SSFHMagazine May/June 2023

JUST ARRIVED • Dock Boxes • Dock Ladders • Leaning Post

Great Gift Ideas for Mothers or Fathers Day! Gift Certificates also!

• 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

Gauges

100’s to choose from!

• 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.......

In Loving Memory Jack Escoe Jr. 7-19-1937 - 2-16-2021

P.O. Box 290002

Port Orange, Fl. 32129

386-478-3725

Email sfandginc@yahoo.com

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

WRITERS:

Desiree’ Harbster

Capt. Lynda Hawkins

Caught Up Fishing Charters Capt. Bruno

Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network

Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty

Front Captions: Victor Hall caught this 50 pound cobia fishing offshore Ponce Inlet.

Vannessa Schurr outfished Capt Scott Laney on the 2 for 1 bass. The 3 fish weighed between 5 1/26 pounds caught in Astor.

Nick Zona with a Samsula wild turkey.

Bobby Jack (BJ) with a 9 1/4 pound Spotted Sea Trout caught on bait from The Fishin’ Hole Daytona Beach.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

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

By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins

Found some fish to play with. Light tackle is always Fun when getting into these snook. Come fish with Caught Up Fishing charter.

Book today on the back side of all the winter early spring fronts dates will book up fast!!

Drum roll for this Young Angler. Had to bring the tacos home for dinner. Book a Charter with Captain Bruno Caught Up Fishing charter.

Jodie got Caught Up with a nice Snook on light tackle. Book a Charter with Captain Bruno Caught Up Fishing charters www.caughtupfishingcharters. com

Captain Bruno loves puttting smiles on kids faces. Catch a sheepshead or snook photo top left with Caught Up Fishing charter.

Catch a Redfish like this with Capt Bruno

Spring Saltwater Fishing Report: (Ponce Inlet/Halifax River Regions)

By: Captain Marty Goldys w/ Reel Harmony Fishing Charters

As the water warms and weather changes, you’ll notice new patterns with migrating fish. It is also important to understand how these fish being targeted feed, what they prey on, water temperatures they thrive in, and where they prefer to position themselves in their environment. Once you begin to notice these trends in fish behavior, creating a plan for targeting these species becomes much easier.

The Infamous Snook is a highly desired fish to target around the state of Florida. While some regions of Florida are more densely populated with the Snook species, other regions can be rather difficult to find and track this treasure of a fish.

What do we know about the Snook?

Many categorize the Snook as the most sought after inshore Gamefish Florida has to offer. This could be attributed to their aggressive fighting ability compared to other saltwater species. If you’ve ever caught a larger Snook, you know the intense feeling it brings as it can be a true challenge to land one. Snook tend to thrash around at the surface and sometimes even jump/spring from the water in an effort to throw the hook and swim off. The Snooks Lateral Line is It’s sensory system that allows this species to detect water motion and pressure Gradients. This is such a useful guide to Snook considering where they like to hunt, feed, spawn, and rest.

Snook are known to be one of the more intelligent inshore saltwater species to target in Florida. Given this fact, my tactics differ when pursuing this species of fish. I like to think ‘Natural Presentation’. This means scaling down on your leader size. When I would normally go with a 40 or 30 pound Monofilament leader, I scale down to 25 or even 20 pound Fluro-carbon leader to target this very Keen fish. Then, I utilize a much smaller hook than usual (size 2 or 3 In-line, Live bait circle hooks are preferred).

Next to consider your baits when targeting snook. When in the ‘Backcountry’, I tend to exclusively use Live Shrimp and hook the shrimp through the tail to maximize its mobility and range of motion. Ideally, you want this live shrimp to dance under the waters surfaces in an effort to attract nearby predators. I will 90% of the time use NO weigh when targeting snook in the ‘Backcountry’. The idea being to get your live shrimp into tight spaces that Snook tend to hide/rest while awaiting smaller prey to drift/swim by. I am of course speaking of mangrove lines, down trees, and/or ambush points. Snook being ambush predators, they will blind side a free swimming Live Shrimp.

When it comes to targeting Snook in Docks or on seawalls, I really enjoy going after the sun has set (at night). With this style of fishing, I always go to the finger mullet as my bait source. Very similar to targeting snook in the ‘Backcountry’ , I go with 30 or 25 pound Fluro-Carbon leader and a size 2 or 3 in-line, Live Bait circle hook. The trick with this approach being not to spook the fish, meaning keep a safe distance from the area being fished. Again, Snook are very sensitive fish so they can often feel when other species, boats, or activity is taking place nearby. Keep a safe proximity from the Dock or Seawall being targeted and this will exponentially increase your chances of hooking up with a Snook. Simply feed your Live Mullet toward your selected ambush point on your elected Dock or Seawall.

Lastly, targeting Snook in deeper waters, like in the pass, near the jetty, by the bridges, or even over some reefs. Getting your bait down to the target zone is key. Knowing that most snook feed in the bottom 2/3rd’s of the water column is an essential part of having success when fishing these areas.

I tend to go a bit heavier with my terminal tackle when targeting snook in these environments given there is almost always hard pulling tides/current. This being the main ingredient when targeting snook in deeper areas (Moving Water). I beef up to 30 or 40 pond Fluro-Carbon Leader and attach an appropriate amount of weigh determined by the rate in which the water is moving. Also utilizing a size 3 or 4 inline, Live Bait, Circle Hook, I tend to go with much larger Live baits. When using these larger bait fish, I almost always ‘Head-Hook’ the fish allowing it to swim freely preventing line tangles and twists. Checking your baits often to ensure it is in fact Alive and swimming naturally will be essential to having success.

ALWAYS remember when targeting Snook to handle them with Extreme Care and release them back into their environment with 30 seconds of being caught. This means stabilizing the fish and holding them boat side in the water for at least 30 seconds to a minute before allowing them to safely swim off. Be sure there are NO dolphins nearby waiting to pounce this now fatigued fish. Taking the extra time to ensure a smooth, safe, healthy release is of most importance when targeting the Snook.

Probably my favorite fish to target in Florida is the Redfish or Red-Drum. I say this because not only is this species remarkably Beautiful, each with it’s own very unique marking but, one of the hardest fighting fish you’ll find (pound for Pound). People travel from all over the globe in an effort to target the Redfish. Lucky for us in this region, we have some of the BEST Red-fishing the state has to offer.

Just like the snook, Redfish can be targeted in a variety of environments. When fishing ‘Backcountry’, I like to utilize ambush points near oyster bars. The anatomy of a Redfish shows their ability to easily feed directly off the bottom. So naturally, you want to ensure your baits/presentation is near or on the bottom. ‘Backcountry’ redfish can be caught on Live Shrimp, Fresh Dead Shrimp, or any variety of crustaceans.

If you would like to target one of the species mentioned give me a call for a Family Friendly Inshore Fishing Experience (386)679-0317 or visit Instagram: @capt_ harmony • Reelharmonyfishingcharters@gmail.com • www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com • Licensed & Insured

When targeting any of the inshore species listed above it’s important to know your size regulations and seasons for harvesting. Up to date fishing regulations can be found by visiting www.eregulations.com

I tend to also go with a weightless presentation so I can easily detect a drum bite in shallower waters. Always stick with that smaller size 2 or 3 In-line, Live Bait, Circle hook when targeting Redfish. This allows for an Easy hook-up and a just as Easy ‘DeHook’ and release.

I also enjoy targeting Redfish Near Bridges, in deeper Passes, and in areas with extreme currents and moving water. Much like the Snook, Redfish are Ambush feeders which mean they’ll conserve their energy for the most part, waiting until baits come to them for easy consumption. I will beef up my terminal tackle to 40 or even 50 pound Fluro-Carbon leader when targeting large Bull (Breeding) Redfish. This heavier tackle will ensure you limit your fight time and keep your massive redfish attached for a safe release. I bump up to a size 6, 7, or 8 In-line, Live Bait Circle hook when I know I’m after larger species of Red-Drum. Understanding that Redfish feed along the bottom in the last 3/4th’s of the water column will be essential to getting your baits in the target zone.

When talking baits for Larger Redfish, I’ve seen them eat just about everything you can put in front of them ranging from large Crustaceans, to very large Mullet, and even a Whiting or small blue fish during the winter months. After hooking your trophy Redfish it becomes critical to release them back into their environment within 30 seconds of being caught. While it’s alright to grab a quick photo of your prize catch, it’s much more Important we get that fish back into the water so they can be properly revived to swim off safely. Look out for predatorial dolphins before releasing your Redfish. Make certain your Redfish is FULLY revived and ready to kick-off strongly before releasing your grip. The more effort you put into a smooth, safe, healthy release, the longer these fish will be around to target.

Please consider Releasing both Slot Redfish and Snook species when caught as this single tips will tremendously help with conservation of these Amazing species.

Captain Marty’s Challenge of the month: Every day on the water fill a 5 gallon bucket with trash on your way to/from the boat ramp or while on the water. This effortless task will not only improve the aesthetics of your surrounding environment but, it will have long lasting impacts on our surrounding waterways. Share this ‘Challenge of the Month’ with friends and family as the more that participate the greater impact.

BASS CAPITAL By Captain Lynda Hawkins According to Lorraine at BASS WORLD LODGE 386-467-2267 Lafon has been catching lots of bream and he recently went fishing with Jim and caught an 8 pound tilapia. Jim has caught several nice catfish up to 5 pounds. Mark and Blonde are catching limits of bass using worms all were catch and release.

Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange fiddlers landed Landon his first sheepshead.

Christian caught and released this bull red on bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides May 2023

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

6easelawncare@gmail.com

CENTRAL SEMINOLE & ORANGE COUNTY

By CAPTAIN LYNDA HAWKINS

AHOY MARINE, INC. 407-3238373 The stripers are hitting on the St. Johns River. Tina and Steve went Shrimping and caught over a gallon. 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.

www.ladiesletsgofishing.com

May 19-21, 2023 Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing’s “Learning on the Water,” plus the Screamin’ Reels Tournament! Islamorada, FL Learn on the boats and Win prizes! Fish offshore or inshore from charter boats or on your own. Also check out the Keys event with full day seminar, 2 parties and 2 days fishing Oct. 13-15, 2023!

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides June 2023

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

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

Fishing Tournament RESULTS

Brought

An amazing 147 kids along with their families attended this event. A few fish were caught but fun, games and education not to mention the pizza party from Alberto’s and shooting archery was a blast! Every child left with smiles on their faces and a bucket full of prizes. Stay posted for future Kids Outdoor Events. If you would like to sponsor this amazing event for 2024 please contact Desiree’ info is below.

Have you noticed some new signs at our City Parks in South Daytona? We have started to stock our City Ponds. The following ponds will be stocked in the coming months:

Blaine O’Neal Park of Honor

Magnolia Park

Reed Canal Park

Fishing can offer benefits to both mental and physical health and can strengthen family connections and teach life skills. We hope you enjoy this new community benefit.

With over 63 acres of parklands in the City of South Daytona, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Nature parks, pavilion rentals, fishing piers, playgrounds, disc golf, boat ramps, kayak launch, walking trails, ball fields, grills, tennis, racquetball and basketballs courts, splash park and scenic lakes are available all through town. Reed Canal Park, James Park, and Riverfront Park each have rental pavilions for parties, visit the Parks and Recreation office to reserve one for your next gathering.

Riverfront Veterans Memorial Park

This 4.1-acre park located on South Palmetto has a public boat launch ramp, fishing pier, picnic pavilions, restrooms, a playground and a Veterans Memorial to honor those who served in the military. The park also is home to The Courts at Riverfront which include one LED lighted tennis court and two pickleball courts which are located on the west side of South Palmetto. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Reed Canal Park

This popular 35-acre wooded sanctuary includes a fish-stocked lake, shell walking paths, restrooms, pavilions, and a playground. The lake is surrounded by a concrete walking trail, fishing pier, restrooms, pavilions, parking, and a multipurpose field. Dedicated in 1984, the park is used by the model sailboat club, area fishermen and offers a challenging 18-hole disc golf course. Reed Canal Park hosts the annual Halloween Drive-Thru Boo, BBQ and Blue Grass Festival, North Pole Drive-Thru, and Easter Egg Hunt. Located at 919 Reed Canal Road, park hours are 7:00am to dusk for the nature area and 7:00 a.m. to dusk for the lake area.

James Street Park

Host to many youth activities this 5.6 acre park features a splashpad play area, two lighted four-wall racquetball courts, a lighted tennis court, press box/concession stand, pavilion, shaded playground, Youth Activity Center and restrooms. The Youth Activity Building located at the park is home to the spring break camp and summer camp. Located at 1700 James Street, the park is open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Magnolia Park

This park includes facilities for disabled and elderly visitors to fish in the small stocked pond and offers a

playground, picnic tables and grills, shaded seating, and a lighted pathway. The park is located at 1987 Magnolia Avenue with hours from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Ned Wagner Park

Located at 2801 Oak Lea Drive, this 2-acre park consists of an open play field, small playground, and outdoor basketball court. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Melodie Park

This 2.5-acre, scenic, green space is located at 2200 Oriole Lane off Big Tree Road. Amenities include a tennis court and an outside basketball court. Park hours are 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

South Daytona Park of Honor

Located at 755 Olive Street, the park offers a variety of gardens, benches and a lighted path, pavilion, and restrooms. The park honors those in the community who have made significant contributions to the City. Park hours are from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Blaine and Neal Park

An 11-acre park featuring a regulation size baseball field with a concession stand, restrooms, pavilion with picnic tables and grills, and a 3- acre lake with a lit fountain surrounded by a lighted shell walking path. Come enjoy this park located at 980 Big Tree Road, from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Central Park

A 2.5-acre park located at 1991

Magnolia Avenue offering an open space with small parking area, a concrete bike/jogging path, benches and picnic tables. Park hours are from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

Cruises also available. 386-405-0651

Big Game Trolling-Bottom Fishing & Shark Trips. River

Capt. Cody of Vulcan Charters pictured on the right with a saifish caught offshore Ponce Inlet during the HSFC Offshore Challenge.

Your One-Stop Dealership For SALES, SERVICE, AND PARTS. Locally Owned, Nationally Ranked

Tightline Anchor Inc. was founded in 2018 by friends and business partners, Thomas Langton and Greg Linton. They have since added another member to their team Farouk Dhanidina. The diverse team at Tightline is passionate about the outdoors and providing high performance and long-lasting anchoring tools to the small watercraft market. They have been growing alongside an explosive kayak fishing market but have found their 3.5lb K5 grapnel anchor meets the needs of other classes of watercraft owners including Jon Boats, Dinghies, Belly Boats, Jet Ski’s and Skiffs.

Tightline has begun to be recognized by kayak anglers that demand quality and invest in gear that makes their time on the water more efficient and most importantly, safer. An anchor for any vessel can be seen as the equivalent of brakes on your SUV and professionals understand that the right tool for the job is critical.

Tightline’s reputation has been forged in listening to customer feedback and implementing improvements in their anchor designs in what they describe as ANCHOR EVOLUTION. The current K5 is the result of 9 product iterations and hundreds of hours of field testing. Furthermore, Tightline is owned by the people customers talk to on the phone and through email correspondence, a rarity in today's marketplace.

Tightline stands behind their products and offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner ensuring the customer will have their anchor repaired or replaced in a timely manner. We understand the research and development team at Tightline is gearing up for a spring product launch that will enhance the fishing experience for those that frequent river locations. We’re excited to see Tightline continue to innovate and contribute to making time spent on the water safer and more fun!

For more information, please visit TIGHTLINEANCHOR. COM or call 281-881-7987

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A TIGHTLINE, YOU’RE NOT ANCHORED.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

Alligator Gar

Finding alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) can be a challenge, but it’s one biologists with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) are taking on to learn more about the population of the fish in Florida. Alligator gar have historically resided in rivers and brackish waters throughout the southeastern U.S. from the Florida Panhandle – from the Apalachicola River west to the Perdido River – to Texas and Mexico. Since the mid1900s, alligator gar numbers have declined, leaving populations in only half of the 14 states they once inhabited. The FWC acknowledged this in 2006, prohibiting harvest of alligator gar for all but scientific purposes.

Since 2010, FWRI researchers have been tagging alligator gar in the Escambia River to learn more about their movement and habitat use. Using large-mesh gill nets, researchers collect adult alligator gar and fit them with telemetry tags before releasing them back into the river. These tags transmit information through radio and sound signals, allowing researchers to track each individual’s location for about two years.

Three years into the study, researchers tagged 22 alligator gar ranging from 11 pounds to a state record 132 pounds; tagged fish average 60 pounds. Researchers are trying to identify what habitats these fish prefer, how far they travel and whether they return to the same location over time. Preliminary tracking data indicate alligator gar are highly mobile and can travel more than 40 miles in a single week

The data also reveal their movement and habitat use varies by season. In winter, the tagged fish tend to reside in a slough – a cove off the main river with no current – and move very little. As the season changes to spring, they begin traveling the river’s main channel but return repeatedly to the slough. Only in late spring did the gar venture from their home-base slough and begin cruising.

Biologists recorded alligator gar moving as far north as the Alabama state line and as far south as Escambia Bay during this time.

No population data for alligator gar in Florida currently exist. However, data from this tagging study are helping biologists develop a strategy for estimating the population size of alligator gar, first in the Escambia River, then possibly in other rivers in northwest Florida’s coastal plain. If the numbers are promising, resource managers could revisit harvest regulations. FWRI biologists will continue to research the population status of alligator gar in Florida, and the more we learn about this species, the more we can focus conservation efforts to protect it.

Alligator gar is one of the most distinctive freshwater fish species and the largest of all gar. They can exceed 200 pounds and grow to more than 6 feet long. The species gets its name from having the body of a typical gar and a head that resembles that of an alligator. Because of their huge size and great strength, alligator gar are popular with anglers; however, the popularity of this fish does not reflect its value as a human food source. While edible, they are not highly desired by most people, and, as with other gars, their roe is toxic.

It’s difficult to catch alligator gar on a hook and line because of their strength and sharp teeth, and those fish caught via hook and line are susceptible to death from the stress of the fight and handling. Bow-fishing, a popular method of harvesting gar and other nongame fish, guarantees the fish will not survive.

Alligator gar occur in rivers and sometimes brackish waters across the southeastern U.S. from Florida to Texas and into Mexico. In Florida, they do not occur farther east than the

Apalachicola River in the Panhandle. Previously, this species’ range extended to the upper reaches of the Mississippi River in Illinois, Ohio and Missouri. Now, the species is declining or completely absent from the edges of its historical range.

Recent studies in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana suggest alligator gar are very susceptible to over-fishing. Similar to other large fish species, such

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as sturgeon, alligator gar can live a long time. Typically, long-lived species do not reach sexual maturity for many years. Male alligator gar take six years to reach maturity and can live approximately 26 years, while females reach maturity in 11 years and can live 50 years. Since this species cannot reproduce until later in life when they are larger, they are susceptible to over-harvesting. Reproduction potential directly relates to size in alligator gar. In other words, bigger fish have more offspring. This was an important consideration for managers determining how to best protect Florida’s alligator gar.

Recognizing the decline of this species’ population, several other southeastern states, including Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, also have identified the need for conservation of alligator gar. FWC biologists continue to learn more about the cause of these declines and work to develop a plan to revitalize the population. The technical knowledge gained through this research will guide efforts to manage alligator gar, and Florida’s other fish and wildlife resources, for their long-term wellbeing and the benefit of people.

FWC and Destin–Fort Walton Beach to host 9th Annual Lionfish Festival May 20-21

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Destin–Fort Walton Beach will celebrate the ninth annual Lionfish Festival May 20-21 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. CT) at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin.

This outdoor event is free, open to the public and will feature family-friendly activities, art, diving and marine conservation booths, live music, fillet demonstrations, and the world’s largest lionfish tournament, the Emerald Coast Open.

Tournament Details

Are you a diver interested in registering for the world’s largest lionfish tournament? The Emerald Coast Open will run May 19-20, and include categories for most lionfish, largest lionfish and smallest lionfish with nearly $100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs! For official tournament rules and registration instructions, visit EmeraldCoastOpen.com.

Lionfish Restaurant Week

Sample lionfish at one of Destin–Fort Walton Beach’s featured restaurants during the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Restaurant Week. Local chefs will highlight lionfish in unique dishes in the week leading up to the event to help bring awareness to the lionfish invasion in the Gulf of Mexico.

Schedule:

The Boathouse Landing, Valparaiso – May 12.

The Harbor Tavern – May 13.

Dewey Destin’s Harborside – May 14.

Crab Trap Destin – May 15

La Paz – May 16.

Harbor Docks – May 17.

Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer – May 18.

AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar– May 20.

What is LRAD?

LIONFISH: RED LIONFISH (PTEROIS VOLITANS) AND DEVIL FIREFISH (PTEROIS MILES)

Lionfish are an invasive species that have a potential negative impact on native wildlife and habitat. FWC encourages divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish in Florida waters to limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems.

To increase public awareness about the lionfish invasion and encourage removal efforts, the FWC signed a resolution creating Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day in February 2015. LRAD is celebrated the first Saturday after Mother’s Day each year.

Lionfish Challenge

The 2023 Lionfish Challenge is quickly approaching. This summer-long tournament is open to everyone and is completely free to enter. Participants in last year’s Challenge reached a significant milestone of over 1 million lionfish harvested from Florida waters since the program began in 2014! Are you up for the Challenge? Visit FWCReefRangers. com to register for the Lionfish Challenge.

Questions? Contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.

SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club’s May 18th seminar will feature Zach Savich owner and operator of Two Brothers Boat Rentals. He moved to Florida in 2014 and worked for different boating industries He came to the realization that he would rather be on the water. Zach and his brother, Michael Scott, decided to open a boat rental company. Zach will be discussing trailer maintenance and will demonstrate how to back up a boat. His company also offers courses on how to operate a boat properly and safely.

June 15th the guest speaker will be Chad Macfie. Chad is a marine biologist and Ponce Inlet’s Marine Science Center Manager. Chad grew up in the area and loved fishing. He realized Ponce Inlet had a rich fishing history starting with the Timucaun Indians to the first settlers of Ponce Inlet. Chad’s presentation is going to be about the past 100 years of fishing in Ponce Inlet.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, a brief business meeting at 7:00 PM, and the seminar at 7:30 PM at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange.

All seminars are free and open to the public. For more information go to the H.S.F.C. web site, Facebook or contact Wil Evans, Programs Director at (386) 566-0601 or online at programs@hsfc.com.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

Olivia caught this redfish fishing the river in Edgewater.

Nice snook caught on bait from Donald’s Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

They are slow on land but fast in water

If you’ve ever observed a turtle walking on land, you noticed how slowly and heavily they move. Even species that spend their entire life on land have short legs comparing to their body size that make them awkward while moving around.

However, turtles are pretty fast in the water! Their body is streamlined. They use their front flippers for propulsion and their rear flippers for steering.

They can weigh up to 1500 lbs

The biggest species are the leatherback turtles that can reach the size of 5 feet (150 cm) and weight 500-1500 lbs (225-680 kg) The alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater species but might seems quite small comparing to a sea turtle with its 3 feet (90 cm) size and maximum 200 lbs (90 kg)weigh.

Some species are vegan

They can be meat eaters or plant eaters. Baby turtles are often meat eaters but change to a plant-based diet when they grow.

Turtles that live on land use to eat fruits and grass. A sea turtle mostly eats jellyfish, algae, sponges, shrimps, mollusks, and crabs. Like this, they help control the population of such species; this is one of the main reasons why sea turtles are so important to the environment.

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

Closed Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays

SEA TURTLES

These large marine reptiles begin nesting in the spring. You can help by keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles during their March through October nesting season. Artificial lighting can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient hatchlings, so avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night.

Turn out lights or close curtains and shades in buildings along the beach after dark to ensure nesting turtles aren’t disturbed. Clear away boats and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes in the sand that could trap turtles.

Mary Weeks Realty, Inc. 25291 NE Hwy 314 Salt Springs, Fl. 32134 352-685-2468

Beautiful large,

lot with optional access to Little Lake Kerr through community lot ($75/year). Community lot access provides boat ramp, dock, beach area, volleyball area, and use of community building with additional fee per use. Located in beautiful Salt Springs close to public boat ramps, the springs (Salt Springs, Silver Glen, Ginnie Springs, and Juniper Springs), and miles of atv/utv trails to explore through the forest.

2 beautiful, cleared lots with several large oaks and 3 board fencing on 3 sides with walk thru gate. Lake Kerr access thru community lot. No HOA fees. Public boat ramp on Lake Kerr is 10 minutes from property. Short distance to ATV trails. $38,000

$108,000

Cedar Creek Park Model in Salt Springs Resort! Extremely nice 1 bedroom with additional sleeping/storage in the loft. Has a galley kitchen with full size appliances, attached screened porch and a large deck with a beautiful view of the lake. Spacious pull thru lot with plenty of room for all your toys.

2 wooded lots located in Hog Valley right off of the paved road. The property faces forestry which is located directly across the main road (NE 160th AVE RD). You can access the property from either NE 233rd LN (RD 15) or NE 234th PL (RD 14). Property is zoned R4, allowing a mobile home or site-built home. Would make a great place for hunt camp, weekend retreat, or permanent residence! $20,000

2 BR mobile home with addition on 2 manicured fenced lots that backs to forestry.

Has carport, an older mobile home used as a workshop/storage, boat/toy storage, small storage building, and a utility shed. Home is in an area where undeveloped lots can no longer be developed. Large cattle gate opens to allow access to forestry. Great weekend retreat, a hunter’s dream! $57,000

wooded

BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE

352-267-0062 Reports the Harris chain has been giving up some nice bass. Try yo-yoing a Rat-L-Trap cranking it fast then slowing down and cranking it fast again any place you have a slight drop or a hole. My favorite color trap is Chrome/green but try to match the color to the bait the bass are eating right now. 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 or a white and chartreuse spinner bait reeled in as slowly as possible, are both working quite well.

Scott at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE 352-460-0695 said the bass are moving offshore to the shellbeds and are being caught using Rat-L-Traps or crank baits. Several nice bass are being caught using chatterbaits as well. Bluegill and shellcracker have turned on in the whole chain and are being caught using red worms or crickets. Some of their customers are catching their own grass shrimp to catch some nice bluegill.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

FWC conducts habitat restoration project at Lake George

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is leading a major freshwater habitat restoration project on Lake George in Lake and Volusia counties until June 30, with assistance from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

Staff will install fenced enclosures to protect native submersed and emergent plant species from plant-eating wildlife until the plants are established. This year’s efforts have been scaled up from previous years with plans to construct multiple large enclosures to protect more than 150 acres of lake bottom. Fences are marked by tall PVC pipes with reflective markings.

At approximately 46,000 acres, Lake George is the second largest lake in the state. Historically, the lake contained thousands of acres of submersed native plants in shallow areas, primarily eelgrass, which provided important habitat and food for native fish and wildlife, including manatees. Con’t on next pg.

Ronda the nurse caught this keeper redfish in Ft. Myers photo courtesy of Brooker’s Bait & Tackle.

This vegetation disappeared from the lake following Hurricane Irma in September of 2017 and has yet to reestablish.

Native plant species including eelgrass and water lily provide foraging and protective habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, and enhance water quality by filtering nutrients, improving water clarity and stabilizing lake sediments.

The FWC and its partners work together to enhance and restore fish and wildlife habitat in Florida. Since 1994, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida has raised and awarded more than $50 million in grants to the FWC and other public and private partners.

For more information about the FWC’s Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration projects, visit MyFWC.com/AquaticHabitats.

Owners Bill & Natalie Brooker 1351 A. W. North Blvd. Leesburg, Fl. 34748

352-460-0695

BrookerBait@gmail.com

Justine Pratt, Rylen Pratt & David caught this hugh black bass while fishing a Venetian Village canal. Photo courtesy of Bass N Gal Guide Service.

Florida an ideal destination to experience the natural world. These habitats are home to more than 700 terrestrial animals, 200 freshwater fish and more than 500 marine fish and mammals. Numerous other aquatic insects and invertebrates, such as butterflies, add to the allure. From nature centers to backcountry trails, the FWC’s Wildlife Management Areas and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail are perfect places for your next wildlife viewing adventure.

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of nearly 500 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent birdwatching, wildlife viewing or educational opportunities. This 2,000-mile, selfguided highway trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida’s wildlife habitats by promoting birdwatching and wildlife viewing activities, conservation education and economic opportunity.

#BoatOfTheMonth

Reel Compulsive Charters

Captain Tony Varano

386-547-4480

As the areas fishing is starting to heat up so is our next boat of the month, Reel Compulsive Charters. Captained by Tony Varano, a New Smyrna Beach local, these two vessels & crew are sure to be exactly what you hoped for! Pulling this years nicest area Mahi so far, they won our fish of the week competition last week & are sure to keep the pace going in the coming months. You won't be disappointed as they offer an incredibly wide range of trips that allow you to target a huge variety of species, no matter if it's inshore or offshore fishing.

Captain Tony Varano is a local in every sense of the word & has spent his life mapping out fishing in the Ponce Inlet area. With 25 years of Captaincy under his belt & ten years working solely as a charter Captain, he is well versed in everything that is fishing. Growing up in a inlet town he always knew he was destined for a career in fishing and is grateful for the blessing of being able to do what he loves on the daily; making new friends & landing killer fish.

For inshore & nearshore adventures Reel Compulsive offers their 22' Pathfinder Bay Boat retrofitted with a 225 HP Yamaha; a pairing that will allow you to expertly navigate the more narrow waterways to some of the areas best honey holes. Whether you are fishing the backwaters of the Halifax River or fishing the jetty, this boat knows how to get the job done!

Don't forget to give a warm hello to The Hogtide their primary offshore vessel, a 42' Egg Harbor Sportfisher decked with all the bells & whistles. Powered by twin 550 HP Detroit Diesel engines, she offers a 15' wide cockpit giving you ample fishing space and so many other amenities. Her cabin features the more than appreciated ice cold AC, as well as wrap around leather couches and a full galley to prepare lunches. Captain Tony mans the helm from the forever sleek fly bridge and this F.V. comes with all the staples; from her outriggers & tuna tubes, to industry standards such as a fighting chair, live bait wells, and not to mention more gear than you probably know what to do with.

Captain Tony recommends his 10 hour offshore trip for those who want the most bang for their buck but aren't sure where to start! He assures this will give you ample time to catch fish as well as provide the opportunity to both bottom fish and troll while you are out. Adding that his personal favorite fishing to do is Cobia fishing, as their are cooperative eaters & put up a great fight and show! Book a trip this summer for an experience you are sure to remember for years to follow.

Trips aboard Reel Compulsive Charters include: 12/10/8/6 HR Offshore Trips, 6/4/3 HR Inshore Trips & a 5 HR Shark Trip

Color Options

Shine White-Matte White-Crystalline Green Green-Hot Pink-Purple-Black-Blue-Red

WE ARE PROUD TO BE A FAMILY FRIENDLY 3D ARCHERY RANGE! We are a members only archery range. Where people can come to learn and practice the sport.

Mention this ad and receive $100 off Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts!

DEER HUNTING SEASON

August 1st-January 1st

3 DAYS HUNTS $1,295.00

5 DAY HUNTS $1,995.00

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.

We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.

Spring Turkey Season March 20th-May 5th

3 Days $1,395

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

Turkey Season opens on March 20th each year and runs through May 5th. We have 5,500 of prime turkey woods with a mixture of river bottoms, pine ridges and lots of food plots planted with chuffas, the turkey’s favorite. Our seasoned guides are very familiar with our properties and are very personable and experienced. While on your turkey hunt , if you would like to sit for a wild hog in the afternoon, you are allowed to take one hog during the three day hunt for no extra charge. We have lots of them and some really big ones.

Wild Hog Hunts Year Round

3 Days $1,095

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

We can hunt hogs year round and some of our most productive hunts this past year took place in May, June and July. We have plenty of land now with hogs to be able to hunt large groups, up to 10. We can even accommodate bow groups that large. Hogs are very smart animals, don’t come thinking they are just dumb farm animals. This is a fun hunt for all who just do not want to quit hunting after their deer season closes.

The finest deer, hog, and turkey hunting in the low-country of South Carolina!

Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina