48pagesssfhmagazinemayjune 2018

May/June 2018

Your FREE Guide To The Great Outdoors Since 1965!

LOCAL Tournaments News & Events Tide Tables Feeding Times

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 2

Victory Marine

Florida’s Newest Sea Fox Dealer Several sizes, colors and options in stock.

Powered with Yamaha

Best Prices in Florida!

Dealer For:

• Sea Fox Boats • Center Consoles • Bay Boats • Skiffs • Deckboats

Full Service and Parts for: • Yamaha • Mercury • Tohatsu

5524 S. Ridgewood Ave. (us1) Port Orange, Florida

386-492-2990

www.victorymarinesales.com SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 2

Spring is Gone ~ Summer is Here Get your boat ready Ya’ll Hear We have what it takes to float your boat!

• Steering • Trailer Parts • Stainless Hardware • Control Cables (Mercury Generation II) • Cleaning Supplies • Safety Equipment • Electronics • Tent Sale • Dock Lines • Hose • Electrical • Starboard • Boat Fenders • Marine Tinned Wire • LED Lighting • Saltwater Fishing Supplies • Pumps Bilge, Aerator, Washdown, Fresh Water • and so much more.......

New Home Decor

For Your Home, Porch, Tiki Bar, Garage, Boat House & Dock

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 4

Consoles are in!

Keep Calm and Drop an Anchor!

Docklines 3/8, 1/2, 5/8 & 3/4

New Fishing Tackle arriving in May! Displayed in new area of store!

Make your Boat Shine!

Think Safety!

Fishing Rods

If Irma hurt your dock, we have Dock Boxes and Dock Ladders in stock.

If we don’t have what you need, make sure you check with Tony or Cindy to see if we can order it for next day delivery!

386.252.5019

www.surplusunlimited.com Store Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F • 9-4 Sat • Closed Sunday

613 International Speedway Blvd. West • Daytona Beach SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 5

P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32127 386-576-3953 Email sfandginc@yahoo.com Published By: Desiree’ Harbster

$595.00

In memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009 Dorothy Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018

GATORBACK TRAILER Sales & Service is Daytona’s newest trailer repair center.

WRITERS:

Desiree’ Harbster ~ FOWA Capt. Lynda Hawkins ~ FOWA Tony Young-FWC Tim Camp- Sale Representative

Front Captions Bailey Smith with a 34” snook caught from the Indian River lagoon.

Nathan Cates from Kentucky fishing with Capt. Don Weaver out of Bass World Lodge caught this 6 pound 2 oz bass on a wild shiner.

We can service, repair and weld any steel or aluminum trailer!

Sales, Service and Parts “We’ll Hook You Up” • Cargo Trailers • Dump Trailers • Utility Trailers • Motorcycle Trailers • Boat Trailers

• Homesteader • Rance Renegade/Lightning • Anderson Trailers • Bad Boy Mowers

(386) 317-6295

www.gatorbacktrailer.com 5481 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127 Southern States Fishn’ & Huntn’ Magazine (R) owned by R.S. Harbster Enterprises reserves the right to edit any an all copy submitted for publication. We are only responsible for the space occupied by errors, all special’s, prices, contract deals are final NO REFUNDS. All prices, offers, deals & circulation are subject to change with out notice Neither our publications or our advertisers are responsible for typographical errors, misprints or misinformation or errors of any kind. Our sales persons are non-employees and work on commission (outside Sales). This publication is (R) and fully (C). The magazine welcomes stories, articles, artwork and pictures but are not responsible for unsolicited material. If you would like your information returned please send a self addressed stamped envelope. Southern States Fishn’ & Huntn’ Magazine retains reprint rights on articles and photo’s forever. We can not be held reponsible for lost or damaged photo’s and can place them at anytime in the magazine. All return checks will be charged $25.00 due at once. Advertisers are responsible for checking their advertisements for mistakes after each printing. We are not responsible for long running mistakes. Circulation quotes are based on readers. Photo’s in our magazine are a free service please print caption on back of each picture. Sometimes we use photo’s without a caption, CO-OP is a free service, It is the responsibility of the advertiser to collect merchandise. We are not responsible for CO-OP Merchandise. We print 6 times per year. (Bi-Monthly) Close out is the 15th. of the month prior to print date.

Expert Free Advice & Friendly Service with a smile!!

Live & Frozen Bait - Shrimp-Mud Minnows-Fiddle Crabs Tackle-Rods & Reels-and much more!

Closest & Easy Access to the Boat Ramp!

96 Dunlawton Ave Port Orange, Fl. • 386-760-1871 SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 6

VOLUSIA COUNTY LINE X OF VOLUSIA COUNTY @ 386-740-1040 is offering $50 off their premium bed liners. Please bring in the coupon to receive the discount.

Nancy and the staff at B & G TRAILERS in DeLand @ 386-734-5244 carry a huge selection of new & used boat trailers as well as jet ski, cycle and pontoon boats. They do repairs as well. Their boat trailers incorporate the latest in design technology with consistent quality construction.

Paul & Irene Gercak of DeLAND BOAT CENTER @ 386-734-0166 Family owned and operated for over 16 years. Proud to offer outstanding sales, service, and repairs to Central Florida boaters. They are a Mercury Certified Dealer. Come in and meet the friendly, knowledgeable staff Tues thru Fri 8:30 to 5:00 Sat 8:30 to 4:00.

FLORIDA’S FAMILY MARINE @ 386873-4610 is located on Old New York Ave in DeLand. Stop in and check out their impressive line of boats and their friendly staff. Logan, Frank and Danny are always willing to help with any boating problems and are great people to work with.

TRUCK STUFF @ 386-740-9107 Mike in Deland tells us they are overstocked on used truck toppers and no reasonable offer will be refused. Tool boxes and all truck accessories are in stock and they install.

Hunter from Lake Placid NY caught this tarpon while fishing with Capt Patrick Preston in the flats of the Mosquito Lagoon in March. This is very rare.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 7

By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins

Florida’s Largest Trailer Dealer

Large Selection of Used Trailers

B & G TRAILERS INC.

386-734-5244 • www.bgtrailers.com 2340 International Speedway Hwy 92 Deland Fl.

A happy little lady with her first dolphin caught aboard the Vulcan.

The Vulcan has changed where they dock. They are now at the Light House Marina in Ponce Inlet. Look for them around the Salty Dawg Outfitters dock.

Light House Marina

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 8

Come Experience The Fishin’ Hole Difference!

OFFSHORE AND INSHORE TACKLE EXPERT ROD AND REEL REPAIR LIVE AND FROZEN BAIT Gift Open 7 Days

386-252-9804 Certificates

450 N. Beach Street • Downtown Daytona Beach

8 year old Patton showing off her first snook. She caught off a dock in Port Orange. Photo courtesy of her fishing friend Derrick Butler.

FREE ADVICE *YOUR SALTWATER HEADQUARTERS*

PENN & QUANTUM WARRANTY CENTER RODS ~ REELS ~ BAIT ~ TACKLE ~ ROD & REEL REPAIR 386-788-2120 Fax 386-788-2579

3514 S. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach Shores

Halifax Sport Fishing Club Charts!!

386-228-3525

Mon-Sat 5am-7pm Sun 5am-6pm www.fishingshack.com

Coupon Good for all in Party

$5 OFF Regular Adult or Child Ticket

Expires 12/15/18

Call For Reservations, Details & Trip Times

Located at: Down The Hatch Restaurant Ponce Inlet, Fl.

386•763•4388 SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 9

Newly Remodeled

Now Open!

LIVE BAIT & TACKLE Ramone Kemp caught this big redfish from a bridge in Daytona Beach on select shrimp from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Country Store

1871 West Hwy 44 Deland, Florida

Feed-Beer-Soda-Snacks Refill Propane Gas & Cylinders Open 7 Days 5:30 am 10# Bag of Ice $1.09 386-736-4117

www.bobsdiscountmarine.com

Nautic al Gifts

Granada Pier

yak Ka tals n Re

Bait & Tackle Open 7 Days a Week

•Live Bait •Tackle •Gear •Maps & Advice •Smoked Fish

One South Beach St. Ormond Beach

Harry with his first fish while surf fishing using advice from Donalds Bait & Tackle.

386-676-9078 • www.granadapier.com “Your Snook Headquarters”

“FREE” Lighted Fishing Pier for Night Time Enjoyment SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 10

Stumpnocker 184 Coastal CC

Bennington From $25,995 (add trailer from $2,200)

Masters 247 Sportsman

Boat Rentals

WHEEL-A-WAY TRAILER SALES 3113 Ridgewood Ave./US 1 Edgewater, Fl. 32141 We carry a full line of Enclosed Trailers Dump Trailers & Utility Trailers WE EXCEPT TRADE-INS WE BUY USED TRAILERS

.

386-423-5553 WWW.WHEELAWAYSALES.COM SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 11

www.AnchorHardwareandStorage.com Open 6am-6pm 7 days a week!

Anchor Hardware And Storage

726 North U.S. 1, Oak Hill, Fl “You name it we got it!”

•TACKLE •FROZEN BAITS •LIVE BAIT EVERYDAY •CALCUTTA DEALER •MARINE & TRAILER SUPPLIES •SHRIMPING NETS, LIGHTS & ACCESSORIES •STAR FIRE UNDERWATER LIGHTS IN STOCK •REPLACEMENT HALOGEN BULBS •STAINLESS STEEL FLOUNDER JIGS •CLAM & OYSTER STEAMERS •SHRIMP NETS-FRAME NETS

386-345-0746

Charlie with a bull redfish caught on a mullet from Salty Dawg Outfitters.

Big bluefish caught on bait from Salty Dawg Outfitters.

Joe with a nice cobia caught on a live pinfish from Salty Dawg Outfitters.

Blake with a gator trout caught on bait from Salty Dawg Outfitters.

THE COMPLETE HARDWARE STORE

•Bait & Tackle •Fishing Supplies •Surf Rod Combo’s •Tide Clocks •Crab Traps •Cast Nets •Shrimp Nets

•Beach Supplies •Umbrellas •Body Boards •Wind Stocks •Chairs •Kites •Flags

Coronado Hardware PLUMBING - ELECTRICAL PAINT-GARDEN SUPPLIES KEYS MADE ON SITE

716 3RD. AVENUE (BEACHSIDE) NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL.

386-427-0746

Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:00am-5:30pm / Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 12

Nice redfish and trout caught on bait from Salty Dawg Outfitters, while on a kayak tour.

www.bluewatercharter.net 386-547-4480

Capt Tony Varano 25 Years Experience 34’ Pro Sport Center Console Deep Sea Fishing Charters Inshore and Offshore Charters 5-10 hour trips Up to 6 passengers Liscensed & Insured Everything Furnished Except Food & Drink

Dorothy Francis Harbster March 17, 1936-April 18, 2018 Dorothy joined her husband Roger S Harbster in heaven on April 18, 2018. Dorothy loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting with her husband for over 60 years. Together they started the Fishn’ & Huntn’ Magazine in 1965. Dorothy was a cosmetologist for over 50 years and donated her time to kids fishing tournaments.

She also was a member of the Florida Outdoors Writers Association. Their daughter Desiree’ Harbster carries on their legacy as the publisher of this magazine today.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 13

Grouper fishing reopens May 1 in Atlantic, Monroe County water.

This grouper was caught aboard the Southwind out of New Smyrna Beach for booking information please call 386-576-3953.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides May 2018 Full Service Bait & Tackle Shop

Live and Frozen Bait, Full line of inshore, offshore tackle and lures Breakfast, Lunch and Ice Cream available Close to boat ramp and jetty • You want it we have it!

Open 7 days 6am-6pm • 4958 S. Peninsula Drive Ponce Inlet, Fl. 386-763-3311 www.saltydawgoutfitters.com Visit www.fl.usharbors.com

Tides, Weather & Local Knowledge

To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 14

*Half Day Trips *Mosquito Lagoon *Shark Fishing AM Trips-Mid Day Trips-Evening Trips **Kids Welcome!**

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 15

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides June 2018 Full Service Bait & Tackle Shop

Live and Frozen Bait, Full line of inshore, offshore tackle and lures Breakfast, Lunch and Ice Cream available Close to boat ramp and jetty • You want it we have it!

Open 7 days 6am-6pm • 4958 S. Peninsula Drive Ponce Inlet, Fl. 386-763-3311 www.saltydawgoutfitters.com Visit www.fl.usharbors.com

Tides, Weather & Local Knowledge

To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 16

SALT & FRESHWATER FISHING MAPS 8 1/2 X 14 LAMINATED WITH HOT SPOTS MARKED AND EXPLAINED .

Saltwater East Coast

SW#101 Edgewater Ramp to Turtle mound SW#102 Turtle Mound to Oak Hill SW#103 S. Bridge to Eldora Turtle Mound & Government Cut SW#104 Port Orange Bridge to Ponce Inlet SW#105 Oak Hill to Haul Over Canal SW#106 Mosquito Lagoon to Haul Over Canal SW#107 Ormond to Tomoka Basin SW#108 New Smyrna Beach Bridges North & South SW#109 Mosquito Lagoon Merritt Island Refuge to Haul Over Canal SW#110 Sebastian Inlet North & South Backcountry SW#111 Port Orange Bridge Mill Creek North to Ormond Beach SW#112 Palm Bay to Sebastian SW#113 Merritt Island to Palm Bay SW#114 Haul Over Canal area Indian River City to Titusville SW#115 Matanzas Inlet

By: Roger S. Harbster Over 40 years of knowledge!

Saltwater West Coast

WC#401 Suwannee River to the Gulf WC#402 Cedar Key WC#403 Crystal River WC#404 Steinhatchee

Freshwater Lakes, Rivers & Streams

FW#201 Lake Dexter to Lake George FW#202 Lake Beresford to Lake Dexter FW#203 Lake George FW#204 Lake George to Jacksonville FW#205 Lake Crescent FW#206 Rodman Reservoir & Dam (Backcountry) FW#207 Lake Beresford to Brevard County Sawgrass Lake FW#208 Lake Okeechobee

KH#301 How to Shrimp Dip Netting Freelining & Shrimping

$4.95 per map plus $1.50 Postage & Handling & 6.5% sales tax

Total $6.87 Per Map

Send check or money order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32128 SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 17

Truck Stuff •Running Boards •Equipment Racks •Specialty Tool Boxes •Accessories •Wheels & Tires •We Install •New & Used Toppers 2500 E. International Speedway Blvd.

(US92) DeLand 386-740-9107

Private Fishing Charters

Bottom Fishing ~ Trolling Trips www.captainanthonybell.com

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 18

BREVARD COUNTY

By: Tim Camp

Welcome!!

Tim Camp

New Sales Rep for Southern States Fishn’ & Huntn’ Magazine if you are interested in advertising in the Brevard County area please email Tim at timothycamp23@yahoo.com

This nice redfish was caught in the Mosquito Lagoon area while fly fishing.

Spiny Lobster Season Closed April 1 The spiny lobster recreational and commercial season has closed to harvest in state and federal waters starting April 1, and will reopen Aug. 6.

The two-day recreational sport season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, which is July 25 and 26 this year.

Dalton Smith with a nice black drum caught from the Indian River lagoon.

386-228-3525 Mount a fish you caught in the past!

Decorate your home or office with our mounts!

Catch and Release Mounts

Marine Artist Rick Hardy

www.uniquespecies.com SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 19

FRESHWATER FREELINE The Fishing Book

Area Guide to Florida Freshwater Fishing from Rivers, Lakes & Streams. Over 300 miles of Freshwater and Backcountry Maps, with the areas Fishing Hot Spots Marked. Where, When and How to Fish these Hot Save the S&H Fee Spots.

This book can be purchased at Williams Tackle in Holly Hill.

Other Features include: •Knot Tying •Fish Recipes •How to Fillet Fish •Do It Yourself Smokehouse and Much More!

Name___________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip___________

ONLY $9.95

+ 6.5% Sales Tax and $1.95 S & H (Total $12.55)

Send Check or Money Order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32127 SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 20

*YOUR FRESHWATER* *FISHING HEADQUARTERS* 1861 North Nova Rd. Holly Hill, Fl.

FRESHWATER FREELINE

The Fishing Book Sold Here!

386-677-7863

•LIVE BAIT •SHINERS •MINNOWS •WORMS •CRICKETS •BLUE CRABS

LIVE BLUE CRABS AND J.O. #2 CRAB SEASONING

•FROZEN BAIT •SHRIMP •MULLET •BLUE CRABS

•FULL LINE OF ARTIFICIAL WORMS AND LURES •CULPRIT BAIT •CHARLIE’S SPECIAL 100 LIVE •BASS ASSASSIN MINNOWS •HAL-FLY $15.00 + TAX •BEETLE SPINS •BAGLEY •HEDDON •LEWIS RAT-L-TRAP •SMITHWICK AND MORE •ICE-SNACKS-DRINKS

HOURS: TUESDAY-FRIDAY 6AM-5:30PM / SATURDAY 5AM-5:30PM / SUNDAY 5AM-12 NOON / CLOSED MONDAY

WILLIAMS

SOUTHEASTERN TACKLE SHOP SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 21

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 22

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 23

PUTNAM COUNTY MESSER’S EAST-WEST BAIT & TACKLE @386-328-4035 – Jimmy tells us they are catching bass using Carolina rigged worms (redbug) and deep running crankbaits. They are also catching warmouth below the wall using live worms or minnows. A few stripers are coming out of the Croaker Hole. Shellcracker are coming out of Dunn’s Creek using crickets and worms. This past weekend an 8.06 pound bass was weighed and released.

It took over 38 pounds to win the recent tournament.

GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE @ 386-467-2002 – Chance tells us bass are on fire right now with several 7 and 8 pounders being caught. Yesterday and today 3 different anglers weighed in 9 pounders. Two were caught using wild shiners and one on a topwater frog.

Specks have turned on and are being

caught using minnows and crickets.

The guides are using wild shiners with a bobber. Bluegill are starting to bed and several anglers are getting their limits.

MESSER’S

WEST SIDE BAIT & TACKLE

Open 5am-9pm 7 Days A Week Fishing & Hunting Licenses-Ice-Beer Sandwiches-Snacks Complete Supplies for Fisherman & Hunters Since 1974 Rod & Reel Repair

Palatka Westside Corner of Hwy 19 & Moody Road

386-328-4035

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins * Motel Rooms * Full Liquor Bar * Bar Food * Boat Ramp * Boat Slips * Bikers Welcome * Cater Party’s and Weddings

Landing & Marina New Owners John & Tammy

and First Responders with Discount Cards 126 Georgetown Landing Rd., Georgetown, Fl. 32139

Located right on Big Lake George

www.porkyslandingandmarina 386-467-3956 Captain Adam & Jeff Winkleman have been doing well on their guide trips with several nice bass being caught and released. Chicken livers and worms fished in the channel on the bottom are producing some huge catfish.

To see pictures visit face book/Georgetown Marinia.com.

According to Lorraine at BASS WORLD LODGE @866-522-FISH (3474) Captain Don Weaver’s customers caught several nice bass up to 8 pounds this past week.

Ed Bryant and friends caught & released several nice large mouth bass using wild shiners. Ed has weighed in a 7 1⁄2 pounder and two 7 pounders.

His son-in-law Greg caught a 9 pounder.

His friend Jay caught a 6 1⁄2 pounder and Bill got a 4 pounder. All were released alive. Mark (and Black Dog) are fishing with spinnerbaits and catching schooling bass off shore and bedding bass with June bug blue ribbon tailed worms and white spinnerbaits. All were released to fight again.

PO BOX 171 , 1533 COUNTY ROAD 309 GEORGETOWN , FL 32139

386-467-2002

• cabins • rv sites • ramp •COVERED DOCKS • FREE CABLE • bait & tackle • fishing license • WI-FI • OPEN 7 DAYS MARKER 72 ON ST. JOHNS RIVER @ MOUTH OF BIG LAKE GEORGE

MONITOR CHANNEL 16

NON-ETHANOL • MARINE FUEL & DIESEL

www.georgetownmarina.com

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 24

POLK COUNTY

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

www.okumafishingusa.com Bass World Lodge has been in the fishing business over 50 years and has had fishermen from all over the world who have experienced the fun of an old fashioned down to earth fish camp. Their cabins range in size from a one bedroom cottage up to a 5 bedroom (10 beds) dorm room. They also have family sized 2 and 3 bedrooms.

For the fishing vacation you’ve always dreamed of, stop in or call to make your reservations now.

John @ PORKY’S @386-467-3956 is located in Georgetown on Big Lake George and has renovated rooms, repaired docks, and has a full service bar with beautiful sunsets on the back deck right on the water. He offers discount cards for veterans & First Responders.

Jennifer Edwards with 2 nice speckled perch.

June 17, 2018 Rick was the winner of the yearly bass contest held on Lake Ola he proudly holds up his prize. Live release photo from Bass n Gal Guide Service 352-267-0062.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 25

SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY AHOY MARINE, INC. @407-323-8373 Tina and Steve said they are getting black drum out of the Lagoon. Steve does a great job and has been repairing boats and engines most of his life so he knows what he is doing, let him make sure everything is in good running order on your boat.

OTTERS ON THE RIVER @407-6366300 is located next door to Boat Tree Marina on the St. Johns River and is a fun place to eat and drink. They have a great menu and are open from 10 to 10.

They are running a special when you purchase 20 piece wings you get a free 16 oz. domestic draft beer with coupon from their ad.

KEL’S ROD & REEL SERVICE in Casselberry at 407-834-3008, is a warranty center for Shimano, Penn, Minnkota and Motorguide. They are open Tues.-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-3 (closed Sun. & Mon.) Stop in and visit with the friendly and knowledgeable staff.

David at DAVIDS TRAILERS @407293-2922 has one of the largest inventories of trailer parts in Central Florida with over 200 trailers in stock.

He is located on West Colonial Drive across from the fairground and has been at the same location since 1979. Stop in and visit with him and his friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Rusty Hammond with a nice Speckled Perch (Crappie).

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

AHOY

Marine, Inc. Sign up for the 2018 Lionfish Challenge, win up to $5,000 Attention recreational and commercial lionfish hunters: Registration for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 2018 Lionfish Challenge is open. Register at MyFWC.com/Lionfish.

This year’s Challenge begins on Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day, May 19, and will run through Sept. 3. Join us for the Challenge kickoff at the Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day Festival and the Lionfish World Championship Tournament, May 19 and 20, at the FloraBama Yacht Club and Ole River Grill on the Florida/Alabama coastal border. The event will also include a benefit concert

by Little Texas at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20, presented by Coast Watch Alliance and Lionfish University.

511 E. 25th. St. Sanford, Florida 32773

Steve Meadors, President

407-323-8373

Links

Facebook:

Facebook.com/LionfishReefRangers Facebook.com/LionfishWorldChampionship

Websites:

ReefRangers.com MyFWC.com/Lionfish

Over 200 Trailers in stock!

Continental Boat Trailers SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 26

Kel’s Rod & Reel Service Rods, Reels, Troilling Motor Parts & Service

430 Hwy 436 #105, Casselberry 407-834-3008 Warranty Center For: Shimano, Penn, Minnkota, Motorguide

And more

Including an oyster bar!

Live entertainment inside & outside @ our pool bar.

www.kelsrodreel.com Hours: Tues-Fri 9-5 Sat 9-3 (Closed Sun & Mon)

Thanks to our sponsors, this year’s Challenge will include a new taggedlionfish component. Catch an FWCtagged lionfish and win up to $5,000.

Non-cash prizes, such as GoPro cameras, tumblers by Engel Coolers, puncture-resistant gloves by TurtleSkin, customized towels and more, will also be awarded to participants who remove and submit lionfish, tagged or not.

The participants who remove the most lionfish in the recreational and commercial categories will be crowned the 2018 Recreational Lionfish King/ Queen and the Commercial Champion.

The goal of these programs is to encourage and track removals of nonnative invasive lionfish.

To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/ Lionfish or contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management at Lionfish@MyFWC.com or 850-4870554.

www.ottersontheriver.com Riverside Fine Dining and much more •Lunch •Dinner •Drinks

407-636-6300

4380 Carraway Place Sanford Fl. 32771

Expires June 30, 2018 ~ Must Present Coupon

(Next to Boat Tree on the St. Johns River)

Stephen Edwards with 2 nice Speckled Perch (Crappie) caught from a local pond in the Volusia County area.

Bimini Tops Mooring Covers Canva’s Enclosures Custom Marine Upholstery

Alum. Fabrication & Repair Electronics Installation Boat Lettering Fiberglass Repair Gelcoat-Paint T-Tops-Towers Custom Rigging Marine Service

(Interior/Exterior)

Marine Carpet Detailing

The masked angler caught these Speckled Perch in a mystery spot.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 27

PIMP UR BOAT WITH US!

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY Gov. Scott and FWC announce 40-day recreational red snapper season in Gulf state and federal waters The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Gov. Rick Scott are excited to announce a 40-day recreational red snapper season for both Gulf state and federal waters. A 24-day season was originally proposed.

Gov. Scott said, “Florida is a premier fishing destination and saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico has a $7.6 billion economic impact in our state every year.

Adding additional opportunities for anglers to enjoy Florida’s world-class fishing not only benefits our visitors but also our Gulf Coast communities. I am pleased to announce this extension today, and encourage visitors and residents to start planning their summer fishing trips.”

The Gator Den

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

“Florida is an important access point throughout the nation and world for recreational red snapper fishing,” said FWC Chairman Bo Rivard. “With other Gulf states setting longer seasons than what Florida had initially proposed, it was important for us to find a fair resolution that would provide equal access to red snapper in Florida. FWC worked collaboratively with NOAA Fisheries to come up with a season that would provide access to all of those that choose Florida as their fishing destination. We appreciate the leadership from Gov. Rick Scott and U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn and we are excited to announce that extension today.”

Florida will be setting the season in 2018 and 2019 in both state and federal waters through a fishery-management pilot program (also referred to as an Exempted Fishing Permit). The 2018 proposed season would open June 11 and close July 21.

This recreational season will include those fishing for red snapper from private recreational vessels. For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit are also included but are limited to targeting reef fish in Gulf state waters only.

This Exempted Fishing Permit will not apply to commercial fishermen or for-hire operations with a valid federal reef fish permit.

To share your comments or input on Gulf red snapper, visit MyFWC.com/ SaltwaterComments.

Learn more about snapper at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers” and don’t forget to sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com if you plan to target snapper or other reef fish from a private vessel.

NOW OPE N!

Capt Bob’s

On Beautiful Rainbow and Withlacoochee River Where Fishing is Always Great!

PONTOON BOAT AND JON BOAT RENTALS GUIDE SERVICE - TACKLE SHOP - BOAT & MOTORS Come Catch a Smile!

352-489-2397 • www.anglersresort.us SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 28

Tracy & Mickey at HOPPY’S MARINE @863-439-7616 they are a Tracker Marine dealer and have Tracker Aluminum Boats in stock. Also in stock are: Nitro Boats, Mako Boats and Tracker Pontoons. Stop in and visit with them and catch up on all the local fishing news. They both are always helpful and friendly.

ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT @352489-2397 – Captain Bob tells us they have been catching some nice bass out of the phosphate mines and out of the Withlacoochee River using wild shiners, domestic shiners, green pumpkin & watermelon red worms and top water frogs. A few specks are still coming in.

A brand new 12 room State of the Art motel is now open at Anglers Resort.

Stop in and visit, you’ll love the friendly staff and beautiful River and enjoy a wonderful meal right on the River at the Blue Gator Tiki Bar. CATFISH JOHNNY’S RESTAURANT @352-793-2083 is a beautiful, restaurant with delicious fresh food. You owe it to yourself to take a trip to Lake Panasoffkee just to enjoy the wonderful alligator and seafood and the service and atmosphere is enjoyed by all. You feel like you’ve been coming here for years.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-CATFISH

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT!

View our full menu online at CatfishJohnnysRestaurant.com

2396 N. C-470, Lake Panasoffkee, Fl. 33538

352-793-2083 Closed Sundays & Mondays

Snook to close in Gulf state and federal waters Snook will close to all harvest in Gulf state, federal and inland waters, including all of Monroe County and Everglades National Park, starting May 1. Seasonal harvest closures conserve Florida’s valuable snook populations and help sustain and improve the fishery for the future.

Snook is open to harvest in Atlantic state, federal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, through May 31, closing June 1.

Both the Atlantic and Gulf will reopen for recreational snook harvest Sept. 1. Snook are one of the many reasons Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World. While snook may be caught and released during the closed season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages anglers to handle their catch carefully to help the fish survive upon release. Proper handling methods can help ensure the species’ abundance for anglers today and generations to come. To learn more about fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Fish Handling.”

Dalton Smith caught the 30” snook from the back country of the Mosquito Lagoon.

386-228-3525 Mount a fish you caught in the past!

Decorate your home or office with our mounts!

Catch and Release Mounts

Marine Artist Rick Hardy

www.uniquespecies.com SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 29

LAKE COUNTY BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE @ 352-267-0062 – The private lake we fish is all catch and release but is loaded with some big bass. The baits that work well for my customers on this lake are drop shots with a Junebug 4 inch worm, watermelon red Producto’s Hot Rods fished weightless and of course shiners, (freelined and with bobbers).

The Harris Chain is hot right now with big bass coming out of all the lakes and the local small lakes are producing some nice sized bass as well. Freelining a shiner (without a bobber or weight) is still producing some of the bigger fish.

A slow falling sinking weightless worm (Producto’s Hot Rod works great) or a white and chartreuse spinner bait reeled in as slowly as possible, are both working quite well. Be sure to lift up on your rod tip occasionally then let the spinnerbait slowly fall to make it look like a fluttering bait fish. If you think you are fishing too slow, slow down even more.

These baits can produce some huge bass but they have to be worked very slowly.

(You want to feel the blades pulling or turning) Lake Dora, Lake Harris, Lake Eustis are still producing some nice bass.

As they are wanting to bed right now all the canals are producing both male and female lunkers so be sure to practice catch and release. Use the drop shot method, this is very productive if you are a patient fisherman. For the fishing trip you’ve dreamed of give me a call @ 352-267-0062.

Jake at ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE @352-759-2600 tells us they are still catching some nice sized specks out of Lake Woodriff, Lake Dexter and the St. John’s River. They recently held the Florida Crappie Club Tournament at the Butler Street Ramp in Astor. 7 crappie that weighed 13 plus pounds was the winner. George & Rosie Parker took home the honor. Team Mitch McGill and Russ Ragal of Team Vexan came in 2nd with 11 plus pounds. Feather Jigs and Orange colored jigs are working well. Bass fishing is good – it’s been taken 20 plus pounds to win the Thurs. night tournament which is a 3 hour tournament.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

Great Local Food Menu Featuring:

• Groveland Gator Bites • Swamp Cabbage Ceviche • Blackened Grouper Reuben • Locally Sourced Produce and Meats • Craft Beers - Wine & Spirits • Open 11am-9pm Daily 901 Lakeshore Blvd. Tavares, Fl. 32778 On the East Shore of Lake Eustis

352-742-4400

Vexan is introducing a new combo and Jake has them in stock. He has set up a station where you can build your own jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and chatterbaits. Jake is a Nucanoe dealer.

He also has the Frontier and the Pursuit Kayaks. Be sure to check out www.outd oorswithJake.com.

His shop is located just off State Rd. 40 on River Road in Astor. Stop in and see him, he has plenty of archery equipment for sale. He also does bow repairs. For more information call Jake at 352-7592600.

Natalie at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE @352-460-0695 said shellcrackers are being caught in Venetian Gardens and on Lake Griffin. Bass are being caught from the Harris Chain using the new Z man Jack Hammer Chatter bait. Specks are still being caught up North in the Lakes around Gainesville using minnows and jigs. The Homosassa area is starting to give up some trout and Spanish mackerel using Mirror Lures or live shrimp.

Brookers has a well stocked shop and

Raw B Wedne ar $9.99 Do sdays zen Oyste

rs

offers expert information on the current fishing, both freshwater and saltwater.

They also carry frozen salt water bait.

HARRIS OIL @352-383-0922 is located at 21901 US Hwy. 441, Mt. Dora. They carry 100% non ethanol gasoline for your boats, mowers and chain saws. They also have gated self storage. We have been using Harris Oil non ethanol gas in our boat for 10 years now and have had great success with it.

Mark and Heidi of LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE @352-742-3336 tell us that bluegill are doing exceptional. Fish in the pads using redworms, grass shrimp and crickets. Dead River and Lake Dora are both hot right now. Bass are starting to pick up using swim baits, chatterbaits and swim jigs. Dora and Big Lake Harris are both good.

Several customers have brought in some nice catch and release bass. Lakeside Bait and Tackle is located right on Lake Eustis and you can buy your fresh bait from boat or from Hwy 441.

ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE

•OUTDOOR ARCHERY RANGE

Live Bait SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 30

•ARCHERY ACCESSORIES

frontstreetbait.com@kvcom.net

23835 Hwy. 40, Astor Florida

352-759-2600

Lakeside Bait & Tackle

www.blackwaterinn.com

(352) 742-3336 Located on Lake Eustis

1000 W Burleigh Blvd. Tavares

Mark & Heidi have recently taken over GET WET WATERSPORTS @ 352-253-0585 which is next door to LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE, and would like to invite you all down to rent a pontoon boat which can comfortably seat up to 12 passengers, a jet ski, a paddle board or a Kayak. Stop in and experience the real Florida on the water.

A friend and I had dinner at FISH CAMP on LAKE EUSTIS this month and had an excellent meal. I had the gator bites and they were the best gator I’ve ever eaten, usually restaurants over cook gator but these were perfect. Good food and good service.

Jim tells us they are now open from 11 to 9 daily. They carry local produce, local meats, local craft beers and wines. You owe it to yourself to stop in and check them out. They are located right on Lake Eustis next door to LAKESIDE BAIT AND TACKLE and are easy to find from the water or the highway.

Andrew from ASTOR BRIDGE MARINA & MOTEL @386-749-4407 tells us that this cool weather we’ve had lately has pushed them off the beds for

“Off the River, or Off the Road” It’s Your Choice

*Casual or Formal Dining *Daily Additions to our Full Menu *Petite Dinners for the Light Appetite *Unlimited Fresh Salad Bar Open Tuesday-Sunday Call For Hours Closed Mondays Reservations Honored Every Friday It’s Happy Hour 6-8 Upstairs WE CAN ACCOMMODATE ANY OCCASION Hwy 40 & the St. Johns River in Beautiful Astor, Fl.

352-759-2802

now, but they should be moving in with some warmer weather coming up.

They are still in somewhat of a prespawn phase and likely to eat anything moving, such as a speed worm or swim bait presentation. We’ve been seeing a consistent 20lb bag brought in during the Thursday Night Bass Tournaments!

Lake George produced a solid bag for the winning team in the last Florida Crappie Club event, with 7 fish going for more than 13 lbs!

We’ve got non-ethanol fuel on the river at $3.99/gallon, and also offer pump out services for those in need!

25127 Pearl St. Astor, Fl 32102

Owners Bill & Natalie Brooker 1351 A. W. North Blvd.

Leesburg, Fl. 34748 352-460-0695 BrookerBait@gmail.com

55716 Front St. Astor

We’re stocking up our Ship-Store and expect to be fully operational by the middle of May! If you want to get out on the water, we’ve got super comfortable NuCanoe Flints that you will be able to rent starting in May, as well as our pontoon boat rentals!

Don’t miss a chance to come to the river, and if you need a place to lay your feet up at night, make sure you check out www.astorbridgemarina.com or give us a call at 386-749-4407.

*Central Florida Lakes* *St. John’s River* *PRIVATE LAKES*

Sales, Service, Accessories Travel Lift 352-759-3838

BAIT & TACKLE

Daily Lunch Specials ~ Munchies & Starters ~ Sandwiches & Fun

Bass N Gal Guide Service

MIDWAY MARINE

BROOKER

Atop Blackwater Inn

A fun, casual place overlooking the picturesque setting of the beautiful St. Johns River where you can relax in the cool river breeze and visit with friends old and new.

Capt. Lynda Hawkins Over 25 Years Experience

Families Welcome All Tackle Included 1/2 Day $300.00 Cell 352-267-0062 Email llh30@comcast.net

www.bassngalguideservice.com SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 31

toon Ponoats B

Ka Ren yak tals

Pa B ddle ki Renoard Jet nStals Re 1000 W. Burleigh Blvd, Tavarestals 352-253-0585

MIDWAY MARINE @352-759-3838 has a friendly staff and are open 6 days a week from 8 to 5 but closed on Wed. Stop in and say “Hi”. They are located right on the St. John’s River in Astor.

ASTOR MARINE @352-759-3655.

Georgia carries Sylvan pontoon boats, Sunchaser pontoon boats and is a dealer for Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda. Stop in and take a look around they have been in business for 29 years.

Astor/Pierson Citgo

Cheapest Gas in Town!

LIVE BAIT & TACKLE Wine-Beer-Cigs-Soda-Ice Snacks-Groceries-Refill Propane Hot Pizza & Chicken Wings

Open 7 Days Sun-Thur 6am-10pm Fri-Sat 6am-11pm 1380 W. St Rd. 40, Pierson 386-749-0180

Photo below: Bailey Smith with a 24” redfish caught from the Indian River lagoon.

WELAKA FISH & CRAB – Randy @ 386-467-9776 is located across the street from Welaka Marine on Walnut Street.

Stop in and get your fresh seafood.

Florida’s Largest Pontoon Dealer All 2017 Models On Sale 2018 Models Arriving Soon

Sales & Service 352-759-3655

www.astormarine.com email: sales@astormarine.com

210 Walnut Street Welaka, Fl. 32193 welakamarine.com

24535 HWY. 40, Astor, Fl 32102 SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 32

Get involved!

Be an FWC volunteer!

During Florida Volunteer Month in April, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating its many volunteers who contribute time and energy to help conserve fish, wildlife and habitats, and help improve public access and skills related to outdoor experiences such as hunting, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

Last year, more than 5,000 volunteers assisted FWC staff with 85 projects around the state.

“We value our volunteers. The positive power of volunteers strengthens our efforts to conserve Florida’s fish and wildife resources,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “If you want to combine being in Florida’s beautiful outdoors with volunteering, we encourage you to get involved as an FWC volunteer.”

Here are some projects that FWC volunteers are assisting with: *Collecting data to increase knowledge of Florida’s imperiled species.

Go to MyFWC.com/Get Involved, to see FWC volunteer opportunities available statewide and by region. Additionally, volunteers can sign-up for projects on the MyFWC.com/Calendar, where a wide range of volunteer opportunities are advertised.

*Instructing youth, residents and visitors on how to become responsible outdoor recreators. *Rescuing marine mammals. *Monitoring and restoring oyster reef habitat. *Constructing, installing and monitoring nest boxes for southeastern American kestrels and wood ducks. *Helping construct and maintain a gravity-fed irrigation system for plants used in scrub habitat restoration. *Helping improve visitors’ experiences at many of the FWC’s wildlife management areas.

Custom Aluminum Work 735 Airpark Rd Hanger B-3 Edgewater 386-957-3756

*Helping organize scientific data.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 33

2018 KOTI Tournament Results

By Desiree’ Harbster King of the Inlet tournament #1 in a three part series was delayed due to weather conditions on the original date to the following weekend. 30 boats competed in the one day tournament for the largest Wahoo, Dolphin and Kingfish. Each team earns points by the weight of the fish that make the board. One fish per species - 10 points per pound. The grand prize is based off the most points accumulated from the three tournaments.

The team with the overall points takes home not only the title of 2018 King of the Inlet they also get $5,000 cash plus prizes.

New this year 2nd. place in points will take home a brand new 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha valued at $4,000. This prize is donated by Marine Specialties out of New Smyrna Beach.

The best part of this tournament is you do not have to fish all three events to have a chance to win. You can fish each tournament as a stand alone event, or as part of the King of the Inlet series. To make this tournament even more exciting each event pays double for the featured species. Tournament #1 paid double for Wahoo, the next event on May 4-6 will pay double for Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) and the final leg of the series in June will pay double for Kingfish.

You want to catch one of each species because there is another way to win by catching the biggest slam each event.

There was only one slam caught in tournament #1 but two of the three species did not make minimum weight.

So, that means the money will roll over to tournament #2.

The winners for tournament #1

Wahoo 1st. place Diggin Life 60.9 pounds 2nd. place Shore Bet 34.5 pounds 3rd. place Marine Specialties 30.9 pounds Dolphin 1st. place Split Decision 16.9 pounds 2nd. place Tighten Up 16.8 pounds 3rd. place Yee Haw 10.2 pounds phin l o D d Kingfish 2 poun aw 10.

H e e Y 1st. place Total Vision 17.5 pounds m a e T 2nd. place Topless Hooker 14.3 pounds 3rd place Rehab 12.8 pounds The winning team each tournament will also win a mounted fish for the double the money species by: Marine Artist Rick Hardy Team Diggin Life was the first place winner in tournament #1 with this 60.9 pound wahoo.

Each tournament has a captains meeting the Friday before the event and awards the Sunday after the event. There are cash prizes and trophies for first, second and third place winners of each fish category for all tournaments.

Hope to see you at tournament #2 even if you are not fishing the event come out to Off The Hook at Inlet Harbor and watch the weigh in with me. I will be the one with the camera on the dock.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 34

Team Split Decision 16.9 pound Mahi

Team Tighten Up 16.8 pound Mahi

Team Topless Hooker 14.3 pound Kingfish Team Total Vision 17.5 pound 1st place Kingfish They also has the only slam with their dolphin and wahoo that did not make tournament weight minimum.

Team Marine Specialties 30.9 pound Wahoo

Team Shore Bet 34.5 pound Wahoo

Team Rehab 12.8 pound Kingfish SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 35

18th Annual Offshore Challenge Final Standings

Overall first place and slam winners Team Diggin Life

Congratulations to the winners and a big “thank you” to all the anglers who fished (and on many days) very rough seas.

Overall First Place: Diggin Life Slam Winner: Diggin Life - 116.4 lbs.

1st Place Dolphin: Strike ‘n Out - 18.2 lbs.

1st Place Wahoo: Diggin Life – 82.2 lbs.

First place King Mackerel Team Total Vision

1st Place King Mackerel: Total Vision – 38.9 lbs.

2nd Place Dolphin: Split Decision – 16.9 lbs.

2nd Place Wahoo: Marine Specialties – 67.7 lbs.

2nd Place King Mackerel: Diggin Life – 23.1 lbs.

3rd Place Dolphin: Tighten Up – 16.4 lbs.

Third place Kingfish Team Topless Hooker

3rd Place Wahoo: Tighten Up – 60.1 lbs.

Lady Angler Heather Scherer First place Dolphin Team Strike N’ Out

3rd Place King Mackerel: Topless Hooker – 23.0 lbs.

Lady Angler: Heather Scherer – Wahoo – 34.5 lbs.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 36

New Smyrna Beach Striker Offshore Fishing Tournament Returns with New Format in June 2018 The 41st Annual New Smyrna Beach Striker Offshore Tournament returns in June 2018 with an innovative new format that enables teams to declare any two fishing days over a 21-day period. The tournament’s well-known prize purse and target species remain the same.

In this tournament, teams compete to win awards for the four heaviest fish in each category: wahoo, king mackerel, dolphin and tuna (blackfin, yellowfin and big eye). As part of the new format, teams can choose any two fishing days between June 2-22.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the three heaviest fish in each of the listed categories. Fish category winners earn points based on the weight of the fish toward their team’s overall boat score.

Prizes for top lady and junior anglers will also be awarded.

The three teams with the most points from fish category placement win Overall Boat awards. The first-place overall team receives an exclusive invitation to compete in the 2019 Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica.

Teams can also choose to enter for one of two optional jackpots: Double Down Jackpot: All prize money in this category goes to the boats that catch the three largest fish in each of the four categories entered. Entry fee is $100 per species.

Big Four Jackpot: All prize money in this category will be split among the largest tuna, wahoo, dolphin and king mackerel caught in the tournament. Entry fee is $200.

Teams who register by May 18 enter at a discounted rate of $300, plus receive entry into a drawing for a full refund (not including optional jackpot entries). Registration after May 18 is $350 per team.

Final registration and a mandatory captains meeting will be held June 1 from 4-9 p.m. at New Smyrna Marina, and the venue will host an awards presentation on June 24 at 11 a.m. For more information, visit FishStock.com.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 37

Best Feeding Times for Fish and Game

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 38

Collins Low Country Hunt Club is second to none in low country South Carolina guided hunting trips.

As one of the longest running and most successful operations in the area, we continue to stay ahead of the competition by expanding our services and hunting plans to exceed our guest’s expectations. Our hunting opportunity remains the same to all, utilizing all 7,500 acres of our managed lands to provide the best low country South Carolina hunting available. Please feel free to contact us so that we can help you choose the best fitting package for you and your hunting group.

Mention this ad and receive $100 off

Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts! **************** Deer Hunting $1295 - 3 Day Hunt August 15th January 1st

Spring Turkey Hunts March 15th - May 1st $1,395 - 3 Day Hunt

Wild Hog Hunts Year Round $1,095 - 3 Day Hunt

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

10640 Ehrhardt Road Ehrhardt , South Carolina 803-267-2825~w w w . c o l l i n s l o w c o u n t r y h u n t i n g c l u b . c o m SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 39

Hunting News

By Tony Young

Media Relations Coordinator for the Division of Hunting and Game Management.

Apply for alligator and fall hunt permits!

Native Floridian and Cocoa resident Capt. Grayson Padrick doesn’t need anyone reminding him of when to apply for alligator hunt permits. He’s been taking part in Florida’s internationally-recognized statewide alligator harvest program for 20 years and knows to apply for Phase I permits in May. “I love the fast-paced adrenalin rush that I get when hunting alligators,” Padrick said.

“And I really enjoy introducing youth and new people to gator hunting, especially those who’ve never been in the marsh or on an airboat.”

Padrick’s largest harvested alligator measured 13 feet, 2 inches, and it was a 16-yearold girl who Padrick guided that is credited as the lucky hunter. Padrick sells his alligator hides or turns them into leather and loves the taste of alligator meat.

May is also when hunters begin applying for fall quota, special-opportunity and national wildlife refuge hunt permits. So mark your calendar, set an alarm, whatever you need to do to remind yourself to apply for alligator and several fall hunting permits in May. Alligator hunt permits Since 1988, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has offered hunters the opportunity to take part in its annual statewide recreational alligator harvest that always runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1. These special night hunts provide a hunting adventure unlike any other. Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. The state’s alligator population is estimated at 1.3 million and has been stable for many years.

Phase I application period The application period for the Phase I random drawing begins May 18 at 10 a.m. and runs through May 28. More than 6,000 harvest permits will be available.

Hunters may submit their application for a permit that allows the harvest of two alligators on a designated harvest unit or county. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Aug. 15 and have a valid credit or debit card to apply.

Applications may be submitted at any county tax collector’s office, license agent (most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies) and at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Applicants must provide their credit card information when they apply. If you change your mind on where you’d like to hunt, or need to update your credit card information, you are able to make changes up until the application period closes.

License/permit costs The alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags cost $272 for Florida residents, $22 for those with a Florida Resident Persons with Disabilities Hunting and Fishing License, and $1,022 for nonresidents. The cost for applicants who already have an alligator trapping license is $62.

Phase II and III application periods Any permits remaining after the first phase will be offered during the Phase II random drawing June 1-11. Those who were awarded a permit in Phase I may not apply during Phase II. Remaining permits will be available in Phase III to anyone who did not draw a permit in either of the first two phases, and they may be applied for June 15-25.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 40

Capt. Grayson Padrick (pictured on the right) guided a successful hunter in harvesting an 11 foot 3 inch alligator in Central Florida during last year’s recreational alligator hunting season.

Leftover application phase If any permits remain after Phase III, there will be a fourth-phase issuance period beginning at 10 a.m. on June 28 until all permits are sold. Anyone may apply during Phase IV, even if they were awarded a permit in one of the earlier phases. Customers who get to purchase additional permits will be charged $62, regardless of residency or disability.

What to expect if you get drawn Within three days of an application period closing, applicants may expect to see an authorization hold on their credit card, verifying there is a sufficient balance to cover the cost of the permit. However, this does not mean they were awarded a permit. Once the credit card authorization process is complete, the lottery drawing will be held. All successful applicants will be charged, while those who were unsuccessful will have the authorization hold lifted from their credit cards.

Successful applicants should expect to receive their alligator trapping license/ harvest permit and two CITES alligator tags in the mail within six weeks of payment. Alligator trapping licenses are nontransferable. All sales are final, and no refunds will be made.

For more information on alligator hunting or the application process, see the Guide to Alligator Hunting in Florida by going to “MyFWC.com/Hunting” and then “By Species.”

Fall deer and hog quota hunt permits The FWC offers thousands of quota hunt opportunities each year. Hunters may choose to apply for fall quota hunts for deer and wild hogs. There also are special hunts for families, youth, people with disabilities, bowhunters and those hunting with muzzleloaders.

A quota is the maximum number of hunters allowed on a particular wildlife management area. The FWC’s Quota Hunt Program prevents overcrowding on such areas and provides quality hunts.

Quotas also help control game harvests.

The FWC sets quotas based on an area’s size, habitat, game populations and regulations.

There are several types of quota permits, most of which are issued by random drawing, and the Phase I application period for these fall quota hunts is May 15–June 15. I’m talking about archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, wild hog, youth, family, track vehicle, airboat and mobility-impaired quota hunt permits.

You may apply for each of the hunt types, and there is no fee to do so. But unless exempt, you must have an up-to-date $26 management area permit (or a license that includes one) when applying for a

quota permit. If you do not have this, the system won’t accept your application.

The FWC offers youth deer hunts on Camp Blanding WMA in Clay County and on Andrews WMA in Levy County.

If you have children between the ages of 8 and 15, and you want them to have a chance to experience one of these great hunts, apply for a youth quota hunt permit – 160 kids will get this opportunity.

During these hunts only the youngsters may hunt, and they, along with their adult supervisors, are the only people allowed on the area.

There will be family quota hunts on 30 WMAs, and if drawn, the permit requires one adult take one or two youths hunting.

The adult may not hunt without taking along a youngster.

Hunters certified by the FWC as mobility-impaired may apply for Mobility-impaired Quota Permits that allow exclusive access to general gun hunts on 10 of the state’s public hunting areas.

If you want to get the jump on one of these hunts, apply May 15–June 15 at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or have a license agent or tax collector’s office apply for you. To find out if you’ve been selected, log onto your customer account at that same web address after 10 a.m. on June 19.

If you don’t get drawn for a particular quota hunt, you’ll get a preference point for next year’s drawing, which will improve your chances of being selected. If you’re unable to use your quota permit and you return it at least 10 days prior to your hunt, you’ll get your preference point restored.

Special-opportunity fall hunts Another great option is applying for special-opportunity fall hunt permits.

Since 1997, the FWC has offered these unique fall-season hunts for deer, wild hog and released quail on some wellmanaged public hunting lands. Maybe it’s time you looked into getting in on the action and experiencing the hunt of a lifetime.

These extraordinary hunts offer large tracts of land with an abundance of game and low hunting pressure. All deer hunts allow you to take only mature bucks with at least one antler having four or more points, 1 inch or longer.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 41

Wild hogs also are legal to take during the deer hunts, and there is no size or bag limit on hogs.

These special-opportunity deer and wild hog hunts take place in central Florida on Fort Drum, Lake Panasoffkee, Triple N Ranch and Green Swamp West Unit WMAs. Camping is legal on all areas.

There is one seven-day general gun deer and hog hunt on the 20,858-acre Fort Drum WMA in Indian River County. The hunt costs $50, if you get drawn.

Lake Panasoffkee, in Sumter County, has eight four-day archery hunts for deer and hog on 8,676 acres. The permits are $100 for each hunt.

There are two seven-day general gun deer and hog hunts at Triple N Ranch in Osceola County. The permit costs $175 for each of the two hunt dates.

Pasco County’s Green Swamp West Unit, where the state’s highest-scoring deer on record was taken, has two archery hunts for deer and hogs on its 34,335 acres.

There are also three general gun hunts for deer and hogs. All are four-day hunts costing $100.

All special-opportunity permit holders may bring one non-hunting guest during the deer and hog hunts.

The FWC also has released-quail hunts on the Carr Unit of Blackwater WMA in Santa Rosa County. With these hunts, you must bring and release your own pen-raised quail. These are seven-day (Saturday through Friday) hunts that run 16 consecutive weeks.

There’s just one permit available for each week, and if you’re lucky enough to draw one, you and up to three of your friends will have the entire 250 acres to yourselves. The permit costs $100 for each week.

Special-opportunity hunt permits are transferable by simply giving the permit to another person. Permit holders under age 16, or those who are certified mobility-impaired, may have a nonhunting assistant accompany them during all special-opportunity hunts.

If you’d like to take part in one or more of these hunts, you may apply beginning 10 a.m. on May 15 at county tax collectors’ offices or most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies. The application period runs through midnight of June 15.

Con’t on the next page

You may apply for as many special-opportunity hunts and dates as you like to increase your chances of being selected, but you must include the $5 nonrefundable application fee for each one. Hunters are limited to drawing only one permit per hunt area, though.

Special-opportunity results are available in rounds, and you may pay the cost of the selected hunt at any license agent or tax collector’s office. If you don’t claim your permit by paying for it in full by the claim deadline for each round, you forfeit it, and it’ll be available to the next customer waiting in line in the next round.

National Wildlife Refuge hunts There are also several fall hunts on five national wildlife refuges that you may apply for during the same Phase I application period of May 15 – June 15. These National Wildlife Refuge hunts offer yet another unique and limited opportunity to hunt on wellmanaged habitat with healthy game populations and low hunting pressure. However, no guest permits are available for any of these hunts. And if you get drawn, you must pay for your permit by the claim deadline, or you forfeit it, and it’ll be available during the next application period which is first-come, first-served.

On the 21,574-acre Lake Woodruff in Volusia and Lake counties, you may apply for archery and muzzleloading gun hunts for deer and hog. There is no fee to apply, but if you get drawn, the permit costs $27.50.

You may apply for archery hunts on Brevard County’s 140,000-acre Merritt Island.

There is no cost to apply, but if you get drawn, the permit is $27.50.

Just south of Tallahassee, you may apply for archery, general gun and mobilityimpaired hunts on the 32,000-acre St. Marks. Each of these hunts cost $5 to apply for and if you get drawn, the permits are $27.50.

On Franklin County’s 11,400-acre St. Vincent Island, you may apply for primitive weapons hunts for the exotic and enormous sambar deer. It’s $5 to apply, and $37.50 to buy the permit should you get drawn.

Lower Suwannee, in Dixie and Levy counties, has a $15 permit you may purchase that allows you to hunt the entire fall and spring season on the 53,000-acre refuge. You may purchase this permit anytime between May 15 and up to the last day of spring turkey season.

Whether it’s a gator permit you want, or a fall quota, special-opportunity or refuge hunt that you’re after – or all of the above – don’t forget to apply in May!

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 42

Wade Childress with a spring turkey havested on private land.

This is one happy young lady with her first turkey she harvested in the Volusia County area.

Hunter safety internet-completion courses offered in May

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering free hunter safety internetcompletion courses in four counties in May (list follows).

Students who have taken the online course and wish to complete the classroom portion must bring the onlinecompletion report with them.

All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper.

An adult must accompany children younger than 16 at all times.

Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.

The dates and times are: Baker May 5 (8 a.m. until noon) Macclenny and (1 p.m. until complete) Lake City Columbia May 12 Women’s Class (8 a.m. until complete) Lake City Duval May 24 (6 to 9 p.m.) and May 26 (8:30 a.m. until noon) Jacksonville Nassau May 5 (8 a.m. until noon) Callahan and (1 to 3 p.m.) Bryceville Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes at MyFWC.com/HunterSafety or by calling the FWC’s regional office in Lake City at 386-758-0525.

Blake Rogers harvested this impressive 15 point from a family farm in Southeast Ohio.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 43

Go hog wild this spring and summer!

By Tony Young Did you know the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers late spring and summer hog hunts on several wildlife management areas across the state? And you don’t even need a hunting license to participate in these great opportunities.

Wild hogs, also called wild pigs, wild boars and feral pigs, are not native to Florida but were introduced over 500 years ago by Spanish explorers. They can be found in all of Florida’s 67 counties within a wide variety of habitats, but prefer oak-cabbage palm hammocks, freshwater marshes, sloughs and pine flatwoods.

Nick Zona harvested this turkey with a 8” beard from the Samsula area.

Wild hogs are not protected by law as a game species but are the second most popular large animal hunted in Florida (second only to the white-tailed deer). Wild hogs can weigh more than 150 pounds and be 5-6 feet long. They eat plants and animals, and feed by rooting with their broad snouts, which can damage native habitats and ground cover vegetation. It’s easy to spot where hogs have been because they often leave areas looking like plowed fields.

Because of their destructive nature and prolific breeding, and because hunters want more hog hunting opportunities, the FWC, along with help from other public land managers, have been establishing more hog hunts over the past few years. This spring and summer, there will be numerous hog hunts (mostly on weekends) on several WMAs – two of which kick off this month, with the majority of these hunts starting in May. Some offer still hunting for hogs during daylight hours, others are nighttime hog-dog hunts – and half of them offer both.

Most of the areas are walk-in and don’t require a quota permit.

All that is needed to hunt hogs on the following areas during these listed spring and summer dates is a $26.50 management area permit, which can be purchased in Florida at county tax collectors’ offices and at most retail outlets that sell hunting/fishing supplies, and with a credit card by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356) or at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

But before you go, be sure to go online at MyFWC.com/ WMAbrochures and check out the area’s regulations brochure to find out all the specific details on the hunt, including access, allowable methods of take, hunting hours, rules on camping and more.

Joey Tomazin harvested this turkey with a 9” beard from the Samsula area.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 44

HICKLING FEED

Full Line Of Feed

Tiffany Richardson harvested her first turkey on her family’s property in Pierson.

Custom Mixed-Bag or Bulk Whole Corn Apple Flavored

50# FRM Dog Food $19.00

Whole Corn $8.50

50# Horse Feed 10% $10.65 549 N. Samsula Dr. New Smyrna Beach, Fl. 32168

386-427-7370

Artisit Rick Hardy 386-228-3525

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 45

40’ Custom Sportfisher

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Docked in New Smyrna Beach at The River Deck Marina

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Everything is furnished except food and drink. 20% gratuity is appreciated on a job well done!

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 46

SSFHMagazine May/June 2018 Page 47

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