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FISH OF A LIFETIME IN SOUTHWEST ALASKA By Tom Schlichter
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o one has to tell you a halibut has taken your bait. As you set the hook with all your might, the heavy rod takes on a full bend, tip pumping rapidly as the beast powers down and away in a series of short, explosive bursts. Within minutes, beads of sweat begin to roll down your brow, and soon your back and arms begin to tire. The battle continues for another five to 10 minutes—or longer— and the enormity of the fish at the end of your line becomes apparent. This is the fish of a lifetime. This is why you came to Alaska! What saltwater angler hasn’t fantasized about taking such a trip? Yet there’s more to the beautiful, chilly waters in the far Northwest than outlandish flatfish. Ferocious-looking lingcod, giant, bright orange shortrakers, yelloweyes and other rockfish are also on the menu, as are king, coho and chum salmon, whether jigged or trolled in open water or tempted with the long rod in a river so full of fish you could walk across the dorsal fins. From breaching whales and soaring bald eagles to grizzly bears, sea lions, otters and endless miles of wild, unspoiled vistas, nature abounds in the forty-ninth state. Of course, where to start is a major questions you’ll need to tackle when planning your first Alaska fishing adventure. By and large, Southeast Alaska is the first choice if you are seeking major-league halibut. From the town of Ketchikan northwest up the coast to Chichagof Island, there are fishing lodges to accommodate your needs in such towns as Sitka, Juneau, Elfin Cove and Gustavus, plus places from which the most adventurous can set out on their own. One of the most popular spots is Tanaku Lodge. At the northwest corner of the famed Inside Passage, it’s tucked inside Elfin Cove, about 25 miles west of Glacier Bay National Park. From here you can get a terrific sampling of Alaska’s great coastal fishery, while seeing astounding amounts of wildlife and enjoying your stay in comfort. “The fishing is always great around here,” said Dennis Meier, co-owner of Tanaku Lodge with Jim Benton. “That’s a given, but we pride ourselves on making the entire experience the best it can be. Our skippers and mates are tops in the business, our lodge staff is helpful and courteous, and you’ll find the accommodations here to be first class all the way around. We may be off the beaten track, but that doesn’t mean we compromise on quality.” Tanaku is a full-service lodge with all-wood interior, vaulted ceilings, and wood burning stoves to keep you warm. Bedroom suites feature two full-sized beds and either a shared or private bath. Huge, wrap-around windows and outdoor decks offer fabulous views of the harbor. You don’t even have to bring foul-weather gear, as slicks and boots are provided for each angler. Leave your tackle home, too; the lodge offerings are in excellent shape and a perfect match to fishing you’ll encounter.
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As for the fishing, there are so many possibilities it can make your head spin. Halibut is the perfect first choice, since big ones can be found just a short ride away. Prepare to fish heavy and in water depths of 130 to 150 feet, though. Expect rods and reels suited for tuna and cannonball weights up to 2 pounds with a herring, pink salmon strip or side of pink salmon for bait. Even with all that heavy gear, a big halibut can still kick your butt. If you want to make things even more exciting (read: strenuous) try tempting these beasties with 1-pound jigs. It took me only 10 minutes of jigging in the Inside Passage to set the point to a 90-pound brute that beat the heck out of me before coming aboard. Over the next two days, I managed four more on jigs as we rotated between fishing for halibut, salmon and rockfish, depending on the most favorable tides. What a blast! As previously mentioned, salmon fishing is the other big draw here. While stocks of kings and cohos have slipped somewhat over the past few years, the number of king (Chinook), coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon is substantial. Anglers can troll for salmon, jig them, or set up a trip to wade a nearby river and catch them on the fly. Wherever you decide to stay on your Alaskan adventure, it’s wise to clearly state your wishes when booking a trip—especially if you hope to sample river salmon fishing or want to try for additional species like lingcod, shortrakers and various other rockfish. Not all are available from every lodge. While there are occasional off days even in this remarkable fishing wilderness—weather can be a serious issue late in the season—the odds are you’ll experience some of the best fishing of your life.
For information on Tanaku Lodge in Elfin Cove, AK, visit www.tanakulodge. com, or phone: 800-482-6258.
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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures By Nick Carter
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pearfishers seeking a little variety in their bottom time should take a close look at the waters off New England. You won’t find warm tropical waters off the Northeast coast, but you will find a freediving experience unlike any other. Destinations like Montauk, N.Y. and Block Island, R.I. have long been recognized for some of the best striped bass fishing on the planet. The bass blitzes around Long Island Sound are legendary, and huge schools of stripers in these rocky waters offer conventional anglers and spearos the opportunity of a lifetime. Matt Belanger, of Newburyport, Mass., is one of a growing contingent of divers hooked on what New England has to offer. He’s a member of TriState Skindivers, and a big 54.2-pound striped bass he speared off
Block Island in July topped the club’s season-long TriState Leaderboard Spearfishing Tournament. “The striper is sort of our signature inshore species,” Belanger said. “It’s a very skittish fish. A lot of guys say they can hear your heartbeat. You’ve got to be really stealth when you go after a big striper.” Belanger’s description of a typical dive was intriguing. With a 50- to 60-foot bottom littered with Volkswagen-sized boulders, strong currents and visibility averaging 10 feet, it’s a different environment from Caribbean reef dives. The veil of dingy water actually makes hunting stripers easier. On the drop, you fin down through a school of striped bass to the bottom. “You’re in the middle of a giant school of hundreds of fish,” Belanger said. “Then, when you hit the bottom, they always spook… all at once. It’s crazy. It makes this big noise, almost a boom.” The secret to sticking a big bass is bottom time. After about 25 seconds, Belanger said the school begins to reconvene. Then you must spend precious seconds selecting a target from hundreds of circling fish, while minimizing movement and sound that might spook them. The goal is to take the largest fish in the school. You’re allowed only one fish per day with a 28-inch minimum size limit. A 28-inch striped bass weighs 10 to 15 pounds. They get much bigger. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 81-pounds, 14-ounces. It was caught from Long Island Sound off Connecticut. The speargun world record weighed 68.4 pounds. Dave Hochman, who guides Block Island Sound, stuck that fish in 2008. Hochman is the guide who put Belanger on the big striper he killed in this year’s tournament. If one fish per day seems scant to travel for, there’s a lot of excellent eating on a big striper. Also, when you get your limit—with speargun or rod and reel—there are other interesting and tasty species like tautog, black sea bass, fluke and others. A word of warning: Area waters can get sharky, with great whites a concern. A good captain will know where shark encounters are least likely. For information, contact Dave Hochman of Spear-it Charters through his website at www.spearfishcharters.com.
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SHRINK WRAPPING
By Justin Witt
T
he Rio Pico region of Chubut province, Argentina is known to a select and adventurous few as the best big-trout country in all of Patagonia. Comprised of an immense network of lakes and drainages flowing through the Andes of southwestern Argentina, these waters are spectacular, and they’re as far off the beaten path as it gets. The diversity of the fishery is astounding. The area hosts an almost unbelievable quantity of waters in all shapes and sizes, and the region is known for trout that reach “unusual size” in pristine water with very little fishing pressure. “It was incredible. I was fishing dry flies up a little spring creek for trout as long as my leg,” said Greg Baugus, who visited the remote
area with Hemispheres Unlimited, an agency specializing in fishing trips of a lifetime. But spring creeks are not all Rio Pico has to offer. Rainbows, brookies and browns were introduced over a century ago and can be pursued with a wide variety of tackle and techniques. From large lakes and rivers to high-elevation trickles, anglers have the option to throw dry flies on delicate tippets, chuck 6-inch streamers on a heavy sink-tip line, or nymph any day of the week. It all boils down to personal preferences, and it’s all done within the gorgeous expanses and dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Some spots are numbers games, with consistent action for what in Patagonia amounts to smallish fish—fish that would be considered large almost anywhere else in the world. Most folks come down hunting bruisers, though, the photo fish, the monsters that stand out in truly amazing adventures. Hemispheres Unlimited offers perfect trips for those seeking adventure. Their Rio Pico Trout Bum program pairs anglers with local guides who grew up on these drainages and know them like the backs of their hands. It’s a unique, low-cost option for anglers more interested in fishing than luxury lodging. There’s no mint on the pillow, for sure. Instead, the Hemispheres Unlimited team makes certain preparations are in place so you can make the most of your time pursuing the fish that brought you to Argentina in the first place. Accommodations for the Trout Bum program are best described as authentic, in true, local, Patagonia style. Unless there is a specific need for backcountry camping, groups usually lodge at local hospedajes, either in town or out on one of the waters. Each spot has its own characteristics, advantages and style, and Hemispheres helps each group choose the best option for their desires. The program can be set up in a wide variety of styles, ranging from boat fishing every day of the trip to mixed trips with easier wading, all the way to more extreme hike-in and camp expeditions. For more information on the Rio Pico Trout Bum program and everything else Hemispheres Unlimited offers, go to hemispheresunlimited. com/blog/diving-mizpah.
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Photo courtesy of www.sfctravel.com
By CAM Staff
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nglers seeking stellar offshore fishing, including the best Atlantic blue marlin fishing on the planet should book passage to Cape Verde. This island nation about 350 miles off northwest Africa is a horseshoe cluster of 10 islands and eight islets that are a popular tourist destination for Europeans. The fishery is renowned for the consistency of big blue marlin. Billfish Report ranked it best in the world for 500-plus-pound blues, edging out venerable Kona, Hawaii by the numbers in its annual rankings based on 2018 statistics. Last years numbers were 110 blue marlin heavier than 500 pounds, including a 900-plus-pounder and one grander, which stretched the scales to 1,037 pounds. It’s the kind of place where releasing three marlin heavier than 500 pounds in a day is considered possible… because it happens. With big-game fishing this good, the marlin fishing is obviously the headliner. It’s best from April through July, with March and August usually being good as well. It’s a happy coincidence that this time frame coincides with the best seasons for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo and dorado. Four islands, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vincente, Santo Antao and Maio, harbor most of the medium-sized recreational fleet. The channel between Sao Vincente and Santo Antao is the epicenter of this international hot-spot for blues. For more information, go to www.capeverdeislands.org.
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These coastal fishing communities are nestled right in the heart of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The saltwater fishing, both inshore and offshore, is probably the most popular attraction for the area and with good reason… it’s epic! A host of charter captains and crews wait to take you on the fishing expedition of your dreams. Deep blue water for sailfish, king mackerel, mahi and more is easily accessible. If the deep blue isn’t your thing, the inshore choices include redfish, speckled trout, tripletail, tarpon and so much more. If you’ve never experienced a redfish crushing a topwater plug, you’re missing out! With all these fishing options, it’s a rare occasion that weather will prevent you from feeling a fish tug your line. Don’t overlook the freshwater fishing that the Apalachicola River and its many tributaries offer those in search of bass, bream, catfish and more. In the lower reaches of this coastal river system, anglers often catch bass and redfish in the same day. Advanced and beginner paddlers will find exactly what they’ve been looking for in a paddling adventure. It’s almost like kayaks were invented for this place. With paddler’s trails, launches, amenities and events, you won’t find a more exciting, scenic and wild place to skim across the water. But wait, there’s more! Visitors will find the area full of fun and exciting things to do besides fishing. Experience old Florida how it used to be along our gorgeous beaches or explore a museum or old lighthouse. Birdwatch on hiking trails. Paddle down a lazy stretch of river or backwater. There’s something for everyone here… and don’t forget oysters! Here are some fishing tips for anyone coming down soon. If you’re after redfish and trout, you’re in luck… the fall bite can be amazing! If Photo courtesy of Robinson Brother’s Guide Service. the weather is mild, cast a topwater plug like a Rapala Skitterwalk or visit to Franklin County’s coast is like going back in time. Places a sub-surface plug like a Mirrodine. If it’s cooler than usual, a small jig like Apalachicola, East Point, Alligator Point, St. George Island tipped with live shrimp or Berkley Gulp will produce best. Live shrimp will and Carrabelle offer the experience of a simpler time, a time catch just about anything that swims and is the surest bet for getting bit. when folks gather around an oyster bar for great seafood, a cold beverage and conversations about the day’s catch or what tomorrow’s fishing For more info and a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and trip might have in store. more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
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Spoon-Fed Stripers At Santee Cooper By Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series
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t’s been a long time since I fished South Carolina’s Santee Cooper lakes. Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are world famous for mondo catfish and crappie, and they are vibrant striped and largemouth bass fisheries, as well. Recently, I attended the South Carolina Outdoor Writer’s Conference, held at Black’s Fish Camp, and had the honor to fish with two iconic Santee Cooper guides: Capt. Leroy Suggs and Capt. Charlie King. Each morning, I was treated to breakfast at Black’s Restaurant while the captains prepped their boats with tackle and a livewell full of blue-
back herring. After a short run down the lake, we would set four to six downline rods with live baits and drift near actively working seagulls. The striper schools would show up on the sonar, and we would typically boat three or four fish before the school would break up or move. This is the way many anglers fish for stripers. It’s very effective. Even though the calendar said October, the air temperature said July, with temps in the mid-90s. The water surface temperature hovered near 85 degrees. By the time the sun cleared the treetops, the fish went deep, and the bite all but stopped. We could see fish on the sonar, but their enthusiasm to eat a herring diminished as the sun got higher. Coincidentally, one of the sponsors of the conference was Live Target Lures, and they had put a few sample baits in each attendees’ goodie bag. My bag had a Live Target Flutter Shad jigging spoon in it. When the live bait bite slowed, I figured it was as good a time as any to try out the spoon. Upon dropping it over the side, I noticed the bait’s erratic, fluttering descent. With 12-pound braid on a light spinning rod, I could feel the spoon’s movement all the way down. The same applied to the jigging retrieve. You could feel the spoon when lifting the rod and when reeling it back to the surface. On the second drop, the spoon went to the bottom, and as I lifted the rod, the line came tight. There was a noticeable thump that peeled drag. After a gallant fight, a slot-sized striper came to the landing net. When the third drop produced another fish, everyone in the boat started jigging as well. My theory is that when active feeding time passed, the stripers were hanging out in cooler, oxygen-rich deep water until they got hungry again. Our spoons were likely drawing reaction strikes as they fluttered past the fish’s noses. Although I couldn’t see what our herring were doing 40 feet below the boat, my guess is they were just sitting there, without the bite-generating action of the spoon. We caught more than 50 fish each day, with the majority being caught on a jigging spoon. I’ve always been a believer in jigging spoons. Now I’ve experienced first-hand that spoons can turn the bite back on.
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NOVEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER: BOB RICE
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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 IT’S DONE!
Contributed By: Jimmy Harris www.unicoioutfitters.com Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis 2018 Fly Shop of the Year
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!
I don’t know about other anglers, but I enjoyed about as much of summer as I could stand this year. Seriously, in October we were looking at the hottest days of the year. No, I take that back. They were the hottest days of all time! I’m sorry but when the streams are low, it’s 98° and the sun’s beating down on me all day, I can frequently talk myself out of going fishing. Oh, I’m still fishing a couple times each week, just not out there on a daily or even every other day basis. If I’m not having fun, I’ll find something else to do. But we all know anglers are the ultimate optimists. After the toughest of days on the water, we’ll make just one more cast thinking, “This could be it!” And if it isn’t, then we’ll make one more cast. That’s optimism! All complaining aside, fall is here now so let’s talk about how to make the best of it. First of all, there is a lot of activity in the animal world right now. Bucks are getting stupid going into the rut. You can quail hunt without watching every step for a snake. Squirrels and rabbits no longer have wolves under their skin that gross you out. It just feels good! In the fishing world, we’re looking at some of the best times of the year for anglers. Delayed Harvest streams have re-opened in Georgia and North Carolina. Brown trout are beginning to think about spawning, and stripers and hybrids
TROPHY FLY FISHING ON THE BEST TWO MILES OF THE SOQUE RIVER
Mix it up with light spinning tackle as well for a great combo trip!
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are back on the surface on area lakes. While the shoalies are no longer hitting topwater, they can still be caught by going deep as they put on weight to get them through the winter. So, what’s your approach? Early in the season, the Delayed Harvest streams will find most of us throwing stuff like Woolly Buggers with an egg on San Juan Worm dropper. If our timing is good and the weather cooperates, we may bump into a Blue Winged Olive hatch. Stripers and hybrids on area lakes can be found busting threadfin shad at the surface. A small minnow imitation fly like a Clouser or Cowen’s Somethin’ Else fished on an intermediate line just below the surface will get more strikes than topwater. Always keep an eye out for the birds. Shoalies and other river bass are in deeper water now, so you’ll need to get your fly in front of their face. A full sinking line, short heavy leader and weighted flies like Craig Reindeau’s Harry Fodder bounced along the bottom will still work. This is my favorite time of the year to be on the water. I hope you’ll find opportunities to get out there also.
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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING NOVEMBER FISHING REPORT
Contributed by David Hulsey International Federation of Fly Fishers Master Certified Casting Instructor http://www.hulseyflyfishing.com 770-639-4001
November in the North Georgia Mountains is the beginning of the trout fishing season for many anglers. The wonderful Delayed Harvest streams in the Peach State are well stocked and ready to welcome fly flingers of all skill levels! Eager fish are usually ready to munch on almost anything that resembles food, and some things that don’t, tossed to them. Now is the time to get a beginning fly fisher hooked on the sport. Yeah it’s cool to be out and about in the fall in the mountains waist deep in a mountain stream, but it’s a heck of a lot better when a trout eats your fly every now and then! Common fly patterns are more than adequate to accomplish the task. Dry flies such as the Parachute Adams, Black Elk Winged Caddis, and a Royal or Yellow Stimulator will usually get the job done if the water temperatures aren’t too cold. Dropping a Pheasant Tail, Prince or Hare’s Ear Nymph off the back on some 5x fluorocarbon is deadly in the shallow areas that hold fish. Fly sizes will vary depending on fishing pressure. The more fishermen that have pounded the water, the smaller you may need to go to get consistent strikes. Trout will always eat. You just have to be willing to adjust fly patterns and nearness to the fish’s face to get a strike. Some fall days, trout are willing to chase a swung streamer or brace of soft hackles. If you experience multiple trout
chasing your flies on the pick up to make another cast, that probably means they will greedily respond to a stripped streamer such as a Wooly Bugger, feather winged streamer, or a couple of soft hackle Pheasant Tails seductively swung a few inches in front of their pointy little noses. It is great fun to see a big old brown buzz in behind a streamer and engulf it in one fatal swoop! For me, it’s almost as fun as the excitement of dry fly fishing, especially if the trout is double digits! My favorite Georgia Delayed Harvest stream is the Upper Toccoa River section near Blue Ridge, Georgia. It’s big water that lends itself well to all the disciplines of fly fishing, including even trout spey. Someone with a three weight spey rod can have a wonderful day on the water slowly wading down this section of beautiful freestone. The tailwater of the Toccoa River is also a great place to give the old two hander a try. There are good grabs to be had at Tammen Park, Curtis Switch and Horseshoe Bend Access points. The longer casts that are made possible by the longer trout spey rod help the fly fisher to avoid the ledge rock and deep pools that can make a fellow float their hat if they are not careful. I love to take beginning trout spey anglers to these locations for the simple fact they are probably going to hook up with a feisty fish or two! Give me a call this fall and we’ll go teach a fly how to swim!
GEORGIA’S DELAYED HARVEST FISHING Contributed by James Bradley Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide www.ReelEmInGuideService.com (706) 273-0764 Since I wrote a piece about North Carolina’s Delayed Harvest Fishing, here are the ins and outs for Georgia. Although we seriously need some rain, the cooler temperatures have been a blessing for our trout in North Georgia. It is my hope that by the time you read this that Mother Nature will filling our streams up with some high-quality H2O. Georgia’s DH season begins November 1st and continues through May 14th. The DH sections of these waters are marked with signage. During the DH season, anglers must release all trout immediately, and use and possess only artificial lures with one single hook per lure. This means no nature bait, no scented bait, and no treble hooks as used on many spinning lures. It’s hard to beat heading up to the mountains with some friends and hitting the water. Most of our DH waters are marginal at best, but they serve as a two-way street for many anglers. First, during the cool temperature months like November into May, trout will survive in these streams. On the other hand, from late June until late September, trout will more than likely not survive the warmer water. The cool thing about this is the winwin situation for fall/winter time anglers with catch and release fishing, and those who want to harvest fish before the warmer water periods of summer. It’s the best of both worlds for all anglers who use these types of waters! Georgia has five waters in their DH program. They are Amicalola Creek, Chattahoochee River, Chattooga River, Smith Creek and the Toccoa River. These waters are stocked heavily with trout and some larger trout are added as well. Early in the DH season, these fish will be in pods after stocking has taken place. It is not unheard of to catch 10 even 20 fish from one large pod. These pods will slowly disappear as the fish move and spread out more. A week or so into the season, you will begin
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catching them in feeding lanes and other normal holding areas. A big rain event can help spread these fish out as well. There is no denying that freshly stocked trout will devour about anything, especially bright, flashy colored flies. Any junk flies like San Juan Worms, Squirmy Worms, Mop flies, colored eggs or Y2Ks will suffice for hook ups. Dries can be Stimulators, Caddis, Mayflies, and so on in sizes 1014. Droppers (or nymphs) can be a Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Prince, and so on in sizes 14-16. DH fish do not mind chasing streamers or Wooly Buggers in sizes 8-12 that are stripped across current. Remember, these fish early in the season will just about strike at anything. As the season rolls on, it may be necessary to remain more on the traditional smaller natural flies. If you are a beginner wanting to learn how to fly fish, we have a great staff of instructors who have been schooled in the art of fly fishing. One of the best ways to learn about fly fishing is to spend time with those of us who are professional full-time guides. Don’t forget to ask us about our float trips. James Bradley is the only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide in North Georgia’s Historic HighCountry region. Reel Em In Guide Service has been offering their services to fly anglers since 2001. They have permits for guiding in North Georgia and North Carolina, offering over 6 miles of private trophy waters across Georgia, and operate drift boat trips on the Toccoa River in GA and the Tuckasegee River in NC.
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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING NOVEMBER FLY FISHING REPORT
Contributed By: Henry Cowen www.henrycowenflyfishing.com Here we are and it’s time to predict November. I’m writing this in early October, and the lake is in full force with regards to striper fishing. The lake is 80 degrees, and the fish are chewing with lots of fish on top and lots of fish on the humps. This is actually a little early, but I am not complaining. That means November should be fantastic as long as the weather holds up. So here is the skinny on November. It is clearly one of the three best months of the year to fly fish on Lake Lanier as well as many of the North Georgia lakes around the state. It is one of the few months that you can count on seeing significant topwater action. This plays right into the hands of a fly rodder as well as the conventional angler. While fish-
ing can never be considered a “surething”, November fly fishing on our area impoundments is as close to a sure-thing as one can get. The only problems you will face during November are the days after the front which can shut the fishery down for a day or two. Last November, we had some epic topwater fishing, and I fully expect the same to happen again this year. Giant schools of fish can be found crashing the surface eating young-of-the-year threadfin shad. The big question is where to look? As the water temperature cools down out of the low seventies in October to the mid sixty degree and under for November, the striped bass start schooling all over the south end of the lake. There might .
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even be fish seen further north, but in previous years, your best bet will be on the south end to start. While fish can be seen feeding on the surface at any time of the day, it is a good bet that the first 2-3 hours after first light as well as the last 3 hours before sunset will be you most opportunistic times. Fish may still be feeding on 2-4” long blueback herring, but you can count on the fish gorging on 1-2” long threadfin shad. It is the small threadfin shad that have fly anglers excited about November fishing. This is why fly anglers have a specific edge in hooking fish at this time of year. Simply put, they match the hatch better than conventional anglers. A conventional angler will need to fish a small white Fluke, a small Sebile or a spy bait, or better yet, a casting bubble with a fly. Overcast days will see more epic surface feeding than sunny days. Light winds will also allow the topwater bite to be more relevant. If you are out when the Corp of Engineers is generating water, you’ll hit the jackpot. Best bet for fly fishers will be to carry two outfits rigged on the boat. First, an intermediate line with a small shad fly tied on will work perfectly for surface feeding stripers. You can throw a topwater fly, but you will not get nearly the number of bites as a subsurface fly. An alternative is to attach a Wiggle Minnow to the end of the tippet. If fishing a Wiggle Minnow, it is important to keep a continuous retrieve in motion. Stick the fly rod under your arm and use a hand over hand retrieve for fishing what may be considered the most fun fly to fish ever! For my second rod I would go with a fast sinking line and a small Somethin’ Else fly. The Somethin’
Else matches the small threadfin shad perfectly and will get you a few extra bites that other flies will not. My second choice would be a small grey over white Clouser Minnow. Conventional anglers should also rig up a small ¼ ounce bucktail. Another option is to fish a small Crocodile spoon. Matching the hatch is critical to getting bites when these fish are eating itty bitty baits. If the fish are on herring, then a swimbait is your best choice. A Zara Spook or pencil popper might work just fine too earlier in the month. Keep a pair of binoculars at the helm to help locate the busting fish. The fish will eventually migrate to the north end of the lake by month’s end. Try to plan your trips on or around both the new and full moon as this moon phase makes the topwater bite more epic. If October is any indication of how November is going to fish, then anglers better pop a can of spinach when they go, just as Popeye would. GO DAWGS! See you on the pond. To book a trip please contact us thru our website www.henrycowenflyfishing.com
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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING THE GUIDES ANGLE 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
Contributed By: Chris Scalley River Through Atlanta Guide Service Inspired by the 1992 movie A River Runs Through It by Charles McClane and his first drift boat trip down the Snake River in Jackson Hole, WY in the early 1990’s, Chris Scalley approached The Fish Hawk Fly Shop owner Gary Merrimen about starting a fly fishing guide service on the Chattahoochee River NRA. Gary hired Chris in 1994 where he worked four days a week in retail sales and guided on his days off. There were rumblings in 1993 among DNR friends that the Chattahoochee River would become a year-round trout fishery, and in 1995 the closed season was eliminated. With the 1996 Olympics fast approaching, River Through Atlanta Guide Service was well on its way as a one man show for the next 6 years offering wade, float tube and drift boat tours exclusively on the Chattahoochee tailwa-
ter from Buford Dam for 48 river miles to Standing Peachtree Creek. In 2000 I acquired a second drift boat and hired an additional guide to delegate trips with a burgeoning clientele base. Today, we have a fleet of seven boats and working relationships with upwards of 15 guides, both for fishing and waterfowl hunting. RTA has been ORVIS endorsed since 2003 and a proud long time Trout Unlimited Business member. Watching the juggernaut of Atlanta’s demographic growth meant two things; more business for the guide service and more pressure on the river. In 1998 Chris formed a nonprofit organization with fisheries and ecology related scientists as board members. Our mission statement was to monitor impacts of man on the river using the critters which inhabit its waters such
as macro invertebrates and wild trout propagation as indicators of water quality. From 1998 through 2011, Chris and volunteers collected macro invertebrates at six sites every quarter on 48 miles of the river. This 11 year data set consisted of two historical epic weather events consisting of drought and flood events. This information was entered into excel spreadsheets and cataloged to family then genus levels. Several papers have been published for UGA and The American Fisheries Society. In 2007 Chris and his counterparts were recognized by Field & Stream Magazine as one of six nominees of the Heroes of Conservation Award of that year for their work to protect the CRNRA sport fishery. So I guess to sum up this past 25 years of guiding is that I am hopeful this river can be preserved for future generations to enjoy, so they too can
connect with nature in this very busy world. I am very proud of these three recent photos of healthy wild browns that were caught and released in just the past week with my brother John Scalley and yours truly as the proud guides who netted these stunning fish for our happy clients on the Chattahoochee River.
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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING OCONEE ON THE FLY- NOVEMBER FORECAST
CHATTOOGA RIVER
A HIATUS: SIGHT FISHING FOR REDFISH WITH A FLY ROD
Contributed By Capt. Wayne Moore USCG www.oconeeonthefly.com Early October, the heat on Oconee was tough so I decided to take a break and go chase tailing red fish with the long rod in Louisiana. If you are a fly fisherman and have not done this, do it! For me, it’s some of the best fly-fishing, period. I called Gary Merriman at The Fish Hawk and asked for the inside scoop on a great guide. Gary suggested Bo Meador out of Long Beach, Mississippi. Bo does not advertise, but word of mouth keeps him fully booked. You can reach him via e-mail (jamesmeador@ comcast.net). Gary’s nephew, Campbell Merriman joined me on the trip. We met Bo at first light and took off in his Maverick Skiff. We got to the bayou quickly and Campbell connected with a 50-pound plus gar on a spinning rod with artificial shrimp on his first cast. After that, it was one red fish after another on the fly rods. We were casting 9 weight rods with a larger white streamer Bo tied. The cool thing was that you could see the red take the fly. Then, it’s game on, and I have burns on my fingers to attest to fighting capability of these gorgeous fish. They immediately run hard and fast, and you have to be quick to get them on the reel. Like I said, if you have not done this, you should! Hybrids/Stripers – As of this writing, the temperature is finally beginning to drop. Last October, I found stripers all the way up above I-20. This year, I expect the bite to pick up at the dam and in Richland Creek first. For techniques, I don’t usually have to throw the cast net, just long line large bass min-
nows or troll crankbaits. If we are blessed with water being pumped up from Lake Sinclair early in the morning, fly fishing will be good. Later in November when the gulls show up, I will be chasing the birds and throwing a Cowen’s “Somethin Else” fly on sink tip. If you don’t tie flies, call The Fish Hawk and they can ship some out to you. Crappie – The long line bite has finally taken off. However, right now they are in submerged timber. You need to use Curtis Hobbs jigs with lite wire hooks (http:// www.litewirehooks.com/). The hook will easily bend off when you get hung up on a tree. I am fishing timber north of Highway 44. When you find submerged timber, troll at 9/10 mph with 6-pound test. I prefer a June bug color Triple Ripple jig. You can get both these items at Sugar Creek Marina. Final words –It’s our time of year! Recreational boaters are all but gone, it is cooler, and the bite will just get better through the fall and winter. Come on out for stripers, hybrids, or crappie fishing! Email me at wmoore1700 @outlook.com or call 404-317-9556 and lock in your fall dates. Tight lines and God bless.
November 12th Beaver Moon
As we now enjoy that fall has grabbed a hold of the thermometer, we start to enjoy the splendor of the leaves changing the color of the landscape. This time of year also brings enjoyment to many fly fishermen and women as they realize that the beginning of the Delayed Harvest season has now started November 1st and runs through May 14 of next year. The helicopter has flown its many trips up and down both the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers, and there are fish to be found around every bend of the rivers. We always take time to thank the fine folks of the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery here in Mountain Rest for the great work throughout the year to raise these great fish that we are able to catch. Also, we give great thanks to the South Carolina DNR, and the US Forestry Department for their work in the stocking of the fish for the two-day helicopter stocking event! The temperatures have cooled tremendously, and now that the
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SQUIRMY WORM Hook: Tiemco TMC2457 size 14 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) Fluorescent Orange Body: Caster’s Squirmito (color) Fluorescent Orange The Southeast is cooling down and delayed harvest is heating up. Squirmy Worms are great flies to target delayed harvest fish. Stock up on these great attractor patterns in various colors.
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river waters have started their cool down, it’s time for waders, boots and catching some big fish, or many fish. Let’s remember that these fish have just been stocked in the rivers, and they are not accustomed to eating natural aquatic bug life as of yet. When their diet has been from a pellet bucket and a feeder during the day in a cement chase their entire life, some trickery on our part to resemble such foods with some thread and material tied to a hook seems like a great idea. Well, it is a great idea, and with something bright and flashy, a successful day will be had. Whether a dead drift through a run or a streamer through a big pool with a strip and pause method, the fish are there. If the success rate starts to dwindle or become nonexistent, switch methods, colors, and even the depth the flies are being fished. As the leaves start to fall, let’s remember to leave no trace, as the leaves will quickly cover any item left behind on a camping trip or even a day trip to the river. We hope to see everyone out on the rivers, and from all of us at Chattooga River Fly Shop, we hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!
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LOCAL RIVERS & FLY FISHING ALATOONA
TENSION
Contributed By: Rene J. Hesse Certified Casting InstructorFederation of Fly Fishers & Atlanta Fly Fishing and Camping Meetup Organizer and learning how to control it will improve your casting. When your line is out in front of you and before you start the cast, put some tension on the line. Lower your rod tip to the water and start to strip the line in until you make the fly move, then start the back cast. If you are using a short line, say 15-20 feet, lift the rod tip until the fly is moving. That will create the tension needed to then allow for a smooth, crisp acceleration to a stop for the back cast. Think about the beginning of the cast as trying to stretch the line straight before the smooth acceleration to the stop. Think about tension in the back cast too. Don’t allow the line to fall and lose tension by waiting too long as the line extends behind you. Having a little tension in our lives can be a good thing, especially in fly casting.
Have you heard the expression that there is no stress unless we put it on ourselves? After hearing this thought process, I started to look at my work situation a little differently, and it was for the better. But this is supposed to be a fly casting article, so why would tension be involved? We put tension on ourselves to complete a task (mental), and we also want to put tension on the line to make a cast (physical). The English language is really confusing. How do people from another county ever learn it? The word ‘tension’ can mean to strain, stretch or being stretched. The good side of recognizing what tension is in life is that we can look at ourselves and control that aspect of things. We control how we react to things if we want to. The same applies to tension in fly casting. Tension on the fly line is a good thing,
Forecast By: Capt. Robert Eidson www.firstbiteguideservice.com eidson6260@att.net Linesides fishing is great! The bite this week has been off the charts. Live bait, topwater and trolling the Mini Mack have all produced really well. I can’t remember
the last time we have had this many options on techniques this late in the season. The best bite is over open water from Kellogg’s to Allatoona pass. Using your Lowrance to locate the schools is a must. They are on the move unless they are breaking on top. They can be very hard to find without good electronics.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST CRAPPIE CHRONICLES PART 3 By Dickelsby Once again, early October rings in the North Georgia Crappie Club Parent Child Fishing Tournament at Lake Lanier. The Angler Magazine is proud to help get the word out about this wonderful way to fill up a “Brand New Unused Saturday Morning”. Yeah you guessed it, none other than O’Neill Williams himself was the host with the most! Replacing the phone with the pole in the hands of the young’uns angling away from docks and boats to see how many crappie could be bagged and counted at the weigh-in filled the morning hours with parent-child delight! Here then is the official press release created by the club’s own communication director, Dana Larbus: Smiles, smiles, smiles were a plenty at the 2019 Fall Children’s
Fishing Classic hosted annually by the North Georgia Crappie Anglers. Nothing is better than a familyfriendly, fun fishing event on North Georgia’s beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier, and this is exactly what around 100 children and their families experienced Saturday October 5 at Bolding Mill Park. This free event is specifically geared to expose children 6 – 15 years old to the joy of fishing. Thanks to generosity of the North Georgia Crappie Anglers’ members and a multitude of community donators, who make hosting the annual affair possible, youngsters are provided the opportunity to fish from boats and docks while learning how to rig a rod, to land a trophy specimen, and to “weigh-in” a team’s catch in a friendly tourna-
ment setting. On top of an exciting fishing experience, all participants were gifted their very own rod and reel combo, crappie jigs and a Certification of Participation and a photo op with none other than famous outdoorsman, O’Neill Williams of O’Neill Outside. But wait, the fun did not stop there. Nope! In fact, the day continued on with a bevy of activities including; a trophy filled award ceremony for the first, second and third place winners of four different categories of fish, a raffle drawing for Sharp-Shooter fishing rods donated by Hammond’s Fishing Center and for a wine tasting for two provided by Wolf Mountain Vineyards, and a delicious luncheon donated by Hal’s Drive Thru for all the event’s children, their families and all of the other attendees. Judging by all the happy faces bouncing around this children’s event, it was clearly a success! If a child you know is interested
in discovering the wonderful world of fishing by participating in the 2020 Fall Children’s Fishing Classic, then tune into North Georgia Crappie Anglers’ website at http://northgeorgiacrappieanglers.com/ for its upcoming announcement about registration which usually opens March 1st of each year. For more information about the North Georgia Crappie Anglers Fishing Club, a non-profit organization that operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, please visit our website listed above. We proudly host other annual community events besides the Children’s Classic such as the Fishing with Military Heroes Tournament for Veterans Wounded in the Line of Duty; the GAOWL (Outdoors Without Limits) Fishing Tournament for Handicapped & Wheelchair bound Participants, and The Jerricho House – Drug & Alcohol Rehab Facility Fishing Tournament.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST HUNTIN’ FOR BASS AND FISHIN’ FOR DEER
WEST POINT
By: Ryan Kennedy YouTube: Ryan Kennedy Fishing Instagram: ryankfishing ryankfishing@gmail.com
As an avid outdoorsman, this time of year means one of two major things. It’s either time to hit the lake or go hang up in a tree somewhere waiting on a whitetail. Now for me, that choice leans much more towards hunting this time of year due to the limited deer season. I’ve got all year to chase those bass all over the lake, but this time of year is special. It’s another opportunity to experience the blessings of nature all around us. If you are anything like me and love to hunt, you know that when it comes to deer hunting, your season consists of about 99% of a waiting game and a 1% timeframe of sheer blood-pumping action. With all of that time thinking to yourself, a man can just about explore every thought that pops into his mind. Sometimes we think about when a big buck is going to walk out from our building anticipation, or you’re probably thinking about what your wife made for dinner that night because for some reason your new equipment for the season doesn’t seem to bring in deer every thirty seconds like the commercial on T.V. Instead, all it brought in was a hefty credit card bill that you will get an ear full about at the dinner table. It’s alright Hoss. Give it another year or two, and all that money spent will pay off when that “record deer” you saw on camera comes walking by. All kidding aside though, I have used a lot of my thinking time to
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realize that hunting is a whole lot like fishing and fishing is a whole lot like hunting. Think about it. Go back in the memory book to sitting on a riverbank with a Zebco 33 in hand with no crazy lures, but rather just a cricket, a couple split-shot weights, and a bobber. We sat there and waited for the fish to come to us. THAT was fishing. Of course, now we speed all around the lake at 110 miles per hour casting non-stop until we find a willing fish. As I thought about waiting on a fish to come to me, I realized that’s exactly what I was doing in the deer stand. I was simply waiting for a deer to stroll on by, so I could let a meat missile fly out of my Hoyt. With all of that said, the word ‘hunting’ comes across as an extreme pursuit of an animal just like modern-day fishing. So, which is it? Do we hunt for fish and fish for deer? If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Quite frankly it really doesn’t matter. You know as well as I do that there isn’t much in life that is as rewarding as waking up in the dark hours of early morning to watch the world come alive around you as the sun rises. It’s our passion and it’s in our blood. We actively pursue it because it brings us joy. It’s just something to think about next time you are out in a tree stand or flying down the lake. So, whichever choice you make next, tight lines and shoot straight!
Bass: Good - As the days start to get shorter and the temps cool, expect a drastic improvement in the bass fishing. More fish will move shallow with the cooler water temps, and this pattern should only get better as the water level drops and we move into late fall. Topwater baits such as Rebel Pop R’s, Zara Spooks and Zoom Super Flukes will become more effective for these shallow fish, especially around remaining cover and ditch runs. Try targeting the mouths of feeder creeks north of the 219 bridge in the Chattahoochee. Look for schools of baitfish. On the south end of the lake, spotted bass are still your best bet. Spots are being caught by casting Spot Remover heads loaded with Shaky Head worms or just dragging a Carolina-rigged Zoom finesse worm or mini lizard around shoal markers. Also try a small Texas rigged worm or a pig-n-jig around blow down trees. Drop-shotting also works well, especially if the water cools down quickly, try old roadbeds. Actively schooling fish in open water will also hit the Flash Mob Jr. rig, a personal favorite in the fall. Linesides: Good - It was a good summer in general for schooling
topwater action on the main lake. I expect surface schooling on the main lake to continue into this fall and winter. These fish can generally be caught on Rooster tails, topwaters, pop-n-cork rigs and Storm Swim Shad lures. Try the flats across from the pumping stations. Expect the down-line bite on live bait to continue to improve as we move into fall, with the best yet to come in late fall and early winter! Trolling with a crankbait/bucktail combo should also continue to be fairly effective. Try old faithful areas like the railroad trestle hump and the humps out from Amity Park for good results. Crappie: Good - The fish will typically move shallower and hold on mid-depth brush and structure or under docks as the water temps drop into the 70s or below. Try dropshotting minnows or shooting docks in 5-10 feet of water for the best results. You can really do well if you find one of these schools. Try the cuts and coves in Yellow Jacket Creek and from Highland Marina north to Wolf Creek in the Chattahoochee. More fish will start to move shallow as the water cools, especially by the end of the month. Also, some rain and stain to the water would help. Minnows fished under a float will usually work on them, when you find them. Any blow-down near deep water is a good starting point.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST IT’S HUNTING SEASON, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BOAT! By Capt. Jake Davis www.midsouthbassguide.com, msbassguide@comcast.net 615-613-2382
While fishing the other day with a client (imagine that, me fishing), we observed a flock of Canadian geese fly over with the turning leaves, and he says it’s time for hunting season. Being from up north, Paul says “I need to get the boat serviced and winterized”. “Winterized”, now there is a term I have not heard since I was stationed in Wisconsin almost 20 years ago. I had not really thought of it much because I fish year round here in the South, and it’s second nature for me to take my boat in for a check up/service every three months. But for you hunters and fair weather fishermen, before you park the DuckettZoom-Strike King-Yamaha 250, go-faster-than-light bass boat or the ole stump-jumper flat bottom in the garage and pick up the Browning to go hunting, here are some friendly suggestions from my friendly local service center. First and foremost before anything, go see a certified master mechanic at a reputable dealer. A few of the items you should have done are to drain the fuels, have the cylinders fogged with fogging oil, drain the cooling system, treat the remaining fuel in the gas tank, put a little antifreeze in the cooling system is a good idea (use the eco safe type), service the batteries, change the lower unit oil and water impeller, grease and lube all moving parts to include the trailer, check the hydraulic steer fluid, and let’s not forget about those live wells. Second item to service is all
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those rods and tackle you’ve collected over the past year! Remove it all from the boat. This is the time to start cleaning and servicing your reels and baits. You can take your time and change the hooks out on those crankbaits and put new skirts on your spinnerbaits, etc. Don’t forget to remove the batteries from the hand held scales and other electronics. Lastly, if you’re going to store the boat outside, consider having it “shrink wrapped”. This will keep leaves out and most of the critters. When it is time to go fishing again, all you have to do it cut the shrink wrap off and put the rods and tackle back in the boat. The other great reason to do all this now is before you know it, it will be time to chase those big fish again, and if you don’t get the boat serviced now, you’ll be wishing you were fishing while you wait in line with everyone else. I’ve only touched on most of the items you should do before heading to the woods or the TV to watch football. I highly recommend you find a Certified Master Mechanic or your local reputable dealer to get all the proper winter maintenance work done. Capt Jake Davis is a USCG Licensed Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Guntersville, Tim’s Ford and Nickajack Lake. Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.midsouthbassguide.com” www.midsouthbassguide.com or call/email 615-613-2382, HYPERLINK “mailto:msbassguide@comcast. net” msbassguide@comcast.net .
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y ualit atters! Q e M r WheSTEEL 12 ATLANTA
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST
T
ALATOONA CRAPPIE
PRIORITIES By Billy Darby
Tim Dangar ltdangar@tds.net Well the heat and dry stayed for the month of September also, which took its toll on Lake Allatoona. We are down about 9 feet as I write this article. It happened so fast, I did not get a chance to fish before my fishing holes dried up. Lake conditions normally do not change much until the end of September, but this hot and dry fall has been anything but normal. But fall crappie fishing can be fun and productive when the lake has water. Find fish with live bait and then bring out the jigs. I am giving you my favorites for Allatoona. Bass Pro carries a 2 inch bubble gum (pink body) Triple Ripple Tail packaged under the Red Head brand. They also carry a Power Bait 2 inch natural body and single green tail. Fish these on a one
sixteenth red lead head jig and hold on. I am turning my attention to hunting, so we will pick back up in the spring. Till then, get out and enjoy the great outdoors. God Bless!
LAKE CHATUGE
As a lineman for 35 years, our motto is SAFETY and takes priority over all actions and intentions. Does anyone have to ask why this subject is being interjected into an angling magazine? In my opinion, this motto should be engrained in every angler’s brain. Every boater should consider the weather forecast before launch, especially tournament anglers. Tournament anglers are competitors with an intent to win. Somewhat like athletic sports or car racing with each type having some degree of hazard but each within their own right with the proper safety gear. Anglers have life jackets plus other safety paraphernalia that is required, but the most important safety feature is mind set. I will reference a particular setting where I was attending a game supper-fellowship. The speaker was telling a story about how he and his young son were caught in a severe storm while archery fish-
Eric Welch Welch’s Guide Service www.welchsguideservice. com 706-455-2323
Water temperature: 74 degrees, lake level: 5.5 feet below full pool, clarity: clear. We’re finally starting to see some cooler weather. These cooler nights and days have started dropping the water temps, and this should start getting the baitfish moving around and the bass to start chasing them. I’m going to start my mornings out throwing a Strike King Sexy Dawg and a Whopper Plopper on flats, humps, long points and shallow pockets with brush. You can also target these areas with a Strike King Rage Swimmer 2.75 or 3.25 on a 1/8 ounce swimbait head. Once the sun gets up, I’m going to start fishing long points and rocky bank lines with a 3/16 ounce shaky head with a Strike King 6.5” finesse worm in green pumpkin. This will
JACKSON LAKE By Brian Lee leebrian16 @yahoo.com
also work around docks and a 3/8 ounce pb/j jig. If you have a windy day, try throwing a 3/8 ounce spinnerbait or a 3.5” crankbait in a shad pattern. Fishing is only going to get better from here on. 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.
Water temperature: 78-85 degrees, lake level: 1-2 feet below full pool, clarity: stained/clear. The fall bite is picking up as the temps start to cool down a bit. Topwater is still producing some very good quality fish. You just have to be patient and stick with it. A crankbait or jerkbait is putting fish in the box. Rocks, ramps and rails are key factors this time of year. Colors depend on water clarity. A jig in these same areas is producing big fish too. Baitfish being present is a good sign that there is fish in the the year is pretty straight forward area you are fishing. This time of as to where and what to be doing.
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ing. Obviously in shallow water but on the far side of Lake Eufaula, launch was on the Georgia side. His mind set was to get back to the ramp. As his story unfolded about how treacherous the conditions he encountered were, I wondered why he did not stay in shallow water or even beach the boat near his current position. This man risked his and his son’s life because of a mindset that he had to get home. In another incident, three men approached the main lake from a tributary, then when recognizing the waves were getting unbearable, continued on. End of story. Now back to the tournament angler. The trophy, prestige or prize money is not worth the risk of traveling treacherous water to get back to the weigh-in. If in doubt, don’t. Please consider what the consequences are. Ignorance can be remedied by education. You already know about the other issue like John Wayne said.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST NOVEMBER ON LANIER – STAY FLEXIBLE Contributed By: Jim “Jimbo” Mathley www.jimboonlanier.com
Many anglers make the common mistake of underestimating the viability of late fall and winter fishing. While the outside elements are not always favorable, the months of November and December on Lake Lanier can offer anglers some of the best fishing of the year. Ditch fishing is often the approach upon which I focus, yet there are many options in a transitional month like November – so, stay flexible! November 2019: As you pursue different patterns this month, stay flexible as weather fronts will affect the location and mood of the catchable fish. Don’t forget to look shallow around points and humps both on the main lake and in the major creeks, in addition to the smaller creek runs. A spinnerbait on windy days can be incredible this time of year fished shallow on points, as can be a large crankbait like a Spro Little John DD. Also a big swimbait, like the Sweet Bait Sweet Herring can be an excellent choice for a big catch. As we proceed with this article, I will address more of how to approach once the water gets around 60 degrees, which may or may not happen in November this year. Shallow Ditches: Often times, if you find a shallow ditch (15 feet or less) in a creek, you will find baitfish present in and around this ditch. Bass will show up and feed in these areas, particularly in low-light conditions, even in the dead of winter. Slowrolling a SuperSpin or slow cranking a crankbait in these areas at daylight is a great way to take some huge spots throughout the late fall and winter. Present a SPRO jerkbait over these same areas for bites as well. Cast your jerkbait long distances over the ditch, and work the bait back to the boat with a jerk, jerk, pause retrieve. Include long pauses of up to 10 seconds between jerks. Also, ensure that you jerk the bait on slack line to improve the erratic action of the bait, which will trigger more strikes. The key to this technique is patience. Deep Ditches: Many of the same definitions and techniques will still apply to deeper ditches, but there are some key differences. When you search for these deeper ditches 16 ATLANTA
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(25-50 feet deep), start by following the shallow ditches out to deeper water. Once you have moved to the deeper part of the ditch, use your Lowrance electronics to look for cover within or around the ditch that may offer an ambush spot for bass. Structure changes, such as a ditch, along with ancillary structure/cover such as brush or standing timber, offer a refuge for baitfish, as well as an ambush position for the bass. If you can find an area with a ditch, standing timber, brush, and key feature changes such as an outside channel bend intersected by a roadbed in 40 feet of water or so, you have found the perfect winter haunts of the bait and our green-backed friends. Good electronics, such as Lowrance HDS units with 3D Structure Scan Technology, are vital to finding these subtle depth changes and cover. Once you find a location like this holding fish, start by dropping a jigging spoon down to the location of the fish. Allow the spoon to sink to the bottom and then reel it 2 cranks up before beginning your presentation. Jig the spoon with quick, short, upward thrusts of the rod and include pauses in your presentation. Let the fish tell you how they want the bait presented. Another option for these deep fish include a drop-shot rig. Rig a dropshot with a small worm or minnow imitation and present the bait in the area of the fish. Do not over-work the bait. Often, periods of no movement can trigger strikes. I prefer the many offerings of Lanier Baits for these presentations. Steep Rock Banks/Rip Rap: These features consistently hold fish during the late fall and winter months. These “vertical” banks, present both in the creeks as well as the main lake, offer the fish the ability to change depths within the water column without traveling very far. This provides an optimal situation for the fish whose metabolism and activity levels are slowed by the colder water. Begin by using your electronics to graph a likely area in search of bait. Search for changes in the structure as your starting place. Look for points, pockets, contour changes, or
transition areas where sand meets rock or clay, for example. Begin your prospecting in these areas with a SPRO jerkbait such as a McStick. Impart the jerk, jerk, pause retrieve mentioned previously, with a focus on long pauses. If the fish are not active enough to hit the jerkbait, try worms or Chattahoochee jigs worked slowly down the rock bank. Position your boat in deeper water and cast towards the bank. Work the bait slowly and methodically back to the boat, paying particular attention to your lure’s movements. Bites in the late fall and winter are often VERY subtle. While these areas are not the only
possible places to find fish on Lake Lanier in the late fall, they are some very good areas to begin your search. Remember to look for bait and fish in an area before fishing it. Good luck out there and see you on the water! For more information or to book a trip, contact Jimbo on Lanier via email: james.mathley@gmail.com or phone: 770-542-7764. Check out Jimbo’s website: www.jimboonlanier. com
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 Currently, fall fishing is in full swing. Summer held on for dear life but relented its grip by early October. As of this report, the lake level is 324.8 feet and morning surface temperatures are still hanging in the low eighties. We anticipate the water level to be low this winter. This gives the fish less room to hide but also presents more obstacles to avoid on the early morning runs upriver. Early November is typically associated with the end of the lake turnover, and this year will be no
exception. By mid-November, the baitfish and predators will have migrated up the rivers and creeks and will be scattered throughout the entire reservoir. We will have predictable success intercepting the moving fish by presenting lively herring on downrods along the river and creek bends. A depth of 24 feet down is a good starting point but can be much shallower in low light conditions. We have boats on the water daily and can keep up with the migration. Give us a call and let the professionals put you on the fish. Snacks, drinks and a fishing license are all that is required. We even fillet the catch for you. Look us up for a good time at www.littleriverguideservice.net.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE ALATOONA Forecast By Joseph Martinelli heronoutdooradventures@gmail.com Hooray! Autumn is in the air here in Northern Georgia, and we could not be more pleased with the weather after such a relentless summer that held on a little past it’s welcome. The weeks of highs in the 70’s and lows in the 40-50’s are upon us, and this means the fishing only gets better here on Allatoona. The current lake level is nearing 830 feet at the time of this report, almost 10 feet below full pool, and the water quality is good. Surface temps are around 80 lake wide, and we can anticipate a continuing cooling of water temps going forward into November. We will soon experience a lake ‘turnover’ that typically places the fish in a state of suspended animation, but this too shall pass, and the striper fishing should be absolutely fantastic and in full swing this month.
The hybrids and stripers are trickling down from the upper Etowah and into the main lake. With the water turnover on the near horizon, there will be a short spell of fish appearing to be in suspended animation, but diligence and diversity will catch fish even when that turnover period turns off the masses. Overall, frisky threadfins and small gizzards on downlines and freelines is a hard to beat combination when fishing live bait here on Allatoona. Do not hesitate to drag some larger baits, particularly if you are committing to a spot/stretch of water. This is the time when the larger fish are back in the main lake, and while anything can happen, it is the time when a large bait triggers a bigger fish. You still have opportunity for some fantastic topwater action on the artificials when all the stars align, and trolling the u-rigs will have its days that will out produce even a live
bait presentation. We have the pleasure of some real good crappie fishing here on Allatoona as well. They are beginning to show a pattern at the time of this report, and we should be dialed in on them quite well into November. We’ll be on them like it is our job to do so, much like we do with the hybrids and stripers. We are on the water full time, rain or shine, so we will know right where all
those rascals are for the day your trip arrives. We look forward to having you on board, making friends, enjoying some good conservation and catching some fish, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature here on Lake Allatoona. Let’s go fishing! Visit us at www. heronoutdooradventures.com to book your adventure.
GET HOOKED ON LAKE LANIER Lake Lanier is located at the foothills of the Appalachians and offers 38,000 acres of world class fishing, rowing, kayaking and outdoor fun!
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST KIM’S KITCHEN
LAKE MARTIN
Bacon Wrapped Venison Tenderloin
Provided By: David Hare Alex City Guide Service 256-401-3089
www.poundersseafoodmarket.com
by Kim Nunery Pounders Seafood Market • 6 thick slices bacon
• 2 (3/4 pound) venison tenderloin roasts • 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder • divided kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms • 2 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, or more to taste • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, or more to taste Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place bacon on a slotted baking pan. Bake bacon in the preheated oven until partially cooked but still flexible, 6 to 8 minutes. Brush venison tenderloins with olive oil and season with onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Place tenderloin roasts side by side and wrap them together in strips of partially cooked bacon. Place into a roasting pan. Roast until bacon is browned and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tenderloin reads at least 145 degrees F, about 1 hour.
Water temperature: 80 degrees, lake level: 487.00, clarity: clear to very clear. My guess is that by the time you’re reading this we are at or close to winter pool levels of 484.00 and surface temps of 70 degrees plus or minus. The below pictures are just a couple of examples from 2018 November trips. November of 2019 should not only be as good in numbers, but extremely larger in size. This month you need to look for large schools of stripers and bass in and around major creek channels, the river and river channel, and on the main lake. I know this isn’t narrowing the search down for you, but
it just means they are normally at several locations and much easier to locate than the last couple of months. As in the past and always, we will be targeting the stripers with gizzard shad, but never do we overlook the advantage of using artificial lures also. Many of our clients want to learn how to catch the fall fish on their own, so we teach them where to look, what to look for, what baits and lures to use, and the approach of using different baits and lures. If you think you would like some fast action fall fishing, then November on Lake Martin is hard to beat. In fact, some say it’s some of the best fishing in the South! Don’t forget we offer gift certificates for year-round fishing in all price ranges, and with Christmas coming up, it’s a great time to start shopping with us.
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Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir mushrooms and garlic in hot butter until mushrooms are soft, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir green onion into mushroom mixture; pour in cream. Cook, stirring often, until sauce is heated through. Serve sauce with tenderloins.
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LAKE CHATUGE HYBRIDS AND SPOTTED BASS Report By: Darren Hughes Owner: Hughes General Store & Bait Shop The Angler Magazine Fishing Team & Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service www.bigolfish.com 828-361-2021
Fall fishing is wide open out here on this awesome North Georgia Lake. The cooler water temperatures have really got these big fish feeding. Currently, Lake Chatuge is 7 feet below full pool. Water temps are in the mid 70s, and water clarity is clear throughout the lake. Hybrid fishing has been great. These fish are still schooling in large numbers, and we are catching some big quantities. Look for schools of fish along the main channel and off points. Downlining live blueback herring has been the best technique. Fish will be slightly shallower in the early morning hours and will move to deeper water by mid-morning. With the cooling water temps, the topwater bite has picked up considerably. When these fish start busting on bait, it’s always a good idea to have a Spook or Red Fin at the ready. As the month progresses, these hybrids will work their way back into the creeks and spread out. Time to break out the ol’ planer boards.
Spotted bass fishing remains excellent, too. We are still catching some huge spots throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to put 30-50 of these feisty fish in the boat in one trip. Early morning topwater bite has been strong. 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. In terms of location, the upper end of the lake has been producing slightly better numbers than the lower end. Fall 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 Hughes General Store in Blairsville. It’s the best place around for quality live blueback herring. We also carry ethanol-free gas and have some of the best hot, madefrom-scratch biscuits in North GA. For guided fishing trips on Lakes Chatuge, Hiwassee, or Nottely, or questions about the bait shop, call me, Darren Hughes, at Hughes General Store. And whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, give Chatuge a shot for some of the best spotted bass and hybrids in the area.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE BLUE RIDGE Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
Water temperature: 72 degrees, lake level: down 13 feet, clarity: 7 feet. Walleye, walleye, walleye, is the word of the month. Next to spring, now is the best time of the year to target the elusive Georgia walleye. We have been staying on them all month and are dialing them in and making adjustments every day. Trolling lures has been our best bite with live bait rigs following in a close second. Targeting main lake points in 20 to 40 feet of water in the afternoon and focusing on the main river early morning has been our strategy, and it’s working so far. Long lining deep diving crankbaits just off the bottom on rocky structure in the afternoon has produced better numbers, while live baits have accounted for bigger fish. Bright
colored artificial baits are key to get their attention and have worked great. There’s good numbers of fish in the Star Creek area and around the bends in the main river, mostly on the inside corners with steep contour lines. Make sure you’re pulling baits into the fish and not from behind them. I like trolling from 2 to 3 mph and covering productive areas thoroughly, sometimes making six or seven passes over marked fish before moving on. If you’re not hanging up on the bottom, getting snagged and losing the occasional lure or live bait rig, you’re not fishing close enough to the bottom. Live baits used include minnows, herring, and shad and vary the sizes according to what the fish want that day but you can never go wrong starting out with the largest live bait you can find. With the lake being drawn down for winter, please be aware of submerged structure and underwater hazards while on the water. Stay safe and stay warm.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LANIER STRIPERS Forecast by: Clay Cunningham www.catchingnotfishing.com 770-630-2673 It’s time to get the topwater lures in the boat. Fall is here and the stripers have been schooling on top. Look for some of these schools to be very large in size. If you see something like cannonballs hitting the water, you have found them. You may see them from several hundred yards away. All types of topwater baits will work, but each day a different one will be the key choice. Two key baits are the Sebile Magic Swimmer and the Berkley J-Walker. Spool up a Penn Conflict II 4000 spinning reel with 12-pound Trilene Big Game line on a 7 foot medium heavy Fenwick spinning rod and you
are good to go. The south end of the lake will most likely be the key area, but the stripes may quickly be found further north on the lake. If you want to use live bait, pull some freelines which are simply baits with no weight at 100 feet behind the boat tipped with a blueback herring. All you need is a Shakespeare Striper Rod paired with a Penn Fathom II Linecounter reel spoiled with 15-pound Trilene Big Game line and a 1/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap hook. The herring will do the rest. Pull the herring across humps and points, and you will catch stripers and spotted bass. It’s a great way to spend the day. I’m looking forward to the most explosive fishing of the year this November. See you on the water.
LAKE EUFAULA By Capt Sam Williams hawk184@earthlink.net 334-687-6266 Water temperature: low to mid 80’s, lake level: 188.68 msl, clarity: clear to slight stain. We are finally experiencing some traces of fall weather. The latest shad hatch has the fish eating well. The bass are feeding on the flats near pads and grass cover. Lipless cranks are doing a good job. Frogs, spinners and chatterbaits are a good choice as well. The deeper fish are still slow to react. A slow presentation is still necessary. Crappie are holding on the deeper attractors and natural stumps and trash. Jigs and minnows are the answer. Shellcrackers are on the beds on the flats. Wigglers will get you a good fight. We are also catching some nice eating size cats and the bass are there also. Catfish are always cooperating on the jugs using cut bait in the creeks. Be safe and enjoy your time on the water. Please visit our website www.alabamachildrensclassic. org and read the article about our local hero, Scott Woodruff and see how you can help him and his family with
his need for a heart transplant. You can also help our foundation with a chance on a Henry Golden Boy or a Power Pole sponsored by Boyd’s Marine. God bless and good fishing.
Richard and Pattie Groggy from Cordele, GA with a couple of nice bass caught fishing with Capt Sam Williams.
LAKE SEMINOLE Forecast By: by Paul Tyre paultyrefishing@yahoo.com The bass fishing has been good in October despite the record high temperatures at the beginning of the month! We expect the bass fishing in November to be excellent with the bass feeding up on shad and bream. Topwater lures like buzzbaits and frogs have been very productive. As we move into November, crankbaits, jerkbaits and swim jigs will be great options for covering water and finding some big bass! The stripers and hybrids have
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been schooling on the main lake and are being caught on Alabama rigs and crankbaits. As we go into the fall, striper and hybrid fishing will continue to get better! Fall is a great time for an ECO Tour on Lake Seminole. It’s still warm enough to see the ospreys and alligators along with other native species in their natural setting. Lake Seminole Fishing Adventures is booking ECO Tours now! For a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure or ECO Tour this fall, give us a call at 850-264-7534 or follow us on Instagram @ lakeseminolefishingadventures and Facebook @ paultyrefishing!
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST FALL FISHING IS FINALLY HERE Dr. Andrew Cox It seems that fall has finally arrived. It certainly was a long time arriving with the record hot temperatures experienced during late September and October. With the cooling water temperatures, some of the best angling of the year can be found this month. Possibly with this year’s late arriving fall weather patterns, such angling could possibly last into December. These months can rival the fishing found in late March, April, and early May in this part of the country. Though fall is my favorite angling time of the year, some changes in your fishing techniques and approach may be required. Basic knowledge of weather and water patterns is needed to be successful. Changes in wind patterns, the slant of the sun during daylight hours, lake and river water turnover, and mini-cold fronts that may move through our region can
mean angling success or non-success. The angler can study these events and use them to increase fishing success. I also enjoy this time of year as there are fewer anglers on the water. Anglers are distracted by hunting, college football, and other seasonal events, making for fewer boats on the water. In addition, the cooler water temperatures have removed some of the pleasure boaters and personal watercraft operators from the water making a more serene fishing experience. I enjoy traveling to other waters within the Southeastern region to experience angling opportunities within more distant areas. Just as fall brings good fishing opportunities to our local area, trout fishing in North Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee improves. Inshore saltwater fishing in the Florida panhandle, Alabama, and Mississippi also gets a
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not anticipate Mother Nature and the bad weather conditions that may be thrown in during this time of year. Such may require a change in angling and travel plans. Some lodging operators within these areas will allow you to postpone your trip and apply your deposit or reservation to another time period when the weather may be more conducive to fishing. With or without such planning, the stage for a good angling adventure can be established during the fall months. Don’t miss out on one of the best times of year to enjoy fishing and other outdoor activities. Author’s Note: Dr. Andrew Cox is a contributing writer to outdoor publications and newspapers. His writing interests specialize in angling and travel, human interest, and general fishing technique oriented topics. He is a member of the Georgia Outdoor Writer’s Association. He has been fishing the waters of Georgia, Alabama, and north Florida for over forty years. Dr. Cox financially supports his fishing habits as Professor Emeritus at Troy University, Phenix City, Alabama. He may be contacted at andrewtrout@aol.com
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shot in the arm before the winter months set in. However, other outdoor enthusiasts are many times sampling the seasonal changes at these locales also. In the areas that I frequent for cold water trout fishing, the leaf watchers are out in full force, making it difficult to locate lodging, crowding restaurants, and increasing traffic on the rural roads within these areas. With the uptick in inshore saltwater fishing, obtaining lodging within these areas can be tricky as numerous other anglers have the same idea. Travel to distant fishing areas requires some advance planning. Many times I study a calendar several months in advance, planning as to when I may want to visit these distant freshwater and saltwater angling locations. With calendar in hand, I will adjust my schedule to accommodate these fishing excursions. This may include fishing on weekdays when there are fewer travelers vying for available amenities. Such advance planning can make the difference between going on the trip, having a miserable experience, or having a good time at your fishing location. Unfortunately, the angler can-
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST T. J STALLINGS: WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS TO HAVE KNOWN HIM by O’Neill Williams TJ was born January 1, 1958 in Shreveport, LA. on Barksdale AFB, where his father was stationed. They moved to Orlando, FL. in 1959. His father was out of the military and started working in a steel fabrication shop that his uncle owned. After working for his uncle for a few years, his father worked for a local newspaper that took him around numerous lakes to get to work. As an avid angler, TJ’s dad made it a point to hit these lakes to and from work each day. His father’s passion for fishing spurred a mold from his uncle’s fabrication shop for his famous Tim’s Fantastic Bluegill Jig. This was the start of a minor industry and the foundation for a life in fishing for TJ. TJ helped his father in the garage when he was six years old making the little lures. He bent hooks, poured lead and tied on
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squirrel hair. This continued for six years. TJ’s dad, Tim, bought an old tackle store in Orlando aptly named it Tim’s Tackle box. TJ worked in the store at first learning the ropes of customer service and inventory management. As he got older, he became obsessed with saltwater fishing both offshore and inshore. He was an expert at all aspects in a very short time. TJ was the head rigger and outfitter for the store for many years. Fast forward to the late 90’s. TJ was a rep for a hook company during his time at the rep group. This hook company hired TJ to be their saltwater expert. He took the knowledge from his past and from scientific studies and helped create the Bleeding Bait hook. This put the company on the map quickly. TJ’s expertise in saltwater
helped him to create and was awarded a patent on an in-line circle hook with a bait keeper on the inside of the shank. His patent award still hangs at the hook company offices. He was on the water and rivers capturing photos and content for the company. He had a gift of writing and photography. It showed in a lot of different mediums both digital and print. He even became the publisher for Crappie Now magazine. In 2016, TJ was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He fought it, of course, but the treatments and cancer was too much. He passed in January 2017 from complications of the treatments. He was 59 years old. His passion still abounds through the industry. Folks continue to talk about him and the positive impact his work and life. On “O’Neill Outside” television and radio, we air a segment called “TJ’s Tackle Tips”. He always wanted to share. Here are some for your review 1. Try turning the tail of any curly tail up or down. If the tail is down, it will sink slightly slower because of the resistance. If turned up, it will sink slightly faster with less resistance. 2. When you’re using a ‘dropshot’ rig, use a Road Runner or any other jig as your weight. This increases your chances getting an extra bite when reeling hookups on the ‘up-line’ hooks or baits. 3. Run a piece of cotton through the guides on your rods. If any of it sticks to the guides, they need replacing. There are possible cracks or burrs that will break line. 4. Do not power spray your reels with a hose. It forces impurities into the reel that may cause corrosion. Use only a light spray and douse the
entire reel for a couple of minutes. Then, dry it off with a lint-free cloth and spray the entire reel with Real Magic to protect the reel and line. 5. Fish pick up frequencies along their lateral line to find food. Use different types of Road Runners to find the right frequency. If you start with a Marabou and it is not producing, tie on a curly tail. If that does not work, go to a GOGO Runner and so on. 6. Keep an angler’s journal. Each time you go fishing, write down as much data as possible about the weather and the water conditions. However, always include what you were using to catch fish. Do not forget about moon phases, barometric pressure and cloud cover. You can refer to this journal over the years to condition your approach to each body of water. 7. Be respectful at the ramp. Have your rig ready to launch when it is your turn. Do not back up to the ramp then load the boat from your vehicle. This wastes other anglers’ waiting to put in or take out at the ramp while you do your house cleaning. 8. Wash your boat off when moving from lake to lake. Contaminants from one lake can stick to your boat and wash off into another lake. This is how the Zebra mussels infested a lake out west. 9. Use the long shank Tru-Turn hook for panfish. The longer shank makes it easier to grab and remove since you cannot get your fingers in a smaller fish’s mouth. 10. When fishing with younger kids use a Blakemore Rod Floater. If the rig falls out of their hands, you will be able to recover it. The Rod Floater keeps rigs afloat so you can retrieve them.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST LAKE LANIER STRIPERS Forecast By: Steve Scott http://TeamLanier.wordpress.com/menu October brought us some topwater action with some good numbers of stripers being caught mostly in the morning in the mouths of creeks over points with jigs tipped with blueback herring. Medium-sized Zara’s and transom baits were also used with great success from the creek mouths to halfway back in the creek. Typical November patterns to follow would be around Lake Marker 38 and Browns Bridge to Hwy 60 from mid-morning to late afternoon, Lake Marker 55 and across the way starting in front of Long Hollow Park ramp. You should follow the bank contour but stay in 50’ of water. Another location to try in the Chattahoochee is the mouth of Little River in the S’s just off the river channel back to the first reef pole on the right. Fifty feet from that reef pole is a 50 foot drop-off. Downlining with live bait such as blueback herring and gizzard shad is still the ticket, but if you prefer trolling with Lead Core, start out
with 7 colors out or umbrella rigs at 120’ behind the boat at 3 mph. If you follow the same patterns used in prior Novembers with the water temperatures being in the low sixties, pulling baits in the upper rivers will be a bonus. Using medium to large trout against the current will be the ticket using planer boards and directional bobbers. The same goes for gizzard shad from dollar bill size to mongos. You should start around Don Carter Park and go just a couple of miles north of Lula Bridge. For the Chestatee, you should begin north of Highway 53 and continue all the way up to the dredge and a little beyond. Methods to use are planer boards and directional bobbers. Don’t forget the transom bait barely breaking the surface of the water, a long-range float out 150 feet, and always have a topwater lure ready to cast out at a moment’s notice in case the bait just gets chased. Tip of the month: Have a VHF radio on hand in case you have any boat issues and have no cell service in these remote areas mentioned above. For more information about striper fishing, please visit my website at www.TeamLanier.com. Steve Scott 404-273-3481
LAKE BURTON Forecast by: Capt. Wes Carlton Georgia Lake Fishing 770-318-9777 www.georgialakefishing.com Wow. It’s been the longest summer I can remember! Finally some cooler weather is here to make these fish come up shallow and start feeding in a more routine pattern. The bass bite has been good the last couple of days. We have caught some really nice largemouth bass in the backs of the creeks. Small topwater baits have been working best. We have good success throwing a small chrome Heddon Super Spook. The retrieve has been a little slower than normal and seems to get bit on the pause. Look for these fish to feed for several hours during the day over the next week or so. The spotted bass bite has been decent on shallow points near the main lake. Five inch jerkbaits
have been working best. Try fishing 8 to 18 foot depths for these spots. Look for the bass bite to increase significantly in the next few weeks. This is my favorite time of year to catch a big sack of bass on any of the northern lakes! The brown trout bite has begun to be a little more consistent in the last week or so. We have been catching most of our fish on medium shiners downlined approximately 20 feet deep. Look for this bite to gradually get better. Some of the mature females are headed to spawn and will feed aggressively afterwards. The trout bite will get better as the water temps cool off into the lower 60’s. Speaking of lower 60 water temps, the walleye bite should be firing up real soon. These fish seem to show up every year in and around the bank lines as the water gets cooler. Good luck!
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST CARTERS LAKE
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 Fall is for striper fishing, and November is a fantastic time to hit the water for some big stripers. November kicks off the start of monster trophy season in this area, and Lake Nottely offers some fast pace striper action. If you want some huge 30 to 50 pounders, it’s definitely time to hit the water! So, after filling up on that yard bird, grab your favorite rod and book a trip with North GA’s #1 striper guide: Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. We’ve been striper fishing these mountain lakes forever and have what it takes to put you on some huge fish. Currently, Lake Nottely is 10 feet below full pool. Water clarity is clear and water temps are in the low 70s. Striper fishing has been extremely excellent. We’re still catching tons and tons of stripers right now. These fish have been schooled up and we’ve been wearing them out. Just in the past couple of weeks, we’ve already had several 30 to 44 pounders. The early-morning and evening bites are your best times to see action.
With the cooling water temps, continue to target creek mouths and points off the main lake channel, but also look for schools to move back into the creeks. The majority of our fish have been caught from Point 6 to the dam. The topwater bite has picked up a bit, so keep a Spook or a Red Fin at the ready to snag surface-busting fish. The fish will continue to be schooled up throughout the next month and will remain in deeper water before starting to spread out in their typical winter pattern. Just remember to keep an eye on your electronics and watch for schools of stripers when cruising the lake. November is a fantastic month for catching some big fish on this 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. We are Blairsville, GA’s only full-time guide service, specializing in striped and hybrid bass. We also serve Lake Hiwassee, Chatuge and Blue Ridge. And for all your live blueback herring and tackle needs, check out Hughes General Store in Blairsville, GA. They carry everything you need for a successful day of fishing. So, come fish with the pros for the opportunity to be featured in Angler Magazine, and let us help you get your fish on!
Forecast By: Eric Crowley Lake & Stream Guide Service (706) 669-4973
lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail.com
Water temperature: 75 degrees, lake level: down 3 feet, clarity: 8 feet. Fall has finally arrived, and we are all thankful that the heat wave that was this summer is over. The fall walleye bite has been better than we have ever seen. We are catching fish with several different techniques from trolling deep crankbaits, jigging, and fishing live baits on a few different types of rigs. Threadfins and alewive are the go-to live baits for the walleyes, and having various sizes can make all the difference. Some days, they want big baits, and some days, they prefer the smaller to medium sized ones. Downlines fished on the steep bank contours in 20 to 40 feet have been the go-to most days. Targeting areas that are holding schools of bait is key. If you’re using artificial baits casting or trolling, look at the inside bends in the river with these same steep contour lines. Early morning and late afternoon have been best on
sunny days and on cloudy, overcast days, we have been catching them all day, even around lunch time. As for stripers, fall means time to bust out the Cast Away planer boards and big live baits and start pulling banks and creek points. The striped fish are looking to fatten up for winter after a long hot dry summer of living on the bottom of this deep lake. The creeks are full of baitfish, and stripers are pushing them up feeding near shoreline structure. I like to run my baits back 75 feet and run my boards 20 to 40 feet off each side of the boat. Berkley Fusion circle hooks are my hook of choice matched to the size of your baits. Vary your speed with your trolling motor until you find what they want. Typically, I start around 1 mph. In the afternoon, I am still pulling Capt Mack’s U-Rigs in various colors looking for the open water bite, anywhere from 75 to 180 feet back depending where you’re seeing fish on the sonar. Worley Creek, Fisher Creek and the main river are all good places to target this month. Hope everyone enjoys this break from the heat before it gets cold. Stay safe, and I’ll see you on the water.
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LOCAL LAKES AND FORECAST CATCHING GEORGIA WALLEYE
Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 (706) 444-6365 Capt. Bill Wheeler (706) 914-9859 • (706) 4
By Gary Turner
The fish hit so hard it nearly pulled me in and only my steady grip saved the rod. My Grandpa had sat me in a “good spot”, and he went down the lake a few feet looking for another good spot. I was sitting there holding the rod, waiting, when all of the sudden the water in front of me exploded! Line was screaming out of my reel as the big fish headed across the lake. I reeled as fast as I could, but I could not make the line come in any, so I did what any five-yearold would do. I grabbed the line and started pulling it in by hand, because I didn’t really know what else to do. My Grandpa heard me yelling at all the commotion, and he was just in time to see the big fish splashing in the shallow water. Just as he went to help me, the line snapped. He looked at me with his hands spread wide with that look that said; what are you doing? He told me that it was a really big walleye, maybe 8 to 10 pounds, which was a whale for me. All I had caught were bream and fish with a net before this trip. Grandpa talked about that fish for a long time. He would always get that same expression too, hands spread wide, when he talked about the big fish that got away. That was in 1968 in Beatrice, Nebraska and was my first encounter with the walleye While people up north can catch walleye in many places, Georgia has some great walleye fishing too. Blue Ridge has a natural population, and Carters Lake is stocked and plentiful. Even Lake Lanier has some. However, they are one of the most elusive species to catch. In October and November, they start moving back into shallower water, following the bait. Trolling with live baits and lures is the preferred way to fish them this time of year. Carters Lake is preferred if you are looking for size, and Blue Ridge is better for catching numbers. My best day on Carters, I caught two, and on my fishing friend, guide Eric Crowley’s best day, he caught nine. Sonar returns on walleye look different than stripers or spots with
less arch. They will look flat on 2D sonar. The most successful live baits are live shad, live herring and alewife. The best artificial baits are crankbaits, jerkbaits, and small swimbaits, either casted or trolled, in brightly colored yellow, clown and chartreuse. Trolling speed should be faster in spring and fall, slower in winter and summer. Fishing for walleye to me is a lot like hunting flatheads. If you pull the bait close enough, they can’t resist sometimes. Walleyes are low light feeders and prefer to feed from dusk till dawn. Eric says that just because they are night feeders doesn’t mean you can’t get them to bite in the middle of the day, given the opportunity. It’s all about presenting them with a bait they can’t refuse! Eric is the guru of catching walleye on Carters and Blue Ridge. I have learned everything I know about catching Georgia walleye from him. If you want to catch walleye on Carters Lake or Blue Ridge, he is the person to go with. His guide service is Lake and Stream Guide Service. You can get more information on fishing with Eric at his website www.lakeandstreamguideservice.com and contact him at lakeandstreamguideservice@gmail. com or (706) 669-4973. I’m not sure what next month’s article will be on, but remember, if you have an empty seat on your boat that needs filling, shoot me an email at gary@purgeright.com and maybe it will be about fishing with you!
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Wall of Fame WINNER!
WIN A FREE ANGLER MAGAZINE CAP!
Campbell Merriman with a pretty red fish taken on a fly rod in Louisiana.
One will be given away each month for the best reader submitted photo!
Caleb Straight with a nice bass caught while on a Lake Seminole Fishing Adventure with Paul Tyre.
James Beavens and son Mason with a pretty striper caught on Lake Nottely with Big Ol Fish Guiding Service.
Daryl Winter from Peachtree Corners GA with a nice one from Lake Eufaula.
Capt Sam Williams with a nice 6.5 pounder caught during the annual Bonnie Plant tournament on Lake Eufaula
Leo Tammaro with a beautiful 23 inch bow caught with Reel Em In Guide Service.
Butch Bryan with a big crappie on Lake Eufaula. Lee Blevins from Weeki Wachee, FL fishing Lake Eufaula with Capt Sam Williams.
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By Mikey Erickson
A
lot of people know Costa Rica is the “Billfish Capital of the World,” but that’s not all it is. Double-digit numbers of tarpon and an abundance of snook can be caught on the Caribbean Coast out of Tortuguero, where rivers like Rio Parismina and Rio Colorado follow the coast and open up into the ocean. Days of 30 or more fish are possible. And the river-locked town of Tortuguero is a true gem.The culture has a lot of Jamaican and Spanish influence. The season here is from February to May. Great spots for freshwater fishing include the beautiful Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the rivers running through northern-inland Costa Rica. Rainbow bass, better known as “guapote,” are the main target of freshwater anglers. They are prized for intelligence, aggression and great tasting meat. The Machaca is another exciting fish that has earned the nickname “mini tarpon.” The town of La Fortuna in Arenal is a very nice place to visit. Everything is green and full of life due to the volcanic soil. There are also hot springs. The best season for this area is from January to May. On the northern Pacific Coast, fishing is great all the way down the coast from Papagayo to El Coco, Flamingo to Tamarindo, Nosara to Samara, and Santa Teresa to Tambor. The sport fishing in this area picks up from May to August with species like mahi, marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper and wahoo. This region is beautiful, and the culture is very European. If you get the chance to explore this region, take it! The best fishing in the central Pacific region is near Jaco, Herradura, Quepos and Manuel Antonio. I’ve lived four years, fishing constantly, and it offers year-round angling. The marlin and sailfish bite is insane from December to June, and from April to November the mahi come in huge numbers to debris pushed out by the rivers. There are also many FAD’s (Fish Attracting Devices) 100 miles off the coast. Overnight trips offer double-digit marlin and sailfish! The southern Pacific Coast offers many great destinations both inshore and offshore. The Sierpe River offers great freshwater fishing, and places like Golfito, Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez offer killer inshore fishing. These areas known for giant roosterfish year-round, and also feature great marlin and sailfish from August to March, mahi-mahi from May to October and tuna year-round. All in all, Costa Rica is the fishing destination of a lifetime for freshwater, inshore, offshore and spearfishing. Come explore what the land of Pura Vida has to Offer. Mikey Erickson is co-editor of Coastal Angler/Costa Rica and Tres Niñas Tours Manager. Contact him at mikey@coastalanglermagazine.com, info@tresninastours.com, U.S. Cell: +1(561)310-2665, CR Cell: +506-8305-0041. Visit www.coastalanglermag.com/costa-rica/ and www.tresninastours.com.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
BIG BASS IN MEXICO
BRANDON LESTER
T
his summer I took my second trip to Mexico’s famed El Salto. It didn’t disappoint, dishing out some of the meanest 7- and 8-pound bass I’ve ever seen. Of course, we caught numbers as well, but this time I slowed down and enjoyed everything Angler’s Inn at El Salto has to offer. On this trip, the lake was down 45 feet. El Salto is an irrigation lake, so water gets used a lot in summer. Low water levels concentrated the fish. We caught a bunch on lipless baits, a few on jigs and a good number on crankbaits. By and large, though, the best pattern was a Texas-rigged Photo by Jon Tatum worm. It’s awesome how the lake is different during different seasons. It makes each trip unique. On the first day, guides feel you out to make your trip as fun as possible. Everyone has a different goal. Some guys want numbers; some want their best shot at a 10-pounder. On Day One, we landed 70 to 80 fish, easily, but I didn’t catch any over 5 pounds. On Day Two, my very experienced guide took me after the big ones. We fished for bass suspended in standing timber. It was a little harder to catch them, but the fish were much bigger. Down
there, you can pretty much catch fish any way you want, but you can’t catch big fish doing whatever you want. The guides at El Salto have the big-fish patterns nailed down through the seasons. Last year, I went in January and we caught big fish deep cranking, so the pattern had changed completely. One thing that didn’t change was how mean the fish are. That brings me to my other takeaway: Big fish require the best gear you can throw. I fished extensively with the new 11-inch X Zone Blitz Worm, in both plum and red bug. They bit the fire out of both colors. The bait has very little salt content, so it floats off the bottom, which gives it much better action. The baits are also very soft and easy to rig. Mustad just came out with a complete line of tungsten, and I put it to the test. We used a 3/8-ounce tungsten bullet weight, and loved it. The Mustad line has Titan X finish on it, which is awesome. Most objects in nature aren’t shiny, so this mattestyle Titan X finish is more natural. The sizes are etched onto each weight. It’s a nice touch that makes selection easier. A 5/0 Grip Pin Big Bite hook is the perfect big-bass hook. There were a few sessions where I caught at least 50 fish on one hook. That’s one of the best things about a Mustad hook. Drag it across rocks and set the hook over and over. The points on their hooks will not roll. Feel free to ask me on social media about the trip and any of the gear mentioned here.
For more Lester visit,
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877-777-8693
Fishmaster Angler Ad.indd 1
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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NOVEMBER 2019
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www.ratchetjacket.com
BUILT TOUGH TO PROTECT YOUR STUFF
C
Cus
#ratchetjacket
Photo courtesy of Anglers Inn
L
By CAM Staff
20% OFF CODE: ANGLER
ake Picachos, Mexico might not warrant the title of the world’s best trophy lake, but it might just be the world’s most fun bass fishery. Picachos is the newest of northwest Mexico’s storied bass fisheries. The dam for this 14,000-acre reservoir on the Presidio River was completed in 2009. It was opened to anglers in 2013. A decade since its formation, the lake is pumping out almost unbelievable numbers of 3- to 5-pound fish. According to Angler’s Inn International, it’s not unusual for a pair of skilled anglers to catch 200 to 300 fish a day. According to Ron Speed Jr.’s daily reports, Picachos regularly produces 150-fish days with big fish each day topping out at 6 to 8 pounds. That’s incredible action for solid fish. The lake record is 12-pounds, 14-ounces, and the bar is expected to rise as the fishery matures. An ample forage base of tilapia, plenty of heavy cover, clean water and catch-and-release regulations point to a bright future. Mornings and evenings generally see an outstanding topwater bite, which is a ton of fun for conventional anglers with walking baits and poppers as well as for fly-rodders throwing bass bugs. Spinnerbaits, lizards, stickbaits, Flukes and shallow-running crankbaits also provide action that leads to bleeding bass thumb. Lake Picachos is about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Coast resort town Mazatlán. Fishing is great year-round, with a peak from February into June. For information, go to www.anglersinn.com or www.ronspeedadventures.com.
PRED 20
SA $ 55
COM
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12
• W • 2
SA $ 4
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7
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2
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NOVEMBER 2019
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
hft_coa
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hft_coastalangler_1119_M-REG163333.indd 1
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NOVEMBER 2019
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NATIONAL
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10/2/19 1:38 PM
EXPERIENCE THE
M
ore litigation looms in the latest chapter of the three-decade saga to protect the world’s largest salmon run. Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to thriving sport and commercial fishing industries, is under the gun again as the U.S. photo by Nick Carter Environmental Agency recently removed protections that again Julie Carter with a Kvichak River sockeye. open the door for the proposed Pebble mine. Pebble mine is an exploration project investigating enormous deposits of gold, copper and other minerals near the headwaters of the Kvichak River and lakes Clark and Iliamna. These remote and pristine waterways offer some of best rainbow trout fishing in the world and feed Bristol Bay with the clean water that supports massive sockeye and Chinook salmon runs. Trout Unlimited recently joined other groups in filing suit against the EPA, alleging that the EPA ignored science and the potential impacts of developing the mine when it withdrew the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, which are protections for the region that have been in place since 2014. “Billions of dollars have been spent in attempt to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Bristol Bay sets records for its salmon returns year after year. All we need to do is have the humility and common-sense to leave this landscape alone,” said Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited. “Sacrificing a place such as Bristol Bay for some gold is a short-sighted fools-errand. We are not a litigious organization, but we and millions of other sportsmen and women will not allow greed to compromise the most important salmon fishery on the planet.”
FIGHT!
For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign, go to SaveBristolBay.org.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design
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FLY FISHING
The permit is the Holy Grail for many serious saltwater fly anglers. Many, including me, have traveled and spent endless days pursuing these great gamefish with little to show for our efforts. Of course, the challenge is what’s special about permit fishing, not the number of fish brought to hand. However, there is one place where an angler can have great success catching permit on the fly; that place is the Yucatan Peninsula’s Punta Allen. Here, just a few kilometers south of Tulum in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is the world’s most fertile and diverse permit saltwater fly fishery. The Unicorn of the Flats Ghostlike, spooky and finicky are three words to describe permit. It is one of the most difficult saltwater fish to catch on the fly and has been the Achilles heel for many saltwater fly angers. But if there is one destination where one can successfully sight cast to large schools of permit consistently, it’s the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Because of the vast numbers of permit ranging from 2 to 20 pounds, a fly angler will have multiple shots per day. In addition, Yucatan permit are aggressive eaters, making them a great target for the less-experienced or first-time saltwater fly anglers. Flies and Tackle The primary food items for permit are crabs and shrimp. A good selection of these patterns will give the angler the best chance at success. For crab patterns, I like Merkins and Ragheads in sizes 4 and 6. I find the color of the fly should match the color of the habitat you’re fishing. For example, if you’re fishing over light colored sand, then a fly pattern should be tan or even white. If you’re fishing in turtle grass or a darker bottom, then a green or even a dark brown works best. Tackle A 9-foot, 9-weight rod matched with a large arbor reel that holds 250 yards of 30-pound Hi Viz Dacron or micron backing is the perfect combo for Yucatan permit. Since a majority of the fishing is in shallow water, I suggest only using a weight-forward tropical floating line. Keep your leaders long: 10 to 12 feet with 16- to 20-pound tippets. Casting to Permit It’s important to be able to quickly and accurately cast 30 to 60 feet when targeting permit on the flats. Your ability to make longer casts will increase your chances of catching more fish. Of course, you can hook a permit close to the boat, but it’s always to your advantage be able to make the long cast when the opportunity presents itself. The back-hand cast is another to be able to execute. Permit schools will often present themselves on the opposite side of the boat, so being able to make a quick back cast is very important.
For more Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
12/19/18 3:50 PM
êêêêê “The quality of their watches is equal to many that can go for ten times the price or more.” — Jeff from McKinney, TX
“Blue face watches are on the discerning gentleman’s ‘watch list’.” – watchtime.com
Stone Cold Fox So good-looking...heads will turn. So unbelievably-priced...jaws will drop.
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very once in a while a timepiece comes along that’s so incredibly good looking, masterfully equipped and jaw-droppingly priced, that it stops us stone cold. A watch that can take you seamlessly from the 18th hole to the board room. A watch that blurs the line betweens sports watch and dress watch. We’re talking the Blue Stone Chronograph, and it sits at the top of the discerning gentleman’s watch list. Striking in appearance and fully equipped with features, this is a watch of substance. The Blue Stone merges the durability of steel with the precision of crystal movement that’s accurate to 0.2 seconds a day. Both an analog and digital watch, the Blue Stone keeps time with pinpoint accuracy in two time zones. The watch’s handsome steel blue dial seamlessly blends an analog watch face with a stylish digital display. It’s a stopwatch, calendar, and alarm. Plus, the Blue Stone resists water up to 30 meters, making it up for water adventures. A watch with these features would easily cost you thousands if you shopped big names. But overcharging to justify an inflated brand name makes us blue in the face. Which is why we make superior looking and performing timepieces priced to please. Decades of experience in engineering enables Stauer to put quality on your wrist and keep your money in your pocket.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Blue Stone Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price. Time is running out. Originally priced at $395, the Blue Stone Chronograph was already generating buzz among watch connoisseurs, but with the price slashed to $79, we can’t guarantee this limited-edition timepiece will last. So, call today!
TAKE 80% OFF INSTANTLY!
When you use your OFFER CODE Stauer Blue Stone Chronograph non-offer code price $395† Offer Code Price
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You must use the offer code to get our special price.
1-800-333-2045 Your Offer Code: BSW369-03
Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.
Stauer
14101 Southcross Drive W.,
® Ste 155, Dept. BSW369-03
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
Rating of A+
† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
• Precision movement • Digital and analog timekeeping • LED subdials • Stainless steel crown, caseback & bracelet • Dual time zone feature • Stopwatch • Alarm feature • Calendar: month, day, & date • Water resistant to 3 ATM • Fits wrists 7” to 9”
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INSTANT
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REP OWE R FIN AN
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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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine. com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
SZQ4Promo 8X10 CSTLANGLR 8-8-19.indd 1
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