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Inside: Boat & Motor Reviews
Bass On The Ledges
PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK CARTER VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 291
F R A N C H I S E
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LIFE ON THE COAST IS BETTER WHEN YOU STAY CENTERED.
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YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M | #RunTheWater ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Ride responsibly, wearing protective apparel and USCG-approved personal flotation device. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Never drink and ride. Shown with optional accessories.
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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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Rupp Marine Halyard Line Retainer Excess rigging line can be a mess, and cleats have a tendency to get in the way when not in use. Rupp Marine has come up with a simple yet ingenious way to solve these problems. Their all-new, patent-pending “clamp-on” Halyard Line Retainer is an easy way to store halyard lines while telescoping outriggers are rigged and in the retracted position. Simply clamp a set of these line cleats onto the outrigger pole at the desired distance. Excess rigging line wraps around the pop-up cleats to keep lines neat and orderly. This one-of-a-kind system allows the cleats to be folded out of the way when not in use. Rupp’s Halyard Line Retainer system fits any 1 ½-inch diameter outrigger poles. Sold as a set of four to equip two outrigger poles, they are rugged and durable, with spring-loaded cleats for positive locking and unlocking.
Shop.ruppmarine.com
MHX Push Pole The MHX Push Pole is a game changer for shallow-water anglers. Utilizing a combination of uni-directional and off-axis carbon fibers, MHX has created a push pole that produces the greatest amount of power in each push, while maintaining excellent hoop strength under load. There’s no wasted energy, and it’s feather light for long days on the water. When you’re sneaking up on a single shoreline tailer or positioning the boat for a shot at schooling fish, you’ll appreciate the benefits that state-of-the-art technology brings to this simple tool. The MHX push pole has been widely recognized as the best option on the market due it’s lightweight mobility, incredible durability, and superior value. At just under five pounds, you’ll be able to push all week long without the residual fatigue. Legendary Florida angler, Capt. Keiland Smith said, “In all my years of guiding, I would have to say that I have never found a push pole to be this good. The weight of this pole and the strength of it are amazing… I would have to say I think this the best push pole ever made.” The MHX Push Pole includes a fork, a tip, and a 316 stainless steel replacement point just in case.
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Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly
SeaSucker Push Pole Solution
Park trailers of any size with ease! Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies are lightweight and great for mixed terrains, tight corners and up to a 6 percent incline. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses can handle the most difficult parking challenges. Unlike a driver who relies on mirrors and backup cameras, the user faces the trailer, giving them complete visibility and control while parking. They can see exactly where the trailer is at all times and steer within inches of an obstacle if needed. The dolly’s compact design allows the user to park hitch-end forward as a serious theft deterrent, something that is nearly impossible to do with a vehicle. Powered by a 12V trailer-mounted or dolly-mounted battery, Parkit360’s Force and Transformer dollies are simple to set up and intuitive to use. Just freewheel the dolly to the trailer and attach it with one of the provided hitch balls, or one of their special hitch adapters. Then, it’s simply a matter of using the forward/reverse thumb toggle switch on the handle to steer the trailer into place. Have a tough parking situation? Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies are a great solution!
Parkit360.ca
Looking for a better way to secure your push pole? SeaSucker has come up with the perfect solution for holding your long and inherently unwieldy push pole when it’s not in your hands . A SeaSucker vacuum mount equipped with a rubber clamp and an adjustable strap is the perfect way to quickly and securely stow gaffs, nets and push poles. The adjustable strap holds objects with diameters ranging from 1 to 1.95 inches, and the 4.5-inch SeaSucker has the strength to hold just about anything you choose to strap down. Each 4.5-inch SeaSucker is pull rated at over 120 lbs, and an orange indicator band begins to appear if the vacuum mount loses some of its suction, letting you know it’s time to re-pump. There’s no licking required to attach SeaSucker products to glass, metal, fiberglass and most non-skid surfaces. The primary requirement is that the surface is non-porous, and SeaSucker will even attach to lightly curved surfaces. Another huge benefit is that SeaSucker can be mounted or moved wherever it’s convenient, with no need to drill holes in your boat.
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Whatever happened to Sea Cat? By Thatch Maguire
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bout 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to ride aboard a dual-hull, 21-foot center console called a Sea Cat. Like many others, I’ve been a fan of cats ever since. The ride of a dual-hull vessel, especially in choppy seas, is dramatically different from that of a mono-hull. The stability of a two-hull system creates a cutting effect, as opposed to the bounce associated with the plaining of the mono-hull. Study after study has confirmed this effect affords “cats” substantially better fuel economy as well as a much smoother ride and shallower draft. The “cult” of the dual-hull cat has its origins in Australia, where catamaran-style hulls have long been the choice for Australia’s working fishermen. The consistent chop in their seas requires the stability of a catamaran hull. In the United States, several companies pioneered development of the catamaran-style boats for our waters. In the late 1950s, Ray Leger began producing the Power Cat series on the West Coast and several other companies including Manacat and Ocean Star began producing cats in the East. Years after my ride aboard the Sea Cat, I purchased a 26-foot World Cat. I was told Sea Cat was now World Cat. I visited the North Carolina World Cat factory, where I was told they no longer produced the Sea Cat. Recently, I learned the Sea Cat is still being produced in Greenville, N.C. After a few phone calls, and a little Googling, I found Forrest Munden at Sea Cat Boats. The following interview with Mr. Munden attempts to unravel the mystery of “Whatever happened to Sea Cat?” Q: Mr. Munden, how is it you are today selling a vessel that many thought was no longer on the market? Weren’t you associated with the original Sea Cat I fell in love with? Munden: Yes I was. Sea Cat was originally created by Graham Flanagan in 1992. I was manufacturing Leisure Cat boats with Regal Marine in Orlando, Fla., and Graham was manufacturing Sea Cat boats in Greenville, N.C. The innovations developed on the Sea Cat seemed destined to have substantial influence on the boating industry. The boats were super fuel-efficient and rode smoothly in nearly any conditions.
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Q: Well what happened? Munden: In 1996, I purchased Sea Cat boats and its Greenville manufacturing facility. During my first year with the brand, I designed and developed the World Cat line of catamaran boats. World Cat molds were manufactured by Vectorworks Marine in Titusville, Fla. by my good friend Jeff Gray, CEO of Vectorworks. Once we received the new World Cat molds at the plant in Greenville, we started making the World Cat and stopped making the Sea Cat. That was early in 1997. The Sea Cat molds were stored for another year and a half until my good friend Ken Hall (previous CEO of Proline/Donzi) purchased them. He owned the Florida boat company Sportcraft and wanted to add a catamaran line. He called the Sea Cat boat the Sportcat. Unfortunately, Sportcat and Sportcraft did not survive the 1998 economic downturn. The next I heard of Sea Cat was when a former Sea Cat dealer and two brothers from Columbia, S.C. splashed the 19-foot Sea Cat mold. Then, Jerry Semers purchased that mold from the brothers, who had closed their business. Mr. Semers’ started the new venture in Titusville, Fla., utilizing Vector Works Marine as a home base. He called the boat Sea Cat. After Mr. Semers passed away, the molds and tooling sat vacant for years. In 2017, a good friend and ex-Sea Cat and World Cat dealer invited me into a venture to make a new catamaran with the Sea Cat name. I reached out to Mr. Gray at Vectorworks and proceeded to do the tooling and mold building through their team. The result, introduced in 2019, is the new 260 Sea Cat Hybrid bay boat built by our partner Pete Caldwell, Caldwell Marine Designs. The original Seacat Boat built in 1992 was built again 27 years later at the same Greenville plant. Today’s vessel is capable of power up to twin 300 horsepower. Today’s 26-foot Sea Cat has handling characteristics far superior to the original that you fell in love with. The legend of Sea Cat continues as the most practical, smoothest-riding and fuel-efficient vessels this side of Australia. “The Legend Returns,” Seacatboats.com
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SOUTHEAST
By Capt. Randy Cnota • Capt. Chester Reese, with Natural World Charters, out of Carrabelle, Fla., shows off a jig-caught red snapper.
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f you’ve never made your way to Florida’s Forgotten Coast to spend a day in the Gulf of Mexico catching red snapper, you owe it to yourself to have a go at it. The red snapper is likely the most prized catch of anglers here, and for good reasons: they make most excellent table fare, they’re absolutely beautiful, they’re easy to catch most days, and it’s hard to beat snapper fishing for a day of friends and family fun.
To give you an idea about how prolific the red snapper are here, let me share a phrase commonly used by local charter captains fishing for other species of fish: “We had to leave that spot because we couldn’t get our bait past the snapper!” Yes, FWC does tightly manage harvest seasons and bag limits, and it’s frustrating for many, but the fact is, we have a lot of red snapper here! Currently, the Gulf snapper season runs June 11 through July 12. If you plan on bringing your own boat to the area, fear not; plenty of boat ramps and other accommodations will ensure your experience is a good one. Finding snapper can be as easy as using the many public sites available, just plug them into your GPS and go! Rigging for snapper is very easy. I’d suggest a minimum of 30-pound-test mainline, and make your leaders with a quality 50-pound-test fluorocarbon. If using live bait like cigar minnows or Spanish sardines, I suggest you fabricate your leader this way. Attach a swivel to your main line, use 80-pound mono to create a 6-inch leader to slide your egg sinker onto, with another swivel on the other end. Now attach a 5-foot length of fluorocarbon leader with a 3/0 to 5/0 circle hook on the business end. When fishing deep with a conventional Carolina-style rig where the weight slips, you’ll sometimes find that your weight is all the way to the bottom, but your live bait is swimming right under the boat. Securing the weight to the leader rig ensures this doesn’t happen and gets the bait right down to the fish. Guides here are at the ready to take you, your family and friends out for what promises to be an exceptionally good snapper season, but book early, availability can be limited once the season kicks off. Many other species of fish are on the chew here too, folks, so don’t overlook the tarpon, redfish, AJs, king mackerel and so much more that awaits both inshore and offshore. Fishing opportunities along the Forgotten Coast are wide open! For more info and a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
Your fish is waiting. Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Boaters and mariners will find something to love in Franklin County. Carrabelle features deep water access to the Gulf of Mexico and freshwater rivers. Plan a kayak or day sailing eco-adventure from Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint and Alligator Point offer direct access to the best inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Bring your own boat or rent one here; there’s no better place to enjoy Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information.
ALLIGATOR POINT • APALACHICOLA • CARRABELLE • EASTPOINT • ST. GEORGE ISLAND COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Visit and Explore Burnsville, NC
hether you’re hiking, exhibits. The restaurant, concesfishing or camping sion stand and gift shop are open in the mountains or May thru October. Campground By Capt.a Cefus attending performance at Park- has 9 tent sites only. McRae, Nuts & way Playhouse or coming to the Winding along the southern Bolts of Fishing Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair or Caro- edge of Yancey County, the Blue Series lina Mountains Literary Festival, Ridge Parkway gives travelers an there’s always a good day waiting amazing view of the Black Mounfor you in Burnsville, North Car- tains and the South Toe River olina, especially for travelers who Valley. Stretching for nearly 500 like to discover their own journey. miles through the mountains of Yancey County is home to North Carolina and Virginia – waterfalls, campgrounds, back- and not one single redlight – the roads, hiking trails, clean rivers, Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the and six of the 10 highest peaks in best scenic drives in America. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the Eastern America. look onYancey a map, the Georgia seems pretonly accesscoastline to Mount Mitchell Locatedheninyou southern ty small.Mitchell From Cumberland Island it’smileonly ParktoatTybee Hwy Island, 128 and County, Mount (6,684 State about 100 miles. However, there are more than 3,400 miles 355. It’sestuaries five miles the feet) is the highestwhen mountain East post of tidal shoreline you include the marshes, andtotidal summit. The Parkway was built by of the Mississippi River. It was desrivers. That adds up to a lot of fishing possibilities for sea trout, redfish, CCC labor in the 1930s. Workers ignated the first statefinned park infoes North flounder and other that inhabit inshore areas. And it’s not just theit“small” that hang around dynamite to these blast shallow tunnels Carolina in 1916. Today featuresfishused backwaters and barrier islands. You can also find bona fide through the some mountains and moncarve an observation platform on the sters prowling waist-deep water. If you can keep a secret, I’ll clue you a road through rough, remote tersummit next to Elisha Mitchell’s in on a couple of Georgia’s saltwater hot spots where you can achieve rain. The Parkway rises to an elegrave, and an interpretive museum big-fish nirvana and also put a few tasty filets on the dinner table. with historical and environmental vation over 5,000 feet as it passes
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Richmond Hill: This historic town is home to Ft. McAllister State Park. The fort has been restored, and it’s definitely worth your time to stop by. Just before you get to the fort, you’ll find Ft. McAllister Marina through Yancey on the Ogeechee River. This is a good launch point. You’ll have miles County. of prime sea trout, redfish and flounder territory. The marina has live fun shop, plus a sling boat launch. Redbird Creek, Cane baitEnjoy and aatackle Patchday Creek and Buckhead Creek are all good spots. If you’d prefer to filled on the have someone water, catchingshow you the ropes, the local fishing guru is Capt. David Newlin. the fish native to If you want to hook up with some whoppers, here’s another secret. our The mountains. Georgia coast is a regular stop-over for migrating tarpon! From We guarantee July through Labor Day, the silver kings come into Ossabaw Sound and the Ogeechee your fishing to feed on huge schools of menhaden. With a little patience and luck, you can find yourself connected to a 100-plustrip will be full pound tarpon. At the end of the day, you can take your flounder and of fish-catching sea trout into Fish Tales Restaurant at theatmarina, where they cook Observation platform Mount Mitchell Statewill Park. experiences! it any way you like. Toe River, Island: This is another St. Simons small community one of Southern Appalachianon MounGeorgia’s barrier islands. sea trout and redfishing can be spectacuCarolina Hemlocks, andTheBlack More at with www.snakelar. Look at the tide tables moontains. phase to pickinfo a date a falling Mountain Campgrounds areand all lorootecotours.com. tide at daybreak and a half-moon. Get out early, and use your Navioncated off Highway 80 in the South ics charts to pinpoint draining creeks with shell bars. Toss out The nearby Burnsville-Yancey ChamToe areaunder of Yancey County. a liveRiver shrimp a Thunder Chicken cork andand hangVisitor on. ber popping of Commerce Mount Mitchell State Parkshow andup in St. Andrews Sound and AltamaIn late summer, tarpon Center locatedfishing at 106 for West Main ha SoundMeadows on eitherare side of the by island. Whileisyou’re tarpon, Crabtree accessed Street. Inside you’ll a helpfula youBlue willRidge probably hook up with mondo bull redfish andfind potentially the Parkway. spinner shark. Both offer a super exciting fight. For me, the premier staff and lots of information on Snakeroot offersIsland cus- is Capt. Mark Noble. He’s based out guide service Ecotours on St. Simons attractions, lodging, shopping, tom tours of one of the wildest of Morningstar Marina. and local businesses and Ifmost corners of Westyouscenic can keep a secret, check dining, out these destinations. They’re&a little off the beaten path, which means they don’t get a lot of fishing services. Visitor Center and office ern North Carolina. We invite you pressure. Just don’t tell anybody else. open Monday thru Friday 9am to into astoundingly diverse habitats and reveal the mysteries of the 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.
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By Billy Darby • Photo by Nick Carter
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mpoundments created by damming rivers and creeks all have something in common beginning in about June. Fish head out to the ledges, and it’s this summer pattern that brings anglers to the famous offshore ledges on my home lake, Eufaula, as well as on reservoirs around the region. Spawning is about over, and several game species, especially bass, are searching for food, cover and shade. The sharp ledges where the river and creek banks dropped straight down before the lake was formed are the perfect spot for hide and seek. From the headwaters, where the ledges are the shallowest, down to the dams, where ledges are sometimes too deep to be practical, there is a sweet spot that affords the perfect temperature, oxygen and other environmental necessities to maintain life and comfort. The difference in water temperatures at certain depths, generating schedule, current flow speed, lake level and many other factors determine exactly where this sweet spot is on any different day or hour. Those with the most experience on a given reservoir have a distinct advantage, but information pertaining to these criteria is
available at most U.S. Army Corps headquarters offices as well as from the Tennessee Valley Authority. Whoever controls the dams where you fish has the information you need. For Lake Eufaula, call (866) 772-9542 ext. 244. In most cases an app is available for your favorite lake. Ledges are nothing short of structure, and knowing where to look is a very important factor. Critical features support feeding advantages such as the sharpest of the sharp drop-offs, small ditches that intersect with such sudden drops, a rise in adjacent landscape creating a ski-jump effect, points, curvatures, and the list goes on. Some of these features create an updraft where cooler water is forced upward, and likewise, just the opposite only yards away. In all the mentioned areas, shad and other prey are disrupted by the sudden surge in water flow. Today’s electronics, with highdefinition displays showing us where bait and bass congregate, are a huge advantage to finding the sweet spot on the ledges. But a little old-fashioned map work is also key to putting yourself where the fish are likely to be. As always, know“ledge”—pun intended—is the key to success. Careful study of your lake master maps and identifying target returns can produce unbelievable results, not just in June, but all summer long. Billy Darby is a retired professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be reached at imfishing4u@windstream.net or (229) 768-2369.
IT'S TIME TO GO BOATING! www.
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CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER
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JUNE 2019 PUBLISHER: Bob Rice
Photo by Chris Scalley, River Through Atlanta Guide Service
A Free Publication The Angler Magazine Is Distributed Across The Southeast. The Angler Magazine Is Published Monthly By B & B Publishers P.O. Box 766 Madison, GA 30650 706-614-8231 www.theanglermagazine.com Reproduction Of Contents In Any Form Is Prohibited Bob Rice, publisher The Angler Magazine Fishing, Boating, Conservation “Find your outdoors here”
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Henry Cowen Dr. Andrew Cox Jimmy Harris Capt. Cefus McRae Chris Scalley Gary Turner Noey Vineyard O'Neill Williams Rene J. Hesse Jimbo Mathley James Bradley David HulseY WAYNE WOOTEN jay striker wayNe moore ryan kennedy dicklesby kim nunery Graphic Design: Kathleen CARREIRO
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing 706-972-1498 River Walker
GUIDED TROUT FISHING in Fannin County & the Toccoa River 50+ Years Experience SH I F NO
PAY O N
Fly of the Month
DON’T GIVE UP
Contributed By: Jimmy Harris www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis 2018 Fly Shop of the Year
Too many Georgia trout anglers tend to give up when the weather begins to warm as it always does in June, but they’re missing out on some very good opportunities when they do this. Across the board, everyone at Unicoi Outfitters is a small stream addict, even us old guys who pay with aches and pains for the hiking required on these little gems. While the larger rivers and lower elevation streams are warming, the shaded, rhododendron enclosed wild trout streams are coming into their prime. Since 1998, we have had U.S. Forest Service permits to guide on 24 of these streams in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Many a guide’s day off is spent picking the pockets for rainbows, browns and brookies, and most of the time with dry flies. You won’t encounter much in the way of hatches on these streams, but that actually works to your advantage. An attractor dry fly that you can see in low light like a Parachute Adams, Royal Wulff, or my favorite, a Trude,
will summon hungry little trout to the surface. There’s no need for tiny little flies either. They’re looking for something to get them through the day, so a size 14 or even a 12 will work in most situations. If you’ve been wanting to see what this small stream stuff is all about, our guides can provide you with the proper gear and the knowledge you need to venture out on your own. And, in spite of my earlier comments about the difficulty (of which there can be an abundance), many of the streams we guide on are fairly easily accessed while still providing a great fishing experience. So, if you’ve progressed in your trout angling life through the stages of catching a trout, catching a lot of trout, catching a specific trout, and catching a monster trout, let me suggest you complete the circle with learning how to fish for wild trout on small streams. I think you’ll find a new passion. Give us a call at 706878-3083. We would love to set up a trip for you.
Inch Worm by Eli Crumley Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com
Hook: Tiemco TMC2457 size 16 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) olive/chartreuse Body: Micro chinelle (color) “worm green” or “chartreuse”
Water and air temperatures are rising which means inch worms are out and about. These little guys hang from the trees and the wind will blow them into the water. Try this pattern out next time you are on the trout stream. 2 ATLANTA
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing Easier Fly Fishing
Contributed by David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001
Over the years, I’ve seen a few things that can make your next fly fishing trip a little easier and more fun. To start with, knowing your own limitations and the folks you are fishing with will sometimes keep you and them out of trouble. When doing guide trips, having family groups with aging parents or grandpa along with twenty something year olds will create a wide gulf of mobility between the two. Fishing a stream with easy access will close that gap and open up more water that can be fished together. Big slick rocks are not the friend of bad hips, knees or big beer bellies! Some days, it’s almost impossible to get folks where they need to be to make a decent cast. Even crossing the stream may not be an option, which can eliminate half the fishable water. Saving the mountain climbing for the more agile will sometimes avoid an injury and give you more fishable opportunities. Having the right wading gear can also help tremendously. Felt soled or studded rubber soled boots will help to keep you moving along. A big piece of polished rock can be like walking on ice, so make sure you have some footwear designed to stick to the bottom of a rocky river. Good fitting breathable waders reduce drag in the water and are also cooler than the old neoprene waders. A good wading staff can give you a third leg in heavy current, check the depth of holes, get flies out of trees, fight off a rabid raccoon, etc.! Get a good one and you won’t be sorry. Having an adequate fly rod in hand when you step into the river cannot be over emphasized. Try to resist the urge to fish granddad’s old piece of crap fi-
berglass fly rod/broomstick from the seventies. In the hands of an excellent caster, they can get by trick-shooting with some weird equipment. If you are just starting out, believe me a difficultto-use fly rod or reel combo will work against you. Get a medium, fast-action fly rod and a balanced fly reel to go on it. A matched weight-forward floating fly line of good quality will have you tossing flies out on the river in no time. Longer fly rods are easier to cast and easier to move your line around on the water. A fly rod nine feet long and designed to cast a five weight fly line will have you worlds ahead of a shorter stick and string. Visiting your local fly shop will get you hooked up with some easy-to-use and correct equipment. While you’re there, pick up a dozen patterns of standard flies as recommended by the folks in the shop or a trusted friend. Learn to use these 12 or so flies and build your confidence in them. Use as short and stout a leader as the fish will let you get by with. A 7.5 foot 4x leader is a good place to start. Learn a couple of basic knots. Take a fly fishing/casting class by a certified casting instructor with many years on the water. This will put you light years ahead of trying to learn on your own and save a lot of frustration. Make sure you spend a good amount of time in the stream casting to likely trout lies during the school. There’s a world of difference between casting on grass and These are just a few of the many things you can do to make fly fishing easier and more enjoyable! Give us a call at 770-639-4001 to book your space in our fly fishing classes or for a memorable day on the river.
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
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 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing JUNE Fly Fishing Report
Chattooga River
Contributed By: Henry Cowen www.henrycowenflyfishing.com
May has come and gone, and late spring is in full swing headed into the summer. The rivers here in the mountains of South Carolina are in great shape. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we don’t have the “Big Heat” of the summer, and the trout will have another great summer season. Hatches have been subtle at times early in the day, but late afternoon into the early evening have been much better. As the late afternoon temperatures subside, find the shaded runs and riffles to have your best success. As the daytime temperatures of late spring into early summer start to rise, we must remember that trout like colder water. From the start of daylight until mid-day, fishing topwater will be good, but as the temperatures rise, going deeper will be more successful. Fishing mid-day throughout the afternoon, double nymph rigs will be the trick. If the dry flies and nymph fishing is not your cup of tea, let’s not forget about streamer fishing. There is an abundance of small baitfish in the rivers now, and streamer fishing is excellent. Try swinging streamers in the deeper runs and into the heads of pools. In the larger, deeper, slower waters, casting out and then a slower strip and pause technique will do best. As the water temperatures of the rivers have risen, it’s also time
. to think about bass and panfish. Fly fishing for these fine game fish can make for an exceptional day out on the rivers. If topwater action fires you up, then turn up the heat with some of our bass and panfish flies. We have a full array of what you need to have a successful day. At times, down under takes the cake, and double rigs as well. A great day of “wet wading” can cool you off from the summer heat, and catching a few fish as well in the cool mountain streams. Have fun, leave no trace, and we hope to see everyone in the mountains of South Carolina.
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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The lakes of North Georgia are moving through multiple patterns quickly as May has finally brought some stability in our weather. What this means is that in a normal year, striper fishing for the month of June is generally over for most fly and light tackle anglers. For those wanting to pursue Lanier’s stripers in June, the south end will certainly be the area to concentrate on. Sinking lines will be your best choice once the sun gets up. Low light can still get you a few bites tossing a Pole Dancer fly on a floating line or launching Super Spooks and Redfins on conventional tackle. After the sun gets above the tree line, it is time to start looking in the river channel off of long tapered points that butt up to the deep water. June is also the BEST month for topwater spotted bass on Lanier. Go to any point during low light and toss any topwater fly like a Gurgler, Flat Fred or Crease fly and enjoy one of the Lanier’s feistiest combatants. If you happen to see some topwater activity, then try to toss your fly or lure into the melee. This is just perfect for a six or seven weight outfit, and this bite will continue throughout the entire summer. Another place to target these fish are on humps that are between twenty to twenty-five feet below the surface. If you own a Humminbird depth finder along with their lake master chart, you can pre-set your machine to find all the humps Lanier has to offer (contour highlighting). It is THE BEST asset for anglers to help locate the humps that the bass acclimate to. North GA anglers can also look to June for three things: Allatoona topwater hybrids (hopefully), Chattahoochee River striped bass and Hooch carp. This is the time when most fly anglers decide where to fish based the conditions given by the weather report. If the reports are for bluebird skies and light winds, then carp needs to be in your plans. If the reports are for fairly light winds and overcast skies, anglers need to hitch their trailer and head up I-75 to Acworth and Lake Allatoona. The hy-
brids might be knocking bait up on the surface in gigantic schools! While the hybrid topwater bite has been off the past four years, there is no reason to think it won’t come back. Anglers need to bring an intermediate fly line and a small 1 ½” to 2” long fly for best results. I am particularly fond of my Albie Anchovy fly for this fishing or a Somethin’ Else as a second option. Conventional anglers can fish the same fly by affixing it to a popping cork rig or using a casting bubble filled with water on their spinning rods. Finally, anglers can also start fishing the Hooch for either striped bass below Morgan Falls Dam or carp above Morgan Falls Dam. Both of these fisheries will be fired up by the time you read this report. Stripers will be feeding on small baitfish, and it is best to toss an intermediate line on the river. I prefer the northern breeches of the Hooch for river stripers early in the season. If you need a guide for river stripers this summer, there are no two better outfitters to go to then The Fish Hawk (lower Hooch) or Unicoi Outfitters (upper Hooch). It’s simply the best river striper fishing in the state of GA. Carp fishing should be when the sun is shining high for best visibility. Small crayfish patterns as well as Damselfly nymphs are going to be your flies of choice. With all the rain we’ve had the past 6 months, it is nearly a certainty that the Corp of Engineers will be releasing water all June and July which allows the carp to come up and onto the flats. June is one of the best months to fish here in North GA as anglers have many choices. See you on the pond or river!
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing Beginners and Repeat Clients
The Guide’s Angle
Contributed by James Bradley Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide www.ReelEmInGuideService.com (706) 273-0764
Sweet Summertime Fly Fishing
Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service The Chattahoochee tailwater has much to offer during this 2019 summer fishing season. We had almost 70 inches of rainfall in Georgia last year, resulting in exceptionally high flows. While we did catch plenty of fish in 2018, the overall angling pressure was minimized with muddy, increased water levels. If we have just typical dryer weather summer patterns unlike last year, fishing should be exceptional. Both sport fisheries above and below Morgan Falls will have high densities of fish. The 35 miles of trout water between Buford Dam to Morgan Falls Dam will receive an additional 30,000 trout intended for the “DH” section by DNR as a result of high flows from flooding, not to mention all the hold-
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over trout that had very little harassment from fishermen. Downstream of Morgan Falls Dam to Palmetto, Ga should have excellent striper and shoal bass densities for the same reasons; lack of angling pressure last year due to the inundating high water flows. It’s going to be a sweet summer on the Hooch folks!
Both the beginner and repeat client should get any professional fly fishing guide excited. First, beginners are the life blood of a guide’s living. They are the ones that, when taught correctly, will not only come back, but tell others of the experience they received. Repeat clients are an example of what a client thinks about that guide, and shows the trust and confidence built between the two. Here at Reel Em In Guide Service, we love teaching beginner fly anglers! It’s unfortunate that in our industry, many guides dislike taking them out fishing. They look down on beginners because they cannot cast that perfect loop into a hula-hoop at 25-30 feet, or they come back afterwards complaining that they lost 30 flies in the stream canopy. I’m so thankful I learned early in my career, which was over 20 years ago, that we as a fly fishing guide/industry should be well educated. This is not only in where the fish are, or how to catch them, but also in being compassionate about our sport. We are enthusiastic about our clients, and we have a thorough understanding about how to teach beginners fly casting. Maintaining safety throughout the trip is our number one priority. It is so unfortunate that many guides are nothing more than just a common angler. I once heard a well-known gentleman refer to them as “shade tree guides”. They’ve tried to put themselves onto a pedestal with professional guides, but there is a great difference between the two. Professional guides are continually educating themselves. They have been to an assortment of guide schools, fly casting schools, and are a faucet of knowledge, which they continually share with others. Professional guides are more than happy to take beginners and properly teach them how to cast, help them to understand the aquatic stages of an insect’s life, and to make that proper hook set. A professional guide will not look down
on a beginner, because he knows that he is the one who is ultimately responsible for how the client casts from 25-30 feet out, and he also knows that his well-taught student will lose no more than just a few flies under his supervision. A great compliment we often get back from a beginner is another booked trip. One of the greatest achievements for us is when that same beginner becomes a repeat client and is on their way to becoming a superb fly caster and angler! If you are a first timer wanting to learn how 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 with those 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 more 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 Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in North Georgia’s Historic High-Country 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.
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing THE CASTING CORNER-
Learning to cast this fly
Contributed By: Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer
FULL SERVICE OUTFITTER
• Fly Fishing Trips • Rentals • Clinics & Classes • Apparel
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I have a new ‘favorite fly’ this month. Learning to cast it took a little figuring. The fly is tied with a few materials that change characteristics during the cast. A few years back, The Angler Magazine had an article called, ‘Casting Heavy vs. Bulky Flies’. It covered both techniques needed to cast my new favorite fly. The weight of the fly is easy to cast on a 7 or 8wt rod when the fly is dry. The fly has great action in the water, but it becomes a heavy, wet mass. There are a couple ways to fish the fly, and I will explain the casts for the different situations. Casting to the bank, around brush or under trees with this fly, is very affective. The casts are short, 20-40 feet, and usually require only one back cast. Working it for bass, I usually only retrieve it 4-5 feet, so there isn’t a need to false cast to extend line each time. Normally, I would tell you to ‘cast the line, not the fly’. In this situation, the fly will do most of the rod loading, but you have to go slowly and use the following back cast technique. Make a lift with the rod and slip line if you are going to need to extend line, then send the fly up and back on your back cast with a somewhat oval swing. It will be HEAVY and bend your rod without having to increase your line speed. Then wait and you will feel the rod start to get heavy in the back and a tug from the heavy fly pulling the rod tip back. With a smooth, slow, constant increase of speed, make your forward cast. Load the rod against the weight of the fly and line, and send it forward to the target. This contradicts a lot of things that are taught in fly casting, but it works on heavy flies for somewhat short casts. The second cast is for distance. It requires a few false casts, and that’s when the fly changes characteristics. The fly is made of a ‘Dragon Tail’, Paglese’s craft fur and a ‘Fish Skull’ with some epoxy or lead eyes. The fly holds a lot of water, but when it is false cast, it sheds the water rather quickly. What would change in your cast if the fly went from heavy-wet to big and bulky? We talked about what to do with the heavy-wet fly: slow down, use the weight of the fly to help load the rod. When you make a false cast and fly gets a little lighter by shedding water, what needs to change? The caster needs to increase the line speed. That can be done a few ways, but it needs to be done the same way each time. What? We need to bend the rod against the weight of the line in order to store the energy necessary to send the line off the end of the rod tip in the form of a loop when we ‘launch’ the line. That unbending rod is part of the energy transfer to the line, and a haul is the other part. Hauling is just pulling on the line, but it increases the line speed, and with a bulky fly, the increased line speed is necessary. Remember the ‘What?’ The thing that needs to be done the same way each time is making a smooth constant rate of acceleration to a stop. To summarize; Short cast with heavy-wet fly, let the fly help load the rod with a slow cast. Long cast with heavy-wet fly that dries out mid-flight: Start slowly, increase line speed when the fly dries by delayed rotation and hauling. Be smooth.
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Local Rivers & Fly Fishing oconee on the fly-JUNE Forecast The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia
Contributed By Capt. Wayne Moore USCG www.oconeeonthefly.com That’s a great song by Vicki Lawrence and the first thing that came to my mind when I headed out to fish my favorite dock at night and discovered that the dock lights were not on. It seems the new owners turned them off. I fly fished this secret little gem for several years as the house had been vacant, but the previous owners left the lights on at night. Fly fishing docks with lights at night is incredible! Often, you are the only person on the water; it’s cool, quiet and calm. That is, until a hybrid or striper hits, and the reel starts humming. Here are a few tips on how to go about this: • Courtesy and respect for the dock owner – approach the dock quietly with your trolling motor from a good way out. If the owner flashes his lights in the house or dogs are barking, leave and find another dock. • Don’t talk. When I have taken
a customer or friend with me, I have noticed the fish don’t bite as well when you talk. • Know how to cast and do not get your fly on their dock. Knowing how to roll cast and do a water haul comes in handy. • Always get your fish on the reel as soon as possible. This is not trout fishing, and stripping in the line to bring in the fish often fails. • Use any fly you want as long as it is a “Somethin Else” by Henry Cowen. If you don’t tie, call The Fish Hawk in Atlanta and they will ship some to you. Here is what I believe June has coming our way: Hybrids/Stripers – The spoon bite will be in full swing. Many guides here will be pulling umbrella rigs. Also, down lining live shad will work well. We are all waiting to see if the famous “pump back” bite will fire up this year. Last year, it only lasted for
about a month, but in mid-June was on fire. For those that don’t know, this occurs when Georgia Power pumps water up from Sinclair into Oconee. They usually start this at 3:00 AM, but sometimes leave the pumps on until 9:00 AM. The topwater bite is off the charts during this time. As a general rule of thumb, when water is moving (either when they are generating and pulling water or pumping up from Sinclair) is the time to go. Some locals watch the water flow from their docks and don’t go unless water is moving. Crappie – I recently had a striper/hybrid trip on a blue-sky day out at Richland Creek. I ran into Jody Stephens of CrappieDaze Guide Ser-
vice when he was heading out and asked if Richland Creek was productive for crappie. Of course, he sends me a text later that morning with pictures and letting me know his group boated 75. Jody is the master of long lining, and I believe he can troll a jig an eighth inch above his target. The tactics for June will be long lining over submerged timber or down lining minnows over brush piles and trees in deeper water. Final words – I still have a few open dates in June. I offer combination trips, so you can fly fish or use spinning rods for light tackle fun! Email me at wmoore1700 @outlook. com or call 706-816-4281 and lock in your dates. Tight lines and God Bless.
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Local lakes and forecast west point Best Western Milton Inn
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FISH
Water temps are in the 80’s over most of the lake. Water is very clear and a couple of feet down. Bass: Fair - Early in the month, topwater baits such as Pop R’s, Zara Spooks and buzzbaits can be effective for shallow and aggressive fish, especially around bream beds. Some big tournament sacks of largemouth are still being weighed in by guys who sight fish, targeting bass that are around these beds feeding on the bream. Also, you can try fishing rip rap around bridges with spinnerbaits, small crankbaits, and shaky head rigs. You can also try fishing shallow grass and cover north of 219 bridge with popping frogs. Later in the month, some fish should start showing up on deeper brush piles and road beds as well, as the water warms. Try deep crankbaits or Texas rigged Ol Monster worms. Some spotted bass are being caught by casting Spot Remover heads loaded with Shaky Tail worms or just dragging a Carolina rigged Zoom finesse worm or mini lizards around sloping gravel banks. These tactics normally work very well for numbers. Linesides: Excellent - Spawned out hybrids and stripers showed
back up down lake in good numbers. Expect the downline bite on live bait to be awesome! Some fish starting surface schooling on the main lake and can be caught on small crankbaits, topwaters, pop-n-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Crappie: Good - Spawned out fish will typically move out and hold on deeper brush and structure or under docks. Try drop-shotting minnows or shooting docks for the best results. Night fishing is usually good in June. Bream: Good - Don’t forget about our bream and shellcracker. Finding an active bed can take a little effort, but when you do, you can have a ball! Bedding usually takes place on the full moon cycles in June. Look for shallow cover in the backs of pockets. Sandy flats and stump beds tend to draw the fish like a magnet. Use live pink worms, crickets and small jigs for the best results. Catfish: Good - Lots of channel cats are being caught by the few anglers that target them. Live and cut baits (and worms of course) fished on bottom will catch cats all over the lake, as long as fairly deep water is nearby. Jug fishing is also fun and productive. To target flatheads, go to a larger bait like a 4-5 inch bream or large shiner and fish the same areas. Be sure to increase the size of your rigs as fish in the 20 to 30-pound range are fairly common
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Water temperature: 66-68 degrees, lake level: 1 foot above full, clarity: clear. Most the fish are about done spawning. There are a few late spawners hanging around in the pockets and creeks. Try throwing a Strike King 3.75 Rage Swimmer along with a wacky-rigged Senko. There are a lot of spotted bass hanging out around the pebble rocky banks and points in 8 to
12 feet of water. Some are staged there before they move back out deep. I’m throwing a 3.5-inch tube, shaky head and a Z-Man Ned rig. Also fish a trick worm and a fluke around docks. Keep a couple of topwater lures tied on because there has been some breaking fish in the mornings and throughout the day. My lures of choice are a Whopper Plopper and a Strike King Sexy Dawg. 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 this since 2001. Good luck.
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Local lakes and forecast 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
www.GeorgiaMetals.com
TM
alityatters! u Q re M WheSTEEL
Summer is finally here and it’s the perfect time to hit the lake and catch some amazing fish! What’s the best way to do that? By booking a trip with North Georgia’s #1 striper guide service: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Lake Nottely is unbelievable for summer striper fishing. There’s nothing like starting your day off with the birds chirping, morning fog lifting and an explosion of stripers slamming all your rods. It’s not uncommon for us to boat 30-40 fish per trip out here on this serene North Georgia lake. Currently, Lake Nottely is at full pool. Water clarity is clear throughout the lake, and water temps are in the mid to upper 70s. Striper fishing remains excellent. We have been loading the boat with some big fish in good quantities. The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action. In the early-morning hours, we are still pulling planer boards and free lines with live blueback herring. As the sun comes up in the later morning hours, start to focus on deeper
water. Switch to downlines and add a little split shot to your free lines. Target creek mouths and points off the main channel. As the topwater bite has also been excellent, keep a Spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag those surface-busting fish. By mid-month these fish will really start to school up and we’ll switch to an all down line bite. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers. Also remember to try to get the fish back into the water as quickly as possible. June is a fantastic month for catching some monster stripers 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 fish during the fishing trip of a lifetime. We are Blairsville, GA’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lake Chatuge, Lake Hiwassee and Lake Blue Ridge. 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 the best live herring around. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine—let us help you get your fish on!
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Local lakes and forecast Cloud Fishing
Contributed By: Noey Vinyard
We Say Goodbye to Pinball the Un-Cat I miss the little warm ball of fur that molded to my back and acted like a live heating pad. No other animal I have ever had has ever mastered the art of snuggling the way Pinball did. And, being a cat, when he did have to move off the bed, he could do it silently and be back in place before I knew he was gone. But now he is gone. I had a feeling the last night that I carried him into the bedroom that it was going to be the last. Whether it was kidney failure are cancer, it came on quickly, and thankfully, there seemed to be little pain. I rest my head now knowing that for the last week he was alive he was treated as royalty. We thought that we had his urinary tract infection taken care of, and he actually did get better for about a week. But if you are like me and in tune with your animals, it did not take long for me to realize that the trouble was back. After 40 something years of taking in strays and rescues, I knew he had the look of having something that there was no coming back from. So after another trip to the vet to ensure that he was not in any pain, for the last week of his life, I treated him like a king. I brought his water bowl to him. I mashed up chicken between my fingers and fed it to him. And every night I carried him into the bedroom where he slept curled against my back, and I would lay for hours while one entire side of my body went numb, just so as not to disturb his sleep. I am also thankful that I had a vet who did not hesitate in her advice to me. It was
time, and we both knew it. A painless stick, and Pinball the un-cat was no more. Festus has been my only dog for over a decade, and Pinball’s appearance a couple years ago was not one of Festus’s most favorite things. After a while, Festus did show a certain amount of tolerance, although to tell you that he actually liked the little cat would be a lie. Festus was my partner during some very hard times in my life and has earned his place as the senior animal, but he did allow Pinball a small corner of the bed each night. Pinball was such a smart little cat that he never broke the boundaries that had been decided by those two. No matter how hard Pinball’s life was before we found him, I assure you the two years he spent with me, he was treated like a pampered and spoiled house cat, and the love he returned to me cannot be explained in 10,000 words. The fact that Pinball’s accident with the car had left him unable to retract his claws did not make him much of a popular playmate with any of the dogs. But in all the time I had him, I never heard him hiss, and I never saw him afraid. He is not my first that I have had to make that trip to the vet with, and I’m glad that God made me the kind of man that I hope he is not the last. I will grieve very hard for a few days for my lost friend, and then I will put him behind me like the many before. Like all the times before, God will send another of his lost and unwanted children my way to be loved and cared for. And I will.
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.
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.
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Lake Alatoona Forecast By: Capt. Robert Eidson First Bite Guide Service 770-827-6282 eidson6260@att.net www.firstbiteguideservice.com Linesides fishing is good! The spawn run is almost over. Most of the fish are back on the main lake and are starting to set up on a summer pattern. Big schools of hybrids can be found anywhere from the S-Turns to as far south as Tanyard Creek. The down rod bite is the most productive bite going on the
lake right now. Fishing live shad at depths from 20 - 30 feet is producing for our boats from one end of the lake to the other. Our bait of choice has been big threadfins with small gizzards running a close second. These fish can be found on your Lowrance on or around most points, humps and flats. Good electronics can be a big help during the summer months. Summertime is awesome for numbers on Lake Allatoona. Give us a call at 770-827-6282 and let’s take the kids fishing.
“Most of the fish are back on the main lake and are staring to set up on a summer pattern.”
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Local lakes and forecast lake lanier crappie
Lanier in juneTopwater Time
Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com
Forecast By: Dan Saknini, Lanier Crappie Angler’s Club. www.laniercrappieanglers.net
It is hard to beat the topwater bite in June on Lake Lanier. Spotted bass chasing a topwater bait in wolfpacks is about the most fun a human can have. In this month’s installment, we will review the different options to take advantage of the incredible topwater fishing on Lake Lanier in June. Location: In June, most of the spotted bass have completed the spawn and have transitioned into replenish mode. Post-spawn, many fish can be found on key structure such as long running points and humps. Locating these areas and the man-made cover that is often found on them (example – brush piles), will be important to your success. Please contact me directly if you are interested in purchasing Waypoints of these key brushpiles. Lures and Presentation: Let’s examine some of the techniques and lures that can be used to catch these fish. 1. Topwater – There are many bait choices in the topwater category and the preference of the fish will change day to day. Excellent topwater baits for Lake Lanier include: Lucky Craft Sammy, Heddon Zara Spook, Storm Chug-Bug and a Cotton Cordell Redfin. These lures as well as all the rods and reels you will need to present them can be purchased at local tackle shops such as Hammond’s Fishing in Cumming, GA. Make sure to check out those G Loomis rods and Shimano reels - truly world class tackle! 2. Swimbait – Swimbaits offer great versatility as they can be fished at any depth you wish. As far as the mechanical type swimbaits, my favorite is the brand new Sweet Herring from the Sweet Bait Company. Vary your retrieve speed and depth with this bait until you find the retrieve for which the fish are searching. Look for these baits to be a big producer of monster spotted bass in June. 3. Super Spin from Super Fish – When the topwater/swimbait bite is tough, pick up your SuperSpin and go to work. Fish the bait over and around brush for your best success, especially when the sun is out. The SuperSpin offers the perfect solution for the finicky fish that won’t come up.
4. Worm and Jig – When the topwater/swimbait action slows, and you see fish in the brush on your Lowrance, try the worm and jig. I like the Picasso Shake Down heads and worm combinations. As far as jigs go, I prefer Chattahoochee Jigs. Explore different worm and jig sizes, shapes, textures and colors when you are fishing. Keep trying until you find the presentation for which the fish are searching that day. Tackle: For topwater action, you should utilize either a medium to medium-heavy bait-casting or spin-casting outfit rigged with 12 to 17-pound Seaguar monofilament line. As far as choosing a rig for fishing these topwater baits, consider the weight of the bait as your deciding factor. Lighter poppers and smaller walking baits are often better presented on spinning gear. For swimbaits, I like to present the larger, heavier, mechanical type swimbaits on a heavy action rod that is at least 7 feet long, and I will utilize 20-pound test monofilament or Seaguar Fluorocarbon line. As far as the many other swimbait options, you can scale back to a mediumheavy rod, but I recommend keeping the length at 7 feet or more. G-Loomis also offers some outstanding topwater rods from which to choose. Check out the options at Gloomis.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some of the best fishing on Lake Lanier during the month of June. I still have some dates available in late June, so call me or drop me a line to experience some of this incredible topwater action! For more information or to book your trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier! 770-542-7764. Jimbo’s website: www. jimboonlanier.com.
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Water temperatures are in the low to mid-seventies. Fishing conditions are good with the fish feeding well and gaining the weight back that they lost during the spawn. They are pulling out to deeper docks, as always, with structure. It is an added bonus if you can find a good sized brush pile outside the dock. In this case, stay thirty to forty feet away from the dock and cast your jig to the other side of the brush. Jig it slowly over the brush toward the boat. You may want to experiment and let it fall a little into the brush. If this does not produce a bite, ease toward the brush pile with your trolling motor on low speed, and try vertical jigging. In this instance, a live minnow works as well as a jig. Also, if a dock happens to be empty without a boat in it, try pitching your minnow or jig into the darkest spot in the dock. That should trigger a bite.
This time of the year, four pound high visibility line is very critical since the fish are deeper and the bite is harder to detect. One twenty-fourth ounce or one sixteenth ounce soft body jigs and hair jigs are our recommendation. If you are using live bait, use the lightest split shot you can get away with, and let it fall slowly. Some fish are gradually moving onto stand-alone brush piles in the backs of creeks. Those brush piles are in twenty to twenty-five feet of water, topping out at ten to fifteen feet below the surface. As always, the more brush piles you hit and the more docks you fish, the better your chances of boating more fish. If a spot isn’t working, move on. A few mid to large sized fish is about average per stop. So if your hits are yielding only smaller fish, don’t waste your time. Move on to explore other docks or brush piles where you are likely to find larger fish. Stay safe on the water and WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!
Jackson Lake By Brian Lee leebrian16 @yahoo.com Water temperature: 82-85 degrees, water clarity: clear, lake level: full. The dog days of summer are all but upon us, and the fishing will be at its toughest. The best times will be early morning or late evenings or some night fishing. In the early morning, start with topwater covering lots of water. Even after the sun is up, fish the shade with the topwater. As the sun drives the shade away, a C-Rig or a shaky head around docks or offshore cover will be the ticket. Don’t expect to smash them in the hottest part of the day, but you can catch a good many in the right place. Your so get used to knowing how to use electronics will play a huge part them. in catching fish this time of year, Till next month, tight lines.
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Local lakes and forecast carters lakE Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
Water temperature: 77 degrees, lake level: full, clarity: 3 feet. Summertime, oh summertime, what can we say except we love summertime here in the mountains. Cool mornings, warm days and afternoon showers are a way of life here, and these conditions make for a great early morning bite on Carters. The striped fish are eating early and I love it. Prime time this month is 5am till 10am and the rest of summer, really. A lot of people don’t like this pattern, but I do. Big baits, long leaders and light line are the winning combo this month. Get out early and be done early is how we fish all summer. Look for fish to be schooling in deeper water, say 50 to 65 feet, as the water warms. Finding them can be easy, but getting them to eat can be the trick. Some days it doesn’t seem to matter, and some days you almost have to hit them in the lips with the bait. Being quiet and consistent is the
key. Sometimes leaving a school to let them resettle is needed. They don’t move very far in the summer, but still get spooked easily. Look for fish on main lake humps and big points. Areas with large schools of shad and herring are key. Find the bait and find the feeding fish is still a good theory here. Good electronics are a must when trying to identify fish stuck to the bottom. I typically focus on the bottom quarter of the sonar reading and look for slight rises or separation marks on the bottom. Sometimes, it’s the smallest marks that make the biggest difference. The spot bite has been consistent all year, and I don’t see it changing much. Big ole Carters spots are a blast to catch, and on some days, putting 15 to 20 fish in the boat seems almost effortless. Off shore or near shore cover like stumps, trees or rock piles might not be covered in fish, but they are nearby for sure. I like to find a target piece of cover and fish away from it in all directions. Usually there’s a big fish near each piece. You just have to figure out where on each piece they are holding.
September 28, 2019 Lake Lanier www.northgeorgiacrappieanglers.com
Fishin’ With Military Hero’s 2nd Annual Fall Fishing Tournament This event honors all of our military veteran men & women, who have experienced physical or emotional trauma and is free of charge to all veteran participants. Registering the first 100 - Fish with a NGCA club member - We can accommodate wheel chairs
Weigh In & Lunch - 1:00 PM, Bolding Mill Park No Fishing License Required - Awards - Prizes
To Register, Receive Flyer, Call Josh Thornton At 770-530-6493
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Local lakes and forecast Kim’s Kitchen
Lake MARTIN
Salted Crusted Fish
Provided By: David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256-401-3089
www.poundersseafoodmarket.com
Ingredients - 1 whole small fish, gutted and scaled - 2 sprigs tarragon - 6 egg whites - 3 cups kosher salt - 2 bay leaves, crumbled - Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling - 1 lemon, cut into wedges - Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rinse the fish inside and out, and pat to dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper into the fish’s cavity, then tuck the tarragon sprigs in there. 2. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold the salt and the bay leaves into the egg whites to form a thick paste. 3. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread about a third of the salt paste in the center of the parchment paper and lay the fish on the paste. With a rubber spatula, smear the paste all over the fish so that it’s completely encased. Place the pan in the oven. 4. Cook for about 25 minutes. By this time, the salt paste will have hardened into a thick crust. Allow the fish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then crack the crust by knocking it with the flat side of a butter knife, and remove the crust in chunks. Scoop out the meat to serve, drizzling it with extra-virgin olive oil and giving it a squeeze or two of lemon.
Pounders Seafood Market
Surface temperature: 85 degrees, lake level: full pool, clarity: clear to very clear. April and May fishing on Lake Martin for stripers was very productive and exciting. We (our clients) boated a 47-pounder a 36, 35, 33, numerous 20 to 30, and a load of 8 to 15-pounders. Not all, but the majority of our trips limited out, and we were averaging 25 trips per week. So that tells you that the striper fishing here is very good. June fishing will be an early morning and late evening bite. The late evening bite can actually run through the night. Stripers should be concentrated mainly on the lower ends of the lake in the deeper, cooler waters. Weekdays, due to weekend recreational traffic, should be more productive, but if you have to fish weekends, which my guide service does 7 days a week, I would plan to be off the water by noon. You may also want to try the night bite, again, with weekday nights working much better than a Saturday night.
If you try night fishing on your own and not with a well-known respectable guide or guide service who knows the waters, then you must be very observant of other vessels, have all your lights in working order, wear your PFD, and try to have a spotter or spotters to help watch for other vessels or floating debris. Never ever operate your vessel under the influence of any substance including alcohol. There are a lot of inexperienced boat operators on all lakes, and at night those same operators become even more dangerous to their self and others. Accidents are preventable in most cases. We just all need to be at the top of our game while enjoying what our beautiful lake has to offer. If you find yourself needing help, call 911 and they will help get the right response team to you in a timely manner. If you’re out of gas, have a dead battery or needing a tow, call TowboatUS/LakeMartin at 256-307-1313. If all of this sounds overwhelming to you just to go fishing, then call Alex City Guide Service at 256-401-3089 and let them help you enjoy your trip by taking the burden off your back. Until next time, catch one for me. It’s awesome with the water temperature.
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Father John Morris holds his son Will’s 35-pounder caught with Capt David Hare along with his son Jake holding his catch.
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Local lakes and forecast
All SizeS of GizzArd ShAd AvAilAble for Summer LIVE BAIT WIDE VARIETY OF FISHING TACKLE FULL BBQ MENU – LUNCH/DINNER DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT
CERTIFIED SCALE ON SITE
Lanier Stripers Fathom II Linecounter spooled with 15-pound Trilene Big Game line on a Shakespeare 7’ Striper Rod. All you need to fish live bait is some Gamakatsu 2/0 Octopus hooks, Trilene 100% Flourocarbon and Capt. Mack 2 ounce Swivel Swinkers. The stripers will be on points most of June. The primary depth will be 20 to 30 feet deep. Each week look for the fish to move deeper and move further south. The key to the downline bite is good electronics like the Humminbird Helix and Solix units. You can see the fish take the bait on today’s electronics. Take a kid fishing and see you on the water.
Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 The striper fishing on Lanier is rolling wide open. Numbers this past month have been better than the last few years. Numbers of big fish are still a little low, but we are definitely making up for it in numbers. It’s a great time to take the kids to catch fish. Water temperature has steadily climbed causing the stripers to push deeper. The topwater bite will slowly disappear. Look for the downline to be the primary tactic in June. The key setup is a Penn
Lake Eufaula 678-971-5607
2807 DAWSONVILLE HIGHWAY, GAINESVILLE, GA 30506
By Capt Sam Williams hawk184@earthlink.net 334-687-6266 Water temperature: 70’s, lake level: 188.62 msl, clarity: stained. The lake is fishing hot right now. Bass are shallow early and late. Good fish are hitting almost anything presented. Jigs with creature baits are a good bet in heaver cover. Blade baits are a good choice on the edges of cover. Frogs are working as well. Crappie are concentrated on deeper cover on drops, and some are coming on jigs retrieved on outer edges on outside grass patches. Catfish are still spawning and hitting bass lures in the cover. Cut bait on jugs in the creeks are still a sure bet for a great tasting meal. Bream are all along the banks and eating worms. Please remember our upcoming Alabama Children’s Classic Bass Tournament. Plan to join us on May 31st at the Eufaula Community Center for a great, fun filled meeting. Everyone gets a free door prize ticket. You will get to meet 10 of our war heroes who are being hosted by some of our loyal fishermen for a fun day of
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fellowship and competition fishing our tournament June 1. You fishermen should consider fishing with us and supporting our efforts. See the new Henry rifle and get a chance to own it. Go to our website and sign up for our newsletter and keep up with all that is happening at www. alabamachildrensclassic.org. It’s getting hotter on the water, so keep plenty of sun screen and water and be safe while enjoying what God has provided for us to enjoy. God Bless and good fishing.
Gary Chapman and sons Trey and Tristian fishing Lake Eufaula with Capt Sam Williams.
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Local lakes and forecast What Does it Mean to be in the Moment? Contributed By: Jay Striker www.jaystriker.com
One day I was asked, What does it mean to “Be in the Moment”? I gave it some thought as the young teenager looked at me intently as he was eager to hear my answer. The young man was just in high school and has aspirations to be a professional angler someday. I had just finished a tournament and was out by my boat getting ready to wrap the day up and head for home. As he and I stood there, I could look in this young man’s eyes and see that he really loved fishing. So I revisited his question, and I realized that the answer is not short and simple. So out of my mouth came the words “it depends.” “What do you mean?”, he asked. I proceeded to explain that in bass fishing, especially tournaments, there will always be variables that will arise that will cause you to adjust to different situations. I added that being in the moment is like seeing the outcome before it even happens. Let me take some time to explain “being in the moment” and go in depth on the subject. For me, as a tournament angler, I have been in the moment many times. I break it down into three categories: Calling your shots, fishing clean and expecting the outcome before it happens. Calling your shots: I know when I’m about to have a tournament of a great significance and when the beginning moments start to happen as I enter the zone. This is when you can pull up on the spot and look at it and “call your shot”, meaning that you know there is a fish under that dock, or by that lay down, or next to that boat. When you make the case, you feel your line jump, and you pull out a good quality fish. It
happens just like you said it would. Fishing clean: Losing fish, or what I call having a failure to execute when under pressure, is not a way to fish a tournament. You are losing fish or missing key bites, and your line is breaking. There is no way you can’t fish clean and win. I know when being in the moment, it seems nothing can go wrong. Each fish that bites, you put in the boat. Everything that bit is in the live well. Fishing clean is a big indicator of being in the moment for me. Expecting outcomes before they happen: There have been times when I have pulled into a cove, and just before getting there, I look over and see myself catching fish on each of my choice targets. Many times, I will tell myself that nothing is stopping me from winning this competition as all things have gone my way, and I have been rewarded for it. Sometimes, the day goes so well it becomes a blur, especially if you win the event. So when this young man asked the question about “being in the moment”, this could very well be a different moment and experience from one angler to the next. For me, I know when I’m there, because I call my shots, fish clean, and see my outcomes before they happen. If at any time, you feel any of these situations happening to you, you may very well be entering into “Being in the Moment.” Thank you all for reading the Angler Magazine and supporting me on social media. Come see me at www.jaystriker.com and on Instagram- Jay Striker52, Facebook and Twitter. Until next time, I hope to see you on the water.
Prop Talk Do you own a $30,000 - $50,000 boat that can’t keep up with other boats because of a slow hole shot or no bow lift? Are you being outrun to the honey holes? Are you having to leave early to return to the weigh-in because your boat is slower and you have the same or better equipment than your competitors and even have a $600 $800 propeller? Most stock propellers come with a tolerance + or – pitch. In order to get the maximum performance out of your boat and motor, you will need to have your prop customized. A customized prop is tweaked to get maximum performance with the cup and pitch tolerances. Faster boats are having their props customized to get peak performance
out of their investment. A customized prop offers better hole-shots and a reduction in vibrations, as well as increased fuel economy and enhanced top-end performance. If you would like to get better performance out of your boat, or have a prop that needs repair, or if you are in the market for a new propeller for a small fishing boat or an offshore cruiser, we have the perfect selection of boat propellers for you. Whether you have an outboard motor or stern drive boat, we can help you select the right propeller for your boat. Give us a call at 334-792-5798, or send an email to dothanpropshop@yahoo. com and we will give you the help you need to get back on the water.
June 17th Strawberry Moon
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Local lakes and forecast I Love Catching Multi-Species!
SEMINOLE
By Gary Turner
Forecast By: by Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com The bass fishing on Lake Seminole has been incredible this May with quantity and quality! We’ve had numerous days with our best 5 bass weighing 30 plus! As we go into June, three lures should continue to get results and one of my favorites is a 1/2 ounce Nichols Lures Reflex Buzzbait in Blue Shad. It has a unique sound that drives the big bass crazy. I like to fish this bait over the top and around the grass where baitfish are present. A crankbait should continue to get results. A Strike King 5xd and 6xd in Citrus Shad should continue to produce. The shellcracker have been bedding and the bream will be bedding in June. For the shellcracker, we have had great results with worms and for bream with crickets. Catching shellcracker and bream off the bed is fast action and fun for the
whole family! For a Lake Seminole fishing adventure, give us a call @ 850-2647534 or email us paultyrefishing@ yahoo.com and follow us on Instagram @seminolebassfishing and Facebook paultyrefishing.
TROPHY FLY FISHING ON THE BEST TWO MILES OF THE SOQUE RIVER
9400 Highway 197 North Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 947-3474 info@blackhawkflyfishing.com
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My daughter Tori, longtime fishing buddy Artie Doughty and I were meeting Eric Crowley at the dock for an adventuresome day on Carters Lake. When we pulled in at the dock at 5 a.m., Eric was already there gathering bait. Talk about chillin! The morning started out a little crisp at 39°, and by sunrise, it was not much warmer, but we were trolling live baits, and I was ready for a fish! We didn’t dress as heavy as we should have, so Tori was buried in her coat waiting for the sunshine to come over the mountain. Soon we had a bite, and it was a spot. We missed a few more quick bites, then caught another spot. We had marked some good fish, hopefully stripers, but they were not biting yet. We trolled there awhile longer and then moved to another place up lake. Here we trolled and picked up a few more fish. Something kept playing with the baits, but this time the rod doubled down, and I grabbed it and set the hook. When we got it up enough to see, we all saw the nice walleye. The fish pulled back down, but on the next pass, Eric landed it. It was a 26” walleye. Not too shabby for a Georgia walleye. We headed to another good place, but this time trying bottom fishing and some float fishing. It wasn’t long before a rod went down only to spring back up quickly. A few minutes later another rod went down, but this one was down and didn’t look to be coming back up. Tori wrestled it out of the rod holder and started reeling. I could tell it was a nice fish by her facial expression. She reeled and it took line, she reeled again and again. Finally she had worked it in close enough for us to see the golden flathead. It was a nice one! It pulled back down
another time and then came up far enough to net. She didn’t want to hold it for pics, so I held the fish for her trophy shots. We fished awhile longer and picked up a few more channel cats, and then, just as we were about to leave, caught another good flathead on a line right under the boat. All in all, we had a great day! Once it warmed up and we started catching fish, we forgot about being frozen that morning. Make a note though, no matter what month on Carters, you might find a chilly morning or night. Eric is a great guide and stays booked up, so check with him about booking a trip in the future. He also has private water trout trips certain times of the year. You can get more info from him at 706669-4973 or lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com. Stacy Fleming and I made a run down to Sinclair this week and caught a few blues, one over 20-pounds and two smalls. We had a good time and ran the boat a little. I head to Santee again Friday, then back to Carters next Thursday, so who knows what I’ll catch next. Next article, maybe I will tell you about filling up my new 95XL Xtreme Livewell with fish. Till next time, tight lines and be safe out there. So remember, 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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Local lakes and forecast Lake Chatuge Hybrids and Spotted Bass Forecast By: Shane Goebel Hughes General Store & Bait Shop & Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service www.bigolfish.com (706) 745-6569 For us, the most exciting trips of the year begin in June. With warmer water temps, the hybrids and bass really school up, which means we are able to load the boat with 30 to 50 hybrids a morning. It’s not uncommon to do that in less than a couple hours too. You’ll have the fishing trip of a lifetime! Currently, Lake Chatuge is at full pool. Water temps are in the high 70s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake. Hybrid fishing is great as the fish are schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big quantities. Most of our hybrids are averaging 6-10 pounds. The early morning bite has been prime. Look for schools of fish off shallow humps along the main channel, clay banks, and off points. Downlining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Search out your areas and watch your
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electronics. When you mark fish, drop your lines. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by mid-morning. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a Spook or Redfin at the ready. Spotted bass fishing remains excellent, too. We are still catching some huge spots throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to put 30-40 of these feisty fish in the boat in one trip. Early morning topwater bite has been strong. Topwater plugs, Spooks, and jerk baits have worked well. Our downline bite has also been very productive, especially in the mid-morning hours. Look for fish to be schooled up on shallow clay banks, humps, and off points. The upper end of the lake has been producing slightly better numbers than the lower end. June fishing on Lake Chatuge is always exciting. Remember, live bait on this lake can be the difference between a successful day of fishing and a horrid one. For all of your bait and tackle needs, come visit us at
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questions about the bait shop, call Darren Hughes or Shane Goebel at Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. Give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area. Good luck, and get hooked!
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Ok, so you are a tough guy. You go fishing and hunting no matter what the weather; cold, windy, wet, dark, it does not matter. Good for you. You are probably under 40. I once was, and was a tough guy too, about fishing and hunting anyway. I was thinking about some of the trips I have endured. Take note of the word ‘endured’. Of course, I wasn’t alone. No sir, I always had a partner. You don’t do this kind of stupid stuff alone. Once in the late 60’s, a good fishing and hunting friend since high school, Rick Hobbins and I stopped at one of the seepage ponds deep in South Georgia on the way back from a trip to Seminole in March. We had been at Lake Seminole for four miserable days during February and thought a few hours more on the water would be in order. We rented a small wooden john boat at the bait store. Get this picture now; 36-degrees, raining, windy, only one little wooden paddle and not a single bite. The water was about 5 inches deep in the boat and rising fast. Back then, we wore only rain ponchos, had no boots, only tennis shoes. What a couple of dummies. After about 4 hours, we gave it up, thoroughly soaked, cold and fishless. That was over 55 years ago, but I remember it well. It was during one of the old Georgia Bass Anglers tournaments in January of 1979 at Lake Hartwell. I was in the points lead for the championship at the time, so ‘I just had to go’. It was 3 degrees. The high that day was 9 and the wind gusted to 30 mph. My partner and I never caught a fish, although he claimed a bite later in the day. I could not possibly forget. How could I leave out the infamous Griffin Georgia duck pond adventure? 6 degrees! Good grief. We had to break through two inches of ice to wade out thigh deep. We had no duck blind, so we thought that a soggy wade into the trees would hide us. Painful indeed! Someone said one duck flew by. I was too cold to hear anything over chattering teeth. I forgot my part-
ner’s name, but not the hunt. It was 55 years ago. Got to mention a day at Brigadoon Lodge on the Soque River in North Georgia. Six of us ventured forth for a mountain trout excursion. It was 8 degrees when we pulled up to the stream for our first cast. As we waded into the fastflowing stream with a temperature of 34, it started snowing, big floaty flakes the size of quarters. Should we leave and call it off? Hell no, stick with it, make a cast or two. Of course, in due time, the line was freezing in the guides and we all were walking snowmen. That truck sure was warm later. Can’t go without mentioning my very first mule deer hunt in Montana. My host and friend said to dress warm. Good thing. The two days we hunted, until a poor critter got close enough to shoot, posted a low of minus 22 degrees with a 20 mile per hour blow. Cold? Nah, numb and suffering. Wouldn’t give anything for having done it. Wouldn’t do it again for $10,000. By the time you read this, I’ll be 75 years old. Damn, what happened? Tell you what though, I don’t recall many days at the office or on the road selling all those years ago, but I sure do remember those days mentioned above and the thousands or so many more days afield; sometimes painful, but always worth the effort. See what I mean? Building memories! That’s what you will carry with you if you just test yourself. I loved those days, always will. Now, go get some for yourself. Like now!
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Local lakes and forecast lake lanier striperS Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu With a pretty mild month of May, the striper patterns are following along like they have in previous years. Early in the month, the stripers will be located north of Browns Bridge to Little River. Later in the month as the water temperatures heat up even more, the stripers will be located from Browns Bridge to Buford Dam. A typical boat setup would be two planer boards on each side, two freelines out the back and two downlines. With June being the month that the water temperatures greatly increase causing the stripers to go deeper, we need to start using downlines. In the morning hours, the stripers will be higher in the water column, and later in the day, the stripers will be deeper. When downlining, seriously stagger your baits until your first bite, then adjust the depths accordingly. Use a Carolina rig method with a 2-ounce weight sliding above the bead. By staggering, I mean put one bait just one turn from the bottom on up to 20 feet for each rod. Your speed should vary between .7 to 1.0 mph until you get a hit, then stay at that speed. Starting points for your downlines
Yeti Coolers and ClothingH Costa Sunglasses and Clothing would be at the mouth of the creeks near the main river channel and over main lake points. Starting points for weighted and unweighted freelines and planer boards are when you can see multiple marks on your fish finder. Vary your speed from .5 to 1.0 mg. If they are not taking the baits, you should get out your Ben Parker spoon and fan cast it at 1, 2, 3 o’clock, and so on. If no takers, it’s time to move. You could also get out your umbrella rigs. I would use one all chartreuse and the other all white. Whichever color they hit, I would change the other rig to that color. Target areas for the rigs would be 60 to 80 feet out over a 30 to 50 foot bottom in the creek mouths and over main lake points. Tip of the month: Check to see if your transducers are free from debris and are clean. For more tips, go to TeamLanier.com. Contact Steve Scott at 404-273-3481 with your questions.
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Lake Burton Forecast by: Capt. Wes Carlton Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 www.georgialakefishing.com Water temperature: 74 degrees, lake level: full pool, clarity: clear. Bass: The bass bite has been great. Most of the fish have completed spawning and are hungry. The first couple of weeks of June will be a little tough with the water temp heading towards the mid-70s. We have been catching most of our fish up shallow throwing plastics like Zoom frogs up in pockets and around shallow docks. The bigger fish seem to be hanging around heavy cover. With the storms we have had this year, there is new brush everywhere you look. We have had good success with plastic worms and jigs in and around the downed trees. The next few weeks is a big transition for the bass. Look for these fish to go
deep 18 to 28 feet towards the end of the month. Trout: The trout bite has been good lately. Most of the bigger fish are near the main river channels near the mouths of the creeks. Trolling small jerk baits and spinners has been effective the last few days. Bright colors and or herring pattern baits have been working best. Try fishing at a depth of 14 to 18 feet at 3 mph. Yo Zuri crankbaits in fire tiger have produced a few bigger fish in the 4 to 5-pound range. Yellow Perch: The perch bite is picking up and should continue to get better over the next few weeks. We have caught some really nice fish in the shallows with jigs at 7 to 15 feet. This shallow water bite is short lived. Look for the perch to head towards deeper water in the next week or two. June, July and August are the months to catch a mess of yellow perch. Good luck!
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Local lakes and forecast Bow Fishing 101 Tim Dangar In my last writing, we covered getting set up for the sport of bow fishing. Now we will go deeper into the where, when and how. Carp and gar, the most common sought after fish for the sport, are very sensitive to water conditions, mainly temperature. They love high water, which puts more trees and grass in the water for them to wallow and rub on. When the water begins to warm in the spring, you will start seeing carp jumping out of the water off shore in deeper water. When the surface temp reaches 69 degrees, they will start to pull into the shallower water for spawning. When the nights warm up to high 50s and low 60s, it allows the water temp to hold most of the daytime heating and can stabilize in the low 70s. At this point you best be ready, as it can happen overnight. I have
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shot fish as early as the middle of March and as late as first of May. This year, due to all the rain and cold nights, it’s been a later than normal shoot. I got into some fish on April 24th on Lake Allatoona and brought home six of the best ones. The action can hold up to two weeks if water temp stays constant. When carp are in shallow water, the males are chasing the females which affords the best opportunity for some good shooting. Judging how deep a fish is in the water is no problem if they have a tail or fin above surface. The trouble comes in when the fish are totally under water. That being said, always aim low, as they are bottom feeders, and if they are in one foot water, you need a ten inch under-surface shot. The gar like a rocky area to spawn in, which means you best take plenty of extra tips. When you
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miss and hit a rock dead on, that tip is history. I found some more fish, the first week in May in the upper end of Lake Allatoona, which proved to be quite fun as well. I only shoot three local lakes, Allatoona, Lanier and Carters. Due to colder water in Carters and Lanier, they fall about a week later than Allatoona. After the fish pull out of the grass beds into a little deeper water, they go into what I call sucking mud mode. You can ease around the shallows with an electric motor on low speed and look for muddy spots. Be ready, as a carp is in that spot. I talked about in my last writing about a use for the carp, and no, I don’t eat them. You dig a pit with hole-diggers and place the carp in it so they are about 10 inches from the top of ground. Cover them with some good soil and plant your tomato and pepper plants on them. No fertilizer is needed. Believe me, it works. To wrap this up, I wanted to share a side note with you. While working the edges slowly looking for something to shoot on April 30th, I found two shellcracker beds. I know that seems early to me
also, but I took my twin grandsons, Chase and Tyler Goddard, on Friday May 3rd for about two hours in the evening, and they caught 65 from one half pound up to a pound and half. Yes, they are on the bed in Lake Allatoona. The point is, get on the water, string an arrow or hook and line, and it’s all fun. Till next time, be safe and God Bless!
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Local lakes and forecast 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 Summer fishing on Clarks Hill (Lake Thurmond) for stripers and hybrids is truly special. We are blessed to have such a terrific resource to enjoy. The month of June typically ushers in our summer downrod bite. The action is fast and furious throughout the main river section of the lake as post-spawn fish turn their attention to packing on pounds. They will gather in large numbers and aggressively attack schools of blueback herring. The best presentation will be a lively herring on a downrod. This will consist of a 1 to 2 ounce weight above a swivel and 3 to 4 foot fluorocarbon leader with a properly matched hook for the size of baitfish prevalent. The typical June surface temperatures will have driven both the bait and fish to a comfort zone of roughly 20 to 35 feet deep, and if you
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Wall of Fame WINNER!
Nicholas Carter with a big shellcracker caught fishing in a Walker County pond with his dad Nick.
Win A Free Angler Magazine Cap! A Angler Magazine cap will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!
Billy Murphy caught this stringer of hybrids, largemouth, spotted bass and crappie on the Ocmulgee River. Craig Correll with Unicoi guide Stefan Manole at Nacoochee Bend.
This monster male rainbow was caught by Jim Froehlich at Noontootla Creek Farms fishing with Reel Em In Guide Service. Ron Ryland with a trophy rainbow from the Soque River. Brand new to fly and trout fishing, Ed Miller caught this nice trout on Smith’s Creek.
Alexis Wheeler caught this big striper with her paw paw, Capt. BIll with Gone Fishing Guide Service.
UGA broadcaster Loran Smith with a big trout caught at Nacoochee Bend. Harley Slay with a big striper caught with alewives on Carters Lake with Fish Slayer Guide Service.
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RIGGING & JIGGING
Fish Where Fish Live Tim Barefoot
W
hatever you fish for, be it fresh or saltwater, you know where you should be fishing. But sometimes it can be frightening to cast into the heart of a snag or brushpile where the fish are, knowing you might lose whatever you have tied on. Here’s a simple way to avoid getting hung up. With the following snag-resistant rig, you can present a bait to the fish
where they live instead of trying to lure them out of their hiding place. I’m not saying this tackle is immune to mazes of mangrove roots or treetops, but it greatly reduces the chances of getting hung up. Protect the hook point with a fluorocarbon weed guard, and you can fish more effectively in thick cover. This method works with J hooks, circle hooks and some lures. I’ve been using this technique to make a weedless soft-plastic shrimp, and there are countless other applications. One of my favorite and most effective ways to use this is with a single hook, no weight and a live bait in shallow water. It also works well on a circle hook chin weight under a sliding cork over really rough bottom. Sometimes you have to go in the cover or drift just above it to get the bite. Most gamefish attack from be-
low, so a bait on a sliding cork is the ultimate target while staying out of snags. Here are the steps to snelling a weed guard onto the shank of the hook. I like the stiffness of Seagar 80-pound fluoro for weed guards. Depending on your application, other lines might work fine also. Make sure to choose a hook with an eye that will accept two pieces of the weed guard and the leader you are snelling. 1) Cut about 6 inches of 80-pound fluoro and bend it backward against the curve of the spool. This will mold the shape of your weed guard. 2) Insert both tag ends through the backside of the hook eye, leaving an inch of the doubled 80-pound fluoro on the shank of the hook. 3) Pass a leader line down through the eye of the hook and the center of the tag ends of the 80-pound fluoro. Pull out about 6 or 8 inches. 4) Holding the weed guard securely on the hook shank, make a 5- or 6-loop snell over the 80-pound fluoro, going forward toward the eye of the hook. DO NOT pull down hard on it right away. 5) Keeping the 80-pound fluoro straight on the hook shank, gently roll into place and push forward BEFORE pulling down hard to “cinch” the snell. 6) After everything is pulled up tight, trim the 80-pound fluoro off just behind the barb of the hook. Also, trim the doubled 80-pound fluoro close behind the snell. For a video tutorial on tying this rig, visit my website www. barefootcatsandtackle.com and watch the videos “Snag Resistant Circle Hook Chin Weight” or “Making The Weedless Shrimp.”
For video instructions on how to tye this rig, see:
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uffalo aren’t typically thought of as a game fish species. While they are a favorite for bowfishing, many conventional anglers might not even know they exist. Hugh Newman, of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, would likely tell you these slow-moving bottom-feeders are well worth pursuing. He caught the new 66-pound, 3-ounce state record smallmouth buffalo in May, and the fight on 8-pound-test must have been exhilarating. Newman’s tactics might not be the go-to if you choose to target buffalo. They are suckerfish and feed mostly on small bottom-dwelling critters and algae. Typically anglers fishing for buffalo use nightcrawlers, dough baits or cut bait. Newman caught his on a swimbait, while fishing southeast Oklahoma’s Broken Bow Lake. The huge buffalo crushed the existing record of 44 pounds, 2 ounces, which has stood since 2007. IGFA’s All-Tackle World Record for smallmouth buffalo is 82 pounds, 3 ounces. That fish was caught from Athens Lake, Texas in 1993.
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rift boats long ago earned their place in big-water trout fishing. With an oarman steering anglers into range of fish as the boat hurtles downriver, they are an extremely efficient way of covering water and catching fish. Drift boats are designed to go one direction: downstream. They track straight, and their light weight makes them agile in avoiding obstacles. They are awesome boats, an icon of the sport, but in many situations there’s a case to be made for the lowly aluminum jonboat in tailwater trout fishing. Perhaps it’s not fair to refer to these vessels as lowly, or even as jonboats. River boats might be a better description of the tricked-out aluminum crafts on rivers these days. They might not have the classic look associated with fly fishing, but equipped correctly there are many advantages to a flat-bottomed aluminum boat.
Mobility: The most obvious advantage is the ability to move quickly upstream or down. Equipped with a conventional or jet outboard, there is no stretch of river the angler can’t reach. This removes the necessity for separate put-in and takeout locations. From a single put-in, miles of river are accessible, and if the fish aren’t biting where you are, just crank the motor and move. Maneuverability: With its squared angles and flat bottom, a jonboat can’t match the straight-line tracking or agility of V-hulled boats on the drift. If left to its own nature, a jonboat would spin down the river. However, equipped with a rowing seat and oarlocks, it does a passable job of imitating the function of a driftboat, and that flat bottom is good in skinny situations. Let’s not forget the aluminum hull, which stands up to a serious beating. A trolling motor at the bow can completely eliminate the need for rowing in many situations. Drifting stern-first downstream, a trolling motor with a remote can do almost anything a pair of oars can. The poor guy who was previously strapped to the oars can now fish and steer from the bow. Stability: Leg braces are required to fly fish from drift boat. They can be equipped on a jonboat, but they’ll likely just be in the way. That wide, flat hull makes a jonboat stable. Even in rough water, it’s possible to stand on the deck and cast, turn around or do jumping jacks if you want. The ability to move around on a deck is a benefit that must be experienced to understand; it makes fishing easier and more comfortable. Obviously, a flat-bottomed, aluminum boat isn’t suitable in all situations. But depending on where you fish, it is definitely worth considering. An added bonus is versatility. That jonboat is also perfect for throwing popping bugs at the lake.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
Finding And Fishing Summer Ledges
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BRANDON LESTER
grew up fishing lakes known for large schools of bass that spend the summer months offshore. When we get into the summer and the water temperature starts hitting 80 degrees, it is a safe bet that fish are going to be on offshore structure like ledges, humps and dropoffs. I start looking on main lake areas, on the lower half of the lake, where most of the good summer ledges are. Using the mapping on my Lowrance electronics, I search for places that top out from 12 to 20 feet and drop down to anywhere from 50-60 feet. Bass will start heading out there when the water gets to 70 degrees, but when it hits 80 they will definitely be out there. They spawn with a water temperature of 62 to 64 degrees, so as the water warms after the spawn they will start heading that way. Some fish stay shallow all year. The ones that move out will definitely be schooled up on the ledges as the temperatures approach 80 degrees. The biggest deal is finding the depth range of the fish. When they first arrive on offshore structure, they like 12 to 17 feet. The longer they’re there, the deeper they’ll move. It could take a week or a month, but they’ll drop down into 18 to 25 feet and
maybe even as deep as 30 feet. To find the depth range of the fish, I will graph and look for the bait and then the fish. Usually I can see the bass on my Raymarine units, but I will often fish around a big school of bait in case the bass are hiding right under the thick bait. If I don’t see bait or bass, I won’t make a cast. Electronics are too good these days to fish places just because there were fish there at some point in the past. I always start with a moving bait, such as a deepdiving crankbait, to see if I can get the fish fired up. The biggest ones in the school will bite a crankbait. I like a Strike King 6XD and 8XD fished on a MHX CB907 cranking rod that I built myself with supplies from Mud Hole. I always put new Mustad hooks on the baits. I prefer #2 KVD Triple Grip trebles. I use 10- to 12-pound Vicious fluorocarbon for the 6XD and 15- to 17-pound on the 8XD. I like a slower 5:4:1 gear ratio reel to help crankbaits dive to their deepest depths. When those fish start grouping up out on the ledges, you can really have a lot of fun. Hundred-fish days are possible, and I get excited just thinking about it. When that water temp gets close to 80, it is time to get out deep and get healthy in a hurry come tournament day.
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he big catfish are biting at Watts Bar Lake on the Tennessee River between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tenn. Fifty-four teams of catfish anglers from 11 states converged May 3-5 to test their catfishing skills during a King Kat Tournament Trail Super Event presented by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Competitors were vying for $16,000 in cash and prizes and an opportunity to qualify for the $120,000 Classic Championship to be held in November on Wheeler Lake at Decatur, Alabama. A good bite on day one resulted in some good fish coming to the scales. The top four teams had more than 100 pounds, as Chris and David Roberson took a commanding lead with 146.56 pounds. They also held the Big Kat lead with a 64.64-pound Tennessee River beast. The next closest team was Michael Jordan and Charlie Parsons with 117.70 pounds.
A big fish produced a come-from-behind win and back-to-back champs on Watts Bar. Mike Mitchell, Jackson Mitchell and Rick Sexton came from fifth place on day one to become repeat champions. Last year’s winners brought a two-day total of 228.82 pounds to the scales to claim the win. Their day-two weight was aided by the second big fish of the tournament at 63.58 pounds, just a pound away from the Big Kat of the tournament. Mike and Jackson, of Rogersville, Ala., and Rick from Helenwood, Tenn. earned $6,000 for first place. They found their fish close to structure in the downtown Loudon area. Mike said the fish were relating to rock and wood structure where they tempted them with cut skipjack. They weighed in five flatheads and five blues for their 10-fish limit during the two-day tournament. The runner-up spot went to Jared Coker, from Corryton, Tenn., and Terohn Heinrich, from Knoxville, Tenn. They moved up from fourth place on day one with a two-day weight of 217.98 pounds to earn a check for $2,600. David and Darlene Hill claimed the third-place spot with 195.16 pounds. The Louisville, Tenn. team earned a check for $2,000. Fourth place went to Chris Robinson, of Locust Grove, Ga., and David Robinson, of McDonough, Ga. They had a two-day total of 194.02 pounds that included the Big Kat of the tournament. The Big Kat was a flathead that weighed 64.64 pounds and gave Chris his new personal best. The team earned $1,100 for placing fourth, $1,100 for Big Kat, and $1,000 for the hotel bonus for staying at a Loudon County hotel. Rounding out the top five and pulling out the comeback of the day was Carl Morris Jr., of Johnstown, Ohio, and Rob Parsons, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio. They rose from 25th place on day one with a weight of 65.22 to a two-day total weight of 180.48 pounds to earn fifth place and a check for $800. For more information, visit www.kingkatusa.com.
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eff Bonawitz, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, had already caught several 30 pounders from the Susquehanna River on April 6 and was running low on bait. He selected the biggest bluegill from the bait tank, and the fish that ate it turned out to be a 50-pound, 7-ounce new state record flathead catfish. “I could tell it was big. It kept hanging down deep and when it finally came up to the top, we thought it might be a mermaid,” joked Bonawitz. “I’ve fished the Susquehanna for years, and I’ve never caught anything quite like it.” It took 25 minutes to land the fish on an 8-foot, medium-action spinning rod loaded with 25-pound-test mono. Bonawitz kept the fish alive in an aerated container at his home until the following day. On April 7, the fish was officially weighed, setting a new state record for the species. The previous record, caught in 2006, weighed 48-pound, 6-ounces. There are several organizations that claim larger fish as the world record, but IGFA recognizes a 123-pound flathead caught from Elk City Reservoir in Kansas as the All-Tackle World Record. Upon weighing the fish, Bonawitz with assistance from his nephew, Dylan, 8, released the catfish back to the Susquehanna River. “It was such an amazing fish,” said Bonawitz. “I thought the best thing to do was put it back so that maybe the next guy could catch it. I have a feeling this record may not last very long.”
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hft_coastalangler_0619_M-REG163328.indd 1
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Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and 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.
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Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “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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SeaWays is the autopilot upgrade to the Optimus 360 system, and is included FREE with SeaStation.
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