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SKINNY WATER

SNOOK WATCH VIDEO

CATFISH

THREE WAYS

PHOTO CREDIT: @ROBERT_MINOTTI COURTESY OF PATRICK “TUPAT” EICHSTAEDT IG: @THEREALTUPAT / YOUTUBE: TUPAT'S FISHING ADVENTURES

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2

F R A N C H I S E

SEPTEMBER 2021

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

Contents

VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2

SEPTEMBER 2021

Maryland Swordfish Record Falls Twice

Pay Attention to Detail During the Fall Transition

By CAM Staff

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

Live Bait Snook on South Florida Beaches

By Richard L. Matteson

Cobia Chaos in the South Carolina Lowcountry By Nick Carter

Catch Key Largo's Fall Offshore Action

By CAM Staff

The Mullet Run Is On!

100 Miles Off Louisiana By TAM Staff

Use the Wind to Find Fish By John Saporito

Warm Water Speck Strategies

The Best Fishing Months Are Upon Us!

Overlooked Trout in Avery County

Lefty's Deceiver

Blue Ridge Mountain Lakes Are Calling

By CAM Staff

By Chris Beardsley

Three Ways to Target Big Cats By Gary Turner

By Patrick Sebile

By Nick Carter

By Carlos Hidalgo

By Nick Carter

Record-Breaking 69 400-Pound Grouper Caught at Sarasota Slam

Inshore Fishing in Costa Rica

Wade-Fishing Pilgimage to South Texas By Chris Bush

Archer Sets New World Record

On the Water Etiquette

By Costa Rica Pro Staff

By CAM Staff

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

Rigging & Jigging

Fly of the Month

Tips From a Pro

Under the Sea

By Tyler Woolcott By Sheri Daye

Contest

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PHOTO BY GARY TYLER, MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

MARYLAND SWORDFISH RECORD FALLS TWICE

Jacob Bertonazzi, second from left, stands with his record swordfish.

For more information, visit news.maryland.gov/dnr/.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG FISH CLASSIC.

he “fish of a lifetime” for one angler turned out to be the fish of the month for Maryland, as two staterecord swordfish were caught during a two-week period this summer. On July 23, Annapolis resident Peter Shultz, 36, became Maryland’s first state record holder for Atlantic division swordfish when he caught a 301-pounder while fishing the Huk Big Fish Classic out of Ocean City. Shultz caught his bigmoney fish about 50 miles offshore at Washington Canyon. It picked up a dead eel on a circle hook fished on a Talica 50 reel and 65-pound braid with 25 feet of 150-pound leader. Landing the fish was an epic eight-hour team effort, which helped propel team Real One to $542,648 in winnings. But Shultz didn’t get to enjoy being a record holder for long. On Aug. 6, New Jersey angler Jake Bertonazzi set the bar a little higher when he caught a 318.5-pound swordfish while fishing the White Marlin Open out of Ocean City. Bertonazzi and team were deep-dropping squid on a circle hook about 60 miles offshore in Poor Man’s Canyon. They hadn’t caught much all week when the big broadbill picked up their bait just minutes before the end of the tournament. It took two hours to land the fish, which earned the crew of Jersey Boy $118,000 in tournament winnings.

Peter Schultz, second from left, and his team stand with their two-week-record swordfish. THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

EXPLORE THE WATER XTREME POWER ASSIST Xtreme Power Assist will bring the smooth, easy control of electric power-assisted steering to a wide range of popular boats, including pontoons, runabouts, RIBS, aluminum fishing boats and center consoles. www.dometic.com 6

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

VIDEO

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

WATCH

Pay Attention to Detail During the

Fall Transition

s fall approaches, fish patterns change. By understanding the habits of fish, you can target them with confidence. Spring fry have matured in the marsh and are ready to move into open water. Knowing the timing, tides and location of this migration can lead to great action. I recently tried a new area. It’s a place I really hadn’t heard anything about. I planned to target reds, since satellite imagery suggested it should be favorable. This area had a long meandering bayou that emptied into a small lake, which ranged in depth from 1 to 3 feet. I was at the top of a chain of lakes and marsh, so this particular drain would see the first of the baitfish and shrimp exiting their summer home. Targeting the inland-most marshes and bayous early in the season will be the most productive. Follow the bait and schools of fish out as the season advances. Although the reds were there, they were only

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

12 inches long, and the trout were smaller. They were gorging on shad and shrimp as tide poured out of the bayou into the lake. Once I noticed flounder busting completely out of the water attacking the schools of shad, I quickly changed my retrieve. I had been working my soft-plastic swimbait high in the water column to keep it in the bait balls. When I saw those flounder, I immediately lowered my rod tip and began vigorously twitching my rod down and to the side to make the jig head hit the mud bottom hard. Kicking up clouds of silt attracts flatfish. I started landing flounder immediately with the new retrieve. It was obvious they were aggressive since they were going airborne to feed on shad. This is why I worked the lure hard and fast, unlike a traditional flounder retrieve.

I’m not sure how many I caught, released and lost, but it was well into double digits. The most productive color was white or pearl to mimic shad. Since they were attacking schools of bait, I tied on a tandem rig using the same lures. I think the presentation looked more like the schools of baitfish they were targeting. I rigged my second lure so it would look more natural floating above the first jig-head swimbait, which was bouncing on the bottom. This increased my strikes. Paying attention to the details of the location, season and tide, as well as how the fish were feeding all played a huge part in my success. These concepts can be applied in any situation at any time of year. It was not what I expected, but I will take a limit of flounder any day. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures and Controlled Descent Lures. He owns www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

B&W TOW AND STOW ADJUSTABLE BALL MOUNT The Most Versatile Trailer Hitch On The Market

f you’re an avid outdoorsman, you need a trailer hitch that can handle any occasion. Trailers, boats, tree stands, campers, ATVs and kayaks are the toys we take out on every weekend, holiday and family vacation. B&W’s Tow and Stow Adjustable Ball Mount creates a simple way to enjoy all your toys without using multiple hitches. Simply adjust the mount to the desired level, select your ball size, and load up. Whenever you’re not using the hitch, simply reverse the hitch to have it sit under your bumper to avoid a nasty collision with your shin, garage door or another bumper. Every obstacle has been considered, every adventure accounted for. Simply plug and play and forget about all the extra parts and pieces you used to have to search for in your garage. Take advantage of the all-in-one adjustable mount to ensure you are prepared for every need. For the avid angler, this mount will allow you 8

SEPTEMBER 2021

to take your boat down any boat ramp, run your kayak through any wooded trail, and keep your vessel secure no matter the distance. Offshore to inshore, kayak to SUP, B&W Trailer Hitches is the perfect tool for your adventure. Since 1987, B&W Trailer Hitches has been using quality and innovation to build one of the most trustworthy names in the industry. Employee-owned and all American, B&W manufactures towing products with the kind of quality that can only be delivered when pride of ownership goes into every step of the process, from design to the final customer experience. While most other manufacturers have shipped their operations overseas, this commitment to excellence has made B&W one of the few remaining hitch makers in America.

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TOW & STOW FEATURES • Adjustable to trailer height for level towing • Multiple ball sizes. (You might have an equipment trailer, a camper, lawn mower trailer, and a boat. This hitch can be locked into your receiver and you don’t have to worry about changing ball mounts.) • Stows behind the bumper when not in use • Steel construction with a 2-step finish (ecoat, then powdercoat) • Stainless steel pins • 100% American Made • Available in multiple drops, 2”, 2.5” and 3” shank sizes (10,000, 14,500, and 21,000 GTWR) • 2- or 3- ball size combinations • Also in Black, Chrome, and Browning®

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THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

LIVE BAIT SNOOK

ON SOUTH FLORIDA BEACHES By Richard L. Matteson

ere on Florida’s East Coast, we have access to some of the most exciting shore-based fishing there is. From spring, through summer and into fall, big snook run the beaches of South Florida, and they can be caught from the sand with lures and even sight fished with flies. I am a lure fisherman, and everyone knows it, but fishing with artificials can be difficult during the doldrums of late summer and fall. The Atlantic Ocean is flatter and big snook become wary. The fish are still here; what are we to do? Here’s a pretty simple technique that will catch snook when the fishing gets tough. The hottest bait this time of year is live croakers. Croakers are catching so many snook right now that the local bait shops here in the Stuart, Fla. area sell out as soon as they get a shipment. With the artificial bite kind of drying up, my friend and occasional fishing buddy, Mike Vars, showed me how to catch big snook on live bait. Mike buys a dozen croakers when he can get them. All you need to keep them alive for a couple days is a round bucket with an aerator. Good bait-sized croakers are 5 to 8 inches, anything larger might catch a big snook, but they are harder to fish. Mike uses a 3 or 4 size circle hook and hooks his croakers through the nostrils so they can swim freely. Some anglers prefer to hook them through the tail.

Since the tactic involves free-lining, with no weight, casts should be just past the trough on a high tide, which is about 20 feet here. Then open the spool and let that croaker run. On low tide, it might be necessary to wade past the trough and cast farther out. Mike uses a 60-lb. leader and 20-lb. braid on a spinning reel. Before the snook takes the bait, the croaker will often wiggle excitedly— this is a signal you are about to get bit. When the line suddenly starts moving fast, it means a snook has your croaker. Let her have the bait for a few seconds, and then begin reeling steadily so the circle hook lodges in the corner of her mouth. Mike averages three or four big female snook each trip with this method. He has caught several over-slot snook, with the biggest measuring about 40 inches. If you want to catch your own bait, use a sabiki rig and tip hooks with a small piece of shrimp. Or fish the trough with light tackle and a small piece of shrimp. Sept. 1 marks open season for snook on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. You’re allowed one per day between 28 and 32 inches. Richard Matteson writes for the Stuart Rod & Reel Club and he is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine.

Mike Vars with a nice beach snook caught on live bait. THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

BECOME A ZILLIONAIRE! Longer life, more power and torque, and unbeatable performance characterize the new Daiwa Zillion

aiwa’s brilliantly designed Zillion SV TW is the new standard for freshwater low-profile baitcasters. With 40 years of experience in magnetic braking systems, Daiwa’s brand-new SV Booster System gives anglers total control with longer casting distance. The reels also feature Daiwa’s new Hyper Drive design for an ultra-smooth retrieve and powerful winding. New design concepts drive Zillion’s durability and innovation. The Hyper Drive Design consists of four new elements: Hyper Armed Housing, Hyper Drive Digigear, Hyper Double Support pinion gear, and Hyper Tough Clutch. Hyperdrive Digigear is a new gear design that provides more efficient transfer of power that is smoother, more powerful and quieter. Hyper Armed Housing is an aluminum frame and side-plate for maximum rigidity and precision performance of internal components. Hyper Double Support is a twobearing support system for the reel’s pinion gear, which means no side-to-side movement and an ultra-smooth gear rotation and retrieve. Hyper Tough Clutch is a redesign that increases durability and performance. These features combine to make the new Zillion SV TW the pinnacle of design, function and innovation. The Zillion SV TW also features a new SV Booster System. It is a two-stage braking

system that gives anglers control without backlashes and 10 to 15 percent longer casts. A thinner, lighter G1 aluminum spool allows better casting of lighter lures. Daiwa’s revolutionary T-Wing System is a T-shaped line guide that is larger, wider and less restrictive than traditional systems. Line exits freely from the spool with minimal line angle and diminished friction for more accurate and longer casts. The reel was also designed for comfort. The Magforce dial is located under the reel, so you don’t feel it in the palm of your hand. There’s also a large hood above the T-Wing System, which allows

your thumb to rest comfortably on the reel. Daiwa went to a 90 mm handle throw and larger handle knobs. In terms of overall weight, all Zillions are light and comfortable at 6.7 ounces. The reel is available in right- and left-handed versions in three different gear ratios: 6.3:1, 7.1:1, and 8.5:1. MSRP $349.99 For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@Daiwa.com. Visit daiwa.us.

ZILLION SV TW FRESHWATER REEL WINNER

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IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY

PHOTO BY ETHEL WARE CARTER

WATCH

VIDEO

By Nick Carter

“

iyeeeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeee!” The shout sounded Cajun, or perhaps like the intro to a mariachi tune. Either way, it amplified the chaos on deck. Three rods were bent. Two anglers scrambled around each other to uncross lines screaming off reels. A third angler dove to wrap an arm around the 10-yearold who held a death grip on rod number three. It was a toss-up as to whether the kid would lose the rod or if the fish would yank him overboard into a very active chum slick. The whole scene unraveled when a 10-foot tiger shark rose to the surface like a 500-pound rainbow trout. It smashed the boy’s cobia straight through the surface, blowing up close enough to drench us, maybe 15 feet off the stern. The boy’s rod jerked down between the twin outboards and snapped. There was stunned silence, then... “Ayeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeeee!” our captain hollered. “I love chaos!” Man, what a trip. It was a lot more than my two brothers and I expected upon reconnecting with a childhood friend in Bluffton, South Carolina. Our captain, Keene Reese, is a successful real estate agent with Ussery Group, Charter One Realty in the Lowcountry. He is also a very fishy dude. In mid-June, he invited us—along with my 10-year-old son—on a 20-mile wet rollercoaster ride offshore, where cobia were thick on a well-known wreck. With a beautiful chum slick snaking off the stern of Reese’s 25-foot Regulator “Copacetic,” it didn’t take 10 minutes for “brownies” to start showing on the surface. They arrived tailing some big sharks, and there was no need for downlines that day. All the action was on top, visible and simple. Pitch a live menhaden

out on a freeline, and a cobia would take it before you had time to put it in the rod holder. Over the course of a few hours, we boated well over a dozen cobia, although the action came in such crazy spurts that no one could keep count. My son also caught a nice kingfish, which required some assistance during the initial blistering runs. The thing is, we only landed four cobia longer than the 36-inch minimum length limit. We saw some large ones, but the short fish were definitely more numerous. That’s good news, according to Mel Bell, the director of Fisheries Management with South Carolina DNR. For decades, South Carolina was famous for its inshore cobia runs. Bell said May is the peak of a spawning run that once saw scads of cobia pushing into Port Royal Sound, Calibogue Sound, St. Helena Sound and the Broad River. Boats lined up to target big egg-bearing females before they had a chance to reproduce. The fishery collapsed. “We were in a bad place in 2016,” Bell said. “The numbers were scary. Even the anglers were telling us we had to do something.” While overall Atlantic cobia stocks are in good

PHOTO BY GILBERT CARTER

shape, according to the latest assessment from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, Bell said spawners in South Carolina sounds are a distinct “sub-population.” The Southern Cobia Management Zone was formed in 2016 to protect these inshore-spawning fish. The zone stretches from Jeremy Inlet on Edisto Island, S.C. south to the Georgia border. It extends three miles offshore, and within this zone there is a one fish per person, three fish per boat daily limit—except in May, when cobia harvest is closed. The limit in federal waters is one per person, six per boat. Offshore, nearshore or inshore, there is a 36-inch minimum length limit, which brings us back to all those short fish. Bell said South Carolina DNR isn’t ready to release any hard data. However, he’s heard fishermen reporting lots of smaller fish, which are likely in the age classes protected since 2016. If anecdotes translate into survey data, it would mean the restrictions are working. Bell said next year might be time to take a close look and see just how well cobia are returning to the sounds. For more information, go to www.dnr.sc.gov.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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VISSER REELS visserreels.com

L L A F S ’ O G R A L Y E K H C CAT By CAM Staff

E R O H S F F O ON I T C A T WATCH

he excitement is evident in Capt. Dallas Hopper’s voice when he starts rattling off the options for fall out of Key Largo. Coming off a tremendous summer days with huge numbers of mahi-mahi, things begin to change up a little in September. The mahi are still there for the taking, but there are a few other bites that kick off this time of year. Dallas runs Fantastic II Charters with his father Capt. Justin Hopper. And while tourist traffic begins to fall off this time of year, the fishing only gets better. The weather in the keys is still gorgeous, and the seas are typically calm. Even beneath the surface, currents tend to drop off a little in early fall, which makes it one of the best times to head offshore to do some deep dropping. Out of Key Largo, it’s only about a 13-mile run to reach deep-water ledges from 300 to 600 feet deep. Using electric reels, or hand cranks for those who want to test their mettle, dropping bait to the bottom is a fun way to load the boxes with delicious fish for the dinner table. The regular targets are porgi, vermillion snapper, yellow eye snapper and big snowy grouper. It’s a regular stop on Fantastic II trips when clients want to fill a cooler. “It can be red hot,” Dallas said. “When you’ve marked the fish, the rig barely has time

VIDEO

to hit the bottom.” Blackfin tuna are another staple the Fantastic II counts on this time of year. They begin showing up in September on the humps and ledges as well as on the edges of the reefs in 200 to 400 feet of water. “They are an all-around great fish,” Dallas said. They taste good, they fight hard and they’re easy to catch.” Some days trolling big spreads of small lures on light tackle can lead to unbelievable action. Other days the best tactic is to drift and chum them up on the humps. These hard-fighting fish range from 2-pound footballs up to powerful 40-pounders, so anglers are often surprised to find themselves in epic battles on light tackle. Another surprise that might show up in mid to late September is wahoo. When trolling, the Fantastic II likes to pull a varied the spread that will tempt any fish that might be in the area. A ballyhoo on wire with a trolling weight is the ticket for picking up any wahoo that might be lurking. There’s nothing like a big ’hoo to make a good day great… except maybe sailfish showering bait. “It’s not uncommon to run into them crashing ballyhoo on the edge of the reef

when we’re headed in or headed out,” Dallas said. Obviously a sight like that calls for an immediate change of plans. The sails show up like clockwork in mid to late September, and the bite gets better as the fall progresses. The Fantastic II guarantees fish. Find them online at charterkeylargo.com or call 305-514-0211.

THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

Hobie Mirage Lynx Blends Kayak Into Low Profile Hybrid K ayak anglers who like to travel light are going to love the latest addition to the Hobie fleet. The all-new Mirage Lynx kayak is a sleek, lightweight and rugged platform designed for anglers who want to load and launch their vessel with minimal effort on a moment’s notice. Hobie minimized weight with Lynx’s unique design. With a hull weight of just 45 pounds, the 11’ long by 36” wide Lynx boasts a 350-pound capacity. It’s rugged, fast and exceptionally stable. The Lynx features ACE-TEC construction for rigidity and durability, a removeable rudder system and a premium MirageDrive 180 propulsion system with Kick-Up Fin technology that affords forward and reverse pedaling, even in shallow water. A V-hull entry, wide bow and innovative waterflow tunnel system provide maneuverability, allowing kayakers to push into skinny backwaters, hands free. “This really is a fun and practical kayak,” said Morgan Promnitz, Hobie’s Director of Fishing Development. “In addition to touring and exploring, it’s a great option for pursuing inshore species such as redfish, snook, sea trout, stripers, bluefish, summer flounder and other sporty or tasty fish species, especially in 20

SEPTEMBER 2021

back-bay waters. Freshwater anglers will also find it an ideal platform for chasing bass, trout, walleye, pike and panfish. It’s absolutely perfect for anglers who take a minimalist approach and bring along only a couple rods plus a tackle bag. Still, if you want to load it up with gear, it comes H-Crate-ready and has additional bow storage with Bungee tie downs. This boat also sports scupper holes for a livewell or live-bait tank and comes ready to install fishing electronics and a Power-Pole anchor system. The Lynx is easy to transport and that is what makes it so exciting to me; you can slip it off your vehicle and carry it under an arm like a surfboard or use one of our kayak carts to get it to the water’s edge. Load one on top of another for transport because the flat profile allows you to stack several Lynxes on your roof racks!”

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The Lynx has a low profile for stability. Its elevated mono-mesh fabric seat sits high for visibility and keeps kayakers cool and comfortable. A seatback storage pouch holds important items like keys, wallets and cell phones in a dry bag within reach. The new Mirage Lynx platform also includes molded-in tracks for mounting accessories, an EVA standing pad, and ample cargo room. A wide range of accessories allows kayakers to rig the Lynx out to their preferences. The Hobie Mirage Lynx retails for $2,699. Find a Hobie dealer through the dealer locator feature at www.hobie.com.

hobie.com

THREE WAYS TO TARGET

BIG CATS By Gary Turner

f you like the feel of really big fish on the end of a line, catfish are a good option. There are several different types, but trophy hunters set their sights on blue and flathead catfish. Both species grow large and can weigh in excess of 100 pounds. For bait, catfish have been caught on just about everything you can think of. But generally, big flatheads are predators and like whole, live, hand-sized bream. Blues like large cut bait like bream, skipjack or carp. Once you’ve got your bait, here are some ideas for how to fish it. FISH A FAN: My favorite technique is to anchor up in a good spot near rocky bottom or structure such as a ledge, river channel or creek bed. I have 14 Driftmaster 255 H Pro Duo rod holders, which I use to put out a fan of baits on Penn Fathom reels and medium to heavy rods. These are spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid. The terminal end is a weight slide on the main line then a swivel and a 3- to 5-foot leader, with a Gamakatsu 8/0 circle hook on the end. These are the rigs I use to fish Cabela’s King Kat tournaments. They are heavy duty because you never know when a 100-pound monster will show up. BACK-TROLLING: On big rivers, back-trolling can be very effective. Use your trolling motor in reverse to slow

the boat’s drift in the current and present baits to catfish holding on the bottom. Bottom bouncing is Bill Dance’s preferred method on the Mississippi River. It’s also very popular on the Tennessee River. It allows you to keep your bait about a foot off the bottom and bounce it to fish facing upstream. Tie a three-way swivel to a mainline of 40- to 80-lb. braid. On the bottom eye of the swivel, tie in 12 inches of 20lb. mono drop line and attach a bank sinker. The drop line should be lighter than your main line so you can save the rest of the rig when your sinker gets caught. On the third eye, use a 2to 3-foot piece of the same line as your main line and attach a 6/0 to 12/0 circle hook, depending on the size of your bait. DRIFT FISHING: Drift fishing is very popular on big lakes like Santee Cooper in South Carolina. On windy days, set all your rods on one side of the boat with weights that will slide along the bottom. Pencil, Lindy and slinky sinkers all work well for this. If the wind pushes the boat too fast, deploy driftsocks to slow the boat. If you don’t have driftsocks, 5-gallon buckets work in a pinch. Gary Turner is a long-time contributor to The Angler and Coastal Angler Magazine. Contact him at gary@purgeright.com.

Llebroc Builds Better Boat Seats

lebroc Industries began business in 1981 as a medium to high-end seat manufacturing company. During the 80s they evolved into a front-line manufacturer of a diverse group of automotive products for pickups, Suburbans and SUVs. But, in 1997 Llebroc switched primary focus to marine seating. Their first customers were Champion and Skeeter, both manufacturers of bass boats. Since then, the company rapidly expanded their scope of operations to include seating for boats and ships of every size and description.To accomplish this in such a short span of time, they exercised extensive experience in automotive seating, and now, just 24 years later, Llebroc is creating the most innovative concepts and designs in seating for the marine industry. Their Series 1 line, for use in an enclosed helm with limited exposure to the weather, currently features eight models with standard features that include: power coasted 1-inch square tube steel; molded foam seat cushions, armrests and headrests; Modern Allante vinyl upholstery; and a 24-month warranty. The Series 2 line for both indoor and outdoor use currently numbers 14 models with an array of standard features that include all-aluminum construction; UV texture powder coating; UltraLeather material (standard); dual positive lock seat-back adjusters; multi-position arms; Llebroc’s AquaFlex Mitigating System, which provides a level of compact and safety previously unavailable in marine seating; and a three-year warranty. All Llebroc seats offer free shipping in the continental United States. Llebroc also produces all-weather seating (11 models), bass boat seating (7 models), seat accessories and all the necessary hardware required for proper installation and utilization. Simply stated, Llebroc creates the highest quality marine seating that can be found on today’s market. It begins with initial concept drawings and proceeds on through each stage of production. In addition, every effort is enhanced by dedication to superior customer service. Each Helm Chair features rugged durability, extraordinary comfort, functional design, an impressive list of standard features and, perhaps best of all, an affordable price. For information about Llebroc products and services, visit www.llebroc.com or call Toll Free: 800-284-5771 • Fax: 817-831-3623.

By CAM Staff

The Mullet Run Is On!

t’s that time of year again when the lowly mullet becomes a primary target of interest for Florida anglers. Over the next few weeks and months, mullet in untold numbers will migrate out of the estuaries and run down the coast to their spawning grounds off South Florida. The mullet run is on, and it has switched on the predatory drive of almost every fish in the ocean. From the beach, or on a jetty, pier, bridge or boat, anglers who encounter fish feeding in huge schools of mullet are in for a treat. These intrepid little pilgrims have made their way south from as far up as the Carolinas, and it’s a good thing they come in numbers, because a whole lot of them get gobbled up along the way. Snook, tarpon, flounder, redfish, sharks, bluefish, jacks, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish… they all answer the dinner bell when mullet are balled up. To find the fish, you must find the bait. Young finger mullet make an easy meal when large schools of them are pinned against

SEPTEMBER 2021

a jetty or are caught out in the open by predators running the beaches. Live or dead mullet are the obvious baits to fish if you’ve got time to throw a net, but don’t get caught cast-netting when there is a frenzy going on. A plug or soft-plastic will also get hammered when the melee is on. Don’t pass up your window of opportunity when the action is hot. Bait might be heavy in an area one day and gone the next. Anglers with boats can run the beaches in search of diving birds and find fish blowing up on top. Seawalls, rocky shorelines and other obstruction to the southward migration can serve as ambush points or corrals where baitfish are pinned in. Any structure that steers schools of mullet into a predictable path can turn into a killing ground. Shore-bound anglers must rely on good intel or just show up and hope to get lucky. Some prefer to pick a place that has been productive in the past and return frequently

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to catch it when it’s right. Others have a list of likely locations and eat up the road in search of activity. It’s the time of year when your gear should remain rigged and ready in the back of the truck. A good network of fishing buddies is worth its weight in tarpon during the run. Sharing good information on locations and the southward progression of bait is a two-way street. Take care of someone else, and they will likely take care of you. This time of year is a great time to be on the water. Temperatures are beginning to cool, most of the tourists have gone home, and thick waves of baitfish are there to be found, running the coastline with big predators in hot pursuit. For more information, visit coastalanglermag.com.

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es, everyone wants to catch a grouper, or three, but you should be prepared—tackle-wise—to come home with “the groceries.” One way to accomplish this is to keep a beeliner/triggerfish rig ready on a rod and to have someone willing to use it when you get on the right mark. Not all big stacks of bait on the recorder are beeliners and WATCH triggerfish, but get accustomed to it and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at. The bigger species of the reef complex tend hang out under a big stack of bait, like cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. But the truth of the matter is, what you might be looking for is near the top of the stack. For example, the larger beeliners might sometimes be the first taps you get on your jig as it drops toward the bottom. When I’m grouper fishing, I fish a revolving spool reel rather than a spinning reel for several reasons. The main reason is so I can feel the bait as it drops. If you feel the bait on the jig getting tapped on the way down, understand that you’re in beeliners, triggers and/or American reds. At that point, it’s up to you to capitalize or just continue to grouper fish for grouper only. If you choose to do it, you can load up on some pretty tasty groceries by

Tim Barefoot

sizing down your tackle. I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also VIDEO where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. THE ANGLER VIDEO MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2021

100 MILES By TAM Staff

OFF LOUISIANA

rystal LaFosse fishes a lot. She’s traveled to destination fisheries around the world. Everywhere she’s been has its own allure, but she said when it comes to catching fish, nowhere compares to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. What would you expect to hear from a Louisiana girl? Crystal LaFosse is the founder and director of the Salty Catch Tournaments in Louisiana. With so much fishing in her work life, she relishes the opportunity to launch out of Lake Charles with family, friends and her 10-year-old son Cardyn. Despite the excellent inshore opportunities nearby in the maze of waterways and Calcasieu Lake, Crystal’s

SEPTEMBER 2021

favorite destination is well over 100 miles out in the Gulf in grouper water. West Louisiana doesn’t enjoy the same proximity to deep water as destinations to the east. With runs inside 50 miles out of Venice or Fourchon, anglers flock to the deep-water rigs and rock bottom where the edge of the Continental Shelf provides dramatic depth changes. Out of Lake Charles, it’s a 110- to 130-mile run to reach the 200-foot depths and prime grouper territory. However, those willing to make longer runs will find bottom that hasn’t already been picked clean by other anglers. “Most people don’t come here to target grouper because the run offshore is so far,”

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Crystal said, “but that also makes it good because the area is not over-fished.” Yellowedge, gag and Warsaw grouper are some of Crystal’s personal favorites, but she said it’s always fun when the rod tip bends over and you really don’t know what you’re bringing up. Regardless of the species, grouper are some of the best eating fish in the sea, and loading the box with delicious fish is half the fun. “There’s nothing better than cranking in a huge Warsaw grouper. That’s just the best!” she said. The challenge of strapping on a harness and battling a big Warsaw is enough to test anyone’s strength and endurance. Reeling up a 200-plus-pounder is on Crystal’s to-do list. “Typically the big grouper hang on the

up-current side of the rigs in 200 to 250 feet of water,” Crystal said. “Bottom fishing, you’re looking for rock or reef formations, drop offs and drastic water depth changes. Usually anything over 200 feet is good grouper territory.” For Crystal, “anything over 200 feet” is sometimes 500 feet or deeper, when you never know what’s going to come up on the end of the line. Her rigs account for the dark waters at these depths with lights that mimic the bioluminescence of squid and attract grouper. “There are several ways to deep drop, and grouper rigs can be made with one to five hooks, ” she said. “Typically when you’re targeting a big Warsaw, it’s with an 18/0 or 20/0 circle hook rig with glowing lights, a 3- to 5-pound weight and live bait around the oil rigs. I make my own three-hook rigs using 8/0 or 10/0 circle hooks, glow in the dark squid, lights, and topped with dead squid bait. You can use the 3to 5-hook rigs around structure or just bottom fishing on rock piles.”

The glow squid are from Offshore Angler and many other brands. The LED deep-drop lights range in colors of blue, red, green or disco, and there are many different brands. “These lights and glow squid attract the grouper in the deep dark water,” she said. “The squid are put on just above the hook, so when you add your bait it’s glowing right above it. The light is added about a foot above the rig and attached with a snap swivel or rubber band.” As much as anything, heading offshore is an opportunity to explore. Crystal said she and her friends all have the same standard coordinates marked on their electronics, but everyone has their favorites, and she’s had a few trips when they ran up on new bottom that turned out to be great. “We have spent time seeking out new numbers to mark, and that just keeps it interesting,” she said. “Keeping the depthfinder on while running from spot to spot, paying attention to any changes in depth and bottom, you can really find some good spots. The ocean is such a wonderful place, and there are so many new things to explore. I think that’s what keeps me coming back. Every trip is different and special in its own way.” Salty Catch Tournaments is currently working on its 2022 schedule. Stay tuned to saltycatch.com. 32

SEPTEMBER 2021

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MUD HOLE BRINGS ROD BUILDING TO STUDENTS ACROSS AMERICA

Education Program Continues Steady Growth, Benefitting New Students and Teachers

ith students across the country returning to school this fall, Mud Hole Custom Tackle is stepping up in its efforts to bring custom fishing rod building and tackle crafting to the youth of America. As the industry’s number one supplier of tools, supplies, components and education content, Mud Hole is uniquely positioned to engage kids and create an educational experience through rod building. “We’ve been working closely with teachers and school organizations throughout the United States for over a decade, teaching students valuable life skills, and in many cases, providing an avenue to earn required academic credits in their science and agriculture programs,” said Brook Oliva, Vice President of Operations at Mud Hole. “Rod building is the core of our business, and we are always excited to bring this craft to kids. Whether they pursue rod building as a pathway to a career in the hunting and fishing industry, or if they simply gain a lifelong passion, Mud Hole is happy to play a small part in their development.” Mud Hole works very closely with educators as well as youth groups and clubs, including Boy Scouts of America and 4-H, to provide discounted pricing for all the equipment and supplies needed to bring rod building and tackle crafting to the classroom. Mud Hole also provides personal online instruction to the teachers, sharing the skills needed to transfer rod building expertise to their students. Since its inception over 13 years ago, the Mud Hole Education Program has reached more than 650 institutions and over 30,000 students across America and in Canada and Australia, with hands on activities that promote classroom engagement.

SEPTEMBER 2021

“It’s an honor for me to work directly with the teachers who bring this important skill set to students across the country,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole’s Education Program Director. “I lead online rod building workshops each month dedicated to teachers, and I attend state-level teacher conventions throughout the year. We have even set up a Mud Hole Education Program Facebook group as a platform for educators to share their experiences and techniques with each other.

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It’s an amazing community, and I am so proud to support it.” In 2021, Mud Hole has stepped up efforts to reach new students with new classroomfocused education kits and enhanced price discounts, and by adding new online resources to assist teachers through their curriculum— all with the goal of supporting education. For more information about Mud Hole’s Education Program, contact Anthony Youmans directly at 866-790-7637, ext. 135.

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USE THE

WIND By John Saporito

TO FIND FISH

PHOTO BY CAPT. TIM CUTTING.

he wind is a great mover of bait, and a mover of bait is a mover of fish. Among the myriad factors that contribute to gamefish location, wind ranks somewhere near the top. Short-term winds influence the whereabouts of baitfish schools in many ways, which in turn influences the location of the gamefish that feed on them. Fish are highly sensitive to water temperature. Even a change of a degree or two can motivate them to seek out water of a more desired temperature. In the northern hemisphere, a cold northerly wind may lower water temperatures enough to force baitfish to move toward areas of more stable temperature, such as deeper water. Conversely, a southerly wind may raise water temperatures beyond a certain bait species’ comfort range, causing them to seek out areas with cooler water. Many migratory baitfish begin their seasonal journeys based on temperature changes initiated by short-term wind events, such as storms. They respond by relocating to areas that better suit their specific needs. When a localized or short-term wind pattern changes the water temperature, you can bet the baitfish will take notice and act accordingly.

Baitfish of all sizes are always on the lookout for an easy meal. Just like the predators that hunt them, baitfish prefer to feed with the lowest possible expenditure of energy. Suspension feeders, such as many members of the herring family, look for big blows to stir up detritus, plankton and other small organisms and organic matter that they can eat. The wind also creates surface currents, which push plankton and other miniscule prey items. Any significant wind has the potential to concentrate, stir up, or otherwise move the food baitfish feed on. The wind also has the power to enhance or diminish tidal action. A wind moving in the same direction as a tidal current will accelerate the water’s movement, overpowering and transporting both baitfish and their prey. A wind-against-current scenario may form a natural corral that concentrates and traps baitfish in a temporary location. In bays and other inshore waterways, a strong offshore wind

can combine with a low tide to render certain areas uninhabitable to baitfish due shallowness. A strong onshore wind, in conjunction with a high tide, can pile up water in areas that before were dry, allowing baitfish to enter feeding grounds that were previously inaccessible. It’s important to know where there is deep, stable water for baitfish to take shelter in when the temperature suddenly rises or drops. Also look for “dead ends” in the areas you fish, such as coves and points of land, which act as barriers that trap and hold bait when the wind is howling. If you find baitfish, odds are good that the gamefish are nearby. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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BRINGING THE FIGHT TO THE WATER By Ryan Drygas

oing what you love for work is a dream, and when your job is fishing, well…that dream is pretty hard to beat! At least that’s what I thought until I met Clay. For those of you who don’t know, Clay Guida is a UFC Fighter, one of the most gnarly, in-your-face brawlers that I’ve had the privilege to watch on TV. For years, Clay has taken his passion for wrestling and mixed martial arts and perfected his technique in the Octagon. Needless to say, I was amazed when I had the opportunity to meet him and realize his passion for fishing is just as intense as his passion for fighting. Clay was able to combine his love of the water with his profession in fighting. Gillz and Thrillz with Guida allows UFC fans and friends to get on the water with one of most notorious fighters and catch some fish, swap fishing stories, and enjoy a show. Clay, along with some of his buddies from the Octagon, are combining their love of fighting and their passion for the outdoors and creating

Learn more at www.finzandfeatherz. com/gillzandthrillz

one of the largest crossover genres in adventure sports. So, if you’d like to meet a UFC Legend (who is one of the most down to earth people you’ll ever meet) and rip some lips, then check out Gillz and Thrillz with Guida and pick a time and adventure of your choice!

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RECRUITING HAS COME TO BASS FISHING National Scouting Report Partners With Fishing Chaos to Assist High School Anglers in the College Recruiting and Scholarship Process

ishing Chaos, the industry’s leading technology platform focused on tournament fishing and charter management, today announces the launch of its new Club Module and a partnership with National Scouting Report (NSR) to significantly enhance exposure, recruitment, and scholarship awards for High School bass anglers. NSR identified the critical need for high school bass anglers to have the resources and tools to create recruiting profiles to record, properly document, and validate their catches to help earn scholarships. Aligned with technology driving its tournament and charter management platform, Fishing Chaos has developed its new Club Module with robust features that provide high school bass anglers the ability to create custom profiles and track all tournament

results regardless of the size or notoriety. By partnering with Fishing Chaos, NSR becomes the only recruiting service in the world that can accurately validate a high school angler’s catches, thus making it the most trusted source for students, scouts, recruiters, and coaches. “We have been developing our club platform for over a year now, and when we had the opportunity to show it to NSR, they immediately saw the opportunity to create something revolutionary for the high school bass angler,” said John Calagaz, Founder and CEO of Fishing Chaos. “Everybody on the Fishing Chaos team is very excited to be a part of helping these students achieve their dream of bass fishing in college.” “By leveraging the Fishing Chaos technology, we have created something

exceptional for the high school bass angler,” said NSR President Rusty Rigney. “This revolutionizes high school angler recruiting by collecting comparable, verified catch data from the anglers across the country. This will allow us to create so many new opportunities for these student-anglers.” To get started, high school clubs/teams (through their coach or parents) will be required to enter as a club on the Fishing Chaos platform. More information on this process can be found by contacting Fishing Chaos via their website. Once registered, each angler can create a custom recruiting profile that will be embedded into the NSR Fishing website and available for scouts, recruiters, and coaches to view. To learn more, visit www.fishingchaos.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

BIGGEST EVER CAUGHT?

SEPTEMBER 2021

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TARPON WATCH

VIDEO

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WARM WATER SPECK STRATEGIES By Chris Beardsley

WATCH

he spotted seatrout goes by many names including speckled trout, speckled, gator or just speck. Regardless of its colloquial tag, it can be found along the Atlantic coast and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Interestingly, spotted or speckled seatrout belong to the drum family and can be caught in the same general areas as their red and black cousins. Additionally, their willingness to hit on a variety of baits and the fact that they are excellent table fare makes the speckled trout a fan favorite. Just like their redfish relatives, speckled trout love flashy lures, but live shrimp rank high on the list of baits. Late spring and early summer, a Carolina or drop rig with a live shrimp or grunt is a simple and effective method for catching them in the surf, bays and estuaries. As summer progresses and water temperatures rise, lures and shrimp are still great but best fished during early morning hours. When the bite becomes less predictable, sometimes a complete change

SEPTEMBER 2021

of tactics is required. A Doc’s Goofy Jig or similar offering can be productive, albeit a bit unorthodox. And just like fishing for pompano, I’ve found that tipping the jig with a shrimp head or tail and bouncing it off the bottom will coax even the most finicky fish into biting. Late summer, which includes September in most places seatrout live, requires a change in tactics once again, as warm water temperatures drive fish into deeper pockets. Look for holes or deeper ledges in the grass flats, and don’t overlook the drop-offs past the sandbars in the surf. A lazily retrieved gold spoon or Gotcha worked around shell beds will certainly catch fish, but keeping your lures away from the magnetic pull of the sharpest oysters is always the trick. When fishing spoons, the key is to reel just fast enough to make it wobble, then let it sink and bounce it off the bottom to kick up a little sand. Adding some action to your retrieve mimics a wounded baitfish or virtually anything edible

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that should probably be eaten. This is where a live shrimp or DOA suspended below a popping cork or float really shines. Use just enough weight that will allow the shrimp to swim or drift naturally. Ultimately, the fish will be where they are most comfortable. Fishing the flats during early morning hours is your best option, while targeting the deeper water edges later will be more productive. Getting into these areas undetected can make all the difference. Stealth is critical in the shallows, and a kayak allows you access to very skinny water virtually undetected. Additionally, a kayak is a slick addition to your fishing arsenal and is a fun way to get into areas where others might not venture. If you’re looking to try kayak fishing, a great place to start is Island Outfitters (www.sgioutfitters. com) on St. George Island, Fla. They are an authorized Hobie dealer with over 40 years experience with the gear, tackle and expertise to get you started.

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PARK SMARTER, NOT HARDER. A

s a trailer dolly manufacturer, ParkIt360° regularly receives comments from people asking, “Why don’t you just learn to back up a truck?” While they understand that a trailer dolly is a tool that some people won’t want to use or don’t see a need for, ParkIt360° believes that there are many good reasons to invest in one (even if you’re the best at backing up trailers).That is why they wholeheartedly say, “No, trailer dollies are not just for people who can’t back up a trailer properly.” In fact, those who park their trailers using a dolly might actually be parking smarter.

attempted to steal your trailer from that spot. It wouldn’t work, would it? When you park a trailer or boat using a dolly, you can make your own anti-theft system. If you live in a high-crime area, this is actually a regular usage of trailer dollies. You might be “the guy who didn’t need a trailer dolly,” but you might also end up as “the guy whose camping trip just got cancelled.”

WHY WOULD SOMEONE GET A TRAILER DOLLY, THEN?

As long as you know what you’re doing, backing up a trailer works just fine. But there are things that a trailer dolly can do that a truck simply can’t. 1. Parking with a trailer dolly is easier. Whether you’re the kind of driver who gets out every three seconds to do a full reconnaissance, or an expert backer-upper, parking with a trailer dolly can save you a lot of time and stress. Even veterans of trailer parking can be bested by impossible spots. The video below is a great example of the kind of situation we’re talking about. 2. You can create your own security measures. Think about that impossible parking spot. Now, imagine what would happen if someone

3. Avoid annoying accidents. Almost 20% of accidents are parking related. And, while you might be great at parking, you can’t guarantee that everyone around you (and your trailer) is too. Some people choose to invest in a trailer dolly as a means of getting their trailer off the street and stored safely out of harm’s way.

4. No more arguments with your spotter. When you park your trailer using a trailer dolly, there is no need for yelling and arguing as you try to communicate with your spotter. If you have a trailer, then you can probably recall at least one incident in which someone insisted on helping you back up, even though you assured them that you had everything under control. You’ve probably heard the panicked yells of a spotter who was afraid that you were about to hit something (even though you knew you were fine). Maybe you’ve dealt with someone who repeatedly told you to “keep going” until you heard the unmistakable sound of the trailer hitting your eavestrough. ParkIt360° customers often tell them that the tension and conflict caused by backing up a trailer was no longer an issue once they started using a trailer dolly. That’s because, with a dolly, you don’t need a spotter. Dollies don’t just make parking easier. They also make coming home from a trip easier. Isn’t that something we all want? Trailer dollies make parking better for everyone. It’s time to stop making excuses about why other people might need a trailer dolly but you certainly don’t. There are lots of good reasons to get a trailer dolly aside from your parking skills. All kidding aside, you may not choose to invest in a trailer dolly for yourself, and that’s fine. ParkIt360° just wants to defend the integrity of their customers by saying: park smarter, not harder.

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VIDEO

The Best Fishing Months Are Upon Us! By Patrick Sebile

easons roll through one after another in the nature’s cycle. When we are in winter, we are thinking and wishing for the summer to come. Looking forward, dreaming ahead, planning for the next fishing season or for another trip in our beloved golden hole. The hot days of summer offer action in and out of the water, with holidays and vacations for many. Much has been said and written, and countless songs celebrate the summer. Indeed, summer is nice and I enjoy it, but it is just the precursor, for what truly is the very best fishing season of the year, for many fish species, in many areas, in both freshwater and saltwater across North America. That season is now. Starting in September, going strong through October and into November, we anglers experience the core of the core, the heart of the heart, of the fishing season. For many fish species, fall is the time

SEPTEMBER 2021

to eat heavily and get fat to prepare for the sparse winter to come, because right after winter comes the spawning season for most. While cold winter water might lead to lethargy for some species, those that spawn in spring require the energy reserves to produce eggs and sperm. This takes a lot energy, so they must feed heavily in the fall, and take every opportunity to fill their stomachs. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anglers to cast lures or bait to fish that are more concerned with their next snack than anything else. In my homewaters on the Florida shoreline, snook and tarpon will be feeding ravenously on scads of mullet during the famous mullet run. At the same time, walleye will be raiding schools of minnows along the shorelines of a lake in Wisconsin. In Texas, largemouth bass will be ready for any chance to swallow a crawdad lurking around

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logs in a reservoir. Fat stripers will boil on bunker in their fleeing dance somewhere between the mainland and Cuttyhunk Island in Massachusetts, and calico bass will be involved in a mass killing baitfish along the California kelp lines. And this list could go on and on for countless species and fisheries across the continent. If I were able to build a year for fishing on my own terms, I would make six months just like September, six months like October, and I would add in a glimpse of November. I know this doesn’t add up to 12 months, but let me just dream. My perfect fishing year would mean it would now and forever be the best time of year. But enough of that, I need to take my hands from this keyboard and grab my rods. I suggest you do the same. The short window that is the best time of year has already begun.

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Discover majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular mountain vistas in Upcountry South Carolina.

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The Best Place to Drop a Fishing Line

ou don’t need a formal invitation to have fun in Upcountry South Carolina: Come kayak in our crystal blue lakes, hike to our rushing waterfalls, dig into our local cuisine, attend our family-oriented events and festivals, and breathe deep our fresh mountain air any time you want to feel refreshed. But when you hold a valid South Carolina fishing license, it feels like an official ticket to enjoy the great outdoors. Fishing is an activity that anglers of any age can enjoy and whole families can do together. Whether sitting on a boat or standing on shore, you can relax into the simple pleasure of holding a rod surrounded by beautiful green mountains and blue water. There’s a jolt of excitement with each pull on your line and you spring into action to reel in your catch. Only minimal equipment is needed and no specific skills are required, so fishing appeals to novices as readily as pros. Fish are biting year round in the lakes, rivers and streams of Upcountry South Carolina, located in the state’s northwestern corner in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain. Try reeling in a worldclass catch at Devils Fork State Park in Salem, where Lake Jocassee holds state fish records for rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and yellow perch. Or try your luck in Lake Hartwell, at Lake Hartwell State Park in Fair Play and Sadlers Creek State Park in Anderson, three-time host of the Bassmaster Classic (2008, 2015 and 2018). The Chattooga River, ranked as one of the nation’s best wild and scenic rivers, boasts healthy wild trout populations plus is regularly stocked by Oconee County’s Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. You can fish for brown trout, rainbow trout, redeye

bass, catfish, bluegill, brown brook and bream in the Chattooga River. The Whitewater River above Lower Whitewater Falls is another great option for wild trout fishing. Lake Keowee at KeoweeToxaway State Park in Pickens County swims with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass as well as crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, catfish, brown trout and rainbow trout. Pick up everything you need to ensure a great angling experience—including advice—at local fly shops or book a guided fishing trip. Sam Jones of Jocassee Charters knows the best locations on Lake Jocassee to hook trophy trout year round. Buster Green’s Guide Service reels in stripers, hybrids and largemouth bass on Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee. Chattooga River Fly Shop leads catch-and-release fly fishing trips for trout and redeye bass on the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers. Of course you can get out on the water even if you don’t plan to fish. Jocassee Lake Tours offers tours of the 9,000-acre Lake Jocassee and of the Jocassee Gorges, which National Geographic ranks as a “Destination of a Lifetime.” Some of the most amazing spots can only be reached by boat. Several different tours are offered, so you can learn from a naturalist while riding on a pontoon or paddling a kayak through quiet coves and under waterfalls. Some tours boat then hike to remote swimming spots, South Carolina’s highest point, or other surprises. If you prefer to stay on solid ground, some road vehicle tours are available, too. Prefer to captain your own boat? No problem! Several rental companies, including Tri-County Boat Rental, operate on Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, Lake Hartwell, and other lakes to make it easy to get out on the water. Whether you prefer

kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, water skiing, or tootling around in a pontoon boat, it’s invigorating to navigate clear water while surrounded by great mountain views. If you’d rather be under the water than on it, go scuba diving in Lake Jocassee—that’s right: You can scuba dive in the mountains! Lake Jocassee is a world-renowned freshwater diving destination that boasts visibility of more than 50 feet at depth on warm clear days. Dive down to see the “wall” created when the side of the mountain was blasted during construction of the dam. You can also swim through a 40-foot wooden sail boat. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop offers lessons if you’re a novice or hope to refine your diving skills. From fishing to boating, hiking to camping, biking to bird watching and more, the Upcountry’s South Carolina State Parks are a great place to come and play. Dip into the swimming hole at Oconee State Park. Hike past mountain streams to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains at Table Rock State Park. Explore the 13,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area at Caesars Head State Park. Scuba, swim or fish at Devils Fork State Park. Or create your own adventure at any of the Upcountry’s 13 state parks, with enough fun to fill a trip of any length. There’s so much to explore, it’s best to plan to stay awhile. Upcountry South Carolina is packed with a range of comfortable overnight accommodation options. Stay in a rustic mountain cabin, at an upscale bed and breakfast, a lakefront villa, a city hotel in Spartanburg or Greenville, or even a treehouse. Visit UpcountrySC.com to learn more.

FLY OF THE MONTH Olive Biot Body Soft Hackle WATCH

VIDEO By John Rice

This is a simple tie and a very effective pattern for trout everywhere. Soft hackles are basically emerger patterns. They do not belong on the streambed like nymphs, so this fly should be dropped a foot or so off a nymph so it can suspend itself higher in the water column where an emerger belongs. Thread: 8/0 olive Abdomen: Olive goose biot Thorax: Tan superfine dubbing Hackle: Hungarian partridge Head: 8/0 Olive thread Hook: 1X long, size 18 Tiemco 3761

John Rice guides with Blackhawk Fly Fishing, which offers exceptional fishing for trophy trout in the north Georgia mountains. Contact john at jriceflyfishing@gmail.com.

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GREAT STREAMS—AND SPIRITS—AWAIT IN

HENDERSONVILLE, NC

f you’re an angler who enjoys following up a day on mountain trout streams with a refreshing craft beverage or two, cast your attention to the Blue Ridge mountain town of Hendersonville. This North Carolina town, about 22 miles south of Asheville, offers miles of stocked trout waters, as well as the popular Hendersonville Cheers! Trail. The two resources make it possible to spend the day catching three types of trout – rainbow, brown and brook – while spending an evening exploring three types of craft beverages – beer, wine and hard cider. First, the fishing part. North Mills River is the prime trout stream in the Hendersonville area. The river’s 4-mile section of delayed harvest waters receives an annual infusion of 11,000 trout from N.C. Wildlife. Spring is a great time to fly fish the delayed harvest waters of North Mills River because no trout have been harvested since Sept. 30. Another hot spot for trout fishing is just across the Henderson County line toward Brevard. The Davidson River offers miles of public trout waters that receive annual stockings of 16,500 fish. Other lesser-known fishing spots near Hendersonville include three streams on the eastern side of Henderson County, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown. Rocky Broad River has a 1.2-mile stretch of hatchery support waters, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5mile stretch of hatchery supported waters.

For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides a scenic setting for trout fishing. Delayed harvest waters flow through undisturbed mountains and over several notable waterfalls. Those waterfalls were immortalized on Hollywood’s silver screen in The Last of the Mohicans, as well as the backdrop for the exploits of Katniss Everdeen in the original Hunger Games movie. When the fishing is done, the Cheers! Trail awaits. The trail is one of North Carolina’s best, featuring 16 craft producers offering a variety of

experiences. Beer fans love Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, which is one of the largest on the East Coast and features an expansive patio and outdoor amphitheater, while Bold Rock Hard Cider has emerged as a national leader in the hard cider industry and regularly hosts live music (indoors and outdoors), along with cidery tours and a food truck. Several craft producers on the trail create small-batch beverages prized for their quality and originality. Three breweries – Southern Appalachian, Triskelion and Guidon – are within a few blocks of each other in the Depot District, while Sanctuary Brewing Co. is only a few blocks away on Main Street. Three wineries produce highquality wines from European varietals. The newest – Point Lookout Vineyards – is located atop a 3,000-foot mountain with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is on farmland that’s been in the family for more than nine generations. And two miles from Saint Paul, Burntshirt Vineyards offers tastings in its renovated farmhouse overlooking rolling hills of vines. For complete Hendersonville information and lodging details, call 800-828-4244 or visit www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Overlooked Trout In Avery County (An abbreviated excerpt from “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia”)

By Nick Carter

xcept in its delayed harvest section at Spruce Pine, N.C, the North Toe is a river often overlooked because of a perceived lack of access. This is a mistake. The North Toe is a valley river with roadside access that receives surprisingly little fishing pressure and fishes pretty well because of this. It took a trip with Cade Buchanan, of Mountain Troutfitters, to convince me. Cade grew up in Avery County, across the street from 56

SEPTEMBER 2021

the North Toe and has fished it since he was old enough to walk across the street with a fishing rod. Without his kind of local knowledge, it is easy to see why this perception of limited access persists. The North Toe runs through small farms and privately held property as a small to medium sized river through its accessible length. There is ample roadside access, but one must watch out for posted property. Downstream of the Minneapolis community, the river parallels U.S. 19E for more than 12 miles. It might

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not be bounded by Forest Service land, but there are long stretches of water that are not posted. The streambed is rocky. The water has a slight brown stain as it careens around boulders and over bedrock shelves with some good runs, pocket water and a few big holes. It is a flat bottomland river with easy wading and plenty of room to cast to deceptively deep runs. On a late summer day, I watched Cade expertly pluck numerous 9- to 12-inch trout from the North Toe using a double nymph rig with a big brown stonefly

as his point fly. Then I watched Bob Ivins, also of Mountain Troutfitters, battle and land a rainbow in the 18- to 20-inch range. There are good fish in this river for the angler who knows how to get to them. There isn’t much signage indicating where one is allowed to fish, but there also isn’t much signage restricting access. Some of this roadside water probably remains available because of the limited pressure the river sees. Those looking for obvious access to a lot of trout will find it in Spruce Pine, where there

SEPTEMBER 2021

is a section of the North Toe designated for delayed harvest. This stretch is also Mountain Heritage waters, which means anglers can fish it with a 3-day Mountain Heritage license that only costs $5. This piece of water obviously receives pressure. It runs through the heart of town as a wide and flat river with easy access and easy wading. It is pretty big water, and there are some deep holes where stocked fish tend to congregate. Getting nymph rigs down deep is a key to consistent success.

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With lightly pressured hatchery fish, some wild and holdover fish, and the delayed harvest stretch, the North Toe is a good resource that goes largely unnoticed in the shadow of its more famous sister, the South Toe. For GPS coordinates to access points on the North Toe and the rest of the region’s trout fisheries, check out “Flyfisher’s Guide To North Carolina & Georgia.” This comprehensive guide is available on Amazon, and signed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

Recreation, culture and history abound in the Western North Carolina county of Madison. Madison County is located 15 miles north of Asheville on the North Carolina/Tennessee border in the Smoky Mountains of Appalachia. There are many attractions in our 452 square mile area, of which 73 percent is forest. Nearly one fourth is public land managed by the US Forest Service.

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Madison County Visitors Center 56 South Main, Mars Hill, NC 28754 • (828) 680-9031

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Lefty’s Deceiver By Carlos Hidalgo

lthough he would deny it, Lefty Kreh is a legend. With great knowledge (he has authored or co-authored over 30 books and hundreds of magazine articles), boundless energy (he has performed countless lectures and casting demonstrations over the last 60+ years), down-home humor (a dumb person would “pick up a snake to kill a stick”), and showmanship (at casting demos, he finds a pretty woman and makes a cast that curls the fly line around her neck), Lefty has done more to popularize fly fishing than any other person in the last century. He has fished with Fidel Castro, Ted Williams and Ernest Hemmingway, but he hasn’t just witnessed fly fishing history, he has created it. His innovative fly casting techniques are used by millions of us today. Oh yeah, he also developed Lefty’s Deceiver, the best fly pattern ever devised. Lefty tied the first Deceiver during the late 1950s. He wanted a fly that was easy to cast, didn’t foul, looked like a baitfish and had great action in the water. The pattern can be easily described: a tail made up of several matching hackle or saddle feathers with a bucktail collar. Add flash material to either or both, eyes to

the head and some type of red material for the throat, as needed. The hook shank beneath the collar (the body) can be wrapped with the tying thread or a flashy material, like mylar tinsel or Diamond Braid. By the way, Lefty says the key to the pattern is to tie the collar at least as long as the rear of the hook, which keeps the hackle tail from wrapping around the hook. In appropriate sizes and colors, Lefty’s pattern has deceived just about every fish that swims, from four-inch bream to 400-pound billfish. Lefty’s Deceiver has even graced a U.S. Postal stamp. Lefty’s favorite Deceiver colors are chartreuse/white and yellow/chartreuse. I tie them in many sizes and colors, and my favorite is tied in a Firetiger color scheme. This color works very well for many saltwater fish in sizes 1/0 to 3/0. It has also been very successful for me for peacock bass and largemouth bass in south Florida in size 2. I imagine smallies would jump all over it, too. Contact Carlos at cah6620@gmail.com to order his book, “South Florida’s Peacock Bass.”

Lefty's Deceiver (Firetiger) Lefty Kreh HOOK – Mustad 34007 or similar, size 2 to 3/0 THREAD – fluorescent yellow TAIL – two yellow and one yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with yellow Krystal Flash BODY – yellow thread or Diamond Braid COLLAR – yellow bucktail with yellow Krystal flash and a small yellow grizzly hackle on each side, topped with green Krystal Flash and green bucktail THROAT – orange bucktail, as long as the collar HEAD – fluorescent yellow, with painted orange/black eye, covered with five-minute epoxy

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SEPTEMBER 2021

Are Calling By Nick Carter

eering into clear-green water from the casting deck, frantic movement is the first thing to catch your eye. As a morning fog evaporates, rolling mountains rise up all around and the sun breaks through to reveal small groups of blueback herring. They dart back and forth, skittering near the surface to evade or confuse predators below. Then it happens. It starts with a few scattered topwater hits and intensifies. By the time you look up from impaling the nose of a blueback

from the bait tank, there is an acre of water boiling. Big hybrid bass herd herring around the cove. The trolling motor whirrs to keep you in casting range. For the next few hours the action came in flurries, with multiple anglers battling through double and triple hook-ups whenever baits encountered a school of hungry hybrids. Some fish came on multiple downlines arrayed in rod holders. The most exciting takes were on the pitch rods, lightweight rigs kept ready for surfacing fish. Either way, the key to drawing strikes was a lively bait, and this is the style of fishing you’ll experience with Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. They fish the gorgeous mountain lakes on both sides of the Georgia, North Carolina border. This trip was on Lake Chatuge, a 7,200-acre impoundment of the Hiawassee River that stretches 13 miles from Hayesville, N.C. south to Hiawassee, Ga. The lake is known for big spotted and hybrid bass. If you’ve never battled a hybrid approaching double digits on light tackle, it makes reeling in a 10-pound largemouth seem comparable to fighting a wet shoe. The same could be said for most of the species guides Shane Goebel and Darren Hughes pursue. Big Ol’ Fish concentrates on three lakes in the region and plans trips based on where the current bite is best. Southwest of Chatuge, Lake Nottely is a 4,200-acre impoundment of the Nottely River. Its primary draw is trophy striped bass. Stripers from 20 to 40 pounds show up regularly on this reservoir outside Blairsville, Ga. The elusive 50-plus-pounder is what everyone seeks, and very lucky anglers just might find it trolling bluebacks, big gizzard shad or trout. Those who prefer counting fish to weighing them

SEPTEMBER 2021

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will find fast action on Lake Hiwassee near Murphy, N.C. It is a 6,000acre reservoir in the same drainage, which for some reason is spelled differently in North Carolina. Lake Hiwassee features breathtaking cliff formations and spectacular fishing for smallmouths that reach 6 pounds and larger, as well as big walleye and striper. Over a couple action-packed trips with Darren and Shane on their The Angler Magazine-wrapped Carolina Skiff, one couldn’t help ask why they don’t fish artificials when the bite gets so hot. Their answer, almost in unison, was: “Because we like catching lots of fish.” That sentiment is hard to argue with, but it’s worth noting that Darren owns Hughes General Store in Blairsville, the area’s primary purveyor of live baits. Rumor has it they make a mean biscuit. Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service can be found online at bigolfish.com. Call them at 828-361-2021.

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TIPS FROM A PRO 66

DROP SHOT WHEN THE BITE IS TOUGH

TYLER WOOLCOTT

he end of summer is here, and the fishing is a little tough. From fishing pressure through the summer to warm water temps, this time of year can be a grind at times. Fish tend to get a little lock-jawed, and this can be really frustrating. When this scenario presents itself, I pull out a spinning rod, downsize my line and bait, and slow down my presentation to get finicky fish to eat. One of my favorite techniques this time of year is a drop shot. My drop shot rig consists of a weight tied to the end of the line with a hook and soft plastic tied in about 12 to 18 inches above the weight. There are two styles of baits I like to drop shot. One of them is a finesse-style worm like the 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Ultra Thin 4.5’ worm. I like a worm on my drop shot when I’m targeting largemouth, especially in Southern states. These fish are usually feeding on a little bit larger forage, and the finesse worm is a perfect fit. Rig this worm on a 1/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight hook with a 1/4or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight for the perfect presentation. The other soft plastic I like on a drop shot is a small baitfish imitator. The 13 Fishing Vertigo Minnow gets a ton of bites. When you find fish chasing small baitfish or you’re up north where there are smallmouth bass, this style of soft plastic gets the job done. Rig it on a Hayabusa DSR132 #1 hook with a ¼ or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight, as well. I like to keep things simple when it comes to colors. With finicky fish, you want your bait to look as natural as possible. I match colors to the forage in the lake. When throwing the finesse worm, my favorite colors are the green pumpkins and even pinkish colors like a morning dawn. With the baitfish, I stick to white and pearl or your green pumpkin and brown. A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough.

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With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.

Drop Shot Gear A drop shot is a finesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.

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RECORD-BREAKING 400-POUND WARSAW GROUPER CAUGHT AT SARASOTA SLAM TOURNAMENT O n August 7, Capt. Nick Froelich and team Double Nickel hauled in a true monster from the Gulf during the 2021 Sarasota Slam presented by Big Naasty Fishing Charters, the second leg of the Florida West Coast Bluewater Series. Dropping down a giant 16/0 hook, 1 to 2 pounds of lead on an Accurate 50-wide with 200-pound test line and 300-pound leader and

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a custom rod, they came tight when it reached 660 feet below. “We knew it was big, but didn’t think it was that big," said Froelich. "It took all seven of us to get it over the gunnel. We had gaffs and ropes all over. The boat was listing at the

weight of the fish as well. When it finally hit the deck we couldn’t believe it.” At 88-inches long, 74-inches wide and a whopping 400 pounds, the new tournament record would bring home first place for the biggest Warsaw in the slam's Offshore Division. For full tournament results, visit www.sarasotaslam.com.

CATCHING REDS In Crystal Clear Water

SEPTEMBER 2021

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his past winter we experienced some of the clearest water I have ever seen in the last decade out in the Mosquito Lagoon on Florida's Space Coast. We were able to chase a couple of redfish schools and pick a couple beauties out of it. Enjoy the chase!

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SEPTEMBER 2021

UNDER THE SEA 72

UNDERWATER TEAMWORK

here are a few good things about the fall season besides cooler weather; one of them is the beginning of lobster season in Florida and The Bahamas! I dove with a commercial lobsterman for a few years, and he was like a kid waiting for Santa. Teaming up with someone that knew where the good spots were gave me the opportunity to spear some nice fish, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn some tricks of the trade by watching a master lobsterman at work. First and foremost, you must learn how to find lobsters. Fortunately, the same territory that tends to hold fish life is also good for lobstering. That is because life attracts life. When I was scuba diving beside him and would see him approach an area of the reef holding a school of fish fry, I knew his senses were on high alert, and I’d start looking for fish. Invariably, while he picked up a lobster or two, I would see a desirable fish. Over the years, we honed the most efficient method for hunting as a buddy team. He focused on lobsters while I did all the spearfishing. He would tow the flag, which meant I could be faster and more streamlined in the water while going after fish. We drifted with the current, parallel to the reef, side-by-side. If he missed seeing a lobster, which was extremely rare, I would bang my tank to alert him, and he would do

SEPTEMBER 2021

Sheri Daye and Dave Earp display the results of solid teamwork.

Mating season ends around August, though egg-bearing females can be seen year-round. 3. Males have proportionately larger legs and carapace, and females have a larger tail and extra pinchers on the abdomen to hold the eggs. Lobster Tips from the Master: 1. Let some air out of your BC, get your buoyancy under control, and plant your knees in the sand in front of the lobster. Your butt should not be up in the air! 2. Take your time and do not spook them. He said, “Lobsters are like cattle, you can herd them wherever you want, as long as you take your time.” 3. The most common methods are the net and tickle stick or looper, but there are some interesting variations on the market now. Become good at all of them, as some tools are better than others in certain situations. 4. When using a tickle stick, use aluminum instead of plastic. Lobsters do not respond as well to plastic. 5. Be careful not to touch the antennas. Tap or nudge a lobster from behind to move it into position and put the net over it. Measure the carapace, check for eggs (by the way, extra skittish lobsters often have eggs), then place in your catch bag, and enjoy your dinner! Fall is in the air. Happy hunting!

2. Mating season begins in the spring. Lobsters can be observed walking out of their holes in search of a mate, and males can be seen sparring for a lady’s affection.

Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

SHERI DAYE

the same with fish. Over the years, we became the best of friends and a formidable hunting team. Lobster Fun Facts: 1. Lobsters reach sexual maturity in two to three years when the carapace is a little longer than 3 inches. Florida law requires a carapace to be longer than 3 inches, thus allowing lobsters a chance to reproduce before harvesting. Along with a closed mating season, this should keep the lobster population stable.

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INSHORE FISHING IN

By Costa Rica Pro Staff

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orld-class sportfishing and the sexy big-game species get a lot of attention on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and for good reason. However, the inshore fishing can be just exciting. It is action-packed and diverse, utilizing different techniques to target more than a dozen different species. The main target of inshore anglers in Costa Rica is the hard-hitting and powerful roosterfish. They will smash artificials, and even topwater plugs, but the easiest way to catch them is with live bait. We bridle a live runner, sardine, lookdown or even a skipjack tuna on a 9/0 Trokar circle hook. Slow trolling around rocky structure or along beaches is a surefire way to draw strikes. Once hooked, the average 20-pound rooster is as ferocious as it is beautiful, and these beasts can get a whole lot bigger than average.

We very often encounter fish in the jack family, including jack crevalle and different species of trevally in many of the same areas as the roosterfish. These can also be caught on live bait but are even more responsive than roosterfish to topwater baits such as poppers and stick baits. The lures are rigged with one or two in-line hooks from Lazer Sharp. We replace the factory treble hooks, which makes the fight much cleaner, the fish handling safer and does a lot less damage to the fish. These are fast fish, and quick retrieves often get the fish’s attention. Topwater does also work for smaller roosterfish, but the larger ones are harder to lure to the surface. Not so for the snappers, including cubera snapper, which will rise from 100 feet to smash a well-worked popper. This is one of the ultimate challenges in inshore fishing. They dive right back down to the rocks, often leaving the angler with a cut leader. Heavy popping gear, with 80- to 100-lb. line is necessary for the big ones. We have put 44 pounds of drag on big

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cuberas, and they keep going like there is no drag at all! Jigging is also a popular and fun technique we use a lot. Jacks, trevally, seabass, snappers, groupers and mackerel are common catches. We look for underwater structure like rocks and drop jigs ranging from 2 to 9 ounces. The jigs are rigged with a pair of the new Eagle Claw Trokar assist hooks. On and close to the bottom, a slow jigging pace interests the snappers, groupers and seabass. As you move higher in the water column, a speed-jig style approach with rapid jerks gets the bite from the pelagics. Bottom fishing is also an option we sometimes use for an even larger variety of fish. Costa Rica does have some big bottom fish like giant grouper, broomtail grouper, cubera snapper and big stingrays. Live or dead bait gets the job done. Snook can be found in and around river mouths and are a fun species to target. Live bait works, but artificials like a small stick baits or jigs are more common and more fun. Wazo jigs with a Mr. Twister tail and a Trokar hook have resulted in many double-digit snook. If you haven’t tried inshore fishing in Costa Rica, take the time to try it. It’s great fun.

CROCODILE BAY The Ultimate Fishing Experience C

rocodile Bay boasts the largest professional sport fishing fleet in Central America with in-house captains and mates able to cater to all skill levels. At the helm stands Diego Camacho, Director of Fishing and expert fisherman. Anglers will enjoy offshore, inshore, as well as the now allnew kayak and shore fishing excursions. Each is uniquely challenging and equally rewarding. The fleet of 24 and 25-foot center consoles Boston Whalers and 33 and 35-foot tower Strike are easily accessed from the 800-foot private pier. Crocodile Bay offers world-class catch and release bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy going after sailfish, striped, blue and black marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo. And when fishing in Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) you will find roosterfish, cubera snapper, jack trevalle, bluefin trevally, sierra mackerel, tripletail, and grouper to be excellent throughout the year. Are you ready to strap in and reel in a yellowfin tuna that can reach up to 300 lbs? Do you think you have what it takes to beat the Roosterfish resort record at 106 lbs? So what are you waiting for? Visit Crocodile Bay for an adventure of a lifetime and experience the incredible transformation to Crocodile Bay Marina and Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton. Botánika will provide unparalleled services and amenities, including the clubhouse, a lagoon-shaped pool, several restaurants and bars, a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, and nature trails right on property. With the Pacific Ocean in the front yard, and Corcovado National Park in the backyard, guests can participate in a wide array of land and water based eco-adventures. With the adjacent Crocodile Bay Marina, Botánika guests will continue to enjoy marine adventures, such as world-class sport fishing, whale and dolphin watching, and snorkeling. Just as Crocodile Bay Resort, Botánika is destined to become a worldclass vacation destination and a new Costa Rican legacy. 76

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Wade-Fishing

Pilgrimage to South Texas

By Chris Bush

or the majority of my life I have traveled all over the Gulf Coast in search of trophy trout. As a selfproclaimed “purist,” 25 miles east of Raymondville, Texas is as good as it gets. Port Mansfield is a small sleepy coastal town that sits on the Gulf of Mexico south of Corpus Christi and about an hour’s drive north of the Mexican border. From salt-stained road signs to “town deer” nibbling clover in the nearby empty fields—this town exudes simplicity. In this wade-fishing heaven, anglers seek trophy trout immortality. I schedule visits here annually. A pilgrimage to a fishing holy place, I immerse myself waist deep in its waters, fishing for absolution. So, as we met with long-time 80

SEPTEMBER 2021

friend and charter captain, Mike McBride, his welcoming embrace immediately eclipsed the awkward interval since our last visit. Better yet, a quick command of “Let’s go get ’em” made its way through the smoke of a Marlboro Light, sending us scurrying for our gear. The tremor of the motor echoed the near physical vibration brought on through anticipation, and the idle out of the canal seemed like a lifetime. Thankfully, in typical south Texas fashion, Capt. Mike paid tribute to the cowboys of old and cattle-called his 250 ponies into a full gallop. Now entering Laguna Madre, Mike precisely guided us to our spot, despite a stiff southerly breeze. As we arrive, I step off the boat and remind myself of why I love this place. From “trout-

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green” water to scurrying mullet dimpling the surface, it’s an easy lure selection of a MirrOlure Soft-Dine to emulate their clumsiness. A hundred yards into my wade, I also notice shadowed potholes outlining the existence of my quarry. Despite the fading light, I’ve found my target. Twitching my rod with great emphasis, the bait’s surface retreat is attractive to me, and the intent I desire. A half hour later, my intuition proves true. As a purist, the gentlemanly handshake of a trout “thump” reverberating through the rod is an age-old acknowledgement to the purity of fishing. This cordial greeting not only merges the two worlds, but it becomes even more personal through a headshake and eventual caress. After a few quick photos and an easy

JOHNSO

release, I noticed my dad’s offering of a 5-inch KWiggler Willow Tail being greeted with the same hospitality. It was beautiful. Arched rod way up high, I could no longer distinguish his mature outward appearance. Instead, his youthful excitement transported him to an earlier time. It was gratifying, but a retreating sun told us it was time to head in. As we were making our way back, I couldn’t help but notice the silence. Each angler huddled around the grab rail of Mike’s console and never spoke. Instead, we all sat amazed at nature’s tranquility. It was evident we were all at peace. So as the hum of the motor gave way to a “No Wake Sign,” we came to rest under a stately but worn water tower with the inscription “Port Mansfield.” Another pilgrimage was complete to this wade-fishing heaven.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

PHOTOS

BY KYLE

Check out Chris Bush’s blog at thespeckledtruth.com for information on targeting trophy trout on the Gulf Coast.

don't stop reeLing Alex Kendrick reel salty www.reelsaltydestin.com

The Wahoo bite has already been crazy this season and is only going to get better. Trolling lures 10-15 knots is ideal starting around the 90’ mark. Keep an eye out for weed lines and large patches of grass, you never know what’s below them. Whenever I see grass patches I like to stop and sight fish for Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and Triple tail. For Mahi I like to keep a light pitch rod with 20# fluorocarbon and 2/0 Owner circle hook. Live bait works really well on the larger bulls and cut squid works better on the smaller chicken dolphins. If lures are your thing I prefer Yozuri Crystal Minnows and honestly color doesn’t matter. Pitch around the weed lines or patches and look deeper down for the bigger Mahi. As for Tuna with all the chumming going on, I like to send down a vertical jig on 60#-80# test at least 100’ below the boat. Working your jig through the water column is a good way to fire up any kind of fish that may be lurking around in the shadows. If you have a large diamond jig I’d put some heavy wire in front of it for a chance at a wahoo. Triple Tail are amazing fish on light tackle and I recommend 15#-20# fluorocarbon and #2 Owner hook. Live shrimp work really well along with small cuts of squid. If bottom fishing is your go to joy Vermillion snappers, Groupers, and Rock salmon is my target. For Vermillion snappers I like using a 2-3 hook chicken rig mixed with cut squid and Boston mackerel. Let your weight sit right on the bottom and wait for those 2-3 light bites. Rock salmon and Groupers like to hide out in the rocks and caves, so a slip lead is what I like to use. Heavier leader line for Groupers and larger baits close to the bottom. Feel the bite and start cranking. The first 20’-30’ are the most important so DON’T STOP reeling. When it comes to offshore fishing don’t give up. There’s a lot of trial and error. Figure out what works best for you and as always keep your lines out and keep them tight.

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ARCHER SETS NEW WORLD RECORD WATCH

att Neuling, of Perryville, Missouri, arrowed a 125-pound, 5-ounce bighead carp on July 24 to set an alternative methods state record for the species. The fish also outweighed the existing bowfishing world record of 104-pounds, 15-ounces. Neuling was bowfishing with his buddy on Lake Perry when they both put an arrow in what they thought was a 30-pound grass carp. “I was out with my buddy early that morning when we both shot what we thought was a 30-pound grass carp,” Neuling told the Missouri Department of Conservation. “My buddy’s arrow pulled out, but mine shot straight through and stayed in there.” Neuling said his friend was eventually able to shoot another arrow into the fish, but they were shocked at just how massive it turned out to be. “We just couldn’t believe it,” he said. “We knew what type of fish it was, but we had never seen one that size. This thing

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is a straight up monster. A 5-gallon bucket could easily fit in its mouth. If my buddy wasn’t with me, there was no way I could have pulled it out of the water.” The carp was weighed on a certified scale in Perry County. “When fish get this size, we estimate it to be at least 10-yearsold,” said MDC Fisheries Program Specialist Andrew Branson. “Bighead carp are an invasive fish from Asia. This particular fish is an example of just how well an invasive species can thrive if given the opportunity. We encourage people to harvest these fish to help remove them from our waters.” For more information, see mdc.mo.gov.

Suzuki Micro-Plastics Filter Testing In Tampa Device Installed on Busy Tampa Water Taxi as Part of Continued Testing

uzuki Marine USA, LLC is pleased to report that the company is proceeding with testing of its innovative Micro-Plastics Filter Device developed exclusively for use on outboard motors. This one-of-a-kind system integrates with the engine’s cooling system, allowing a specially designed filter screen to collect micro-plastic pollution as owners drive their boats. Suzuki is testing this device on boats around the world, with an eye towards making boaters part of the solution to the global challenge of micro-plastics pollution. As Suzuki Marine has made Florida its new home base — with a new U.S. Technical Center in Panama City and new corporate headquarters in Tampa — the company is especially motivated to test this new technology in Florida’s coastal waters. Suzuki Marine’s team recently installed the filter aboard Latitude Lindsey, one of a fleet of vessels operated by Pirate Water Taxi. This 38foot commercial passenger vessel is powered

SEPTEMBER 2021

by twin Suzuki DF140A outboards, making it an ideal test platform for the new device. According to Pirate Water Taxi, the company typically puts about 3,000 operating hours per year on each of its outboard motors—far beyond the usage of typical recreational boaters. This extensive time on the water will provide Suzuki with excellent insight and data on how the new filter performs in collecting tiny micro-plastic particles and other pollution, recommended cleaning intervals, long- term durability, and more. “Protecting the aquatic environment has always been important to Suzuki Marine,” said George “Gus” Blakely, Executive Vice President, Sales and Service. “As avid boaters and fishermen, we know that healthy marine ecosystems, clean water and robust fish populations are key to enjoying the outdoor recreational activities we all love. Micro-plastic pollution is harmful to

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fish, turtles, birds and other life, and it is particularly hard to collect because it is tiny—smaller than 5mm as defined by N.O.A.A.,” “We are eager to do our part to help battle this problem across Florida and around the world, and are moving ever closer to making owners/operators of Suzuki outboards part of our global ‘Clean Ocean Project’,” added Blakely. Suzuki’s innovative micro-plastics filter is designed to integrate with the outboard motor’s cooling system, allowing a specially engineered filter screen to collect this pollution as owners drive their boats. The system is designed so that the filter element can be cleaned of debris as needed and re-used, with a built-in bypass that will prevent a clogged filter from ever causing engine performance or overheating issues. Suzuki has engineered this device to be easily installed under then engine cowl, effortless to use and easy to clean and maintain for boaters.

To learn more about Suzuki Marine’s Clean Oceans Project initiatives, or its full line of cleanrunning 4-stroke outboard motors from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, please call (813) 687-7200 or visit www.suzukimarine.com.

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*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. The Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.

On the Water Etiquette BRINGS BETTER FISHING FOR ALL By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

t seems even the most remote waterways are becoming more crowded every year. More boats can lead to some extremely dangerous situations when boaters exhibit a lack of respect for the water, and it’s pretty easy to identify those who should not be allowed to operate a boat. But there are also people who create frustrating situations, particularly while fishing, who might just be unaware of certain etiquette. It is unique to the Southeastern United States to have access to such vastly diverse fisheries within a relatively small area. It is fortunate boat owners can easily travel to a new and different fishery and bring their own vessel with them. However, just as you don’t have to travel far before the fishery changes, the same applies to local fishing etiquette. Some of the unspoken rules

will apply no matter where you are, but it is generally a good idea to check in with local knowledge and identify the local vhf channel before launching your boat somewhere new. While nobody owns the water, commercial and charter fishing captains generally operate with respect for each other to make sharing the fishery feasible and pleasant. When pleasure boaters don’t understand or don’t respect local etiquette, it disrupts fishing enough to affect the people who are trying to make a living on the water. As a general rule, try to stay away from other boats as much as possible. If you have to maneuver around or fish near another boat, be respectful of the type of fishing they are doing. If a vessel is anchored, they will generally be fishing off the back of the boat, often running a chum slick, which means you should avoid driving behind them. If a boat is anchored offshore, in an area that you are unfamiliar with, they are probably

fishing coordinates that took them years of hard work to acquire. You should absolutely not anchor near them, nor should you drive next to them to mark their location. If you are offshore hunting for fish that appear under flocks of diving birds, look for a flock that isn’t currently being worked by another fisherman. These birds are moving around over fish that are traveling, and moving in can cause the boat that got to the birds first to be cut off from the school of fish. The ocean is vast and birds are plentiful, look for birds on your own, not just an easyto-spot boat under birds. Overcrowded fishing areas, that don’t operate under anchor, follow certain traffic patterns. These patterned drifts or trolls should be observed and followed just like any roadway. The Marathon Humps, for example, should be trolled east to west, and west to east. Fishing oil rigs in the northern Gulf of Mexico can be made extremely difficult

by poor etiquette, as locations are limited and can be made even more limited due to weather. Places like this rely heavily on unspoken rules of the road, and respect. These areas are primarily fished in two different ways: live bait and chum drifts. Charter boats take the time to catch live bait before making it out there, which can be time consuming and difficult. If there are fish on the surface, and someone nearby starts a chum drift, this pushes the surface fish down deep, where the fish will no longer be eating the hard-earned live bait. This is horrible etiquette that rewards lazy and ignorant fishermen. If you show up to a rig without live bait and see other boats using it, with fish clearly on the surface, you should probably just troll lures until other people start a chum drift. Learn and respect the local etiquette anywhere you get your boat wet. There’s no reason we can’t all catch fish, be safe and have fun doing it.

Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Blue Magic Charters in Marathon, Florida Keys. Check her out at CaptainQuinlyn.com, @captainquinlyn or call (504) 920-6342.

HAVALON TALON:

CUTTING EDGE INNOVATION A ny surgeon or taxidermist will tell you the best tool for cutting flesh is a scalpel. That’s where knife-maker Havalon got its start. Their parent company, Havel’s, is a medical device company that supplies scalpels for surgical use. When the idea arose to bring the same incredibly sharp blades to the outdoors, it gave tools to outdoorsmen that are more precise than any hunting or fillet knife ever invented. The first Havalon Piranta was a blade modeled after an autopsy scalpel that folded into a sturdy handle. It offered all sorts of outdoorsmen the benefits of an ultra-sharp scalpel blade in the form of a pocketknife. But the blade itself was not built to handle the rigors of everyday use. That’s when Havalon began tinkering to find the best combination of sharpness and strength. The resulting innovation has made Havalon one of the topselling knife companies in the country and the leader in the hunting industry. The need for a sturdier blade that retains Havalon-level sharpness launched the Talon project. Designers set out to create a knife handle that accommodates an entire collection of different ultra-sharp blade styles. With a 3-inch serrated blade, a 3-inch gut hook combo

By CAM Staff

blade and fillet blades of 5, 7 and 9 inches, it is the only knife you’ll ever need at the cutting board or skinning pole. This all-in-one precision cutting tool was three years in the making. Designing a handle mechanism to swap out blades quickly and easily was achieved with the ingeniously simple push-button Quik Change II system. Finding the sweet spot between scalpel sharp and durable was the next step, and the blades also needed to be tailored to their particular uses. Through more tinkering and testing, Havalon landed on AUS-8 steel—the gold standard—which offers the best combination of edge retention and strength. Thickness and shapes of the different blades were custom designed. Fillet knives require flexibility; gut hooks do not. Each blade type was carefully considered and rigorously tested to achieve optimal performance for its intended use. The

final result is a single knife kit that outperforms a whole cutlery set of traditional knives. Extreme sharpness is something Havalon users have come to expect with blades intended for replacement when they lose their edge. Talon blades are different. They are scalpel sharp, yet they are strong enough to be resharpened. To see all the features of the Talon and all of Havalon’s other scalpel-sharp knives, visit www.havalon.com.

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