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PELAGICS From Little Plastic Boats
PATTERN SPRING SPECKS PHOTO BY JORGE BUSTAMANTE, COURTESY OF BRIAN NELLI - WWW.TCKAYAKFISHING.COM VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 301
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captpeterdeeks
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1782-
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For: Coastal Angler
3/2/20 3:38 PM
Due: 3/2/2020
Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
F
or those who want to catch a heavy speckled trout, April is perhaps your best opportunity. April trout are still heavy from their lowered metabolism of winter. They are heavy with eggs and about to spawn. This makes April a prime month for heavy fish. The warmer water also makes them extremely aggressive and more willing to strike artificial lures of all styles. Let’s go over the how, when and where to target trophy trout in the spring. How: When water temp reaches the low to mid 70s, topwater action can be some of the best of the year. Aggressive trout are attracted by the rattling sound and erratic sway of the cigarshaped lures. You can’t go wrong with bone/white/ silver or a combination of these colors. I like to match the size to the conditions and forage in the immediate area. Required casting distance and surface conditions also play a vital role in my decision making. In rougher conditions, I typically use a large lure. The rattles of various lures also have different pitch. I prefer to use the higher pitch over a muddy bottom and a lower tone over sand, grass or shell. Slow-sinking, rattling, shad-style twitch baits
are also a good choice when trout don’t want to “rise” to the occasion. I prefer these lures with near-mirror reflective finishes. They do an excellent job of impersonating a wounded baitfish, and no large spawning trout in its right mind will pass up an injured baitfish. I can’t leave out the most versatile trout lure of all, the soft plastic. There are many styles, sizes and colors, but I prefer those that give more bang for the buck. When the fish are aggressive, I steer toward a soft plastic with a larger paddle that vibrates, creates a great swimming motion even on the pause, and one that rattles. These three components stimulate a fish’s lateral line, and they can’t resist the need to feed. When: I plan trips according to the solunar tables. I make every effort to be at my spot fishing during peak feeding times so that I’m not traveling from spot to spot when the fish are eating. Where: In spring, I direct my attention to grass flats. Wading is the superior method to consistently catch large trout, but you can still target flats from a boat. I prefer a flat with broken grass patches, potholes, channels, the dreaded prop scar or anything else that breaks up the grass to create ambush points for trout. Try to cover each transition from multiple angles, as trout will
stage on the edge of the sand against the grass. Pay attention to the where, when and how on your next trip. It will increase your odds of landing a trophy trout. It never hurts to practice catch and release on these beautiful fish. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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atching big pelagics is one of those “someday” goals for many kayak anglers. Venturing into the open ocean under paddle power after species like kingfish, mahi, sailfish and tuna can seem daunting to anglers accustomed to inshore waters or freshwater lakes and rivers. The first question you might have is: “Where am I going to find them?” Inshore, there are grass flats, mangroves and channels drop-offs that offer kayak anglers good places to start. Offshore waters don’t always give up information quite as easily, but the clues are out there. You just have to know what you’re looking for. The ocean is a big place, but I believe 10 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish. Narrowing it down to that 10 percent is the first step. Start your research off the water by locating a beach or other launch point that is close to hard bottom, wrecks or a reef line. This can be done with a little online research and a good mapping chip for your GPS. When the day comes to venture into the pelagic zone, take some time on the beach before heading out. Know the current, wind and water conditions. Is it calm? Is it rough? Are there a lot of weeds on the beach? Is there bait close to shore? Which way is the wind blowing? Answering these questions helps you decide what baits to use and at what depths to fish them. In general, calm days call for running baits deeper in the water column. With some surface chop or visible action on top—like bait jumping or fish breaking the water—run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are rips, color changes, birds and weed lines. A rip is an area where two currents meet. The water will look more turbulent than surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along its edge. Usually these color breaks and rips consolidate debris and weeds, and often birds will hover over these areas. The weeds and current attract bait, which in turn attract the pelagics. When you’re offshore, you have to take what the ocean gives you. Anything that looks different than the surrounding water is a place to put baits out. If you find yourself on the water with no wind, surface activity or weeds, look to your GPS to show you the way to hard bottom, structure, rock piles or reefs. There will always be some type of baitfish around these areas to attract pelagics. Find the bait, and you will find the fish. If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a start on your quest to land a pelagic from your kayak.
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By Brian Nelli
Brian Nelli operates south Florida’s Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters. Check them out at www.tckayakfishing.com and email Brian at brian@tckayakfishing.com.
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By Nick Carter
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ennessee’s Lake Chickamauga has garnered a lot of press in recent years for giant largemouth bass. The introduction of Florida-strain largemouths certainly paid off for this 60-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment. The thing is, all the hype over bucketmouths has overshadowed world-class fisheries that already existed on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga down through Chattanooga. Flowing between high ridges of The Scenic City, the big river pumps out some pretty spectacular action for catfish and smallmouth bass. Richard Simms, of Scenic City Charters, said the fishing heats up with water temperatures this time of year. Whether you’re looking for bigshouldered river smallies, giant blue cats—or a little bit of both—right now is the time to be on the water. Smallmouth Bass: The Chickamauga tailrace lights up with aggressive smallies in spring. They feed up in a 10-mile stretch below the dam. Simms said fishing jigs and soft plastics around rip-rap, current seams and edges is productive. But drifting live threadfin shad or shiners with the current leads to faster action. With light 6-poundtest line enticing the most bites, any smallmouth is a handful. They typically run from 2 to 4 pounds on the river, and a decent day will produce 10 to 15 of
these scrappy bronzebacks. Simms said to expect a mixed bag on live bait. Everything eats shiners, so anglers will also catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and maybe a striped bass. Catfish: Big blue catfish are abundant on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam all the way down through Chattanooga. When flows are right, the tailrace can be very good. When too much water is being released from the dam, Simms heads up to the reservoir. Either side of the dam, the prespawn bite peaks in April. “Both fisheries hold great big catfish,” said Simms, “and pre-spawn is a great time for catching trophy fish.” On the reservoir, deep drop-offs and river channel holes with structure are the places to vertical drop cut skipjack herring, bluegill or chicken breast. Below the dam, Simms drift fishes those same baits on light 10-pound tackle. In 2009, Simms’ client, Jerry Uhrine, caught a 52-inch-long, 75-pound blue catfish on 10-poundtest line. It is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record. “That light tackle technique is really fun because the average catfish we catch is 5 to 10 pounds,” said Simms. “Those 10 to 20 pounders aren’t unusual,
Photos courtesy of Scenic City Charters.
and every now and then we get one of those really big fish.” An average half-day trip from April through October typically yields 50 to 100 pounds of catfish. “It’s real easy to stock a freezer,” said Simms. Check out Scenic City Fishing Charters at www.sceniccityfishing.com.
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Photos courtesy of Tuna Duck Charters, Hatteras, NC.
April action can be fast and furious off the Outer Banks. Here’s one on deck and another on the line.
By Tom Schlichter
T
he Outer Banks of North Carolina needs little introduction to fishing fans. A true angling Mecca, it boasts super action with striped bass, red drum, cobia, sea trout and a host of inshore species while also offering tremendous offshore action for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and additional pelagic favorites. These ocean predators really get your blood boiling in April, when the action comes alive 25 to 30 miles offshore. “We really do see a great mix of blue water species in April,” said charter Capt. Dan Rooks of the 51-foot custom Carolina Sportfisher, Tuna Duck (252-216-6160; http://tunaduck.com) which sails out of Hatteras Harbor Marina (252-986-2166; https://www.hatterasharbor.com.) “Typical action this month sees yellowfins in the 40- to 70-pound class, blackfin tuna weighing 20 to 25 pounds, and wahoo to 60 pounds. Early in the month, you might also deck a bluefin while the end of the month sees white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish arrive on the scene. Many of the big blues will top 400 pounds.” It’s the combination of bottom structure and a meeting of offshore currents that draws big game species to these waters, explained Rooks. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and cool waters of the Labrador Current dropping down from the north meet along the edge of the continental shelf, providing sharp temperature breaks that stack squid, ballyhoo, flying fish and other baitfish. Match a Anglers aboard Capt. Dan Rook’s Tuna Duck Charters celebrate a break over some structure, and you have a great spot to start hefty tuna that slammed a popper off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. your search. “It’s not as important that the temperature break be large as that it be well-defined,” noted Rooks. “I’ve seen breaks here as small as half-a- said. “A storm might push the cool water farther out or bring warmer water degree and as large as 20 degrees. Any break can produce if the surrounding closer in, so you constantly need to make adjustments. Expect to spend some conditions are right. Look for clean water, active baitfish and plenty of life. time searching out the fish even if they were stacked up just a day before. That’s one plus for heading out with a charter skipper; we’re on the water daily, Those are tip-offs that you are in the right area.” Although he’ll sometimes jig or work poppers for tuna, Rooks spends which helps us keep track of shifting currents, temperature breaks and baitfish most of his time trolling. His favorite setup is a natural dead-bait spread, with schools. Some days you find the predators sooner than others – but never give eight ballyhoo trolled in a V-pattern at 7 knots. He works hard to drag his up hope because once you dial ’em in, the fishing here is as good as it gets.” Anglers looking to trailer to this area can find transient dockage, fuel, hotel offerings across structure points, where temperature breaks are discovered accommodations and a boat launch ($10) all at Village Marina (252-986-2522; using on-board temperature gauges and satellite imagery. “The breaks move, of course, and you need to be aware of that,” Rooks www.villagemarinahatteras.com) in Hatteras. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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n today’s uncertain world, everyone, especially kids, welcomes an opportunity for stability. One obvious source is family, and any activity that strengthens family will pay dividends. Snorkeling certainly qualifies as a family building activity. The family that plays together stays together. Having fun is important for building family unity if for no other reason than it makes you want to continue what you are doing. But it’s what happens during play that creates feelings of strength and security that make family members see family as a source of support. Building family strength requires communication, shared responsibility, commitment, shared chores and established routines. Snorkeling together fits this framework well. It gives adults and children the chance to demonstrate and practice these behaviors. Consider what goes into planning a dive outing—and how each family member can have a role: • Where do we go? Everyone can have a say on the big trips, while choice of quick local trips could rotate among family members. • What do we bring? Deciding what gear will be needed and how to organize and pack it may require adult oversight, but kids can, and should, take part. • How do we stay safe? Again, age may dictate how you buddy up, but even youngsters should understand they have a responsibility to stay close and check on their partner. Who tows the dive flag this time? • How do we finish up? Everyone needs to take on chores to pack up,
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unpack, clean, dry and store the gear once home. So, when should you introduce your child to snorkeling? Plant the seeds early. I think using a mask and fins should be part of learning to swim. A mask gives clear underwater vision and forces mouth breathing. Fins greatly increase kicking efficiency, boosting a child’s confidence. As soon as they are comfortable swimming and diving with the mask and fins, add a snorkel. While teaching basic snorkeling skills is a family affair, there are other fun ways to strengthen and add to those skills. Pura Vida Divers’ offers a summer Kids’ Snorkel Camp for kids 8–12, built around the PADI’s Skin Diver program. This day camp uses exciting, interactive games and group activities to enhance skills ranging from marine life identification to underwater buddy rescue. The last day brings the whole family together for a pizza party and snorkel outing. The ultimate memory maker is a family snorkeling vacation. There’s no shortage of locations offering interesting aquatic environments for snorkeling. Two very special snorkeling trips are offered each year by Pura Vida Divers—a manatee watching trip to Crystal River, Fla. and swimming alongside whalesharks off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. For information on the Kids’ Snorkel Camp, guided snorkeling at the Blue Heron Bridge or manatee and whale shark trips, call Pura Vida divers at 561-840-8750 or visit their website at www.puravidadivers.com.
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By Capt. Kirk Waltz
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n a lifelong pursuit of many fish up and down the East Coast, I finally found the species that constantly holds me in awe when I planted roots in northeast Florida more than 30 years ago. With their beauty, strength and tenacity, redfish are second to none. At one point not too many years back, redfish were almost was wiped out, but with good conservation they bounced back in a big way. They have become one of Florida’s pet fish, a favorite of many anglers, that have provided untold hours of fun. Of all the redfish studies conducted, one intensive study by South Carolina’s Dr. Charles Wenner stands out as one of the best. He dissected the habitat of the species and really gives insight as to where, when and what they do. North Florida’s Atlantic coast offers prime habitat that allows redfish to grow to enormous size. Here are some interesting tidbits gleaned from Dr. Wenner’s study. The world record redfish weighed 94 pounds, 2 ounces and was caught out of Avon, N.C. on the Outer Banks. With a range that extends from the Texas Gulf Coast all the way to Maryland and Delaware in the Atlantic, they are also called red drum, spottails, channel bass, redfish and puppy drum. After hatching, juvenile reds grow to about a half-inch in a short period of time and then move from deep water to shallow estuaries. They love our spartina grass flats, where they begin the transition from fry to sub-adults. This occurs during the fall and winter, when they don’t eat much. They remain fairly inactive while waiting for spring. When spring sets in, their metabolism kicks into high gear. By July, juveniles can grow to 7 to 8 inches or longer by
eating small crabs, shrimp and small fish. Redfish mature at about 33 inches and 5 years of age. They typically begin the spawning cycle around the last moon of August and peak from October into November, depending on water temperature. Males produce a drum-like sound, hence the name red drum, which draws the females close and lets the school know it’s time to spawn. Dr. Wenner studied eight females and 22 males in a huge tank. They produced 60 million eggs in a three-month period. Large individuals reach a ripe old age of 45 to 50 years. That’s a long time for a fish to live, so be sure to handle big ones carefully. One of the coolest things I learned was that a redfish tagged in Bulls Bay, S.C. was caught 189 days later in Mantanzas Inlet, Fla. That’s quite a journey for a fish that measured 18 inches to start. Most redfish only travel about 5 to 10 nautical miles from where they were hatched. Capt. Kirk Waltz is a radio talk show host, writer and charter captain who runs Enterprise Fishing Charters. Like them on Facebook or Instagram or go to www.Enterprisefishingcharters.com. Listen to the Outdoors Show in the First Coast area every Saturday on 1010am or 92.5fm from 7-10 a.m.
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Photo courtesy of Capt. Scott Burgess, Skinny Situation Charters
By John Saporito
I
n fishing, it often pays to be suspicious. Unchecked hearsay saturates the pursuit, and it all amounts to an unfortunate barrier that every novice angler must confront. As a result, few people ever really get good at this sport. For the proficient angler, a thorough understanding of fish and their habitat ushers fishing far closer to a science than it does to a crapshoot. As humans, we are born only with an understanding of how to operate on dry land. We are able to breathe, to move about, and we know how to seek out comforts and avoid dangers. These capacities do not translate to the marine environment. We are biologically unfit to survive beneath the water’s surface, and most people, therefore, cannot empathize with the aquatic world. Water is an incredibly different medium than air. The most tangible distinction is the tremendous shift in density from one medium to the next. The sea is roughly 800 times denser than the air. Think about that for a moment. Sea creatures, as a result, don’t experience the constraints of gravity that land-based organisms endure. Their bodies are perpetually supported by water. This leads to a phenomenon known as indeterminate growth, which allows fish to continue growing throughout their lives. If a fish keeps living, it keeps growing. Such a trait can give rise to colossal specimens, but it requires a feat of survival. The sea is the ultimate crucible of life and death—a domain where mistakes spell doom and second chances are nonexistent. A seemingly endless, hopelessly convoluted food web blankets the planet’s marine ecosystems, bridging regions that are separated by immense distances and orchestrating the fates of all organisms that make their home in the sea. There is no getting ahead in this world; survival ensues on a meal-by-meal basis. Predatory fish, masters of instantaneous evaluation, must promptly determine the risk and reward in every feeding opportunity. Each decision a gamefish makes will dictate whether it perishes or lives long enough to feed again. The fundamental duty of all fish is to eat without being eaten by something else. From its earliest days as a fledgling hunter, the survival of any gamefish is contingent on its ability to carry out this task. Most will not even have the good fortune of transcending their formative stage as hunters of plankton. The minority that survive long enough to contribute a new generation to the sea will do so by becoming proficient in sensing danger and making good predatory choices. This is why big gamefish are so hard to catch; their size is a reflection of a lifetime of excellent judgment. A big fish is a smart fish, an experienced fish. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.
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A BUCKET-LIST FISH WORTH CROWING ABOUT Photo courtesy of Crocodile Bay
By Todd Staley
W
hen anglers think of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, they usually think about billfish. Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world to chase these pointy-nose acrobats. Many folks travel to Costa Rica with billfish fever and are not even aware of the great inshore fishery available. A fish many anglers have never even heard about before their arrival in Costa Rica is the roosterfish. This unique-looking fish with seven combs as a dorsal fin is only found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific between southern Mexico and Ecuador. In its most northern and southern ranges, the fish move as the seasonal drop in water temperature arrives. Costa Rica, being in the smack-dab middle of Roosterfish’s range, enjoys a fairly constant water temperature and a year-round fishery. In many places, roosterfish are only available by fishing the surf break. Not in Costa Rica. Of course they cruise the beaches looking for an easy meal, but they also roam the many volcanic reefs. One area that is extremely productive is the Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, a 32-mile-long tropical fjord. Here you find roosters almost everywhere, along the beaches and even over reefs in 200 feet of water. This allows anglers to target them using several different fishing styles. The locals also catch them with dead bait using handlines off the beach. Roosterfish in the Golfo Dulce average 15 pounds, and fish over 50 pounds are taken weekly. The resort record at Crocodile Bay is 106 pounds. Live bait is most always a sure bet. Blue runners, goggle-eyes, sardines and lookdowns are the favorite choices and are readily available. If you are looking for a monster and have the patience to wait it out, bridle up a 3- to 5-pound live bonito and hang on. The best method to fish live bait is to either slow troll behind the surf line or drift fish over volcanic structure. In the deeper areas, a 2- to 6-ounce weight is added to send the bait closer to the top of the reef. In Costa Rica, circle hooks are required by law when using bait, so it is best to have the “crank don’t yank,” mentality firmly planted in one’s brain. Popper fishing is also popular. Fish will often rise to a lure that is really ripped through the water. This is not a walk-the-dog fishing. The faster you work the popper, with lots of splash, the more hits you will get. At times, you will be surprised by a big orange flash as a hefty cubera snapper comes up from 80 feet to smash a popper. If a fish misses its target, don’t stop. They will often come back and strike again. A long stiff rod and six weeks of dumbbell curls are required to cast poppers any length of time.
Photos by Capt. Allan Smith Jigging will also get you your first rooster, but they are a little shyer to a jig than live bait or poppers. White or chartreuse bucktails produce in the shallow water and mental jigs work in the deep areas. Just about any brand of jig will work as long as it is worked fast. No one I know has found the “Holy Grail” for taking roosterfish on a fly. If you are looking for a real challenge, it’s game on. If you are looking for big numbers on a fly, roosterfish is probably not a good choice of adversary. There has been some success by teasing up roosters, much like you would a sailfish. They can be teased with a lure or live bait or by casting a popper with the hooks removed. To get a fly in front of charged-up rooster though, you have to have the speed of a Western gunslinger and the accuracy of William Tell. If you happen to be lucky enough to be on top of a school of bait and a herd of roosterfish charge in on them, you can get your fly in the middle of that action and have a good chance of hooking up. Some have had success trolling the fly, but that is taboo in many a fly guys’ book. To sum it up, if someone tells me they regularly catch roosterfish on a fly, I certainly wouldn’t leave my wife alone with them. Surely they can’t be trusted. Anyone thinking about a Costa Rica billfish vacation should really book at least one day inshore. Roosterfish are a strong and beautiful fish with an iridescent hue. Their unique dorsal cuts the surface as it hones in on its target. When hooked, they make powerful runs and sometimes clear the water in an aerial display. They make for an exciting sporting challenge and a replica makes for a great conversation piece on the wall. They really are a fish to crow about. More information can be found at www.crocodilebay.com or by calling (800) 733 1115.
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MATCH YOUR TACKLE TO THE FISH
By Robert Wiggers
F
or fish that are released, their survival often depends on the rod and reel used to catch them. Fish naturally don’t want to have a hook in their mouth, attached to a line, being pulled in a direction they don’t want to go. So, like any animal, they resist in an attempt to free themselves. The longer they fight, the more exhausted they become, and in some instances they deplete every amount of available energy in an effort to escape. The battle is over and the angler has won. Unfortunately, when it comes time to release the fish, it’s too exhausted to swim away on its own. Even if it is able to swim away, it certainly doesn’t have the energy to avoid predators that may be lurking around waiting for an easy meal.
Hooking and fighting a fish is an exhilarating experience. There was a time when it was considered to be more “sporting” to catch a large fish on very light tackle. A long fight requires a degree of skill and finesse in order to successfully bring a large fish to the boat. Anglers are recognized for such achievements through acknowledgement in the record books. However, the majority of recreational anglers don’t go fishing with the sole intent of trying to break a line-class record for a specific species. We go fishing simply to catch fish. Some anglers want something for the table, while others just want the satisfaction of catch and release. Regardless of reason, we usually choose a rod and reel that gives us the best chance of successfully landing the species we are targeting. Most anglers wouldn’t use freshwater bass tackle if they were trying to catch a billfish. The rod and reel you choose to use when fishing for a particular species should be carefully considered when practicing catch and release. Nowadays, the options for rod and reels are endless. Rods come in all lengths and are designed with different actions ranging from ultra light to heavy. Reels also range in size to match the rod, but have different gear ratios that allow an angler to retrieve the bait at a faster pace with less effort. Each combination performs differently. For this reason, many anglers carry a number of rods with them on any given trip. While it may be more fun to use a light rod and reel for catching a big fish, it’s simply not good for the fish or its chances of survival after being released. Studies have even shown that mortality of released fish can happen several hours after being released. There are always instances when anglers unexpectedly hook an exceptionally large fish on light tackle. But if you know beforehand that you are going to fish specifically for large fish, be sure to use appropriate tackle that reduces the fight time. I don’t know of any conservationminded angler that wouldn’t be heartbroken to see a large fish float away knowing the fish was potentially older than they were or that they just killed a spawning fish that could contribute more to the population.
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
F
or you folks, that haven’t realized it yet, we have four seasons in Florida. Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas. Thank goodness it’s almost Summer and fishing is looking great for April. It’s always nice not having to throw the cast net, unless you are a glutton for punishment. We’ve had an excellent last three months catching nice spotted sea trout using shrimp and artificial lures. We had some great days with trout measuring in the low to mid-20-inch range along with a few redfish, bluefish, some pompano and plenty of sheepsheads. As a reminder, the FWC has extended the closure for snook, redfish and trout. These species are catch and release only until March 30, 2021. For some great light-tackle Look for snook around action, look no further docks, bridges, mangrove islands, oyster bars or any than Tampa Bay. other ambush spot. You often hear me talk about topwater action. Well this is a great month to get an excellent topwater lure punched out of the water by a big snook. It’s also a great time to fish docks and bridge fenders at night. Any good lipped lure tossed at a lighted structure and ripped through the light line will produce everything from snook, redfish, trout or the occasional grouper. Expect the trout fishing on any decent grass flat to be healthy through the rest of the Summer. Small jig heads with plastic tails or shrimp free-
lined or under a popping cork will do the trick. And, don’t be surprised if you pull up a nice pompano off some the edges of the sandy flats. Redfish are a staple of the Tampa bay area. You can expect to catch plenty from now right through the Summer. Live baits, dead baits or artificial lures all work well. Target areas along the flats, edges of grass breaks, mangrove edges and oyster bars. Find one of the many rock piles or artificial reefs in the Tampa Bay area, and you’ll have plenty of fun catching sheepshead, snapper, grunts and sea bass. These species are in the bay and easy to find. While sheeps take more time to clean, they are excellent table fare. When fishing for sheepsheads and others, try using natural baits like fiddler crabs, shrimp, oysters, mussels and clams. If you are looking for some great light-tackle action, look no further than Tampa Bay. It usually gets full of threadfins, and that means mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish. Drift the bait schools or anchor around markers tossing out white baits or threadfins, and hang on. Shiny silver spoons or fast action artificial lures also do the trick. If you’ve never tried smoked mackerel right out of the smoker, you’re in for a real treat. They are much better than smoked mullet and make tremendous fish spread. All you need is some garlic salt and the new nonstick aluminum foil. Smoke the fillets on medium heat until they flake--remove and they’re ready to eat. Eat them while they are warm, and the rest you can pull the meat away from the skin, missing the bloodline, and make a fish spread. Or you can vacuum seal the meat and put it in the freezer for later. Don’t forget those delicious bluefish fillets with the bloodline removed. Cut those bad boys into fingers and fry them up in your favorite batter. They go great with hush puppies and coleslaw. Or make up a batch of your favorite taco sides and shut the door. Give me a call and let’s go fishing -- 813-477-3814.
813-388-6856 3016 Land O' Lakes Blvd
www.DiverCityScuba.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | APRIL 2020 | TAMPA 1
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OLD SALT 27TH ANNUAL
SPRING KING OF THE BEACH TOURNAMENT & FESTIVAL
H
APRIL 30 – MAY 2, 2020
ave you ever tournament fished? If you have, then you know what the “King of the Beach” is and, if you haven’t and always wanted to, it is the best tournament in town. This spring, we are celebrating our 27th Annual and we are keeping it exciting with more ways to win and our Free Kids Sea Wall Tournament on Friday night. There are 3 main reasons to fish the King … • LEVEL PLAYING FIELD: The Old Salts have made the competition one of the fairest to ALL levels of fisherman. They implement a 30-mile boundary to ensure any size boat can compete. They also offer extra places to single engine vessels. There are also no intimidating check outs or shotgun starts.
• OVER 60 PLACES TO WIN: The tournament has 6 divisions: Overall, Single Engine, Spanish Mackerel, Traveling Angler, Ladies and Youth. Each division has cash and/or prizes with approximately $200,000 up for grabs. Our single engine division 1st place prize is a new 200hp Suzuki complete with the repower package valued at over $16,000.
Fishing Team
• LOW ENTRY FEES: You can enter the tournament for as little as $225 which is almost half the cost of most Kingfish tournaments. So, the risk is smaller and, at the same time, the rewards are bigger. 1st place overall wins $60,000 guaranteed. The event is so much more than just fishing. It is a 3-day festival with all types of marine-related art & craft vendors, a food festival with local flavor, Friday night is Community Night with a free Kids Fishing Slam and live music. “Combining a community food festival and live music into our tournament seemed natural to us. Fishing is part of our community, so we welcome all to join us,” says Old Salt President Tom Verdensky. The event will be held at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex at 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. Make sure you visit our website for the latest updates on the tournament from hot fishing spots to places to stay with boat slips. The Old Salt Fishing Foundation hosts this semi-annual event to benefit several local charities. This spring, we will be presenting checks to: P.A.R.C., Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To find out more information or to register for the tournament, go to www.OldSaltFishing.org, email amy@OldSaltFishing.org or call 727-216-6601.
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WE SALUTE YOU BY: PAUL PRESSON
A
my Lockhart was born and raised in Huntingdon, a small town in Western Tennessee. On camping trips with her parents, Amy was fishing before she could walk. She won her first tournament when she was five years old, fishing a county lake. She still has the trophy and the $50 savings bond she won. Amy joined the Navy when she was 17--a military career was born. She traveled the world throughout her 20 years in the Navy. A good part of her Naval career dealt with communications. She worked with Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces. During her time in the military, she “shelved” fishing. While she was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, she participated in a “Naples Take a Soldier Fishing” tournament. She was on an all-female team and they won the event. This was the spark that rekindled Amy’s passion for fishing. As a civilian, Amy works at MacDill AFB. She has the ideal job and shift that allow her to follow her love of fishing. Amy enjoys fresh and saltwater fishing; she considers angling as a form of therapy and relaxation. If she is not at work, you can guarantee she is doing something fishing
related. She does not hesitate in baiting a client’s hook and mating for captains just to be out in her environment. One would think that, after 20 years in the military, it would be time to relax. Not Amy. She is involved with several fishing groups that assist veteran anglers, and she is also moderator for the Tampa Bay Fishing Club Facebook group. If that isn’t enough, Amy volunteers her time to the Angling for Relief organization that helps with pediatric cancer patients and their families. Recently, Amy and her mother were featured on the TV show, A Fishing Story, hosted by Ronnie Green. Amy’s future is bright. In August she will be fishing an International Women’s Fishing Association tournament in Belize. A short time after that, she will be in Astoria, Oregon fishing the Lipstick Salmon Slayer Tournament. Amy embodies the spirit of a passionate angler. Her willingness to volunteer her time and teach others is unsurpassed. Her goal is to reach out to veteran and civilian women and get them involved in this wonderful way of life. Amy Lockhart, “We Salute You!” Paul Presson, outdoor writer and published cartoonist. He has fished the coastlines of Tampa Bay for 28 years, land based, wade, kayak and by flats boat. If he is not writing, he is out on the water!
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-0.3
2.4
2:39
1.9
8:01
1:44
2.4
2:59
2.0
Tue
2:44
2.3
3:17
Set
7:18
7:49
1
Wed
2
Thu
1:33 PM
3
Fri
1:55 PM
4
Sat
5
Sun
12:38
6
Mon
7
ft
Low PM
Rise
PM
ft
Rise
Set
7:18
7:49
1.6
7:17
7:49
1.4
7:16
7:50
6:54
1.1
7:15
7:50
-0.3
7:49
0.8
7:13
7:51
8:37
-0.1
8:38
0.4
7:12
7:51
2.1
9:08
0.1
9:26
0.1
7:11
7:52
9:08
2.1
4:41
-0.2
7:17
7:50
10:44
2.1
5:45
-0.3
4:48
1.3
7:16
7:50
1:44
1.5
6:36
-0.3
6:05
1.1
7:15
7:51
2.2
1:58
1.6
7:20
-0.3
7:03
0.7
7:14
7:51
1:09
2.2
2:14
1.7
7:57
-0.1
7:55
0.4
7:13
7:52
Tue
2:08
2.1
2:31
1.9
8:30
0.1
8:44
0.1
7:12
7:52
8
Wed
3:06
2.0
2:52
2.1
8:59
0.4
9:33
-0.2
7:11
7:53
8
Wed
3:42
2.2
3:36
2.3
9:36
0.4
10:14
-0.1
7:10
7:53
9
Thu
4:03
1.8
3:15
2.3
9:24
0.7
10:24
-0.3
7:10
7:53
9
Thu
4:40
2.1
3:57
2.5
10:01
0.7
11:04
-0.3
7:09
7:53
10
Fri
5:04
1.6
3:43
2.4
9:45
0.9
11:18
-0.4
7:08
7:54
10
Fri
5:41
1.9
4:23
2.7
10:24
1.0
11:55
-0.3
7:08
7:54
11
Sat
6:13
1.4
4:15
2.5
10:00
1.1
7:07
7:54
11
Sat
6:48
1.7
4:53
2.8
10:47
1.2
7:07
7:54
12
Sun
7:53
1.2
4:51
2.5
12:17
-0.4
7:06
7:55
12
Sun
8:07
1.5
5:28
2.8
12:51
-0.3
7:06
7:55
13
Mon
5:34
2.3
1:24
-0.3
7:05
7:55
13
Mon
6:11
2.7
1:55
-0.2
7:05
7:55
14
Tue
6:31
2.1
2:39
-0.2
7:04
7:56
14
Tue
7:05
2.5
3:12
-0.1
7:04
7:56
15
Wed
8:03
1.9
3:55
-0.1
7:03
7:57
15
Wed
8:26
2.2
4:35
0.0
7:03
7:56
16
Thu
1:14 PM
1.6
10:03
1.8
5:00
-0.1
7:02
7:57
16
Thu
1:12 PM
1.8
10:21
2.0
5:44
0.0
5:07
1.6
7:02
7:57
Fri
1:18 PM
1.6
17
Fri
1:34 PM
1.9
11:57
2.0
6:36
0.0
6:32
1.3
7:01
7:57
18
Sat
1:56
2.0
7:16
0.1
7:26
0.9
7:00
7:58
19
Sun
1:04
2.0
2:16
2.1
7:47
0.2
8:08
0.7
6:59
7:59
20
Mon
1:57
2.0
2:32
2.2
8:12
0.4
8:44
0.4
6:58
7:59
21
Tue
2:43
2.0
2:44
2.3
8:32
0.6
9:17
0.2
6:57
8:00
22
Wed
3:26
1.9
2:55
2.4
8:50
0.8
9:49
0.1
6:56
8:00
23
Thu
4:09
1.9
3:08
2.5
9:07
0.9
10:20
0.0
6:55
8:01
24
Fri
4:53
1.8
3:26
2.7
9:27
1.1
10:52
-0.1
6:54
8:01
25
Sat
5:39
1.8
3:52
2.8
9:50
1.2
11:28
-0.1
6:53
8:02
26
Sun
6:31
1.7
4:24
2.9
10:16
1.3
6:52
8:02
27
Mon
7:33
1.6
5:02
2.9
12:10
-0.1
10:45 AM
1.4
6:51
8:03
8:56
1.6 High5:47
2.8
1:02
11:17 -0.1Low AM
1.5
6:51
8:04
6:41 PM
2.7 ft
2:07 AM
-0.1 ft
ft
6:50 Rise
8:04 Set
7:55
2.5
3:23
-0.1
6:49
8:05
17
1:35 PM
1.5
10:00 AM
4:37
1.2
1.4
11:31
1.8
5:52
0.0
6:00
1.2
7:01
7:58
18
Sat
1:30
1.7
6:33
0.1
6:51
0.9
7:00
7:58
19
Sun
12:35
1.8
1:42
1.8
7:06
0.2
7:30
0.7
6:59
7:59
20
Mon
1:27
1.8
1:53
1.9
7:33
0.3
8:05
0.4
6:58
7:59
21
Tue
2:12
1.7
2:02
2.0
7:56
0.5
8:38
0.2
6:57
8:00
22
Wed
2:53
1.7
2:13
2.1
8:15
0.7
9:09
0.1
6:56
8:00
23
Thu
3:33
1.6
2:28
2.3
8:31
0.8
9:42
-0.1
6:55
8:01
24
Fri
4:13
1.5
2:48
2.4
8:47
1.0
10:17
-0.2
6:55
8:02
25
Sat
4:56
1.4
3:13
2.5
9:02
1.0
10:57
-0.2
6:54
8:02
26
Sun
5:47
1.4
3:44
2.5
9:18
1.1
11:44
-0.3
6:53
8:03
27
Mon
6:55
1.3
4:20
2.5
9:31
1.2
6:52
8:03
28
28
Tue
5:04
2.5
12:39
-0.2
6:51
8:04
29
Wed
6:00
2.3
1:45
-0.2
6:50
8:04
Tue Date 29 Wed
30
Thu
7:16
2.2
2:56
-0.2
6:49
8:05
30
Thu
6 TAMPA | APRIL 2020 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
AM
ft
11:08 AM
PM
1.4
Moon
Moon
Tarpon Springs
1500 US 19. Holiday, FL.
www.USHarbors.com
Tarpon Springs, Anclote River, FL - Apr 2020 River High
Date
Hernando Beach,
bluepelicanmarina.com www.USHarbors.com
Rocky Creek, Little Hernando Beach, FLPine - AprIsland 2020
Low
High
Date
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
7:56
1.9
6:28
2.6
1:12
0.1
12:51
1.4
7:19
7:50
1
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Wed
8:52
2.0
7:24
2.8
3:13
0.1
2:52
1.4
7:19
7:51
1
Wed
2
Thu
9:26
1.9
7:58
2.6
2:34
0.1
2:27
1.5
7:18
7:50
2
Thu
10:22
2.1
8:54
2.8
4:35
0.1
4:28
1.5
7:18
7:52
3
Fri
10:31
2.1
9:26
2.7
3:51
0.0
3:50
1.3
7:16
7:51
3
Fri
11:27
2.3
10:22
2.9
5:52
0.0
5:51
1.3
7:17
7:52
4
Sat
11:19
2.3
10:39
2.8
4:55
-0.1
4:57
1.0
7:15
7:51
5
Sun
11:58
2.4
11:42
3.0
5:50
-0.2
5:55
0.6
7:14
7:52
4
Sat
12:15 PM
2.5
11:35
3.1
6:56
-0.1
6:58
1.0
7:16
7:53
6
Mon
12:32
2.6
6:38
-0.2
6:46
0.2
7:13
7:53
5
Sun
12:54
2.6
7:51
-0.2
7:56
0.6
7:15
7:54
7
Tue
12:39
3.1
1:04
2.7
7:21
0.0
7:34
-0.1
7:12
7:53
6
Mon
12:38
3.2
1:28
2.8
8:39
-0.2
8:47
0.2
7:13
7:54
8
Wed
1:32
3.1
1:35
2.9
8:01
0.2
8:20
-0.4
7:11
7:54
7
Tue
1:35
3.4
2:00
3.0
9:22
0.0
9:35
-0.1
7:12
7:55
9
Thu
2:23
3.0
2:07
3.0
8:39
0.4
9:06
-0.5
7:10
7:54
8
Wed
2:28
3.3
2:31
3.1
10:02
0.2
10:21
-0.4
7:11
7:55
10
Fri
3:15
2.8
2:40
3.0
9:15
0.7
9:54
-0.5
7:09
7:55
9
Thu
3:19
3.2
3:03
3.2
10:40
0.4
11:07
-0.5
7:10
7:56
11
Sat
4:09
2.6
3:16
3.0
9:52
1.0
10:43
-0.4
7:08
7:55
10
Fri
4:11
3.0
3:36
3.3
11:16
0.7
11:55
-0.5
7:09
7:57
12
Sun
5:04
2.3
3:56
3.0
10:31
1.2
11:35
-0.2
7:07
7:56
11
Sat
5:05
2.7
4:12
3.3
11:53
1.0
7:08
7:57
13
Mon
6:02
2.1
4:42
2.8
11:13
1.4
7:06
7:56
12
Sun
6:00
2.5
4:52
3.2
12:44
-0.4
12:32
1.2
7:07
7:58
13
Mon
6:58
2.3
5:38
3.0
1:36
-0.2
1:14
1.4
7:06
7:58
14
Tue
7:12
1.9
5:38
2.6
12:32
0.1
12:07
1.5
7:04
7:57
14
Tue
8:08
2.1
6:34
2.8
2:33
0.1
2:08
1.5
7:05
7:59
15
Wed
8:36
1.9
6:53
2.4
1:42
0.3
1:23
1.6
7:03
7:57
15
Wed
9:32
2.1
7:49
2.6
3:43
0.3
3:24
1.6
7:04
7:59
16
Thu
9:45
2.0
8:33
2.3
3:03
0.5
2:57
1.5
7:02
7:58
16
Thu
10:41
2.2
9:29
2.5
5:04
0.5
4:58
1.5
7:02
8:00
17
Fri
10:35
2.2
9:58
2.3
4:13
0.5
4:16
1.2
7:01
7:59
17
Fri
11:31
2.3
10:54
2.5
6:14
0.5
6:17
1.2
7:01
8:01
18
Sat
11:13
2.3
11:02
2.5
5:06
0.5
5:15
0.9
7:00
7:59
19
Sun
11:45
2.5
11:53
2.6
5:49
0.5
6:02
0.6
6:59
8:00
18
Sat
12:09 PM
2.5
11:58
2.6
7:07
0.5
7:16
0.9
7:00
8:01
20
Mon
12:13
2.6
6:24
0.6
6:42
0.4
6:58
8:00
19
Sun
12:41
2.7
7:50
0.5
8:03
0.6
6:59
8:02
21
Tue
12:36
2.6
12:39
2.7
6:56
0.6
7:18
0.2
6:57
8:01
20
Mon
12:49
2.8
1:09
2.8
8:25
0.6
8:43
0.4
6:58
8:02
22
Wed
1:15
2.6
1:02
2.8
7:25
0.7
7:52
0.1
6:56
8:01
21
Tue
1:32
2.8
1:35
2.9
8:57
0.6
9:19
0.2
6:57
8:03
23
Thu
1:52
2.6
1:25
2.8
7:54
0.8
8:25
0.0
6:56
8:02
22
Wed
2:11
2.8
1:58
3.0
9:26
0.7
9:53
0.1
6:56
8:04
24
Fri
2:28
2.6
1:49
2.9
8:23
0.9
8:59
-0.1
6:55
8:03
23
Thu
2:48
2.8
2:21
3.1
9:55
0.8
10:26
0.0
6:55
8:04
25
Sat
3:06
2.5
2:16
3.0
8:53
1.0
9:34
-0.1
6:54
8:03
24
Fri
3:24
2.8
2:45
3.1
10:24
0.9
11:00
-0.1
6:54
8:05
26
Sun
3:47
2.4
2:46
3.0
9:24
1.2
10:12
-0.1
6:53
8:04
25
Sat
4:02
2.7
3:12
3.2
10:54
1.0
11:35
-0.1
6:53
8:05
27
Mon
4:32
2.3
3:22
3.0
10:00
1.3
10:55
-0.1
6:52
8:04
26
Sun
4:43
2.6
3:42
3.2
11:25
1.2
6:53
8:06
28
Tue
5:22
2.2
4:06
2.9
10:42
1.4
11:46
0.0
6:51
8:05
27
Mon
5:28
2.5
4:18
3.2
12:13
-0.1
12:01
1.3
6:52
8:07
29
Wed
6:20
2.2
5:01
2.8
11:36
1.5
6:50
8:05
28
Tue
6:18
2.4
5:02
3.2
12:56
-0.1
12:43
1.4
6:51
8:07
29
Wed
7:16
2.3
5:57
3.0
1:47
0.0
1:37
1.5
6:50
8:08
30
Thu
7:31
2.1
6:12
2.7
12:47
0.1
6:49
8:06
30
Thu
8:27
2.3
7:08
2.9
2:48
0.1
2:48
1.5
6:49
8:09
12:47
1.5
Moon
2020 Sylvans Have Arrived!
Pres
er v You e r Boa t
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | APRIL 2020 | TAMPA 7
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER:
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BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
CALF AND THE COW KEYS
A
pril is a great month for catching large redfish and snook in Tampa Bay. Although redfish are year-long residents of the Bay, the large breeders prefer the mangrove shore line. Snook, on the other hand, are starting their migration to the passes to spawn and often stop by along the mangroves for a quick meal. I made a short trip to catch bait at my secret spot, and from there it was off to Calf and Cow Keys--two small specks on the charts, but one of my favorite spots for large redfish this time of year. Located just a little north of Tarpon Key, the two small keys, or tiny strips of land, can hold some nice schools of redfish trying to get away from the herds of anglers that surround Tarpon Key. I lowered the trolling motor and, with a touch of a button, 113 pounds of thrust came to life propelling my 25-foot Pathfinder boat in the direction of the tiny strips of land. Although only some of the shore lines are protected in Tampa Bay, it’s best to use the trolling motor to help maintain good grass growth. Reds in shallow water will spook easily and the stealth system works best. This means keeping a safe distance from the school and being quiet.
Remember, sound travels seven times faster through water and the slightest noise can break up schooling fish. We slowly worked our way between the two Keys next to an oyster bar. Here we anchored and waited for the school to appear. Patience is important, since the school can appear in a moment’s notice. We were prepared for action--one rod with live pinfish suspended just below the surface of the water using one of my favorite floats Cajun Thunder, one rod with a greenback free lined just beyond our floats and one rod with a nice chunk of cut ladyfish and a small strip of Fishbites Crab Strip. The sun’s rays were slowly breaking into the crystal-clear water and you could see movements of small pinfish darting in and out of the grass and mullet starting to jump. I could tell by the look on my client’s face that she was ready for action, and so was I. Just beyond our reach, we could see a small wake as if a small boat had buzzed by. We both looked at each other and, without a word, prepared for an attack. The reds were coming. She drew first blood and within a split second mine was next. The battle continued for what seemed like hours, but it only lasted
Come Join Us for the
KING OF THE BEACH TOURNAMENT April 30 - May 2 Madeira Beach, FL
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Outboard Service Parts & Accessories 8 TAMPA | APRIL 2020 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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for 45 minutes--eight redfish landed, several break offs and a lot of fun. Large schools of reds will congregate around mangrove islands. Some schools are so large they form a red wave as they push through the shallow waters of the flats. My favorite baits for these large bruisers are 3-inch pinfish or dollar size pass crabs and lively greenback sardines. On the dead side, Fishbites in crab or shrimp scent added to a piece of dead bait will increase your strikes. Casting distance is a must and medium tackle works best. I prefer to use 15- pound test Fins Windtamer yellow braided line. As I get older, the yellow line makes it easier for me to keep track of the bait’s direction. Braided line gives me greater line capacity and casting distance. I prefer a medium size reel such as an Okuma Helios SX 30 and a 7-foot Okuma Ricky Red medium action rod. The combination is a perfect match for catching large reds and snook along the mangroves and docks. I prefer to fish the start of an outgoing tide for reds because, as the tide drops, they are forced into the cuts and potholes around the mangrove islands creating a private casting pond for my clients. First, get there early ahead of the tide change. I have sat and waited for an hour for fish to move in, and it has been well worth it. While other boats are trying to follow the fish, let the fish come to you. Never cast into a school of fish. Always cast ahead of them and let them come toward your bait. On days with strong currents, I will use a float and let the current drift my bait toward the fish. When the early morning tides are too low to fish the mangroves or keys, try fishing the docks that have structure for large reds and snook until the tide starts to rise. Anchor up-current from the dock, and chum with small pieces of cut greenbacks to get the action started. I use a small split shot to hold the live bait close to the bottom where the big ones hold up. You will be surprised at what lies under the shadows. Good fishing and tight lines. Captain Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He is also host to Aventuras De Pesca USA on national TV and Radio. Capt. Sergio Atanes can be reached at (813) 973-7132 or www.reelfishy.com
Large Selection of Barracuda Cast Nets at Great Prices. Penn Reel & Star Rod Dealer. Rod Repairs.
Complete Line of Tackle. Live & Frozen Bait.
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ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
T
he mackerel have arrived. King and Spanish macks are swarming local waters, as the water temp has hit the magical 74 degrees. These speedsters will attack live bait and lures with reckless abandon. The Spanish mackerel are everywhere from the channels surrounding grass flats, the area bridges and piers and along the beaches. These fish are an easy target. They will hit live shrimp and live greenbacks either free lined or under a bobber. They will also attack jigs and spoons either casted or slow trolled. Clark spoons and Gotcha plugs are favorites, as are Docs Goofy Jigs. The smaller the better--00 to 1 size spoons and 1/8 to ¼ ounce jigs work best. The kingfish are anywhere from the Skyway out to the hard bottom a few miles off the beaches. The big smoker kings can’t resist a slow trolled live blue runner or ladyfish. You can also go out to the hard bottom and chum with greenbacks to get a solid bite going. Larger spoons trolled on a planer will also take their share of schooly fish, as well as, big smokers. For Spanish mackerel, a 3000-size spinning reel with a 7’6” rod rated 6 to 12-pound tackle is fine. A piece of 40-pound fluorocarbon leader will work a lot better than wire. If using live bait, go with a long shank 1/0 to 2/0 hook to help curb the cut offs. A larger 6000-size spinning reel loaded with 20 to 30-pound braid on a 7-foot 15 to 25 lb. class rod will work great for the kings. When fishing for kings, a 3-foot piece of seven strand wire will help keep the big fish from breaking off. Wire is best whether trolling live bait or lures with the kings, as they have a habit of cutting through the mono. When using live bait, make sure to use a stinger rig. Attach a free-swinging treble hook to the main hook with a piece of wire. The great thing about fishing for mackerel off the beaches and on the hard bottom is that you can catch both kings and Spanish mackerel on the same trip. Never keep more than you’re going to eat, as mackerel do not freeze well. Both kings and Spanish mackerel make great smoked fish dip and there are many recipes available online. Let’s talk about the heart of Pocket Change Fishing Charters and how it all started. One afternoon, we got a call from a disabled veteran who * wanted to fish. He began to tell us that there were a few trips that he booked with a few guides and they canceled on him when they found out that he was in a wheelchair. Since I had a skiff, I told him that I would figure out a way to get him on this boat. As soon as the air hit him in the face, there was nothing but smiles from ear to ear. Right there I knew what I needed to do in life was to take every wheelchair person that wanted to go out on the boat. I decided to talk with my family about buying a bigger boat with the proper ramps, ADA restraints and brackets. It was a good decision and I have never regretted it. What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans.
$159
Capt. Anthony Corcella Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter - 727-432-6446 www.fishtampacharters.com - Check us out on Facebook 10 TAMPA | APRIL 2020 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE
D
ue to the weather not wanting to make up its mind, the redfish have made up theirs to start staging and moving around. This means great opportunity for us who want to target them in our waters. Due to the stronger tides and large full moons, the landscape of some of our favorite fishing spots look very different at the moment. The usual trenches and potholes we frequently target may be barren. Don’t fret. This is the perfect opportunity to watch and observe the staging and activity of our coveted sport fish. Learn new areas in our Bay to try and pinpoint the migration and staging areas. We have noticed many schooling reds and plenty of bulls and, they tend to be a bit finicky when schooling. Hungry males are wanting to eat, at times making it difficult to sight fish the big bull you want. However, don’t give up. Your personal best is swimming around closer than you think!
Though your favorite launch site may be a bit barren during low tide, don’t fret. Check out the waters surrounding those areas and see where the water is flowing and flushing the baitfish in when the tides shift. These are the backwaters where they are basking and feeding. Whether it’s live bait, artificials or flies that you prefer, be certain to be stealthy when approaching the schoolers. Kayaks are ideal for these situations and, sometimes, you will have to stalk very skinny areas to get to where the fish are tailing. Don’t forget, catch and release is in effect until further notice in our area with redfish, among other species. Make sure you check before you bag it up! So, think like a shallow water fish ninja and you will be successful this month! Good vibes and tight lines, and don’t forget to be safe out there! Derick Burgos is a kayak fishing guide, owner of Phatfish Kayak Charters and Co-Owner of Pure Florida watersports in Tampa Bay. He has called the area waters his home for over 20 years. He specializes in Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and more on artificial lyres, live bait or fly. purefloridaws@gmail.com - purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | APRIL 2020 | TAMPA 13
TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER
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elcome back yak fans. Here we are in April and summer is just around the corner. This gives me a self-provided Segway into this month’s offering--spring fishing. When I say spring, I’m not talking about the season, I’m talking about all-weather fishing and the Floridan aquifer. This aquifer, that stretches from Georgia, Alabama and all of Florida, is the closest to the surface on Florida’s Nature Coast. Put that with the porous lime rock substrata and you have springs. Whether it’s Weeki Wachee, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, Three Sisters or many others, every creek and river on our Coast is fed by this source. So, where am I going with this you may ask? The answer is unbelievable fishing. Filmans Bayou, Hammock Creek, the Mud River and both Jenkins and Higginbotham creeks all have springs in the back. So, when the Gulf temps drop in the winter, or the bay temps rise in the summer, many species head to the springs with its constant 72-degree outflow. This creates a fish-happy, target-rich environment for the angler. My last two trips have been fantastic with redfish, trout, sheepshead, black drum, mangrove snapper, snook and even goliath grouper being caught. Not bad for a hole as big around as a one-car garage door! This in a spot where you sometimes have to get out and drag the kayak over the rocks to get to it. The deepest reading I’ve gotten over the mouth of one of these springs has been over a hundred feet. These spots are Nature Coast Treasures and well worth the time and effort to discover and fish them. Think about it, seven species in one spot and I never pulled up my anchor! Let me know if you enjoyed this story. Till next time--Bruce Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear are provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude, and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. Bruce Butler “The Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com - Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH BY: MICHELLE ATKINS Ingredients: • 1/2 red pepper chopped • 1/3 of a cup of sweet onion chopped • 16-ounce Lump crab meat. If canned rinse to get flavor back • 1/2 cup of good mayonnaise • 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 egg • 1/2 of a lemon squeezed • 1 1/2 cups of bread crumbs
CRAB CAKES
• Olive oil or cooking oil for sauté • Dash of salt & pepper
Crab cakes are an old favorite --fast, easy and yummy. This recipe makes 8 crab cakes Directions: Sauté chopped peppers and onions in olive oil until onions are clear--about 4 minutes. Combine all ingredients and mix evenly. Make 8 patties using your hands to mold them. Heat oil to medium high heat. Place patties in cooking oil and brown both sides until crisp, but not burned. Place cooked crab cakes on paper towel to absorb excess oil. They are now ready to be served with a lemon wedge and your choice of sauce. A mustard sauce for stone crabs is my favorite. Cocktail or tartar sauce are also good choices. Let me know what you think, Michelle — cnmoasis@gmail.com
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | APRIL 2020 | TAMPA 17
RIVERS TO BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
A
pril is finally here and, with the March winds hopefully behind us, we can finally just go fishing. April has to be one of my favorite months to fish. I’ve had some of my best fishing days in April and May, because the water temperatures aren’t too hot and the fish are waking up from the cooler temps. Bait should slowly start showing up on the flats, as the month progresses. But, if we have a cold start to April, bait should definitely still be on the markers and at the Skyway. Snook fishing around Weedon Island, Cockroach Bay and in the upper parts of Tampa Bay should be on fire. So, pretty much anywhere in Tampa Bay the bite should be very good in April. Just watch the tides and make sure you’ve got good water movement. If you’re fishing for redfish, I like an outgoing tide; and for snook, an incoming tide. If you don’t have a choice, because you’re a weekend angler or only have a couple days to fish during the week,
just find the best tide you can and go out and have a great day of fishing. Here are a couple of tips. If I’m red fishing with cut bait, I’ll rig it with a Gamakatsu 2/0 Nautilus hook. If I’m fishing for snook with live bait, l’ll use a number 1 or 1/0 Gamakatsu Nautilus hook. My leader is usually 20 pounds, but if I break off a couple of times, I’ll step it up to 30 pounds. I could go on and on about how good fishing is in April and, if the end of March is any indication of the fishing to come, April won’t disappoint. Remember that snook, redfish and trout are catch and release right now. But, if you’re looking to bring home a few fillets for dinner, there is always mangrove snapper, sheepshead, cobia and Spanish mackerel around. Till the next adventure, tight Lines… Capt. John Rivers operates Rivers To Bay Fishing Charters out of Tampa Bay and Tarpon Springs. With 18 years guiding experience and over 40 years of fishing knowledge, he can assure you a professional / fun fishing adventure. Single or multi boat trips available. Captain John Rivers - www.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com - 727-313-1781
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18 TAMPA | APRIL 2020 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
A
pril is well known for its pleasant mornings and warm afternoons on the water. Generally speaking, much of the usual boat traffic from most anglers and guides has started to shift from their favorite snook and redfish fishing spots to chasing the “Silver King” (tarpon) around the beaches and larger passes. This will allow for less pressure on the water and more fish willing to chew on baits. During the month of April, I have found that periods of tide change produce larger fish. The mornings and evenings will be more productive as the water temperature will be lower. On rising and higher tides, snook and redfish will be abundant on and around mangrove points, oyster bars and the occasional sandbar. When fishing these areas mentioned earlier, I recommend free-lining live or cut scaled sardines within the target area or “strike-zone”. The addition of a few split-shot may be necessary to keep baits in the specific location during stronger tides. The waterways of Tampa Bay are filled with scaled sardines, also known as “greenbacks” or “white bait.” These little silver bullets are candy for snook and redfish, and hold their reputation for catching trout on any given day. Scaled sardines can be caught by throwing a cast net or buying at local bait shops. Some bait shops sell scaled sardines but, most of the time, you have to use a cast net to catch them. I recommend catching enough to use for bait, as well as, a few extra to throw as chum. You will be able to find these baitfish at the channel markers and shallow-to-deep transition areas nearest boat channels. I use a 10-foot 3/8 mesh Humpback cast net to gather my bait. The tripletail bite is expected to turn on any day now as the weather warms them into their pre-spawn patterns. Keep an eye out for floating debris as one or two may be lurking beneath. Throwing a free-lined sardine or shrimp shaped jig should do the trick. Another species of fish to keep an eye out for this month are Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel are a huge summer-time favorite and can be found wherever bait-fish congregate in high numbers. A favorite spot of mine and many anglers is the main span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Whether fishing from a boat or the pier located directly next to the bridge, using a silver spoon with some wire leader on fast retrieve or a free-lined sardine should do the trick.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | APRIL 2020 | TAMPA 19
HERNANDO COUNTY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
GAME ON FISH ON!
F
inally, fishheads, this is what we’ve all been waiting for--great fishing and great weather. With the fishing in March so good, April will be even more exciting. The cold fronts should be pretty much over, but we still have cooler days. Many species will be on the move this month in our Nature Coast. Offshore, look for migrating fish like kingfish, shark and cobia to be on your favorite deep structure spots. When bottom fishing, try putting out a free lined bait either a live pinfish, whitebait or frozen dead bait like a threadfin on a stinger rig. Also, put out a chum bag to get a good slick out. Any of these fish, when hooked, will give one heck of a fight. Also, offshore, we are still catching (and releasing) some big gag groupers. On some recent charters, we were bottom fishing and came across some big bull redfish. One of these 34-inch plus fish was caught and landed on 15-pound line and a 3/0 hook (inshore tackle). There are plenty of white grunts on hand to catch and take home to eat. Inshore, look for the redfish and trout to be in the skinny grass flats or rocky bottom areas. They should be in two to six feet of water. Anything from top water crank baits to jigs can entice a hard fight. Live baits like shrimp or white baits will also produce a bite. Nearshore, look for the Spanish mackerel to school up on the white
bait. Try to match the hatch with a ¼ ounce jig and Zoom jerk bait. Don’t be afraid to work the bait fast--the macks like a fast-moving bait. Use a steel leader only if you have to--it seems the bite slows when using a leader. Again, chumming the water will bring the macks in for the attack. Don’t forget, the tarpon will begin to show up this time of year. When fishing for tarpon, be very considerate of the other boats; please don’t go on a plane through the middle of them. These guides around Chaz and Homosassa are working for their clients. When you see a lot of boats in the area, slow down and idle in. Tackle for tarpon can be anything from flyrods to conventional tackle, and from live to artificial baits. The key here is patience. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach. Coast guard licensed, insured and Federal permitted. He knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips. Check him out on facebook or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
20 TAMPA | APRIL 2020 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
AO Coolers Releases New Insulated Fish and Fillet Mylar Bags
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O Coolers is pleased to announce the release of their new line of marine products – Insulated Fish Bags and Fillet Mylar Bags. While AO Coolers already has a great line up with their ultimate soft sided coolers, these new insulated AO Insulated Fish Bags are sure to be a hit! AO Coolers Insulated Fish Bags are designed and made to keep your catch fresh. The interior liner is a tear and mildew resistant, reflective, 18 oz vinyl. It is insulated with 1” closed cell foam to keep your catch cold and fresh. The exterior is a heavy duty 18 oz vinyl material that is both UV and mildew resistant with full wrap graphics and a reinforced bottom. The AO Insulated Fish Bags also feature rugged, non-corrosive YKK zippers, and an exterior zippered pocket for additional dry storage. Two padded grab handles make transport easy when loaded. The AO Insulated Fish Bag is available in two sizes: 4’x26” and 6’x30”. AO Coolers Fillet Mylar bags are designed to keep your catch fresh. The AO Fillet Mylar bags are made from 5 MIL thick foil lined mylar which blocks moisture, air and light (they are not transparent). These one gallon bags are odor proof and waterproof which feature a ziplock seal, and lines for catch location and date. Each Insulated Fish Bag kit includes with six AO Fillet Mylar bags. Additional fillet bags may be purchased from aomarineproducts. com. The AO Fillet Mylar bags are available in packs of 12 or 24. Dimensions: 9” x 13.75” About AO Coolers: AO Coolers has been making soft-sided coolers in the market for over 25 years. AO Coolers were the first to introduce the soft-sided cooler and have the “best in industry” limited lifetime warranty for the inside liner and top main zipper. “Go with the Original AO Coolers!” The customers keep coming back because they know AO Coolers offers excellent service. AO Coolers delivers orders on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality – every time! For more information, please visit www.aocoolers.com or Facebook www.facebook. com/aocoolers. You may also email us at info@aocoolers.com or speak with our Customer Service Representatives directly at 800-336-5208.
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READING THE BEACH
Photo by Paul Brennan
T
o the uninitiated, surf fishing might seem easy. Stake out some rods, sit back in a chair and enjoy a cold one, right? Well, if you actually want to catch fish, it’s necessary to read the surf. For beginners seeking to catch fish from the beach, setting up in the right place is the first step to success. Ask the local tackle shop about baits, rigs and appropriate gear. This article should get you started seeking out productive water. Ever notice five or six dudes clustered on one short stretch of beach with an array of rods stuck in the sand just a few yards apart? These guys know what they’re doing. They’ve found structure that consolidates bait and fish. Don’t assume there’s an invitation to plop down and fish with them. But be polite, don’t crowd them, and they might share advice. Notice what the beach and the surf look like where they are fishing, and 18
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try to find something similar somewhere else. Scouting begins with a long walk on the beach. Low tide might not be the best time to fish the surf, but it’s a great time to see how the bottom will lay out when the tide rolls in. Bottom contours manipulate current, and any irregularity on a flat expanse off the beach will draw bait and fish. Often, fine sand indicates a bottom with a gradual slope and little structure. Coarse sand with crushed shell or gravel points the way to steeper drops or deeper holes. Pay attention while you’re walking, and you’ll likely see the sand change character. The most common structure you’ll find off the beach is a sandbar. This is where the waves begin to break as they approach the shore. Inside of this sandbar there is a trough of deeper water between the sandbar and shore. There’s another drop off the ocean side of the sandbar. Fish of all kinds utilize these slightly deeper waters to move along the beach, hunting smaller fish or crustaceans. Dropping baits in the trough or on the backside of the sandbar can lead to hookups, but your odds increase if you can find a break in the sandbar, where a large tide, a rip current or a storm surge has punched a hole in the bar. Sand stacks up on either side of the cut, leaving shallow points on either side of a deeper bottom. These spots are obvious when the tide is out. When the tide is in, it’s the spot where waves don’t break as they pass over the sandbar. On a falling tide, you might notice faster water being sucked out through the cut. Fish use these breaks to move in and out of the trough. Current rushing through sandbar breaks also disorients baitfish, and predators will line up. Keep in mind that the sand is always moving. It changes day-today, and being cognizant of even small irregularities on an otherwise featureless bottom can help locate fish.
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AT YOUR LOCAL GEICO OFFICE. GILBERT SUAREZ 305-914-9220 13631 Biscayne Blvd North Miami geico.com/northmiami Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2019. © 2019 GEICO 19_216446
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Clean Up Florida Waters July 11
F Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
DiscoverMartin.com 20
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lorida Realtors, the state’s largest trade association, is organizing a statewide event slated for July 11 to clean up Florida waters. Drawing from the organization’s extensive reach and calling out to all marine enthusiasts and conservationists, the event is aimed at cleaning up lakes, rivers, streams, retention ponds, bays, Intracoastal Waterways, the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean. The event was dreamed up between Orlando and Jacksonville realtors Mark Feagle Jr. and Jeff Fagan, who are avid anglers and Coastal Conservation Association members. The idea was quickly adopted by the trade association, which has the manpower of 195,000 members. The goal is to remove tons of trash and debris from waterways statewide in a single day, utilizing volunteers on land and water. “As a native Floridian, I have always enjoyed surfing, fishing and diving in our local waters. I want the natural beauty of this state to endure for my daughter and future generations,” said Feagle. “When you ask tourists or future residents what attracted them to Florida, the answers are typically: white sand beaches, lakes for boating, rivers for kayaking and our natural springs. Yet, many of our waterways are littered with bottles, cans and other debris. The good news is, trash is a people problem, which means we are also the solution.” On July 11, join thousands of Florida realtors to clean up Florida waters. Every effort makes a difference. To get involved, visit www.floridarealtors.org/events/clean-up-florida-waters or contact your local real estate offices to get details on local efforts. Use the hashtag #cleanupfloridawaters on social media to find local events and support the effort.
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elebrate the fight against invasive lionfish at the sixth-annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival May 16-17 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village in Destin. Activities will include fillet demonstrations; family friendly games and activities; art, diving and conservation booths; and the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the participating locations of Lionfish Restaurant Week (May 11-14) for your chance to try this delicious invasive. Learn more by visiting FWCReefRangers.com. The 2020 Lionfish Challenge removal incentive program will begin May 22 and continue through the Pensacola Lionfish Classic on Oct 11. Register for the tournament at EmeraldCoastOpen.com. For more information on FWC’s lionfish awareness programs go to FWCReefRangers.com and MyFWC. com/Lionfish.
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SEAGRASS RESTORATION UNDERWAY
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apid fluctuations in salinity due to freshwater releases from Lake Okeechobee have caused the loss of up to 1,200 acres of seagrass beds in NOAA photo by Heather Dine Caloosahatchee Estuary on Florida’s southwest coast. For more than a decade, prime habitat for inshore gamefish has dwindled. In 2018, an ambitious project began to restore seagrass to Caloosahatchee Estuary. Spurred by the Angler Action Foundation and funded by the state of Florida, the first stage of plantings appear to be thriving. In late 2018, about 20 acres of tape grass and widgeon grass were planted in areas decimated by excessive freshwater releases. Widgeon grass was selected for its ability to pioneer new habitat and tolerate a wide range of salinity. Tape grass, also known as eelgrass or wild celery, is more tolerant of freshwater than other grasses. Planting these two species provides some insurance that seagrass beds will establish and remain intact under widely varying salinity levels. Seagrass plantings were protected by wire-mesh exclosures to protect them from turtles and manatees, to allow the plants to take root. Initial surveys indicate very high survival rate, with up to 95 percent of plantings thriving and producing seeds and rhizomes that will disperse and hopefully establish themselves in adjacent areas, resulting in a self-sustaining seagrass meadow. Future plans are to expand the footprint of the planted areas. It is hoped the same methods can be used in other parts of Florida, such as the Indian River Lagoon, which has also suffered devastating losses of seagrass habitat.
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his is the time of year I start organizing for the upcoming fishing season. Whether I’m traveling abroad or staying close to home (which might be the case with current Covid-Virus situation), being practical and thorough are the keys to success. Pack Light: Many fly fisherman decorate themselves with useless stuff: dull-bladed scissors, moth-eaten fly patches and rust-encrusted hemostats; in addition, vest pockets are crammed with fly boxes of every size, each pocket on the verge of popping its stitching. On occasion, I have noted fly fishermen toting as many as three tackle bags, each bag containing enough stuff to stock a small fly shop. When saltwater fly fishing, dispense with the stuff and use the less is more approach. One box of flies will cover your targeted species, and you’ll need small spools of tippet material, nippers and pliers. If you’re fishing with a guide, he or she will have most of these items available to you. Know What the Fish Eat: Research flies you’ll need for the location and if your guide will provide them for you. Far too many anglers allow ego to take over their thinking in the selection of flies, resulting in the purchase of flies ill-suited for the targeted species. Ask the guide what flies are appropriate.
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Traveling Abroad? If you’re fishing in a foreign country, investigate the culture, customs and perhaps the language spoken. Doing so will ensure your trip’s success and impress the natives. Don’t forget your passport and an extra copy placed in another piece of luggage or carry on. Leave a copy of it at home just in case! And get a Trusted Traveler card (formally Global Enter card). It’s well worth the $100 and saves you from suffering the long customs lines when re-entering the United States. Cast: Prior to your trip, spend a half-hour each day casting into the wind, a practice that will prepare you for unforgiving, blustery winds you will encounter on the flats and offshore. Work on distance. Casts of 40 to 50 feet with no more than two false casts are a must. Find A Guide: A good fishing guide is an outstanding provider of the information you need when fly fishing unfamiliar waters or in distant fly fishing destinations. Your guide has logged hundreds of hours studying the local fish and has honed saltwater fly fishing skills. Listening is guaranteed to make you a better fly fisherman. Hiring a guide and lending him your ear is a giant step in the right direction if learning to saltwater fly fish is your goal. Once you have enlisted his assistance, pay attention; listen and learn. You’ll find most saltwater fishing guides are good listeners, and often they become good and trusted friends. However, avoid bending his ear too much with stories about your skills as a freshwater fly-flinger. You are there to learn from him, not vice-versa.
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TONS OF TRASH Removed From Broward Waters
N 26° 7' 3.6376, W 80° 34.8846"
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Rick Gibbs - Agent
954-678-2668 lmufl.com
ore than 1,000 volunteers showed up in early March for the 43rd Broward County Waterway Cleanup. On land and in water with 120 vessels, including boats, kayaks and paddleboards, volunteers collected nearly 25 tons of trash and debris from 35 sites around the county. The event was presented by the Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.) and National Marine Suppliers and organized by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF). “We had beautiful weather, dedicated volunteers and a great time,” said Event Coordinator, Nicole Hoekstra, “The annual Waterway Cleanup is a perfect day to celebrate all that Broward County has to offer, while taking part in keeping it clean,” Following the cleanup, volunteers were invited to attend the Trash Bash Thank You party at MIASF Headquarters, where participants were treated to live music, free food and beverages, and more than a dozen raffle prizes. For more information, visit www.waterwaycleanup.org.
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CHERRY DOMINATES THE CLASSIC
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here was no denying Elite Series veteran Hank Cherry. Riding a first-day sack of nearly 30 pounds, he led wireto-wire during the 50th anniversary Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville to capture the most coveted title in tournament bass fishing. The 46-year-old B.A.S.S. photo by Gary Tramontina from Lincolnton, N.C. hoisted the trophy on championship Sunday March 8 and accepted his winnings of $307,500 as the Classic champion. It was sweet redemption for a man who’s fished the Classic five times and came heartbreakingly close to winning the whole enchilada back in 2013. During the 2013 Classic at Grand Lake, Oklahoma, a lost jerkbait fish dropped Cherry into third place. It’s safe to say his luck held on Guntersville, where limits of 29-3, 16-10 and 19-8 gave him a three-day total of 65 pounds, 5 ounces. He did most of his damage during Friday’s first round with a Z-Man Jack Hammer. The pattern led to a tournamentbest bag that featured a pair of 7-2 largemouths. On Days 2 and 3, he relied on his own Hank Cherry Signature Series Jig from Picasso in green pumpkin with a matching Berkley MaxScent Chunk trailer and a jerkbait—a Megabass 110+1 in the French pearl OB color. He spent practically the whole event fishing one causeway and one grass flat after a Day 1 arm injury limited his travel in windy conditions. “I never put gas in the boat all week,” Cherry said. “Y’all know me. If it’s windy, I’m not going to be making a lot of long runs—and anyway, I just didn’t need to.” South Carolina pro Todd Auten finished second with 58-10. Arkansas angler Stetson Blaylock took third with 58-1. The Berkley Big Bass award went to Auten for a 7-9 he caught on Day 1.
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SCADDEN DRAGONFLY XT2
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nglers looking for a two-man raft as versatile as it is portable and functional will have a hard time finding anything that tops Dave Scadden’s Dragonfly XT2. At 10 feet long, 54 inches wide and weighing just 100 pounds, the Dragonfly XT2 can be thrown in the back of a pickup truck, yet it fishes and handles as well as a much bigger boat. It can be set up one person frameless, two-person frameless or decked out to the moon with Dave’s Dragonfly travel frame. It is super lightweight and portable yet offers performance levels never before achieved in the inflatable world. The Dragonfly XT2 is so outrageously tricked out that there are just too many cool gadgets to list. Go to www. davescaddenpaddlesports.com and watch the videos. You’ll see why professional guides around the country are choosing this boat for their river trips. All Dragonfly models are bladderless, miterless and fully rockered with rigid dropstitch technology and removable self-bailing floor systems. They are rated for Class V whitewater, have a 1,500-pound weight capacity and are backed by an exclusive unconditional lifetime warranty.
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ound is critical to a fish’s survival beneath the surface of the water. They rely on sound to signal the presence of prey or warn them of impending danger. Since sound travels five times faster in water than it does in air, it becomes a critical factor in a fish’s daily life. If you have watched fish for any period of time, you know they instinctively become alert to unfamiliar sounds or noise and tend to move away from the source. I watched a scientific experiment with trout in a clear water stream from a concealed tower. As an associate approached the edge of the stream from wooded concealment on the opposite bank, the trout became instantly alert. A few slipped back into protective cover, while the rest became motionless and waited to see what would happen. Every fish within view stopped feeding. Large predators sometimes invade a chum slick simply because they respond to the sound of smaller fish feeding. They can actually hear potential prey as the little guys devour the chum. The sound of other fish feeding will often trigger additional fish to begin feeding. Game fish are intensely aware of the distress vibrations given off by injured or impaired fish and usually are attracted to move in closer. These distress vibrations telegraph the
presence of an easy meal. That’s why a larger predator often attacks a hooked fish as you struggle to land it. Unique in the animal kingdom, the lateral line on either side of a fish is an extremely precise sound-detecting organ. It responds to low frequency sound within relatively short range in a system known as near-field displacement. Anything moving through the water disturbs the molecules and this is detected by neuromasts in the fish’s body. The accuracy of the system is nothing less than amazing. A fish can strike prey it cannot see with incredible accuracy. Negative sounds or noises are equally important. Too many anglers ignore the damage that noises can cause. Once a fish is alerted that something is not right, it seldom will risk striking a bait or lure. A plug landing too close to an oversized shark or a 100-pound tarpon can send that critter scurrying for safety. The noise of an outboard can eliminate fish in a given spot. Racing to reach a spot or to get to breaking Photo by Nick Carter fish as quickly as possible can shut down the activity. And making noise aboard a boat, particularly when it is easily transmitted through the hull has negative effects. The shallower the water, the more damaging noise can be. All it takes is dropping a pair of pliers, sliding a tackle box so it scrapes or making heavy sounds of any type. It pays to live by the rule that silence is golden. If you do, you’ll catch more fish.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
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NOAA CLAMPS DOWN
ON ATLANTIC SNAPPER
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n early March, NOAA Fisheries announced that red snapper season in the South Atlantic, from the Carolinas to Florida, will be a scant three days long with a one-fish per person daily limit… if there is to be a snapper season at all. It’s frustrating news for anglers, who are experiencing a similar situation to what occurred in the Gulf of Mexico prior to states taking control of red snapper management. While anglers and charter captains report plentiful and increasing red snapper catches, federal managers continue clamping down on regulations. And even the three-day season is contingent on a change to regulatory framework, which currently does not allow a season at all if NOAA determines it will be three days or less. According to a release from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC), the change that would allow a three-day season is expected to be in place before the 2020 season. Since 2010, recreational anglers have been allowed just 37 days total to harvest red snapper in the South Atlantic. NOAA’s decision on the 2020 season is based on landing estimates from 2019, when a five-day recreational season produced an estimated 49,674 fish and exceeded the annual catch limit. The current annual catch limit is set at 29,656 fish.
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E-Z ANCHOR PULLER PATRIOT SERIES
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-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. provides a solid, reliable, easy-to-use solution for anchoring. As a leading drum anchor winch manufacturer, our products are a safe, consistent launch and retrieval system for vessels in calm or rough seas. No more trips toward the front of your boat to untangle line and chain: we have a drum anchor winch that provides years of dependability and safety for you and your anchor, from 18-foot all the way up to 55-foot vessels! The Patriot series is especially developed for fiberglass fishing boats in shallow coastal waters. Before purchasing his E-Z Anchor Puller unit, Jarrett Sanchez pulled up a 22-pound anchor and 230 feet of rope and chain onto his 1977, 25’ Mako Center Console all by himself, by hand. Now, he can simply press a button to drop his anchor to the bottom, then simply push “up” for three seconds to ensure his line is nice and tight. Manufactured completely from 316 stainless steel and rated IP68 waterproof submersible, the Patriot series is immune to saltwater environments, whether it’s exposed on the deck or hidden away in the rope locker while you’re out on the water. With three sizes (EZ-1, EZ-2 and EZ-3) in the series, the Patriot is the winch of choice for Florida boaters who own vessels 18 to 35 feet, and can hold between 175 and 325 feet of ⅜-inch line, or 150 to 200 feet of ½-ich line depending on preference and need. The power-up, power-down direct drive button gives boaters more control over deployment and retrieval with an average of 100 feet per minute for deployment and retrieval. Sanchez’s particular unit, the Patriot EZ-2, holds 150 feet of ½-inch line where he boats off of the coast of Treasure Island, Fla. Even though his decision to buy our unit was, “99.9 percent his wife and family,” we think Sanchez is one happy customer, too! No drifting, no tangled lines and one less thing to worry about on the open water. To check out the Patriot series in its entirety, visit our website at ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch
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FOULFREE TRANSDUCER COATING
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Enter To Win A VOODOO KAKUKAYAK! The Kaku Voodoo is the ultimate sight casting paddle craft. This Authentic Fishing Paddle Craft has a unique look and performance. Part Kayak, part paddle board, with some micro skiff qualities. “ The Kaku Voodoo is like a Cadillac on the water, comfort and stability combined with all the accessories an angler could want.”
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arine growth on the transducer inhibits the performance your sonar. A fouled transducer reduces sensitivity, bottom-echo returns and positive fish targets. In other words, when the transducer is dirty, you’re not seeing what’s down there. Also, transducers perform best when there’s minimal turbulence over their surface during operation. Consider this next time you’re idling over structure looking for bait and fish. With streamlined water flow over your equipment, you’ll get a better image of what’s below. To solve these performance issues, Propspeed, a leading innovator of underwater coatings, developed a revolutionary foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers. Foulfree is a biocide-free coating that when cured creates a super-slippery surface over the transducer. It prevents marine growth without poisons to keep your transducer clean, streamlined and performing at its peak. One application lasts through an entire year of service and even longer in cooler climates. “Foulfree is an exciting new coating specifically made to enhance the performance of transducers,” said Chris Baird, CEO of Propspeed. “Bringing together our revolutionary product design and working with the experts in transducer functionality from Airmar, we are able to offer boaters around the world a new solution to an age-old problem and improve sonar performance for anglers and cruisers alike.” Foulfree joins Propspeed’s award-winning product line which includes Propspeed an industry-leading foul-release system for propellers and running gear and the groundbreaking transparent foulrelease coating specifically formulated www.oceanmax.com for underwater lights, Lightspeed.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
T
he dawning of the new year has been good to West Virginia anglers who are setting new state records. A monster blue catfish and a big grass carp were certified as state length records by the West Virginia Division of Naturaral Resources, and then the grass carp record was broken again. On Jan. 3, Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, W.Va., caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp from Warden Lake, a 44-acre state-managed reservoir in the northeastern corner of the state. Adkins used a large swimbait to catch the fish, which broke the previous length record of 50.75 inches. Then, on Feb. 18, John Miller, of Lost City, W.Va., bested Adkins’ mark with a 54.75-inch, 67.4-pound grass carp, also from Warden Lake. Warden Lake is apparently a hotbed for big carp. The state weight record of 71.69 pounds also came from Warden. It was caught by William Tucker in 2005. On Jan. 11, Justin Conner, of Culloden, W.Va., caught his 49.84-inch, 58.38-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River over on the Ohio border. Conner’s big blue ate a chunk of cut shad. It broke the previous length record of 47.75 inches. Mark Blauvelt still holds the weight record with a 59.74-pound blue catfish caught on the Ohio River in 2016. The IGFA alltackle world record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds. It was caught out of Kerr Lake, Va. in 2011. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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RIDE THE BULL In Grand Isle Louisiana
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he maze of bayous around the mouth of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans holds the best redfish fishing in the world. This unique system of waterways on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast also lays out perfectly for anglers fishing from kayaks. It’s fitting that the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament should be held out of Grand Isle, Louisiana. On Aug. 28-29, Ride the Bull will flood Caminada Pass with hundreds of kayak anglers chasing the event’s heaviest single redfish. It will be the 11th edition of this catch-and-release bull redfish tournament hosted by CCA Louisiana. And whether you’re a competitor or one of the hundreds of spectators, it’s an event you need to see. Because of the tournament’s boundaries within Caminada pass, it is suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The fishing, however, can be pretty serious, with a leaderboard filled by redfish approaching 30 pounds. In addition to the fishing on Saturday, Aug. 29, vendors will be there displaying their wares, and usually there’s live music on Friday night after the captains meeting. Registration opens June 1 and hotel rooms on Grand Isle fill up quickly, so make reservations early. For more information, go to ccalouisiana.com.
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52 value
$
When it comes to cigars, no one even comes close to Cigars International and we’re ready to prove it to ‘ya with an outrageous intro offer: 8 premium handmade cigars for just $ 10.* Go ahead, price shop this one and prepare to be stunned. When you’re ready, we’re here waiting with the world’s largest selection of premium handmade cigars at the planet’s lowest prices, delivered fast and fresh. That’s our guarantee. Includes 1 each of: Hoyo de Monterrey • Macanudo • Villazon CAO • Arganese • HC Series • Bahia • Sancho Panza
Visit: www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7810
Enter complete web address or search keyword: SA7810
1-888-244-2790 Mention code SA7810 Item #: CA49-SP
5 UPGRADE
$
*Plus 2 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state, local or excise taxes where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For shipping information & restrictions please visit www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 5/31/20. $ 99
ADD A TRAVEL HUMIDOR CRUSHPROOF
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WATERPROOF
APRIL 2020
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30 VALUE
$
NATIONAL
21
WE RIF
Cust
YO
$
COM
PEL $
26
MODE
7 FT WEA
Custo
N
$
COMP
WEA $ 9
8
MODEL
20v 1/2" IMP 1/2"
ITEM 63852
2" EX ITEM
COMP
SNAP $
72
MODEL CTB81
18" MOV
COMP
BUFF $
22
MODEL
ITEM
10 G SEC
• CA
$
3
Custom
COMP
STAC $
56
MODEL
ITEM
22
NATIONAL
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APRIL 2020
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
*Orig
hft_coa
O
W
1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com SUPER COUPON
MODEL 9800
Strong, secure, Pick and pull foam insert for easy-open latches impact-absorbing protection
WEATHERPROOF PROTECTIVE RIFLE CASES Customer Rating • 50-3/8" L
99
$1 1 4
$
COMPARE TO
269
BLACK
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
CUISINART $ 99 MODEL: C77-SHR8B
Pre-drilled for two padlocks (locks sold separately)
588 LUMEN TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT
49
8
MODEL: 300083999
SAVE 50%
$
5999
$
MODEL: PROTAC 1L
Customer Rating Wheel kit and battery sold separately.
99
14
COMPARE TO
99
HONDA
$
$
2,789
MODEL: EM6500SXK2AT
*95609624 * 95609624
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
724
SAVE $494
MODEL: CT8850PDB, CTB8185BK, CTC720
Includes battery and charger.
COMPARE TO
SNAP-ON
$
105
MODEL: EEBM500A
99 NOW99
36 $27
ITEM 63350
$ 99 $1 0 99 229 COMPARE TO
DEWALT
$
$
6814 SAVE 83%
COMPARE TO
Snap-on BLUE-POINT
18
99
830
Side tray sold separately.
$ $ ITEM 5889/62281 MODEL: KRBC10TBPES 61637 shown ITEM 64031, 64722, 64033, 64721, 64059, 64720, 56429
MODEL: DW1369
SAVE 630
*95606624 * 95606624
*95584236 * 95584236
*95591171 * 95591171
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
• 1000 lb. capacity
Customer Rating
NOW
$
99
$7
COMPARE TO
BUFFALO TOOLS $ 99
22
$
SAVE 65%
MODEL: HDFDOLLY
10
99
ITEM 60497/62399/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown
19999
COMPARE TO
PORTER-CABLE $ 99
249
MODEL: 118903799
300 LB. CAPACITY ATV/LAWN MOWER LIFT
AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL Customer Rating
NOW
99 4 7 $ $9999 SAVE 46
$4
VALEO $ 99
14
5
$
$ 49
MODEL: 25521
NOW
Customer Rating
99
COMPARE TO
ITEM 56241/64857 shown
• Fits lawnmowers/ATV/ Quads with wheelbases 25" to 39" wide
NOW
SAVE 66%
99
$1 64
SAVE $85
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
MECHANICS GLOVES
20 GALLON, 135 PSI OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR • Air delivery: 4.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI
121
47 COMPARE TO $ ITEM 60395/62325/62493/61523 shown MAX LOAD MODEL: 38028
ITEM 62434, 62426, 62433, 62432, 62429, 64179, 62428, 64178 shown
*95591850 * 95591850
*95598136 * 95598136
*95599886 * 95599886
*95602044 * 95602044
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
32999
Customer Rating
NOW
$27999
SAVE $39
MODEL: SS-16-MB-E
$
COMPARE TO
SAVE $284
ITEM 64008/64011 shown
RYOBI $ Contents not included.
99
Customer Rating
NOW
6999 NOW99 290
75 SHELTER $ MODEL: 76377 LOGIC
ITEM 64754 63531 shown
NOW
$1 6999
$59
COMPARE TO
MODEL: P1811
130 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CASE
Customer Rating
• 450 in. lbs. of torque • 1.5Ah battery • Weighs 2.63 lbs.
COMPARE TO
STACK-ON $ 57
10 FT. x 17 FT. PORTABLE GARAGE
20v LITHIUM-ION 1/2" COMPACT DRILL/DRIVER KIT
• CA DOJ compliant
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
10 GUN ELECTRONIC SECURITY SAFE
564
OF 7 COLORS
*95584082 * 95584082 SUPER COUPON
$
$1 9999
NOW
ITEM 64349
$
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
2" EXTENDED ANVIL
SAVE $77
9
$ 99
COMPARE TO
29 PIECE 30", 5 DRAWER • 15,000 cu. in. of storage Customer Rating TITANIUM MECHANIC'S CART DRILL BIT SET NOW YOUR CHOICE
29 269 $2
SNAP-ON $ 85
5
$ 99 SAVE ITEM 63135 RANGEMAXX MODEL: 1312-92 65% 61451 shown *95583705 * 95583705
SAVE 2,189
$
SUPER COUPON
20v LITHIUM-ION 4AMP HIGH FREQUENCY 1/2" EXTREME TORQUE YOUR CHOICE BATTERY CHARGER/MAINTAINER Customer Rating IMPACT WRENCH KITS 99 1/2" ANVIL $ 99 ITEM 63537/64195 COMPARE TO
$3 49
64999
*95583037 * 95583037
63852 shown
NOW
9 $5999
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
NOW
*95582869 * 95582869 SUPER COUPON
AMMO DRY BOX
SUPER COUPON
ITEM 63971/63970 shown ITEM 63968/63969, CALIFORNIA ONLY
$9
ITEM 64799/63934 shown
STREAMLIGHT
ITEM 61765/46411 shown
Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
NOW
COMPARE TO
*95582198 * 95582198
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 6/3/20.
9000 WATT MAX. STARTING EXTRA LONG LIFE GAS POWERED GENERATOR • 13 hour run time 5"
5
39 ¢
ITEM 36872/62507/63520/47877 shown
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
NOW
$ 99
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
*95608497 * 95608497
Case contents not included.
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 83%
WOW!
94¢
5
Customer Rating
COMPARE TO
MULTIPURPOSE SCISSORS
LIMIT 3
*95582416 * 95582416
TAN
7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP
WEATHERMASTER $ 99
20% OFF
SAVE 93%
• Stainless steel blades • Jar and bottle opener
NOW AVAILABLE IN TAN
Super strong reinforced polypropylene construction Adjustable pressure relief valve equalizes pressure for easy opening
MODEL: DOUBLE RIFLE ITEM 64520 ITEM 56862
$4
O
C
SUPER COUPON
SAVE 93%
Customer Rating
14999
SAVE $155
PELICAN $ 99
U
N
O
P
2" Heavy duty ball bearing wheels
13-5/8" W 5-1/8" H
YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR
S
R
E
P
U
!
W
199 SAVE ITEM 62859/63055 $120 62860 shown $
99
COMPARE TO
ANVIL
$
6639 SAVE 54%
MODEL: A137HOS
$2999 $
3999
ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown
*95602562 * 95602562
*95613146 * 95613146
*95605055 * 95605055
*95605073 * 95605073
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 6/3/20*
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*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 6/3/20.
hft_coastalangler_0420_M-REG171024.indd 1
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APRIL 2020
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NATIONAL
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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
3/6/20 4:13 PM
Time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Time to get to your local for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Extended Protection at noSuzuki extra Marine charge.Dealer There are Instant Savings on select models,Buy and during ourFinancing Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Low-Rate is also available. Extended Protection atSuzuki no extra charge. There are Instant Savings on select models, and See your participating Marine Low-Rate is also available. dealer for Financing all the details. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVE RIGHT NOW ON
SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings on select models when SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS
SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, 3 Years Limited Warranty + No extra charge. 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.
SAVE RIGHT NOW ON
REPOWER FINANCE REPOWER Rates as lowFINANCE as 5.99%
SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS
you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. Instant on select models when SeeSavings your dealer for details. you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.
on new Suzuki outboards on Rates credit.* as low as approved [605.99% Months] on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
™ ™
24
Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 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. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with 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. There are no model 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. The Gimme Six Promotion is available 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 for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, 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 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. There are no model terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ 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 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 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 authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “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 terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “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. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. NATIONAL APRIL 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1
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SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1
3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM
A
d a e h
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Not shown actual size.
Limited Collector’s Edition
Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79
F
or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington Damascus Curva Knife, you’ll be ready to throw a curve of your own. Limited Reserves. Damascus steel blades are a lost art form that only a handful of artisan bladesmiths have mastered. These legendary blades take time to forge and only a few are crafted each month. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
The Damascus Curva Knife celebrates those legendary blades. It uses modern Damascus steel, with the same rippled texture pattern on the blade, to create a curved folding knife that’s 7 ½" in total length. With a liner lock mechanism, which allows the knife to be opened and closed using just one hand, and a ergonomic handle made of buffalo horn and colored bone, this $79 knife is a trophy for any hunter or collector.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you hold the
“The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high performance.” –– Knife Informer
Damascus Curva Folding Knife $179*
Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $100
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: CFK280-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CFK280-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
• Damascus steel blade & bolster • Buffalo horn & colored bone handle • Liner lock • Overall length, open : 7 ½" • Includes genuine leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
Rating of A+