FREE
GREATER ATLANTA AREA EDITION
Outdoor Apparel Review
Preview The Bassmaster Classic PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGLERS INN INTERNATIONAL VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 289
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THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
MARCH 2019
W O R L D W I D E
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Giveaways Everyday for the Month of March
31 Days of
Apparel
Giveaway
Winners will be announced daily throughout the month of March 2019 via Social Media
CoastalAnglerMag.com/Contest COMMON CVRS_0319.indd 2
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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 3
There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year and options with On-Water Towing. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I MARCH 2019
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Bimini Bay Sets A New Standard With BloodGuard Apparel By CAM Staff
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Bay an industry leader in today’s outdoor apparel industry. Always in the forefront of new fabric technology, Bimini Bay has also been a manufacturing leader in creating moisture management systems. Their shirts are engineered to keep the body comfortable and dry by drawing moisture to the fabric’s surface (wicking) where it can quickly evaporate. Now, with the introduction of their BloodGuard line, they have set a new standard in the industry. Try one of these new BloodGuard shirts for yourself. Blood washes right off with only water. No more bringing detergents or peroxide on the boat or dock to spare your favorite fishing shirt. Designed and tested in the field with real anglers, this new line of outdoor apparel is destined to set a new standard in the industry.
For more information on this exicting new line of outdoor apparel visit www.biminibayoutfitters.com. Check out BloodGuard in action in a video at https:// www.bloodguard.org/.
AFTER
Before
rom the offshore fishing boats of the Florida Keys to the mountains of upstate New York, Bimini Bay clothing has long been known as the first choice of the active sportsman. Their rugged line of men’s and women’s clothing combines functional outdoor styling with today’s latest technical fabrics. Now, through a patented nano technology process, Bimini Bay introduces a major breakthrough in outdoor apparel. Their new BloodGuard apparel line is nothing short of amazing. Blood and grime effortlessly rinses away. Powered by Nanotex, this new proprietary apparel forms a barrier against all types of blood, dirt and bio-stains. As with all their outdoor apparel, attractive pricing, attention to detail, contemporary styling and a generous fit are all part of what makes Bimini
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GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! $ JANUARY 3, 2019-JUNE 3, 2019, ONLY AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS
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*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2019 and June 3, 2019 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. American Honda Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device• while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels. NATIONAL© 2019 I MARCH 2019MotorI Co., COASTALANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM
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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2019.
You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.
For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting.
For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.
The hero your boat deserves!
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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2019.
interlux.com
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Living The T
he origins of Salt Life are pure. With two simple words in a scrawling font, the iconic brand began as a tattoo inked on the backs of a couple of surfing fishermen in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Four hard-core watermen began grassroots promotion of the design in 2003, selling bumper stickers and T-shirts. During the humble early years, no one foresaw the eventual scope of the worldwide phenomenon they had launched. Salt Life has come to represent everything everyone loves about the ocean. At a glance, the now-familiar logo proudly displays a love of the saltwater lifestyle. Fisherman and diver Jeff Stillwell, who just happens to be president of Salt Life, said he is blessed to be part of the phenomenon. “Whatever attracts you to the water, Salt Life represents that,” he said. “If you happen to love to fish, it means fishing to you. I happen to be an avid diver. It means diving to me. If you’re a surfer, it means surfing. If you just like hanging out on the beach and enjoying a cold beverage, it means that.” No longer just T-shirts and decals, Salt Life has grown to include a huge assortment of gear and apparel. Two concepts accompany all their offerings. The first holds true to the original message, a devotion to the coastal lifestyle and its fashions. The second builds on those roots by coupling fashion with performance in gear and apparel that helps customers better enjoy water-based activities. From high-performance sunglasses, featuring the best Zeiss polarized lenses, to technical clothing for fishing, surfing, diving, paddleboarding and beach-sitting, Salt Life has you covered. Stillwell mentioned Salt Life’s new Fusion Performance Pocket Fishing Shirts as an example of innovative design that will appeal to anglers. It’s got UV30 sun protection and ventilation, and it’s got something else you won’t find on other fishing shirts. “It really came upon me sitting on the back of a boat, fishing a tournament,” Stillwell said. “Every time that reel goes off, you start looking for things. I don’t know why no one has ever done this, but we took one of these high-performance shirts and put pockets on the back of it. When that reel goes off, I don’t have to look for gloves or a pair of pliers. Whatever I need, I’ve got it right there with me. ’Cause once I get in that chair, I’m going to be there for a while.” Only an angler would recognize the need for this kind of design, and it’s this kind of innovation that has made Salt Life a lot more than just a cool logo. Stillwell said they’ve got a line of waterproof gear on the horizon, and he’s excited about the territory expansion of Salt Life Lager. Yep… Salt Life launched an easy-drinking beer to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2018. “It goes hand-in-hand with our lifestyle,” Stillwell said. “We’re all out there on the water for a great fun-filled day in the sun, and at the end of the day our customer loves to kick back, as do I, with a nice cold beer.” But all the fun, and all the success, comes with responsibility. Without healthy oceans to play in, there would be no Salt Life. The company has joined with conservation organizations like Artificial Reefs International and Roatan Marine Park in protecting and enhancing the resources so that future generations can enjoy living the Salt Life.
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C
FE
PO EL
TH FE
TO SU
A
CAMO FUSION
FEATURES THREE ALL PURPOSE POCKETS ON THE BACK WITH ELASTIC OPENINGS THE LEFT CHEST POCKET FEATURES AN ELASTIC LOOP
PERFORMANCE CLOTHING
TO SECURE YOUR SUNGLASSES
APPAREL, SUNGLASSES AND MORE AT SALTLIFE.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 9
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APPAREL Product Reviews Fish Hippie Performance Trucker Hat Fish Hippie was created by anglers as a celebration of the lifestyle. Their water-based Performance Trucker Hats meld performance with classic styling that tops off the look of an angler dedicated to the water. With back venting of a classic trucker hat and a performance bend structure front, these hats are 100 percent polyester for breathability and quick drying. New for spring 2019, they are available in seafoam and navy. Fish Hippie truckers sport a classic look and an even better fit with snapback closure, a semi-flat bill, and designs and colors for everyone.
fishhippie.com GILLZ CoolCore Shirts GILLZ shirts are mechanically engineered with CoolCore patented fabric, offering chemical-free cooling technology that never washes out. They are lightweight, soft, durable and cool—30 percent cooler than the competition. CoolCore has changed cooling fabric technology by redesigning the actual fabric, so unlike shirts with applied chemicals that wear off with use and repeated washings, GILLZ gear stays cool and protects for the long haul. Get out on the water with GILLZ and have all of the fun and none of the sun!
gillz-gear.com Hook & Tackle Wicked Dry & Cool Hi-Performance Fishing Shirt Hook & Tackle’s new collection of Wicked Dry & Cool Hi-Performance Fishing Shirts are made of a superior soft breakthrough Micro-Poly that wicks moisture while keeping you cool. It also features quick dry, radial sleeves for expansive arm movement, odor resistance and UPF 50+ for maximum sun protection. Available in many styles from sizes XS-3XL.
hookandtackle.com Hooked Soul Performance Apparel Hooked Soul 100 percent microfiber performance apparel features SPF 50 sun protection, Pure-Tech moisture wicking technology, vibrant colors and vivid graphics. When you wear Hooked Soul, you will look cool and be cool, too. Hooked Soul produces many designs of performance wear for men and women and also T-shirts, hats and accessories like neck gaiters and gloves. To check out the full line of Hooked Soul apparel and accessories, go to www. hookedsoul.com. Hooked Soul, do you have it!
hookedsoul.com King Kracken Outdoor Clothing King Kracken Outdoor Clothing Co. offers a one-of-a-kind fishing shirt featuring hand-drawn designs and bold graphics in a breathable polyester blend that dries quickly and boasts 50+ SPF protection. King Kracken shirts are hand-stitched and come with a 100 percent guarantee and free size exchanges. From $45, they are available in men’s sizes S to 4XL and Women’s S, M and L.
KingKracken.com Kluch Geo Marlin Collection Check out the latest collection from Kluch Apparel. Introducing the Geo Marlin collection represented by animals escaping out of their geometric forms. This series encourages us to “unleash the beast” within ourselves, to be risk takers, wild, free and adventurous.
kluch.com
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APPAREL Product Reviews Bimini Bay BloodGuard Shirt Fishing involves a lot of dirt, bait, blood, scales and guts. Realizing the inherent messy nature of the sport, Bimini Bay has introduced new BloodGuard technology that will keep your favorite fishing apparel looking sharp no matter how good—and gory—it gets on the water. Developed with Nanotex, a provider of textile solutions for military and medical applications, BloodGuard repels all types of stains, especially blood and guts. Bimini Bay is so confident in its BloodGuard technology that it has offered a one-year limited warranty against stains on a wide range of performance fishing clothing equipped with BloodGuard.
biminibayclothing.com Old Guys Rule Old Guys Rule introduces their five design offerings for the angler. Their 100 percent cotton tees in short or long sleeve make the perfect statement for the over-40 crowd. Once considered to be primarily related to the surfing industry, Old Guys Rule now covers a complete gamut of recreational pursuits. Be the first angler on the dock making the iconic statement, “Old Guys Rule.” For more information, visit http://oldguysrule.fishing or call 866-465-9640.
oldguysrule.fishing
Poncho: “The World’s Best Fishing Shirt.” Poncho is a new company that makes just one thing: a fishing shirt. We like that focus. Poncho calls their shirt “The World’s Best Fishing Shirt.” We’re impressed with the fast-drying fabric and innovative magnetic pocket flaps, which you can easily open with one hand. Smart details like a built-in eyeglass cleaner, slot to hang your sunglasses, roll-up sleeve tabs, and hidden zipper pocket will make anglers happy. They even go the extra mile by offering both relaxed and slim sizes. Poncho founder Clay Spencer grew up fishing the humid Texas coast. He’s also a former Alaskan fly fishing guide, so he knows a thing or two about extreme conditions. Clay said, “I made the Poncho shirt for guys who are serious about being comfortable on the water and don’t want a bunch of gimmicks. I cut the velcro, loops and baggy pockets. This shirt is made to have everything you need—and nothing you don’t.” Get a free hat with purchase of a shirt with code COASTALMAG. For more information, visit www. ponchooutdoors.com or contact Clay at clay@ponchooutdoors.com.
ponchooutdoors.com
Realtree Fishing Men’s 1/4 Zip Wind Shirt The Realtree Fishing Men’s 1/4 Zip Wind Shirt provides anglers with unique colors suited for a variety of freshwater and saltwater adventures. Making use of the the new Realtree Fishing Pattern, all styles come equipped with sun protection SPF30 and moisture-wicking dry-weave ventilated fabric for increased breathability to make sure you’re cool, comfortable and protected throughout your time on the water. You can find these shirts in a variety of fishing and outdoor retailers as well as on the Realtree e-comm store.
realtree.com
Salt Life Fusion Performance Pocket Fishing Tee The Salt Life CAMO Fusion SLX UVapor performance long sleeve pocket tee features a sublimation printed all over graphic. This shirt features three all purpose pockets on the back with elastic openings to secure small items like fishing gloves and leaders within easy reach. The left chest pocket features an elastic loop to secure your sunglasses. This tee is made from 88 percent polyester, 12 percent spandex and treated for UV30 sun protection. Anti-microbial, mega soft, ultra light quick reaction fabric provides a built-in cooling and ventilation system. Machine washable for easy care!
saltlife.com
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THE STRONGEST SPINFISHER YET!!! The 6th generation Spinfisher is now stronger and more water resistant than ever. With machined CNC gearing and an IPX5 water resistant rating, the newest Spinfisher is ready for anything.
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© 2019 PENN is a registered trademark of Pure Fishing, Inc.
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Hook & Tackle Celebrates
30 Years
PERFORMANCE FISHING SHIRT
E
stablished in 1989, Hook & Tackle Outfitters is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary! It offers the largest selection of quality, high-performance sport fishing and marine lifestyle apparel line in the industry. Hook & Tackle is preferred by captains, top pros and fishing tournaments worldwide. The line offers innovative performance shorts, T-shirts, hoodies, button-up shirts, hats, jackets, backpacks and much more. Hook & Tackle was the first company to introduce sun-protection apparel to the industry. By introducing Solar System technology, they were able to offer UPF 50+ on a soft micro-cotton collection of T-shirts, including odor resistance and super quick dry. The company followed this up with the new breakthrough Wicked Dry & Cool, Fish Flex and the latest Cool Touch collections offering a super-stretch polyester that wicks moisture while keeping you cool. With some of the most innovative graphics in the industry, Hook & Tackle has taken it to a new level. Hook & Tackle also offers the largest collection of super high quality graphic straw hats that offer anti-bacterial and anti-odor. Also well known for their shorts collection, Hook & Tackle features the popular Hi-Tide fishing shorts with soft, yet durable four-way stretch and plier pockets as well the world famous high-performance Beer Can island shorts. Hook & Tackle is very philanthropic, working with many charities including the Miami Dolphins Foundation for more than 22 years. The foundation helps the community and gives inner-city children the chance to go out on a boats to fish and experience what life has to offer. “Many of these children live in Miami, but have never seen the ocean,” said Stan Rudman, an owner of the company. “It truly broke my heart, but also made me happy to see their faces, especially when I was able to introduce these kids to NFL players and they spent time together fishing and inspiring each other.” For more information, visit hookandtackle.com and follow them all over @hookandtackle. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Take a
ROD BUILDING CLASS
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Unforgettable Adventures.
Feel-Good Savings. Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO
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Gillz Apparel –
By Anglers For Anglers
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illz was started by a passionate angler, an angler driven by the need for one thing—performance. It’s evident in the style and quality of the Gillz brand. Started back in 2009, the idea was to design the perfect fishing shirt that would be lightweight, soft, comfortable and protective. This led to the first innovation – Cross Breeze Ventilation, which consisted of mesh panels under the arms and down the sides of the body. This allowed airflow through and under the shirt, making it even cooler and more comfortable. Other innovations followed, like a vented mask with “gills” for ventilation. This radical mask design offered unparalleled cooling and comfort. The technological innovations kept coming, and Gillz introduced CoolCore technology. CoolCore is a redesign of the actual structure of the fabric to make it cooler. Unlike most companies that simply apply a chemical to their fabric, which can wear off after repeated use and washings, CoolCore is a natural, chemical-free way to cool—up to 30 percent cooler than competitors. In addition, Gillz shirts are non-clinging and non-saturating. They wick sweat away from the body and offer UPF+50 sun protection. Gillz is designed for the passionate angler, the recreational fisherman, or anyone who lives an active outdoor lifestyle. The brand has grown from one innovative fishing shirt to a full apparel line. From tees, to high-performance shirts, to hats, to masks, sunglasses and hoodies, Gillz makes gear for every condition. Designs and patterns are constantly being updated, but the focus on performance is always a constant. Gillz considers making the most comfortable fishing shirt in the world an ongoing process, so innovation will always be of paramount importance. Gillz has come a long way from just making a simple fishing shirt. For more information, visit gillz-gear.com.
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Be Sure To Get Towing Before You Get Going
Once you’ve been stranded on the water, you’ll never leave the dock without TowBoatU.S. again. With 300+ ports and 600+ boats, plus the ease of using the BoatU.S. App to call for assistance, it’s a service no boater should be without.
GET THE BOATU.S. APP FOR ONE-TOUCH TOWING UNLIMITED TOWING MEMBERSHIP
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Center sp A Badge of Honor
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ld Guys Rule was created to embrace a new breed of guys who have incredible energy, passion for life, wisdom gained from years of experience and the time to spend doing the activities they enjoy. Old Guys Rule gear should be worn as a badge of honor for a life well-spent, but not nearly over. Let’s face it, in today’s society if you’re over 40, you’re considered old. Old Guys Rule makes the statement: “So what?” We’re still having fun, still doing what we enjoy and, oh by the way, we’re in control. Don’t let the rest of the world try to tell you anything different. Old guys rule! Founder Don Craig brought the Old Guys Rule concept to the California surfing community in 2003. Its popularity quickly spread to include numerous genres and recreational pursuits. Now anglers can make their statement as well through a series of nine angler-themed shirts including bass, mahi, tuna and marlin. No matter where or how you fish, let the world know “You Rule.” For more information on Old Guys Rule offerings, visit http://oldguysrule.fishing or call 866-465-9640.
•
For the Guy Who Defies the Odds!
Our unique shirt design is NOT for the man who has given up on life. Our guy keeps looking better and better with age and embraces a life well-spent, but not nearly over.
• •
The Perfect Gift for Your Old Guy!
Whether it’s your husband, dad, grandpa, uncle or good friend, this is by far the ultimate gift for them.
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Quality T-Shirt for Quality Men
Made of 100% imported cotton blend that runs true to size, this premium shirt can be machine washed and tumbled dry medium. Do not iron the design.
Availability
T-shirts, caps and other accessories are available at better surf and resort shops along the East Coast. Dealer inquiries invited. Products also available online.
866-465-9640 www.oldguysrule.fishing
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Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1 SOUTHEAST
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Cardinal Logistics Management Inc. More Home Time Means More Fishing Time
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BLUE RIDGE
Fish Stocking for Trophy Bass By Greg Grimes
G
rowing fingerling bass into 8-pound trophies in three years is not only possible, it is probable with Aquatic Environmental’s (AES) secret formula. It all begins with a great plan. We start with lake design that includes superior water quality and well-thought-out fish habitat. We set up fish feeders and/or a lime and fertilization program. We then utilize our proven stocking formula that includes proper ratios of forage species to exceed client goals of accelerated and sustained bass growth. Generally, a traditional 10:1 ratio stocking is not adequate for superior growth and long-term forage for bass. That design quickly gets bass-crowded with limited forage available to over-abundant bass. AES has proven greater success with a ratio that is closer to 40:1. We begin by stocking the forage base of high densities of bluegill and redear sunfish. Fathead minnows are a huge boost for the initial stocking and take pressure off bluegill predation. We also stock
Lake Construction
golden shiners and crawfish for additional forage. A key species in larger lakes is threadfin shad. They really build up some biomass in a fertile lake. Once forage is established, low densities of bass fingerlings are introduced. In the following years, the addition of rainbow trout in the winter months will keep pushing bass weight limits. If double-digit bass weights are the ultimate goal, the addition of gizzard shad in year three will seal the deal. This larger prey species is key for large bass to maximize energy efficiency. Genetics is another factor. Three options are northern, Florida and F1 largemouth bass. Northerns are aggressive but top-out around 8 pounds. Florida bass reach true giant status, but they are harder to catch and cannot tolerate severe cold. F1 bass are a mix of the two and are outstanding in many ponds. We help clients decide their goals but may mix F1 and Floridas for abundant double-digit bass and increased chances of 15-plus-pound trophies. In an existing lake, the first step is a professional electroshock survey. Pending the results, there are several management steps to take. You will want to add forage unless your bass are growing beyond expectations, which is rare. We prefer bluegill stocking if middle-size bluegill populations are low. Secondly, threadfin should be stocked if they have not yet been established. If results show lots of big bass, it is time to stock gizzard shad. The most cost-effective plan for a high-protein food source is the addition of crawfish. Adding rainbow trout that are half the length of most bass will also really boost bass growth. In the hot summer months add in goldfish as a slow, plump, easy-to-eat bass meal. We are firm believers in the saying “plan your work, then work your plan.” Growing lots of giant bass requires a great plan, and if you stick to it the results will follow. Don’t waste time or money adding random fish to your pond. Utilizing the latest research will maximize dollars and results. Greg Grimes, of Aquatic Environmental Services, Inc., can be contacted at (770) 735-3523. Check them out at www.lakework.com.
Fishery Management
Electrofishing Surveys
Your Lake Deserves the Best
Fifty Years Experience • Leaders in Lake Design and Permitting Founding Member of Society of Lake Management Professionals Trophy Stocking Plans Based on Years of Expereience • Fully Licensed and Insured COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Best Baits For Spring Bassin’ W By Jay Striker hat do a frog, a dog and a Red Eye Shad have in common? They are all made for spring fishing. One of the things I enjoy most about early spring is knowing the potential exists to catch a huge bag of fish. However, early spring can humble some of the very best anglers. Why? Because springtime fishing can sometimes have you committing to false positives. I’ll explain a bit later. Using the baits that will get you a limit quicker is one key to success. The baits I use in the springtime are tried-and-true lures. If I could only take three baits in the spring, they would be a Strike King Red Eye Shad lipless crankbait, a Strike King Top Water Sexy Dawg and a Strike King KVD Sexy Frog. There will be times when locating fish will take a lot of time. When there’s a need to cover a lot of water, a Strike King gold and black Red Eye Shad is the ticket. The Southeast’s clear, deep lakes require long
casts because the fish can be easily spooked. A lipless crankbait allows for that. More importantly, it is very efficient in covering water. I like using a lipless crankbait around grass bottom areas where I can rip it from the top and then let it flutter back down. Fish tend to hit it on the fall shortly after tearing it out of the grass. Another spring staple is the KVD Sexy
Dawg Topwater bait. This bait also covers a lot of water and is great for targeting fish that show themselves by feeding on top early in the morning. The key to this bait is to keep it moving even if fish blow up on it and miss it. Many times you need to fish every level of the water column before leaving an area. If you catch a fish and don’t explore the rest of the water column, you might end up with a false positive. Just because you catch one fish doesn’t mean you’ve found a pattern that can be counted on. Delve a little deeper, and you might discover you’ve overlooked the predominant pattern because you thought you had something figured out. Frogs are another bait that tend to produce this time of year. I throw a Strike King Sexy Frog around cover, where there is brush hanging over the water and around rocks, docks or just a big open grass mat. There is just something about a frog a bass cannot stand. Spring offers the opportunity for some of the biggest bass of the year. Learn to fish these three baits effectively, and there’s a good chance you’ll haul a heavy sack of fish to the stage. Follow Jay Striker on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Check out his website at www.jaystriker.com.
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PUBLISHER: BOB RICE
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THE VIRTUAL TROUT OPENING Contributed By: Jimmy Harris www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis 2018 Fly Shop of the Year
Fly of the Month
March Brown Emerger
by Eli Crumley Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com
Yeah, I know, we went to year round trout fishing a couple of years ago, but there is still something about planning a camping trip to the mountains in March for a weekend of comradery, frying bacon in the morning and fishing. Even though a lot of us trout fish all months of the year, a lot of families and groups of friends plan for that March weekend when mornings are brisk with fog rising off the creek and that first step into the stream takes your breath away if you’re wet wading. Mid-day is for taking a nap on a sunny, moss covered bank and evenings are filled with anticipation of finding a small hatch and rising trout before it’s time to return to camp, get the fire going for supper and start telling stories about the ones that got away. It was an early spring morning just like this in 1968 that this middle Georgia kid who had grown up fishing farm ponds made my first trout fishing trip to the mountains. I can’t recall all the details, but I do know that I was wading Smith Creek above Smith Lake (now commonly known as Unicoi Lake). Wading, I might add, in a pair of blue jeans and tennis shoes. It was cold, but I was in hog heaven. Fishing red wigglers and Mepps spinners on an old Mitchell 300 reel spooled with at
least 8-pound test line to catch 9” stockers. There are so many memories of that weekend, but the one that stands out the most was an early morning image of my friend Edwin just upstream of me, the fog like smoke all around him as he worked his fly rod among the rhododendron and hemlock limbs. I can’t prove it, but I would be willing to bet it was a 7 wt. fiberglass rod with a South Bend automatic fly reel; probably rigged with those same red wigglers. It really doesn’t matter. What matters is that this weekend over 50 years ago was the beginning of my fascination with trout and fly fishing. Today, if you ask me about my favorite fishing trip, this trip would be my number one. So, if you and your family or friends miss the opening day ceremonies, don’t let it get you down. The weekend you pick can be YOUR opening day, and it can be a treasure trove of memories just as it was for me all those years ago. But let me suggest you make it in March. If you wait until April or later, things are too perfect. On an “Opening Day” outing, there needs to be some cold weather, maybe some rain even. If there isn’t some discomfort shared among the group, where will your memories come from?
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Hook: Tiemco TMC2457 size 14/16 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) red Tail: Pheasant Tail Body: Hairline Dubbin (March Brown) Segmentation: Brown Micro Tubing Hackle: Hungarian Partridge This is a great emerger pattern for March/ April when the water temp starts rising. This has been one of my go-to flies for spring. Keep a few in your box to save the day when the fishing gets tough.
2/13/19 5:07 PM
EARLY SPRING FLY FISHING
Contributed by David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001
Early spring in the Southern Appalachians is transition time. The shifting movement of the weather patterns and the amount of sunlight warming the landscape can produce some nice and not so nice days on the river. March can be seventy and sunny or twenty and blowing snow. The move from winter to warmer days triggers the first big bug hatches of the year. By big bug, I mean size not numbers. The large Black Caddis hatches have all but disappeared, and the large Quill Gordon and March Brown Mayflies start their flights on our streams here in North Georgia and North Carolina. It’s no longer imperative to dredge the bottom of the deepest pools in order to score a few frisky trout. After a couple of consistent days of size 12 and 14 big fat mayflies bouncing around, the trout will know what’s up, so to speak. A Parachute Adams size 12 will do the deed for the Gordons, and a classic Catskill March Brown size 14 will work for the latter. Warm rainy sprinkles can also bring out Blue Winged Olives in droves. They are usually tiny, but a size 18 Parachute BWO is usually small enough to get a picky brown trout to eat. Our delayed harvest streams in both states will be rocking right
now with fresh, uneducated fish being stocked in large numbers. This is probably the absolute best time to get a beginning trout fisherperson on the stream and expect some action. A Y2K bug on the end of a 7.5 foot 4x leader is about all you need to get a few hook ups. Drop a size 14 Pheasant Tail or Prince Nymph off of that on some 5x tippet and you will probably get tired of catching fish, if there is such a thing. Easy dry/dropper fishing will also be getting good with a high floating Black or Royal Stimulator and a soft hackle Hares Ear swung under that. Fishing pressure won’t really start to play too much of a role in making the fishing tough until April. Private water such as Noontootla Creek Farms will be producing some giants at this time of year, so be sure to book a day on the water on the most amazing piece of trout water in the Southeast. Spring is also a great time to take the first step into learning how to fly fish. Check out the Hulsey Fly Fishing School at NCF (770-6394001) as we can make you confident enough in your abilities to tackle any trout water out there. There’s not a more beautiful place to be in the early spring than here in the mountains, so get out and enjoy. After all, it only comes around one time a year!
“The move from winter to warmer days triggers the first big bug hatches of the year.”
What Could Be Better Than Catching The Trout of a Lifetime AND Buying Your Own Mountain Property??
Selling and Listing: Trout Stream Properties, Raw Land and Amazing Homes Gene Rutkowski
Professional Realtor & Sport Fishing Guide
www.cabinsonthestream.com www.flyfishblueridge.com generut@tds.net 706-455-5640
North Ga. Chapter
NORTH GA CHAPTER, OUTDOORS WITHOUT LIMITS We provide Free Fishing Events for the Disabled! Gear, bait & picnic lunch included, please join us! Crappie Fish Event, March 9 2019, 8am –1pm Boat launch from Charleston Park on Lake Lanier We are a non profit, 501c3 organization and we thank you in advance. North Ga. OWL Chapter seeks event sponsors, volunteers and in kind donations to help our mission to offer access to outdoor activities.
contactnorthgaowl@gmail.com North Ga. OWL President, Wm. Hoover 404.453.5431 Big Thanks to our host, North Ga Crappie Anglers!! Big thanks to our local supporters: Individual Donations, THAT BISCUIT PLACE, GIORGIOS FAMILY KITCHEN And these Great Sponsors!!
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Guided Fly Fishing and Conventional Tackle Trips for Hybrids, Stripers, and Crappie Booking now, novice or experienced anglers. On the water instruction, top of the line fly gear! Mix it up with light spinning tackle as well for a great combo trip!
Captain Wayne Moore - Oconee On The Fly, Inc (706)-816-4281 www.oconeeonthefly.com / wmoore1700@outlook.com
OCONEE ON THE FLYMARCH FORECAST
LIFE LESSON FROM UNCLE JOHN Contributed By Capt. Wayne Moore USCG www.oconeeonthefly.com How many of you have had a fishing partner for 20 or 30 years? Well, how about 47 years? I met John Evanovich when I was 14 years old. Back then, we called him Big John, as he was a man of large stature. God made him that way to hold his kind heart. We have moved through many stages of life together; adolescence in bank fishing and in jon boats, in our early 20s, fishing the new Lake Oconee at night with lanterns, floating lights and an occasional sip of bourbon with a good cigar. Both of us started families in our mid-20s, and a bond between our daughters and families was forged. On camping trips to Oconee together, the girls began to call me “Uncle Wayne” and John “Uncle John.” We started calling each other by those names and still do today. Zac Brown must have been thinking of John when he wrote the song “I ain’t in no hurry today”’ as he said “I ain’t in no hurry. I’d be a fool now to worry about all those things I can’t change.” • At the boat ramp, if someone was taking a bit too long to put in, he would say “we will get our turn. We were all rookies once; how is your daughter, Lara, doing?” • When we talked about our spouses, he always said, “Do you want to be right or be alone.” • When the girls grew up and became women on their own, he would say, “Just love them and be there for them.” Uncle John has taken a detour
from the lake and is in ICU fighting back from a serious ailment, and we are all praying for his recovery. For me, he brought real, permanent meaning to the oftenused term “best friends forever.” If you have a friend like this, savor every moment! If you are the praying kind, we will gladly accept all you can give! Here is what I believe March has in store for us: Hybrids/Stripers – In early March, fly fishing mid-lake can be good. Be prepared with both sink tip and intermediate line. If there is surface activity, use a Wiggle Minnow and a Henry Cowen’s Somethin Else dropper. If you are not fly fishing, long line bass minnows on 12-pound test with a #4 sinker, swivel, a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader and a # 4 hook. Crappie – Get out there the first two weeks in March! Do not wait for the spawn, because the biggest fish of the year will be taken during this time. This is the time of year to slow down your presentation and push out of the front of the boat. Fish above I-20 and just look for the flotilla. And remember, its fine to join in, but keep a respectable space between your boat and that of others. Final words – March through June offer incredible fishing here on Oconee. All the guides here get booked well in advance. I have some openings in March, but if you want to go anytime in the next 3 months, call now at 706-8164281 or e-mail me at wmoore1700 @outlook.com and lock in your dates. Tight lines and God Bless.
When you visit or call one of our advertisers, or fish with one of our captains, make sure to tell them you saw their ad in:
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WORKING ON YOUR CAST Contributed by James Bradley Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide www.ReelEmInGuideService.com (706) 273-0764
with those of us who are professional full-time guides. If you are new to the area and do not know where to go, give us a call for info over the phone. If big water is intimidating to you or if the Toccoa River DH section is too rough for you to wade, we float the Toccoa with drift boats. Give Us a Call. We’ll Hook You Up! James Bradley is the only Or-
Casting is one of the most enjoyable aspects of fly-fishing when it’s going well. There are times when it will not go well. Even seasoned anglers will have bad times on the water, but they normally work through their issues quickly. There may come a time when you will feel like breaking your rod over your knee. Don’t do that! Just stop and relax, assess your cast by searching for the fault, imagine your cast correctly and then complete the cast. Many times, just thinking it through can help. Your cast is likely to go crazy when you become fatigued, frustrated or anxious! You may have memorized all the good casting advice and instruction you have picked up over the years only to see it whisked away in a challenging circumstance. If you are new to fly fishing, your good technique can evaporate much faster if fishing all day or you get taunted by a large fish. When things go like this, it is a good idea to stop fishing, take a breather and remind yourself of some of the basics of casting. Some of these fundamentals have been translated into simple lessons for beginners. The Apple and Stick has been very useful when teaching how to cast. Pretend you have a foot-long stick with an apple stuck on the top of it, and you want to throw it off the stick. The acceleration and stop of a good forward cast requires much the same movements. Remember to make a good, crisp stop with the rod tip high and enjoy watching your line unfurl toward the target. The Paintbrush is one of my most used examples to teach a cast. Pretend you are holding a paintbrush freshly dipped in paint and you want to throw the paint to the front of you. You cannot start out throwing it at full force as this will cause the paint to come off where you began the cast. But, by using a smooth acceleration, increasing speed through the stroke (throw) then STOP, this will throw the paint off to your front. Remember to increase the hand speed through the casting stroke or your rod energy and cast will fizzle.
The Wall is another very useful tool to keep your front and back stops in place for the 10 - 2 rule. Pretend that you have a wall on each side of your shoulders. You must keep your casting stroke within these two walls or your hand will hit the wall. Each wall represents a stop for the forward cast and back cast and will have you stopping somewhere close to 10 or 2. Some anglers will add a curve or dip to their hand during the casting stroke. The wall in this example is basically teaching you to keep your casting hand on a straight plane during the cast therefore your rod tip will be on a straight plane. The fly line always travels the same plane as the rod tip. If you have a dip in your cast, your fly line is not going to be efficient in delivering the fly. Your eyes should be watching the fly line unfurl during a forward cast and on the back cast. Many times, the back cast is more important than the forward cast. Keep your eyes on your fly line! Eventually, you will learn to feel through the rod the report of an unfurled fly line on the back cast. Force is very high on my list as a casting flaw. The fly weighs near nothing and the fly line isn’t too much behind it. Why are you trying to throw it to the moon? Most casts up here in the mountains are under 30 feet. Use a light touch on your casting and stay away from overpowering. Keep your cool because frustration will limit your ability to cast. Sometimes we just need to take a moment to reel the line in, sit down on that larger boulder, rest a couple of minutes listening to that cascading stream or a bird chirping and take in the beauty that surrounds us. We will be at the Blue Ridge Trout Fest on April 27th from 10 am to 5 pm. I will be giving a presentation on private water here in North Georgia. Come by and visit with us! If you are a first timer wanting to learn to fly fish, we have several instructors who have been schooled in the art of teaching fly fishing. The best way to learn is to spend time
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vis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide
in North Georgia’s Historic HighCountry region. Reel Em In Guide Service has been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.
LAKE CHATUGE Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice.com 706-455-2323 Water temperature: 45 degrees, level: 4 foot below full, clarity: clear. Fishing is starting to pick up. We’ve been getting a few warm and sunny days which are making the fish get active and move up around areas that will warm up fast. I’m starting my mornings out fishing around deep docks and any brush with a Z-Man Trd Ned rig. You want a rod that you can really feel the light bite. My rod of choice is a St. Croix Legend X (XLS610MXF) medium, extra fast. I’m also using my electronics to find any fish deep out off points or out on the humps. When I mark fish, I will use a drop-shot and drop down on them. The bait I’m using on the drop-shot is a wide range this time of year; Robo 4.5” worm, Strike King Half Shell, Dream Shot and Berkley Max Scent Flat Worm. My drop-shot rod of choice is a St. Croix Legend X (XLS610MLXF) medium light, extra fast, with a Daiwa Fuego LT reel spooled with
Sunline Siglon 12-pound orange braid with Gamma Touch 7-pound fluorocarbon leader. I’m also going to pitch a 3/8 ounce jig in pb/j and green/pumpkin around any brush and docks that are deep out in front and shallow up in the back. We have been catching some fish on jerk baits also around docks and off points if there is a little wind. Once the sun gets up good, it’s time to start throwing the A-Rig. Focus on spawning areas that will warm up quickly and around brush and the back of pockets. These same areas are a good place to throw a Strike King 3.5 or 4.5 Rage Swimmer. You can also work pebble and rocky areas with a 1/2 ounce Rat-L-Trap and a 1/2 ounce Silver Buddy. If you’re going to be in Knoxville at the Bassmaster Classic March 16th and 17th, look me up. I’ll be around at St. Croix booth, Tackle Direct, Tackle Trap and Thorne Brothers. We can talk fishing, and you can check out some rods. We guide on 8 different lakes, so if you’re looking for some great fishing, give Welch’s Guide Service a call. We’re your #1 guide service, and we’ve been doing it since 2001. Good luck!
2/13/19 5:07 PM
CHATTOOGA RIVER
As we prepare for the spring hatches here at Chattooga River Fly Shop, February has graced us with some spring weather, and the heavy rains have subsided some. Although we may not receive any snow, the temperatures will surely dip below freezing and our winter fishing techniques will have to be in place. Low and slow with nymph rigs will be the trick, along with slower retrievals of steamers. As spring pushes winter to the back burner for another year, spring rains and the warmer breezes from the south and west warm our days. As the waters start their warming trend, the first emergence of the mayflies and caddis start to appear on the rivers. As everyone enjoys the topwater dry fly fishing, let’s remember there are a lot more fish feeding on nymphs and emergers “down under”. Fishing a tandem rig with a nymph and an emerger while awaiting the hatch will be very productive. When fishing these tandem rigs, a cast upstream and mend the line for a “dead drift” is key. After the flies have drifted past your stance on the river, let them “swing” downstream and let your line straighten, which allows the flies to rise to the
surface as the naturals do. Fishing flies on the “swing” is very productive, and will reward you greatly. Once seeing a few of these flies in the air and a few rises, switch to a dry fly and drift your fly to these rising fish. Let’s not forget that streamer fishing is still very productive as well. Lately, with the colder water temperatures and higher water conditions, sink tips or weight pinched on to the leader has been necessary to keep the streamers down in the water column. Many large fish have been caught in the delayed harvest sections of both the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers using these on the dead drift and twitch technique, and by stripping the streamers back through the pools and seams. As the water temperatures rise and water levels decrease, floating lines will be adequate. We have expanded our fly tying material walls. Whether you are tying for trout, bass or panfish, we have a wide array of materials to do the trick. We offer hands on, one-on-one fly tying classes here at the fly shop to help you along in your journey of tying. You will receive expert advice on what to tie, when to fish the bug you are tying, and other tips and techniques. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the rivers, and let’s remember to “Leave No Trace”.
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MARCH FLY FISHING REPORT Contributed By: Henry Cowen www.henrycowenflyfishing.com
down. Now is the time to clean the equipment in preparation of some fabulous March fishing. Get the honeydo list completed and make the time to get out on our area lakes. Spring has sprung and so will the fly fishing for stripers and Kentucky spots!
This has been the goofiest season to date as it is near impossible to predict what our March weather will look like. Predicting what happens in March is all based on our lake’s water temperature, and so far it appears we will be a little warmer than normal, but no one really knows for sure. It is clearly THE most unpredictable weather for us living in North Georgia, and if it stays warm, so will the bite. If it doesn’t, then we will wait toward the latter half of the month to begin the spring run and the highly coveted “pre spawn” striped bass bite. Probably the best advice I can give anglers fishing the lakes in North GA during the month of March is twofold: take advantage of the moon phases and take advantage of the pre-frontal systems. Try to plan your trip around both the full and new moon phases for best results. Fish will respond well to both of those moon phases. Also, if you are going to fish before a front moves through the region, in all likelihood you will be rewarded. We actually have two types of patterns that exist for March. The first is the pre-spawn, which is a big fish pattern. This can take place during the entire month of March. However, this could be delayed if temps stay cool. If someone is going to land a trophy on Lake Lanier (or any North GA impoundment), it is usually done during this time period. Striped bass are seen crashing threadfin shad on the surface in the coves all over the lake. Our bird life on the lake will take you to the fish. Look for small gulls picking shad off the surface. You have a chance to encounter some of the most epic surface feeding of the season. While the fish can be caught on both the north end as well as the south end, I would always give the nod to the north end for this pattern. However, two years ago the prespawn was off the charts on the very south end of Lanier. They can be in the backs of the coves in very shallow water or in the mouths of the coves over a 30-40 foot bottom. Either way, they will be feeding on threadfin
shad in the 2” to 3” size and possibly herring in the 4” to 5” size range. Fly anglers need be prepared with both a sinking line as well as an intermediate (slow sinking line) in order to cover both sub-surface as well as to twenty feet down. The sinking line comes in handy if you cannot get to the fish while they are on top. The fish on top will make toilet flush type boils on the surface. Fish up into the mid-teens and even pushing into the twenty plus pound range can be seen on the surface at this time of year. While Lanier has lost much of its big fish (fish over twenty pounds), the females are fattening up for their spawning run up the river, and this is the beginning of what I call trophy season. Somethin’ Else, Coyotes, Game Changers, Clouser’s and baitfish patterns can all be the ticket this time of year. If you start with the bigger flies and get refusals, then simply size down til you get a bite! Look for fish feeding best around first light and last light and during cloudy days and pre-frontal conditions. The second half of the month offers a slightly different pattern to watch for, especially if the water temp warms up to near sixty degrees. Now, the stripers, largemouth and Kentucky spots will be feeding in the coves, and you will come away with a mixed bag of fish. What I love about the second half of March is the sheer number of bites an angler tossing flies can expect. There are plenty of days where fly anglers can land double digit numbers of fish in a morning or afternoon outing. Dock light fishing is in full swing too! All the lakes dock lights will be full of fish. This pattern will exist on all our North GA lakes as the stripers do not know where they live. For conventional anglers, it’s hard to beat either a 3/8 ounce Fish Head Spin with a Fluke attached or simply a weightless Fluke thrown on a spinning rod. Also try tossing a Little Cleo to surface feeding fish. Remember these fish are NOT eating on the surface but rather one to three feet under the surface. The blow ups you visually see on top is just the fish giving a kick with its tail to go back
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TROPHY FLY FISHING ON THE BEST TWO MILES OF THE SOQUE RIVER
9400 Highway 197 North Clarkesville, GA 30523
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THERE IS NOTHING LIKE BEING OUTSIDE, BUT...
Contributed By: Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer
March can be one of the best fishing months of the year for everything from trout to bass. It can be a great time to be outside chasing your favorite fish on the fly, but March can also force us to be indoors due to all kinds of conditions. Fear not! If you can’t get to the water to do some casting, there are a few things you can do to get back in casting condition. One of the fly casting and fly fishing greats, Steve Rajeff, told how he would ‘Get in Shape’ for fly casting events. He has mastered the distance and accuracy in fly casting. That talent has made him a superior fly fisherman as well. Using his and a few other’s exercises, we can train even if the weather or conditions don’t let us
go fishing. Here are a few tips and thought processes. See if you can find a 1” PVC or metal pipe that is 20” long. This tool can help not only build wrist and forearm strength, but it can be a great tool for learning the delayed rotation that gives us the nice tight loops. Practice making VERY SLOW casting motions focusing on the last part of the cast. The rotation part of the cast increases the speed of the rod tip the most. On the back cast, lift like you would normally until your hand is as high as your collar bone, then without stopping or slowing down, bring your hand back without moving your wrist. When you get to the end of your casting stroke, rotate your wrist and feel the
weight transfer of the pipe, and stop. You will really feel the rotation now on the forward cast. Keep the ‘rod tip’ back until you get to the end of the forward casting stroke and then make that delayed rotation with your wrist. You will see the speed it generates late in the cast. That movement will tighten up the loops on the forward cast as long as you don’t drop the rod tip down faster than the line is falling. The face of the loop is determined by the distance the rod tip drops down from the rod straight position at the
end of the cast, when the line overtakes the rod tip and starts to form the loop. One last note; Make note of ‘how’ you can get that rod to rotate, either by ‘pushing your thumb’ over the top of the grip or by ‘pulling your little finger in’ at the end of the cast. See what is easier for you to generate rotation speed with. I bet you will be surprised. That is one exercise that you can do for a few minutes each day to ‘stay in shape’ for your next fly fishing adventure.
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Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 Spring is on its way. It’s time for some warm weather and catching fish. The good news is it also brings some of the simplest fishing of the year. During the month of March, look for the stripers to be feeding out over open water. These fish are feeding to prepare for the spring spawning run in April up the Chestatee and Chattahoochee Rivers. This increase in metabolism to prepare for the rigors of spawning is a big plus for the fishermen. Be prepared with fifteen to twenty pound Trilene Big Game spooled on a new Penn Fathom II line counter reel. The line counter on the reel makes it easy to know how far out your baits are from the boat. Most days you will want to freeline the baits at 100 to 150 feet behind the boat. The most common bait is a blue back herring. Hook the herring on a 2/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook, short
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leader of 15-pound Trilene 100% fluorocarbon, a Spro Power Swivel, and you are good to go. Some of these bites are very aggressive, so be prepared. Always check your drag when placing out new baits. Be prepared and do not miss your chance. A big fish always finds the weakest link in your tackle. Big fish do not get big being dumb. Without a doubt, this is the best time of the year to catch bigger fish. Also of note, March is also a great month to look for fish shallow in the back of the creeks and cast a 3/8 ounce Capt. Mack white bucktail jig. All you need is a medium action Fenwick spinning rod spooled with 10-pound Trilene Big Game line and the Capt. Mack bucktail. Cast to the bank and reel with an occasional hop. Many times they will follow the jig, and they will eat the bucktail on the hop. Lastly be prepared for the spring topwater bite. If March is warmer than usual, it may come early. Keep several topwater baits like the Berkley Surge Shad in bone or chrome in the boat. This bite is just around the corner, so be prepared. See you out there!
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JACKSON LAKE By Brian Lee leebrian16 @yahoo.com Water temperature: 55-58 degrees, lake level: full, clarity: stained. It’s that time of the year that every angler looks forward to; pre-spawn! Primary and secondary points will become stacked with fish. Crankbaits and Shad Raps in shad colors will fill the boat as the bass start staging and cruising toward spawning flats. Spinnerbaits are a good choice to tie on as the bass will be feeding up as the spawn nears for them. Look for bass to be very aggressive as they know what is coming for them as they search out for areas to bed.
The days are getting longer and warmer positioning fish in all areas of spawning pockets. A shaky head is a good choice for a soft plastic approach once you’ve found fish that aren’t as aggressive as others. Look for this bite to only get better as the month goes on. There’s a pile of baits that will produce. There’s personal preferences that anglers have to approach these fish. Just make sure you keep a tight grip on those rods.
LAKE BURTON Trout: The brown trout are still in the backs of the creeks. We have been catching most of our trout on the same jerk baits that we have been using for bass. Be aggressive working the jerk baits. These trout like a lot of speed when retrieving. We have caught some fish trolling spoons out over the main lake. Try targeting the 20 foot depth range and maintaining a speed of 2.5 to 3 mph. Walleye: The walleye bite has been a little slow the last few weeks with most of the fish concentrating on spawning. The spawn should be over soon, and these fish will be biting again. Try working brush lines along the banks in 20 to 30 feet of water. A small jig tipped with a live minnow or a Fluke Jr works well. Good luck!
Forecast by: Capt. Wes Carlton Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 www.georgialakefishing.com Water temperature: 52 degrees, level: full pool, clarity: clear. Bass: The spotted bass bite has been great the last few days. We have caught most of our fish over a 12 to 17 foot bottom. Herring color jerk baits have been the goto bait. Most of the bigger fish have been following the schools of herring close to the main lake channels. We have also been using a Super Fish Super Spin tipped with a minnow style trailer. Work this bait in the 15 to 25 foot depth using a slow roll retrieve with a 3/8 ounce size working best. Keep a topwater plug handy for surfacing fish. Don’t be surprised if you catch a 5 to 6-pound spotted bass.
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LAKE NOTTELY STRIPER By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021, 1-844-4-ANGLER
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In like a lion, out like a lamb. This ole folklore is so true for the North Georgia Mountains. As early spring approaches and brings with it hard to predict weather patterns, one thing is sure to be consistent, and that is that striper fishing will keep getting better on Lake Nottely. For us, March has always been an outstanding month. With its warmer weather and longer days, the stripers get a lot more active. Currently, Lake Nottely is 14 feet below full pool. Water temperatures have been bouncing from the mid 40’s to low 50’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and just slightly stained in the backs of creeks. Striper fishing has been absolutely super out here lately. We’ve had a very successful February. The above average temperatures really had the striped bass fired up. Most of the stripers we are catching have been in the 15 to 35 pound range, and we’re averaging some good numbers too. Continue the same techniques as the previous months, pulling planer boards and free lines with live herring and gizzard shad in the
mouths and backs of creeks. While you’re trolling, it’s always a good idea to work the banks by casting a Zara Spook or a Red Fin. With pre-spawn in mind, more and more stripers will stage in the mouths of creeks and rivers. This pattern should continue for the next month or so. March is also a wicked month for the start of our ultra-lite bite. There’s nothing more exciting than reeling a 30 pounder in on lite tackle. March is a fantastic month for catching a lot of huge stripers on this North Georgia lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 rated guide service put you on some of Lake Nottely’s best trophy stripers during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, GA’s premier full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lakes Hiwassee and Chatuge, and Lake Blue Ridge in Blue Ridge, GA. And for all your live bait and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing and have the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
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HELPFUL HINTS By Billy Darby
Tying an overhand knot just below your pinch-on lead when panfishing prevents the loss of your lead weight when you break off a hook due to hang up. Inertia is the culprit. When using a swivel, make sure the swivel is compatible with line size. Too small of a wire will cut your line like a knife. This is especially critical when Carolina rigging because of frequent hang ups. When installing new line on a spinning reel, remove the spool from the reel and load the reel with direct transfer from line spool to reel spool. A portable drill and bit with just enough plastic tape to allow the reel spool to fit snuggly on the bit works fine. This prevents line twist and waffle knots from forming. When learning to cast with a bait
the pressure will dislocate the bearings and seals leaving your boat and trailer unexpectedly roadside. Billy Darby is a retired professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be reached at imfishing4u@ windstream.net or 229-768-2369.
prevents the frozen water from rupturing the casing due to ice expansion pressure unless too much water is present. If so, a mechanic will get involved and again, big bucks. This same situation could be present in your trailer bearing hubs, which when the ice expands,
caster, beginners should start out with very little line on the spool, then gradually increase your line capacity as your skill improves. Learn to cast with the reel in a vertical position. This allows for using more wrist flexibility and prevents rod whip delay which in turn creates better follow through. If you service your own outboard, make sure to thoroughly inspect the bottom oil drain screw when changing foot oil for match head size pieces of metal. This indicates gear damage. Metal dust is acceptable, but be sure to thoroughly clean this material from the magnet before re-installation. Failure to remove this debris can damage the threads in the casing and you’ll be out big bucks. During sub-freezing temps, be sure to remove the top oil filler port from the foot. If any water is in the oil from seal leakage, this act
LAKE SINCLAIR
Lake Sinclair is down 1.31 feet with the water stained and the temperature in the 50s. Bass fishing is fair. Jigs are a winter bait that can work if they are fished slowly on the structure in the creeks mid-lake. There was a cold front this weekend that hurt the bite. The cold waters in the upper lake and down lake creeks make conditions tough for bass. Expect a warming trend to get
them going. There are some fish shallow on docks in the creeks, but they are stuck heavily under dock. If there is a warm up this week, get the weights off the baits and look in the sandy areas for bass to start roaming around. There are shad in the feeder creeks in the stained water and most are 15 to 40 feet deep. The shad are dying fast, and this is unusual for the Lowrance screen not to be blacked with these baitfish. So, if there is little bait, the fish cannot be as picky about their food choices. Spoons and drop-shot rigs can get a few bites, but fish right on the top of the structure straight down.
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CLARKS HILL STRIPED BASS, HYBRIDS AND CRAPPIE by Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer Little River Guide Service lrguideservice@gmail.com (706) 210-3474
Competitively priced full-day fishing charters for all levels of experience, equipment, bait, tackle and fish cleaning provided. Fish from the most comfortable, safe and stable boat on the lake.
We are looking forward to spring after a cold winter. The hybrids continued to cooperate through the cold months and were caught on downrods for the most part. As we begin to warm up in March, activity will follow the blueback herring.
As large schools of herring begin to stage off points near annual spawning grounds, the predator fish will be hanging close by. They will be migrating themselves, but will never be far from the food. We look forward to fishing with each and every one of you who chooses Little River Guide Service. It’s going be a great year. Follow us on Facebook or our website www.littleriverguideservice.net.
Little River Guide Service is a three boat operation targeting stripers and hybrid bass on Clarks Hill Lake. Capt Tony Shepherd and Capt Rocky Fulmer.
(706) 210- 3474
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PRE-SPAWN COMING EARLY TO LAKE LANIER?
Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com Fishing during March can provide some interesting opportunities. The largemouth will be soon to spawn and the spots will begin to stage in preparation for the spawn. The lake level is above full pool as we head out of February, and the temperatures are above normal so far this winter, which could mean an early spawn if this trend continues. This will provide some different opportunities for this March as we should find different trends and patterns this spring as a result of the warmer-than-normal weather trends. Let’s explore how to address this important month on Lanier in these unusual weather and water conditions. Optimal Conditions: There are a few things to consider when fishing during this time of year. You will be fishing the pre-spawn in March, and maybe an advanced pre-spawn based on the weather,
so let’s start with the end in mind and review the spawning habits of both the largemouth and spots. The largemouth in the lake will physically go on the bed at water temperatures of 56-58 degrees. The spotted bass spawn a bit later when the water temperatures reach 62 degrees or above. Typically, the fish spawn in “waves”, rather than all at once. After the first “wave” of fish completes their spawning routine, there will be fish in all stages of the spawn (pre, spawn, and post) for the next 3045 days, depending on the weather conditions and water temperatures. It is important to understand that many fish that spawn in “waves” do so during a favorable moon phase, given the water temperature requirements are met. The full and new moon phases often prompt fish to move into their spawning routine. Until those conditions are met, fish will be staging and feeding up in
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preparation for this process. So, where do we need to look? Location: The largemouth in Lake Lanier tend to spawn shallower than do the spotted bass. The largemouth can be found bedding in creek pockets, often in the back of these pockets, and often in 3 feet of water or less. Look around docks in shallow water as well as stumps and adjacent blow downs. The spotted bass can frequently be found in similar areas, but often prefer a hard bottom type area. The spots will typically spawn deeper than do the largemouth and can be found in 6-15 feet of water and even deeper. Unlike most largemouth, there are a contingency of spotted bass that will spawn on the main lake. These fish can be found on or around humps, points, and sandy saddles between islands on the main lake. Secondary points and docks often provide great staging areas for these fish and become a prime target this time of year. Lures and Presentation: Let’s examine some of the techniques and lures that can be used to catch these fish. 1. Jerkbaits - A great choice as the water warms out of the 40’s and into the 50’s. Work these baits around docks, points and over humps. A SPRO McStick is a good option. Experiment with cadence to find the right retrieve speed and pause cycle. The colder the water, the longer the pause. 2. SuperSpin – This bait from SuperFish Baits in the ¼ ounce size is an excellent choice to work in
shallow creek ditches as well as in and around secondary points and docks. Experiment with trailer size and type. Either a Super Fluke Jr. or a boot-tail type trailer such as a Zoom Swimming Fluke are good places to start. 3. Crankbait – Excellent choice to cover water in the back of creeks and pockets as well as around secondary point, docks and flats. Try the SPRO Rock Crawler Series in varying depth ranges and at variable speeds as well as colors until you find the best one for the day’s conditions. 4. Worm/jig – Always an option in the springtime. A Chattahoochee Jig on rocky/clay secondary points and around docks is always a good choice for spots or largemouth. If the fish are ultra-finicky, don’t forget the old Carolina Rig to present your soft-plastics. Also, when fishing a Picasso Shake Down and worm combo, consider using a lighter jighead. I often choose a 1/8 ounce head or lighter to target spawning fish. I will often tip this with a 4-inch worm from Lanier Baits and work the bait slowly in this situation to trigger strikes. The winter to spring/early spawn can be an awesome time of year to catch fish if you remain versatile and open-minded in your approach. Use the tips and techniques noted above to guide your fishing during the spawn, and you will enjoy some great success. See you on the water! For more information or to book your spring trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier! 770-542-7764. Jimbo’s website: www.jimboonlanier.com.
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CLOUD FISHING
Contributed By: Noey Vinyard
NEW HORIZONS Festus and I sat on the bank of the creek. Festus was keeping a close eye on the biscuit, making sure he was getting his fair share. The creek was new to us as was the surrounding area. We had moved back home to Blue Ridge and were both happy about it. The pasture to the side of the cabin had a herd of about 8 to 10 deer that showed up constantly. This was one of the most isolated places I have ever lived, and believe me when I say I was happy to be clear of people. We still had a good month and a half or so of winter, but this was Blue Ridge, and the Cherokee roses would be showing themselves soon. There is a line in a poem by
Robert Frost that says, and I am paraphrasing since my memory is not what it was, but “I chose the path less trodden by and it is made all the difference.” Festus and I have always found that to be true, and I think that’s why we make such a good team. We love to find hills we have never looked over before, and we love to walk the creeks and see what’s just around the corner. We like to see if it’s the kind of day where we were able to bear witness to a red tailed hawk catching lunch on the wing or did the crows decide it was a day to show the hawk that they still own the territory. There’s something that’s very
“We still had a good month and a half or so of winter, but this was Blue Ridge, and the Cherokee roses would be showing themselves soon. “
special about moving to a new place. It even has old Festus acting like a younger dog. Just three or four months ago, a dozen steps or so is all he would take toward a deer to chase it off. Two or three times a day now he is good for two or three hundred yards. Often, I wonder if he actually thinks he can catch one or if he just chases it just to have fun. It reminds me of one of the funniest things I ever saw in my life. It was late November and the bucks were chasing the does, and if you know anything about whitetails, the males tend to lose their common sense. Three does and a buck came running off of a hillside, and I don’t think that the buck ever even saw us, so intent was he on one of those beautiful, long legged whitetails. Festus didn’t hesitate, and he took off after that buck. The path that they had chosen brought them probably within 20 yards of us, so by the time they got to us Festus had a pretty good head of steam. In fact, all was going well in his whitetail chase except for the
creek. That whitetail cleared that creek like he was jumping over nothing, and Festus didn’t even make it halfway. He got out of the creek shaking the water off trying to play it off like he had done it on purpose, but I knew better. I even kind of loved him a little more for it. How do you not love a dog who’s willing to give it all and not let an ice cold creek slow him up when he’s in full chase after a whitetail? In fact, this is one of the things I’ve always loved about Festus. When he would find a soft patch of dirt down by the creek, those radar ears of his would go up, and he can hear those moles. There was either going to be one less mole in the world or he was going to dig until he fell over from exhaustion. When I was doing horseback rides every day and he was covering all those miles every day, it never even crossed his mind to sleep in in the morning. He would no more have let me go somewhere by myself than anything, and I think that’s why they call him man’s best friend. See you next month.
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LANIER STRIPERS Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu The unseasonable warmer air temperatures occurring on various days in February has scattered the stripers once again away from the traditional fishing spots. Instead of them being in the deeper waters in the main lake channels, they are deep in the creeks, and on some days, they are shallow in the creeks. Of course, this is also where the loons and gulls have been indicating the locations of bait. The March water temperatures should be in the mid-fifties. While we are no longer seeing the larger 36 to 43 inch stripers, there are now a multitude of stripers in the 23 to 29 inch range belonging to a different class that was introduced into the lake in 2013. Although the bait used for these smaller stripers
remains the same in size like an 8 to 12 inch gizzard shad or trout, we still need to bring a variety of baits like blueback herring, gizzard shad, shiners and trout. We also should downsize our leaders to 10 - 12 pound fluorocarbon and concentrate on keeping the lightest drag possible. You will get more hits this way and the
fight will be more intense as you are really trying to tire out these younger stripers to get them into the boat. While these stripers are a little smaller-sized, they are more aggressive and heavier because they are eating more than a larger, slower striper. You will think you’ve got a monster on the hook only to be surprised when you bring one in. Big striper season has traditionally been 2-5pm from the 2nd week of February to mid-April year after
year. I would still use the biggest bait I can get down to the bottom and just underneath any long bait balls you can find over a clean bottom. TIP OF THE MONTH: I see it happening many times where there is a multitude of boats in close proximity to each other. You should consider moving because the fish get turned off from all of the sonar pings. See more info about striper fishing on Lake Lanier on my website TeamLanier.com.
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TRYING TO GET MY MOJO BACK
By Gary Turner
Fish on! I love hearing those words when I’m fishing with my friends. If you are on the Kenai River in Alaska, and many other places where you are fishing tight quarters with other boats, it is the signal for someone to hold up the net to let other boats know you have hooked a fish and give you space to fight and net it. I have some great memories catching kings and silvers on the Kenai. If it is not on your bucket list, please add it. I never thought I would get there, and I have been seven times now. Where did my mojo go? One thing I know about fishing is the more you go, the more fish you will catch. My problem the last 2 years is I just have not made enough time for my fishing mojo to work.
I LOVE TO FISH, so I don’t know what has happened, but whatever it is, it’s over now. 2019 will be a year I go fishing a bunch and hopefully catch lots of fish. I’m starting my list of trips I want to go on with guides and all the lakes I want to visit and revisit some. I got the boat out this week and me and Dan “Shorty” Williams and Cody went down to Oconee. It has been crazy down there this year already with Chad Smith catching over 100 crappie a day on several of his guide trips. The weather so far has given the fish some mixed signals, and the bite comes on fast and turns off just as quickly. If you fish Sinclair and Oconee much, you know that cycle. We marked fish all over stacked
on the ledges and under the bridges. We were out testing some upgrades we made to the boat but figured we would see what the fish were up too. We tied up under the bridge and waited to see what was biting. Nothing! All those fish were just hanging out. Being catfishing men, we can sit on marked fish a long time patiently waiting for that bite. We gave them another hour, but finally we decided to hang it up and roll in. That evening, another friend, Aaron, who had been fishing further down the lake, messaged me to say he only got one bite just after dark. It was a 32 pound nice flathead. That is why somedays you wait. A cool thing I have noticed this year on Facebook is it keeps bringing up my past fish on the day I posted them. This same day 6 years ago Shorty and I caught a bunch of flats and blues on Oconee. The next year on the next day I caught my 65 pounder with Jonathon and Johnny on Lake Guntersville. It a neat reminder and calendar recording event. Some of my bucket list for 2019; West Palm and South Florida again, Santee several times, Carters Lake,
one of my favorite lakes, Oostanaula River, Toccoa River, Bear Creek, Lanier, Yargo, Sinclair, Oconee, Blue Ridge, Nottley, and the Kenai in Soldotna if I can pull it off again this year. My friend Tom and I are booked to go on the Toccoa River next week for trout. So you may see an article on that next month. I also am headed over to Santee in early March to try for some cats there. I also go bream fishing a lot at local lakes around home. If you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling, shoot me an email and maybe I will come fishing with you! If you want more information about fishing, you can reach me at gary@purgeright.com or check out my Hub pages at GoneFishinClub.hubpages.com
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LAKE MARTIN Provided By: David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256-401-3089 March is the big kickoff for huge stripers, and they will continue to weigh their heaviest for the 60-75 days before they spawn out. In the past years, you could find these big fish in the creeks and river in March, but now Lake Martin has so many stripers, if that’s where they all went, you could walk across them. I’ve come to learn that you never want to overlook the wide open part of the lake, particularly underwater islands, etc., for huge stripers in March. Planer boards pulling live baits will certainly catch their attention, however, you most definitely can catch them casting topwater plugs to them also. If the wind is calm, you can sit in certain areas and watch for the stripers roaming close to the surface. When you see this, make your way toward them within casting distance, preferably with the trolling motor, and throw your favorite topwater plug. Be ready for a serious explosion and
then the fight is on. The lighter the tackle, the more exciting the fight. Just keep your drag loose and follow the hooked striper around with your trolling motor until it wears itself down. Never try to boat a striper without a net or 95% of the time you’re going to break off your catch. With over 500 thousand stripers stocked again last year, it’s no doubt that you will catch some stripers on the smaller size, but there are thousands of trophy fish just waiting for the right bait to pass by. 2018 produced a lot of 30-pound stripers with our guide service and the occasional 40-pounder, including a 45-pounder caught on my personal guide boat by one of my repeat clients. A few years back, our guide service boated a 52-pounder in March, so now you know why March is what we call the start of the big fish bite. If you would like to try your luck at one of these springtime monsters, give me a call and I will take care of you, your family and friends, and not to mention your larger groups of up to 40. If you need a place to stay while here fishing, I can put you in touch with any type accommodations you’re looking for.
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WEST POINT Water temps are mostly in the upper 50’s and low 60’s and rising quickly. The lake is still a little stained and pulled back down about 4-5 feet but pretty stable right now until the next big rain! BASS: Good - Expect big changes as we move toward and on into March. Warming weather and a stained lake should move many of the largemouth shallow quickly, especially after a February warming trend. Expect the largemouth bite to continue to be good around any shallow wood or brush, rip-rap rocks or around
shallow baitfish schools. Shallow water baits such as chatterbaits, square-bill crankbaits and RatL-Traps should work effectively. Spinnerbaits and jig ‘n pigs are also producing some fish around wood and rip-rap. It’s a good time to catch a big fish. One of the main keys to this type of shallow fishing is to look for warmer stained water. A ditch or creek run sometimes helps to bring warmer water into an area, especially after a warm rain. Dark chunk rock and red clay retain heat and attract bass. Fishing for spots can be awesome as they will start to bed in March as well. Small crankbaits or Carolina rigged finesse worms will catch fish on almost any gravel bank.
“One of the main keys to this type of shallow fishing is to look for warmer stained water.”
Linesides: Good - The river run cranks up in March, and how good it gets usually depends on weather and water conditions. What you don’t want is really muddy and cold water below 50 degrees. I usually start out with cut bait soaked in garlic spray in water temps around 60 or lower. Live shad usually work better in water temps of 60 or higher. Start around Ringer Access, and follow the fish upstream as the water warms. Stripers mixed with hybrids and white bass can continue to school on top throughout early spring as well. The schooling fish are mostly less than 3 pounds or so, but there are some bigger fished mixed in as well. The mouths of Yellow Jacket, Wehadkee and Maple Creeks have all been producing some fish. Downlining with live shiners will also work. Target drop-offs near the channel or the top of humps. Trolling with mid-depth crankbaits, Alabama Rigs, bucktail jigs and vertical jigging with spoons have also been producing some fish in these same areas. The key is finding a little clearer water. Please
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don’t forget to book your striper trips for this upcoming spring! Please feel free to contact me at my email at HudsonsProBass@gmail. com to reserve your day! Crappie: Excellent - A few warm days in a row will drastically improve the crappie fishing in March. Good numbers of crappie are being caught in the shallows by bank fisherman on minnows and jigs under a float, especially in the afternoons. Blowdown trees and brush piles in 3 to 6 feet of water are holding fish as well. Trolling for crappie usually kicks into high gear soon as well. Whitewater and Yellow Jacket Creeks almost always seem to turn on strong this month. Expect the shallow bite to turn off in the event of an extended cold snap or get even better with an extended warming trend. Hopefully, the water will continue to clear up a little as we move into March. Trolling always seems to work better in clearer water. Overall, March is probably the BEST month for size and numbers of crappie. Expect many of the crappie to bed on the full moon cycle in late March.
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SIX GREAT BASS FISHING DESTINATIONS YOU CAN VISIT by O’Neill Williams Will these six lakes be the very best for all of you? Of course not. There are thousands better than the six I’m choosing, but these are MY six best because I’ve been to each multiple times. 1. Kingfisher Society, Laura Hill, North Carolina: 130 professionally operated acres with accommodations, boats in the water with electric motors and no more than four fishermen per day. It’s expensive, but it’s one of a kind. So, what’s the deal? Kingfisher Lake has been owned by the same family since the Civil War and they have managed the pond most effectively. It was drained 10 or so years ago and restocked with Florida and Tiger specie largemouth bass all above 2 pounds each, both male and female. What does that do? In principle, all of the new spawn each year is eaten by the mature bass so there are no ‘yearling’ bass left over to catch like most ponds. Most ‘ponds’ eventually get over populated with largemouth bass, then get stunted because there’s not enough food, so it becomes a disappointment. Not Kingfisher. The owners have installed dozens of automatic feeders with specially sized pellets for the bass. These feeders spin out feed twice per day in a multitude of areas, so the bass are well fed and grow rapidly and live long lives. When fishing there you can’t keep anything but photos. I have been there to shoot TV shows and have caught as many as 30 per day over 5 pounds. Look up www.kingfishersociety.com and inquire. 2. Lake Lanier just north of Atlanta: 37,000 acres of OK bass fishing historically. What makes Lanier so good now? About 20 or so years ago, some enterprising fisherman ventured to the Savannah River, netted some blueback herring and traveled them to Lanier to use for striped bass bait. Of course, many were dumped in the lake after a trip and some just escaped off the hook. Result? The bluebacks have flourished and now the spotted bass have 24 ATLANTA
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a specie of bait that shares the water temperature and serves to ‘blow up the average’ size spot. In tournaments in the late 70s and 80s, in which I participated, the top 5 weigh-in catches of spots usually weighed in for 8 or 10 fish at 15 pounds, a 1 and ½ pound average. Since the bluebacks have become THE baitfish of the lake, a 5-fish limit of spots weighs in at a 5-pound average, 25 pounds. Lanier is the best spotted bass fishing Lake in North America. 3. Okeechobee: What can I say, 400,000 acres, 8 feet deep, full of grass, pads, hiding places and warm water for 12 months a year. There are lots of lodges, guides, fish camps, lodging, restaurants and tackle shops, etc. that can help you get started. It’s easy, safe, accessible and fun. 4. Rodman Reservoir, Northeast Florida: At only 9,500 acres, it is legendary for the number of trophy bass it has produced ever since it was created in 1968. It is consistently ranked as one of the top ten best bass lakes in the country. So, what’s it like? You’ll be fishing floating cover, ‘dollar weeds and pads’ and water hyacinths here where bass set up housekeeping, so tackle up with heavy gear, get some live bait, 9 or even 12-inch plastics and count on exercising some patience. The Rodman Lake record largemouth bass is 17.2 pounds. 5. Lake Guntersville, Northeast Alabama: On the Tennessee River with 69,000 acres and plenty of vegetation along the shoreline that sets up the entire food chain. When you get a map, it’ll look like a wide place in the river, but don’t be discouraged. It’s not a river and the waters are very fertile. One of the most attractive things about Guntersville is that you won’t see anyone else fishing. It’s all yours but not so remote as to be inconvenient for the family. 6. Lake Seminole, deep Southwest Georgia and Southeast Alabama: I first bass fished Seminole in 1966. It was good then, has been
and is. Like most other Southern impoundments, the shoreline is covered in lily pads and grass, and almost the entire lake is shallow. Your natural tendency is to fish along the banks, but try and fish way out at the end of the cover toward the channels. What you’ll notice is that the timber wasn’t cut and so an entire forest is just below the surface and holds giant schools of bait and bass.
Might mention one bonus fish here that is lots of fun, is stupid, will bite anything brightly colored and, although tough to clean because he a bony critter, is plentiful. What is it? Chain Pickerel. He looks like a Northern Pike, the world’s record is only about nine pounds, but, what the heck, catch him, put him back and have some fun. Hire a guide for a couple of days and you’ll be all set.
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scale and takes the win with a clean two-pound margin. With jaws on the floor and feelings of absolute disbelief, the other anglers stare in shock. He may have not had the most actionpacked day in the world, but as always, he gets the job done, every time. So, if you’re ever taking a stroll in the park and see an old man going to
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
By: Ryan Kennedy YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com Slow as molasses, there he is. Every day, the same old man takes a seat on the exact park bench as the day before and works on his newest whittling project before eating a fresh apple, slice by slice. His only tool for the job is the same pocket knife that he uses every day. It may not be the fastest way to carve a piece of wood, and it may not be the quickest way to eat an apple, but it gets the job done, every time. He’s the one in your bass club that everyone seems to think is just adding money to the pot. Chances are, he’s one of the first to get there in the morning after sitting down at a local breakfast hole just down the street for an hour before everyone else is even up. It may not be the best breakfast in the world, but it gets the job done, every time. It’s the 1982 Tracker boat that everyone passes at blast off. The old man knows his way around that boat like the back of his hand. It probably hasn’t seen wide open throttle for a decade or so, but twenty-five miles per
hour suits him just fine. It may not be the best-looking boat, but it gets the job done, every time. On the deck of the boat, a couple of old rod and reel setups can be found, and they haven’t been replaced because, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” One rod is ready to go with a Texas rigged motor oil worm, and the other? You guessed it; the ball and chain. The fish may be up shallow crushing a chatterbait or out deep on the ledges ready to be caught on a deep-diving crankbait, but you better believe those fish are going to see a Texas rig and a Carolina rig, all day. It may not be the hottest technique in the fishing industry, but it gets the job done, every time. The tournament concludes as the young guns bring plenty of hefty bags to the scales. Each angler arrives with a bundle of rods strapped to their boat decks with enough lures tied on to stock a tackle shop. As the chatter goes on about who will take home top honors, the old man puts his fish on the
town on a stick or an apple with his pocket knife, I recommend taking a seat next to him. From stories of the past to the wisdom he can share, it won’t take long before you realize that he’s been there and done that. Lessons will be learned, and good times will be had, every time. God Bless and tight lines!
“He’s the one in your bass club that everyone seems to think is just adding money to the pot.”
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LAKE LANIER CRAPPIE
CARTERS LAKE Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
Water temperature: upper 40s, low 50s, lake level: full, clarity: 3 to 4 feet. Spring? Not yet, but we are getting close. This should be the end of the temps dropping and the start of the warming trend. This is a call to all fish in the lake to get ready for spring. Pre-spawn feeding, staging, and starting to move into spawning areas are all on the to-do list for all species. Crappie will start to move towards their shallow spawning brush and timber, the walleye are moving in the river, and the bigger predators are following the bait schools in and out of the creeks as they gather in greater numbers for the bait spawn as well.
For stripers and hybrids, March can be awesome with fish feeding more throughout the day vs early and later in the day. I like flatlines 50 to 75 feet behind the boat and planer boards spread way out. I also prefer the biggest baits I can find on the boards covering lots of water keying on points, banks and bends where the bait is stacked up. These places are just not for stripers, but walleye looking to get their pre-spawn feed on as well. I am typically fishing 14-pound leaders with small circle hooks and catch the walleye just below the stripers as they are after the same bait. The crappie bite has been pretty decent as of late with lots of fish being caught on minnows on brush already. Look for this to improve over the next 30 days. Enjoy March and the warmer weather, but always be aware of changing conditions and dress appropriately.
Forecast By: Dan Saknini, Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. www.laniercrappieanglers.net Water temperatures are fluctuating between 47 and 50 degrees, which is ideal for winter crappie fishing. Lake level is 1072, about a foot above full pool. Creeks in the northern parts of the lake have moderate to heavy stain, heavier in the backs of the creeks. The water begins clearing north of Clark’s Bridge on the Chattahoochee side of the lake and north of Yellow Creek on the Chestatee side of the lake. The water is also clear south of Brown’s Bridge. On calm days, you will still see evidence of floating debris. When the wind picks up, the debris quickly gets pushed to the side, but you still
SEMINOLE Forecast By: by Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com Folks, Lake Seminole is on FIRE! March and April are great months on this lake because the bass are starting to bed and are hungry. There have been some monsters caught recently by myself and others using a few different types of baits. First, I want to tell you about a color that I helped design called Seminole Breeze. It’s produced by Profound Outdoors in their Azuma Series, and they are using it on three different baits. First is the Shaker Z, it’s a lipless crankbait and has already been proven to be a winner on Lake Seminole. Second is the Knock Knock, it’s also a lipless crankbait that has a unique sound and has also caught some big ones for me. Third is the Z-Boss 10, it’s a crankbait and has proven to be something the big bass want! You can fish any of these along the grass lines on the flats in the lake. Something else that’s been working is a Strike King Ocho in green pumpkin fished slowly along the inside grass lines. The crappie are liking the conditions right now too. They too are bedding and are being caught with 26 ATLANTA
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LAKE ALATOONA Forecast By: Capt. Robert Eidson First Bite Guide Service 770-827-6282 eidson6260@att.net www.firstbiteguideservice.com
jigs and minnows in 8’ to 10’ of water. We’ve been seeing some big ones coming across the docks at Wingate’s and are anticipating some good fish fries in our future! If you are looking for an adventure on Lake Seminole, give Captain Paul Tyre a call at (850)264-7534 or email me at paultyrefishing@yahoo.com or check out my Facebook page, PaulTyreFishing or my Instagram handle SeminoleBassFishing. I have a 20 foot Skeeter iClass or a 20 foot pontoon boat, whichever you prefer for a great day on the lake! The photo is of a monster Seminole Bass caught with the Shaker Z in the Azuma Series from Profound Outdoors. You can purchase it on their website, http://www. profoundoutdoors.com.
need to take care navigating. We are still fishing the river channel docks, and we are still catching quality fish. We are taking advantage of this great weather and enjoying as much time on the lake as possible. It reminds us of spring, but as the saying goes, don’t count your chickens before they hatch! This is still winter, and I’ll be surprised if we don’t have more cold weather ahead. We are catching plenty of quality fish, but are not spending more than twenty minutes at a spot unless we hit the jackpot. Our number one bait remains Bobby Garland. If you haven’t already been on their website, check out the largest selection on the market of colors and options of crappie jigs. Stay safe on the water and wear your life jacket!
Well, the lake is 18 feet below full pool and stained and muddy from Little River to the dam. The loading docks are out of the water and about 90% of the ramps are unusable. But the good news is the fish are eating. This has been the best winter bite I can remember. The best bite is within eyesight of the dam from Stamp Creek to Red Top Mountain Campground. Live bait (shad shiners and small trout) are all working right now. We are running a full spread right now; freelines, planer boards and downlines.
There is also a good artificial bite right now. Both the Captain Mack U-rigs and the Mini Macks are working well. The key to the rig bite is sunshine mixed with the cleanest water you can find. The spoon bite is also good right now, and the white bass are killing them. If you find a big school, it’s common to boat 50 plus fish in a couple of hours. These fish are small but fun to catch.
March 20th Full Worm Moon
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LAKE EUFAULA
E By Capt Sam Williams hawk184@earthlink.net 334-687-6266 Water temperature: upper 50’s in river, low 60’s in creeks, lake level: 188.15 msl, clarity: heavy stain. Water level is holding steady, and the river is clearing up nicely. Bass are moving to the shallows. Chatter baits and spinners around old pad stems are working. Plastics are also working in same areas. Rip-rap and sheet piling are holding fish. Small lipped crankbaits are working there. Deeper fish are hitting heavy jigs and Carolina rigs, and big plastics worked slowly are a good choice. Deep cranksbaits also work. For a good choice for the deep fish with a slow presentation, use a smaller size crankbait on your Carolina rig and drag the weight slowly across the bottom and trash. Keeping the lure in front of them longer will entice a strike. Crappie are holding deep on natu-
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Keith Kelly from Stanford, CT fishing Lake Eufaula with Capt Sam Williams. ral and manmade structure in 16 to 28 feet of water. Minnow tipped jigs worked just above them are doing the trick. Panfish are in the brush along the banks with worms being the best choice now. Catfish are working on jugs in the creeks baited with cut bait. Remember to visit www.alabamachildrensclssic.org and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our progress for the kids and our wounded heroes. Flight one is filling up, so get signed up if you want to get out for that early bite. God Bless and good fishing.
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KIM’S KITCHEN
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Coffee Catfish www.poundersseafoodmarket.com
Ingredients • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder • 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 pounds catfish fillets Instructions • Combine lemon juice, instant coffee, butter, onion powder and salt. • Brush mixture thickly onto fillets. • Broil 3 to 4 inches on the outdoor grill for 10 minutes. • Turn and brush fish again with sauce. • Broil for 10 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily. • Brush the catfish again with the coffee butter and serve.
If you prefer to broil in the oven, have the rack about 6 inches from the broiler and cook for about 4 minutes per side.
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WHAT’S IN YOUR TACKLE BAG? By Capt. Cefus McRae Nuts & Bolts Fishing Series It’s around this time of year that I take a hard look at the mound of tackle bags and boxes I have in my garage and have a serious heart-toheart chat with myself. Do I really need all this gear? The answer is usually, “sure I do”. In my own defense, I do fish both fresh and saltwater, and I fish for a variety of species from crappie to tuna. Each warrants its own category of hooks, lures, and rods. For the uninformed, it may look like I have a sporting goods store in the garage, but when you dig a little deeper, I’ve got a couple crappie rods, a few bass rods, and striper gear for freshwater and similar gear for saltwater expeditions. In pure numbers, that’s a lot of stuff. But if someone said, “you can only fish for spotted bass from now on”, that would significantly diminish my stockpiles. In reality, I probably only use about twenty percent of the tackle I have hanging around. I’m not averse to trying new tactics or tackle, but I typically fall back into using what I have confidence in. There was a time when I carried as much ‘stuff ’ on the boat as I possibly could fit in it, and I wound up spending a lot of extra time just loading and unloading gear that never came out of the compartment on a fishing trip. A few years back, I made the active decision to carry two medium-sized tackle bags for a day on the water. Between the two, I have eight medium-sized trays, six zippered pockets and two top pouches. Believe it or not, that’s a lot of stuff. I’ve learned
to work out of one or two of those trays at a time. I’ve got everything for bottom fishing in one tray, jigs in another, plastics in yet another, and so on. Now, I spend more time fishing, and less time digging through compartments for tackle that’s buried beneath other tackle that I seldom use. The net-net is I’m more efficient at re-rigging, or if I decide to change out lures or rigs, I know exactly where everything is. Like a lot of bass anglers, I prefer to have rods pre-rigged with what I anticipate might be appropriate for the day. Now that my rod compartments are no longer over-stuffed with tackle boxes, I have the ability carry a couple extra rods. When the conditions change or the fish decide they want something different, I don’t have to re-rig as often. Less is more, at least in my case. I’ve learned to carry what I need for the day in just a couple tackle bags. By limiting what I have on the boat, I believe I’ve actually become a better angler. With fewer choices, I tend to select rigs in which I have confidence, and I’ve learned the keys to working lures and rigging baits more effectively. The side benefits are pretty obvious too. With less stuff, it’s quicker loading and unloading gear each day, and I’m not tripping over tackle bags or other stuff on the deck. The only thing I haven’t found a solution for yet, is how to ‘downsize’ my 128-pound, four-legged buddy, Buck the Wonder Dog. Then again, he could probably say the same about me. Tight lines and calm seas.
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FISHING IN LATE WINTER AND EARLY SPRING Dr. Andrew Cox
As to fishing, March is generally a transition month. Changing weather conditions will warm the water slightly making fish active in fairly shallow water while a dip in water temperature caused by a passing cold front will once again send them into deep water. Depending upon weather and water conditions, the fish are generally in a pre-spawn mode in most Georgia and Alabama waters during this month. However, I have seen spawning fish during this month. During this time period, it is many times difficult to find a pattern in taking various fish species. Fishing this time of year, the angler should be prepared to use a variety of lures and techniques. Be prepared with lures and baits that you may use during the colder months such as jigs, spoons, and
slow moving baits for probing deep water. The angler should also have lures and baits generally associated with warmer, shallower waters such as various plastic and shallow running lures. During March, you never know what you may encounter over the course of a day’s fishing. Once again, depending upon water and weather conditions, March may present opportunities for the angler to target and catch fish species that are unique during this time of year. The spawning runs of hybrid, white, and striped bass up the rivers of Georgia and Alabama are generally an annual occurrence. Sometimes, this run occurs during March. This presents the angler with opportunities to catch numbers of these fish in shallow water conditions. The angler should keep posted as to when this run is occurring on
area waters. Some waters in Georgia have a shad run that may occur during March. This time of year may also present a unique opportunity to target these fish. They can be readily caught on baitcasting, spinning and fly equipment if a run can be located. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has some information regarding this fishing opportunity. Many anglers across Georgia and Alabama target crappie. March many times finds these fish in a more active mood in shallower water. Once again, crappie can be caught on a variety of live and artificial baits. Other fish species such as bass and bream may also be more catchable over the course of this month. March is an interesting month during the angling year. Winter time and spring time angling techniques may catch fish over the course of this month. As noted,
unique opportunities are presented to target and catch some of your favorite fish species. Be safe and enjoy the often beautiful weather and water conditions that may be found during March. Author’s Note: Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. He has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over forty years. He has also fished the waters of most states within the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and several Caribbean islands. He enjoys fresh and saltwater fishing for bass, bream, crappie, trout, redfish, and speckled trout using fly, baitcasting, and spinning equipment. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com.
“March is an interesting month during the angling year. Winter time and spring time angling techniques may catch fish over the course of this month”
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PROP TALK
by Bobby Snellgrove Dothan Prop Shop dothanpropshop@yahoo.com
It is possible but it does not occur very often. In most cases when you are taking off, you will experience an engine rev with the rpm’s going very high and the boat not moving forward. In most cases the boat will idle along at a very slow pace. Take a look at your prop. If the blades are visually bent or distorted, you are very likely experiencing cavitation and cavitation is often mistaken for a slipping hub. Have it checked by a reliable prop shop. The hub can be replaced or the blades can be restored to prop-
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LAKE BLUE RIDGE SMALLMOUTH & SPOTTED BASS Forecast By: Shane Goebel Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service & The Angler Magazine Fishing Team Lakes Nottely, Chatuge, Blue Ridge and Hiwassee www.bigolfish.com, 828-361-202, 1-844-4-ANGLER
Located about two hours north of Atlanta, Lake Blue Ridge plays host to some of North Georgia’s best smallmouth and spotted bass fishing. This beautiful 3,300-acre body of water produces some awesome trophy smallmouth, and March is a great month to hit the water. Currently, Lake Blue Ridge is 24 feet below full pool. Water temperatures are in the low 50’s. Water clarity is clear in the main lake and stained in the creeks and rivers. We have been catching a lot of smallmouth and spotted bass all over the lake, with the majority of our smallmouth being caught in the Toccoa River area. Target these fish off rocky points, ledges and shallow humps around the lake. Also, focus on working the banks that the early morning sun hits first. We’ve been pulling planer boards with live blueback herring
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early. It’s also a great idea to set out a couple of free lines 100 to 120 feet behind the boat while you pull planer boards. When the sun really comes up in the mid-morning hours, we’ll switch to down lining live blueback herring. Most of our fish have been caught in the 30 to 40foot range. This really seems to be the best technique for the larger smallmouth but not until the sun really gets up. Look for large schools of smallmouths in the Toccoa River and Star Creek area. Live bait seems to be the key out here lately, but a jigging spoon and shaky head can’t be ruled out this time of year. March is a fantastic month for catching some very big fish on this lake. Give Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service a call and let the area’s #1 guide service put you on some of Lake Blue Ridge’s best trophy fish. And, for all your live bait and tackle needs, go check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. Now bundle up, hit the water, and go “get your fish on”! Good luck!
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Wall of Fame
WIN A FREE ANGLER MAGAZINE CAP! A Angler Magazine cap will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!
WINNER! Monica Faulk with nice crappie on Lake Eufaula. Tony Adams with a big Eufaula slab. This big 19 lb 5 oz striper was caught at Carters Lake by Greg Johnson.
Guide Dalton with a nice rainbow at flyfishblueridge.com
Woodie Malone and Robert Waters with part of their winning catch in the North GA Crappie Anglers Tournament.
Travis West from Darien, CT fishing Lake Eufaula with Capt Sam Williams.
Jay Remly with a nice striper caught on Lanier with his fly rod. 2019 Martch ATL.indd 32
Shon Newman caught this huge striper at a hair over 34 pounds out of the Chattahoochee near downtown Atlanta. 2/13/19 5:08 PM
Six Springtime Tips From Crappie Pros By Terry Madewell
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North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop
rofessional crappie tournament anglers must learn the secrets of patterning crappie year-round on lakes all over the country. But over the next few months, catching slab crappie is easier than at any other time of year. The keys to success are understanding where to find fish and using the best techniques. A large gathering of professional crappie anglers fishing out of Black Camp on South Carolina’s Santee Cooper lakes provided the opportunity to glean information from several veteran crappie pros. Their strategies will work on any lake with a healthy crappie population. Matt Morgan and Kent Watson make up a successful tournament team, and they have a game plan in place before pre-fishing any lake for the first time. “First, I research the Internet to see what information is available on a lake in terms of crappie,” Morgan said. “Next, I use Google Earth to literally look at the lake from above, and I can even go back in time and see what the lake looked like during a drawdown or drought. This can provide views of underwater cover that’s exposed at low water but may be covered by fishable water when I fish it. Plus, I can see creeks and ditches that may not be marked on maps.” Watson said that after off-lake research is complete, it’s time to get on the lake and narrow the focus. “We can eliminate over 50 percent of the water before we launch the boat,” Watson said. “The next step is to use electronics, along with lake maps, to actually look at channels, ledges, drops and brushpiles to actually find fish we believe to be crappie. We use our Hummingbird graph with side and down scan to pinpoint areas we feel can be productive. “We’re often looking in or near deep water, and it may be in any part of the lake,” he continued. “During spring, we often take a hard look at the mid-to-upper portion of a lake since that water warms first.” Dave Hilton, a veteran crappie guide at Santee Cooper, said that in addition to finding crappie it’s important to find forage. “If I’m in doubt about where to fish, I’ll spend time on the water finding forage,” Hilton said. “If not guiding, I’ll be looking at various targets such as brushpiles, submerged stumps and other woody cover using electronics before I actually fish a specific target.” Morgan uses jigs, minnows or a combination of a jig and minnow to give the fish what they want. “We typically fish an 8-rod spider rig with quality rods. Quality makes a difference in detecting light bites typical of crappies,” he said. “When pre-fishing for a tournament, we only catch a couple crappies from a place then move and look for larger crappie.” If they’re not pre-fishing, they might stay with a hot spot until it slows. “Even being totally prepared, it may take several attempts before we find fish of good quantity and quality, so patience can be crucial,” Morgan added. “We know we have a proven process that Sept_NS_COHUTTA.indd works year-round, and if we stick with it we’ll find fish.”
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Dead Drift or Streamers?
Streamers aren’t the only way to catch big brown trout. All of these fish were caught on nymphs.
By Chris Scalley here I fish on the Chattahoochee tailwater in Atlanta, the main targets are stream-born brown trout that can reach epic size in a nutrient-rich environment. Although many large trout are caught on large streamers, trophy anglers should not overlook dead-drifted nymphs as way to catch large fish. Yes, I agree that the “pounds of meat” or “big bait, big fish” theory is usually a sound approach to target better-than-average fish, but just think about the numbers game. With 25 years of guiding experience, I would say a third of our biggest fish were caught on nymphs. Now, the reality is that most of our clients would rather catch numbers than catch one to three better-sized fish. Usually, my first question to customers is: “Do you want to catch quantity or quality?” I explain that big fish are predators, and if you want better odds for a monster, you will have to “chuck and duck” large weighted flies with large weighted sinking fly lines. On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated nymph angler who fishes methodically, where mending line properly, setting the hook emphatically and reading water are paramount, you could very likely catch a trophy as well. It’s all about placing odds in your favor, but you have to be dedicated with either tactic, streamer or nymph. If you choose to streamer fish, one out of three trips could hook a pig. With nymphs, you’ll hook a large fish about every eight trips. I am not trying to solicit more trips here, I am just being honest with the law of averages. Guides have the luxury of going fishing just about every day, so for us the law of averages works to our favor as we simply spend more time on the water. So which will it be? Would you rather catch more fish on a nymph with the outside chance of catching a bruiser, or would you prefer to eschew the smaller fish and chunk meat for one monster brown trout? Chris Scalley owns River Through Atlanta Guide Service. Check them out at riverthroughatlanta.com.
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r spread Great Streams and Craft Beverages Await in Hendersonville, N.C. Photo by Nick Carter
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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, divvied between brook, rainbow and brown. 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 spots for fishing 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 from Rocky River Lane to the Rutherford County line near Chimney Rock, while Cane Creek, near the Fletcher community, has 1.5-mile stretch of hatchery supported waters. For those who really want a unique experience, Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest provides not only a scenic setting for trout fishing, but also a unique one. 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. Sanctuary is pet-friendly with a commitment to pet rescue. Three wineries produce high-quality 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, the area’s first vineyard, 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 go to: www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org.
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Flip Pallot:
Fish Hippie Ambassador
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ew names resonate as deeply in the world of light-tackle fly fishing as the name Flip Pallot. Many of us remember waking up on Saturday mornings to watch Flip’s show, Walker’s Cay Chronicles. Fish Hippie, the North Carolina-based outdoor lifestyle brand, has teamed up with Pallot, who plans to put Fish Hippie apparel and accessories to the test during his on- and off-thewater adventures as the brand’s ambassador. Pallot’s unparalleled passion for fishing has paved the way for his successful career and has inspired fishing enthusiasts worldwide. He is widely recognized for Walker’s Cay Chronicles, which aired for 16 seasons on ESPN, a TBS series titled Saltwater Angler and his most recent Fishing the Keys show on VERSUS network. Each show is centered around Pallot’s fishing insight as he travels around the world on angling adventures. “I smile, knowing that most of my life is spent in a glow of solar energy reflected by the world’s most beautiful wet spots,” said Pallot. “Montana meadow stream or shimmering, tropical bonefish flat, I’m stacking sun drenched miles on my Fish Hippie wardrobe. I’m enjoying the function of the product along with the fashion attention when I return to the dock!” In spring 2017, Fish Hippie launched the Solarhaze Performance Collection, which has become a fast favorite among outdoor and fishing enthusiasts nationwide, including Pallot. Function and fashion meet on and off with water with the Solarhaze Performance Collection, which has set a new standard of luxury and necessity in the performancewear industry. Technical features—including slick, moisture-wicking fabrics, UPF +40 and ultra-lightweight materials—are coupled with modern cuts, ultimate comfort and effortless style for those who appreciate the finer side of outdoor living. From hunting and fishing to work and leisure, this collection is designed to fit into your everyday agenda. The collection includes performance button-downs, technical performance hoodies, technical performance crews, performance shorts and a variety of hats. “We are honored to have such an incredible fishing icon wear and enjoy our Fish Hippie clothing,” said Ben Webb, co-founder of Fish Hippie. “We’re excited to hear how Flip’s new Fish Hippie wardrobe will serve him as he tracks many miles on and off shore.” For more information about Fish Hippie apparel and accessories, visit FishHippie.com.
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I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
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Sheri Daye
s past president and current board member of IUSA (the organization that ratifies world records for spearfishing), I get to share the excitement of big fish applications. The entire IUSA board was amazed by a recent submission. We received word that Luis Viyella had speared a 480-pound yellowfin off the Dominican Republic on Dec. 23, 2018. If approved, this fish would not only be the new spearfishing world record, but it would also beat the current IGFA All-Tackle rod-and-reel record! The All-Tackle stands at 427 pounds, held by angler Guy Yocom and caught off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Viyella supplied the required photos of the fish, the measurements, the weighing, and the certified scale. He provided witnesses and documented the “Story of the Hunt” which was well-written and riveting. Viyella was new to freediving and bluewater hunting but accompanied by an experienced friend. They were targeting wahoo that day when the tunas showed up. He was excited when his buddy speared a 125-pound yellowfin. As requested, Viyella added a second shot to the fish—a common practice to secure the fish and make the extraction quicker and easier. A bigger tuna showed up, but Viyella’s speargun was already discharged and embedded in the 125-pound tuna, so he called out for his new Daryl Wong speargun from the boat. It wasn’t a bluewater gun, and it wasn’t the ideal set up, but he needed to act quickly. Viyella attached a line and float to the reel gun, dove down, and fired a well-placed shot into the tuna. After attaching additional floats, he made headway in raising the tuna toward the surface. His buddy dove down and placed a second shot to the head, helped manage the lines, and kept sharks at bay until it was landed—all the things a good buddy does.
News of this magnificent fish traveled fast. Viyella was told that, if approved, his fish would eclipse the current spearfishing record of 353 pounds. During the application process, he learned the rules the hard way. In order to qualify, one must shoot and land the fish without assistance from others. It was heartbreaking for Viyella and the board, but his catch is still outstanding, and IUSA awarded a meritorious award. Viyella accepted it with grace and gratitude. He said, “Inside the boat, we realized it was a very extraordinary, giant yellowfin tuna. I cannot describe our feelings of gratitude to God, our emotions, joy, sense of achievement, cheers, hugs, screams of happiness. It had been the most amazing day at sea, and the most exciting catch ever, and I had caught, on rod and reel, a 900-pound blue marlin and 600+ pound swordfish before. This bluewater apnea spearfishing catch was a higher dimension, another level of joy and sense of achievement. Glory goes to God for His love and generosity.” Amen to that, Mr. Viyella! May you continue to be blessed with that same sense of wonder and joy, for that is the real treasure of the sea. 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.
For more Sheri Daye go to,
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VISIT AND Visit andEXPLORE Explore Burnsville, NC Burnsville, N.C.
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hether you’re hiking, exhibits. The restaurant, conces- through Yancey sion stand gift shop are fishing you’re or camping County.Toe hether hiking, fishing or and Mountains andopen the South May thru October. Campground in the mountains or camping in the mountains, at- River Valley. Stretching Enjoy nearlya fun 9 tent sites only. attending atending performance at Park- at has day on the a performance Parkway 500 miles through the filled mountains Playhouse or coming to to thethe Mt. Mitchell North Virginia way Playhouse or coming Winding ofalong the Carolina southern and water, catching Crafts Fair orCrafts Carolina Mountains Literary without a single red light, Mt. Mitchell Fair or Caro- edge of Yancey County, the Blue thethe fishBlue native to Festival, there’s always a good day waiting Ridge Parkway is one of the best lina Mountains Literary Festival, Ridge Parkway gives travelers an our mountains. for you in Burnsville, North Carolina, espe- scenic drives in America. there’s always a good daylike waiting amazing the Black Moun-Parkway We isguarantee cially for travelers who to discover their view ofThe Blue Ridge the for you in Burnsville, North Cartains and the South Toe River fishing own journey. only access to Mountyour Mitchell Yancey County is homewho to waterfalls, State Park at Hwy andwill mileolina, especially for travelers Valley. Stretching for nearly 500128trip be full campgrounds, backroads, hikingmiles trails, postthe 355. It’s five miles sumSnakeroot Ecotours offers custom tours like to discover their own journey. through mountains of to of the fish-catching clean rivers,County and six isof home the 10 highest peaks mit. The by Civilian Con-Observation platform at Mount Mitchell Park. of one of the wildest and most State scenic corCarolina and Parkway Virginiawas – built Yancey to North experiences! in the eastern United States. servation Corps labor in the 1930s. Workers ners of Western North Carolina. They invite and not one single redlight – the waterfalls, campgrounds, backToe through River, the Located in southern Yancey County, used dynamite to blast tunnels Southern Appalachian Mounyou into astoundingly diverse habitats and Ridge Parkway is one the a road roads, trails, cleanfeet) rivers, Carolina Hemlocks, Black Mounthiking Mitchell (6,684 is theBlue highest mountains andofcarve through rough, and reveal the mysteries of the Southern Appatains. More info at www.snakescenic in terrain. America.The Parkway and six of the highest peaks in best mountain east10of the Mississippi River. It drives remote risesCampgrounds to an el- lachian Mountain are all lo-Mountains. See more info at www. rootecotours.com. was designated over 5,000 as it passes through The Blue evation Ridge Parkway is thefeet cated Eastern America.the first state park in North snakerootecotours.com. off Highway 80 in the South The Burnsville-Yancey ChamCarolina 1916. Today Yancey it featuresonly an obCounty. access Yancey to Mount Mitchell Toe River area of Yancey County. Locatedin in southern servation platform on the summit next to Enjoy a fun-filled day on the water, ber of Commerce and Visitor County, Mount Mitchell (6,684 State Park at Hwy 128 and mile- Mount Mitchell State ParkThe and Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of Elisha Mitchell’s grave and an interpretive catching the fish native to our mountains. Commerce and Visitor Center is located at Center is located at 106 West Main post 355. It’s miles your to the feet) is thewith highest mountain Crabtree Meadows by Main museum historical andEast environmental We five guarantee fishing trip will be full are of accessed 106 West Street in Burnsville. Inside Inside you’ll find a helpful Parkway was built by the Blue Ridge Parkway. you’ll find aStreet. of the Mississippi River. It was des- summit. exhibits. The restaurant, concession standThefish-catching experiences! helpful staff and lots of inforstaff and lotslodging, of information on and giftthe shop through OctoRiver,Workers Carolina Hemlocks andEcotours Black offers CCC labor in theToe 1930s. ignated firstare stateopen park May in North mation shopping, Snakeroot cus-on attractions, ber. The campground is limited to only nine Mountain campgrounds are all located off attractions, lodging, shopping, and local businesses and services. The Carolina in 1916. Today it features used dynamite to blast tunnels tom tours of one of thedining wildest tentobservation sites. in carve the South Toe River area of Visitor Center and office are open Monday& dining, and local businesses mountains80and an platform on the through the Highway and most scenic corners of WestWinding along the southern edge of Yancey County. Mount Mitchell State Park through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call road through remote ter- ern summit to Elisha Mitchell’s services. Visitor Center and office Carolina. Yancey next County, the Blue Ridge aParkway andrough, Crabtree Meadows areNorth accessed by theWe invite (828)you 682-7413. rain. The Parkway rises Parkway. to an ele- into astoundingly diverse habitats open Monday thru Friday 9am to grave, and an interpretive museum gives travelers an amazing view of the Black Blue Ridge with historical and environmental vation over 5,000 feet as it passes and reveal the mysteries of the 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.
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Anglers Seek To Cement Legacies At 2019 Bassmaster Classic
T
he 2019 Bassmaster Classic, scheduled for March 15-17 on the Tennessee River, will feature the usual mix of established pro fishing superstars and hungry young pros who are destined to be the stars of tomorrow. The 52 anglers converging on Knoxville will be gunning for the largest share of the $1 million prize fund, and they’ll be aiming to establish their angling legacy by winning the most important title in professional fishing. Among the field are eight former Classic winners, including four-time champion Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., and defending champion Jordan Lee of Grant, Ala., who last year became one of only three anglers to claim back-to-back wins in the event. Seven of the pros have hoisted the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of
the Year trophy, including 2018 AOY winner Justin Lucas of Guntersville, Ala., and Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., who has claimed the award three times. “The Classic is a showcase for some of the most accomplished bass anglers in the world,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “You’ll have veteran pros out there who’ve experienced the huge stage that is the Classic and excelled in that environment in the past. But you’ll also have some young guys who are just chomping at the bit to make a name for themselves. “That’s one of the most exciting things about the Classic—it literally will change someone’s life forever.” Anglers hungry for first-time Classic glory include Florida’s Drew Benton, Tennessee’s Brandon Lester and Arizona’s Clifford Pirch — just to name a few. Whoever wins the event, the immediate effects will be easy to see. There’s the world-famous Classic trophy, which weighs more than 40 pounds and is easily the most coveted piece of hardware in professional fishing. Then there’s the $300,000 first-place check and the chance to stand before an arena full of screaming fans as confetti cannons set the stage for the accomplishment of a lifetime. This year’s weigh-ins will be held in Thompson-Boling Arena on the campus of the University of Tennessee. As always, the Classic will be held in conjunction with the fan-favorite Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Known as the most important consumer show in the bass fishing world, the Classic Expo will be held in the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. Companies from across the fishing industry use the Expo annually to debut new products, and fans will be able to purchase many lures, rods, reels and accessories for the first time anywhere. For more information about the Bassmaster Classic, go to www. bassmaster.com.
Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo
T
he Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo is south Florida’s premier watersports expo. It is coming to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, with 65,000 square feet of exhibitors and activities for water lovers. The indoor event attracts 5,000 attendees and more than 150 exhibitors specializing in fishing and spearfishing, scuba and freediving, surfing and paddleboarding, boats and kayaks, underwater photo and video, adventure travel, beach apparel and more. The event features one of the most extensive marine art exhibits in the country. Daily interactive workshops hosted by industry experts offer proven techniques and tips including fishing techniques, speargun rigging, fish filleting, knot-tying and more. The popular Kids Zone offers free face painting, art classes and crab races. On Saturday, April 27, the show will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with an after party from 7 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, April 28, show hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $20 a day and includes entry into the Saturday night Blue Wild After Party. Kids under 12 are free. For more information, see www.thebluewild.com and find The Blue Wild on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
28
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2/15/19 11:37 AM
Buil
NEW FROM THE ALL NEW
Introducing the newest member of the NauticStar family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater performer delivers all the necessary fishing features for the serious angler with a smooth, dry, comfortable ride, and cutting edge styling and comfort never before seen in a boat of this class.
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With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a [a] spacious and comfortable bow that features a large forward lounge seat and plush wrap-around seating. The head console has a fully lined interior with a stainless steel sink, SeaDek® floor and electricSEE flush porcelain toilet. [b] IT It has a large helm station to allow for dual 12-inch (standard) or 16-inch AT THE MIAMI INTL (optional) multifunction displays. [c] The leaning post features ergoBOAT SHOW nomically correct Llebrock® double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters BOOTH A237 and pivot arms. [d] It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35 Qt. YETI® cooler or optional refrigerator. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade, and folddown cockpit television. Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a roomy fishing deck with [e] port and starboard 8.8 cu.ft. in-floor fish boxes and large port side dive door.
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NauticStarBoats.com Some photos shown with optional equipment COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 29
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MARCH 2019
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EXPERIENCE THE
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Veterans, Come Home To & Franchise Ownership If you’re a veteran and love the outdoors, you owe it to yourself to check out the new Veteran’s Program offered by Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazines. Now, you can earn a living doing something you love. We currently have 32 franchise locations from Boston to Mississippi, and we’re looking to expand. Our success in working with veterans as franchisees has convinced us that you’re probably well suited for running a fishing magazine. Email or give us a call for more information on our franchise opportunities for veterans.
info@coastalanglermagazine.com | 888-800-9794 30
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Baja’s Inshore Action
On The East Cape
By Nick Carter Big cubera snapper are just one of the species waiting inshore on the East Cape. This one was caught by Jim Rodriguez, a cameraman with the TV show Livin’ The Dream. Photo by Jimmy Nelson.
J
ust looking at a map will tell you the Sea of Cortez is a fish trap. Separated from the Pacific Ocean by Mexico’s nearly 800-mile long Baja California Peninsula, it’s a 62,000 square mile canyon that drops to depths approaching 10,000 feet. The sportfishing out of Cabo San Lucas, on the Peninsula’s southern tip is legendary. It is a bustling destination where marlin, sailfish and tuna abound. But Capt. Jimmy Nelson, host of the TV show Livin’ The Dream, pointed to a quieter destination and some awesome fishing up the Peninsula’s East Cape. Out of the Buena Vista Beach Resort about an hour’s drive north of Cabo, the Sea of Cortez drops to 1,000-foot depths just a few hundred yards off sand beaches. There’s a fleet of sportfishing boats waiting to take anglers offshore to chase all the big pelagics, and the inshore action borders on unbelievable. Even shorebased fishermen can catch some species typically associated with long runs offshore. At a place renowned for billfish, Nelson said the inshore action is as much of a reason to go as the marlin. “You never know what you’re going to get. There’s all kinds of things that will be right there on the edge,” Nelson said. “Roosterfish, African pompano, cubera snapper, Sierra mackerel, even dolphin, wahoo and yellowfin tuna will hit your popper right off the beach.” Never knowing what’s on the end of the line requires anglers to gear up. This is not the same as inshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic. Nelson said casting 8-inch poppers or live lookdowns from shore is a ton of fun and requires 8000 size spinning reels. A big cubera snapper slamming your popper is a fight you’ll never forget. “It’s a rush,” he said. “You’re catching a bottomfish on top, so they go straight down to the bottom. You have to gear up with some pretty heavy tackle.” Trolling just off the beach is another tactic that puts anglers on a surprising array of the Pacific’s best sportfish. Big roosterfish might be primary target, but again, you never know what will eat when you’re pulling lookdowns and goggle eyes. Big yellowfin tuna have been known to surprise anglers just off the beaches, so 30 wide reels and heavy tackle are required. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 32 hft_coastalangler_0319_spread_M-REG163325.indd 2
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24
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CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 33
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FROM SHIP TO SHORE
© 2 0 1 9 H AVA LO N K N I V E S
AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.
34
The new Havalon® TalonTM Quik-Change IITM Multi-Blade Cutlery System brings together nearly 40 years of expertise in the surgical field and decades of quality time spent out in open waters. This innovative platform features a variety of reliable add-on blades designed to make clean work of the dirty work all the way from ship to shore. NATIONAL
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2/15/19 11:37 AM
L E A S S EVEN R E T IN T W With Special Offers For the 2019 Boat Show Season Your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals in store for you when you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 350 horsepower during the winter Boat Show Season. Get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
INST
SELEC ANT SA VING T SUZ S UKI O UTBO ON ARDS
REPOWER FINANCE
SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION
INSTANT SAVINGS
REPOWER FINANCE
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
Instant Savings on select models when you buy at the boat show. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/19 and 03/31/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $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 01/01/19 and 03/31/19. “Gimme Six”, 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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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