SSFHMagazine May/June 2020

May/June 2020

FREE Since 1965

LOCAL

• Fishing Reports • Tide Tables • Feeding Times • News & Events • Hunting News • Tournaments 2020

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

3701 South Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach • 386-756-4219

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 2

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 2020 Page 3

Any size Star Tron (except 1 oz) Any size of the following products: • Star Brite Bottom Cleaner •Star Brite Waterproofing •Star Brite 2-Cycle Engine Oil TC-W3 •Star Brite Black Streak Remover •Star Brite Snappy Teak Kit •Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner •Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover •Star Brite Rust Stain Remover •Star Brite Bilge Cleaner Mail-in Only!! $5.00 rebate offer limit 1 rebate per item per household.

Ask cashier for rebate coupons at checkout.

NEW Nautical Decor arriving soon!

Seachoice Marine Radio Package Bluetooth $74.95 Speakers (set of 2) $25.95

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 4

Dock Boxes Leaning Post Center Consoles Arriving in June!

NEW Sterling Silver and Nautical Jewelry has arrived!

Where You’ll Never “Sea” it all on one voyage....

• Steering • Trailer Parts • Stainless Hardware • Control Cables (Mercury Generation II)

• Cleaning Supplies • Safety Equipment • Electronics • Dock Lines • Nautical Decor

• Tires/Rims • Batteries • Seats/Pedastals • Hatches • Zincs • Anchors • Chain • Jewelry • Head Supplies • Cup/Accessory Holders

• Hose • Electrical • Starboard • Boat Fenders • Marine Tinned Wire • LED Lighting • Saltwater Fishing Supplies • Pumps Bilge, Aerator, Washdown, Fresh Water • and so much more.......

We can also do some special order items we do not carry and have them delivered that day or the next day!

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 May/June 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. Bruno Capt. Matt Lee Tony Young-FWC Tim Camp Skye Burkhardt

Front Captions

Ian Doan caught this 104” sailfish weighing approx 70-80 pounds in 320 feet of water. Ian was fishing with Capt Mike Nelson with Knot On Duty Fishing Charters out of Ponce Inlet.

Wyatt Vazquez with a 7 pound bass caught from a private pond in Volusia County.

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.

Caught Up Fishing Charters fishing report by Capt. Bruno Coming into a Summer Flounder bite along with lots of fresh bait moving up the coastline Which means the big fish are showing up. Bull reds, Snook,Tarpon and the big Jacks are some of the targeted species for inshore and nearshore. Along with lots of Sharks!!!

Offshore we are trolling for Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna and a possible Sailfish on the teasers. We are also catching nice King Mackerel on the nearshore sites.

Bottom fishing has been great catching big mangrove snappers, red eyes, trigger fish, and of course Grouper Season just opened for us. Of course the American Red Snapper and the Goliath groupers are always on the list of fun fish to catch and release. Still waiting on Dates to Open Red Snapper.

If you would like to catch on of these wall hangers call today!

386-689-7409 Follow me on Facebook and Instagram

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 6

$595.00

Bonnie with a 20” snapper caught on bait from Donalds Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

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

BOAT TRAILER SERVICE & REPAIRS! • Homesteader • Rance Renegade/Lightning • Anderson Trailers • Bad Boy Mowers • Husqvarna Lawn & Garden Equipment

• Cargo Trailers • Dump Trailers • Utility Trailers • Motorcycle Trailers • Boat Trailers

(386) 317-6295

Frost Milo caught this big redfish on bait from Donalds Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

www.gatorbacktrailer.com 5481 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL 32127

Expert Free Advice & Friendly Service with a smile!!

Our fire fighter and great friend Beau with a multi spotted redfish caught on bait from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

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 2020 Page 7

Tony caught this sheepshead on sandfleas from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Expires 12/15/2020

Doug caught this redfish on a new lure and new Shimano reel from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Coupon Good for all in Party

$5 OFF Regular Adult or Child Ticket

Expires 12/15/20

Call For Reservations, Details & Trip Times

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

386•763•4388 SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 8

Marine Artist Rick Hardy 386-228-3525

Light House Marina

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

E FRE E C I ADV

Happy young lady with a mahi caught with Vulcan Charters out of Ponce Inlet.

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

386-788-2120

3514 S. Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach Shores SSFHMagazine May/June 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

Taylor Hewitt caught this fish on shrimp from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

386-736-4117

www.bobsdiscountmarine.com

Nautic al Gifts Scot caught this fish on shrimp from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Granada Pier

e’s i n Lin ous Fam Dip h Fis

Bait & Tackle Open 7 Days a Week

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

One South Beach St. Ormond Beach

386-676-9078 • www.granadapier.com

“Your Surf Fishing Headquarters”

“FREE” Lighted Fishing Pier for Night Time Enjoyment SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 10

Jim Drake caught this lovely snook on shrimp from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

WET SLIPS Coming Soon!

Contact Lisa to get on the waiting list 386-428-2341 Ext 4

Boat Rentals

Bennington Luxury & Performance

“Consignments Wanted” 2 Yamaha Master Tech’s on site!

Sportsman Premium Bay Boats & Center Consoles

386-428-2341 179 North Causeway New Smyrna Beach

www.gerrysmarina.net

190 Bay Cape Craft w/Yamaha Motor

Attention Saltwater Anglers! Import and significant fishing regulations have taken effect for this fishing season! 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 Saltwater Fish Identification Card three card set. It is available for the Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and South Carolina angler. The cards show commonly caught saltwater fish in high resolution photographs for easy, at-a-glance identification.

Just beneath each photograph are the basic current state fishing 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 newest size limits, bag limits, seasons, and management zones.

There are two smaller, 5” x 7” cards in the set showing common fish and sharks, again, with their current rules.

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 regulation books do 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 Saltwater Fish Jumbo Edition fish identification card can be found at Amazon.com (search Tackle Box I.D.) SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 11

Donations help provide traditional and non-traditional therapies for veterans, first responders, and their families.

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

OFFSHORE AND INSHORE TACKLE EXPERT ROD AND REEL REPAIR S Y A LIVE AND FROZEN BAIT N7D

OPE EEK AW

386-252-9804

450 N. Beach Street • Downtown Daytona Beach 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 2020 Page 12

Liam Kiefer with a hugh flathead catfish and 1 of 3 Hybrid bass he caught in the Panhandle area fishing with his family.

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

386-255-2345

1700 N. Nova Road, Holly Hill

Mon-Fri 8:30am-6pm • Sat 8:30am-5pm • Open 24/7 at AlohaMarine.com

NEW & PRE OWNED BOATS

www.AlohaMarine.com

Florida’s Largest Trailer Dealer

d perate O y l i “Fam 36 years” s er ce for ov & Best Pri uality Top Q

B & G TRAILERS INC. 386-734-5244 • www.bgtrailers.com

2340 International Speedway Hwy 92 Deland Fl. SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 13

Trade Ins Welcome!

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides May 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 May/June 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.

Spiny Lobster Sport Season Season:July 29-30, 2020

(last consecutive Wed and Thur of July each year) •Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park; 12 per person for rest of Florida •Possession limit on the water: equal to the daily bag limit •Possession limit off the water: equal to the daily bag limit on the first day and double the daily bag limit on the second day •Possession limits are enforced on and off the water.

•Minimum Size Limit: Carapace must be larger than 3”, measured in the water. •Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times.

•Night Diving: Prohibited in Monroe County (ONLY during sport season) Diving is defined as swimming at or below the surface of the water.

•Harvest of lobster is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season and in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary during both the 2-day sport season and regular season

Regular Spiny Lobster Season Aug. 6-March 31

•Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person •Possession limit on the water: Equal to the daily bag limit •Minimum Size Limit: Carapace must be larger than 3”, measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times.

•Harvest of lobster is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season and in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary during both the 2-day sport season and regular season.

Other Prohibitions

•Unless exempt, a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobster •Lobster must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters.

•The harvest or possession of eggbearing spiny lobster, or any other eggbearing species of lobster belonging to the families Palinuridae (spiny lobsters), Scyllaridae (slipper lobsters) or Synaxidae (furry lobsters) is prohibited •No person shall harvest or attempt to harvest spiny lobster using any device which will or could puncture, penetrate or crush the exoskeleton (shell) or the flesh of the lobster •Recreational trapping prohibited SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 15

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides June 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 May/June 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

SPECIAL 5.00 EACH

Includes S & H & Sales Tax

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 June 30, 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 May/June 2020 Page 17

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

www.CodeRedFishingCharters.net Code Red Fishing Report By Capt. Matt Lee As we come off covid_19 and into our summer months its getting hot. As it gets hotter so does the fishing. As a guide I look forward to this time of year. The trout are schooling up and are aggressive and feeding. Mosquito lagoon is home to some of the big trout known as GATOR TROUT. These fish are typically over 5 pounds and are females so they make some great pictures, but we release these girls to spawn and repopulate our fishery. Also the snook are in great numbers and are chewing as well These fish are great table fare if you can land one in the slot. Some trophy size reds are lurking around and have been giving people a rod bending challenge that is testing the best gear. So whether its trout, snook, or trophy reds code red fishing charters is the boat you want to fish. Just remember summer time is a busy time so make sure you don’t miss out call now 386-214-3530 or log on to www.coderedfishingcharters.net or facebook or Instagram @coderedfishingcharters to see current catches and reserve you day having a great time with me on the water. (Photos are from recent trout catches)

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 18

BREVARD COUNTY

By: Tim Camp

Greetings again from Brevard county!

Well obviously this has been some crazy times for everyone in our community and through out the world. With out recapping the obvious impacts that this time has brought us, I can only sit and think that perhaps in these trying times, perhaps it has allowed us to reflect on the things we can control. With the news telling us how to live, operate, and go about our ways in a limited fashion, it’s in these times that we have become closer to family and friends (all while six feet apart) It has been nice to see so many family pics of fishing and enjoying what mother nature has to offer us rather then ipads and video games. Perhaps this restart is a generational boost that so many young youth needed. Again my thoughts and prayers are with all affected in a negative way over this pandemic, but perhaps if we look to what the god lord has given us day in and day out, we will be better and stronger for it.

2800 US 1 Mims 321-264-3173

In the world of Huntin’ & Fishin’ most people have already put in for there deer permits through FWC in hopes to pull their permit to bag that big buck they have been dreaming about since the end of last season. The bass bite this past two months has been tremendous throughout Brevard, and many anglers have picked up the bowfishing equipment as Tilapia are pretty thick at your local watering holes. The shrimping seen has been hit and miss, but handfuls of patrons have had full pulls when conditions are right. Well that’s it for now.

Until next time High Tines & Tight Lines Tim Camp

Gabby Carraway catching what may or may not be an underwater dinner for the next wet line customer!

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 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 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

SPECIAL $7.00 EACH

includes S & H & Sales Tax Order now and receive a bonus book.

Another book written by RSH.

Name___________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City__________________________State________Zip___________

Special Rate Expires June 30, 2020

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

1 year Subscription (6 issues) mailed directly to you for only $25!

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 May/June 2020 Page 21

GET READY FOR SUMMER!

Bossman Skimmer

Sea Pro 228 Bay Series

with 70hp Suzuki

with 250hp Suzuki

Mitzi Skiff 17 Tournament Edition with 60hp Suzuki

Sea Pro 248 Bay Series

Sea Pro 219 Center Console with 250hp Suzuki

with 175hp Suzuki

Sea Pro 172 Bay Series

Sea Pro 259 Deep V Series

DLXDLX Bay Series Sea 2020 Pro 208 Bay Series

with 300hp Suzuki

with 90hp Suzuki and Poling Platform

with twin 200hp Suzuki’s

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 22

208 Sea Pro

Pro 208 withSea 150hp Suzuki

SEA PRO 208 CENTER CONSOLE

National Advertised Price of *Only $34,995 Includes:

*Suzuki’s 140hp 4-Stroke Outboard with 6 years of warranty *Ameratrail Single Axle Trailer * Dual Battery Switch *1/2 Swim Platform w/3 Step Ladder *Simrad GO-5 w/ Transom Mount Transducer *Tilt Hydraulic Steering *Standard Options *NAP does not include Freight, Prep or Tax.

Starting at

$34,995

Nationally Advertised Price

•Financing Available •Trades Accepted

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 23

PUTNAM COUNTY MESSER’S EAST-WEST BAIT & TACKLE @386-328-4035 – Jimmy tells us Rodman is hot. Shellcrackers and bream are biting in the River using redworms and crickets. Lots of catfish are coming out of Dunn’s Creek. They are catching some bass and stripers out of the River.

GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE @ 386-467-2002 – Justin tells us fishing is great. They are catching some nice stripped bass with grass shrimp and RatL-Traps. Bluegill and shellcrackers are bedding right now and are being caught.

Wild shiners are catching bass. Down towards Welaka they are getting shrimp.

RV sites and cabins are available.

According to Lorraine at BASS WORLD LODGE @386-467-2267 Lafon and friend from Ga. are catching bedding bream. Lafon and Shirley were catching catfish using redworms. Mark and Blondie are catching schooling bass. Blondie (his yellow lab) caught her own schooler the other day.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

We are a authorized service center for tohatsu and suzuki engines.

210 Walnut Street Welaka, Fl. 32193 386-467-2628 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.

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

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 2020 Page 24

POLK COUNTY BIG BASS BAIT & TACKLE @352207-7520 - Jim tells us they have wild shiners both wholesale and retail.

Crooked Lake is producing some big bass using wild shiners. His guide trips have been producing some lunkers. Last week he got 4 over 9 pounds. Specks are also coming out of Crooked Lake fishing in 25 ft of water. Reedy Lake is producing some nice bass using wild shiners or flipp’n some creature baits black/blue is working well. Speck are still coming out of Reedy drifting in 8 feet of water. Lake Kissimmee and Lake Pierce are both still producing speck.

Jim and Roberta are ready to retire and have their bait shop up for sale, give them a call.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

FOR SALE Big Bass Bait & Tackle Shop and Dog Hunting Supply Shop FULLY STOCKED

Live bait both wholesale & retail We catch our own!

WILD SHINERS

352-207-7520

Owner wants to retire!

890 N. Scenic Hwy. Frostproof, Fl.

Alligator Facts Alligators are opportunistic feeders. Their diet include prey species that are abundant and easily accessible. Juvenile alligators eat primarily insects, amphibians, small fish and other invertebrates. Adult alligators eat rough fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 25

SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY AHOY MARINE, INC. @407-323-8373 – Tina and Steve said shrimp in the Intercoastal waterways are being caught right now in Edgewater. Everyone is bringing their boats in for service.

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.

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 their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

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

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

David at DAVIDS TRAILERS @407-293-2922 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 Orange County fairground and has been at the same location since 1979. Stop in and visit with him and his friendly, knowledgeable staff.

3701 South Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 26

NEW WATERFRONT LOCATION 729 North Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, Fl 32935 321-241-1108 • www.liquidplanetmarine.com

Visit www.myfwc.com for more information on the Florida Alligator and other species of wildlife.

AHOY

Marine, Inc.

Alligator Facts Female Alligators rarely exceed 10 feet in length, but males can grow much larger. The Florida state record for length is a 14 foot 3 1/2 inch male from Lake Washington in Brevard County.The Florida record for weight is 1,043 pounds (13 feet 10 1/2 inches long) male from Orange Lake in Alachua County.

Over 200 Trailers in stock!

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

Steve Meadors, President

407-323-8373

Continental Boat Trailers SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 27

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT @352489-2397 – Carlos tells us they are catching nice bass on the With. River and the Rainbow River using wild shiners, plastic worms and frogs. Bluegill are being caught using redworms and nightcrawlers and frozen shrimp. A dark green, purple or black worm are working right now. Catfish are being caught using stink bait, cut bait and chicken livers.

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

They also have pontoon and Jon boat rentals.

Stop in and visit, you’ll love the friendly staff and beautiful River. Take a few minutes and enjoy a wonderful meal right on the River at the Blue Gator Tiki Bar, the food is absolutely delicious. I always try to plan my trips to Inverness and Dunnellon so that I arrive at The Blue Gator Tiki Bar around lunch time.

They have the most delicious fish tacos imaginable as well as other great items on their menu.

The Gator Den

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

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

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. The service and atmosphere is enjoyed by all. You will feel like you’ve been coming there for years.

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 2020 Page 28

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

352-685-2468

weeksrealty314@earthlink.net • www.weeksrealty.com

SALEM FOREST RIVER RV with slide out. Nice kitchen w/stainless appliances, living room and dining area. Pretty lake view lot that is landscaped and has many pavers. Amenities include tiki bar, golf cart, table/chairs/umbrella, bar-b-que grill & storage shed. The resort offers club house, 2 pools, tennis courts, dog park, dock & boat ramp to Little Lake Kerr. Perfect for weekends or fulltime residence. HOA fee is $505 a quarter.

Everything stays!!!!

$55,000

28 ACRES OF TIMBERLAND

that fronts on 2 paved roads and backs up the Ocala National Forest.

This property would be a great investment for the timber itself. The timber is approx. 17- 20 years old. If you’re a hunter this can be used for your own private place to hunt. Property has an existing feeder & hunting blind. There is a small area with oak trees that would make a great homesite.

$154,000

CUTE 2 BEDROOM HOME ON LITTLE LAKE KERR CANAL with great view of lake. Has spacious living room, dining area and screened porch. Amenities include, carport addition w/storage, metal roof, deck, bulk head & detached storage bldg. Pretty lot, nicely landscaped w/ palms and gravel driveway. Relax on the porch and have your morning coffee or afternoon tea and enjoy the many birds and deer that visit the property. Subdivision has a community lot

with boat ramp and club building. ($75/Year). $129,000

2/2 MOBILE HOME W/ADDITIONS ON LITTLE LAKE KERR CANAL! Additions include 11 x 23 family room with stone fireplace and Florida room.

Updates are laminate flooring in kitchen & dining area new carpet in family room, Florida room, & bedrooms. Interior of mobile home and additions recently painted. Has carport with open patio area and a detached storage building. Large fenced lot with many trees and has 85 Ft canal frontage.

$85,000

FOREST RV AND MINI STORAGE BUSSINESS situated on 3.3 fenced acres.

There are 20 storage units with an office and restrooms, approximately 100 RV/boat spaces and a 2 bed room apartment. Also has an RV space with water, sewer hookup. The property faces Hwy 314 and has two entrances on the side street and you access the apartment through the rear entrance. The apartment has CH&A and has been remodeled. The living/dining area, bath and kitchen has tile floors and bedrooms are carpeted. Has a large attached carport and huge detached storage building. There is a 4” well at the storage units and a 2” well at the apartment and 2 septic systems. The apartment is presently rented, but would be ideal to have on site management. $450,000

The ORIGINAL 1st TRACKER Dealer!

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 29

LAKE COUNTY BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE @ 352-267-0062 – Believe it or not, we are still catching specks this late in the year.

The Harris chain has been giving up some nice limits but no large ones, 10 to 12 inchers. 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 bottom as slow as you can.

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.

For the fishing trip you’ve dreamed of give me a call @ 352-267-0062.

ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE @352-7592600 Jake tells us that they have in stock the War Horses by Gill Reaper lures.

He has new offshore rods “Boat Rod”. 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. For more information, call Jake at 352-7592600.

Gordon at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE @352-460-0695 said it took 23 pounds to win the Wed. night tournament this week.

Another tournament took 23 with a 3 fish limit. A lot of fish are being caught on chatterbaits. Bluegill and shellcracker have turned on in Lake Griffin. Lake Harris & Lake Griffon using both large and medium domestic shiners are also good.

Zoom Mega Vipe speed worm is working well – colors watermelon red and June bug red.

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!

Redfish are good out of Crystal River and trout are being caught in the Homosassa Area. Brookers has a well stocked shop and expert knowledge 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.

LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE at 352-742-3336. Heidi tells us bass are being caught from the Harris Chain using dark colored worms out of the eel grass. Bluegill and shellcracker are being caught out of Haines Creek and the Dead River using grass shrimp and wigglers. Stop in and visit their well stocked bait and tackle and get all the latest information on the chain. Heidi and Captain Mark are both excellent fishermen and are willing to share the latest local information so you can catch the fish you’ve dreamed of.

FISH CAMP ON LAKE EUSTIS @352-742-4400 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.

Alligator Facts The heart of an Alligator while most reptiles have 3-chambered hearts, the heart of alligators, and all crocodilians, has 4 chambers, a trait shared with mammals and birds. The advantage of a 4-chambered heart is that oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood are separated, which results in more efficient respiration needed for the high metabolism of endothermic (warm-blooded) animals, and enables different pulmonary (lung) and systemic blood pressures, but is seemly over-complex for ectothermic (cold-blooded) crocodilians. The single ventricle of the 3-chambered reptile heart allows some mixing of oxygenated blood with deoxygenated blood, which may help regulate their metabolic state.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 30

ASTOR BAIT & TACKLE

Lakeside

Bait & Tackle 352-742-3336

Mark & Heidi Bass, Owners Located on Lake Eustis ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lakeside Guide Service with Captain Mark 352-255-9706

1000 W. Burleigh Blvd. Tavares, Fl.

•OUTDOOR ARCHERY RANGE

Live Bait

•ARCHERY ACCESSORIES

frontstreetbait.com@kvcom.net

23835 Hwy. 40, Astor Florida

352-759-2600

Eggs: Alligator eggs are susceptible to drowning, being crushed by the female, predation, and other less common calamities.

Raccoons are the primary predator, although hogs, otters, and bears have been reported to depredate nests.

Juveniles: Small alligators are eaten by a variety of predators including raccoons, otters, wading birds, and fish; however, larger alligators may be their most significant predator.

Adults: Cannibalism, intraspecific fighting, and hunting by humans are probably the most significant mortality factors.

Laura Kaliontgis caught the big fish in the North Florida Christian Bass Club Bass Tournament. The event was held out of Bass World Lodge Georgetown Florida.

Crocodilians have evolved a shunt between the left and right aorta (immediately above the ventricles) to facilitate the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Crocodilians also have a valve in the pulmonary artery that, when closed, forces deoxygenated blood to recirculate through the left aorta, which increases mixing. This increased mixing helps crocodilians transition to a lower metabolic state, and enables them to dive for extended periods.

Some scientists have hypothesized that the complex heart structure of crocodilians might indicate that they evolved from endothermic (warmblooded) ancestors.

“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 May/June 2020 Page 31

Diseases and Parasites: Very little information is available in the scientific literature on wild alligator diseases and parasites. They are not believed to be a significant problem for wild alligators.

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

BROOKER

BAIT & TACKLE

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

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

Trophy Bass mount in Jim’s shop at Big Bass Bait & Tackle in Frostproof.

B & G TRAILERS in DeLand @386734-5244 carries a huge selection of new & used boat trailers as well as jet ski, cycle and pontoon boat trailers. They do repairs as well. Their boat trailers incorporate the latest in design technology with consistent quality construction.

ASTOR MARINE @352-759-3655.

Georgia carries Sylvan pontoon boats, Sunchaser pontoon boats and is a dealer for Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda.

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

All 2019 and 2020 Models are on sale now and the 2021 will be arriving soon.

Stop in and take a look around they have been in business for 29 years and are the friendliest people you’d want to meet.

Gordon Ball with a nice trout. Photo courtesy of Brooker Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.

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

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.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 32

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

Stop in and get your fresh seafood and to visit with them.

Florida’s Largest Volume Pontoon Dealer All 2020 Models On Sale 2021 Arriving

Sales & Service 352-759-3655

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

24535 HWY. 40, Astor, Fl 32102

386-228-3525

Rusty Pollard caught this trout with Gordon Ball of Brooker Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.

Bill Brooker, Joe Parker and Tim Frederick with a nice catch. Photo from Brooker Bait & Tackle in Leesburg.

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 May/June 2020 Page 33

TOURNAMENT NEWS The Halifax Sport Fishing Club will be holding their 32nd Lady Angler Tournament. The tournament will be June 6th and for the first time it will be a Bull & Cow only tournament. There will be a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place for the largest Bull and Cow combination. There also will be a 1st PL for largest Bull & 1st PL for largest Cow a Jr Lady angler and a small boat award. The Captain’s Meeting is June 4th starting at 6:00pm. There will be food and several raffls including a complete set of 4 Shimano Speed master reels coupled with Star rods.

The weigh in will be held on June 6th at Down the Hatch Restaurant, Ponce Inlet from 4:00 – 6:00pm.

The awards will be held at the club on June 9th at their headquarters.

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club is located at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange. For early registration or information regarding the tournament, contact tournament director Capt. Jesse Jones at tournaments@hsfc.com or 1-386-453-6489 or Check their website www.hsfc.com or Facebook for updates and more information.

Stay Tuned New dates to be announced!

Bull dolphin aka Mahi Mahi caught while fishing with Vulcan Charters out of Ponce Inlet.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 34

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 35

FWC approves 2021 and beyond Gulf County bay scallop season Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) to open Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 each year beginning in 2021.

The 2020 season is also Aug. 16 through Sept 24, and was set late last year after working closely with the local community.

The chosen dates allow the FWC to balance stakeholder and community desires with the sustainability of the scallop populations. Establishing long-term season dates also provides predictability year-to-year. FWC staff will continue monitoring the status of bay scallops in St. Joseph Bay and elsewhere.

Learn more about current bay scallop regulations by visiting MyFWC.com/ Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” which is located under the “Crabs, Shrimp and Shellfish” tab.

Bay Scallops - General Information BACKGROUND Historically, bay scallops occurred in Florida from West Palm Beach on the Atlantic coast to Pensacola in the state’s northwest corner. In recent decades, however, their range has decreased considerably. Although bay scallops were once plentiful along the west coast of Florida, they have disappeared in some areas. Today, Florida’s bay scallops occur in isolated populations scattered along its west coast, and the majority are found in nearshore seagrass beds from Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County to Port St. Joe in Gulf County.

Scallops are sensitive to changing environmental conditions such as seagrass losses, increases in fresh water and loosening of sediments. Extreme changes can result in local population collapses. Over time, reductions in Florida’s bay scallop population resulted in the smaller, localized populations biologists monitor today. Each year, a local population must produce enough offspring to replenish itself or receive offspring from neighboring populations to remain stable. Because Florida bay scallops typically only live one year, local populations are more susceptible to periodic collapses.

ANATOMY The bay scallop is a member of phylum Mollusca in the class Bivalvia. Bivalves have two valves, or shells, joined by a hinge. The bay scallop’s upper shell is a dark, mottled color and its lower shell is typically white. Occasionally, both shells are bright yellow or orange, but these individuals are rare. Bay scallops can reach a shell height of 90 millimeters (3.5 inches) and live up to two years.

In Florida, however, bay scallops rarely grow larger than 75 millimeters (3 inches) or live longer than one year.

Bay scallops feed by opening their shells and filtering small particles of algae and organic matter from the water. Bay scallops also open their shells when breathing, using their gills to pull oxygen out of the water. Bay scallops close their shells to protect themselves from predators and to prevent silt from clogging their delicate gills, which would result in suffocation.

Bay scallops have many tiny, blue eyes lining the outer rim of the shells to help detect movement and serve as a warning system.

When threatened, a bay scallop can swim backwards by contracting and relaxing its large adductor muscle to open and close its shells. This thrusts out water and propels the scallop up off the bottom and away from danger.

REPRODUCTION A bay scallop has the remarkable ability to develop female and male sexual organs and, thus, produces both eggs and sperm. In the final stages of development, scallops use all their energy for reproduction. This leaves little energy for movement, making the scallop vulnerable to predation. This may be why many do not survive to spawn a second time.

Rapid changes in water temperature generally trigger bay scallops to spawn. In Florida, most spawning occurs in the fall when the temperature drops. A single scallop is capable of producing millions of eggs at once, but only one egg out of 12 million is likely to reach adulthood.

It takes approximately 36 hours for fertilized eggs to become tiny larvae, known as veligers. Larval scallops are pelagic, meaning they drift in the water column, for 10 to 14 days. During that time, they may be carried a considerable distance from where they were spawned. While drifting, larvae develop into juvenile scallops, commonly called spat. They eventually settle out of the water column and attach to seagrass blades using thin, silky fibers called byssal threads. Approximately 90 percent of spat will die within six weeks of settlement. Those that survive eventually detach from the seagrass and fall to the bottom, where they remain for the rest of their lives. For more information please visit www.myfwc.com.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 36

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 37

Solunar Theory and Fishing What is the Solunar theory about, and how can you use it to improve your catch?

Credit for the Solunar Theory goes to John Alden Knight, the author of “Moon Up...Moon Down” (Solunar Sales 1972), “The Modern Angler: Including the Solunar Theory” (C. Scribner’s Sons, ltd. 1936) and “The Theory and Technique of Fresh Water Angling” (Harcourt Brace and Company New York 1940. In 1926 , he considered some folk lore that he picked up while fishing in Florida and decided to evaluate 33 factors which might influence behavior of fresh or saltwater fishes that caused them to be periodically more active. Of those, three seemed to merit further examination: sunrise/sunset, phase of the moon and tides. From that effort, this avid fly fisherman created the Solunar Theory (Sol = sun, and Lunar = moon).

Tides had long been known as an important factor in saltwater fishing success and the connection with moon phase was well understood. Knight then supposed that the relationship of the sun and moon, rather than actual tidal stages might be the determining factor. As his research continued, he determined that in addition to the time of moon up - moon down there were intermediate periods of fishing activity that occurred midway between the two major periods. So he coined the phrases ‘major periods’ and ‘minor periods’ to describe them respectively.

Knight used this information to publish the first Solunar Tables in 1936. These tables are still widely published and numerous programs, some on digital watches, emulate them. To be accurate the precise times from each table must consider the geographic location and be adjusted for Daylight Savings Time, if appropriate.

The periods of greatest animal activity (not only fish are influenced) last from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the moon’s relationship to the sun. Minor Solunar periods are indicated during the rising and setting times of the moon, and major periods are indicated during the two transits. You can roughly calculate these times for yourself by adding six hours to the rise and set times for the moon.

To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 ‘record’ catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). This is the time when solunar periods appear strongest, and they were made during the actual times of the solunar periods.

Because of the interaction between the many lunar and solar cycles, no two days, months or years are identical. June has a greater combined solunar influence than any other month. During a full moon, the sun and moon are nearly opposite each other and given the length of the day, one or the other is nearly always above the horizon. During a new moon, both bodies are in near-perfect rhythm traveling the skies together with their forces combined.

Other factors can greatly affect the predictive ability of solunar tables. For instance, you should also consider local weather patterns.

Barometric changes, especially a downward trend, can often ruin fishing. Fish and wildlife have an innate ability to predict weather and react accordingly. Cold fronts tend to drive fish deeper and make them active. Conversely, If the barometer is steady or rising, and the air temperature is approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the water temperature a more active response to a solunar prediction can be anticipated. Temperature is also associated with spawning times and can be a key factor in the seasonal patterns with which freshwater fish are sought.

Another thing to remember in dealing with Solunar Periods is that solunar influence will vary in intensity according to the position of the moon. The times of new moon (the dark of the moon), and full moon are the times of maximum intensity. Ocean tides reflect this intensity in their magnitude. This maximum will last about three days, and wildlife respond with maximum activity. Thereafter the degree of intensity tapers off until it is at its minimum during the third quarter phase of the moon.

Some salt-water anglers argue that tides have more influence on fish feeding habits than the moon itself. It must be understood that the tides are governed by the phases and transit of the moon. Certain marine phenomena occur with precise regularity during the lunar month and solar/lunar cycle.

Research has shown that a natural day for fish and many other animal species is based on a diurnal (twice daily) ‘biological clock’ that appears to coincide with lunar time. In other words its is based on the time that it takes the moon to complete one rotation of the earth (an average of 24 hours and 53 minutes). This is also called a ‘tidal day’ and explains why ocean tides are about an hour later each day - and why most fish, fresh water species included, will feed up to an hour later (in relation to our solar clock) each day.

Remember ... the BEST time to go fishin’ ... is whenever you can safely! www.myfwc.com for more information.

Note: This article is derived from a variety of online sources including the Naval Observatory and www.solunar.com SSFHMagazine May/June 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

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 2020 Page 39

Hunting News

By Tony Young

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

Plan for upcoming hunting opportunities While the challenges due to COVID-19 are ongoing, it’s also a time when we’re reminded of the power of hope. One thing that helps many hunters look forward to the future is planning for upcoming hunting opportunities.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers late spring and summer wild hog hunting opportunities on several wildlife management areas across the state. Some areas offer still hunting for hogs during daylight hours, others are nighttime hog-dog hunts – and some offer both. Most of the WMAs offer walk-in opportunities and don’t require a quota permit. A hunting license is not required, however, a $26.50 management area permit is needed.

You can search for WMAs offering spring-summer wild hog hunting opportunities using FWC’s new online WMA Finder. Visit MyFWC.com/WMAbrochures and click on the big red button “START SEARCHING NOW!” WMA regulations brochures and maps are only available online. Before heading afield, spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the information. You can take the brochure and map with you, even to places where you can’t connect to the internet, by taking a screenshot with your cell phone, downloading it to your mobile device or printing it. For a printer-friendly version, click on the “PDF BROCHURE” button.

Also, before you go, we recommend you check the open/closed status of that area by visiting MyFWC.com/Notices. In addition, for updates regarding the FWC’s efforts to minimize exposure to COVID-19 and help protect stakeholders, staff and volunteers, visit MyFWC.com.

Apply for fall quota permits

Fall deer and hog quota hunts Hunters may apply for archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun, wild hog, youth (ages 8 to 15), family (adult and up to two youth), track vehicle and mobility-impaired quota hunt permits during the phase I application period. To apply, applicants must have an upto-date $26.50 management area permit, a license that includes one or be exempt from license and permit requirements.

Special-opportunity fall hunts Another great option is applying for special-opportunity fall hunt permits. These hunts offer large tracts of land with an abundance of game and low hunting pressure. All hunts allow you to take only mature bucks with at least one antler having four or more points as well as wild 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. National wildlife refuge hunts There are also several fall hunts on five national wildlife refuges that hunters may apply for. These National Wildlife Refuge hunts offer another opportunity to hunt on well-managed habitat with healthy game populations and low hunting pressure at Lake Woodruff, Merritt Island, St. Marks, Lower Suwannee and St. Vincent national wildlife refuges.

When to apply Hunters who would like to take part in one or more of these hunts can apply during the phase I application period which begins at 10 a.m. on May 15 and runs through June 15. Applications can be submitted at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, county tax collectors’ offices, or most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies. By June 19, you should be able to log into your customer account to find out if you’ve been selected.

Alligator hunt permits Since 1988, the FWC has offered hunters the opportunity to take part in its annual statewide recreational alligator harvest, which always runs Aug. 15 – Nov. 1. Alligators are a conservation success story in Florida. The state’s alligator population is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size and has been stable for many years.

Phase I application period The application period for the phase I random drawing begins May 8 at 10 a.m. and runs through May 18. More than 7,000 alligator harvest permits will be available.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 40

Hunters can 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 can be submitted at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, county tax collectors’ offices, or most retail outlets that sell hunting and fishing supplies.

License/permit costs The alligator trapping license/harvest permit and two hide validation CITES tags are $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.

Additional application periods Any permits remaining after the first phase will be offered during the phase II application period May 22 – June 1. Those who were awarded a permit in phase I may not apply during phase II. Any remaining permits will be available in subsequent application phases.

What to expect if you get drawn Within three days of an application period closing, applicants can expect to see an authorization hold on their credit/debit 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 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/debit cards. Applicants should be mindful of the policies of their financial institution regarding authorizations, pending charges, timeframes for releasing holds and overdraft fees.

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.

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.”

Jessica Hartman bagged this 150 pound whitetail hunting the Clio Alabama area.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 41

FISHING & HUNTING BRAGGING BOARD

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

Adyson Neat harvested this turkey from the Flagler County area. His beard was 10 inches and had 1 1/4� spurs. Adyson was hunting with her father during the youth turkey hunt 2020. Some of the best memories this publisher has as a child is hunting with her father. Awesome harvest Adyson!!

Calan Hawkin from Brookers Bait Shop in Leesburg with a nice bass.

The Hardy team brother and sister hunting together to harvest this wild turkey along with their father Capt. Jason Hardy.

Colby Semento with a nice bass caught on bait from Brookers in Leesburg.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 42

Steven White harvested this turkey with a 9” beard and 1 1/4” spurs during the youth turkey hunt 2020. Steven was hunting with his father on private property in Bunnell.

George Wilkerson III and Wyatt Campbell 8 years old both from Astor harvested this 5 point from the Ocala National Forest.

Chloe Lemmon age 9 harvested these two birds hunting in the Volusia County area. 10.5” beard with 1” spurs and 8.5” beard with 1” spurs. Great hunting young lady and keep making great memories with your father.

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

SSFHMagazine May/June 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 May/June 2020 Page 44

BEST FEEDING TIMES FOR FISH AND GAME

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 45

East coast snook was caught while fishing the New Smyrna Beach area with Capt Matt Lee of Code Red Fishing Charters.

SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 46

This trio caught an impressive redfish fishing the New Smyrna Beach area with Capt. Matt Lee of Code Red Fishing Charters.

Snook Fishing By: Skye Burkhardt About Snook At some point throughout their lifestyle, Snook will inhabit almost every type of inshore and nearshore habitat. One day you may sight cast Snook in clear water and another pulling monster Snook from pilings under bridges in the night hours. You can spend a lifetime chasing Snook.

Snook have a unique profile with a long lateral line that starts from the gill plates and ends at the fork in their tail. There eyes are located on top of their heads, which is great for ambushing bait as they pass above.

The Common Snook is everything BUT common! Throughout the tropical hemisphere there are over 10 species of Snook. The largest on the East Coast reaching lengths of over 4ft!

These fish lives start in the passes and inlets. Large female Snook release up to a million eggs every time they spawn. This requires the female to feed voraciously, which is great for us anglers fishing the beaches and inlets! Snook are a non migratory fish, a west coast Snook may not leave their estuary system, but throughout their years may use the entire system., from freshwater to saltwater passes. Along their way Snook spend time in various places such as deep river channels, mangroves, shorelines, grassy flats, oyster bars, passes and inlets.

Reading The Water Knowing how to read the water is important for a successful fishing trip.

When out in the flats, looking for distinct color changes giving various water depths, drop-offs and transition zones, these are places that hold fish. Watching for signs such as, strong currents wrapping around structure during that last our of a tide change. Pelicans, birds flying, diving or grouped up in an area is a good sign bait fish are present letting you know fish are most likely there! Finding Oyster bars especially during a low tide where wind is pushing up against oysters, that is creating what we call an artificial current, this gives an ambush point, pushing all the bait up to. Learning how to read the waters will help you to learn where the fish are at.

Baits and Lures Everyone has their preference, I am a spinning reel angler. I find when using a spinning reel it is best for casting in tight spots and getting that perfect cast under bridges. When targeting Snook, top waters, suspenders, diving spoons, plugs and jigs will all work, when presented properly. A basic paddle tail jig is my go to and I believe every angler should have them in their tackle box, there is something about a jig Snook just cant seem to resist them!

Of course now depending on the size of your bait will determine the size and style of the hook you use. When using a live bait I typically use a 3/O 4/O circle hook, I fish as small as jumbo shrimp and finger sized mullet. When trying to decide which line is best, there is such a large variety out there making it difficult to choose. Working and knowing how to play your fish is key to a successful landing, It all depends on the angler. I use light tackle from 10lb braid tied with a double uni-knot or FG knot to a 20lb liter. I find braid is much smaller then mono and spool my reels with Power Pro. Because of Snooks sharp gill plates and ruff mouths, I always add a foot extra of liter to keep my line fresh when changing baits or hooks while on my Snook fishing mission!

With long runs and frequent jumps Snook will make your heart race and beat a bit faster, I know mine does! Every Snook landed is a trophy in my eyes, because no matter the size, I put in the same hard work and time.

One thing I have learned fishing for Snook, Snook love structure! Whether it is natural or manmade, soft as mangroves or hard as wood pilings, if it is disrupting the flow you are bound to see a Snook angler there! There are so many reasons Snook are a number one target for us anglers here in Central Florida, they truly are a challenge and not an easy catch. Which makes it that much more rewarding bring that Snook to your boat.

Fun facts about Snook *Throughout the tropical western hemisphere there are over 10 species of Snook *Snook have a lateral line that starts fron Their gill plate and runs to the fork in their tail *Snooks eyes are on the top of theirs heads, making it wasy to ambush their prey *Wether it is manmade or artifical Snook love Structure *Snook have razor sharp gill plates and sandpaper mouths *Snook began their lives in passes and inlets *Large female Snook lay upto one million eggs everytime they spawn SSFHMagazine May/June 2020 Page 47