Coastal Angler Magazine | February 2021 | Charleston Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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FLOUNDER KAYAKING FOR 'HOOS & SAILS! PHOTO COURTESY OF MALLORY HENDRIX INSTAGRAM: @MALLORY_HENDRIX VOLUME 26 â€¢ ISSUE 311

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Why Are Dealers Hoarding These 100-Year-Old U.S. Silver Dollars?

hen it comes to collecting, few coins are as coveted as the first and last of a series. And when big anniversaries for those “firsts” and “lasts” come around, these coins become even more coveted. Take, for example, the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars. These 90% pure silver coins were the last of their kind, a special one-year-only resurrection of the classic Wild West Silver Dollar. Three years prior, the Pittman Act authorized the melting of more than 270 million Morgan Silver Dollars so their silver could be sold to our allies in the United Kingdom. Facing our own Silver Dollar shortage, the world’s favorite vintage U.S. Silver Dollar was brought back for one year only while the U.S. Mint worked on its successor, the Peace Silver Dollar.

Dealers Begin Stockpiling Last-Year Morgans

Knowing what we’ve told you about special anniversaries, dealers around the country are preparing for a surge in demand. 2021 will mark the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar—the last-yearof-issue for the most popular vintage U.S. Silver Dollar ever minted. But slow-moving collectors may be disappointed in what they find when they seek out these coins. Since the days of the Pittman Act, millions more U.S. Silver Dollars have been melted or worn down in commerce. It’s been estimated that as few as 15% of all the Morgan Dollars ever minted have survived to the present day. That number grows smaller each year, with private hoards now accounting for virtually all the surviving Morgan Silver Dollars. And that was before silver values started to rise...

Interest in Silver Is on the Rise

19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 LY G T T V C N B R R Y E LY G JU AU SEP OC NO DE JA FE MA AP MA JUN JU AU

As you can see from the chart on the left, in 2020, we’ve seen daily silver prices close as low as $12.01 per ounce and as high as $28.33 per ounce. That rise in value has led to a sharp increase in buyers’ interest in silver. We’re already seeing a surge of interest from collectors wanting to add vintage Morgan Silver Dollars to their collections. But at what price?

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Find & Catch Deep Winter Flounder

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

o all flounder migrate offshore during the winter? I can’t be certain, but I have caught them in every month of the year. Those latewinter catches may have been flounder that never left, or they might be some that returned early. But one thing is for sure, during cold weather is when I have caught my largest flounder. Let it be known that I am a lure fisherman at heart, but if you want to consistently target the largest flounder this time of year, live and dead bait rule supreme. A large mullet or shad in the 6-inch range is ideal. Any type of fishfinder rig will suffice with the appropriate weight for the depth of water and strength of current you are fishing. You just need enough weight to keep your bait in contact with the bottom, where flounder live. The method I use for flounder catching is to keep the bait in constant contact with the bottom. Pointing the rod tip toward the water and utilizing a sweeping motion, I twitch my rod, kicking up mud and sand to create a trail of dust that attracts fish. This way I can cover some water in search of a hungry doormat. Once I feel the first tap from the flounder, I pause. I wait patiently for the second and usually a quick third tap. Then I give it a solid hook-set! Flounder will hold on to a bait longer than most inshore species, and they don’t always engulf it all at once. I feel they want to injure their meal before swallowing it, which is why it pays to be patient and wait until they’ve got the hook in their mouth before driving the point home. The best area to target the largest of the species is near structure, specifically bulkheads. Flounder like to bed down next to seawalls, where baitfish have fewer angles of escape. Other structure like rock jetties are also great areas to try. On an outgoing tide, I target drain openings where high tide flows out of the marshes. These drains can be small, 1 to 2 feet of width is all it takes. As long as the marsh behind the drain has enough water to hold bait, it’s perfect. Flounder will stage at the opening of a large drain as well, but no drain is too small, and I feel the smaller ones can easily be dismissed and easily missed. One final note is on tide direction and strength. During a strong outgoing tide, flounder use the tide as easy transportation to open water and focus more on swimming than feeding. I tend to avoid the strong outgoing tide when targeting migrating flounder. Be safe, stay warm, and get out there to catch the largest flounder of your life.

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KAYAKING FOR

A DAY OF DOUBLES By Brian Nelli

n offshore kayak fishing, many of the milestones we pursue come in the form of knocking off “bucket list” fish. Sailfish is at the top of that list for a lot of anglers in South Florida. The sailfish is a great achievement, but there is one fish that many either write off as improbable or just a dream. That fish is the wahoo. One of the fastest fish in the ocean, it bounces around in kayak anglers’ heads with the question of could today be the day. I’ve been a South Florida kayak fishing guide since 2010. Here, where the currents of the Gulf Stream swing so close to coast, it is possible to launch a kayak from the beach in pursuit of offshore species. I have been fortunate to assist clients in catching multiple wahoo over the years. To give an idea of how special this is, my best year for wahoo saw just six of these speedy fish landed in 150 offshore kayak trips. Now what do you think the chances are of catching two in one trip? How about two at the same time? That is where our story begins. Two days after the December new moon phase, winds were light and the ocean was flat calm. My two clients and I were running live goggle eyes on 60-pound wire stinger rigs tied to 40-pound Yozuri Hybrid Line. We were geared with Shimano Spheros 10k reels paired with Crowder Rods E-Namic 6’6” 15- to 40-pound rods. At dawn, we headed roughly a mile from shore and started slow trolling. All hell broke loose within the first hour. It was a double hook-up on sailfish! The fish pulled my two clients in opposite directions. After screaming directions and running back and forth to each angler, we managed to secure both fish for a great photo before release. That sailfish double already made it a great day, but there was more to come.

8 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2021

We regrouped and got baits back out in search of another bite. At about 11 a.m., we approached a slight rip line near 150 feet of water. There was very little current and next to no surface action for most of the day, so we slowed down to stick in the rip area. Ten minutes in, I noticed one rod bounce hard and then take off. It was a good high-speed run and then line went slack. I screamed to keep reeling no matter what, as this is typical for a wahoo strike. Sure enough, the fish came tight again for another run to the bottom. As I yelled to one angler, the other client’s rod started bouncing. He reeled down, and there was head thrashing on surface. The fish circled the yak twice, and I

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gaffed the 29-pound wahoo within minutes. Once we got that one, I knew by its behavior the first fish was going to be a wahoo, as well. I was excited and shaking. I’ve been hunting a double wahoo for a decade or more. Ten minutes later, with that first fish safely in-hand, I let out a scream heard round the world, “We did it! DOUBLE WAHOO!” Brian Nelli operates Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters offering inshore and offshore kayak fishing trips out of South Florida. Contact him at Brian@tckayakfishing.com and check out his website at www.tckayakfishing.com.

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earlier, the biggest trout caught during February and March will eat crappie-sized jigs… so, there goes that theory. For the most part, though, I like bigger shrimp to eliminate as many of the dink trout bites as possible, but even the dinks will give the biggest shrimp you throw a whack. When you miss a bite, I always say, “don’t Tim Barefoot worry about it, it’s a dink.” Trout always eat a shrimp from behind, so they can fold the shrimp up and swallow it with the horn going forward. his is the time of year when the inshore bite can slow down or get hot as a firecracker, especially for speckled trout. Always. A missed bite usually means the fish didn’t have a mouth large Right now, bait size can make all the difference between enough to “inhale” your shrimp backwards. Another key ingredient stacking ’em up and getting to getting bites in cold water skunked. Live baits are is the speed of the retrieve. really the best bet when This is a perfect situation to things get tough, but for use a sliding cork or a fixedhard-headed anglers—like depth cork. For example: If me—who prefer artificials, you’re in water 6 feet deep it’s important to use smaller and you want to slow the profile baits and slow down bait way down, set the stop the retrieve considerably. at 5 feet and just let the As a matter of fact, I cork stand up and drift the know a guy who scales same speed as the current, down to crappie-size or if there is no current, jigs through the coldest just barely slow-take a stretches of February and wind on the reel to keep March. the bait moving forward. I prefer a smaller Don’t twitch the bait, just version of the same shrimp barely move it forward, and I always use. I normally always use a shrimp scent throw the 4-inch shrimp on like Pro Cure Shrimp. a jig head, but when it gets cold, I like the 3-inch size. There is not a time of the year when fish won’t eat a shrimp; there’s only a Videos for this style fishing will soon be available at: few weeks of the year when they won’t eat the 4-inch version. The reason I normally throw the bigger shrimp is that the old saying, BAREFOOTCATSANDTACKLE.COM “bigger bait, bigger fish” kind of holds true for seatrout. But like I said

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CHARLESTON EDITION

Charleston’s

February Forecast By Captain Mark Phelps

ebruary is the last month of winter here in the low country. This is also the last month to find redfish in large schools. That means great sight fishing for redfish on the flats in and around the Charleston area. The redfish are in large schools of 100-200 fish per school. This winter started off very fairly mild. These fish can be found in shallow warmer water, and since the water is so clear, you will be able to see the fish very well. I typically look for calm, warm days when the tide is low in the mid morning or early afternoon. The warmer water draws the redfish to the very shallow areas and also puts them in the mood to eat something. If you fish a school for a while and the fish will not eat, you may need to find another school that has moved into warmer water. On the other hand, sometimes it pays to stay put and be patient. I have fished a school for an hour without getting a bite, but then when the tide changed or the water warmed up we caught fish every cast. One important thing to remember is the large schools of fish can spook easily, so be very quiet when approaching the school and make long casts to the fish so as not to spook them. Another important thing to remember is that cold water will slow the fish down. You want to work your bait or fly very slowly to give the fish time to eat it. If you think you are fishing slowly, slow down more. Because fish are moving slowly and eating small things, you should fish small baits or flies. I like to use very natural colors this time if the year. I will either go with something olive-clear like the water or something dark brown- black to match the bottom. Another tip is to use ultra light rods so you can feel the bite. Sometimes the bite can be very subtle. I like to use light action rods in the 6-12 lb class with no more than 10 lb test line. The days will get longer

as the month progresses, so the time you can sight fish will increase. It has been mild for the most part, so the sea trout have also been caught on warmer afternoons. This is another good option if not ideal for red fish. You also can find sheepshead as well this time of the year. Follow these tips and you will find some excellent and exciting sight fishing.

A great way to spend the day on the water is to book one of the area’s great guides. Having fished in Charleston for twenty five years, I am extremely knowledgeable and experienced in this area. As owner and operator of Shore Thang Charters, I would love to share my expertise with you on the water. Please email me at: ShoreThangCharter@ hotmail.com, check out my web page: www.ShoreThangCharters.com or call: 843475-1274. Capt. Mark Phelps

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FEBRUARY 2021

CHARLESTON 1

Fishy Nurse Adventures Winter, its Almost Over!

ell it’s February and you’re either a “Love is in the air or a catch fish not feelings kinda mood.” I know I’m a “hurry up, this is a short but cold month type person.” I try and think positively that this means spring is right around the corner and the days are finally getting longer as well! When I look at last year it’s crazy to think I was in Miami at the boat show and Covid hadn’t hit yet… the storm was brewing. Here we are a year later and life has changed dramatically! I don’t care how cold it is. Getting on the water or away from work is a treat in itself. Traveling to fish and see boats is never a bad time! Ironically we had taken a charter last year and fished offshore and rocked a skunk or as some would say only caught a buzz. It was definitely blamed on an East wind and apparently the first time for that particular captain in over 10 years. Hey it’s called fishing and not catching for a reason. We got to go on sea trials with different boat companies and even got to experience an Onslow Bay boat hit 70 mph. Pretty awesome experience with the boat show all around! I would do it all over again in a second after the past couple months of working in the hospital! Hopefully we’re turning a new page and we’re headed up from here and back to the glory days of fishing! And almost out of this colder weather! I know I’m ready for the dolphin bite and the bass to be up on some beds. Hang in there and tight - Mandy lines! - Mandy Henderson is a night cardiac nurse in Charleston, on her days off she loves to fish as often as she can! You can visit her on Instagram @onefishynurse

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The Southside February Forecast

Kiawah to Edisto Islands & Folly Beach

WHERE THE LOWCOUNTRY

GETS HITCHED.

ebruary is upon us and we are in the last leg of the winter fishing season. This is a great month to tackle a list of boating and fishing projects while old man winter is still hanging around. There is always something to be done on your boats, from annual service, detailing and waxing, and I would rather tackle theses projects in the winter because of the weather and sometimes slower fishing. If you are not servicing your engine yourself , it is a great time to get it into your local dealership for a service, because they are usually in their slow season which makes for faster turn around and sometimes winter special rates. Now back to the fishing, Inshore fishing has been good with large schools of redfish on the flats. We have been having our best luck on warmer sunny days with lite wind near low tide. The fish are not overly aggressive, but are extremely spooky due to clear water and heavy pressure from fisherman and dolphins. Giving the fish plenty of space and a stealthy approach to the school has been the key to a productive day. I have been downsizing the baits, leader size, and weight to help produce a bite with skittish fish on clearer water days. Soft plastics have been working well on the flats either rigged on a small jig head or flutter hook, with a slower than normal retrieve. Some of the schools that have had a little more pressure we have convinced them to eat by pitching and soaking chucks of mullet and crab and being patient. We got spoiled last year with not having much of a winter, but this year water temperature has been hovering around 50 with some cold nights. The red drum, trout and sheepshead have been much more aggressive and cooperative on warmer days with rising barometer. On warmer days we have been fishing grass and oyster banks with popping corks with either live or artificial baits, and on cooler days fishing deeper (8-15 feet) slow rolling soft plastics on 1/4 and 1/2oz jig heads with soft plastics. The sheephead have been stacked in high number around dock pilings and rock walls,doing best while using fiddlers or oysters with small sharp j-hooks with short leaders. Out at the nearshore reef, there are tons of seabass but not a lot of variety, but we have found some nice sheepshead and a few weakfish and winter sharks hanging near the structure. Take advantage of the non existent crowd on the water and boat ramps before the busy season. Tight lines, and get out on the water.

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Lowcountry Kayak Fishing ________________________________________________________________

2021... We Can Do This!

n many ways, dreaded 2020 was a blessing for the kayak fishing world and for LKA that was no exception. While the calendar of events and activities didn’t work out as planned, the infusion of folks new to our area or new to kayak fishing provided a welcome chance to reset the club. This vision and calendar for 2021 presents the best balance LKA has ever offered in an attempt to meet our members wherever they are in their kayak fishing journey. We added 60 new members last spring, many just beginning to explore this amazing sport, so we’re planning events and activities to make whatever you’re chasing an easier reach! Help or Share Ideas Many of these activities are still in the formative phase, and club leaders would be remiss not offering an opportunity for member involvement in the planning. Please consider joining the planning process, we have an events committee or folks helping with single events so if you have energy or ideas and want to help please reach out on the facebook page or lowcountrykayakanglers@ gmail.com and say hi and let us know you want to help. We’ll also have a few openings at the board level for those interested in considering that avenue and full details on the nomination process will start later this month and extend through end of March. This club continues as long as committed, interested people wish to be involved in helping make it amazing, come be part of it. Little Hammers and Lady Angler The upsurge in kayak angling has not just effected the gentleman anglers that predominantly comprise our members. Our AOY program last year

saw the return of 2 “species” not much on the leaderboard in recent years with the return of both youth and lady anglers to the mix. We hope this continues and are working to develop programs that welcome both audiences, as well as provide some prizes to the mix as sub-categories within the AOY program as well as offer specific programs for each. AOY and Fish-Ups The Angler of the Year will return in April (membership begins in March) with some additional prizes in the mix. There have been no repeat champions for AOY, who will step up to take the crown in 2021? We’ll also be adding youth and lady divisions back to AOY, plan now. More details and updates to AOY are forthcoming as prizes are being gathered as well as mini-challenges developed for each month. Fish-ups (formerly Meet n Fish/Greet) are also returning, following current CDC guidelines for each event. We’ll be focused on a few things with these for 2021 and that includes: member input on desired locations, themes for each meet-up (HOW event, ladies, kids, instructional, etc), and offer tackle/ location/reports for each leading up to the events. We’ll aim for one per month as permitted and there will be much more coming soon on this.

Low Country Kayak Fishing - Continue reading on page 8

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CHARLESTON 5

Mt. Pleasant Pier February Forecast By Chris Pounder

FEBRUARY 2021 TIDE CHART

CHARESTON HARBOR RIVER ENTRANCE

he Mount Pleasant Pier forecast for February fishing is very similar to the ones for the past few months. This is the time of year we typically see anglers focus on sheepshead and trout. Look to target these species on the incoming tide when possible. With everyone looking for the same fish at similar times in a handful of locations, this is a good time to remind everyone of a few things. Thanks to Coastal Angler Magazine and social media posts from our fishermen, sheepshead has become THE fish everyone wants to catch from the pier. Sheepshead are caught from one end of the pier to the other, but during the winter months we see better results in the deeper water. With anglers all wanting to fish those areas it’s important to share the space and practice social distancing. Pier rules allow for 2 rods per person in order for several fishermen to work an area and provide personal space at the same time. Share the space, help each other out, and you could have a day like the guys pictured with the article. Fresh mussels seem to be the most reliable bait when targeting the local population of sheepshead. Gamakatsu size 1, 2, or 4 live bait hooks are great with the mussels and popular among regulars. Fiddler Robert with a 9lbs Sheepshead crabs, oysters, and sand fleas also make good bait; however, fiddlers may be difficult to find when it’s cold out. The River Watch Café and Gift Shop on the pier carries frozen sand fleas, Gamakatsu hooks, and a variety of other tackle items to help you land the big one. In addition to sheepshead you may find trout lurking under the pier waiting for that ambush. Anglers have success targeting trout during the last 2 hours of the outgoing tide and the first 2 hours of the incoming tide when the water first starts to spill back onto the flat. Artificials like Vudu, Zman, and Billy Bay are popular choices. Stop in and chat with us and we’ll be glad to share what’s been going on recently. Maybe next month you’ll be featured here. Good luck! Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager | Mount Pleasant Pier River Watch Café & Gift Shop on the pier 843-762-9946.

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Low Country Kayak Fishing continued from page 4

Tournament Trails

2021 marks the fourth anniversary of our freshwater and saltwater trail series and both are at crossroads. The former Chucktown Kayak Bassin (CKB) partnered with LKA for our mutual benefit; CKB offered us a plug-in bass trail and we had the audience and the insurance to make it a reality. Fast-forward to today and 2 CKB founding members developed an online bass platform called Yak Bassin’ and are happy to return the favor for our saltwater trail. This means that for 2021, LKA will not offer a bass trail; however you will surely have many local, regional, and national opportunities as the Cooper and Santee systems continue to grow as kayak bass tournament hotbeds. A revamped saltwater trail is nearing completion as the deadline for this article looms. With the assistance of Yak Bassin’, LKA will offer a saltwater tournament series built by tournament anglers. This series will offer several qualifying events and covering the entire state and a live championship event in the fall. LKA aims to meet our members at every level by offering these new and revived programs. Like last year, adjustments to the schedule and events will be made, case by case, as need requires. LKA will foster an environment ensure that everyone that chooses to participate can do so safely. Opportunities like fishups and tournaments can only continue as long as everyone is conscientious of distancing at landings or staying home if you bring risk or exposure to an event. Let’s work together and keep advancing on the growth our sport saw last year! Chris Tweedy, LKA President

2021 LKA Tournament Schedule Jurassic Classic, August 7 LKA “Event”, August 28 Battle at Paradise, October 4 Trout for Tots, December 11 - January 9

8 CHARLESTON

FEBRUARY 2021

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Harvest Increases Expected For Gulf Snapper/Triggerfish

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ulf of Mexico anglers have a couple new reasons to be excited as we head into the spring and summer fishing seasons. NOAA is looking at loosening regulations for both Gulf red snapper and gray triggerfish. That should help fill some coolers for bottom-fishers who’ve found it’s sometimes tough these days to catch anything other than snapper and triggerfish. New catch level recommendations for red snapper are expected in time for

the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s April 2021 meeting, which should provide time for adjustments prior to the traditional summer peak in recreational snapper fishing. This good news is the result of a massive study called “The Great Red Snapper Count,” a $10-million, congressionally funded, independent stock assessment initiated in 2016 and conducted by 21 scientists and 12 institutions across the Gulf. The Great Red Snapper Count showed red snapper are far more abundant than previously estimated using the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review stock assessment process that has been used to all but shut down snapper seasons over the last decade. The Great Red Snapper Count estimates that for 2-year-old-plus red snapper there are 23 million off Texas, 29 million off Louisiana, 10 million off Mississippi and Alabama, and 48 million off Florida. It also showed that large fish are comparatively more abundant in the western Gulf than the eastern Gulf. NOAA’s plan is to integrate the Great Red Snapper Count’s findings into its interim analysis for Gulf red snapper. It is worth noting that even though anglers and researchers are seeing more and larger red snapper, the spawning potential of the population is still below the original target of NOAA’s rebuilding plan. Adjustments to the state-specific catch limits are being considered to account for the harvest monitoring programs used by each state. Loosened restrictions on gray triggerfish are being considered following an interim analysis, using video surveys to estimate abundance, that showed the stock size has been increasing, especially in the eastern Gulf, and that catch limits can be increased. The Gulf Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee recommended increasing the gray triggerfish acceptable biological catch limit to 456,900 pounds whole weight, which allows an increase in the gray triggerfish annual catch limit. Action is expected prior to the end of the 2021 recreational fishing season. The Council is also considering modifications to the gray triggerfish recreational fixed closed seasons and will consider that action in a separate framework action that will also address changes to the vermilion snapper recreational bag limit.

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FEBRUARY 2021

NATIONAL 13

TIPS FOR DIALING ’EM IN

By Nick Carter

here’s no mistaking it when a monster striped bass blows up on the surface. At a slow troll just after first light, you can almost feel it’s going to happen. Behind a planer board, the stinger-hooked gizzard shad begins to struggle. Anticipation goes through the roof as the bait flees for its life. “When you see that big shad get exploded on, it’s like a bowling ball dropped out of the sky,” said Shane Goebel, of Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service. “The planer board streaks across the water, and it’s on! There’s really nothing else like it.” Goebel has watched this scene take place hundreds of times while guiding the mountain lakes that straddle the Georgia/North Carolina border. He knows what it takes to boat striped bass in the 30- to 40-plus-pound range. Here are Goebel’s tips for dialing in the big-fish bite: 1) Fish Trophy Striper Season: Giants are caught year-round, but fate favors the uncomfortable angler. When the water is cold, baitfish and big stripers are forced into the shallows in search of warmer water. They push out of the main lake and into the backs of creeks and rivers, where big fish are more predictable than when they’ve got the whole lake to roam. 2) Offer Them Everything: By putting out a large spread of different baits, you’re more likely to troll a preferred meal past that big girl’s nose. Goebel fishes as many baits as the confines of a 14 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2021

creek allow. He might run a couple planer boards out each side of the boat, a couple freelines off the stern and a couple of balloon baits way in back. He staggers distance and depth to cover water both horizontally and vertically. Goebel fishes a mix of baits, too. Big gizzard shad and rainbow trout are big striper baits, but when blueback herring are the predominant forage, he’ll fish all three at the same time. You never know which bait will get hit. 3) Stay With the Baitfish: You’re probably sick of hearing this, but… “find the bait, and you’ll find the fish.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIG OL’ FISH GUIDING SERVICE

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Goebel starts cold mornings in the backs of the creeks looking for baitfish. When he sees what he likes, he deploys his spread and works from the shallows out to the creek mouth as the day advances to follow the movement of baitfish and stripers. On some lakes, diving birds are a dead giveaway. Keep binoculars on the console to scout for gulls. Also, especially on warmer days, don’t be afraid to drop downlines if you mark bait deep in a creek mouth. 4) Keep a Pitch Rod Ready: Goebel keeps lightweight spinning rods rigged and ready with Flukes and Redfins. Those casting rods come in handy when feeding breaks loose on the surface. It’s quicker and easier to cast lures to visible fish than it is to steer a trolling spread over them. And nothing beats fighting a big striper on light tackle. Check out Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service at bigolfish.com.

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NATIONAL 17

TACTICS FOR TOUGH DELAYED HARVEST TROUT E By CAM Staff

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ven in the depths of winter, there is trout action to be found on delayed harvest (DH) streams where state agencies stock trout heavily under catch-and-release regulations. DH stretches offer high densities of trout that grow progressively wilder through winter into spring. And while stocked trout are renowned for their gullibility, they can also be difficult at times. Bill Stranahan, a veteran guide with Southeastern Anglers has a few tricks up his sleeve for catching DH trout. Bugger Time: “Wooly Buggers are so important this time of year,” Stranahan said. “You’re looking for that reaction strike. Swing and strip. Keep it moving.” Olive and black are perennial favorite colors whenever and wherever, and for winter fishing he prefers smaller Buggers in sizes 6 to 10. The primary DH stretches he fishes are Tennessee’s Hiwassee tailrace and the Tellico River, which is a freestone. They are very different fisheries, yet swinging and stripping Buggers is pretty much universally productive. Get Down On It: If catching numbers of fish is the goal, nymphing is normally the best tactic. When the trout are less active—especially when they’re holed up in deeper, slower runs during a cold snap—it might be the only way to catch fish. The key to catching fish in these conditions is depth. Trout won’t move far to feed when they’re hunkered down, so getting your nymphs down to them is imperative. Stranahan likes a weighted Pat’s Rubber Legs, or a similar heavy stonefly nymph in sizes 6 to 10. It’s a big buggy-looking mouthful, and it’s also a great anchor fly to fish in tandem with other nymphs. Depending on what the fish want, the Pat’s could be fished below “junk food” like a Squirmy Worm, a mop or egg pattern, or flashy attractor nymphs like a Rainbow Warrior or Lightning Bug. Or, if trout want something more natural, the Pat’s could anchor a small black stonefly nymph, a Hare’s Ear or a Prince. Again, depth is the key, so Stranahan likes a good sliding indicator that’s easy to adjust. Judge the depth of each hole, and try to get your anchor fly to drift just off the bottom. Headhunting: “Depending on how froggy you feel as an angler on a given day, you can go out running and gunning with big streamers,” Stranahan said. On a large tailwater or in deep holes on a smaller stream, big streamers have a way of turning the biggest fish. A big Zonker, a Swimmin’ Jimmy, a Zoo Cougar or one of Kelly Galloup’s other articulated patterns make a commotion when fished on sinking line. You’re trying to get their attention. If you don’t get chased in one hole, switch something up and move until you find what’s working. Sticking to the plan is important, though. You’re hunting a few fish large and aggressive enough to eat a raucous fly. Check out Southeastern Anglers at www.southeasternanglers.com.

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E-Z ANCHORING Applies to Pontoons

PART II

ebuting the Hinged Pontoon Anchoring Solution and Retractable Tritoon Anchoring Solution at Pennsylvania’s Lake Youghiogheny, E-Z Anchor Puller president Aaron Knopp and system installer Don Snyder spoke about and demonstrated the ease-of-use of these two permanent solutions. Underneath the crossmembers of a 24-foot Playbouy pontoon, a Hero EX-1 drum anchor winch was paired with the Hinged Solution, while the Retractable Solution was retrofitted to the 24-foot SouthBay tritoon sporting the Hero EX-2. Read on to discover the similarities and differences between these two innovative solutions that anyone can install! Aesthetics: The difference between the two is a matter of visibility; the Hinged protrudes ever-so-slightly underneath the deck in order to lift and drop the river anchor out of the water, whereas the Retractable remains completely invisible until it slides out from underneath the boat to release anchor, rode and chain in one sweeping motion. While some prefer to see the river or mushroom anchor lifted and held by the Hinged, a waterproof, wifi camera is also available so the operator can watch their Hero EX-1, EX-2 or Patriot EZ-1 deploy the rode from their smartphone. Mechanics: Each system’s operational differences lie within hollow-tube raceways. While the Hinged system has a folding bow roller that lifts when the anchor makes contact, the Retractable system has an internal spring that compresses with deployment and retrieval. Installation: For the Hinged solution, place the bow roller head so it protrudes slightly from under the deck. Keep trailering in mind, and plot where the best-suited location is in tangent when trafficking your boat to and from the water. The sleeve of the hollow raceway, which is immediately connected to the hinged bow roller’s head, is placed directly on the edge of the bullnose/front of the decking bracket that secures the square hollow raceway

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to watch the full review of the Hinged and Retractable solutions’ performance, installation, drum winch stats and more.

to the vessel’s crossmembers. For the Retractable, install the raceway 10 to 12 inches from the front of the boat. Both solutions have four drilled holes at the opposite end of the solution (the drum winch end) to allow for further flexibility when mounting to the crossmembers of the boat. Hardware: Both solution kits come with a universal underside mounting plate with pre-drilled holes for the winch selected. Elongated slots are designed to fit any crossmember, no matter how close or far apart they may be. Additional mounting hardware includes required mounting brackets, hex bolts, lock nuts and flat washers. Both solution raceways have several predrilled holes to correctly locate the included mounting tabs and brackets to the crossmembers, and both can be powered by the Hero EX-1, EX-2 or Patriot EZ-1. The drum anchor winch of choice is sold separately.

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PARKIT360

MAKES BOAT AND RV PARKING EASY

ake parking your boat or RV trailer easier than ever with Parkit360’s new Transformer 15K Trailer Dolly. Optimized for today’s rigorous moving standards, the allnew low-profile design easily fits underneath any ball-mounted, fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer. The Transformer 15K is built strong and secure to safely move up to 15,000 pounds on firm grass, packed gravel, and 4 to 6 percent inclines. Controlled by an all-new rechargeable wireless remote, the Transformer 15K now includes Intelligent Speed Control (ISC), a mainstay feature on the Force ISC 5K and 10K dollies. Switch between high and low speed anytime, anywhere at the press of a button! With a gradual start and stop to every movement, get your trailer into position without putting strain on your hitch or cargo. Mount the remote on the dolly’s handle, or control it from a distance! This lightweight controller fits in the palm of your hand or in your pocket when you’re on the go. Micro-adjust your trailer’s position at the source of those trouble areas like tight door frames, corners and trees within a range of 50 feet or more! Every Transformer package includes two 12V U1 Interstate Batteries and an internal battery charger for self-contained power that’s always ready to work. Plug your trailer’s electric or surge brakes into the dolly for added safety and control. Move your trailer with ease and get in PARKIT360.CA and out of storage faster than ever!

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS

Dexter offers the most comprehensive line of axles, actuators and disc brakes engineered specifically for the marine market. Popular features include removable spindles on Eliminator™ axles, aluminum master cylinders and corrosion resistant coatings. Choose Dexter for trouble-free towing.

Together. Carrying what matters most.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2021

NATIONAL 23

ls n e a i c ari e p S iM Make it a r e k t Super Cool White Winter Win S u z u with some amazing deals f ro m from Suzuki Marine

a le in Pe b a l i a so Av

rl Nebular Black

INSTANT

SAVINGS SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection, No extra charge.

™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. 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 creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ 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 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. “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. © 2021 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

N PO OCW OU

WUPER

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Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and at www.harborfreight.com and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities. “Compare to” advertised price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. Although we make every effort to assure that our prices and products are advertised as accurately as possible, we are only human and in the event an error is made, we reserve the right to correct it.

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