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BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology
Interested in getting the most out of your own trusted transducer, or not sure you’re ready for the expense of installing a new CHIRP transducer? Furuno has a solution that will get the very best performance from your traditional narrowband transducer. Our RezBoostTM Fish Finders deliver clearer images than ever before, we’re talking up to 8x sharper. Whether it’s NavNet TZtouch2 or the FCV588/FCV628 stand-alone Fish Finders, RezBoostTM will boost your catch!
Get up to 8x sharper resolution, using a standard narrow band transducer, to more clearly define fish targets.
Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.
Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).
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2/15/18 1:38 PM
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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Owning a Fishing Magazine
This edition of the magazine is being brought to you by your local publisher. Their contact information is shown on the left of this page. They’re doing a great job to make sure that you receive accurate fishing forecasts and marine related information every month. They also ensure that you can easily find a copy of the magazine throughout your community. They also make sure that this magazine continues to be available to you for free. As you read the magazine, you’ll notice that business owners place their ads in the magazine. That’s what keeps this magazine free to the public. Your local publisher of the magazine would appreciate you letting these businesses know that you saw their ad in the magazine and that you appreciate their support of this resource. Our publishers do a great job of providing this resource to your community. You might even consider sending them an email or a call to let them know you appreciate what they do. Everybody enjoys hearing “Good job” from time to time. If you or someone you know would be interested in learning about our franchise opportunities, we would love to hear from you. We want to expand our magazine throughout the country. Owning your own fishing magazine requires hard work and dedication, but it can be a very rewarding profession. Some say “the best job you’ll ever have.” We currently have over 30 locations, and we have been franchising the magazine for 10 years. If you would like to turn your passion for the outdoors into a profession, give us a call. We may have just what you’ve been looking for. Best regards,
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
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Outdoor Apparel FISH HIPPIE FLATWATER COLLECTION SHUCKERHUT PLAID Those who live an outdoor life should be able to represent it in their casual lives as well as “out there.” That’s the idea behind Fish Hippie, which was created by anglers who favor good times with friends, time on the water and “drifting off course” as often as life allows. New for spring 2018 from the Fish Hippie Flatwater Collection, the Shuckerhut Plaid blends on-the-water comfort with casual style of the highest quality. Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the Shuckerhut delivers a silky-smooth touch with an apt range of movement and flexibility. Hidden-button collars prevent dreaded “collar flare,” while double chest pockets and two back shoulder pleats converge for an elevated level of functional, yet casual, style. The specially created four-way stretch fabric is 30+ upf, wrinkle and stain resistant and is easily worn fishing, as well as to the office or a night on the town. The Flatwater Collection is the latest offering from Fish Hippie for those more at home on the road less traveled. Learn more about Fish Hippie and survey all the lifestyle-driven gear and apparel at www.fishhippie.com.
WWW.FISHHIPPIE.COM
L.L.BEAN ULTIMATE FISHING SHIRT L.L.Bean recently introduced its new Ultimate Fishing Shirt, and it’s exactly what you need for a long day on the flats or a wade trip up your favorite stream. The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is a technical fishing shirt, thoughtfully designed with a combination of fabrics for ease of movement, comfort and durability. It looks good and keeps you dry with moisturewicking fabrics, but what makes it the Ultimate Fishing Shirt is its ability to provide protection from both biting insects and the sun’s harmful rays. With UPF 50+ sun protection and No Fly Zone technology to repel insects, this shirt eliminates two of the most prominent factors that lead to discomfort on the water. It features four chest pockets to hold essential gear, it can be worn tucked or untucked, the sleeves can be rolled up and secured, and an extended collar unrolls from hidden snaps to provide added protection from the sun. The slightly fitted design offers a relaxed fit through the chest and sleeve, with a slightly slimmer waist to both look good and provide for unhindered movement. The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is available in Dusty Sage, Marine Blue and Graystone colors.
WWW.LLBEAN.COM
CAPSMITH REEL ANGLER HEADWEAR
SHIMANO EVAIR BOAT SHOES
Do you need custom headwear? Capsmith Inc. is the No. 1 trusted source for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with more than 33 years of experience in the headwear industry. A wholesale distributor of fishing headwear, Capsmith has a line of stylish hats designed specifically for anglers. Their Reel Angler headwear collection celebrates life out on the water. Their in-stock Reel Angler collection comes in a variety of cool fish designs including dolphin, marlin, tarpon, sailfish, yellowfin, bass, snook, seatrout and redfish. These five-panel caps feature sublimation printed crown and bill inspired by nautical maps. A 3D embroidered Reel Angler logo on crown adds a premium look to this one-of-a-kind cap that features an extended bill with a green undervisor to avoid water glare. A soft performance mesh back and snapback closure ensures comfort for extended wear. Wholesalers, distributors or custom-made customers can contact Capsmith at 1-800-228-3889 or sales@capsmith.com.
Perfect on the deck of or a boat, Shimano’s new Evair boat shoes offer both style and function for all kinds of fishing. The ultra lightweight EVA midsole provides all-day comfort, and if they get wet, the upper mesh is made from a quick dry fabric. The heel can be bent down to wear like a sandal. Relying on its expertise with cycling shoes from its bicycle components division, and Shimano’s success with its Evair marine/ fishing sandal and award-wining Evair flats boots, Evair boat shoes include design features like a exposed EVA soft material on the inside front sole to better grip a trolling motor pedal. The non-marking sole is welcomed on any boat, plus it provides traction on a wet surface. Designed, developed and manufactured by Shimano, Evair boat shoes are offered in two colors – blue and navy – and in whole sizes from 7 through 13.
WWW.CAPSMITH.COM COLUMBIA PFG SOLAR SHADE ZERO
This woven button-up, longsleeved shirt is fully featured with Columbia’s new Omni-Shade Sun Deflector and OmniFreeze Zero to help keep you cool and protected for long days on the water. This key style for Columbia PFG is strategically zoned and offers the sun-deflecting dots exactly where you need it on the shoulders and back, to help protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition, this shirt has a sun protection collar, roll-up sleeves, rod holder and Light Rail zippered chest pockets.
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CAPITAL SPORTSMAN ULTIMATE HYBRID The Ultimate Hybrid from Capital Sportsman is more than a great fishing shirt. Capital Sportsman set out to design one shirt that would be functional for any outdoor activity, while being stylish enough for indoor activities – the ultimate
hybrid shirt. Available in three original patterns, four solid colors and limited-edition seasonal patterns, it was designed for comfort and is made of a 100% cotton twill fabric with a baby-soft hand. It also has a special “soft-as-butter” under the arms and in a back vent which provides exceptional ventilation. A relaxed fit provides freedom of movement for casting. Other features include a roll-up sleeve tab, two easy-access chest pockets and a secured zipper pocket for important documents such as a license or passport. There is also a utility loop, which is important if you need to keep that extra fly handy. The Ultimate hybrid already has people talking. Cory “Ruthless” Routh of Ruthless Outdoor Adventures said the Ultimate Hybrid is, “more comfortable than anything I’ve ever tried on. I can go from the field to the office, no problem.”
WWW.CAPITALSPORTSMAN.COM
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Product Reviews
SIMMS CHALLENGER JACKET
KLUCH MAKIN’ MOVES COLLECTION
From bitter early morning cold through late-afternoon storms, the outside elements can be a distraction when you’re zoning in on the end of your line. Simms’ men’s Challenger Jacket fights back against the elements with heavy-duty Toray fabric and fully taped seams for completely waterproof, breathable comfort. Fleece-lined pockets warm your hands in the most numbing weather. An adjustable storm hood packs away in the collar, and a storm flap with water-resistant zippers adds protection from the driving rain. This jacket will keep you warm and dry while you fish, regardless of the type of fishing you do.
Whether you’re making a move toward the hot bite or looking to reset your spread, the new Kluch Makin’ Moves collection has the perfect shirt for every offshore angler. These shirts are available in short or long sleeve cotton. Each shirt sports a classic distressed design with comfort in mind. Head on over to Kluch.com today and get your hands on one before they’re gone!
WWW.SIMMSFISHING.COM
Hooked Soul is an outdoor apparel company offering premium men’s and women’s clothing, specifically designed for extended wear, comfort and with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Hooked Soul is an extension of the wearer’s passion for sports, hobbies, and lifestyle experiences with family and friends. Whether fishing in the blue waters of the ocean or freshwater lakes, rivers and streams, each outdoorsman demands comfort and protection from the elements. Hooked Soul was founded in 2014 by three friends and fishing enthusiasts. The inspiration for Hooked Soul came from being outside, the camaraderie and the thrill of the day’s catch. Their passion for an outdoor lifestyle led these three friends to research and bring to market superior performance clothing, the kind they always wanted for themselves. Today Hooked Soul has become an expression and a lifestyle. Hooked Soul, do you have it?
HOOKED SOUL
WWW.KLUCH.COM REALTREE FISHING HAT Realtree has always been about family, friends and the outdoors. As the America’s No. 1 camo pattern, the iconic brand has been providing quality to those who love the outdoors since the 1980s. Last year, Realtree entered into the fishing world with a lifestyle brand ideal for sportsmen and women who trade their bows and guns for fishing rods during the summer months. Realtree Fishing gives an additional connection to the brand they know and respect. Check out their good-looking Realtree fishing hats. They come in several different colors and designs perfect for fishing or everyday wear. These mid-profile hats feature the cool fishhook Realtree Fishing logo embroidered in the front panel, mesh backing and plastic snap closure.
WWW.REALTREE.COM SOFTSCIENCE FIN 3.0
WWW.HOOKEDSOUL.COM
DICKIES WATERPROOF BREATHABLE REFLECTIVE JACKET From the job site to the boat deck, Dickies’ Waterproof Breathable Reflective Jacket has it all. It keeps you comfortable, dry and protected from the elements while providing greater visibility in low light conditions. • Waterproof: The jacket is water resistant and its chest and lower pockets feature waterproof zippers. • Breathable: At just 5.6 ozs., this jacket is lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions. • Reflective: For safety, this jacket features enhanced visibility in low light conditions. It appears to light up when light is flashed upon it. 100% Polyester reflective print 10K/10K lamination.
WWW.DICKIES.COM OT WEAR CUSTOM APPAREL OT Wear designs using vivid colors and unique, custom graphics to exceed their customers’ expectations. Their professional designers create custom jerseys and athletic apparel for whatever activity you choose. Distinctive dye-sublimated graphics combined with vivid colors on high performing, comfortable and durable apparel will give you a distinctive edge to stand out from the crowd. Your sponsors will be blown away with how their logos are showcased on your jersey. Let OT Wear outfit you or your team in style with a range of men’s and women’s cuts and
The Fin 3.0 fishing shoe adds a four-eye textile lacing system, an easy-on pull tab and EVA reinforcements on critical toe, forefoot and ankle locations to provide maximum stability in virtually any weather condition. Like all SoftScience shoes, it is lightweight, superbly cushioned and stable, with a woven, breathable reinforced upper. The forefoot water flow system is ideal for worryfree water activity, keeping your feet stable and not slippery. A relaxed fit, the shoes have a removable, washable Trileon insole and Trileon nonmarking, slip-resistant outsole.
WWW.SOFTSCIENCE.COM choice of performance fabrics. They can give you true brand consistency by matching your other marketing materials. Submit your own artwork or let the designers work with your graphics to create highperformance apparel that is unique to you. You will have a stunning, unique look that won’t be matched by others. All of OT’s apparel is made in the USA, from fabric to finished product. Contact them today and let them help you create an extraordinary new look for you or your team.
WWW.OUTDOORTECHWEAR.COM
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www.SailfishBoats.com 12/13/2017 1:58:52 PMPM 2/16/18 12:35
All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.
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FISH & FISHING
Finding The Touch MARK SOSIN
T
oo many anglers blame what they consider the obvious when they are not catching fish. They reason that the fish aren’t hungry, they’re not fishing in the right spot, or the lure they have chosen is not producing the results they expected. Sometimes, it merely takes a subtle touch to turn frustration into success. Although my father fished around the bend many years ago, I still marvel at his skill working a yellow Upperman bucktail in the ¼- or 3/8-ounce size. To this day, I have never met an angler who could come close to matching his success with that single lure. He caught countless species on that bucktail, from striped bass, bluefish and weakfish, to redfish, trout, bonefish, permit and tarpon. Even when I stood next to him and tried to match his every move, I fell far short. What that taught me is that some simple thing in the retrieve (or lack of one) can make a major difference. Let me share a few examples with you. Two of us fishing side-by-side were casting MirrOlures. They were the same model and the same color. He would get strike after strike, while I could barely get a fish to hit my lure. No matter how closely I watched him, I couldn’t detect any difference in the area we fished and the speed of the retrieve. I had to threaten to physically harm him if he didn’t tell me what he was doing. The only difference was that he occasionally vibrated his wrist on the hand
holding the rod. That caused the lure to flash just like a baitfish, and a predator reacted to that instantly. In another example, my friend and I were both fishing a swimming plug with a lip. During the retrieve, it would dive down, but if you stopped reeling the lure would start to float back to the surface. Once again, my partner got strike after strike, and I could barely catch an occasional fish. All he was doing was swimming the plug for a short distance, pausing for an instant, and then continuing the retrieve. Every time he paused, the plug would start to rise in the water column and then dive again when he resumed reeling. The sudden dive made it appear the lure was trying to escape from a predator. That’s all it took. Here’s one more example. The successful angler would start with a rather slow retrieve and then speed it up about halfway back to the boat. If a fish happened to see the plug, the change in speed would make it appear as if the plug were trying to get away and that’s a trigger mechanism. Seasoned anglers who fish artificials and score frequently limit the number of lures they carry and develop a touch for each one that produces strikes. Basically, there is more than one way to fish any artificial. My suggestion is that you keep trying a variety of subtle approaches until you become the angler that others envy and try to copy.
For more about artifical lures with Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
JOIN
ONLINE
• Regional Reports • Featured Articles • Fishing Tips • Giveaways
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FLY FISHING
Fly Reel Backing
L
osing a big saltwater gamefish after it is hooked and decides to head for the horizon is, in many instances, the result of filling your reel with backing that is either too short or too light. It can ruin an otherwise wonderful trip. Also, making wrong choice in backing can lose you not only your fish, but worse, it can cost you a very expensive fly line. Twenty-pound backing is a good choice for most inshore saltwater fly fishing situations, and 30-pound backing will more than fill the bill in getting you through a tussle with an uncooperative bluewater gamefish. The Old School Frame Of Mind: Dacron These days there are many choices when it comes to choosing backing for your fly reels. Some anglers prefer braided backing because of its small diameter. I prefer the tested and trued performance of standard hi-vis Dacron. Why? Because, It’s easier on the fingers while fighting big fish, and it does not have the tendency—as braid does—to dig into itself when reeled back onto the fly reel. How Much Do You Need? Your fly reel should house a minimum of 175 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing. Many inshore saltwater gamefish will make initial runs of from 75 to 100 yards before they turn and settle into a fighting mode. For bluewater fly fishing, 30-pound Dacron or gel spun is standard. A minimum of 300 yards should fill these reels. Big bluewater gamefish like the tuna and marlin will run off 200
yards of backing before you’ve had time to say, “Come back and fight like a man!” These fish can also dive to great depths, thus making essential an abundant supply of backing. One caveat to remember is “Don’t short-line your backing.” Best Color For Backing? The phrase “getting into your backing” always arouses excitement through a saltwater fly fisherman’s being each time he hears it. There is nothing more exciting than witnessing one hundred yards of water-shedding backing slicing through the water, pulled by a bonefish, tarpon, sailfish or marlin. It’s a common occurrence in saltwater fly fishing. When this happens, the color of your backing is essential in tracking the fish’s direction. Is it swimming at an angle or is it sounding. Make no mistake, eventually every saltwater fisherman experiences this. High-visibility backing will help determine how to fight the fish. For instance, when tarpon fishing it is important that you are able to turn a tarpon’s head during the tussle, a move aimed at keeping the tarpon off balance and assuring the fish is brought quickly to the boat. Also, the use of hivis backing allows the angler a better sight-line in tracking the fish’s direction so pressure may be applied in an opposite direction. The best colors? As I stated above, I prefer hi-vis backing in bright yellow or bright orange, both highly visible backing regardless of weather conditions or water coloration.
For Tackle Box Essentials from Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
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Register at:
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office 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. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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W
hen Yamaha introduced the 19-foot 190 FSH center console boat in 2016, the company tapped into a segment of boaters who want to fish more than runabout owners, but who also want to tow and entertain more than other center console owners. By all accounts, Yamaha’s “family sports hybrid” concept proved to be a success. Featuring an innovative, yet familiar, center console deck design, a performance sports boat hull, and the versatility unique to jet power, the 190 FSH is attracting more younger, first-time buyers than traditional center console brands, and is already the second best seller in the category. For 2018, Yamaha is expanding their FSH offering to include a 21-foot model that is better suited for rougher waters and delivers the added peace of mind that comes with dual engines. And because the motors and driveline are tucked in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, the boat provides an open 360-degree experience that fishermen love. The 210 FSH includes all the features that fishing enthusiasts require, along with family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include water sports, swimming and lounging—all in the same boat, and at a competitive price starting under $40,000. The 210 FSH is available in three variations that include the base model 210 FSH, an upgraded 210 FSH Deluxe, and the flagship 210 FSH Sport that offers the features of the Deluxe with the addition of a custom T-top. All three models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines. 210 FSH Walkthrough Starting at the bow, there is comfortable, padded seating with ample room for four adults. The padded cushions snap off, so they are easy to store or leave at home when you are heading out for a fishing trip. Under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles. In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts up to reveal a cavernous storage area that also serves as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure included on the Deluxe and Sport models. The 210 FSH is loaded with the angling features one would ex-
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pect in a premium center console boat to include coaming pads, vertical and horizontal holders for 14 rods and a 26-gallon aerated live well. A cool feature you won’t find on other center console boats is Yamaha’s exclusive Jet Wash system that uses pressure from the jet pumps for easy cleanup of the cockpit, whether you land a big fish or the kids fill the boat full of sand. The Helm The helm is thoughtfully designed with a simple-to-remove windshield for low profile storage, a stainless-steel sports steering wheel, easy access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics. Behind the helm is a padded leaning post with a backrest (on Deluxe and Sport). Under the leaning post is a dedicated space for a removable cooler. The Transom The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console boat on the market. Since the engines and drivetrain are in the hull, the entire back of the 201 FSH is open for unobstructed casting and watersports towing. The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports. Like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for the removal of debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat. Rounding out the FSH’s list of innovations is the addition of Yamaha’s Articulating Keel, the latest in Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features. The Articulating Keel is an extension of the boat’s keel that moves and tracks along with the jet pump nozzle to provide comfort, stability and straight-line tracking at all speeds. For buyers attracted to the iconic styling of a center console boat, but need more versatility to appease the family, look no further than the Yamaha 210 FSH.
For more on Yamaha’s 210 FSH Series, go to
ANGLERLIFE.CO
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Center sp W
ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks. “We are United States Power Squadrons, but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Louie Ojeda, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Over time, our squadrons have evolved to become social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education – allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States
Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 squadrons across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Squadron members are vital to strengthening the communities
they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Ojeda. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong re-naming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.
Join in the Fun!
United States Power Squadrons is America’s Boating Club Learn boating skills. Engage with boating friends. Connect with the boating community.
Learn more at www.americasboatingclub.org
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llebroc_
FLORIDA
T
By Nick Carter
eam Beach Marine Products is riding a high headed into the second leg of the Meat Mayhem Tournament series at Palm Beach March 8-10. Rod man Teddy Beach used one word to describe their $10,000 win at the January Key West Kingfish Mayhem: “Monumental.” In rough conditions, the team weighed in a 65.2-pound kingfish on day two to win the first event of the three-leg series. But things weren’t so rosy on day one. With a 6:30 a.m. Bimini start, the team headed west out of Key West Harbour Marina aboard their 39’ SeaHunter “Prowess” toward the Dry Tortugas. Passing Marquesas Key, there were 8- to 10-foot swells. Beach said they were glad to have their Seakeeper stabilizer when it came time to set out the spread. “When we got to the fort, in 120 feet of water, the waves were stacking up past 10 feet,” he said. “Fishing conditions were tough. Water clarity was junk; it was just milky.” Team Beach Marine fought all day to find clean water. They lost four fish on the first day of the tournament and did not land a single king mackerel. The team, captained by Billy Delph, decided to make a move on day two. They left the docks that morning in 35 mph winds with 10- to 12-
foot seas. They headed west where they had located a temperature break in 95 feet of water. “We knew the area we were targeting,” Beach said. “And we knew it would pay off when the water clarity was good and the temperature was right at 78 degrees.” Several days prior, they began catching blue runners and penned them in two 300-gallon Beach Marine Pro Pens with false bottoms. So, they were fishing good, fresh and healthy bait as they slow trolled the break. The results were impressive. Along with two sailfish, they caught 15 kingfish. The smallest weighed 28 pounds, and they had four heavier than 40 pounds. Their back-up fish weighed well over 50 pounds, but the largest of the day was a 65.2-pound king mackerel. “When Daniel Delph stuck that fish, the mood on the boat was monumental,” said Beach. “We called it a day. We were sitting at the dock at 1:45 waiting for weigh-in.” Watching the weights after the 4:30 p.m. check-in, Beach Marine’s 65.2 was enough for the win. Team Xtended Play took second with a 62.4, and Team Tuppens took third with a 59.2. “Team Beach Marine Products is blessed to have such a great group of fishermen on board,” Beach said. “Our team efficiency and confidence are incredible. It just flows.” The team consists of: Billy Delph, Travis Holeman, Teddy Beach, Daniel Delph and David Delph. They thanked their sponsors: SeaHunter Boats, Furuno Electronics, Beach Marine Products, JL Audio, Seakeeper and Bass Pro Shops. Following the March 8-10 Palm Beach Mayhem, the third leg of the series is the Ft. Lauderdale Meat Mayhem April 26-29. Teams with the heaviest combined weight of one kingfish from each event will be competing for more than $20,000 in prizes. For more on Meat Mayhem tournaments, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com. For information on Beach Marine Products’ bait pens, go to beachmarineproducts.com.
For more on the Beach Marine Products, go to
FISHINGWATERS.CO
50 Gallon
Bay Master
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COME OUTSIDE & DISCOVER
Lake Okeechobee OKEECHOBEE AND MARTIN COUNTY, FLORIDA
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Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 1 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1
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DO THE MATH!
SUZUKI REPOWER OWNER’S EDGE
TRADE ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
The Suzuki Repower Trade Allowance Program is exclusive for members of Owner’s Edge. Members receive a trade allowance based on the age and hours of their original engine toward a new Suzuki outboard as detailed below.
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THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
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Center sp last major international yacht show of the yearly boat show season and therefore, is well attended by serious shoppers as well as many key industry executives. It’s a great show to do business and make a deal.” New this year, show guests are invited to enhance their visit with the Palm Beach International Boat Show VIP Experience. The private club will provide guests with fine food and refreshments in an artfully-designed, air-conditioned space with comfortable seating. One of the most attractive benefits of the VIP Experience is a dedicated concierge team to arrange yacht tours, dining reservations, private transportation and other personalized services. In addition to the large selection of boats and exhibits, the show offers fun and educational activities for the whole family, including free youth fishing clinics, sportfishing seminars, long-range cruising clinics and on-the-water boat handling classes. Attendees also enjoy live music and refreshments at the show’s famous floating cocktail lounges. Guests are invited to come by boat and tie up to free docks. General admission tickets cost $24 for adults and $14 for children 6 to 15 years old. Children under 6 are free. The show runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 25.
T
he 33rd annual Palm Beach International Boat Show is March 22-25 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Is-
land. An annual mainstay of the yachting community, the Palm Beach International Boat Show attracts high-level boat buyers, charter clients, sportfishing enthusiasts and blue water anglers. Many of the world’s most renowned shipyards prize the show as a platform for conducting business with the global elite. “The Palm Beach International Boat Show holds a special place on many boating and yachting enthusiasts’ calendars,” said Mary Bender, vice president of marketing for Informa, the show’s producer. “It’s the
For more information, visit PBBoatShow.com.
Enter Promo Code ‘CA18’ online to receive a Coastal Angler discount on tickets. For more on the Palm Beach Boat Show, go to
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Now available at: & Or find your local retailer at www.fellmarine.com/retailers
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2/16/18 10:37 AM
By Phil Wolf • Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S
L
eading the tournament wire-to-wire, Lakeland, Florida’s Bobby Lane won the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in early February. The Lane family is well known for catching winning sacks. Bobby’s brothers Chris and Arnie are also impressive anglers, and the family grew up fishing the Kissimmee Chain. Bobby, known as “Big Fish Bobby” on the Bassmaster Elite Series, showed the crowd why he’s earned that name at the day-one weigh-in. Bringing a 9-pounder as well as an 8-pound, 7-ounce fish to the scales, he tallied a massive five-fish sack of more than 31 pounds. He was the very first angler to weigh fish in front of a huge cheering group of attendees. Both of his big fish qualify for FWC’s TrophyCatch
Program. Lane held a commanding lead of more than 10 pounds headed into day two, which proved to be a lot tougher than day one. Leaving Big Lake Toho Marina in the latest flight of boats of the morning, Bobby was at the back of the pack to enter the lock leading to Lake Kissimmee. It was about 10 a.m. before he arrived at his best area… and his fish were not cooperating. Bobby made the decision to head back up the chain. He caught his final few keepers on Lake Toho and weighed in 10 pounds, 9 ounces on day two. Day two was tough on the whole field. Even with what appeared to be a light bag of fish, Bobby expanded his lead to 12 pounds headed into the final day of the event, when he chose not to run all the way down to Kissimmee. Early on, Bobby caught a few quality fish on Lake Hatchineha before locking back into Lake Toho to finish out his five-fish limit. On stage at the final-day weigh-ins, Bobby pulled out two more big girls to anchor an 18-pound sack, which brought his three-day total to 60 pounds. He held the winning margin by more than 12 pounds. Bobby Lane’s win qualifies him for the 2019 Bassmaster Classic and relieves the stress of qualifying by points through the Bassmaster Elite Tournaments against 107 of the best anglers in the country. Only 38 anglers will qualify for next year’s classic. Mud Hole Custom Tackle Pro Brandon Lester ended up in second place, finishing with almost 48 pounds. Lester caught his fish on topwater baits and punching heavy cover. Brandon credits his finish to the custom MHX Rods he built for the event during the evenings on his practice days. The flipping sticks he had were not heavy enough to muscle the big girls out of the cover, so he made a few new “broom sticks” that did the trick. The Orlando area’s Bobby Blakewell finished in second place on the Co-Angler side. Blakewell graduated high school last summer and was very successful on the high school circuit, fishing with the Seminole Jr. Anglers Club based in Oviedo in Seminole County. Phil Wolf is co-publisher of the Greater Orlando edition of The Angler Magazine.
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MARCH 2018
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By Richard Matteson
W
arming March temperatures will bring hot fishing to the Indian River Lagoon and the forks of the St. Lucie River. The water is clearing up nicely, and the big fish will head for the shallows on sunny days to wait for schools of bait circulating with the tides. Reports from the South Fork are promising. Look For Snook: When water temperatures reach the upper 70s, snook will head from the inlet and the deeper water to their spring haunts. On a good warm day, slot snook will be cruising the shorelines and bunching up around piers, mangroves and shoreline structure. You can fish shallow inside the sandbar as the tide turns to outgoing. I like a pearl white paddletail on an 1/8- or 1/16-oz. jighead. Fish slowly around the pier pilings, letting the jig hit the
bottom. I love wading in the spring (Walton/ Midway), but a flats boat will work too. Look For Trout: The trout bite is still good around Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and north. Some smaller trout have been caught south around Bear Point area. The grass is mostly gone, but the pockets of grass you find are holding trout. The fish are scattered on the flats along the east side up near Round Island’s Starvation Bay, Queen’s Cove and The Moorings. Look For Pompano, Bluefish, Mackerel: The cold-water fish are still here but will be moving out soon. Pompano are still around and are being caught off and around the bridges and channel edges on pompano jigs and jigs tipped with shrimp. I like fishing the edge of the channels and flats near the St. Lucie inlet on outgoing tide. Bluefish are still around, and some are resident fish. I caught three around the bridges (Jensen/Stuart) in the last month. Small schools of mackerel are moving along the deep channels to the inlet. Both mackerel and blues like small spoons, shallow crankbaits and fast-moving jigs. Don’t Forget The Ladies, Jacks: Ladyfish have been very active. Once you find some bait, chances are the bite will be on. I’ve had some great action on the shallow flats with some 4-lb. ladyfish that will bust your line. After two or three fish, you better retie. The jacks have been on again, off again. I’ve caught 20 in a day and one the next day. Look For Black Drum, Sheepshead: Some nice black drum and sheepshead have been caught free-lining (very little weight) live shrimp around the bridges on incoming tide. There are lots of small mangrove snapper around, so use a smaller hook. Look For Redfish, Flounder: I’ve been catching small slot reds on the flats around the bridge channels with DOA paddletails. They’ve also been near piers on the west side by the power plant lines. It’s a great time to go fishing. Even if the wind’s up, there’s always a place to get out of the chop. Richard Matteson is staff writer for Stuart Rod and Reel Club.
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Here in The Florida Keys & Key West, you can run-and-gun for dolphin in the morning, fly a kite for sailfish in the afternoon and battle giant swordfish deep into the night. So come down and milk the world’s best deep-sea fishing for all its worth.
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Islamorada On The Fly
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TOM SCHLICHTER
andy Moret pointed to port: “10 o’clock!” he said in a hushed voice. “Lead them.” It took a second for me to sight in, but a moving shadow just beyond the bow brought things into focus. A pod of 70-pound tarpon were running a channel edge and we were perfectly positioned for an intercept. Late with the cast, I dropped my streamer on the nose of the lead fish, which promptly turned and powered into oblivion across the shallow flats of Florida Bay, compatriots in tow. Moret smiled and politely let me off the hook. “Happens all the time down here,” he said. “We’ll get another shot.” Chalk one up to lessons learned. A heavy front was moving in, and what had been a drizzly morning suddenly turned threatening, sending us racing back to port for a round of refreshments at the Lorelei Marina (www.loreleicabanabar.com/ marina-and-fishing). With the Florida Keys steadily rebounding from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, anglers across the country are once again making plans for an assault on the stellar flats fishery here. Featuring tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook and sea trout, the shallows of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park on the village’s lee side are ideal for fly fishing and Moret, one of the founding fathers of long-wand sport in these waters, couldn’t be happier. “We still have a way to go before everyone is back on their feet, but we are getting there,” he said in a recent interview. “As for the fishing, it’s bounced back nicely.” As a guide and outfitter, Moret (www.floridakeysoutfitters. com) logically suggests first-timers to the area head out with a professional skipper. “It’s the quickest way to learn the intricacies of tempting local gamefish,” he explained. Still, he noted that the
fishing in these parts is consistent enough that those launching a kayak or even fishing from shore around bridges and passes have a chance to score. “The most important thing in the Keys is to practice your casting – especially when flyfishing,” he advised. “It’s vital to make a few casts in every spot you stop to factor in the wind, current and water depth courtesy of Sandy Moret before you even see the Photo Sandy Moret shows off a chunky Islamorada fish.” snook taken on the fly. Moret, recently honored with 2018 Fly Fisherman Conservationist of the Year Award by the Bonefish Tarpon Trust (www.bonefishtarpontrust.org), works a wide range of patterns but does have several favorites. He likes a size 4 creamand-tan Merkin with lead eyes for bonefish. For silver kings, a Keys Tarpon Streamer in purple and black is his choice for murky water. To target snook and redfish, he throws purple Deceivers in discolored water and yellow and white in clear water. Concentrate your efforts on rising tides to avoid groundings, he cautions, and keep moving until you find the fish. Getting to Islamorada is easy. Find your way to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and head south on U.S. 1. Once there, you’ll find plenty of places to stay including the world class Cheeca Lodge (www. cheeca.com) and Amara Cay Resort (www.amaracayresort.com).
Lake Erie Experienced
Record Walleye Fishing In 2017
Photo courtesy of Capt. Wes Carlton
D
uring the 2017 season, walleye anglers on Lake Erie experienced the highest recorded success in nearly 30 years. “The New York State waters of Lake Erie are world famous for outstanding angling opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass and yellow perch,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Our Lake Erie waters have consistently ranked among
the top three most heavily fished waters in the state, and the fishery generates more than $26 million in economic activity annually. Anglers should take advantage of Lake Erie’s current conditions and experience this world-class walleye fishery for themselves in 2018.” DEC has conducted an angler survey on Lake Erie to estimate fishing quality and fish harvest annually since 1988. In recent years, walleye fishing quality has been generally increasing. Survey results for 2017 revealed record-high walleye catch rates that are nearly three times greater than the 30-year average. DEC estimates that anglers harvested more than 70,000 walleyes in 2017, a level not achieved since 1989. This exceptional fishing was due in large part to contributions of strong walleye reproductive success in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Recent evidence also suggests that walleye reproduction was strong again in 2016. Walleye are one of the most popular gamefish in New York, as they put up an exciting fight during the catch and make for tasty meal on the table. Walleye are aptly named because of their unique eyes that have a reflective layer of pigment called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see very well at night and during other low-light periods. This layer also gives walleye their “glassy-eyed” or “wall-eyed” appearance. Lake Erie is continually ranked among the world’s top walleye fishing destinations by angler publications, with an abundance of trophy-size walleye ranging from 8 to 10 pounds. Local tournament winners often score fish exceeding 11 lbs. Given that walleye typically live 10 years or more in Lake Erie combined with excellent reproduction rates in recent years, anglers should experience continued, exceptional walleye fishing in future years.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA CRAPPIE SMACKDOWN By: Paul MacInnis
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rappie Master came to central Florida the last weekend of January for their first tournament of the 2018 season. The day before the tournament was the second annual Radio Versus Writers Challenge. Steve Chapman, Captain Mike Ortego, John BooDreaux Baumann and Bo Newsom represented Fishing Florida Radio. The outdoor writers were Ed Moes, Ron Presley, Les Bendert and myself. Each of us was matched up with one of the professional teams for a half a day of fishing. The rules were simple; participants would weigh in our largest crappie and the team with the highest cumulative weight wins. I had the privilege to board the Renewable Fuels Association boat and team up with Kent Williams from Blytheville, Arkansas and Terry Richards from West Monroe, Louisiana. These guys have fished Crappie Masters tournaments since 2006 and last year they finished ninth in the team of the year race. We launched from Ed Stone Park just west of downtown DeLand. As a testament to the crappie fishing potential of the St Johns River, we never got on plane and only ran five minutes to our fishing spot. The tournament weekend actually began weeks earlier for Williams and Richards. Every tournament starts with hours on the internet scouring nautical maps and satellite images and reviewing weather forecasts. Using their years of experience along with their understanding of crappie habits and patterns, Williams and Richards identify key areas that might hold big crappie. They arrive at the destination at least a few days before the tournament to pre-fish areas in hopes of cracking the code of where the largest crappie are found and what they are biting. We fished using a technique called spider rigging, which is essentially slow trolling multiple baits on multiple rods. Williams and Richards deployed eight Jenko Spider Troll rods spaced out across the bow of their boat. Suspended from each rod were two hooks, either a Skipper Moon Jig or a 1/0 Aberdeen hook and the whole rig was held down with a ¾ ounce egg sinker. A minnow was pinned through the nose on each hook. We used 16 foot long rods on our trip. “We like longer rods in Florida because we’re fishing shallow water and we want to get our baits as far from the boat as possible,” reported Williams. In deeper waters up north they’ll go with shorter rods, down to eight feet long on deep northern lakes when targeting crappie 40 feet
or more below the surface. When fishing so many rods at once, communication between anglers is key. Richards numbered the rods from left to right, so when he told me, “you’re getting a hit on two,” I knew exactly which rod he was talking about. There are variables you need to figure out if you want to catch the biggest crappie. Chief among those is bait depth, lure color and trolling speed. A key advantage of spider rigging is you have so many baits in the water that it is easy to experiment with depth and color until you find the combination crappie want that day. A good fish finder can also help determine the depth the fish are holding. If you spot a school on the fish finder, try positioning baits just above the level of the fish because crappie tend to feed up. Also keep in mind as the waters warm throughout the day, crappie may move up or down to stay in their preferred temperature range. Trolling speed can be a bit tricky to nail down. This is one area where experience really helps and experts like Williams and Richards have a gut feel for the optimum trolling speed. The day we fished our speeds ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 miles per hour. The faster speeds were for searching, trying to cover a lot of water to find fish. When we got to areas we knew held crappie we slowed down to keep the baits in the strike zone longer. Another important lesson I learned that day is when fishing a river like the St Johns, you want to troll in the direction of the flow, not against it. Crappie tend to face into the current waiting for the flow to wash bait to them. They certainly don’t expect a minnow to come
swimming up from behind. In a perfect world every crappie would hammer the baits leaving no doubt of a bite. Most crappie bites are subtle and there is definitely a skill involved in detecting a take. Williams and Richards easily spotted five strikes for everyone I saw. Not only were they adept at detecting bites, they had a good sense of whether the movement of the rod tip was due to a bite, a snag or the sinker dragging on the bottom. To help in detecting bites, all the rods should be identical and the same weight should be suspended from each one. This creates a situation where all the rod tips bend the same amount, so if you see one that looks different than the others there is something going on that needs to be investigated. At one point in our trip Richards said, “I think you are getting bit on three.” All I saw was rod tip three was bent a little less than the other rods, but when I set the hook I found out a crappie had picked up the bait and was swimming up. In case you are wondering about the Radio Versus Writers Challenge that I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the writers claimed bragging rights for another year by weighing in four crappie that weighed a total of 8.47 pounds. The radio guys only managed in 6.17 lbs. If you want to visit a gorgeous section of the St Johns River I recommend you try Ed Stone Park in Deland. For more information visit www.VisitWestVolusia.com. By Paul MacInnis
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www.catchamemoryoutdoors.com PORT CANAVERAL Snook often hang out near the jetty at the Ports’ entrance.
A
nglers are looking forward to the rising water tempertures that March will bring. Cobia and tripletail will be two of the main species that you can focus on this month. These fish should be found near color changes, bait pods, and floating debris that usually collect around the 40 to 60-foot depths offshore of the Port and Cocoa Beach. Casting a large, brightly-colored “cobia” jig is one of the most popular ways to get these fish to strike. If the cobia are following manta rays, try a top water plug instead. I like the Rapala Long cast shallow or a Williamson Surface pro myself. These are great options to cast to the cobia and usually do not get snagged on the ray. Casting a live eel, menhaden, crab, or pinfish can also be very good way to get them to strike. Tripletail are suckers for a fat
4350 Hwy. 1, Palm Bay, FL 32905 | 321.723.0851 Open 8:30 AM-5:00 PM daily
BANANA RIVER LAGOON Charlie “the fish slayer” and his dad Chuck, with a beautiful pair of black drum.
Tarpon can be found feeding on pogies and croakers just outside the surf break on most days. shrimp free-lined near them. These fish will usually race over to eat one that is presented properly. Closer to the beach, snook and tarpon will be the main focus. These fish are often found near the Canaveral jetties and along the outside edge of the surf break. They are feeding on croakers and menhaden. You should start to find them once the water temps at the beach get above the 70-degree mark. Capt. Jim Ross W-321-636-3728 Book your fishing trip at FinelineFishingCharters.com Catch a Memory Outdoors Radio show host-Live shows Saturday mornings from 7:00 to 9:00 am on 1510 am, 99.9 fm and 100.7 fm
L
ast month was fantastic for reds, black drum, and sheepshead in this lagoon, but it may not be the case during March. Huge amounts (hundreds of thousands of gallons) of raw sewage were dumped into the Banana lagoon again last month from the processing plant located in Satellite beach. Because of this, the “nitrogen overload” (poop) has created another huge algae bloom. Compound this problem with the overly-aggressive fertilizer applications being performed by many Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, and Cocoa Beach home owners, and many of the commercial lawn companies in this section of the county, and you have another “perfect storm” of toxins that are crushing the recovery efforts for sea grasses and fish stocks in this body of water. Before the bloom,
fishing was on the rebound and anglers were catching a good variety of species using live shrimp or small crabs, near docks, mangrove covered shorelines, and the edges of residential channels between the 520 causeway and Mathers Bridge. Hopefully one day this type of rampant poisoning of the Banana River Lagoon will stop, but that doesn’t appear to be the case this day. Capt. Jim Ross W-321-636-3728 Book your fishing trip at FinelineFishingCharters.com Catch a Memory Outdoors Radio show host-Live shows Saturday mornings from 7:00 to 9:00 am on 1510 am, 99.9 fm and 100.7 fm
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PORT CANAVERAL OFFSHORE
M
arch Madness is here so bring on the cobia! This is the historic time frame here in the central east coast that the migration of cobia swims by us. Although we catch them all year long, this is usually the best time. The water is warming back up to the 70-degree mark. Free-swimming cobia are the most fun to target in my opinion. A few things must come together though. One being sunny skies, you must be able to see into the water a little bit and two, try to get as high as possible. A hungry cobia is not a picky fish nor are they the smartest. My bait of choice is a buck tail with a whole squid hooked on it. This gives a natural look and smell. There are many different types of baits and lures people use. I also like live bait. Pogies and pin fish work great too. It’s fun to watch a cobia go nuts trying to eat a livey. Sometimes there are days that you will see 30 fish and maybe only 2 actually eat or get Fired Up on a jig. I
haven’t had many cobes turn down a live fish. Some say they will never turn down a live choice shrimp or their magic swim bait etc. Fishing is just what it says, fishing. Some days they’re on fire others they swim away from whatever you throw at em. My gear of choice is 7-foot medium action rod with a light tip to jig the lure and enough backbone to stick the hook. Line is 40lb braid and a 50lb leader. If I’m using live bait, I use an 8/0 circle hook and I hook the live fish through the back of the head and cast forward and past the fish. Don’t forget to register in the sunrise tournament for the month long Cobia Madness. Good luck! This report has been brought to you by Captain Chris Cameron of Fired Up Fishing Charters, your premier fishing guide charter of shark fishing Cocoa Beach, offshore fishing Port Canaveral, nearshore fishing Cape Canaveral, Orlando charter fishing.
Capt. Chris Cameron firedupcharters@gmail.com www.firedupcharters.com 407-222-3573
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | MARCH 2018 | BREVARD 7
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Brevard’s Brag Board SPONSORED BY STRIKE ZONE This was a nice big Black Drum caught by Jack Boyea on a live shrimp near JJ bridge. Quickly released after the photo.
Andrew Berube of Indialantic Florida nabbed this 43 inch Redfisher using a live Croaker early Sunday morning on Feb 4th. It was caught during slack tide near the fenders of the main channel. His dad Paul Berube, owner of Boaters Exchange, was out-fished once again.
This is a 45" Red Drum caught by Denise Rolon on a Finger Mullet near Bio Lab. He was quickly released after this photo.
Mrs Helen Riley at age 91 the eldest person to fish with Capt Troy
Madison Ellis with her first redfish Capt Troys son Alex with a nice Indian River whiting
Madison Ellis with a nice flounder
If you have a catch to brag about, please send your information and a picture to: dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com
N. INDIAN RIVER LAGOON Bob and Mark had a great time catching spotted seatrout and redfish on a recent trip with Capt. Mark Wright
DAILY FRESH FISH! Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, Mahi, Flounder, Halibut, Pompano, Tilapia, Haddock, Tripletail, Cobia, Salmon, Seabass, Tile, Cod, Tuna, Sword, Trout
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A
s of the time I’m writing this (early February) it seems as winter is over in central Florida. Of course, I don’t really believe this, but with daytime high air temps in the eighty degree range and water temperatures in the lower seventy degree range you might understand my confusion… Typically we have windy conditions in March, though we can say that about this entire winter season thus far. Typically we can expect cold fronts strong enough to stall the warming trends we experienced in February. Time will tell what’s coming and I’m not betting either way. Monster black drum are the talk of Titusviile this season. While they seem to be scattered across a large area the schools have common traits
of being spooky and picky as to what they’ll eat. Go armed with hand picked live shrimp. Might be a good idea to bring a few blue crabs to crack in half and maybe some salted clams too. Natural bait has been out fishing soft plastic shrimp by a huge margin! Faster action has been found in the deeper waters around our bridges and causeways. Live shrimp threaded on a light jig-head is catching lots-otrout, weakfish, whiting and more. In the right hands a Z-Man EZ Shrimpz on a 1/6 ounce Headockz jig-head will out fish the natural bait. Capt. Mark Wright 321-302-3474 captmarkwright@earthlink.net www.captmarkwright.com
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SEBASTIAN OFFSHORE
W
ell let’s put February behind us the fishing was hot and cold for some anglers. While I am writing this the winds are blowing hard and the seas are rough. I hope March shows us some good
weather. The Cobia bite should be strong as many have already been caught. I cannot stress to you to make sure that all the fish are legal size, if it is close when you measure it please
put it back as it will shrink in the box, (remember the cold water/ice factor). The Cobia have been hanging around all winter on the wrecks and reefs. As the waters start warming back up again look for the Tripletail to be on the surface along the weed lines and free swimming, so remember to have that pitch rod ready with a nice shrimp or piece of clam. The bottom fishing bite has been fantastic. I look for that to continue through March. Triggerfish, Mangrove, Mutton, and Lane Snapper have been on the reefs in good numbers. The Mahi Mahi bite has started to pick up early this year. I heard several big cows have caught in
the deeper waters. They are being caught in 120-500ft. of water; remember the waters have been going through so many changes. I have been slow trolling to get them to bite. My article is short because I am going fishing. I will have new stories and reports next month. Till then GO FISHING. Capt. Doug Kaska runs a 21’ Shoalwater cat style hull that will handle up to 4 people with ease and comfort with a smooth dry ride. If you are looking to fish the flats or go offshore this boat will do it. He runs the Evinrude 150 E-Tec which is quiet and very fuel efficient.
Capt. Doug Kaska Fishing Charters www.sebastianfishingcharters.com
321-368-9444
Recommended Fishing Guides Saturdays 7:00 to 9:00 am on 1510 am, 99.9 fm and 100.7 fm
Inshore and Nearshore Fishing
Explore the wonderful fishing in and around Sebastian Inlet and Indian River Lagoon. This area is one of the most favorite fishing destinations in the world. Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, and Tarpon all can be caught in this area. Let Capt. Doug Kaska make your day on the water enjoyable and memorable.
Call for more details. Capt. Doug Kaska 321-368-9444 dkaska@cfl.rr.com www.sebastianfishingcharters.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | MARCH 2018 | BREVARD 9
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SEBASTIAN INLET TO EAU GALLIE
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ith the cold weather this winter, let’s hope the winds lay down in March so the cobia anglers can get off the beach from Sebastian to Melbourne and look for the migrating Rays which should be holding cobia on them. When targeting Cobia look for the rays and use Rapala XRap 14, Hogy Pro Tail eels and live threadfins. However, if we get some more cold fronts through the month, the nearshore water will be too cold, rough and dirty for small boat anglers to get out and search for the Cobia. With the rough seas we have had in January and February we havet
been able to get outside much to see how the action is. But as the warmer weather comes it will push the threadfin herring and other schools of bait inside along the beaches and the Tarpon and big Jack Crevalle will be right with them. There should also plenty of Sharks, Bluefish and Mackerel on the beaches if the weather allows you to get out and fish the ocean. Fish big topwater plugs for the Jacks and sharks and scale down the plugs for the Bluefish. For the Tarpon as well as big Jacks, fish the Rapala Long Cast 14, Hogy Pro Tail Eels or the DOA baitbuster for good success. Live threadfin will
work for all of the species. If the winds stay down and the weather warms up, the snook and Redfish bite in the inlet will be very good. Live bait is the key in the daytime with shrimp and threadfins being the bait of choice, however pinfish, pigfish and Croakers will also work. At night, most artificials will work well. Rapala XRap 14 and the Long Cast 14 are great plugs to fish from the jettys as well as from the rocks along the west side of the bridge. Inshore fishing has been extremely slow this winter but should pick up as our spring mullet
run heats up. When the schools of mullet fill inside the lagoon and the Creeks from Sebastian to Palm Bay and Melbourne, snook, jacks and trout will be hot on their heels. I like to fish a Rapala Skitterwalk V early in the morning around the bait pods and go deeper with the Storm GT360 Paddletail bait or DOA Paddle Tails as the sun comes up. Live bait will also work well fishing the bait pods as the predatory fish are normally below the bait pods. Capt. Glyn Austin www.captainglynaustin.com 321-863-8085 Capt. Glyn Austin is a lifelong Brevard County Resident and full time inshore/nearshore fishing guide. Glyn runs a 23’ Shoalwater tunnel boat which is comfortable for up to 4 anglers and will let us get shallower than most flats boats for inshore fishing and offers a smooth dry ride when fishing the Inlet and nearshore waters of Brevard County.
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PRO TIPS
H
ello, this is Captain Jonathan Moss of Go Castaway Fishing Charters with this month's PRO TIP. In this edition, we are finishing up our 2 part series on using an artificial shrimp. Last month we discussed different scenarios and techniques and what approach or presentation should be used with an artificial shrimp, specifically a DOA Shrimp. This month, we will finish our artificial shrimp discussion by focusing on a few different ways to rig an DOA artificial shrimp based on the scenario the angler is fishing for the most success.
The standard: Straight out of the package, a DOA artificial shrimp is rigged with a J hook and ready for you to attach to your line. It comes standard with the J hook exposed out of the top side of the shrimp body and perfectly mimics a shrimp swimming trough the water column. This standard rigging set up is great for pitching under docks, mangroves and sandy bottom flats.
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Backwards Texas Rigged: Another option to consider while Texas rigging a DOA artificial shrimp, is rigging it backwards. To do so, remove the fan tail off the DOA shrimp. Use the cork screw of the twist lock hook to secure the hook into the tail side of the shrimp. Shrimp naturally swim backwards when trying to escape a predator, so rigging an DOA artificial shrimp to move backwards is an approach that shouldn't be overlooked.
Using a Jighead: Rigging an artificial shrimp with a jighead allow anglers to fish in deeper water scenarios and aids in long distance casting. The weight of the jighead will drop the DOA artificial shrimp faster and deeper for large drop offs and bridge pilings. This rigging technique can also be effective in areas with a strong current.
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Texas Rigged: One of my favorite rigging techniques is the Texas Rig. The Texas Rig allows the angler to fish the DOA artificial shrimp weedless. This technique gives the angler the option to cast in water with grass or other structures and minimizes the amount debris that would otherwise be caught on the hook. Using a 1/16th oz weighted, 3/0 twist lock hook allows the angler to rig weedless and the added weight enables the angler to cast further. This is my go to rigging technique for fishing pot holes and broken bottom flats. This presentation with it’s natural design and color, rigged weedless using a weighted hook, gives the angler a much better opportunity to cast from a further distance to spooky fish and entice the fish to bite.
DOA artificial shrimp are an effective, fish catching tool that every angler should have in their tackle box. I hope you will consider these rigging techniques as you prepare for your next fishing trip! Until next month’s article, tight lines and bent rods!
Capt. Jonathan Moss Go Castaway Fishing Charters www.gocastaway.com 407-760-8593
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SHRIMP REPORT Scott Michelle Adams converted their knowledge of the river to shrimp in Oak Hill, FL.
F
inally we have reached March and I have some news to share. We are seeing shrimp in Volusia in both the Edgewater and Oak Hill areas. The run has been lean but I predicted we were going to have a late start with the season. The shrimp sizes have been much better than last year after Hurricane Matthew came roaring in 2016. Nobody seems concerned about Hurricane Irma 2017 in Volusia County. The worst problem is navigating the carnage from so many docks destroyed for miles. The shrimp normally run to the tune of 0 – 2 gallons for the average angler January thru February but the sizes are great. The average being about 100-150 count. March is when the big bio mass of smaller shrimp invade the waters making 5 gallon buckets possible. Typically, January - February the larger shrimp run and as we enter March we see more mediums and smalls. The difference is we need these smaller sizes to reach our 5 gallon. Hopefully you have been picking off the larger sizes earlier in the year. Brevard County is not having a repeat season of 5 gallon buckets dating back to November. There have been no signs of the summer white shrimp this season. The water temps this year are in the law 60's and this has helped control the bait fish and catfish from covering up our lights. We are actually shrimping in cooler water, first time in 3 years. This has
caused a panic that shrimp will not run this season and that is just nonsense. We have been seeing shrimp since November in Volusia. Brevard has the North side of Titusville pier open and the season has not been kind to the plank warriors. We are hoping March kicks off their shrimping frenzy. Reports from Brevard have been disappointing but you have to keep in mind, the weather shifting causing excessive winds. We have heard of no full pulls in Brevard in February. But, the locals keep their intel close to their vest. Those reporting are not doing well at Haulover Canal either. This month should change as we are in a more normal winter weather pattern. Some of us got spoiled by the warm waters last few years. Get out as much as you can and fill that freezer. If your new to Oak Hill stay close to the ramp unless your comfortable navigating a lot of boats during weekends (further South the better). The week days have been ghost towns but all that is going to change this month. For those coming to Volusia follow the tide charts on Marker69.com, go on any day except a half moon night (current is at its weakest). Go on a building new or full moon (3 days before, 2 after). For up to the minute intel on where shrimp are bring caught, join us at our teaching & intel resource on FaceBook®, “Florida Shrimping Academy-Tips & Tricks, 17K member strong.
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KAYAK REPORT
Seatrout time on the Space Coast with LocalLinesCharters.com
O
f the many different seasonal and resident fisheries’ that are available just east of Orlando on the Space Coast, tops on my list is the catch-and-release spring, speckled sea trout. Yes, I know you can catch sea trout year round on the space coast, but starting in March and continuing until May large “gator” female sea trout will be willing to dismantle your top-water lures with reckless strikes. These hard hitting, spawning trout will rely on large hardy prey and areas with deeper water adjacent to shallow flats to fill their needs. A sea trout will reach “gator” size at 25in. (for me) and will almost all be female from that size on. Basically, any sea trout over 25in. is sure to be full of roe, and is the corner stone of our breading stock. Thus should be released. The largest most aggressive trout will typically feed best in low light conditions on top-water plugs, but they can also be intercepted when they push from the shallows into deeper water, as the sun climbs, with soft plastics. Typically the days surrounding the new and full moons will have the most activity. My top choice for low light conditions is a large, noisy topwater plug that can be worked in a walk-the-dog retrieve imitating a wounded baitfish. The conditions and fish will dictate which plug will produce bites, and use the rule of quite lures in calm and noisy in chop. Bright colors like chartreuse, white, bone, orange, and white with red heads can work at times, but nothing beats a sea trout pattern on your top-water plug (they are the ultimate cannibal). I like the Rapala Skitter Walk, Mir-O-Lure Top Dog, and classic Zara Spook for my walk
–the –dog plugs. Also, Slayer Inc. jerk baits that imitate needle fish will produce when fleeing needle fish are seen. When the sun gets high hit the edges of the flats with Slayer Inc. SST on a 1/8oz. Slayer Inc. weedless hook. Spring also gives us a more seasonal fish in the migratory cobia the swim within yards of our beaches. These large brown fish resemble a shark, but are much more sought after. Cobia fish can top the 80lb. range, but average 25lb. in the spring run. Being an open water species of fish the can be found just about anywhere along the coast. Some great launching beaches are Melbourne, Patrick Air Force Base, the mid number Cocoa Beach streets, around the CB Pier, Jetty Park/Buoy line at PC “ take care of heavy boat traffic”, and especially Playalinda Beach. Cobia will readily fall for a bright large bucktail jig with a plastic trailer, large live baits, large shrimp live or plastic, and at times nothing you have in your box. Once a likely area is found with boats slowly searching or bait pods drop your yak and go. Sighting free swimmers on the surface is a good way to find them, but also look for them to be hugging under turtles, manta rays, debris, weeds, and bait pods. Use 15-25lb. gear and let your jig sink under any target. You might not even see the one well below.
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SURF FISHING
Larry with a nice Spanish Mackerel.
T
he bite improved in late February with pompano, whiting, jacks and black drum in the surf. Various beaches from Patrick Air Force Base into the Melbourne Beach area reported good fishing. Fishing right before cold fronts in clean water worked well for anglers. I also noted that the catch ratio improved on the tide changes either incoming or outgoing. Fishing right into the tide change without a bite and then just at the change the bite would start. Therefore, until something better comes along, suggest fishing just before cold fronts and thru tide changes to see if that improves your catch. March: Warming waters and a major change to a spring wind/ weather pattern should bring increased action for surf anglers. March is defiantly a transitional period, which could light up the pompano bite all along our Brevard County Coast. With that in mind, I offer a few suggestions that I hope will give the surf angler a good base to operate from while challenging our own local beaches.
Suggestions: 1) When the bite is slow, change baits often and cover as much water as you can with each cast. 2) Use long rods (12/13 ft) for distance and shorter (10/11 ft) rods in close. 3) Anglers who do not fish often
need to check with their local Bait & Tackle Shop before they head to the beach. The shop staff are usually more than happy to share good news about catches, baits, rigs, times of day and locations to be successful. 4) When surf fishing, fresh bait equals fish just about every time. 5) When fishing for pompano, whiting, drum and sheepshead during March use live sand fleas,Fishbites and clams. 6) One last tip from a winter visitor and it’s worth repeating. Seems the angler was having trouble holding onto slippery pieces of fresh cut clam and then putting it on his hooks. As expected the clam piece slipped out of his hand and fell to the sand. Picking it up the angler noticed that with the sand stuck to the clam it was easier to hold while putting the bait on his hooks."Who New" He suggests sprinkle a little sand on the fresh cut clam strip before putting it on the hook. This helps in handling the slippery clam and provides greater control while getting it on the hook. The sand washes off the bait when it hits the water during the cast.
LOCATED 1/2 MILE SOUTH OF JETTY PARK
John Detmer Owner/Operator of J&H Surf Fishing the Space Coast 321-777-5554 or email jandhsurffishing1@att.net www.jandhsurffishing.com
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APRIL 7th & 8th
Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 10am-4pm
THE VERO BEACH 35th ANNUAL SPRING
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he long running Vero Beach Spring Boat Show, now in it’s 35th year, will be held on Saturday April 7th 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday April 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. Riverside Park is located just west of Riverside Theatre and southeast of Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, off of route 60. Boat dealers, suppliers, and nautical related businesses will be displaying their products and services and will have staff available to answer questions and help you get out on the water! From Stand UP Paddleboards and kayaks, to deck
boats and pontoon boats, shallow water skiffs and personal watercraft to offshore fishing machines and cruisers, marine accessories and services and nautical goodies. This show has it all. Finance and insurance representatives will be onsite to assist with questions you may have. Food and refreshments will be available. Parking and admission are absolutely FREE. Come -–bring the family and find the boat of your dreams! Don’t miss the boat – for more information email Laura at laura@veromarinecenter.com or call (772) 562 - 7922
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New IGFA Observer Training in Mattituck, Long Island
Photo courtesy of Casa Vieja Lodge, Guatemala ver wonder what it would be like to sit on a big, beautiful sportfishing boat and watch a top-notch crew work their magic against monster marlin and schools of sailfish? Can you hear the lines going off? Can you hear yourself screaming “release!” Then you’re ready to become an observer. All observers must take the IGFA Observer Training Course. It takes about four hours, it’s a great way to meet other fishing enthusiast and there’s no test or exam. The International Game Fish Association will conduct an observer training courses in New York on Long Island at Strong’s Water Club and Marina in Mattituck, Long Island, New York on Saturday, May 19. The half-day session teaches observer responsibilities and duties, billfish identification, and IGFA’s International Angling Rules. The class will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a training manual, two DVD’s, a one-year IGFA membership and costs just $150. Take the course, and observe in luxurious resorts in Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more, go to igfto.org. To sign up, go to igfa.org/Educate/ Observer-Training.aspx.
E
By Doug Haddaway
Photo courtesy of Capt. Mike Weinhoffer
For more about the Dry Tortugas, go to
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hen Leesburg, Fla. angler Tim Frederick turned pro and began competing on the Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Tour, the first event of his career was at Lake Okeechobee in February of 2016. Frederick caught just one bass in two days of competition at that tournament and finished in last place. In late January, Frederick redeemed himself by catching a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 14 ounces, to win the FLW Tour at Lake Okeechobee presented by Evinrude.
Frederick’s four-day total of 20 bass weighing 85-4 gave him the win by a narrow 1-pound, 2-ounce margin over second-place pro Bryan Schmitt. It earned him $100,000 in a dramatic finale to the four-day event that featured 188 of the best bass anglers in the world. “I’m still a little shocked,” said Frederick, whose previous best finish in FLW Tour competition was a 14th place finish on the Harris Chain of Lakes in 2017. “I didn’t think that I had as much weight as I did today. Some of the best fisherman on the planet were fishing in this event and to come out on top after four days – this is a dream come true.” Frederick caught his bass by targeting isolated reed clumps in Harney Pond. “I had a small limit, and I had missed a good one earlier, and I did not know whether to leave or to stay,” Frederick said. “I had to sit down for a minute and regain my composure and I decided to stick it out in that area. I had nothing else to go to, and that place had been special to me. With just 10 minutes left in the day, I caught a big one. It was a $100,000 fish.” Frederick’s “big one” was an 8-pounder. Frederick said all of his fish this week came on a pair of stickbaits – a Strike King Ocho (black with blue flake or black with blue tail) and a Strike King Shim-E-Stick (black with blue flake or black with blue tail) – and a Strike King Pure Poison Swim Jig (green-pumpkin) with a Rage Bug trailer. “I think the keys for me this week were my Power-Poles, my Florida knowledge, and patience,” Frederick said. “It would have been near impossible for me to fish some of the areas that I did this week if I wouldn’t have been able to pole down. And when I would first pull up to a spot, I would target the key areas. Sometimes it took multiple casts and fishing extremely slow, but every fish that I caught were in those key areas.” Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing. com.
To watch Tim Frederick on “Day 5”, go to
TAMFISHING.COM
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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
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pring is around the corner, and a lot of fishermen who hang up their gear for the winter can’t wait for the temps to rise. Although the enthusiasm is high, spring can be a difficult season to successfully pattern and consistently catch fish inshore. Most fish are still in transition between the deep mud and the shallow sand and grass flats, which has them spread out through the bays. Add high winds, cool fronts, the small size of the forage, and you have a tougher puzzle to put together than the other three Photo courtesy of Controlled seasons. I have put together Descent Lures a few tips to help you sort though this maze and hopefully land a few more fish this spring. First and foremost, the size of the baitfish is extremely small this time of year. It is not uncommon to find dozens of small glass minnows in the bellies of trout and reds in spring. This makes my first tip very obvious. Downsize your lure presentation if you can. Obviously, this can impact one’s casting abilities, so rigging small lures in tandem can be a plus and increase casting distance. Something else I like to use in the spring is a clear or transparent lure with some glitter or maybe one with a light translucent color. I choose these because it’s more difficult for the fish to see its actual size and gives the appearance of being smaller than it actually is. I’ve found this to be a productive alternative to downsizing my lure. While choosing a typical size trout and red lure for this application, I look for one with subtle movements. I like either a darting-style bait or a very subtle vibrating paddle lure. Strong, big vibrating tails have their place, but early spring is not one of them. One thing I notice about schools of small baitfish is that when they are displaced they seldom dart deeper before quickly regrouping. Most of their movement is to the side and up. Due to this characteristic, I also like a light lure that has a slow sink rate. I feel this imitates the spring forage movements and increases my strikes. I like a lure you can twitch from side to side that doesn’t sink very fast on the pause. In early spring while the fish are in transition, they will start to congregate on sandy shores with grass. This will be the main cover for the small fry. While employing these techniques and lure choices, concentrate your efforts on broken grass flats with potholes and distinct edges. Early in the season, areas like these near deeper water is where I would start. I hope you find these tactics helpful. As the weather warms and you enjoy the outdoors, don’t forget to take a kid fishing! Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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By Janice Nieman • Photo by Aladair Ritchie
“F
ish happy my friends.” Those are the words James “Docky” Smith wrote when he autographed his new book, “Through a Guide’s Eye.” Ironically, he wrote them when happiness and fishing were words I couldn’t say in the same breath. That wasn’t always the case. I love everything about bonefishing so passionately that my husband and I decided to buy a house in the Bahamas after fishing five days straight with Docky Smith. It was not a difficult decision. Out on the flats, one is lured into a Zen-like tranquility surrounded by miles and miles of every shade of aqua marine. Gin clear waters
reveal a buffet of ocean life, starfish, conch, stingrays, turtles, crabs… everything but bonefish. To the unpracticed eye, they are “ghosts.” Their silvery, translucent scales seamlessly blend with the white sands below. For Docky, however, spotting them is a “piece of cake.” I have never known anyone with more extraordinary eyesight. When fishing with Docky, one of the most challenging aspects of bonefishing is served up on plate. Poling the flats, the quiet is punctuated by the gentle shifting of the pole and the eerie wail of the mangroves. I am poised with fly rod in hand, and Docky will say, “Okay get ready for me now.” My body tenses with anticipation. “10 o’clock, 30 feet out,” Docky says. “Oh please, let this be a good cast, not one that flops down or gets carried in the wind or worse, ends up in my bun,” I think. I cast, not great but good enough for Docky to say, “Now strip slowly.” Then… his magic words: “Set it.” The fish takes off like a rocket, draining your reel of line, and every thrilling moment vibrates in your hand. That is fishing happy. It doesn’t always transpire like that. Sometimes the fish elude you, sometimes they spook, or sometimes you can’t get your fly in front of them. But I still love it and come back year after year. Last fall I was out with Docky wading. The fish were in range. I cast and cast, but I wasn’t casting! I’d invented a whole other movement that couldn’t have been more wrong. It was such a bad feeling. I stepped aside for my husband, and he pulled out three from the school. I went home with my tail between my legs. I was angry and disgusted. We returned to Long Island six weeks later, and the gloom of my previous pathetic performance still lingered. “Fish happy. Fish happy. Fish happy.” All of a sudden it came back to me. Docky had me casting correctly in less than five minutes. Moments later, I was hooked up with a gorgeous Bahamas bonefish. James “Docky” Smith has over 25 years of bonefish guiding experience and is owner/operator of Bonafide Bonefishing in Long Island, Bahamas, operating out of Stella Maris Resort Club.
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A
fter a launch at their recent January show, Surf Expo will be expanding the new Bluewater section in the upcoming Sept. 6-8 show in Orlando. Bluewater showcases inshore and offshore apparel and accessory companies. The January show was anchored by outdoor industry company leaders Yeti, Salt Life and Bimini Bay.
“One of the ideas behind Bluewater was to centralize our saltwater apparel and accessory exhibitors to make them easier to find for the buyers who come to the show,” said Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner. “The response from both attendees and exhibitors was resounding approval.” “It’s a brand new section and it’s perfect for us. It fits our lifestyle,” Jeff Stillwell, president of Salt Life said about the Bluewater section. “Everything we do is connected to the water. Where some people may be just a surf shop or sell surfboards or one particular thing, we’re everything fishing, diving, surfing, so it’s perfect for us. I hope they expand it.” Jon Staton, owner of Hooked Soul said, “This was our fifth year at Surf Expo and our first time in the Bluewater section. Our location and neighbors were great and a success was had by many we could see. We look forward to growing our business in the new section.” Inspired by like-minded watersports brands, the Bluewater section connects to the waterman lifestyle that has always been a part of Surf Expo’s DNA. Featured products ranged from performance and lifestyle apparel, accessories, outerwear, footwear, sportswear, dive and much more. The new section also had a Bluewater lounge sponsored by Hell’s Bay Boatworks and a guest appearance by legendary waterman Flip Pallot. “For us, Surf Expo is an additional branding opportunity; another place for us to see our customers and meet potential customers. With the Bluewater section, it just brings more and more of our type of customers to Surf Expo,” added Chris Peterson, owner/president of Hell’s Bay Boatworks. The Bluewater section for the September show will be centrally located on Surf Expo’s show floor. It will be bordered by the Paddle and Surf sections, offering crossover opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Surf Expo is a trade-only event. For more information contact Kenneth Andres at Kenneth. Andres@surfexpo.com. More information about Surf Expo can be found at www.surfexpo.com.
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Make reel memories.
Stuart, located in Martin County, is known as the Sailfish Capital of the World. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, and the northernmost point of the South Florida Reef, Martin County is home to 100 artificial reef systems and over 800 species of fish. Its climate, waterways and natural environment make it a mecca for fishermen and nautical explorers year-round. An array of unique shops, fine restaurants, great golf courses and quiet beaches make a day ashore fun, too. Inshore, offshore, salt water or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
Plan your trip at discovermartin.com
By Capt. Nate Wheeler • Photo by Dan Gray/flickr
“W
hen is the best time to fish?” has to be the most common question I am asked as a captain in the Florida Keys. Any time of the year can be the best time of year depending on what you’re looking for. The constantly changing weather and the different fishing it provides is what makes fishing here very special. All in the same day, you can cast at large fish in inches of water and feed baits to legendary deep-water gamefish. Having an open mind, being properly informed and preparing in advance are the keys to ensuring a fishing trip to the Keys is the adventure of a lifetime. First you have to determine your priorities. Are you looking to catch fish to eat, like tasty grouper? Are you looking to target legendary catchand-release gamefish, such as the mighty tarpon? Is there a particular time of year you want to fish and target the best bite, or is there a particular species to cross off your bucket list? The Keys are completely surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The two are connected by a complex system of channels that snake between the islands. The inshore scene is dominated by the “slam,” or tarpon, permit and bonefish. Methods for targeting these fish include sight fishing in shallow water or drifting the edges of deep-water channels. Unusually warm weather in winter can create short windows of incredible fishing, but north winds shut these species down. Early bites in late February to March can be red hot. They can be the best bite of the year, especially for trophy fish with a fly rod. However, if your trip occurs during a cold snap, fishing can get real tough. Summer and early fall have the most consistent weather. It is prime time for targeting bonefish and small tarpon. These smaller fish are more aggressive and are a great way to break into the sport.
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If you desire a short run to the open ocean, the Florida Keys are also the place for you. Most fishing occurs within a mile of the reef line, which is only about 7 miles offshore. In addition to catch-andrelease billfish, many tasty species inhabit these waters, such as blackfin tuna, cobia, king mackerel, wahoo and dolphin. The “season” for these fish starts in the fall, when cooling waters push bait into the area. Big-time gamefish can be seen blowing up baits in as little as 15 feet of water, offering a unique sight fishing opportunity. Once the water heats up, you get the spring migration. When Gulf Stream currents push in close to the reef, fish move in to feast as they work toward summer spawning grounds. Whatever fish you crave, the Florida Keys has the trip for you. The best way to plan a trip is to talk to the right guide. Speak directly with a captain who will provide the best answers to your questions. Contact Capt. Nate Wheeler at (305) 394-2177 or capt.natewheeler@aol.com. See his website at www.waypointfishing.net.
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Angler Chuck Hanford and Capt. Alex with a 60-pound roosterfish released on the Harvester in February.
T
he 2018 season is in full swing in Nosara, Costa Rica. The five boats of the FishingNosara team have already run 225 trips since our season kicked-off in November, and show no signs of slowing down. As usual, the flagship Wanderer has led the charge with great action this season. One of our favorite anglers Leah Merryfield helped the Wanderer ring in the New Year with a great day of action on Jan. 1. Capt. William found a 40-plus-pound dorado lurking offshore, and Miss Merryfield was there to land the monster. Mate Johnny had his work cut out for him to filet this big green beast. With dinner on ice, Mike battled a big sailfish all the way in for the release. Filets for the table and another trophy release for the scrapbook… that’s a perfect day of fishing to kick off 2018. On Jan. 9, Soren and Marianne Dalberg-Pedersen had a big day with
Capt. William, highlighted by a pair of awesome marlin releases. They added a big dorado for the icebox, and all of this happened on just a fivehour, half-day trip! Our big battleship Discoverer also has been delivering big fish and big smiles. Our dear friend Jerome McKown continues to add to his FishingNosara Hall of Fame resume with a great day of action for his group on Feb. 1. After a sweet sailfish release, these Texas anglers scored a nice yellowfin tuna with a baitcaster reel he brought from home. Ryan McPherson joined Capt. Carlos and had the best five-hour trip you can imagine on Jan. 31. First up was a big blue marlin release. The blue water kept producing with an excellent sailfish backed up by a tasty yellowfin tuna. Our newest weapon, the 32-foot Eduardono mega-panga Harvester, has already redefined the potential of panga fishing in Central America. After three full days of fishing, angler Chuck Hanford saved the best for last with a mammoth roosterfish release on his final day of action on Feb. 5. This monster was a legitimate 60 pounds, proven by Captain Alex’s Bogagrip. Great work by the mega-panga to photograph and release this monster. Meanwhile, our smaller pangas, the Explorer and Adventurer, are delivering the best bang-for-your-buck fishing action in all of Central America. The Explorer put on a show for Maurycy Krzastek, of Poland, with a wonderful day of action on Jan. 12. The fish were fired-up as the Explorer released not one but two mighty marlins. This amazing feat was backedup with plenty of dorado, so these boys will be well fed. Great work by Capt. Fico! The Adventurer scored a swarm of permit, snappers and yellowfin tuna on Jan. 6. Want to have ceviche, sushi and filets all in one meal? Capt. David is known for delivering a wide variety of edible delights every time he hits the water. Daily updates on the team’s catches are available at blog.fishingnosara.com and on the major social media platforms.
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FRESHWATER
By TAM Staff
T
his is the time of year when crappie anglers flock to the water. The predictability and seemingly never-ending abundance of these tasty fish make them a springtime tradition with a community feel. No one’s going to fight you for crappie; there are plenty for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you load a cooler this spring. • Fish The Right Areas: This time of year, crappie are either shallow or thinking about moving shallow, depending on where you fish. With warming waters, the spring spawn will find them right up on the banks in water as shallow as 1 ½ feet. Explore backs of the creeks that feed reservoirs or the flats adjacent to creek channels. Crappie use those channels to travel in and out of their spawning areas, so they’ll be stacked up in shallow brush near those slightly deeper areas when they move up. They’ll be holding in those slightly deeper channels before and after the spawn. • Brush, Brush, Brush: The necessity for cover cannot be overstated. Crappie seek out hard bottoms with abundant cover to hide and
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protect their beds. Laydowns on the bank, shallow docks, timber and brush stacked up by currents, angler-placed brush in shallow water, all of it will hold spawning crappie as long as there is firm bottom for them to build their nests and something to conceal them. • Tactics: Male crappie are usually the target when fishing during the spawn. Males are the ones that guard the beds, and while they are in protector mode they are aggressive. They are not necessarily feeding; they are attacking. Minnows under a float are the traditional bait for crappie fishing, and it is a tactic that works any time of year. But during the spawn, minnows can actually hurt your productivity because fishing them out of the livewell and hooking them up is time consuming. If they will take a jig, there is no reason not to use one. Jigs are just more efficient. This time of year, bright and gaudy colors are the way to go. Angry fish don’t need to be enticed into feeding, just getting their attention is often enough to make them strike. Whether you’re vertical jigging thick cover or casting to the banks, move quickly until you find crappie and then slow down to catch all of them that will bite. • Remember: When you find a good spot, mark it on the graph or remember where it is. Crappie know where to go to spawn successfully and comfortably. They will utilize the same areas year after year, and so should you. This holds true on a short-term basis also. Catch a limit one day, and you might think you’ve fished a particular bank out. Don’t count on it. Those good spawning sites reload. New fish will move in to take the place of the ones you took home to the fryer. That spot is worth checking again as early as tomorrow or even this afternoon.
For more on fishing Crappie in the spring, go to
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he first pro event of the 2018 Bassmaster schedule was the Bassmaster Eastern Open in Kissimmee, Fla. I love Florida in winter, and love it even more now. I finished the event in second place, my highest professional finish to date. To notch that result, I had to adapt. Here’s how I did it. In practice and early on day one I was catching fish on a prop bait. The fish were eating it, but I started catching smaller fish as time wore on. I knew big fish were in the area but weren’t willing to hit a topwater. They were buried in the cover, and I needed to go in after them. That meant punching the heavy mats. My arsenal for approaching the thickest Florida cover is simple but vital. I like to
use a MHX FP936 flipping stick with a 1 ½-ounce tungsten weight. I like a 4/0 Mustad 3X Grip Pin Max flipping hook, which helps keep a compact creature bait on the hook shank while penetrating abrasive cover. I pair it with 65-pound Vicious No Fade Braid to a high-speed reel to ensure I can muscle trophy fish from matted cover. A big key to punching heavy cover is the bait. It must have a compact shape to slip through the mats behind that big weight. I worked with X Zone Lures to create a new punching bait that does just that and is a new look for the fish. The Muscle Back Finesse Craw is the result. You can find them on the X Zone website (www.xzonelures.com). I relied on the Okeechobee Craw and Black/Blue Flake colors, which are both Florida staples.
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What To Wear?
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ho says you can’t have it all? When it comes to wetsuits—whether man or woman, warm or cold water, scuba or freediver—there are many great choices on the market. They are more comfortable, better-fitting, and more fashionable than ever. Pioneers in the dive world had to endure cold temperatures sometimes. Finally, in 1952, a University of California physicist invented the wetsuit. Water conducts heat away from the body about 20 times more efficiently than air, which is why an unprotected individual feels cold even in “warmish” water. The inventor created a foam-like material to cover the body, which reduced the water’s ability to conduct heat away from the body. This, plus the fact that water is warmed by your body and trapped inside the suit, made for a more comfortable experience. Previous materials were very fragile or very rigid. Due to product innovation, wetsuits are more flexible, warm, and come in many different colors—even camouflage patterns. Better-fitting designs and new methods of joining the seams make today’s suits even more waterproof and reduce “flushing,” which is the seeping in of cold water. In the warmest parts of the world, divers may opt for a simple “lycra skin” for protection from jellyfish, coral and sunburns. However, even in the summer, most will still wear at least a 2-mil wetsuit. On the other end of the scale, my very admirable friends in northern California wear two-piece 8-mil wetsuits complemented by thick neoprene boots, gloves and hoods. As an example, someone in the Bahamas might wear a skin for the summer and a 2-mil in the winter. Someone in Florida might own a 3-mil for the summer and a two-piece 5-mil for the winter. A Californian would probably own a two-piece 5-mil for the summer and 8-mil for winter.
The rule of thumb is that you want to wear the thinnest possible wetsuit, but enough to feel comfortable throughout the dive. That’s because you want to maintain maximum Photo by Jose Fernandez flexibility and reduce the amount of lead needed on your weight belt to submerge (wetsuit material is buoyant). The beauty of owning two-piece suits (hooded top and farmer john bottoms) is that you can switch pieces around for the perfect combination—such as wearing a 5-mil bottom with a 3-mil top. Along these lines, it’s also possible to buy a sleeveless vest for more layering options. With just a few basic pieces, many different combinations are available. This is especially handy if traveling and exact conditions are unknown or could change. The following brands are available at your local dive shop: Yazbeck, Mares, Riffe, Omer, Cressi and more. If an off-the-rack suit does not fit, there are several affordable custom manufacturers who will tailor one to your measurements, such as Polosub or Elios. These days, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable in the water. Happy diving! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
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The Professional Choice For 200 Years
By CAM Staff
M
ichael Clark’s 9.66-pound sheepshead might not be the biggest ever caught, but it’s the heaviest officially recognized sheep ever caught on a fly rod in Louisiana. Clark, of Charleston, S.C., and his father-in-law Craig Pagels booked a couple days with Louisiana Low Tide Charters and Capt. Lucas Bissett last January to fish the marshes of Delacroix. The big sheepshead came on the second afternoon of the trip. The day had dawned clear and calm, but when winds picked up in the afternoon it stirred up the mud bottom they were fishing. Capt. Bissett made the call to move in search of a sand bottom and clear water. It was a good call. Bissett spotted two sheepshead from the poling platform. “He told me to strip out all my line and said ‘four o’clock, four o’clock,’” Clark said. “I threw it out there and dropped it right on the shadow. Then I waited for what seemed like forever. Then I twitched it once and it took the fly.” The fish ate Bissett’s own pattern, a Bissett’s Mud Bug, which has a deer hair head and a baitfish profile. It was caught on a 10-weight Orvis Helios. The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) recognized it as the fly-caught state record. The all-tackle LOWA record for sheepshead was caught in 1982 by Wayne Desselle. That one weighed 21.25 pounds.
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By Tobin Strickland - CAM Special Correspondent Photo Courtesy of Capt. Ernest Cisneros - Simms Ambassador
pring temperatures can swing widely; the morning can start very cold with late season frontal passages, or strong winds with clouds or fog. Even warm days can feel cold due to the water’s ability to cool the near surface layer of air. However, those cold mornings can warm to hot afternoons and back to cold. First, start with a thermal layer that breathes well that can be worn on its own if it warms up. I prefer merino wool for this, but cotton thermals are fine as well if that’s your budget. The merino seems to wick and dry better and is comfortable in a wider range. Next comes a hoodie of some sort, whether that be heavy cotton, fleece or poly, and on your legs either poly sweats or jeans are usually enough for spring. The hoodie will be a welcome addition over your hat of choice at dawn, during high winds, or evening low-light conditions. The final layer should be some sort of windproof and waterproof layer. For wade fishing or rough water conditions, I like a pair of Simms fishing waders and a jacket. I can’t stress enough how important it is to block the wind and water on the top layer. Spring fishing brings variable conditions that require you to layer your clothes so you can adjust through the day. The mornings may be cold, but the mid afternoon leaves you peeling off clothes and sweating. You’ll be ready if you layer. Tobin created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for inshore fisherman wanting to take it beyond the basics.
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These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
REPOWER FINANCE
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “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. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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