely recognized as a leading authority in lionfish research, removal

partnering with Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach to make this year’s

practices and educational outreach. REEF partners with scientists and government

Palm Beach County Derby a full-on lionfish festival, including REEF’s first lionfish

agencies to conduct lionfish research and engage the public in removals. For

culinary competition. Educational demonstrations and free lionfish tastings are

more info, visit www.REEF.org/lionfish.

made available to all.

Lionfish events have culled thousands of unwanted critters from Gulf and Atlantic waters.

This summer, REEF is expanding its lionfish derbies, which are free of charge, and offering prizes to participants.

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Wicked Smart—ConnectScale Remembers Everything It’s always nice to have a scale on the boat to help put an end to the constant

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debate about who had the biggest fish. With ConnectScale you can do that and much more. This digital scale connects via Bluetooth to your Android or

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iOS smartphone and automatically logs your fish’s weight

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of your catch. A tournament culling feature helps manage your catches using a

along with the date, time, air temperature (it has a built-in thermometer) and GPS location. With each catch, anglers are adding to a database they can later review to decipher fishing trends. The scale has an oversized hook that can hang on to a fish up to 55 lbs. And, if you prefer to use a fishgripper, then you can attach a gripper and use the scale’s reset button to tare the weight and get an accurate reading

color code or numeric tag system, and there’s even a built-in tape measure.

MSRP $99.99 connectscale.com

Crosskix Kick Butt We all know them, those super comfy and popular clogs that come in every color and pattern imaginable, yet still look hideous. Well, Crosskix has taken the EVA mold injected shoe trend to a whole new level. This is seriously functional footwear with a sporty look and real performance. Crosskix are durable enough for rigorous workouts including Crossfit and Tuff Mudder, or as we prefer, a 14-hour day on the boat. Made of the highest grade materials,

Introducing thethe Introducing L INE W ELDER Tauten Tauten LINEWELDER

these lightweight shoes are soft and extremely

TM

TM

TM

comfortable. A fully adjustable instep strap on the 2.0 style shoe and nifty elastic laces on the APX design even allow for a more dialed-in fit. The antimicrobial material can be completely submersed in water, and strategically placed air/water vents allow your feet to dry quickly. Perhaps best of all, Crosskix are a 100% recyclable product, which is something you can really kick up your heels about.

MSRP 2.0 - $69, APX - $64 crosskix.com

Cold and Colorful It’s an odd phrase, but absolutely true: in the fishing world, roto-molded coolers are really hot. Equally strange, the reason these coolers are so hot is because they keep things so dang cold. Confused yet? You don’t need to be. Just check out Icon coolers. These bad boy chill chests are made in the USA, hold ice nearly forever and look good doing it. They even come in an assortment of colors that remind us of an ice cream shop. (Yes, you can get them all in boring old white if you really want to, but why not make a statement?) Currently available in two models—the Icon-50 and Icon-32—a new, larger version hits the market this summer, the Icon-75. All three have a textured, non-skid lid (you can stand and cast from it), wide opening/integrated hinge, stainless hardware, commercial grade gasket lid, tie down and cable lock ports, large non-skid/nonmarking feet and a self-draining design with a gasketed plug. In short, these coolers do a great job of keeping ice while making life a little easier for you.

MSRP $259-329 iconcoolers.com

Corrections: Marlin on the Fly Many readers pointed out that the photo in the Marlin on the Fly article in the Spring 2016 issue was actually a sailfish. Unfortunately, the author didn’t have a good photo of the marlin he caught on the fly, so we used a sailfish image.

Thanks for the heads up!

Hooked on Louisiana We also received an email from Charlie Caplinger, President of the New Orleans Big Game Club who pointed out that the facility was, in fact, reconstructed after Katrina destroyed the original buildings. Per Charlie: The new building is bigger and better. It has 48 bunks, satellite TV and Internet, generator back up, fulltime chef, and a 60-slip marina with live bait, diesel, and high octane gasoline.

It is operated by the High Adventure Company, one of the premier international fishing and hunting outfitters. Sorry for the faux pas Charlie! And thanks for the invite to have us out to fish with y’all. We’ll see you soon!

Crystal Coast Fit for a KING

BY JJ WATERS The last time I was in North Carolina, I was just a little girl. My family lived in

doesn’t happen very often. Okay, never. After all, I certainly hadn’t earned that

Chapel Hill, while my father was doing his residency. My father was an avid sailor,

honor. To make it to the SKA Nationals, a team of anglers must first qualify by

and he’d take me to the coast near Morehead City to comb the beaches for

competing and garnering points throughout the year at various tournaments in

driftwood while he raced windmills (sailboats, not the Dutch kind). I remember

the Southeast. Only the top 20–25 teams in each division make it.

how peaceful and unspoiled it was there. I was so excited when, in the fall of

In Morehead City I would soon get to rediscover the “Crystal Coast,” and to

2015, the Southern Kingfish

learn what these anglers already knew: SKA is a very unique group of anglers.

Association (SKA) held their

They share an amazing sense of camaraderie, teamwork, family and altruism.

National Championship on the

Yes, the altruism part got me, too…after all, tournament fishing is a fiercely

Crystal Coast in Morehead City,

competitive sport. Oh, but, don’t let me mislead you into thinking that

and invited me.

these guys and gals weren’t competitive. Just HOW competitive, I was about

It’s not that unusual to be

to find out…

invited to a fishing tournament, but to have the ability to

To find out what happens next, visit our blog at:

attend this tournament? That

www.guyharveymagazine.com/category/blogs

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First Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational

BY OZZY DELGADO During the months of November through June, finding a sailfish in the tropical waters of Guatemala is easier than hearing about Donald Trump in the news. This

for grabs—trophies provided by King Sailfish Mounts.

The first day of fishing treated anglers to beautiful weather. Boats reported

year’s event included calm waters, cooked-to-order lunches and free-flowing Gallo

action on the radio, but the bite was a bit sporadic. Reports of sailfish raised

beer, all set against a scenic backdrop that includes jungle-covered volcanoes. The

ranged from a high of 24 to a low of 11. That evening, we were honored to have

action and camaraderie of these contests are also well worth the trip, especially

Nelson Ehrhardt give an informative presentation on the world of billfish. I

when the tournament helps support a worthy cause.

couldn’t help notice everyone was all eyes and ears to what he had to say.

The Guatemala Billfish Invitational was held April 8–12 and was hosted by

When the second day dawned, anglers faced another beautiful day. By late

Pacific Fins resort. The first-year event pulled together the “who’s who” in the

afternoon, the competition was getting tight and the bite started to pick up. In

fishing industry. Captain Wild Bill Wichrowki, from the Discovery Channel’s

the end, the Papa’s Pilar team, fishing aboard Checho’s, withstood the competition

hit show Deadliest Catch, Scott Walker from Into the Blue, Peter Miller from

and took home the coveted first place prize. Team Maverick was not far behind

Bass2Billfish, IGFA President Rob Kramer, Nelson Ehrhardt, professor at University

with a second place finish. Third slot went to local veteran fishing team Mijoo.

of Miami’s department of Marine Ecosystems and Society, and celebrity chef Terry

Other notables included a dorado division that went to a first-timer in Guatemala,

French were all on hand. Our host, Niels Erichsen, owner of Pacific Fins, is also an

Tim Neville; top lady angler (for most sailfish releases) went to Stacey Powers; and

active member of Guatemala’s Sailfish Commission, which promotes sustainable,

Carlos Monteros won for top marlin release.

big-game fishing tourism.

The event was kicked off with a pre-tournament party, and this one had the benefit of being sponsored by Papa’s Pilar rum and staffed by celebrity chef Terry

GHM would like to offer a special thanks to all of the event sponsors and participants,

French, whose appetizers rivaled the rum in popularity. For everyone involved in

to Niels Erichsen, Scott Ruprecht, and the captains and staff at Pacific Fins for

the event, it gave the chance to size-up the competition and eye the hardware up

providing incredible customer service and putting us on the fish.

Notable tournament attendees included, left to right: Rob Kramer, president of IGFA – Chef Terry French – Niels Erichsen, owner of Pacific Fins – Wild Bill Wichrowski, Deadliest Catch Show– Peter Miller, host of Bass2Billfish – Scott Walker, co-host of Into the Blue TV. Photo: Ozzy Delgado

Risk & Reward

Tagging Studies Reveal the Incredible Travels of Dolphinfish.

BY JEFF DENNIS GHM INSIDER

Brian Cannon gaffs a dolphinfish and shows it to the captain. Photo: Jeff Dennis 24 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

A dolphinfish faces a lot of obstacles when it comes to predation, and some might shy away from slapping a $3,500 satellite tag on one, but not Don Hammond. It turns out the risk is proving well worth the reward.

Hammond founded Cooperative Science Services in 2006 in Charleston, S.C. He was spurred on by recreational angler support and curiosity about dolphin research.

Over the past 10 years, the program evolved and the name Dolphinfish was chosen to clarify exactly which species is in focus. In 2016, the Dolphinfish Research Program enjoys a new grant from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and also a new-look logo from Dr. Harvey’s potent palette.

In February, the Dolphinfish Research Program (DRP) received a grant from the GHOF that will help in two ways. First, the partnership will raise awareness about how recreational anglers can participate by tagging small or unwanted dolphin to aid the study. Second, this funding will pay for pop-off archival satellite tags to be used, providing a bigger and quicker bang for the buck than plastic

The Dolphin Slam Tourney at the Marina at Edisto Beach is very popular.

dart tags. With each satellite tag costing around $5,000 from purchase to data

Photo: Jeff Dennis

retrieval, these GHOF funds are essential. Satellite data, thus far, has already

Austin Crosby and Ritt Ritter, aboard Prowess, practice tag and release for Don Hammond.

Photo: Jeff Dennis

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 25

Weedlines aren’t always linear, and large mats of sargassum can hold lots of dolphinfish. Photo: Jeff Dennis

revealed dolphinfish deep diving at night to 800 ft. or more to reach a variety of

travel to Cuba under a special research permit issued from the U.S. government.

food sources. And one dolphinfish that completed a 180-day cycle with a satellite

The 56-ft. Jarrett Bay named Jabez, owned by Carl Ulm, runs charters out of Toler’s

tag had traveled more than 8,000 miles.

Cover Marina during summer months. Captain Ben Polk and mate Joe West took

Another point of emphasis in Hammond’s research is the study of sargassum weed and if there is a correlation between abundance of weed and dolphinfish catch rates. From 2006 to 2015, the data reveals that 66% of all dolphinfish tagged

the boat from Charleston to Havana, and made port at Marina Hemingway, where they met up with angler Cantey Smith.

“We fished for four days in Cuba, and we saw a good diversity of marine

were in association with sargassum. Anglers searching for fish in the ocean can

life, ranging from abundant bait to whale sightings,” said Capt. Polk. “My charts

certainly find and mark weedlines easily, and combined with other indicators such

for that area were labeled SW Caribbean and we went from inshore waters to

as flying fish and water color changes, sargassum is seen as a good sign, except,

1,000 ft. deep within one mile of the beach. We were able to tag some small

perhaps, by the mate who has to continuously clean it off the hooks.

dolphinfish with the plastic dart tags from Don Hammond. “Overall, we caught

So far, the study is not conclusive about catch rates going up during times

wahoo, blackfin tuna, amberjack, barracuda and a bunch of mystic grouper, too,”

of heavy sargassum, but common sense dictates that more habitat for juvenile

said Capt. Polk. But what about the fishing pressure in Cuba? “We saw everything

dolphin to hide in should increase survival rate. And since a dolphinfish grows

from long-liner boats to row boats, and they practice subsistence fishing in Cuba,”

by leaps and bounds in one year, the best chance of encountering a grown bull

said Capt. Polk. “Even with some primitive fishing methods, I’d say they were very

dolphin next year is if just a few juveniles survive one year. So this is why tag and

effective.” With Cuba and the U.S. sharing the same stock of dolphinfish, the fish

release practices now by proactive anglers can help the DRP to better define what

tagged by the Jabez may reveal previously unknown dispersal patterns as the

a healthy dolphin stock should look like.

fish migrate, or they may reveal data that further cements accepted theories.

Reaching into previously restricted waters off of Cuba, the Dolphinfish Research Program saw anglers tag fish there in February for the first time.

Hammond was able to partner with a sportfisher based in Charleston that would

26 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

More tagging will need to be done off Cuba over time, but the first ever chance at capturing this data is now swimming into the sea of fate.

Anecdotal reports of declining fish numbers have some captains looking for answers.

BY FRANK SARGEANT

Photo: Courtesy of Open Blue 28 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

It’s really a wonder that cobia (Rachycentron canadum) populations were not in trouble long ago. They are one of the most unwary and foolish of fishes, given not only to readily biting at all sorts of lures and baits, but also to actually swimming up to the boat for a close inspection, as if trying to see who’s aboard.

They hang around markers that attract anglers like beacons from far and wide, and they crowd in on their hooked sisters and brothers as the victims thrash at boatside.

They are one of the few saltwater species so trusting that they allow themselves to be harpooned or shot with a bow and arrow on a regular basis, where legal, and sometimes where not. They follow whale sharks and manta rays in flocks, and also stack up under ships at anchor awaiting the arrival of harbor pilots. They gather by the dozens at the hot water outflow of power plants in winter.

Each spring, they track the same routes just off the Green Reef of Florida’s Panhandle and show up around the same oil rigs off Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, year after year. In short, they seem to do their best to make it easy for anglers to find and catch them. And that proclivity for getting caught may, at last, be coming home to impact their populations, at least in the Gulf of Mexico.

Downward Trends?

Captain Troy Frady, one of the busiest and best-known charter skippers on the Alabama coast, offers a gloomy look at this fishery. “I’d say their numbers are down close to 80 percent in the spring runs over what we saw a decade ago,” says Frady. “It’s been somewhat worse since the oil spill, but it was already trending down before that, and I think the simple reason is we’re catching too many of the breeders on their way to the spawning areas.”

Frady says he’s concerned there’s a conspiracy of silence among charter boat Even though there’s worry that the

captains who should be ringing the alarm bells with state fishery managers, because

cobia population is in decline, this

they don’t want the bad press resulting from a failing fishery, and perhaps just as

image shows an incredibly abundant

importantly, because they fear more draconian rules from federal fishery managers,

population. However, if you look

ala the current red snapper issues in the Gulf.

closely at the photo, you’ll notice the

Frady also said he has many friends in the Texas coastal fishery, and they also

framework and netting of an open

are reporting cobia numbers at a fraction of what they were a few years back. He’s

ocean fish farming operation. These

not alone in his observations. Terese Shearman, director of the annual Cobia Phobia

cobia are being raised by Open Blue

Tournament out of Pensacola, Florida, says she personally has been chasing cobia for

off the Caribbean coast of Panama.

about a decade, and since about 2010, she has seen a significant decline in numbers

The company was founded in 2007

showing up in the spring run, around which the tournament was built.

and uses 2,500 acres of water where

“We used to see lots of schools of five to 10 fish, even more at times, during the

artisanal fishing is allowed and the area

peak of the run in mid-April, and now you just never see that,” Shearman said. “We see

is free of commercial fishing. For more

singles, doubles and sometimes triples and that’s it.” She said that although anglers

information go to: www.openblue.com

were allowed to bring up to three cobia per boat to the scales in her tournament, only one boat even managed to get two keepers this year.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 29

“The size has held up—we had quite a few 60-pounders and even a few in the 70s and 80s, but the numbers are way down,” said Shearman. She notes two elements that she thinks may have had an impact. One was the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which heavily impacted waters to the west where all the cobia passing Pensacola are headed to spawn. And the other is a huge increase in directed harvest. “I’d say there are twice as many tower boats set up to chase cobia off the beaches now as there were 10 years ago,” said Shearman. “People know where the fish are, when they show up and how to get them—it’s bound to have an impact.”

A Different Tune for Atlantic Cobia Oddly enough, cobia in the Atlantic, from Georgia northward, appear to be doing fine. Last year, according to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC), anglers there harvested some 1,540,445 pounds of cobia in 2015, which grossly exceeded the preset annual catch limit of 630,000 pounds, which the agency deemed to be a sustainable level for this fishery. As a result, this fishery will close June 20 in federal waters more than three nautical miles (NM) offshore from Georgia to New York.

The closure is another of those odd Catch-22 rules under which federal fisheries currently operate, in which anglers catch too many big fish too fast, thus proving— not that the fishery is in great shape—that it needs to be shut down to preserve the spawning stock. (This is assuming, of course, that the federal survey system is not completely bogus, which many anglers now believe that it is.)

Why No Florida Closure?

More and more private anglers as well as charter skippers are now chasing cobia from tower boats during the spring run,

Scientists say that cobia stocks from the Gulf of Mexico are a separate group

greatly increasing their chances of spotting the fish as they

from those that spend their lives from Georgia northward. The Gulf fish summer in

migrate near shore. Photo: Frank Sargeant

the Gulf, but in winter migrate southward to the Keys, and many then work their way

Below: Most cobia are caught on live baits such as pinfish, eels

north along Florida’s east coast—most into the Stuart/Palm Beach area, but some as

or small crabs, but they also take jigs and plugs.

far north as Mayport—enjoying the warm waters of the Florida current throughout

Photo: Capt. Troy Frady, Orange Beach, Al.

the winter. For this reason, fish south of the Florida-Georgia line are managed separately from those to the north, and it’s only those to the north that are affected by the closure.

Florida is currently involved in a study of these fish to confirm and delineate the stocks more accurately, and could use the help of anglers to get it done. “We have a tagging project currently underway with South Carolina and Georgia to determine the migrations of stocks on the east coast,” says researcher Jim Whittington with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute. “It’s possible we may have two stocks on Florida’s east coast, but we are just not sure at this point. We need the help of anglers to send in these tags to assist us with this study.”

That said, there’s currently no plan in Florida or elsewhere in the Gulf states to reduce the take on cobia. “I want to see these fish managed not for my lifetime, but for my grandkids’ lifetimes and for their grandkids’ lifetimes,” says Troy Frady. “I’m concerned that right now, that’s not happening.”

30 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

The View From History A Despite growing public concerns, state and federal fisheries managers

precedence. Also, the most recent Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

don’t seem to be alarmed, at least not yet. They say that Gulf cobia populations

status review for the species indicates the Gulf cobia stock is “not undergoing

seem to have periodic highs and lows, and anglers may be seeing a low at present

overfishing/not overfished,” so any added management measures from the

that could quickly be followed by a high due to the rapid growth of the fish. Here’s

council are unlikely at present—if enough anglers feel that added controls are

a summary from Dr. Joy Young, fisheries scientist at the Florida Fish & Wildlife

needed, they will have to get them through state regulations.

Research Institute, based on the South East Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process: “Total estimated abundance decreased to its lowest level in the late 1980s,

Jim Franks, biologist with the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, notes one reason anglers may feel cobia numbers are down at times is change in migration routes depending on weather in the spring.

increased through the 1990s, decreased again through the 2000s, and is now

“If the warm water comes early in close to the beach and the bait is there, the

again increasing through the last decade. A strong year class was predicted to

anglers have a great year because the fish follow the bait,” says Franks. “If we

have occurred in 2010, comparable to those predicted periodically in the late

have a late warm-up, on the other hand, the fish migrate further out and the

1980s and throughout the 1990s. However, predicted recruitment in recent

anglers don’t see them, and they think numbers are down.” However, Franks does

years (2007–2009) has been below average. Total biomass and spawning biomass

note that the current 33-inches-to-the-fork limit is probably not best for

showed similar trends—generally higher biomass in the 1990s and early 2000s

maximum production.

compared to the 1980s, and a second decline in the early 2000s followed by an increase in the most recent years.”

Translation: This apparent dip is not totally unexpected or without

“A lot of 33-in. fish are not sexually mature. If anglers feel they would like to see more cobia out there, an increase in the size limit would probably bring that about over time,” Franks said.

Because cobia are often easy to fool into taking a baited hook and are also highly visible, they can be exciting targets for young anglers as well as their parents. Photo: Ernie Pate, Fort Worth, TX

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 31

Over the fleet at the Abaco Fishing Lodge, the sun sets, resting on the promise of another successful day of bonefishing.

32 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Subtle shades of As every proud Bahamian made sure I knew, Abaco, a 120-milelong northern Bahamian out island, has many shades of soul along its colorful coast. “Every 10-mile stretch is different than the other,” was a common statement from taxi drivers, fishing guides and local workers. I was about to find out the truth of that statement for myself.

BY NICK HONACHEFSKY

DAY ONE Nestled in the nook of the middle island, Abaco Fishing Lodge, managed by Matt Kelsic and Valeska von Szadkowski, was my first stop. After satiating my immediate cravings by plucking mangrove snappers from the local docks throughout the night, I awoke to join native Bahamian guide Travis Sands, son of Harlan whom I fished with in Andros seven years back. Travis has a hearty Bahamian laugh, just like his dad, and is affable enough to make any visitor feel comfortable, with a friendly jab thrown in here and there.

Travis took us for a ride into the marls, a section on the west side of Abaco’s flats dotted by islets and soft mud sands. In this terrain, wading is like walking with suction cups on your feet and an effort in futility. Casting under cloudy skies also preempted the bonefishing.

We crept up on the bones, though most times they were alerted to our presence and saw us before we saw them. I made a few casts and turned a few noses, but didn’t have any commit to my shrimp fly. As we waited for the sun to break through the clouds, Travis had a backpocket spot to bail us out—a blue hole where we cast leadheads tipped with

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 33

Gulp! bait. The plan worked fantastic to bend a rod, and we pulled on a bunch

Albury, easing the pain of my many misses. We decided to move on and motored

of mangrove snappers. With five hours behind us and no bonefish in the boat, I

to an area called the Hump, where we spied the tail of a rosey-red and pink 15-lb.

was starting to wonder if I’d ever hook up. We stopped at Shallow Water Point to

mutton snapper standing out like a flag in the water. The mutton chased my fly

regroup and eat a shore lunch of fresh chicken salad. “Hey mon, lookit over your

until it bumped its nose into a coral outcrop and ended its pursuit. After searching

shoulder, somebody watchin’ you,” said Travis.

out bones within casting distance, we finally came upon a wolfpack of three big

Wouldn’t you know it, a bonefish cruised within three feet of me, behind my

bones, and with a little luck, a 6-pounder inhaled my fly only to have the blistering

back, as I sat chomping away at my sandwich. I quietly picked up the flyrod, but

run snap the leader. The bone sped away with a pierced lip as a souvenir. We

it was a little too late as the grey ghost finned out of casting range. Still, it had

called it a day. Heading back to the dock, we were speeding over the Sea of Abaco,

to be a good omen. We picked up and ran back through the backcountry marls

only about 200 yards off the beach,

and ended up on a stretch of calmer, though deeper, water. “Twelve o’ clock!

and nearly hit a 10-ft. tiger shark

Thirty yards!” Travis whispered with absolute seriousness. Bam! The reel started singing the song I wanted to hear so badly, and I battled a little, 3-lb. bonefish to boatside. Immediately, I stripped off more line, ready for the next cast, and while I set the rod down with the Merkin shrimp in the water—adjusting my camera for the next shot—my line started vibrating and twitching. I picked up the rod, and in the drift, a little bone of about two pounds had decided to inhale the fly!

“That was easy,” I said to Travis. “You don’t even need to cast; the bones just want to jump in the boat here.” We both got a good laugh. Eventually, we got back to the lodge and I decided to practice my casting to a few barracuda from my back porch. We also fueled up for the next day with a fresh mahi dinner.

DAY TWO The next morning, I hopped on with Bahamian guide Captain Tom Albury.

Albury was born in Abaco, went to college in Florida and is now back in his home waters, operating as one of the few full-time guides on the island. Albury pointed the bow south through the Sea of Abaco to fish the eastern and largely unexplored flatwaters of Snake Bay—a truly magical place, with a sneaky, backdoor flats area and numerous mangrove roots and back coves that require real expertise to navigate.

“This area is different than the marls. Larger bonefish up to 10 lbs. hang in these waters and they are a bit spooky,” said Albury, so we decided to go stealth and began wadecasting. At every turn, green turtles were shooting away and gliding into the distance. Turtles come to these cays to be protected from the deeper water where beastly tiger sharks prowl. “Here comes a school of big bones man, get your fly in there,” prodded Albury. We were in the thick of things with bones pushing water and tailing all around us. But they were skittish and turned their pointed noses at my fly presentations time and time again. Schools of 6- to 10-lb. bones poured out of the back channel, waiting for enough water to fill in the shallows. They would circle back around, my heart literally skipping a bunch of beats seeing these fish 10 yards from our feet, nosing away at my fly every time.

“These fish are turned off, and it’s not because of your bad casting,” said

The author drops a shrimp fly in front of an 8-lb. bonefish in Snake Cay. Wadecasting Abaco’s flats offer a more stealthy approach to the easily-spooked fish.

Shimmering sunlight gleams off the silvery sides of a “grey ghost.” Bonefishing has the magical ability to put a wide smile on many an angler’s face.

sunning on the surface. We circled back and I dunked the GoPro camera under

but here,” whispered an excited

water, my hand only a foot away from its slashing tail, to film some incredible

Patrick. He shut off the engine

underwater footage, wondering if I was going to get bitten with a quick turn of

and poled us to intercept the

his toothy head, then he swam off without incident. My day was bonefish-free,

first school. I talked myself

but still complete.

down to calm my rushing

DAY THREE

heartbeat, and surprisingly made a perfect cast 40 yards in front of the school. In a split second, my reel was zipping with a 4-lb. bone, then the real fun began as one after another, I pulled in bone after bone, simply by

On day three, a quick cab ride delivered me to the southeast end of the island

drifting through each school. “We see it happen like this once, maybe twice a year,”

to set up camp at the Sandpiper Inn. I fished out of Blackfly Lodge, with native

said Patrick. Patrick was able to put down the pole

Bahamian Patrick Roberts trailering the boat into the Crossing Rocks waters.

and make some casts to hook up, and we both were singing the praises of

These waters are south of the marls, defined by channels and deeper flats around.

bonefish in the harbor.

I was looking for a fight, as it had been a struggle to catch bones so far, either

“Let’s go search out some bigger bones and maybe a permit,” suggested

because of cloudy skies, or more likely, needed improvement on my casting skills.

Patrick, and we picked up and headed out to Cedar Key. Speeding over the

Strangely though, I had a feeling everything was about to change.

crystal clear waters, we spied a 6-in. blue claw crab and picked him up, but both

As soon as the engines fired up and the bow was pointed to the flats, we

decided it was a little too large for a permit bait, so he was released to burrow

didn’t run for 30 seconds when in the still glass-calm waters we spied at least six

back down into the sand. A hawksbill turtle provided a show in hydrodynamics,

different schools of bones pushing wakes. “Mon, we don’ need to go anywhere

and I filmed him for a bit before he hunkered down in the mud for cover and

WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO STAY AND FISH?

disguise. Patrick finally set anchor in a channel to wait out passing bones as they moved in with the incoming tide. Patrick started blindcasting and came tight on a larger, 6-lb. bone. I finally reached deep down and put together everything I’d learned so far about flyfishing for bones. Without any help from Patrick, I spotted a bone and casted to him, and in a moment of pure glory, hooked and landed a tiny, 1-lb. bonefish. A smile came easy over my face.

One more run was in store, into the bay where lemon and nurse sharks patrolled

ABACO FISHING LODGE 242-577-1747 abacolodge.com

BLACKFLY LODGE blackflylodge.com

GREEN TURTLE CAY guyharveyoutpost.com

the flatwaters, and we landed three more quality bones, but it was time to call the day.

On the run back along the coastline, we stopped on a pod of monster, 30-lb. horse-eyed jacks and huge, 30-lb. barracuda, both of which destroyed and stole all the topwater poppers I threw at them. Without any more lures in my bag, we ran home, celebrating back at the Lodge with a few golden Kaliks.

REFLECTION The variety of Abaco’s coasts and the eclectic personality of each shone through in the soul of each of the Bahamian people I met. Whether it was a seasoned native fishing

SANDPIPER INN sandpiperabaco.com

CAPTAIN TOM ALBURY

guide or a local at the gas station, the Abaco people are proud of their island, and all spoke of how the big island offers up different experiences and landscapes, but is all the same with Bahamian love and their beloved bonefish. Green turtles, striped tiger sharks, aquamarine waters, shimmering silver bonefish and wide, white smiles of Bahamians—it doesn’t matter—any shade of Abaco colors me happy and content.

242-366-3141 ondaflyabaco@gmail.com Nothing brings out the smile of a native Bahamian guide like their beloved bonefish.

36 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Fishing lodges, such as the Abaco Fishing Lodge shown here, bring anglers from all walks of life to sample the bonefishing bounty Abaco dishes up. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 37

BY FRED GARTH

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“Even better, more and more breweries are getting on board and donating to promote sustainable fisheries, clean water and recycling. So, the more you drink, the more you’re saving the planet.”

Photo: Wes Hammons

I have this game. I listen to country music on the radio and count how many songs in a row mention drinking. The streak is up to 423. Try it sometime if you’re really, really bored.

Turns out a lot of “them dudes” sing about beer, boats and fishing. One of my favorites is the hit song by Chris Janson: “Money can’t buy happiness. But it could buy me a boat, it could buy me a truck to pull it. It could buy me a Yeti 110 iced down with some silver bullets.” Just in case you’re wondering, Silver Bullet is a nickname for Coors Light, not a vampire killing slug.

Growing up in a fishing family with many older brothers, I can’t recall a cooler without a few chilled brewskis ready to cut the heat of summer.

moment, until the beer fizzled its sacred path down my throat. As a young-adult,

My dad’s beer of choice on fishing trips was Busch because it

that experience was traumatic. Now, honestly, I kind of like old fishy beers. Brings

was the cheapest stuff on the shelf. Yet, it still had the coolest art

back fond memories.

on the cans—a snowy Bavarian mountain. This was before the

Besides being poured all over country music lyrics, beer has also spawned

Dawn of Super Coolers. All we had was an old, beat up Coleman

many fishing superstitions. Take my buddy Dave. He won’t let anyone on his boat

that held everything—fish, sandwiches, beer, Cokes (that was

open a beer until we’ve caught a fish. “It will jinx us,” he’ll claim. However, if we

everything). After our trips, the unopened beers went back into

don’t catch anything by 9 a.m., he’ll demand we drink a beer. “It might change

the fridge, complete with dried up fish guts melded to the cans.

our luck,” he’ll say. He’s a little bit indecisive. But ya gotta love a sport with rituals

There was nothing quite like putting a cold can of Busch to my

that involve beer. Mine is simple: it has to be arctic cold, preferably marinated

lips, anticipating that icy refreshment only to get a jolt of old

overnight in a slushy ice bath. Without fish.

fish gut aroma rushing up my nostrils. I recall gagging for a brief

When I was “tapped” to do this article (sorry about that one), I presented an

Photo: Fred Garth

impressive résumé. Case in point: I attended Oktoberfest in Munich twice; for

may want to consider a new breed of microbrews. These days, a bunch of beer

15 years I owned a funky, wooden sailboat named Home Brew; and I have been

companies are appealing to the fishing crowd with beautiful, fish-related art on

researching microbrews for many decades. Not only that, but as

their cans and bottles. In addition to the cool designs, these breweries are, well,

a hard-working journalist, I’m committed to late night hours, or

“luring” fishermen with their conservation initiatives.

even early mornings, doing the necessary research to, uh, distill all

Brewing beer requires a lot of water that must be pure, so beer companies

of the facts. At this point, I must also mention that drinking while

have a vested interest in keeping our waterways clean. That’s why many of them

fishing and boating, or the real tragedies of alcoholism, are not

are giving some of their profits back to the ecosystem. So, now you can drink

something to joke about. Being a responsible fisherman includes

beer with the satisfaction of knowing you’re also helping to conserve our aquatic

drinking responsibly and making sure your fishing buddies don’t

environment. That’s the best news since I found out that coffee, chocolate and

go overboard, literally. But, the facts are, for many fishermen, cold

wine are now considered health foods. Even better, more and more breweries are

beer is as essential as a knotless net or polarized shades. Whether

getting on board and donating to promote sustainable fisheries, clean water and

you prefer Silver Bullets, Busch, Miller Lite or another brand, you

recycling. So, the more you drink, the more you’re saving the planet. Cheers!

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Guy Harvey has his art on a lot of useful and quality products. Now, we can add another: an ice cold White Tip Lager, named for the nomadic oceanic white tip shark. To get a taste, you have to travel to the Cayman Islands so that’s a double bonus. The Cayman Islands Brewery launched the new brew in early 2016 with the commitment to direct a portion of their profits to the GH Ocean Foundation to further shark research and awareness Caribbean wide. Over the years CIB has raised more than $100,000 for marine conservation, shark awareness and research. www.caybrew.com

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These folks chose the name in honor of one of their favorite places, the Chandeleur Islands off the coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. The uninhabited island chain is approximately 50 miles long and is home to some of the best redfish and speckled trout fishing on the planet. The cool fish art on the bottle centers around the ubiquitous redfish and was created by a local artist from Gulfport, Mississippi, where the brewery is located. I drank a few cold ones at Bourgeois Fishing Charters in Barataria, Louisiana, recently and enjoyed them immensely. They’re also promoting tarpon, and their new 12-packs show a tarpon with a transponder tag. It also has instructions on how to follow the migration of the tarpon they tag. A portion of every sale goes to help support the Dauphin Island Sealab near Mobile, Alabama. (As a special touch, the CBC wooden taps for their draft beers are replicas of old rods and reels, just adding to the fishing mystic.) www.chandeleurbrew.com

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With some of the coolest fish art on their cans and bottles, we just had to include Sweetwater in this story. But, it’s their commitment to protecting our waterways that also attracted our attention. Because, as the company says, “You can’t make good beer without good water.”

For more than a decade, Sweetwater has teamed up with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance to raise funds and awareness to stop polluters and to promote people’s right to clean water. Sweetwater even rolled out the Waterkeeper Hefeweizen in 2011, perfect for those hot summer days floating down a cool stream and listening to country music. The company is giving out $100,000 this summer to five impressive conservation organizations to “protect our rights to clean water and tasty beer.” Gotta love that! To learn more about their Save Our Water campaign, visit: www.waterkeeperbrew.org. www.sweetwaterbrew.com

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A staple of Louisiana culture, Abita is heavily involved in charity as well as conservation.

Here is an impressive fact: In 2016, Abita will donate more beer and root beer to charities and fundraising events than they brewed in their first year of business (1986–1,500 barrels). Giving back is part of their fabric. Less than 60 days after the April 2010 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon, the first bottles of Abita SOS® (Save Our Shore) rolled off the production line. The company still donates 75 cents from every bottle sold to the rescue and restoration of the environment. To date, more than $500,000 has been donated and has fed fishermen and their loved ones, restored critical wetland habitats and made Christmas a little brighter for struggling families. Who dat! www.abita.com

N

g

g

In 1995, New Belgium Brewing began donating $1 for every barrel of beer sold to non-profit organizations in the communities where they sell beer. Since then, the company has donated more than $7 million. Because the areas where they brew are intrinsically bound to great American rivers: the Cache la Poudre in Fort Collins, CO, and the French Broad River in Asheville, NC, they believe that access to clean water is a basic human right. Since water makes up over 90% of beer, New Belgium returns any excess water to the river, thereby reducing water consumption and avoiding toxic cleaning agents that might compromise the purity of the water as it leaves the facility. www.newbelgium.com

Sal

at r Br

ry

For years, plastic beer six‐pack rings have posed a serious threat to wildlife. Together with We Believers (www.webelievers.com), SaltWater Brewery created and prototyped the first ever Edible Six-Pack Rings. Its six‐pack packaging is made with byproducts of the beer-making process.

Instead of killing animals, it feeds them. They are also 100% biodegradable and compostable.

Of course, the object is not to feed marine life with them, but if they end up where they are not supposed to be, it’s good to know they will do no harm.

SaltWater Brewery opened its doors December 2013 with a team whose roots and values spur from a lifestyle that revolves around the ocean. Their goal is to “maintain the world’s greatest wonder by giving back to the ocean through ocean-based charities” such as CCA, Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Foundation and MOTE Marine Laboratories. SaltWater has raised close to $30,000 for CCA, and they host the annual International Surfing Day party at their brewery where they donate proceeds of certain beers from that day to the Surfrider Foundation. www.saltwaterbrewery.com

Do

d Br

ry

In case you didn’t know, a dogfish is a shark. Just check the logo on the bottle. Dogfish Head began in 1995 to supply Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Delaware’s first brewpub and the smallest commercial brewery in America at the time. Their first batch was only 12 gallons. Now the beer is nationwide and brews from a 100,000-sq.-ft. facility. As they’ve grown, they haven’t forgotten to do good while also doing well. The company has an annual challenge to local nonprofits where they can receive up to $10,000 for the conservation work they do.This year’s big winner was The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. www.dogfish.com

Isla

ra

r Co

y

Islamorada has been called many things. One is the sportfishing capital of the world. Or a drinking town with a fishing problem. But most people who visit just call it paradise or where Islamorada Beer Company began in October of 2014. Locally owned and operated, they take great pride in their community and sponsor an annual sandbar cleanup. If you’ve ever been to Islamorada then you know about the legendary “sandbar” where folks go to hang out, frolic and enjoy cold brews. www.islamoradabeerco.com

GHMOF.COM

WHAT’S THE BEST KNOT FOR JOINING BRAID LINE TO MONO LEADER?

Visit GHM’s Online Fisherman! Our vast and valuable fishing information would take a lifetime to read, but here it is broken into small, digestible and enjoyable pieces. To see more articles like these featured here, visit www.GHMOF.com.

From GHMOF’s “Ask a Captain” The Surgeon’s Knot This actually comes down to an angler’s personal preference. As long as

The Surgeon’s Knot is the easiest and quickest for tying braid to

the knot gets the job done all the time, then I would say stick with it and use

monofilament leader/fluorocarbon leader knot, though it’s not my favorite.

it. Below is a list of knots many anglers use. These knots have many names,

I don’t like the angle the knot draws down on the leader. Done correctly, the

but I’ll use the most common.

Surgeon’s Knot can be used to secure 6-lb. test to 60-lb. test. You should use

I always double my braided line before

three to four wraps when going from braid to mono or fluoro leader.

I tie on any monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. The braided line is very thin and will

The Double Uni Knot

cut through your leader if you have a big

The Double Uni Knot takes more time but works better than a Surgeon’s

fish and apply a little extra drag or pressure.

Knot. It draws down better and it is the most versatile knot. It’s also the #1

By doubling your braided line, you not only

knot tied by anglers from novice to expert. It’s actually part of an entire knot

double the surface area of it on your leader,

tying system developed by the late Vic Dunaway. You can use it to secure

you double the pound test of your braid. So if you’re using 15-lb. braid, it is now 30 lbs. I also

ASK A CAPTAIN

lines of any “test,” and it’s great for tying light line to a heavy line.

CAPT. DAVID RIEUMONT

use a very long length of double braided line

The Albright Knot

because braided line is not very abrasion-resistant and this will give you

The Albright Knot is another favorite for tying braid to leader. If not drawn

extra protection. If one of the double braided lines gets cut, the other will

properly, it will come apart very easily. The advantage is that it’s thinner and

hold the connection so you can land your fish. The knot I suggest you use

more streamlined than others, and when tied correctly, is among the most

for doubling your braided line is a Spider Hitch. You could also use a Bimini

effective. It is also one of the only knots you can use to connect your line to

Twist, which is what I prefer, but it’s a little more difficult to tie.

wire leader without the use of a crimp.

GHMOF.COM

CATCHING LARGEMOUTH BASS IN THE SUMMERTIME In the spring, largemouth bass lie on the beds until their young hatch, can feed themselves, and are somewhat capable of staying out of the way of predators, which for young fish includes birds, possums, and anything that can see and reach them. Once the young are bigger and less likely to fall prey to land-based animals (though, like most fish, they remain the food of alligators and cormorants, whose ability to swim considerable distances underwater allow them to feed on fairly large fish), adult largemouth bass behavior changes. The water is hot, the air is hot, there are different baits available to the fish than in colder months, and the more you know their behavior the more effective you will be.

Where the Fish are in the Summer Months There are two basic places to catch largemouth bass in the summer, and these differ depending on the time of day. Basically, during the heat of the day day, the biggest bass in the lake will be deep offshore, where they can find stable water temperatures and plenty of big fish to eat. In the early mornings, howeve however, when the waters are cool, the big fish will venture into the shallows to eat bluegill and other fish close to shore. Smaller bass can usually be found cclose to shore throughout the day. There’s also a phenomenon called the Nort Northwest Factor, discovered by the late bass expert, Doug Hannon, that basically sstates most fish will be found on the northwest corner of the lake you are fishin fishing that day. The observation is based on how early the sun rises, the fact tha that the northwest is the most protected from windy conditions and how actively the fish feed.

Catching Largemouth Bass Offshore Because the biggest bass stay offshore in deeper water during the he heat of the day, there are a number of effective ways to target them, some of wh which are similar to what you’d use for common saltwater fish. Perhaps the best wa way to catch a big bass—those trophy fish over 10 pounds—is by trolling a live golde golden shiner.

Hook the shiner through the upper lip and troll deep at an idle pace. You can also use trolling lures that have a good, deep diving profile.

Catching Largemouth Bass in the Summertime

Catching Largemouth Bass Close to Shore

where they can be tackled on topwater, or in deeper, offshore waters in the heat

You can find bass in two places in the summer—close to shore in the morning,

You can find big bass close to shore first thing in the morning, and with the

of the day, where they can be caught trolling live baits or deep diving lures.

winds reduced to almost nothing in the summertime, the best lure to use in early

Remember the Northwest Factor if you are fishing from a boat, and fish the

morning is a good topwater plug. The Zara Spook made by Heddon is one of the

northwest corner early in the morning, and move into deeper water during the

best for catching big bass in calm waters, or any lure you can use to walk the dog.

heat of day. The fish move back into shallow water in the early evening. Topwater

The second best is probably a weedless worm. Flies also work well when the

and noisy works best in the early and late hours and swimmers and jigs work

water is calm and flat.

best during the day.

NG KI OC EC SU BY 46 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Guy teams up with SeaWorld to inspire a new attraction and promote shark conservation.

Left: A new roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando is a real win for shark conservation, as riders get to watch a Guy Harvey video about makos while they wait in line for the park’s latest thrill. Below: Guy works on mako art.

Thousands of SeaWorld Orlando visitors lining up to ride the park’s new roller coaster named Mako are also learning about one of the world’s fastest sharks. Dramatic videos—shot and narrated by Dr. Guy Harvey—of mako sharks swimming freely and also being tagged by scientists play continuously on monitors next to the queue.

The thrill ride and interactive exhibit are the result of a new

organization can reach,” Harvey said at a recent news conference held at Nova Southeastern University, home of the Guy Harvey Research Institute near Fort Lauderdale. According to Harvey and Dr. Mahmood Shivji, head of the Guy Harvey Research Institute, sharks worldwide are in big trouble. More than 100 million are harvested per year—about 73 million for the fin trade alone. As many as 70 of the more than 400 shark species around the world are facing extinction. Makos are particularly vulnerable because they taste good; are found in the same waters where

Guy Harvey-SeaWorld partnership aimed at raising the profile

commercial fishers target swordfish; and because they roam

of the world’s sharks, and demonstrating the vital importance of

throughout the world’s oceans, passing through waters with

conserving them for the benefit of ocean health. The park also

gauntlets of unregulated commercial fishing operations.

boasts a new mural painted by the scientist/artist/conservationist, and the exit gift shop sells Guy Harvey apparel and artwork, with proceeds supporting the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

“Through the vehicle of SeaWorld, we can now tell the story, the remarkable story about these animals, to a much greater and wider audience than I or my

Makos tagged with satellite trackers by Harvey and his scientific colleagues have traveled thousands of miles—from Isla Mujeres, Mexico, to Nova Scotia and from Ocean City, Maryland, to Brazil and back. Several of those tagged sharks have been harvested by longline fishermen. “They cannot accommodate the heavy rate of extraction that’s been

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 47

At SeaWorld’s Mako Grand Opening event, Guy talks about the recently announced partnership with SeaWorld, focused on increasing public awareness about ocean health and the need for shark conservation. SeaWorld’s new roller coaster, Mako, will be a major platform for this effort .

put on them,” said Harvey, who is set to sponsor five more satellite tags, which

pledged to donate $50 million over five years to its already robust animal rescue

can cost up to several thousand dollars apiece. Shark watchers can follow the

operation, which cares for thousands of sick, abandoned, or orphaned marine

animals’ progress at GHRItracking.org. The new partnership with Guy Harvey

and land animals. “Whether it’s a movie, whether it’s customers riding us, there’s

comes at a time when SeaWorld is taking significant steps to stem controversy

no doubt the mindset of society has changed,” SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby said in

over the practice of holding wild animals in captivity to perform for human audiences. The 2013 documentary Blackfish ignited waves of criticism over SeaWorld’s handling of orcas, which led to boycotts, plunging stock prices and reducing ticket sales. But earlier this year, SeaWorld partnered with the Humane Society—a former foe—and announced it would phase out its orca program.The company

48 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

“There’s no doubt the mindset of society has changed...I think we have to change with it.”

an ABC television interview. “I think we have to change with it.” Later, standing with Harvey at the podium at Nova, Manby said, “Our goal as an organization is to use our platform to educate people about the plight of animals in the wild and inspire them to act. Once they’re at [the Mako roller coaster], they’ll be able to see the great work the Guy Harvey Research Institute does.”

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a photo portfolio

BRANDON VERDURA

Ben Choi and his amberjack just off the coast of Clearwater, FL.

50 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Heather Wizniewski at Ginnie Springs, FL. The springs pump crystal-clear water from underground and stays 72 degrees year-round.

Daniel Ash with a spiny lobster that he shot in the Bahamas using a Roller pole spear made by Billfish Republic.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 51

a photo portfolio

MIKE RAABE

Trevor Hutter searches for white sea bass while diving through the kelp of Palos Verdes.

Trevor Hutter ascending from a dive in a kelp forest off of Palos Verdes.

52 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Dan Silveira surveying the water before diving down to hunt yellowtail. This was shot at San Benito Island in Baja, Mexico.

Dan Silveira holding his catch, an 8.5 lb. California Spiny Lobster. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 53

54 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

a photo portfolio

JOHN DORNELLAS

Diver pulling a mangrove snapper to the surface. Hands must be kept free from tangles in the event a shark or goliath grouper tries stealing a speared fish.

Left: Diver off the coast of Ponce Inlet, FL, showing off a hefty mangrove snapper through a haze of bubbles.

Above: Tony Terraneo rising from a dive off Ft. Lauderdale, FL. This is one of the hundreds of

Bull sharks are common along all of Florida’s coastline. Here, Michael Dornellas

intact, fish-aggregating wrecks lining the entire coast of Florida.

(the photographer’s brother) faces off with a tame bull.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 55

a photo portfolio

JOHN PAUL CASTRO

Roy McDennon, Jr., with a yellow jack while diving in Florida’s Marquesas Keys.

56 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Roy McDennon, Jr., surveys Boca Grande Bar Reef off of Key West.

Steven Davila takes a hogfish off Key West’s Middle Sambo Reef.

Brandon Masiello with a hogfish on Middle Sambo Reef, Key West. www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 57

“Everyone benefits from healthy marine ecosystems.

That’s why “I DO” keep my Florida fishing license up to date and you should too. If we all work together we can help to ensure a healthy future for marine life in Florida and all over the planet.”

© 2014 Wildlife Foundation of Florida. All rights reserved.

Guy Harvey Marine Wildlife Artist, Biologist, Diver, and Angler

THE “I DO” PLEDGE • I DO support conservation minded, sustainable fishing.

• I DO support science based fishery management.

• I DO support a path to connect kids with the outdoors; to become anglers and stewards of the resource.

FloridaFishingLicenseCampaign.com — J O I N O U R C O N S E R VAT I O N PA R T N E R S —

Wildlife Foundation of Florida | P.O. Box 11010 | Tallahassee, FL 32302 | 800.988.4889 | WildlifeFlorida.org info@WildlifeFlorida.org

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 19 SUMMER 2016

CONSERVATION ETHICS • SPEAR GEAR • SPEARO G.R. TARR • SPEARFISHING EAST VS. WEST

SPEARFISHING AND CONSERVATION? ABSOLUTELY. The sport of freedive spearfishing is exploding in the U.S. New freedive shops are opening up, new manufacturers are coming into the market and spearfishing media is growing like crazy. With this, many people question the ethics of the

tolerated within our community. The result is fish being landed that are almost always larger than the legal minimum slot, producing zero by-catch.

Most importantly, spearfishermen have the ability to choose their target, dive

sport and the potential hazards to fish populations. In some circles, the idea

after dive, surveying the bottom and picking out the one fish of the many they

that spearfishing can be associated with a conservation mindset is borderline

intend to try and get within range for a shot. It’s nearly impossible to “accidentally”

psychotic, but the reality is the two go hand in hand.

shoot fish spearfishing. The ability to choose a specific fish and be 100% selective

First, one must understand that the vast majority of spearfishing is enjoyed on a single breath of air. No tanks or breathing devices—just us, one breath and the fish. As impressive as we think we are in our camo wetsuits and super long,

gives freedive spearfishermen the lowest by-catch or accidental mortality rate of any means of harvesting fish, period.

What about the big breeder fish? Many myths and legends swirl around the

carbon fiber fins, we simply cannot match the natural abilities of fish in their own

dock regarding spearfishermen impacting the large breeder fish. In all reality, this

environment. We have to contend with poor visibility, ripping currents and, many

is mostly false. Sure, some large breeder fish do fall to the spear of freedivers, but

times, sharks. Because spearfishermen are literally in the water among the fish, we

the vast majority are simply in depths unattainable or unsafe to spearfish in. Some

don’t want to see or be in the water with ecological hazards such as trash. Each

commercial scuba spearfishermen do exploit the ability to target huge fish in

reef, wreck or rock pile is personal to us, and we know them well. We search their

super deep depths, but they are limited by safety and bottom time and really have

cracks, caves and holes for our fish of choice. When we find bottles, plastic

a limited impact.

or tangles of line, it’s always in our best interest to remove the debris and dispose of it properly.

Another element of spearfishing that lends itself to conservation is spearfishermen do not have the ability to measure or release our fish. I’m

The reality is spearfishermen are some of the most conservation-minded of fishermen who choose to harvest fish for dinner. We are stewards of the sea, 100% selective, have zero by-catch and no release mortality. We are fishermen, but choose to do it underwater instead of above.

sure you’re thinking, “How can that be a good thing?” Well, because of this, spearfishermen are taught very early on in their careers to only pull the trigger on

Jeromy Gamble is a Florida native, self-described spearfishing “basket case” and the

obviously legal fish. We call it the “damn” rule. If you spot a fish and think,

publisher of Spearing Magazine.

“Damn, that’s a nice sized ‘xyz,’” then take your shot. Shooting shorts is NOT

A MAN AND HIS SPEAR G.R. TARR GR Tarr is a legend in the spearfishing community. Known for epic freediving skills, big tournament wins and being an all-around good guy, many look to him as reflecting the best of the sport and the ethics of a real spearo.

BY CA STAFF

G.R. Tarr balances his day job with a life on—but mostly in— the water.

CA: How long have you been spearfishing and who got you started?

GRT: I learned to spearfish before I could ride a bike. My parents had a stilt house off New Port Richey and we used to spear around the other stilt houses and shallow rock piles.

CA: How many days will you spend on the water this year, and what makes a “good” day?

GRT: I average about 50 days a year on the water. A good day is any day we see something cool or out of the ordinary. Last week, we had a pod of dolphins come swim with us for about 10 minutes. They were so close you could touch them.

62 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

CA: Any advice you can give newcomers to help shorten the learning curve?

CA: What misconceptions do traditional anglers have about spearfishing?

GRT: Spearfishing has a fairly steep learning curve

GRT: The biggest misconception is that spearfishing

CA: How has spearfishing changed since you first started and is there a trend for the future?

and so does diving with a tank or freediving. First,

messes up fishing for anglers. Tank diving definitely

GRT: Spearfishing has changed exponentially

I would suggest getting certified for freediving or

does, but freediving does not. I have spent the day

over the years. Equipment has gotten better, and

tank diving. Then find someone who is doing it

spearfishing on a commercial hook and line boat as

spearfishing knowledge has spread due to the

on a regular basis and tag along. Be a sponge and

two guys pulled one fish after another over the side

internet. What used to take decades to learn can

soak up as much knowledge as possible. Google

while I was diving right below the boat doing the

now be found with just a few keystrokes. This is good

spearfishing and read about it as much as possible.

same. When a fishing boat pulls up on a spot where

and bad, but I believe mostly good. Conservation

Get a subscription to Spearing Magazine and read

we are diving and asks how long will we be there,

is definitely the trend for the future, but it really

what other spearos have to share. You will be up and

I will always tell him it is okay to anchor up and

should be spread equally across the commercial and

running in no time.

start fishing.

recreational sectors. It is sad to see how this is not happening and how our resources are being mismanaged.

CA: What are the smartest and dumbest things you’ve done in the water?

CA: Is there a specific species or destination on your bucket list?

GRT: The smartest thing I have done in the water

GRT: I have traveled around the world spearfishing

is to keep an eye out for the other people that I am

and have shot pretty much every fish you can

Whether hunting big red gouper (bottom left), a mess

diving with. The dumbest thing was shooting a giant

imagine, from wahoo, tuna, sailfish, marlin and

of reef fish for dinner (far left) or cruising blue water

stingray with a pole spear when I was about six years

dogtooth tuna, as well as most of the reef fish. I

for a prized wahoo (below), spearman G.R. Tarr says

old. He almost drowned me because I would not let

would like to shoot a really big striped bass off

the real prize for him is the adventure of encountering

go of the spear. Learn to let go and you will be the

Block Island sometime. That looks challenging and

something new or different whenever he’s on the water.

smart one.

quite rewarding.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 63

Top: A diver making an investigatory dive into a wreck. If there is a high likelihood of losing a fish into a wreck, a hunter will often choose to approach from another direction to improve the chance of success. Photo: John Dornellas Bottom: Trevor Hutter with a nice-sized yellowtail, speared off of Anacapa Island. Photo: Mike Raabe

East

VS

West

Whether you run a center console off the coast of Florida, or you stalk kelp beds off Southern California, there’s plenty of action when you fish underwater. We’ve tapped two gun-totin’ gurus to give us a taste of spearfishing in each region. Though our authors keep things polite and civil, we understand there’s a friendly rivalry between East and West. Cali dudes seems to relish hunting in colder waters and sharing their fishing grounds with great whites. That’s impressive for sure, but Florida boys claim that bull sharks are no joke—and actually show up to harass you—and deep wrecks are way spookier than any floating kelp paddy. Maybe, maybe not. What is certain is you’ll never know unless you go.

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 65

Florida & the Gulf Coast

BY JOHN DORNELLAS

Two divers working on a wary school of snapper. One of the golden rules of spearfishing is to never take a shot unless the diver is sure of what is beyond the targeted fish. Focusing on a fish blurs the background of what a diver sees, blinding him to other divers, especially in a camouflaged wetsuit.Caution required! Photo: John Dornellas

Ryan Myers showing off a beautiful, green-eyed gag grouper off Jupiter, FL. Photo: John Dornellas

My brothers and I weren’t allowed to watch TV during the day when we were younger, so our activities were solely outdoors and water-based. Growing up on the east coast of Florida, we mostly spent our time fishing (with poles, bows or spears), building forts and windsurfing. Our mom knew to pull out the aloe for our sunburns when we would disappear with the kayak all day to catch crabs and cook them over a campfire near one of our forts on Pirate Island (a small river island named by our active imaginations). Occasionally, we would even make trips to the Bahamas to pole spear here and there.

spear or Hawaiian sling is perfectly legal and well worth the effort. Being forced to use primitive underwater hunting tools hones one’s hunting skills and fosters a special appreciation for each fish taken. Several grouper and snapper species, mackerel, hogfish and an assortment of other prized table-fare are the most commonly targeted species. Newcomers to the sling and pole spear should learn proper techniques so fish are not lost or needlessly wounded from misplaced shots or losing spears to large fish.

Of course, even when you do everything right, spearfishing can be a challenge. Some years ago, I was guiding a 14-year-old young man from Ft. Lauderdale for a week on a spearfishing trip. Aside from some epic African pompano hunting, we tangled with a very stubborn grouper. We stopped by a promising

As we got older, my brothers and I were separated in

spot and found a small cave holding a solid black

distance, but not in our love for the ocean. I went to college in

grouper. Logan took a good shot on the fish but

Hawaii, while my brother Michael worked in the Bahamas at

it immediately holed up. He put pride aside and

AUTEC on Andros Island. But we would still share spearfishing

let me help him with the fish. Getting that fish

stories and make sure to meet up for as many spearfishing

became a team effort. After each dive checking on

sessions as possible when I was back in town.

The Bahamas are one of the primary destinations for serious Florida spearfishermen. Bahamian law forbids spearguns and spearfishing by scuba tank, but using a pole

his fish, we would renegotiate our game plan. He Logan Stern,14, rises to the surface with a

watched me like a hawk when I dove and gave me

Bahamian hog snapper. Photo: John Dornellas

confidence in his abilities as my safety diver. We spent the next two hours taking follow-up shots

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 67

and extracting the grouper inch by inch until we finally dragged it to the surface, victorious. As the sun began to set, we were high-fiving the whole swim back to the boat. We shared in the glory, and despite all other fish I’ve landed in my life, that fight goes down in my book as one of the most fun and memorable—a real lesson for me that the best experiences are sometimes those that I’m willing to shoulder with someone else.

As much of a treat as it is for Floridians to hunt the reefs of the Bahamas, there is nothing quite like being in one’s home waters. The east coast of Florida has countless artificial reefs and wrecks that are home to numerous fish species.

Aside from North Carolina, South Florida is one of the few places in the United States where the Gulf Stream is within a few miles of shore. The sudden drop of the ocean floor to depth provides excellent pelagic opportunities within a short distance from shore. On calm days, spearfishermen keep a watchful eye out for large collections of seaweed offshore that become a haven for not only mahi mahi and wahoo, but tripletail as well.

Most people know about the Florida Keys for their beauty and party life, but for the underwater hunter who knows where to go, this is a prime hunting ground. Aside from reef hunting, charter boats regularly take clients out for

Some of my favorite fish to find around these areas in federal waters are large,

wahoo and mahi spearfishing in bluewater settings during winter and spring

African pompano and red snapper (when they’re in season). Both are excellent

months. The general requirement is to maintain a distance of three miles from any

eating, especially the snapper. Make sure to stop outside of state waters, as well,

land in the Keys in order to hunt by spear. Do your research before spearfishing

around any floating structure that may act as a fish-aggregating device, as there

around the Keys to make sure you’re diving in a legal area. Visit floridakeys.noaa.

are likely the biggest tripletail you’ve ever seen hovering around somewhere.

gov for more information.

Keep in mind that pompano, permit and tripletail are all state-managed fish that

The reefs and wrecks of South Florida are also prime spots to hunt grouper,

cannot be speared in state waters. To stay on the right side of the law, make sure

cobia, pompano, permit, mackerel and snapper. Aside from winter months where

that your last stop to hunt these species is in federal waters, returning directly

heavy north winds can shut down conditions for weeks on end, South Florida’s

to shore with no stops in state waters on your way in to shore. Word to the wise:

proximity to the Gulf Stream keeps water clarity excellent for the majority of the

don’t mess with the FWC.

year. As a result, it’s one of the main places where shore diving can be done with

Some of the most fun I’ve had spearfishing around Florida is on the West

relatively clear visibility. A word to the wise: if you shore dive in Florida (or the

Coast with my buddies. The grouper, cobia, snapper and pompano are plentiful,

Bahamas for that matter), be sure to drag a kayak or float along with storage for

as are the flounder during certain months. The visibility is usually between 20-50’,

fish. This is a well-known home to our gray-suited friends who love finding a free

even when far out to sea. The whole central and northern Gulf Coast drops to

meal. DO NOT keep a fish stringer on your person.

depth more gradually than the east and is also littered with artificial structure to

Moving north on the east coast, the shoreline veers slightly west and away

explore. Any ledge can become a home to snapper, hogfish and grouper, even in

from the Gulf Stream. As a result, the water clarity is less ideal for the majority

depths shallower than 40 ft. Spearfishing in Florida and Gulf Coast waters offers

of the year. On occasions when weather and water conditions are perfect, there

nearly unlimited opportunities, and with a little local knowledge, any diver can

are few places more full of life. The bottom drops off much more gradually over

start to find success. Local dive shops and charter operators can help put you on

several miles, allowing for the artificial reefs and wrecks dotting your Navionics

the fish. All you need is the willingness to get wet.

map to be loaded with fish. Around 30 ft. of visibility in the water north of Fort Pierce to Ponce Inlet is considered good, so when it opens up to 70-90’ visibility,

John Dornellas is an instructor trainer for Freediving Instructors International, the

count your lucky stars, because your freezer is going to be full. Even if you can’t

co-author of the new FII Spearfishing curriculum and a world-record spearfisherman.

dive to the bottom at 70-110’, the decks of large, sunken vessels rise much higher,

He is sponsored by Riffe International, Smith Optics, Raw Elements Sunscreen, Nixon

providing a column of life circling above.

Watches and Shark Shield.

68 | www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com

Charter Information Bahamas/South Florida • Reefhunter Safaris: (321) 614-0715 https://www.facebook.com/barefootlife • Florida Freedivers: www.flfreedivers.com

Florida Keys • Into the Blue Charters: (305) 923-6085 https://www.facebook.com/Into-The-BlueSpearfishing-Charters-467353456644364/ • Spearcrazy Charters: www.spearcrazy.com

Gulf Coast 2 Shea Charters: 2sheacharters.com

Left: Logan Stern standing tall with a near world record Bahamian Cero mackerel.

Spearguns are illegal in Bahamian waters, so pole spears or Hawaiian slings are the hunting devices of choice. Photo: John Dornellas Right: Author, John Dornellas displaying a solid east coast African pompano in his Riffe Digitek wetsuit. Photo: Ryan Suits Below: A diver using the edge of a wreck as cover as he approaches his targeted fish.

Ambushing fish is called “Agguato” in the spearfishing world. It is a literal translation from Italian and refers mainly to approaching a fish by using some sort of cover. Photo: John Dornellas

www.GuyHarveyMagazine.com | 69

Southern

California

BY MIKE RAABE

and Baja

A school of blacksmith fish congregating in a kelp forest to avoid a strong current off of Anacapa Island. Photo: Mike Raabe

A portrait of Trevor Hutter off the coast of Anacapa Island. Trevor was hunting yellowtail on a high spot that was at a depth of 85 ft. Photo: Mike Raabe

The first time I speared a fish it was off Santa Cruz, a rocky outcropping 30 miles west of Santa Barbara in the string of California’s Channel Islands. I had been invited on a boat for Memorial Day weekend and we brought all the toys: spearguns, fishing poles, surfboards and plenty of libations. The weather was beautiful and the visibility underwater was awesome. I had no prior spearfishing experience, but having been around the water, I had a good idea of what to expect and do.

While my friends hit up a surf spot named Marmetos, I loaded up a Riffe 110cm speargun and hit a nearby kelp forest.

While paddy hopping in open water, Trevor Hutter speared a beautiful dorado. Photo: Mike Raabe the yellowtail below, but they just won’t bite your iron, they’ll usually stick around long enough to let you plug them with a spear!

Spearfishing in Southern California and down into the area of Baja offers a wide variety of species to hunt and plenty of destinations to explore. Besides the aforementioned Channel Islands, there are the Coronado Islands and Isla de Todos Santos off of Ensenada in Baja. The Cortes Bank is 100 miles west of San Diego and a favorite locale for multi-day charter trips. Those who prefer shore diving can find access to great spots in La Jolla, Palos Verdes and Malibu

I made dives for about 30 minutes and couldn’t quite get close enough to

north of the border and all along the Baja Peninsula on the Mexico side.

anything worth shooting. Then, out of the murk, a school of opal eye came

Depending on location, spearfishing is either over reefs and in kelp paddies

cruising past me. I quickly scanned the school and selected my target, lined

or in open water targeting pelagic species.

the fish up and boom, fish on! The opal eye I shot was not a particularly big

Open water hunting is quite exhilarating and allows you to hunt yellowtail,

fish, nor a prized species, but I was proud just the same for spearing a fish I

dorado and tuna in the summer months. You can reach open water by boat,

could actually eat.

kayak and even jet ski. The water temperatures these fish are found in are

The experience opened my eyes to a new way of fishing and showed

fairly warm by California standards (upper 60s to mid-70s), so a wetsuit is

me that I could be selective with what I harvest. I was hooked, to say the

not necessarily required, but still recommended, even if just for abrasion

least. Over the years, I’ve discovered that sometimes spearfishing can even

protection. Visibility is usually awesome in the open water, and could be up

accomplish what a rod and reel cannot. When you’re at a kelp paddy and see

to 100 ft.

A favorite technique is paddy hopping, which entails finding and fishing

it is best to settle yourself on the rocks and let the fish that you saw earlier go back

floating sections of kelp in open water. These natural rafts attract fish and can be

to their normal behavior. When this happens, it is much easier to land a shot or

very productive. When diving around a kelp paddy, it is best to approach slowly

creep slowly along the bottom for a better approach.

and to keep your boat about 20 yards away. Once you have slipped into the water

Perhaps the most economical way to spearfish is by shore diving the coast.

and loaded your gun, you can swim over to the paddy to look for signs of fish. It

You can still find quiet coves off the SoCal coast, and shore diving allows for

is ideal if you can dive down to a depth of 15 to 20 ft. and hover there, waiting for

opportunities for white sea bass, yellowtail, kelp bass, halibut, lobster and

the fish to check you out. In many cases—and this is one of the great things about

other reef species. Charter trips expand your opportunities for pelagic species,

paddy hopping—the fish will come to you on the surface.

especially out of Avalon or Two Harbors, both on Catalina Island. For access to the

Yellowtail, dorado and tuna are all predators and will naturally check out

northern end of the Channel Islands, boats run out of Ventura and Santa Barbara.

divers. Once you have locked in on your target, it is important to lead your shot.

When diving in Ensenada and other areas of Baja, the best option is usually to

These fish are strong, and their power should not be taken for granted. That

hire a panga with a captain. These are easy to find in the local fishing villages and

means letting the line of reel that

you get the benefit of local knowledge, along

is attached to your gun out for the

with recommendations on where to find the

fish to tire, or using a float line that

best fish tacos.

is attached to your spear and a float

Spearfishing the cool waters of the Pacific

to do the work for you. After the

puts divers in truly unique environments, from

fish is tired and has little fight left,

the magic of kelp forests to pristine, rocky coves

you can begin pulling the fish in.

and awesome blue water. And, if you’re the

Another great point about open

adventurous sort, you can visit a whole other

water spearfishing is, especially

country and culture. The one thing that’s constant

with yellowtail, after you shoot a

is the fish.

fish, the rest of the school will often hang around for a bit and allow

Mike Raabe is an avid spearfisherman and

your buddies to get a chance at a

professional photographer based out of Los Angeles,

fish as well.

California. Mike travels the world on assignments,

Reef spearfishing in Southern California and Baja involves kelp forests and they are accessible to

and adventures above and below the water.

Lance Lee Davis diving down to a 120-ft. pinnacle to hunt lingcod in Southern California. Photo: Mike Raabe

both boat and shore divers. Kelp forests are great refuges for all types of fish, from lobsters, crabs, scallops, rockfish, kelp bass, halibut, sheephead, yellowtail and white sea bass, to name a few. The kelp is a nursery for some and home to others. Depending on the time of the year and water temperatures, all of the listed species can be found in the kelp at some point. White sea bass cruise

Dan Silveira searching for lobster off of Santa Barbara Island.

Photo: Mike Raabe

late September to mid-March and all the other fish listed can be seen year-round.

The terrain in kelp forests typically looks rocky with boulders scattered throughout with the occasional sand patch. The kelp anchors itself to the rocks and grows upwards to the surface. The depth kelp grows in ranges from about 10’ to 100’. Typically, you would be hunting from 10’ to about 30’. Spearfishing in the kelp takes a bit of patience. It is best to swim through the kelp forest as quietly and smoothly as possible. You will look for an area that has a lot of life, or you will see a fish you would like to target. Diving down along a kelp stalk is a great way to get to the bottom without disrupting all the fish in the area. Once at the bottom,

Charter Information

through in the spring when they are spawning, lobster are legal to harvest from

Santa Barbara Truth Aquatics: www.truthaquatics.com

San Pedro Sand Dollar: www.divingcharters.com

San Diego James and Joseph: www.jamesandjoseph.com

GEARHEADS :

It doesn’t matter what you’re into—fishing, motorcycles or bad sci-fi movies—you can bet that somewhere there is a community of dedicated souls who have taken things

BY DARYL CARSON a little farther than the rest of us think is sane. This is certainly true of spearfishing.

If you’re an avid snorkeler or scuba diver, you may have crossed paths with a simple pole spear, or at least thought about getting a spear gun and using it to bring home dinner. If so, you’ve just touched the surface of the sport. For a peek into the world of “real” spearfishing, and some advice on what you need to get started, we’ve enlisted the help of spearfishing pro and charter captain Charles Slattery.

Level 1 - Get Wet Environment: Shallow reefs and wrecks, depths down to 40 ft.

Target Species: East & Gulf Coast—grouper, hogfish, snapper; West Coast—lingcod, halibut.

Technique: You’ll be doing breath-hold dives, looking under rocks and ledges, and developing hunting skills. Whether you dive from shore or boat, be sure to use a float with a dive flag.

Tools: Low volume mask, simple snorkel, shortie or wetsuit if the water is cool, gloves, plastic or ABS snorkel fins. (Capt. Charles recommends you don’t use expensive freedive fins, as they tend to take a beating in this environment.) You will also need an inexpensive gun: 65-90 cm with an attached shaft and single flapper (3 in. long) fills the bill. You can also start hunting with a pole spear, which is incredibly effective in good hands.

Maverick America Bermudian Pole Spear Weighted and sized for heavier bottom fish—up to 100 lbs.—the Bermudian has a machined taper in the front of the handgrip for a smooth release and a heavy-duty barb ideal for general spearfishing. Length is 9’5” or breaks down to half that size.

$230 www.maverick-america.com

JBL Carbine Speargun

Salvimar ST-Atlantis Knife

Designed to deliver serious bang for the buck, this gun is constructed of aero-

A stiletto blade with both smooth and serrated edges, it makes quick work of

space grade aluminum and features high-strength stainless shafts and triggers. It

dispatching fish or cutting line. A notch assists with holding shafts on the handle

can be powered by one or two 1⁄2” Hi-Mod bands and the low-profile pistol grip

for extraction.

handle makes for easy target acquisition.

$136 www.jblspearguns.com

$69-90 www.maverick-america.com

Dowriggers are growing in popularity among saltwater anglers, who are using them to target tuna, grouper, swordfish and more.

Gun Stocks

Level 2 - Go Deeper

Charlie contends that what your spear gun is made of is less of a performance issue and more about cost, aesthetics and personal preference.

Environment: You’re still diving over reefs and wrecks, but exploring greater depths of 40-60 ft.

Target Species: East & Gulf Coast—amberjack, cobia; West Coast—yellowtail, kingfish.

Technique: In addition to targeting bottom fish, you’re now also hunting larger fish up in the water column. You're diving over

-Wood Guns: Whether teak or another hard, high dollar wood, these guns are quintessentially American and the “Harley Davidson” of spearfishing. It’s all about being big and powerful.

One real upside is these guns absorb a lot of recoil.

-Carbon Fiber: Lightweight, ridiculously strong and buoyant, these guns aim for performance with maximum maneuverability.

However, their light weight requires a locked arm and steady hand to shoot effectively.

-Aluminum: Incredibly popular, these guns are lightweight and priced right, although they can get a little beat up from banging around on the boat.

deeper structure but may not go to the bottom.

Tools: All the gear you have still works fine, but it’s time to make some upgrades. You might decide on longer, freedive-style fins.

Your current gun will work unless it’s been ripped out of your hand and taken to Mexico by a big amberjack. In either case, your gun should now include a reel with plenty of line for handling bigger fish.

Pathos Laser Open Carbon 110cm A new, full stainless steel reverse trigger with an extremely short travel path ensures instant release of the shaft, regardless of load. Other features include a removable rubber loading butt, reel base and 100% carbon barrel—2.0 mm thick with a carbon shaft guide.

$469 www.maverick-america.com

Riffe Euro 90 This low-profile design is made with three vertical, laminated teak strips and bolted front muzzle for added strength. The gun’s rectangular shape with radius corners delivers maximum beam strength. Comes standard with threaded, stainless steel reel inserts for mounting a reel.

Special thanks to Capt. Charles Slattery for providing images and expertise for this article. Slattery, based in South Florida,

$562 www.speargun.com

regularly competes on the spearfishing tournament circuit, is an accomplished underwater photographer and leads

JBL Longblade Fins

both local and international spearfishing

An ergonomic foot pocket is paired with a dual-material blade that balances

adventures.

comfort with kicking power. The thermoplastic polymer blades are set at a 22degree angle and follow the natural foot-to-leg geometry for an efficient,

www.goodtime-charliecharters.com

natural feel.

$159 www.jblspearguns.com

Level 3 - The Real Deal Environment: Deep wrecks and blue water, all depths.

Target Species: East and Gulf Coast—wahoo, tuna, mahi; West Coast—tuna, yellowtail.

Technique: You may be diving deep (down to 100 ft.) or shooting fish just under the surface. At this stage, Capt. Charles highly recommends you take a freediving class and devote some time to building your skills.

Tools: It’s time for a blue water gun, 120 cm or longer with three bands. You’ll need a breakaway tip, so your spear doesn’t pull through the soft flesh of pelagic species. Your shaft is now attached to a float (or two) with at least 50 ft. of line, probably more. Once you shoot the fish, head to the surface and let the float help wear the fish out as you try to haul it up.

Bleutec Oceanborn Carbon Ltd. Edition 145cm

Riffe Blue Water Elite

Designed for blue water hunting or large prey where power is a must, yet doesn’t

a parallel plane for maximum power. Full-body weighted Padauk wings

sacrifice hydrodynamics. The contoured shape provides perfect movement on

create an even balance throughout the stock, and a replaceable

the horizontal and vertical axis with increased stiffness and recoil control.

polyethylene enclosed track delivers accuracy for longer shots.

$2,234 www. maverick-america.com

This evenly balanced, mid-handle design supports the power bands on

$1,782 www.speargun.com

Riffe 3ATM Float

C4 Martin Stepanek Signature Fin

For hauling in blue water beasts, this 3ATM float maintains lift up to a maximum

Developed by legendary freediver Martin Stepanek, these fins use TR50-Hyper-

of 95 lbs. at a depth of 66 ft. and flotation beyond 100 ft. Pressurize up to 25 lbs.

tech Big Square, a highly responsive carbon fiber material and a full 1lb. lighter

PSI. Soft lead may be added when using an optional flag.

per pair than other fins in the same class. Available with Blue Pathos all natural rubber foot pockets.

$360 www.speargun.com

$599 www.maverick-america.com m

yMaga in

MEET THE CHEF

HOMETOWN HERO

BY GHM STAFF

Blake Rushing seems far too calm to be a high-brow chef. He’s got longish hair, a seriously stylish mustache and a pleasant, neighborly demeanor. Yet underneath the nice-guy vibe must be nerves of steel.

Blake has proven himself to be a world-class culinary talent, with a résumé that includes The Savoy Grill in London and Gordon Ramsey’s first U.S. restaurant, both of which earned Michelin Stars during Blake’s tenure.

A graduate of Cordon Bleu, he has worked on both sides of the pond and both coasts of

Chef Blake Rushing in his natural habitat. Rushing is

North America. But a few years ago, Blake’s inner

one of Pensacola’s most prominent culinary artists.

southern gentleman must have gotten the

Photo: Carly Stone

upper hand, because the rising star chef headed home to the Gulf Coast and opened up shop in

least one secret, as well. “I leave the skin on. It adds great flavor.”

Pensacola, Florida.

Blake’s first venture in Pensacola was opening Elise, Coastal

His current venture is called Union Public

Dining. In less than three months it was recognized by the

House, an upscale pub near downtown, where

prestigious James Beard Foundation with a nomination for Best

he blends southern and traditional pub food

New Restaurant in the country. Also during Blake’s time at Elise,

with ingredients and techniques from around

Legendary mixologist Patrick Bolster

he was featured in Southern Living magazine for his house-cured

the world. When it comes to seafood, Blake is

and Chef Blake Rushing, owners of UPH.

bacon. His catering company, Spot On Catering, stays in demand

passionate about cooking fresh, sustainable seafood out of the Gulf. His restaurant is only a

for local events.

Such success has come from a combination of talent, hard

few blocks from the dock of Joe Patti’s, one of the premier seafood

work and a simple passion for food. The latter is expressed by one of the chef’s

markets in the country.

favorite quotes from Luciano Pavarotti, “One of the very nicest things about life

“Yeah, they know me pretty well—I’m over there all the time,” says Blake.

“There’s no doubt, fresh tastes better.” His approach to cooking fish includes at

is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”

Blackened Redfish, Collard Greens, Red Eye Gravy, Cauliflower Gratin Serves 4 4 – 8 oz pcs

Redfish

6 tbsp

Blackening seasoning

1 stick

Butter

½ lb

Bacon (cut into 1” pieces)

½ lb

Country ham

1 cup

Brewed coffee

2 lbs

Collard greens (cleaned and cut into nice, 2” chunks)

1 head

Cauliflower (cut into 1” pieces)

1½ cups

Milk

¼ cup

Flour

¼ cup

Butter

½

Onion (diced)

¾ cup

Panko bread crumbs

4 slices

Provolone

Olive oil Salt Fresh ground pepper Photo: Carly Stone

Gratin Preheat oven to 350° F. In a pot of boiling, salted water, blanch the cauliflower pieces for 3 minutes

Fish and Collard Greens Place gratin in oven and allow to cook for 15

and drain. Place cauliflower in a 9x9 baking dish.

minutes. Remove and let rest. Place two, large sauté

Melt butter in a saucepan and add diced onion.

pans on the stove top, one on medium and the other

Once tender, stir in flour and cook over medium

on high heat, and add 3 tbsp of olive oil to each. In

heat for 1 minute to cook flour out and make your

the medium heat pan, sauté the collard greens for

roux. Add milk and season with salt and pepper. You

about 4 minutes, season with salt and pepper and

should have a nicely thickened, creamy sauce. If the

add a tbsp of butter. Remove from heat. Once the

sauce does not pour, then add a touch more milk to

oil in the hot pan has started to lightly shimmer

loosen it up. Pour over cauliflower. Top with a slice of

and barely smoke, season the fish with blackening

provolone. Toss bread crumbs with 2 tbsp of olive oil

seasoning and place in pan. Cook until golden brown

and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle crumbs over the gratin.

and flip, add 3 tbsp of butter and finish cooking.

Red Eye Gravy

greens on the center of the plate, top with the fish

Plate: Place a spoonful of the gratin and the

Photo: Carly Stone

Render the bacon and ham over medium heat;

and spoon over the gravy. Make sure to spoon from

With its eclectic atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, the Union

once crispy, remove from heat and leave in the pan in

the bottom of the bowl so you get the bacon, coffee

Public House is the newest gem among downtown eateries.

fat. Let sit 2 minutes, then pour in coffee and stir.

and bacon grease all in one go.

Lionfish Ceviche Serves 4 1½ lbs

Diced lionfish

5 each

Limes - juiced

1 each

Jalapeno - seeded/diced

1 each

Shallot - diced

½ cup

Chopped chives/parsley

½ cup

Olive oil

Pickles 2 each

Plums - sliced in 1/12’s

2 each

Peaches - sliced in 1/12’s

1 cup

Watermelon rind - diced

1 cup

Sugar

1 cup

Vinegar

1 cup

Water

Salt and Pepper

Harissa 1 cup

Onion - diced

1 cup

Dried arbol chiles

The Lionfish Ceviche crafted by Rushing pairs perfectly with the Paloma Cocktail, a perfect summertime libation.

2 each

Red bell peppers

Photo: Carly Stone

½ cup

Lemon juice

½ cup

Olive oil

1 tbsp

Cumin

1 tbsp

Coriander seed

Preparation Bring 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water to a boil. Pour over the plums, peaches, and watermelon rind, and let

The Paloma Cocktail From UPH Barman and Owner Patrick Bolster 1½ oz

Quality, 100% Agave Tequila

3 oz

Squirt (Grapefruit soda)

1 wedge

Lime

1 slice

Grapefruit

Tajin

(chile, lime & salt mixture)

pickle in fridge overnight. Lightly season diced onions with salt and place in a colander and let sit in fridge overnight. Puree in a blender with chilies, red bells, cumin, coriander seed, lemon juice and olive

How to Make Squeeze the lime in a 10 oz glass of your choosing, then add tequila, Squirt

oil until smooth. Mix ceviche ingredients together and season with

and ice, then stir drink with a swizzle stick for a few seconds until it’s mixed.

salt and pepper. Let sit in fridge for 1 hour. Drain and fold in some

Garnish the glass with a fresh grapefruit slice and sprinkle an amount of the

of the diced pickles. Top with more of the pickles and some small

Tajin over the top of the drink with enough to lightly cover the surface. The

dabs of the Harissa for some heat. Serve with croutons and enjoy

Paloma pairs perfectly with light, acidic, earthy and spicy food dishes, much like

with the Paloma Cocktail.

the food you will find along the Gulf of Mexico.

Y HARV

EY

GU

“Live like me for three days.”

OUTPOST

LAST CAST

HOOKED ON SNAPPER It’s sweet living in the official Red Snapper Capital of

Sailing smacks more than 100 ft. long harvested the fish

the World. We get to blast offshore with our buddies in fast

in nearshore waters and as far away as the Yucatan at the

boats and do battle with giant, ruby red beasts that, by the

fabled Campeche Banks. This was before man-made ice,

way, keep getting bigger every year. Not only that, but the

so they’d store hundreds of snapper in live wells in the

filets are so pure and tasty that a monkey with a blowtorch

hold of the ship. When ice machines were invented and

could make a good meal. Disclaimer: I don’t approve

commercially available in the late 1800s, fishermen were

this message.

able to catch even more.

Even though our dwindling snapper season has been

The industry grew and we even had a snapper cannery

the source of great controversy in recent years, we’re still

that packaged our famous fish and sent it all over the

catching ‘em like gangbusters, when the feds and state

country. Alas, all good things eventually come to an end.

officials let us, that is. Fortunately, the five Gulf states—

We created a snapper bubble (like the housing bubble but

Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas—have

with an icky smell) and the fishery couldn’t keep up with

taken matters into their own, more lenient, hands.

Within 30 minutes we had pulled in seven fish, all more than legal (16 in.) and several near 30 inches.

the fishing pressure.

Eventually, stocks plummeted and an

FRED GARTH

This all began

For the past 25 years, Fred D.

as everyone was

Garth’s articles have appeared in

freaking out when

numerous books, magazines and

the snapper season

newspapers around the world.

was cut to less than

Read his blog at:

10 days. Back in the good old days of 2000–2007, the season

point that the federal government stepped in to regulate

GuyHarveyMagazine.com.

was 180 days. Then it started shrinking. Just 53 days by 2010

and rebuild the snapper stocks, thus beginning the task of

and a paltry nine days in 2014. We got 10 days in 2015 and

restoring an icon. If you check the coolers coming in from

11 in 2016. Yipee! At least it’s going in the right direction.

the Gulf these days, it appears to have worked.

But the grumbling has been reduced to a murmur because

industry began to fall apart. Between 1950 and 1980, the population had collapsed to the

Just 20 miles to the west of Pensacola, the Alabama Gulf

now all of the Gulf states have extended state waters from

Coast is also a serious player in the snapper game. Alabama

three to nine miles and are not mimicking the shortened

opened its season on June 1st, and the fleet of boats going

federal season, as they once did. The five states all have

out that day resembled a great herd of buffalo being chased

seasons that are two months or longer. That has calmed the

by rabid wolverines. My fishing buds and I were among the

tide of discontent and allowed us more days to do what we

fray. The seas were calm that day, but the mish mash of boat

love: fishin’, grillin’ and chillin’.

wakes made the Gulf churn like a washing machine. We had

The Snapper Capital of the World title was claimed

by Pensacola, Florida, back in the mid-to-late 1800s when snapper was one of our greatest commodities and exports.

seven fishermen on board my buddy’s 45-ft. boat so our limit was 14 fish—two per person.

Alabama estimates to have built 17,000 artificial reefs

Top: This beast measured more than 30 in. and 30 lbs.

Right: Sharks like to eat red snapper, too.

offshore. I think I counted 16,999 boats. We headed for a spot in our little black book about eight miles offshore and were bummed to see another boat already

scrubbing duty that day.

With all of the madness and gnashing of teeth surrounding red snapper

there. To further rub it in our faces, two fishermen were hooked up on what

regulations over the past few years, the bottom line is this: the population in the

appeared to be hoss daddy snappers. As it turned out, our GPS numbers put us

Gulf of Mexico appears to be very healthy. To put that another way, when you go

about 200 feet east of the other boat. Our bottom machine marked fish, so we

red snapper fishing, you will generally catch your limit. Whether we give credit to

dropped our lines. Within 30 minutes we had pulled in seven fish, all more than

the National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS), the state governments, Poseidon or

legal (16 in.) and several near 30 inches. Believe it or not, we were on a public

excessively amourous fish, we have to admit that management does work.

fishing spot, not a private reef that we had built.

We decided to check out another spot about a mile away and found more

A lot of people don’t realize that part of the snapper rebuilding effort included regulating shrimping pressure that was killing a lot of juvenile red snapper. Since

big snaps. We got our limit in less than an hour. When we had 13 fish in the box,

2007, shrimping between 60–180 ft. has been limited and the number of juvenile

I decided to have a contest to see who could catch the last fish. The winner who

red snapper netted has dropped, thereby aiding the snapper comeback. Another

caught number 14 didn’t have to help clean the boat. Everyone frantically worked

critical factor is the size of the fish. As snapper are allowed to grow bigger, they

their circle hooks with their favorite bait—live pinfish, squid, cigar minnow,

produce exponentially more eggs. A 20-in. red snapper produces three times as

Snickers bar—whatever. I stood on the cooler with a lightweight spinning rod,

many eggs as a 16-in. red snapper, and a 32-in. red snapper produces 24 times as

hoping to get lucky. Suddenly, one of the bottom fishermen hooked up on a

many eggs as a 16-incher. So, keeping fish between 16-20 in. might not give you

monster and started reeling her up. As the fish came in sight, a group of beefy

as much to eat, but it ensures a healthier fishery and begs the question of slot

snappers followed 10 ft. behind. Then the big fish broke off. Game still on! I tossed

sizing snapper. Two things are fairly predictable—management will continue and

my cigar minnow into the group of a half dozen red blurs and, WHAM!, a big

snapper will flourish.

honker slammed it. The line screamed out and the little spinning reel struggled.

So, next time you’re in the Pensacola area and you want to catch some red

I reeled as fast as I could and tightened the drag ever so gently. I finally began to

snapper, remember that we humans are far from perfect, but occasionally we

win the battle and bring the winning fish toward the boat. When she was in sight,

figure out how to do something right. Red snapper management still has a long

I saw a gigantic snapper coming up behind. Then I noticed that the fish wasn’t

way to go, but at least we’re back on track to becoming the Snapper Capital of

red. It was gray. I tried my best to hoss the fish in quickly, but Mr. Eight-Foot-

the World again. I’m thinking about changing careers and restoring an old sailing

Long-Sharp-Teeth swooped in and filleted my winning fish with a single, surgical

smack. Oh yeah, and hiring a monkey with a blowtorch.

bite. All I had left was a head and some guts. Unfortunately, I did not escape deck

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