SSFHMagazine May/June 2024

May/June 2024

Family

By: Haley Starbeck www.poncefishnetwork.com

For this month's special edition, we will bring you behind the scenes of how Ponce Fish Network came to be and the inspiration behind it all.

The fall of 2019 hit differently, a feeling that I'm sure remains the same regardless of who you ask. My fiancée Jeremy had just been promoted to First Mate aboard the F.V. Super Critter (Critter Fleet), a dream job landed just before the living nightmare began. Just as the work to get ready for busy season was beginning in 2020.. the world was shutting down for the pandemic, putting a full stop to our everyday lives and plans.

During the shutdown we talked a lot about the state of things in the fishing industry; the unnecessary over-regulation of well-stocked fish, outdated advertising models, and the true health of the local fishery… which it seemed the higher-ups had no clue about. A lot of these talks had a fierce undertone of anger and frustration but were mixed with visible apathy. Those who spoke felt no one was listening.. maintaining all the while they felt their hands would remain tied no matter their efforts going forward.

When the shutdown finally ended, I looked for ways to help the struggling business my fiancée had grown up in awe of. The Critter Fleet and its vessels had been around since the 1950s, an area staple and piece of local history that once consisted of a fleet of vessels but by 2020 had dwindled down to just one. Over that first year, I did a lot of research into the industry, the boats & Captains that surrounded us, all while paying careful attention to the management surrounding it all. My first step onto the path that led us to where we are today was the rebirth of some of the Critter's social media accounts. Historically some accounts had been run by its first mate, changing hands every time a new first mate had come on board.

I ran the Critter's Instagram (@critterfleetfishing , photos are still up for those looking) for the last couple of years she ran. Through this, I realized how little of a platform she had to exist on and share her stories. That first year was a struggle; I was met with constant denial by people who had no real understanding or care of what they were doing wrong. I watched as pop-up charter businesses with limited experience had open reign on these advertising platforms, while the household names that created the industry here were shunned, and denied their well-earned right to exist. To say that my frustration motivated me would be denying a personal truth, I have and always will be the kind of person who fights for what's right in a sea of wrong.

It wasn't long after I started trying to help out that talks of closing the business had started, much to our dismay. The tides of the industry had drastically changed during the pandemic- the business temporarily boomed as people had more time & money due to shutdowns, and Florida had become a safe haven from states with harsher restrictions. Seemingly overnight, being a charter Captain became a career choice for many, just as the industry was slowly starting to get back to its pre-pandemic normal. The open talks of selling stopped, and for a brief moment in time, I thought we were in the clear.

In May of 2021 after months of discussion with the best Captain & mates in the inlet, I created Ponce Fish Network with one true but unobtainable goal. At the time if you had asked me, I would have told you I built the network for the Critter Fleet, her Captain, and its crew. I wanted to give them the platform they needed to grow in the social age where management was left in the hands of whoever had the most followers or approved the posting. Nowadays, having lived through the Critter Fleet's last year in business in silence knowing its fate was already sealed, I would say Ponce Fish Network was created so that its closure wasn't in vain. We may have lost one of the best headboats to ever fish these waters, but its legacy will continue to live on as it is the inspiration that has created all that you see here today. Con’t on page 6

Front Captions:

The Mahi bite is on this beauty was caught aboard Fire Line Charters with Capt Mike Kyp out of Ponce Inlet. Black Bass from Georgetown Marina

By: Haley Starbeck www.poncefishnetwork.com

The network has changed management-wise a lot since its early days, but the goal remains the same. We will always stand behind the idea of giving Charter Captains the platform they deserve. Here you will find the longest-running and most well-respected Captains in the industry continuing what they do best, filling the box with fish and ensuring you get exactly what you came for; a memory to go home with that will last a lifetime. While we are a paid digital newspaper with advertising catering to fishing charters and fishing-based businesses, we put all of the funds raised right back into advertising our charters and network so that the future local charter industry has the resources it needs to thrive in the coming years. We thank every one of our loyal supporters and businesses for their continued support while we expand in the years to come.

Desiree’ Harbster

To plan your next fishing trip with Captain Bruno and book the ultimate fishing or boating charter adventure

•Maps & Advice

•Rod & Reel Rental •Smoked Fish One South Beach St. Ormond Beach 386-676-9078 www.granadapier.com Linnie’sStopinforFamous Fresh SmokedFishDip DaysOpen7aWeek 4894 Front Street, Ponce Inlet 386-761-4831

Ester and her husband found the slab sheepshead fishing out of the Volusia County area.

Ester works at Bob’s Discount Marine Supply off US1 in Port Orange stop by for all your marine and boat trailer needs and so much more.

Species: Bluefish

Species: Snook

Species: Sheepshead BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY! 386-689-7409

Get Caught Up with Caught Up Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

FWC issues executive order to reopen recreational harvest of greater amberjack in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico from May 1 – May 31

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to reopen recreational harvest of greater amberjack in Gulf state waters from May 1 through May 31, consistent with the federal reopening.

NOAA Fisheries is reopening Gulf federal waters because landings indicate the recreational quota for greater amberjack has not been met. The FWC is also opening state waters to be consistent with the federal season and to provide additional harvest opportunities for recreational fishermen.

If you plan to fish for greater amberjack or other specific reef fish species in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up for the State Reef Fish Angler Designation (annual renewal is required). To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/ SRFS or sign up today for your no-cost designation at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

FWC issues executive order with new CWD regulations for 2024-25 deer season

On April 11, the FWC issued a new executive order outlining regulations designed to increase sampling and slow the spread of chronic wasting disease in Florida deer. Existing regulations pertaining to the establishment of the CWD Management Zone, prohibition of rehabilitating or releasing injured or orphaned deer, feeding restrictions, and prohibition of exporting high-risk parts remain in effect. New regulations include:

The feeding of deer within the CWD Management Zone shall be allowed only during the deer hunting season. The take of antlerless deer shall be allowed during the entire deer season in Deer Management Unit D2.

Up to three antlerless deer, as part of the statewide annual bag limit of five, may be taken in DMU D2. These new regulations do not apply to wildlife management areas. MyFWC.com/CWD.

Bait

-Red Worms

-Live Shrimp

-Live Shiners

-Live Minnows

-Live Fiddler Crabs (When Ava.)

-Canadian Night Crawlers Hours

Nice cobia caught by Ester and her husband get out and wet a line the fish are biting if you would like to hire a Captain to take you visit the website below.

www.poncefishnetwork.com

Angler: Anthony Vance Jr

Location: Rose Bay

Bait: Live shrimp

E & J bait shop in Port Orange.

Species: Mangrove Snapper

Angler: Scott Laney Location:Somewhere Astor Species: Big Black Bass

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides May 2024

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)

Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead!

Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge

Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm

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

from Arizona caught this beauty from a local pier in Port Orange. He was

from

Bait

Tackle.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides June 2024

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (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

How it Works? Purchase Plate

We Donate

Kids Go Fishing!

FISH FLORIDA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supports organizations that teach people, especially children, about Florida’s fish and aquatic habitats through donations of fishing equipment, grants, and scholarships.

The mission of Fish Florida is to promote public awareness of and encourage the protection of marine fisheries and coastal habitats. This is accomplished through clinics, classes, seminars, presentations, displays and other means designed to teach and promote responsible angling, particularly to Florida’s youth.

By: Haley Starbeck www.poncefishnetwork.com

Legendary Captain Lee Carver Fish of the Week Judge

For this special edition Captain of the Month, we bring you the Captain who inspired Ponce Fish Network, a man who has devoted himself to our continuation week after week. Captain Lee Carver, a legend in his own right, dominated the charter fishing industry here in Ponce Inlet for the last 50 years. While his days of sport & head-boat fishing are behind him, he continues to hold his ranking and is now our weekly judge of the best charter catches in the inlet. Ponce Fish Network was built to give Captain Lee's former vessel, the F.V. Super Critter, a social platform to build off of and grow from. In the wake of the business' closure, the Super Critter serves as our inspiration and devotion to the cause, and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Captain Lee Carver moved to the Daytona area when he was just 13 and was instantly fascinated by the area's fishing culture. He spent his teens learning the ins & outs of saltwater and surf fishing, winning his first tournament at 19. Sitting on his balcony overlooking the Halifax River he tells me the story and laughs, noting when he caught the winning triggerfish that day- he wasn't even sure what kind of fish it was. I laugh with him because if you know this legend, you definitely can understand how hard it is to wrap your head around the idea that once upon a time he didn't know. As we sit he continues, his next tournament win would be a couple of years later; a stud cobia, something I am all too familiar with from his Super Critter days.

By the early 1970s, Captain Lee was hooked, despite being the one who was usually doing the hooking- and his career path was set in stone. In 1973 he landed his first mating job aboard the Sarus, owned & Captained by Dick Shine, which got his foot in the door while he learned more. His next and last mating job would be aboard the Virginia M, owned by Greg LaCour, which he would spend the next several years on. By 1978, his then roommate and friend Captain Dick Harper (F.V. Snow White II), would convince him to get his Captain's license, marking the start of a truly unforgettable career. Captain Lee received his license in 1978 and two months after was offered the helm of the Snow White III, owned by Al Kline. While he remembers Captain Paul Nelson Sr. keeping watch over him later on, he chuckles as he tells me one of his first trips he went it entirely alone. That feat may seem doable nowadays, but the equipment differences between now and the late 1970s are something worth noting. I remind him he is a natural, which should be an easy fact for him to acknowledge, but he does not. While I know that the man I am interviewing is a legend, it is very clear he is humble when it comes to admitting that.

Captain Lee Carver ran the Snow White III for seven years, before taking a job with Buddy LaCour running his 40-foot Viking. While he was a mesmerizing headboat Captain and bottom fisherman, his true passion had always been sport fishing, and his favorite will always be sailfishing. He ran the Viking for 3 years when a tournament opportunity would come up that would create the connections that would determine the rest of his career. Captain Lee adjusts himself in his chair as he starts to tell me the story, not just any story either, but THE story of THE fish. Every Captain has a story about their personal best fish, but this one hits differently for me.

The thing about Captaincy is, how many fish a Captain catches in their respective career, there are usually too many great catches and too many memorable feats. The ultimate feat is the one that tops it all; the one that stuns the Captain that’s seen it all. That’s what dreams are truly made of.

Captain Lee talks about the lawyer from Deland he took out for a tournament, a trip in which he would meet his future boss and friend Charlie Schammel, and a catch that would forever be solidified in the history books. The tournament was the 16th Annual Invitational Bluewater Tournament hosted by the Northeast Florida Marlin Association in Camachee Island, and Captain Lee would put Charlie on a record-breaking marlin that would drop jaws back at the weigh-in. The blue marlin put up quite the fight, taking half of the 80lb line during the 45-minute fight, and took the 5 person crew almost an hour to get through the tuna door because of its girth. Reading the articles I have my confirmation of Lee's humbleness, as it quotes him directly, 'I'm never comfortable until a tournament is over," he said. "Our catch looks good, but other boats could come up with points in different categories. We've got to go back out tomorrow and Friday and keep trying." (Gary Smits, Sportswriter) He never quits. The blue marlin caught that day on the Critter Gitter weighed a whopping 608 lbs, a tournament record at the time. While they didn't win the tournament, being out-pointed by 2 blue marlin releases, they were certainly the talk of the tournament & newspapers far and wide.

Captain Lee has had lots of other tournament wins over the years; including 2 Striker wins, the Stuart Light Tackle tournament, and the NSB Angler with none other than Captain Tim Garrett (F.V. Waterproof Charters Fishing ) & Captain Joe Lyall (F.V. Blackhawk), as well as all the wins previously mentioned. He finally settled back into head-boat life again with Charlie Schammel, owner of the Critter Fleet, after a couple of years of running boats in New Jersey & North Carolina. Captain Lee would be the last Captain the Super Critter had at the helm, his final leg running from 1998 to 2021. Over those last twenty years though, he earned his rightful place at the top and will forever be known by customers for a deck covered in fresh fish, and by our Captains for his trademark 'Too Easy' over the VHF.

This 6 hour reef trip aboard Vulcan Charters produced Linda with her grandkids, lots of fish and some nice ones to take home for a fish fry.

The adage rings true here; 'home is where your heart is' and you can still find Captain Lee on the water daily. These days he helms Ponce Inlet Watersports Eco & River fishing tours, a well-deserved break after spending most of his life out on the open seas. You can still hear him daily over the VHF offshore though, his verbiage seeps through every mate and Captain who has worked with him or been inspired by him through the years. The greatest lesson he ever taught will forever be if you are doing what you love... it's all 'too easy'.

Katie caught this big Triple Tail fishing off the 11th St. Pier in Holly Hill.

* Brick Pavers

* Walkways

* Putting Greens

* Sun Pads

* Fire Pits

* Patios

* Pool Decks

* Lounging Areas

* LowVoltage Lighting

Left Photo

Angler: Gina

Species: Snook

Location: Pier off the river in Volusia County

Right Photo

Angler: Andy Leary

Species: Speckled Perch aka Crappie

Location: Lake Diaz Volusia County

Troy Langford with his 2 boys catching sheepshead sandwiches.

Keep silver kings reigning: FWC shares best fishing practices for tarpon anglers

When fishing for tarpon be sure to use best fishing practices to keep silver kings reigning. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) consulted a number of external partners, including charter captains, Salt Strong and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, to create a comprehensive list of best fishing practices to guide anglers looking to target tarpon. Recommendations focus on what gear to use, fighting techniques, handling tips and release strategies. By following these practices, anglers can quickly and confidently reel in tarpon and help one of Florida’s most iconic saltwater fish species survive release.

Gear: Set up for success with these spin or conventional gear recommendations to catch tarpon quickly and minimize fight time.

When using bait, use nonstainless, nonoffset, barbless circle hooks.

Use single hook rigs.

Use tackle heavy enough by matching tackle to conditions and targeted fish size.

Example: If targeting large tarpon, consider using medium to extra heavy spinning rods with 5,000 to 10,000 series spinner reels and at least 12 pounds of drag, 50- to 60-pound braid, and at least 60- to 80-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon leader depending upon the selected crimp or knot-system. Use 6/0-10/0 circle hooks depending on brand and bait type.

Have a fighting belt or chair available for additional support during the fight.

Have a long handled dehooking tool to quickly and easily remove hooks.

Fighting: Aim to minimize fight time of tarpon and use these fighting techniques to reduce stress on the fish.

If the tarpon rises to the surface or jumps, point rod tip toward the fish and drop rod tip down while reeling in.

Counter the tarpon’s run by using the backbone of the rod to pull in the opposite direction and use short turns of the reel to bring line in.

Put the butt end of the rod into your hip or use a fighting belt or chair to get leverage for the fight.

If the fish tries to go under or around the boat, move to the front of the boat to prevent the line from breaking or becoming entangled.

Sharks are known to prey upon tarpon during the fight. If a shark shows up, help the tarpon survive by quickly bringing the fish to the boat and cutting the line as close to the hook as possible. Move to another fishing location if sharks are in the area.

Handling: Keep handling to a minimum and be sure to work quickly to allow for a successful release.

Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water by rule, unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag.

Tarpon smaller than 40 inches should only be handled with wet hands and be supported horizontally under the belly, if removed from the water.

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Keep the gills of tarpon in the water to minimize air exposure.

Keep fingers away from the gills and eyes.

Avoid dragging tarpon over the gunnel of a boat or over rocks or railings.

Avoid delaying release by having a camera at the ready if you're planning to take a quick picture.

Release: Catch and release tarpon as quickly as possible to reduce stress on the fish. Consider a no-touch release by either using a long handled dehooking tool to remove the hook or cut the line as close as possible to the hook.

If the tarpon is gut hooked or the hook is lodged in the throat, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.

Revive lethargic tarpon by ensuring water passes through the mouth and then over the gills or hold it horizontally in the water to allow it to pump water through its gills.

Shorten future fight times if tarpon appear lethargic during release.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid fishing for tarpon from bridges or piers. Only tarpon under 40 inches may be removed from the water, so if you did hook up to a large tarpon from a bridge or pier, you would have to cut the line and leave long line trailing behind the fish, leading to entanglements and reducing survivability.

Fishing for tarpon in Boca Grande Pass?

Be sure to review the regulations specific to this area. Bottom-weighted jigs are prohibited year-round. This includes fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod. Any jig that allows the attached weight to slip down the shank so that it hangs lower than the hook while the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is also prohibited. Any gear or jig that can be described as such, may not be attached to any rod, line or leader and must be stowed when traveling through the Pass. Additionally, from Apil 1 through June 30, no more than three fishing lines may be deployed from a vessel and breakaway gear is prohibited.

It is important to remember that these restrictions apply to fishing for all species within the Pass. For more information on tarpon best fishing practices, regulations and frequently asked questions, visit MyFWC.com/Tarpon.

BASS CAPITAL

By Captain Lynda Hawkins

According to Lorraine at BASS WORLD LODGE 386-467-2267 Mark and TJ caught and released some nice bass using Rat-L-Traps. Eddie Maylor caught a 4 pound bass using black worms with a blue tail. Bass are biting well. Bream are starting to bite. It’s the time of the year for catfish to turn on.

GEORGETOWN

MARINA & LODGE at 386-467-2002 Chris tells us they are catching some nice bream, bluegill and redfish using crickets and worms. Best places are back in the canals around falling trees. A nice stringer of specks was caught by Larry this week. The water is really super low right now. Bass are just starting to hit good this week. Several bass up to 8 pounds this past week.

DUNNELLON

By Captain Lynda

ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT at 352-489-2397 Stan reports bass are around and are being caught using domestic shiners. People are still catching specks using minnow and a bobber.

Dave caught this 7 1/2 pound bass on a plastic fishing out of Georgetown Marina.

Mark your calendars: 10th Annual Lionfish Festival May 17–18

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Destin–Fort Walton Beach invite everyone to celebrate the 10th annual Lionfish Festival May 17–18 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CT at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin. This two-day outdoor festival is free, open to the public and will include conservation and art booths, live music, an interactive kid’s zone and the world’s largest lionfish tournament, the Emerald Coast Open.

Tournament Details

Are you interested in competing with the best lionfish hunters in the world in the Emerald Coast Open? The tournament will run May 17–18, 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.

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY

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:

May 10 – The Boathouse Landing

Valparaiso Harbor

May 11 – La Paz Restaurante & Cantina

May 12 – Crab Trap Destin

May 13 – Jasmine Thai

May 14 – Beach Walk Cafe

May 15 – Harbor Docks

May 16 – The Harbor Tavern

May 18 – AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

What is LRAD?

To increase public awareness about the lionfish invasion and encourage removal efforts, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) signed a resolution creating Lionfish

352-793-2083

"34 Years Serving Great Food at Great Prices in Lake Panasoffkee”

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

352-444-2043

patstapsatcfj.com

"Lake Panasoffkee's only family friendly taproom serving 12 rotating craft beers along with domestic beer, wine, seltzers and ciders".

View Our Full Menu Online at CatfishJohnnysRestaurant.com

2396 N. C-470, Lake Panasoffkee, Fl. 33538 Closed Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays

Removal and Awareness Day in February 2015. Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day is a statewide day celebrated the first Saturday after Mother ’s Day each year. The 2024 Lionfish Challenge is approaching quickly. This summer-long tournament is open to everyone and is completely free to enter. Participants in the Lionfish Challenge have removed over 1 million lionfish from Florida waters since the program began in 2014! Visit FWCReefRangers.com to register for the Lionfish Challenge.

where

meander about with the purchase of this .22-acre property. Property features an older 2/1 MH with well and septic. Condition of MH is unknown at this time. Has older metal shed on property. Power is off, status of well and septic is unknown and not warranted. Property is located deep in the forest, providing a quiet reprieve from the world. $32,000

NICE CANAL LOT… that overlooks protected wetlands. Canal dead ends and would require airboat to make it out to open water. Subdivision has its own boat ramp that allows access into Big Lake Kerr, which is a beautiful sand bottom lake with crystal clear water. Has older storage shed on property. Restaurants, shopping, ATV trails, and the springs are only minutes away.

Large 100’x200’ lot just steps away from forestry in Sportsmans Haven. $20,000 2 adjacent lots (.24/each) zoned R4 w/ Lake Kerr access. $15,000/each

Beautiful 100’x150’ lot zoned R4 w/ storage building. $12,000 Wooded 80x100 lot zoned R4 in Hog Valley – near hiking/riding trails. $8,000

LAKE COUNTY

By Captain Lynda Hawkins

LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE at 352-742-3336, Larry reports bass are going crazy with a bunch of 2 or 3 pounders being caught using medium shiners. Jeromey caught over 80 shellcrackers averaging 2 pounds each. Specks have slowed down but are still being caught in the shell beds.

BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE at 352-267-0062 Reports bass are being caught on the Harris chain using a swimming worm or a small shallow running crank bait. Fishing the shell beds this time of year is productive; using a small red or purple worm. A slow falling sinking weightless worm or a chrome blue or green Rat-L-Trap reeled in as fast as possible, are both working quite well. Specks are still being caught in deep water spider rigging.

BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE at 352-460-0695 Calan tells us the Bass Masters Elite series was just here and it took 84 lbs. 5 oz. in a 4 day event. Shellcracker are starting to bite. A few fishermen are still catching specks spider rigging out in deep water.

Vannessa Schurr with a 5 pound Hybrid Bass caught from the Astor area.

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

Saltwater West Coast

WC#401 Suwannee River to the Gulf

WC#402 Cedar Key

WC#403 Crystal River

WC#404 Steinhatchee

Freshwater Lakes, Rivers & Streams

FW#201 Lake Dexter to Lake George

FW#202 Lake Beresford to Lake Dexter

FW#203 Lake George

FW#204 Lake George to Jacksonville

FW#205 Lake Crescent

FW#206 Rodman Reservoir & Dam (Backcountry)

FW#207 Lake Beresford to Brevard County Sawgrass Lake

FW#208 Lake Okeechobee

You & Your Boat Deserve the Best Outcome!

We provide fast, efficient, professional mobile boat service, maintenance, repairs or upgrades to all types of boats in Daytona Beach and surrounding Central Florida areas. www.outcomemarine.com

Call George: 386-227-7681

Inboard Engines - Outboard Motors Marine Electronics

Servicing Volusia & Flagler Counties.

BLACKWELDER PUMP AND IRRIGATION

We service both commercial and residential water wells, pump systems and stations, water treatment equipment, irrigation and sprinkler systems, water features and fountains.

If it moves water we service it.

• Daytona Beach 386.253.5177

• Ormond Beach 386.676.2335

• DeLand 386.738.5338

• New Smyrna 386.428.5252

• DeBary 386.668.0064

brian@blackwelderpump.com

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• Yard Containment Systems and much more... Sporting Dog Supplies

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Preparing for a Kayak/SUP Fishing Adventure

Written By: Captain Marty Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charters

Kayak and SUP fishing have become extremely popular in recent years, and our options continue to evolve. There are many advantages when fishing from a vessel that doesn’t require a motor – not having to fuel up your watercraft is a huge benefit. This not only saves money, but the ability to take a stealthy approach and quietly stalk your desired target is likely the greatest benefit of fishing from a kayak or SUP.

With any style of fishing, it is critical to be fully prepared and to create a plan prior to your adventure. As we know, advanced preparation is everything when considering a successful fishing mission. Be sure and create a list of necessities before hitting the water for your fishing adventure.

Before planning your day on the water, it is important you conduct a full weather analysis as your day could go from extremely fun to downright dangerous if you find yourself in the middle of a passing weather system (storm or a frontal boundary). If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to seek flat, calm days so you can comfortably navigate the waters.

You’ll want to closely monitor the wind, rain, temperatures, and tides on the days leading up to your desired kayak/SUP outing. Nothing is worse than being stranded in a perfect-storm miles from the dock or launch ramp site. A good tip would be to stay within proximity to your launch site especially if you are not using GPS or chart plotting technology. While radar technology exists, typically our kayaks and SUPs are not equipped with these rather expensive options.

Next, conduct a survey of the area you plan to fish. This could be executed in many ways. I like to pull up Google Maps on my cell phone to plan my day in advance. Where I will launch my vessel, what sand bars, docks, bridges, mangroves, ledges, or ambush points I will fish. Then, it is critical to create an ‘Exit Strategy’. Should the weather get ugly in a moments notice, where will I wait out the storm or whose dock can I paddle to with ease to seek shelter?

Being familiar with the region you plan to fish can make a day on the water very successful. Whereas fishing territory you have never been or paddled could result in a rather long, frustrating, and stressful (fish free) day.

Remember to keep it simple when fishing from a kayak or SUP. There are certain items you are required by law to bring along when fishing from a kayak or SUP. One must always wear a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). All PFDs should be in good condition and fit properly. A whistle is also required when fishing from a kayak or SUP in Florida. I recommend affixing your whistle to your PFD for easy access. If fishing in the dark, one must have a 360-degree white light shining so other vessels can identify you from a distance. Otherwise, reflectors and small LED lights are always an advantage when operating a kayak in low light environments.

Other very important equipment to consider before fishing from a kayak or SUP would be aback-up paddle or an alternative device for pushing water. Too often, kayak peddles will malfunction or fail and this will require you have another way to push surface water so you can still cover ground and return to your launch site.

It is always a good idea to bring along some sort of anchor or poling device, so you can stay in one location and not drift. While some kayak anglers prefer a simple mushroom anchor system, Grapnel and Bruce Claw Anchors are also commonly used. Drift chutes, brush grippers, and drag chains are also utilized to control drifting when fishing from a kayak or SUP.

For equipment storing purposes, I always carry an empty milk crate that contains my essentials. An empty bucket, box, cooler, or plastic bin would also work well for storing and securing your equipment. My first aid kit, a dry box for my cell phone, a compass, multiple containers of water, snacks, SPF, face coverings, sunglasses, my tackle box, collapsable landing net, and fishing rods are all necessities when kayak fishing. Get creative with how to mount your fishing gear to your watercraft. Keep your equipment easily accessible just incase you tip over or need to quickly abandon your vessel.

You’ll want to be sure you dress to swim when on a kayak or SUP fishing adventure. Just incase your vessel decides to flip over unexpectedly, you’ll be prepared to swim to safety. Also consider rigging your fishing kayak to flip. Not that you have intentions of flipping but, if you do, you have secured all your gear by attaching it to a leash, snap system, or dry bag.

Technology and cell phone applications have come a long way in recent years. There are several phone apps that I heavily rely on leading up to planning and during my Kayak fishing outings. These are tools that can help to predict the best window to fish. There are apps to identify the flow of tides, expected winds, and overall weather conditions. I greatly rely on one application that tracks lightning strikes in the area. I can set the proximity in which I’d prefer to be warned of nearby storms and lightening strikes. This type of phone application is a MUST in Florida considering our unexpected weather patterns.

Be sure you are well rested before heading out on your kayak fishing adventure as there is a heavy physical demand on the body when committing to hours of fishing from vessels without a motor – especially if there is wind. Be sure and stay hydrated throughout the entire duration of your journey. Consider taking along a friend or small group anglers if you are new to kayak fishing. Sharing your adventure with an experienced kayak angler will help you to become more efficient and likely catch more fish. If you plan to go on a solo outing, be sure you relay your location to friends and family so they know where you could be found. At the end of the day, the better prepared you are for your kayak or SUP fishing adventure, the more enjoyable your experience will be.

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