SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020

Jan/Feb 2020

LOCAL

• Fishing Reports • Tide Tables • Feeding Times • News & Events • Tournaments • Hunting News

FREE Since 1965

THE PIERFECT MEAL AWAITS YOU WHILE YOU ESCAPE TO UNBELIEVABLE VIEWS AND TERRIFIC FISHING!

FISHING PIER AMENTITIES • Open Sunrise til 9pm Daily • Bait Shack • Fish Cleaning Areas • Well Lighted Benches, Seats • Fishing Pole Rentals • Frozen Baits

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SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 2

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NEW Surplus Items Added to the Tent Sale!

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AT 82 JACK’S SPLICE IS NICE AND HIS PRICES ARE RIGHT!

W ELRY E N EW J & R CO E D

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 4

Consoles, Leaning Post and Dockladders in stock! while quantities last!

Cleaning Supplies from top to bottom!

Hatches Galore!

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386-252-5019 • www.surplusunlimited.com 613 International Speedway Blvd. West • Daytona Beach

Store Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F • 9-4 Sat • Closed Sunday SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 5

VOLUSIA COUNTY

By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins

P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32127 386-478-3725 Email sfandginc@yahoo.com

Published By: Desiree’ Harbster In memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009 Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018

WRITERS:

Desiree’ Harbster ~ FOWA Capt. Lynda Hawkins Capt. Billy Pettigrew Tony Young-FWC Tim Camp

Front Captions David and his daughter Kara from Lake Mary had a good day on the water. This was Davids first snook.

Alex caught this bass using an 1/8 ounce Road Runner Marabou Jig while fishing with Capt Debbie Hanson.

Southern States Fishn’ & Huntn’ Magazine 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. Magazine retains reprint rights on articles and photo’s forever. 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. 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.

Get Caught Up with Caught Up Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida To plan your best day ever with Captain Bruno, book the ultimate fishing or boating charter adventure CALL 386-689-7409 CaughtUpFishingCharters@yahoo.com Get stoked on Caught Up blog pages, Facebook @BrianBrunoImbrunone, Instagram @CaughtUpFishing Fish the Redfish Capital of the World in the pristine waters of New Smyrna Beach, just south of Daytona Beach. With Caught Up Fishing Charters, you wet a line in 20 minutes and with Captain Bruno at the helm, plan to be reeling in the abundance of fish shortly after. Captain Bruno stays Caught Up on what fish are running and where so he can put clients on fish in the hot spots of the day. Captain Bruno makes it happen to land fish on light tackle making it tough but fun with step by step coaching by one of the most respected local captains.

PLAN YOUR CHARTER Caught Up provides bait, tackle, rods, fishing license, and a guaranteed fun time! A cooler is provided with waters and ice for use on the boat.

BRING TO THE CHARTER Guests can bring a cooler with beverages and food.

Guests should put on sunscreen before getting on the boat. Remember sunglasses, hats and cameras or smart phones to record your best day ever!

LEARN FISHING TIPS Captain Bruno will teach you the proper techniques to catch and land a fish. Regardless of your experience or skill level, he will give you information to help you become a better angler.

HOOK AND COOK Some fish are for catch and release. For legal, edible fish, Captain Bruno will clean and properly bag fish filets to take home, or he can recommend local restaurants that will prepare the fish. He can recommend the best venues for happy hours, sunsets and music, too!

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 6

FWC approves changes to spotted seatrout rules At its meeting in Panama City Beach, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved several rule changes for spotted seatrout. Spotted seatrout are one of Florida’s most popular inshore fisheries. Based on the results of a recent stock assessment and after hearing concerns from anglers, FWC worked with stakeholders to create a suite of regulatory changes that would benefit the spotted seatrout as well as continue to provide quality fishing opportunities.

The following rules will go into effect Feb. 1, 2020 •Creating two new zones by splitting the Northwest spotted seatrout management zone into the: *Western Panhandle (Escambia County through the portions of Gulf County west of longitude 85 degrees, 13.76 minutes but NOT including Indian Pass/Indian Lagoon). *Big Bend (remaining portion of Gulf County plus Indian Lagoon, and Franklin County through Fred Howard Park Causeway in Pinellas County).

•Creating the renamed South Florida zone (Fred Howard Park Causeway in Pinellas County near the Pasco County line through Broward County) and Central East zone (Palm Beach through Volusia counties) by moving the boundary between the southern management zones.

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Reducing bag limits •Western Panhandle: five to three fish.

•Big Bend: no change (remains five fish).

•South Florida: four to three fish.

•Central East: four to two fish.

•Northeast: six to five fish. *Modifying the recreational slot size limit from 15-to-20 inches to 15-to-19 inches total length.

Cont on next page

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 Jan/Feb 2020 Page 7

*Allowing one seatrout over 19 inches per vessel (currently per harvester).

•Prohibiting captain and crew from keeping a bag limit on a for-hire trip.

•Re-establishing the February recreational closure in the Western Panhandle zone and the NovemberDecember recreational closure in the Central East zone.

•Reducing the current daily commercial limits to 50 per harvester and 100 per vessel.

•Removing an unnecessary commercial reporting form.

Spotted seatrout will remain catch-andrelease through May 31, 2020, in waters from the Hernando/Pasco county line south through Gordon Pass in Collier County. This includes all waters of Tampa Bay. Red drum and snook are also included in these red tide-related catchand-release measures.

Expires 06/15/2020

Learn more about spotted seatrout by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Spotted Seatrout.”

Coupon Good for all in Party

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Call For Reservations, Details & Trip Times

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

386•763•4388 SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 8

OFFSHORE AND INSHORE TACKLE EXPERT ROD AND REEL REPAIR AYS LIVE AND FROZEN BAIT N7D

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E FRE E C I ADV

Happy clients of Capt. Matt Lee of Code Red Fishing Charters. From top to bottom three redfish a yellowtail jack and a spotted sea trout.

S EEL S ~ R LE ROD ~ TACK AIR P BAIT EEL RE R & ROD

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3514 S. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach Shores SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 9

OVERLOOKING THE SCENIC WATER OF PONCE DE LEON INLET Serving Fresh Seafood & Fine Steaks Daily Accessible By Floating Docks A Locals Favorite Dine Inside Along The Halifax River

4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet 386-761-4831 www.downthehatchseafood.com

HOME TO THE

Country Store

1871 West Hwy 44 Deland, Florida

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

Regina Vance caught this black drum on the Dunlawton relief bridge using bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle.

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Big and bigger mango snappers caught Topless Hooker style with Bubba Texter and friend.

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“Your Surf Fishing Headquarters”

“FREE” Lighted Fishing Pier for Night Time Enjoyment SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 10

Pier fishing does not get any better than this! Lenny Glover with one of many redfish caught off the Sunglow Pier using bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Boat Rentals

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www.gerrysmarina.net Attention Florida Anglers! Import and significant changes in the spotted seatrout regulations are slated to take effect February 1, 2020. Do you have an up-to-date folding ruler, boat ruler decal, or fish identification chart in your tackle box or on your boat?

Several products made by Tackle Box I.D Products fill the need for a handy and convenient resource to aid anglers in identifying what they’ve caught and helping them learn the current rules associated with that species at the same time.

One of them is the Florida Saltwater Fish Jumbo Edition fish identification card. It shows 59 commonly caught Florida saltwater fish in high resolution photographs for easy, at-a-glance identification. Just beneath each photograph are the basic current FWC regulations associated with the species. The laminated 8 1⁄2” x 11” card shows not only regulated species like red drum, spotted seatrout, and snook, but also but also unregulated species such as whiting and crevalle jack which are equally important to know. Updated with the new Feb 1, 2020 spotted seatrout size, bag limits, seasons, and management zones.

The Tackle Box I.D. concept was created by Eric Sander who is an avid fisherman himself and a former research biologist for FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The FWC regulation book does not show you how to identify a spot or croaker or whiting. This one card does. Now there is no need to carry anything else out with you.

Part of a three-card set, the Florida Saltwater Fish Jumbo Edition fish identification card can be found at

Amazon.com (search Tackle Box I.D.) SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 11

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Eastern caught this stringer on bait from E & J Bait & Tackle.

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Joseph caught this snook off the pier at the Ponce Inlet jetties using bait from E & J Bait & Tackle.

Tara with a sheepshead caught on shrimp from E & J Bait & Tackle.

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SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 12

Rusty caught this flounder on bait from E & J Bait & Tackle.

We are Celebrating 46 Years of Award-Winning Sales & Service

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2340 International Speedway Hwy 92 Deland Fl. SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 13

Large Selection of Used Trailers

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides January 2020 Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Live Shrimp 50-$12.99 (per customer)

Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead!

Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm/Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm

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

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 14

New Smyrna Outfitters 223A Canal St. New Smyrna Beach

386-402-8853 • NewSmyrnaOutfitters.com • Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Closed Sunday OWNED BY THIRD GENERATION FISHERMAN CODY MOORE

INSHORE • OFFSHORE • FLY FISHING • APPAREL

New Smyrna Outfitters now specializes in offshore bait and tackle as well as clothing, fly fishing and inshore tackle. We have the equipment, knowledge and experience to guide you through any type of fishing you enjoy. Come see our new and improved store.

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BOOK NOW!! Capt. TJ 386-405-7894 www.reelstrungoutfishingcharters.com SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 15

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides February 2020 Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Live Shrimp 50-$12.99 (per customer)

Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead!

Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm/Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm

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

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 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

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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 By: FW#203 Lake George Roger S. Harbster FW#204 Lake George to Jacksonville Over 40 years of FW#205 Lake Crescent knowledge!

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

Special Rate Expires Feb 29, 2020

Regular price: $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 Jan/Feb 2020 Page 17

Code Red Fishing Charters Capt. Matt Lee 386-214-3530

www.CodeRedFishingCharters.net

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 18

BREVARD COUNTY

By: Tim Camp

Hello again from Brevard County!

As you have probably noticed by now, It’s that time of year again, were we as locals embrace the teeth chattering wind chill of 61 degrees, the leaves for the most part need not to change colors, the license plates do that for them. As much as I poke fun of our seemingly “gold rush to Florida” visitors, I do always take time to marvel at how these two “birds” have the exact same barometric clock of some kind, but in all reality it’s wonderful to hear the honking of my local geese on their way to and from their “winter pad”. And with all this migration talk you can’t help but notice all the success these waterfowl hunters are having out at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Duck hunters young and old are out there in the wee hours of the morning to get to their favorite hideouts to pluck that next wall hanger out of the sky. That’s right fellas (and ladies) The Sky!!... no water whackin you sky blasters! lol :) Well along with this chill in the air the waters are slowly dropping in temps. With this, the beach fishing has been doing great recently with reports of numerous pulls of Pompano and Whiting using shrimp and sand fleas with a pompano rig set up. Also inshore the Redfish and Black Drum are still just as hungry as before, and of course this time of year brings all of our Speck fisherman out from the wood works. Still a little early in the season however as I have not seen any limits taken yet out of Lake Harney.

Welp that’s about all she wrote for this time so I will leave you with a Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays, and I’ll see ya next year! Until next time.

And the winner of the $20.00 gift card from D & E Outdoors is Kaitlynn Rankin with her biggest buck (might help she’s wearing our True value hat) just saying!!

High Tines, & Tight lines Tim Camp

Marine Artist Rick Hardy 386-228-3525

2800 US 1 Mims 321-264-3173

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

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 19

FRESHWATER FREELINE The Fishing Book This book can be purchased at Williams Tackle in Holly Hill.

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 Spots.

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

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

NEW YEAR SPECIAL $5.00 EACH

Includes S & H + Sales Tax Regular Price $7.95

Name___________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip___________

Special Rate Expires Feb 29, 2020

Send check or money order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002 Port Orange, Fl. 32128 SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 20

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

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SOUTHEASTERN TACKLE SHOP SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 21

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SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 22

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SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 23

PUTNAM COUNTY MESSER’S EAST-WEST BAIT & TACKLE @386-328-4035 Jimmy tells us Rodman is on drawdown so everyone is catching lots of specks. Specks are also coming out of Dunn’s Creek. A few stripers and redfish are also being caught.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

BASS WORLD LODGE @866-522-FISH (3474) Reports the water is still very high right now. Mark and Blonde have been fishing Little Lake George catching some nice bass and stripers using crank baits.

One of their fishermen from Georgia caught some nice catfish during their stay.

GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE @386-467-2002 Justin tells us they are doing well catching speckled perch using minnows and also jigging around the docks. Largemouth are being caught around the docks while fishing for specks. Bass fishing has been decent using artificial. They are still catching bluegill and shellcracker in the canals using crickets, and also getting some nice catfish.

WELAKA FISH & CRAB @386-4679776 is located across the street from Welaka Marine on Walnut Street. Stop in to get some fresh seafood for dinner.

They also carry Appalachicola & Cedar Key Oysters.

This 7 pound 11 oz bass was caught

by Scott Wahlberg.

Cyd Dunn caught this nice bass from the Apopka Chain.

MESSER’S

WEST SIDE BAIT & TACKLE

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SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 24

POLK COUNTY

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

From tarpon to bass, there’s nothing off limits when kayak fishing Kayak fishing is a growing sport and it’s easy to see why. Kayaks are nimble, less expensive than most motorized boats and provide access to places even the best casts from land just can’t reach.

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation confirms that kayaks are the most popular type of boat for Americans to own and that the number of people participating in kayak fishing has gone up in the past six years.

But those who love the sport say kayak fishing is more than just a quick and less expensive way to get on the water.

“You are more in tune with what is going on,” said avid kayak angler Tony Hart, who runs YakOutlaws.com, a website dedicated to all things kayak fishing and stand up paddleboard angling. “The slower approach gives you an opportunity to take in more. It’s almost as though you become a part of what’s around you.”

“Because you are so low in the water, there is this sense of vulnerability when you start fishing, but you also have this feeling of freedom and accomplishment, blood, sweat and tears,” said Justin Ritchey, who has been kayak fishing for 10-plus years and has competed across Florida and internationally, taking fourth place in the 2014 Hobie Fishing World Championship in Amsterdam.

“I’m very passionate about it, it’s a huge part of my life.”

Interested in kayak fishing? Read on to learn more about why this sport is booming and how you can get in on the action.

Cont on next page

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 25

SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY Access for all Like many kayak anglers, Hart and Ritchey got into kayak fishing for similar reasons: they loved fishing and didn’t have access to a boat.

Ritchey, a fishing manufacturer representative from Orlando, got his start in college renting a two-person kayak for the weekend and asking random classmates to foot the rental fee for time on the water. Ritchey would provide the car, fishing gear and knowledge.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins 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

Hart was fishing from a dock in Jacksonville when he noticed fish off a point too far for him to reach casting. “That’s when two young guys paddled by and I thought, that’s the smartest thing in world,” said Hart. “The next weekend I got two kayaks.”

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

What often gets people into kayak fishing is the ability to access places they just can’t reach from shore.

“You can go anywhere you want with no stress of a motor breaking down or electronic failure,” Ritchey said. “And because you are quiet, you can often get closer than boat anglers can get.” You also can often get in shallower waters than many motorized boats.

Some might be thinking, kayaks are great for seatrout and redfish, but what if I want to catch a monster tarpon or a sailfish?

While what you catch within paddling distance will vary according to where in Florida you are fishing, if you can catch it, your kayak can take it.

“Being able to catch every species from a kayak is personal goal of mine,” said Ritchey, who has personally caught sailfish, blackfin tuna, mutton snapper, kingfish and tarpon from his kayak. “In a boat, when a fish takes a lot of line, you have less control. In a kayak, you might be getting towed, but you are never too far away from the fish, which allows you to get the fish in much faster.”

Cont on next page

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 26

Lund LX200 Fish and Cruise Rigged w/Mercury 115 Sale Price $38,700

Lund 1875 Renegade Bass Boat Rigged w/Mercury 115 Sale Price $30,600

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Ready to get your line wet? Check out these expert tips.

Buying a ‘yak •Don’t be afraid to spend more for quality, safety and access. Ritchey says most kayaks will hold their value, so if you decide kayak fishing is not for you, you should at least be able to get some of your money back.

•Safety is key. Invest in a personal floatation device you will actually wear, carry a whistle or other sound-making device, and establish a float plan or let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.

Cont on next page

Over 200 Trailers in stock!

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

Steve Meadors, President

407-323-8373

Continental Boat Trailers SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 27

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY “Buy a life jacket that fits and is comfortable,” said Hart. “To me that is the biggest thing. Spend the money. Get a PFD that’s going to take care of you.”

Inflatable lifejackets are very comfortable and are gaining popularity as well.

•Try one out. “A lot of outfitters offer demo days,” said Hart, who suggests getting a feel for different types of kayaks before making a purchase.

•With any luck, your paddling hands will be busy reeling in a big one, so look for a kayak with foot propulsion pedals.

•Start with a sit-on-top, which is easier for ocean going trips (and dealing with Florida’s hot summers).

•Accessorize: kayak fishing may have started with nothing more than a pole and boat, but these days anglers can customize for whatever preference or need they have, and we are not just talking cup holders. One of Ritchey’s three kayaks has a livewell, depth finder and a downrigger. Consider having more than one kayak for different types of fishing.

The Gator Den

Mary Weeks Realty, Inc. 25291 NE Hwy 314 Salt Springs, Fl. 32134

352-685-2468

weeksrealty314@earthlink.net www.weeksrealty.com

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

LAND For Sale

•Vacant cleared lot with nice oaks on Little Lake Kerr. $20,000 •Nice lot overlooking protected wetlands. Access to Big Lake Kerr. $16,000 •Pretty lot in the heart of hunting & fishing that backs to the Ocala National Forest. $11,000 •3 wooded lots with Big Lake Kerr access. Can be purchased separately $9,500 each.

•Beautiful cleared lot on Lake George gives you access to the intercoastal waterway. $169,500 Where to start •Learn from others. Attend seminars about kayak fishing, find others who kayak fish and ask lots of questions.

•Get started in saltwater by sight-fishing in shallower water, two feet or less, or try bass fishing at a local pond or lake.

Cont on next page

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 Jan/Feb 2020 Page 28

The key is to look for places without a ton of current to contend with until you get used to the feel.

•Concerned about tipping? Try to keep the fish off the front of your kayak, which is the best and most comfortable way to fight a fish.

Make it a lifetime sport •Have kayak, will travel. Florida is bountiful when it comes to different fishing experiences. Strap that kayak securely to the roof of your vehicle and take it with you. You never know what you might catch next.

•Catch a Florida Memory. Add fish to your Saltwater Fish Life List, conquer a Grand Slam or land that Reel Big Fish, all while earning prizes and supporting marine fisheries conservation. Submit catches on com.

•Bring the family. Kayaks come in all kinds of sizes and make for a great family outing. Take out those kayaks and build fishing memories that will last a lifetime.

“My fondest memories are when my wife, kids and I all go out together,” Hart said, referring to his two young sons.

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

ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT @352-489-2397 John tells us the specks have turned on and are being caught using minnows. Lake Rousseau is producing some good ones also in the river along with bass on shiners and artifical baits.

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.

APOPKA MARINE @352-726-7773 Joe Invites all of you to their Open House Feb. 22 and Feb 23rd. This is a fun day for everyone so stop in to visit and check out their beautiful boats. The Inverness Big Bass Classic will be held March 21, 2020 at Wallace Brooks Park from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. They will also have a junior angler boat giveaway. This boat is a beautiful G3 Boat Package.

The ORIGINAL 1st TRACKER Dealer!

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 29

LAKE COUNTY BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE @ 352-267-0062 reports they are catching crappie right now out of the Harris Chain. Lake Griffin and Lake Eustis are very productive for bass fishing a plastic worm in dark colors is working well.

Either swimming it or fishing on the bottom as slow as you can go.

The baits that are working well for my customers are drop shots with a Junebug 4 inch worm, watermelon red Producto’s Hot Rod fished weightless and of course shiners, (freelined and with bobbers).

The local small lakes are producing some nice sized bass. 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) or a white and chartreuse spinner bait reeled in as slowly as possible, are both working quite well.

Jake at ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE @352-759-2600 tells us that crappie are starting to bite out of both the St. John’s River and the local lakes. Jigs and minnows are both working well. They have a new line of jigs, Gill Reaper lures which are working well right now.

He has set up a station where you can build your own jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and chatterbaits. Be sure to check out www.outdoorswithJake.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.

Bill at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE @352-460-0695 said they are catching some specks on the Harris chain using minnows and jigs. Robert Cain and Ben Hall caught 46 and on another day they caught 35. Big Lake Harris is producing some nice ones. Rat-L-Traps and chatter baits are producing some nice bass on the chain.

Natalie and Bill caught some redfish at Crystal River recently but the trout fishing was really slow. Brookers has a well stocked shop and expert knowledge on the current fishing, both freshwater and saltwater. They also carry frozen salt water bait.

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

Shri

Saturd mpFest ays-1/2 p $12.99 ound 901 Lakeshore Blvd. Tavares, Fl. 32778 Yo On the East Shore of Lake Eustis

352-742-4400

ur way

with 3

sides!

Glen of TYRE & TAYLOR REALTY, Inc. @(352) 483-1000 has a beautiful Canal lot which would be ideal for small development. For more information give him a call.

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. Stop in and visit with them, they have the friendliest staff imaginable.

Robert, Dale and Ben from KY caught 50 specks from Lake Harris using bait from Brookers Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.

ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE

•OUTDOOR ARCHERY RANGE

Live Bait SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 30

•ARCHERY ACCESSORIES

frontstreetbait.com@kvcom.net

23835 Hwy. 40, Astor Florida

352-759-2600

Sarah from THE CASTAWAYS ON THE RIVER @352-759-3422 tells us they are catching some specks out of the River, Lake Dexter and Lake Woodriff.

For a wonderful get away you should try Castaways which is comfortable, clean and surrounded with natural beauty, the rooms are well maintained and the staff is extremely polite and helpful. Good food and a beautiful view of the St. John’s are within walking distance of the units. You can park your boat in their boat slips which are conveniently located close to your room and easily accessible.

Georgia from ASTOR MARINE @352759-3655 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 and offer great customer service.

Jim from FISH CAMP ON LAKE EUSTIS @352-742-4400 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 & Tackle and are easy to find from the water or the highway. Lunch or dinner at FISH CAMP on LAKE EUSTIS is an excellent choice. On Saturdays they do a 1⁄2 pound ShrimpFest fixed your way with 3 sides for only $12.99. On Sunday they have Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for $2.99.

Captain John and Jo Anne of TOW BOAT U.S. @407-929-2740 are always on call 24/7 to assist boaters on the Harris Chain of Lakes. They live on the chain which makes the response time so much quicker as they don’t have to launch a boat since it is parked in the water and ready to go in a flash. Towboat US will help any boater who has a breakdown, needs a jump start, runs out of fuel or needs help getting off a sandbar anywhere on the entire Harris Chain of Lakes. You can call them or reach them on VHF Channel 16. Super nice people and the price is right for this much needed service.

Joey doing what he loves to do. Nice bass photo courtesy of Bass N Gal Guide Service.

Beautiful Agricultural Land with CR 448 and Apopka-Beauclair Canal frontage (2,300 feet).

Ideal for small development or mini-farm.

Near Orange County Great Investment Make offer $875,000 Call Realtor Glenn Tyre 352-636-0937

www.blackwaterinn.com

“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 SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 31

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.

Daily Lunch Specials ~ Munchies & Starters ~ Sandwiches & Fun

55716 Front St. Astor

Harris Chain of Lakes Towing and Recovery

Captain John Davis Membership and Unlimited Towing Services

MAPS • REFERRALS • FUEL • BOAT SLIPS

towboatlakeharris@gmail.com (407) 929-2740 BoatU.S. 24 Hr. Dispatch (800) 391-4869 • VHF CH 16 TowBoatU.S.

BROOKER

BAIT & TACKLE

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

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

LAND For Sale

LAND For Sale

•Vacant cleared lot with nice oaks on Little Lake Kerr. $20,000 •Nice lot overlooking protected wetlands.

Access to Big Lake Kerr. $16,000

•Beautiful cleared lot on Lake George gives you access to the intercoastal waterway. $169,500

•Pretty lot in the heart of hunting & fishing that backs to the Ocala National Forest. $11,000

For more information call Mary Weeks Realty 352-685-2468

For more information call Mary Weeks Realty 352-685-2468

Astor/Pierson Citgo

Florida’s Largest Volume Pontoon Dealer All 2018 Models On Sale 2019 Models In Stock

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

Debbie Cox caught and released this 5 pound bass from the Groveland area. Photo courtesy of Bass N Gal Guide Service.

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 32

Sales & Service 352-759-3655

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

24535 HWY. 40, Astor, Fl 32102

386-228-3525

Russ Dulaney of Astor caught and released this bass while fishing on Lake Wildcat. It weighed in a 6.8 pounds and measured 23� long.

Bass N Gal Guide Service *Central Florida Lakes* *PRIVATE LAKES*

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

Capt. Lynda Hawkins Over 30 Years Experience SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 33

TOURNAMENT NEWS

H

alifax Sport Fishing Club tournament dates are set for 2020. Our 20th Annual Offshore Challenge is March 21-April 4, 31st Annual Lady Anglers Tournament is June 6 and the first time ever Kayak Tournament is August 8.

Some other notables HSFC happening’s in January are; HSFC General Meeting and Seminar at 6:30pm on Thursday January 16th with a special guest speaker from Millie’s Restaurant Owner/Chief Chris Chibbaro. Topic: -How to prepare Your Catch. Then on Saturday, January 18th from 9:00am to 1:00 pm The Halifax Sport Fishing Club will be hosting a Fishing Workshop. Every hour there will be a different guest speaker covering inshore, offshore, surf, and kayak fishing. There will also be cast netting with hands on demonstrations. Coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning.

The club will also have a Kid’s Can Fish Too clinic outdoors from 9:00am till noon. The event will be a carnival style teaching clinic with games and prizes. Sign-ups are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.

Both events are free. Check Facebook and our website for more details. The events will be held at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange. RSVP to David Rittweger for Rookie Day at (386) 334-9038 or online at programs@hsfc.com and Gina Perri Hesch at (505) 709-8413 for the kids clinic or kidscanfishtoo@hsfc.com.

Bass fishing tournament with $1,000 hourly payouts!

Watch the fishing action on Lake Henderson drawing anglers from the southeast. It will be a day filled with impressive weigh-ins and steep competition for the $1,000 hourly prize.

Apopka Marine hosts the Junior Angler Boat giveaway at the event, where any youth under the age of 18 may enter to win.

Event Day Information Check in at the park between 6am-6:55 am to get your boat number and bag from Apopka Marine. Captain’s Meeting will be held on the water with the tournament director over a sound system. $1,000 Hourly Payout Additional $1,000 for the biggest catch of the day Additional $1,000 for the biggest bag of the day Additional $1,000 lady angler Payouts available with Apopka Marine and Skeeter Real Money Programs!

Weigh-in Schedule Provide your cell phone number during registration for text updates.

HOUR 1 [9-10 AM] $1,000.00 HOUR 2 [10-11 AM] $1,000.00 HOUR 3 [11AM -12 PM] $1,000.00 HOUR 4 [12-1 PM] $1,000.00 HOUR 5 [1-2 PM] $1,000.00 HOUR 6 [2-3 PM] $1,000.00 BIG BASS OF DAY $1,000.00 BIGGEST BAG OF DAY $1,000.00 LADY ANGLER BIGGEST BAG $1,000.00 SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 34

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 35

FISHING & HUNTING BRAGGING BOARD

Walker Gardner and dad Kamron with a kingfish caught out of Ponce Inlet aboard the Trimmed Out.

Kaiden Kish and Bryar Lucas making a lifetime of memories hunting together in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.

Olivia 11 years old with a big trout caught while fishing the Mosquito Lagoon area with Capt Patrick Preston.

Kayden Cairns with a nice buck.

Ryan Velton with his two kids fishing out of the Indian River.

Donnie Lucas and son Bryar hunting together in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.

Teach a kid to Fish & Hunt so they can teach their kids!

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 36

Legacy Datil Pepper Sauce Finds Its Roots in New Smyrna

By Wiley R. Drum

Several theories exist about the origin of the datil pepper and how it found its way to the shores of east Florida. Some have its origins from Cuba or South America. Others say its source was with the Timucua Indians who used the pepper for dietary and ceremonial purposes. Although these hypotheses have some veracity, the most popular version is this very hot fruity tasting pepper’s true origin is from the Mediterranean island of Minorca.

In 1778 Dr. Andrew Turnbull organized the largest attempted at British colonization in the new world with the settlement of New Smyrna, named in honor of his wife’s birthplace, the ancient city of Smyrna positioned on the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia. Located in the British province of East Florida Turnbull was granted 40,000 acres of land with the requirement it be settled in ten years in the portion of one man per 100 acers. This agreement was three times larger than the Jamestown settlement. After securing the grant from Governor James Grant of St Augustine in 1765 and financial support British Government Turnbull sailed a fleet of ships to the Mediterranean and recruited over 1400 indentured servants from various Mediterranean countries with the majority coming from the island of Menorca.

Of the 1400 who set sail for Florida only 1255 survived the voyage, and over the next 9 years their suffering continued. While Turnbull’s settlement eventually succeeded in growing crops of quality indigo, hemp and sugarcane to make rum the colonist suffered major losses due to insect-borne diseases and native American Indian raids. Their neglect and mistreatment continued as tensions grew between Turnbull and the colonist, and in 1777 the remaining 700 immigrants marched north up the beach seeking sanctuary in St Augustine permanently abandoning New Smyrna.

Legend has it, a small number of colonist escaped their arrangement migrating south instead of north and settled on the banks of a secluded, mystic springfed stream called Happy Creek. There they remained in seclusion living and flourishing off the land and water on a diet of mullet, turtle, sea cow, gator and deer, and of course spiced up with the datil pepper. Their lives were not simple by any means, but they were free of their bond and content with their lifestyle. Over the years the settlement grew until like many other settlement of squatters in Florida, their homes, land and lifestyle were eliminated by the State of Florida in the name of progress, conservation and eminent domain.

Although the settlement of Happy Creek is no more, its descendants and traditions remain.

Where is Happy Creek? No one really knows, but the recipe for this unique sweet datil pepper sauce has been passed down from generation to generation, making Happy Creek Pepper Datil Sauce a truly authentic Florida local flavor.

In an effort to preserve and share this unique small batch craft hot sauce, Captain Tom Van Horn established the Captain Tom’s Datil Sauce brand beginning commercial production on October 1, 2019. “The recipe for this unique local flavor is not mine, it’s a legacy sauce bestowed to me from a descendent of the original settlers of Happy Creek”, said Captain Tom. He went on to say,” the secret is in the sweet and fruity flavor of the datil pepper, which I grow myself in my backyard in Chuluota, Florida”. If you enjoy sweet and spicy flavors, you will enjoy this unique heritage sauce with its origin in New Smyrna.

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 37

1 year Subscription (6 issues) mailed directly to you for only $20!

Each issue contains 2 months of Ponce Inlet tide tables and best feeding times.

Stay Up To Date on Fishing and Hunting Florida.

Name____________________________________________________ Mailing Address___________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip____________ Send check or money order to: SSFHMagazine P.O. Box 290002, Port Orange Fl. 32128

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 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 Jan/Feb 2020 Page 39

Hunting News

By Tony Young

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

Florida providing hunters with exciting wingshooting opportunities.

Ready for something new?

Try snipe hunting!

The folklore surrounding snipe hunting as a practical joke played on gullible, inexperienced campers has been around for so long that some people don’t realize snipe are real birds. But they are! This migratory bird overwinters in balmy

In addition to preferring warm weather, snipe need vast amounts of wetland habitat and moist soil. So, it’s no wonder hunters in Florida generally harvest more snipe than any other state, and by a good margin.

“There are so many great reasons to hunt snipe,” said Mark McBride, biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “In areas of good habitat, snipe will be numerous, allowing for lots of action. They present a challenge because they are small birds and quick, erratic fliers. Only minimal hunting gear is needed, and they taste great.”

Snipe season in Florida always runs Nov. 1 – Feb. 15, and there are several wildlife management areas in central and south Florida that offer good snipe hunting opportunities. The best snipe hunting WMAs contain wetlands with low cover around the edges, and the banks along Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee and St. John’s rivers are traditional snipe hunting hotbeds.

“Snipe prefer shallow flooded areas like river floodplains, shallow flooded pastures and around the edges of large lakes,” McBride said. “Spend a little time on Google Earth looking for these habitats and then go out and walk around some of the wetland spots you pick out – and if you find one snipe there’s a good chance there are many more.”

Hunters should note that habitat conditions for snipe can change with periods of rain or drought and snipe will respond to these changes.

“Wet winters often spread snipe out and you may have to do more walking to find birds, but snipe will also move in quickly to newly flooded areas,” McBride said.

“However, the best hunting is during dry periods when snipe are more concentrated in and around most any shallow water you find.”

You may legally shoot snipe from a half-hour before sunrise until sunset, but McBride prefers hunting them in the morning when it is cooler and more comfortable. He also recommends waiting until sunrise, so the birds are more visible.

A dog can be helpful in finding downed birds but is not necessary as long as you pay close attention and have a good visual mark of where the bird went down, McBride said.

“It’s similar to quail hunting, and if you hunt alongside others, it can be very social and you can kick up more birds that way,” McBride said. “But you can also hunt alone and it’s a great way to exercise because snipe hunting entails a lot of walking.

“Snipe fly low to the ground and they get up fast, much like quail. However, snipe fly more erratic and twist and change direction more quickly.”

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 40

A hunting license and no-cost migratory bird permit are required to hunt snipe, and a $26 management area permit is also needed when hunting on a WMA. Those can be obtained at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or at tax collector offices and at most places that sell hunting and fishing supplies.

Not much gear is required when snipe hunting, and most hunters choose #8 or #9 shot size in their shotguns. However, because snipe are migratory game birds, all shotguns must be plugged to a threeshell capacity.

“You can wear camo when snipe hunting but it’s not necessary,” McBride said. “I mostly wear dark-green or brown earthtone colored shirt and pants, but kneehigh rubber boots are a must.”

McBride said snipe hunters need good species identification skills, as there are many similar-looking shorebirds that can be mistaken for snipe. The daily bag limit on snipe is eight and McBride said they are quite tasty.

“Snipe are good table fare – their breast is about the same size as a dove’s and the meat is slightly darker,” McBride said.

“My favorite way of cooking snipe is on the grill wrapped in bacon, but I also love making a snipe pot pie and having it in fajitas.”

Judy Bartoletti bagged this nice 9 point with a Muzzleloader while hunting at Smokey Hunt Club.

Photo to the right: Brennon and Rylee with an 8 point harvested by Mark Severance in Mims with their hounds.

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 41

HUNTING BRAGGING BOARD

Luke Denman

Hannah Zona harvested this Georgia buck while hunting with her grandfather at his farm.

AJ Stover and his son Liam

To see your photo here please send your photos to sfandginc@yahoo.com include names, species, size and location caught.

Photo to the left is Brandon Allen with a huge Illinois buck.

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 42

Kyle Violette filled two gator tags in Brevard County with the biggest measuring in at 10’8�

Brennon Morton 12 years old harvested this South Georgia 8 point.

RickTrussell bagged this 8 point from Georgia.

Juston Garrett bagged this buck while hunting the North Georgia area.

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 43

HICKLING FEED

Full Line Of Feed Custom Feeds

Chicken~Hog~Horse~Cow

Deer Corn $8.00 50# Pride Dog Food $25.50 50#

549 N. Samsula Dr. New Smyrna Beach, Fl. 32168

386-427-7370

HOLLOW POINT BEEF JERKY To Try Some visit

WWW.HOLLOWPOINTJERKY.COM

and visit one of their local retail stores.

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 44

BEST FEEDING TIMES FOR FISH AND GAME

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 45

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 46

Wallace Brooks Park

SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2020 Page 47

YAMAHA

SUZUKI

KAWASAKI

HONDA