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VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 315
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F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
W O R L D W I D E
JUNE 2021
GO FROM FISH TO WAKE TO DAD OF THE YEAR IN THE SAME AFTERNOON.
Go from fishing to wakesurfing to conquering the water. The all new 25-foot FSH® Series from Yamaha is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their boating experience. With fishing-friendly features like a GPS Simrad® system and dual livewells, along with a premium layout and the patented Yamaha swim platform, the new 25-foot FSH Series guarantees you’ll be in the center of everything you love about life on the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
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Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES
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I love it. I have several Stauer watches and once again you don’t disappoint.” — F. from Jersey City, NJ
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he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com
deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.
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JUNE 2021
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$375K GJKT Slated for July 12-17
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his month’s CAM cover is dedicated to the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (GJKT) and all of the die-hard kingfish anglers out there. The GJKT, from July 12-17, is a weeklong celebration of fishing in one the East Coast’s great fishing communities. With a festival featuring food, exhibitors and all things nautical, along with several different tournaments, including kids’ tournaments and a redfish tournament, the GJKT has grown into a lot more than just a spectacular kingfish tournament. With the traditional king mackerel tournament season upon us, GJKT is holding one of its richest tournaments ever. Teams will fish July 15-16 out of Jim King Park in Jacksonville, Fla. This year, teams will compete for a first-place prize package valued at more than $160,000. Catch the largest kingfish over two days of fishing, and you could be the proud new owner of a brand new 25T Contender sport fishing boat powered by twin 150hp Yamaha motors. If that’s not the biggest single prize in kingfishing, it has to be close. Fifty other places and divisions will also be paid out, including Lady and Junior Angler prizes, so anglers can still win big even if they aren’t the lucky angler to catch the largest kingfish. The weigh-ins are a sight for spectators to behold, and the total purse is valued at $375,000. The GJKT, one of the oldest kingfish tournaments around, is now in its 41st year. The tournament reached 1,000 entrants before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and it is now on the way back up. Jacksonville Marine Charities (JMC), a 501c3 corporation, is the
parent organization of the GJKT, and all proceeds from the tournament are used to promote and enhance fishing in Northeast Florida. To date, several hundred thousand dollars have been donated for such projects as reef enhancement, marine science education and boater safety issues, to name a few. For more information about the GJKT or JMC, visit kingfishtournament.com.
e
m COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 7
FOR GROUPER SEASON, IT’S... By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
W
ith the opening of gag grouper this month throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Florida grouper season is basically open across the board. The regulations for grouper vary greatly from state to state and even within specific regions of each state, so make sure to the latest legal harvest information in the location you plan to fish. With that out of the way, game-on and good luck; it sure will be nice not to have to vent and release these chubby, spotted, pre-sandwiches. Grouper fishing can be a challenge in regions that don’t have surface markings, where anglers rely primarily on coordinates of small hard-bottom patches. The numbers that aren’t completely overfished have been acquired by fishermen who’ve spent years cruising the ocean. Hiring a salty and experienced charter captain is highly recommended for targeting grouper; paying attention to what they tell you is equally as important. If you choose to go it alone, there are a few things recommended to ensure your best chances of success. As opposed to pelagic fishing, where a school of fish can move through, and it may be better to have lighter leader starting out just to entice a bite, you’ll want to gear-up for grouper.
8 NATIONAL
JUNE 2021
Losing that first grouper bite can result in shutting down the entire spot. When a large grouper breaks off, especially if it takes the entire rig with the hook and lead with it, that fish will swim back down to its home—where all the other fish are—and sound the danger alarm by grunting. It’s best to start out with heavy line to avoid this, especially if you don’t have more bottom numbers nearby to bounce around to. Make sure your drags are set tight, your gear is on the heavy side, and that you are paying attention when you first arrive at a spot. Cigars can be lit, beers can be shotgunned and rod-holders may be utilized only after you have been at a spot for the second half, or immediately after losing a big fish. If you want to catch spotted sandwiches, or just not cripple your anchor-pulling deckhand, this is important information to apply to your trip. When fishing for grouper, there are many ways to rig for them. Utilizing 60-plus-pound leader, the correct lead for your current and a large circle hook, many different kinds of baits will work. Experiment with squid, shrimp, crab, sardines, live bait and pieces of fresh fish cut a number of different ways. Keep a variety going down, and pay attention to what is getting bites. Don’t forget that if you lose a big one, you are on the right tide and are still marking fish, that you
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might have chased the bite away. This is the time to take your lunch break, light that cigar, or move spots entirely. If you come visit Marathon this grouper season, there are several restaurants that will cook your catch, but none more specialized in preparing this species for the table than Castaway Restaurant. Their Dijonnaise-style grouper, which is a heavy cream reduction sauce loaded with mushrooms, is top of the line. Remember to ask your crew to cut out the cheeks while they fillet your grouper, especially if you harvested enough of them to add up. Happy hunting, and good luck out there. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters, docked at Castaway Restaurant in Marathon, Fla. Contact Blue Magic at (504) 920-6342 and keep up with Quinlyn through her social media @CaptainQuinlyn.
Stauer Collector’s Series FREE $99 Binoculars With Knife Purchase (see details)
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Blade Stunner
Beautifully made, magnificent to look at, this knife is a work of art at only $99
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t’s not often you happen upon a blade smith who has gem cutting skills. In fact, you stand a better chance finding a needle in a haystack. But finding needles in haystacks is what we do best, so when we saw this master craftsman’s handiwork, we made certain to procure some of these Southwestern masterpieces to complete our collection. The stainless steel blade, bolster and pommel are exquisitely etched and would have looked great with a less ambitious handle. But the results of overachieving are stunning here. The turquoise-blue colored handle is ablaze with assorted stones like jasper, marble, sunstone, and coral that have been hand cut and inlaid in a Southwestern motif that conjures images of intricately beaded belts and moccasins. Whether you collect blades, EXCLUSIVE interesting stones, or are a lover of the great American Southwest, the Sedona Knife is more than cut out Stauer® 8x21 to do the job. Compact Binoculars But we don’t stop there. While -a $99 valuesupplies last, we’ll include a pair with purchase of of $99, 8x21 power compact the Sedona Knife binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Sedona Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect
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“...Native American knives have since taken on a more artistic meaning in the modern era...these decorative style knives have become a must-have for any Southwestern home.” –– PRWeb, 2017
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely good-looking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington the impeccable craftsmanship of the Sedona Knife. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. You could pay nearly $1,900 for a steel, fixed blade knife with a gemstone handle, but why would you when you can enjoy the superb craftsmanship of the Sedona Knife for only $99. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Sedona Knife $179*
Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $80
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*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
• 5" etched stainless steel blade; 9 1/2" overall length • Turquoise-colored handle with accent stones including coral, marble, sandstone, tiger’s eye, jasper and sunstone • Leather pouch included
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
Find your
EDGE
Fish Mapping gives you 8 dedicated fishing features plus all SiriusXM Marine weather information directly on your boat’s display, relative to your boat’s location. The service is delivered via satellite and is available offshore well beyond cell range. Add SiriusXM entertainment and you’re all set for an incredible day fishing.
“Navigating around storms, locating the best fishing spots and rocking out on the water… SiriusXM Marine has me covered!” — Shane Murray, Team Total Vision, 35' Marlago Boater receives complimentary subscription.
OFFER DETAILS: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and SiriusXM All Access audio on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $21.99 on All Access), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. This offer may be modified, suspended or cancelled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately.$100 Rebate from SiriusXM available through Dec 31, 2021 with hardware and subscription purchase, see Rebate Offer Details at siriusxm.com/fishmapping. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
Defender C-Hawk 23 Center Console
Marine Outfitter of Choice Since 1938
With a 14-degree deadrise hull, the 23 Center Console C-Hawk gives you a better ride in rough water. It is designed to be versatile—equally at home on bays, inlets and flats as it is graceful offshore. With plenty of room to move around, this model can be rigged out to suit whatever style of fishing you do, from fly fishing to bottom dropping. The large console offers plenty of storage space. Add a T-top, and you’ve got a boat for all seasons. The flat gunnel appeals to recreational and commercial anglers alike. A long list of options lets you set this boat up for family fishing, as well. Have one built with a leaning post, livewell and raw water wash down to further enhance your fishing experience. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHAWKBOATS.NET.
SPECIFICATIONS C-Hawk Center Console
LENGTH: 22’4” BEAM: 8’ DRAFT: 12” DRY WEIGHT: 2,430 lbs. COCKPIT DEPTH: 22” Fwd/ 20” Aft FUEL CAPACITY: 66 Gal. MAXIMUM HP: 225 DEADRISE: 14 degrees TRANSOM: 25”
FISH THE BACKWATERS BAY OR NEARSHORE CHawk 23
Center Console
Add an extra layer of sun protection with ShadeFin – a new product that easily attaches into rod holders, tops and gunnels for convenient, portable shade for almost any boat.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 11
FIND SOME
SUMMER SOLITUDE S
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
chool is out! This has always been my marker for the official beginning of summer. I know the bays will be filled with everyone getting out to enjoy Mother Nature, so finding solitude is key to catching fish. My family and I will be there too, but if I’m lucky, you won’t see me. Here are some methods to avoid the crowds and catch a lot of fish! Let’s focus on kayaks and areas only small vessels can access. Small, shallow-draft watercraft help us elude the summer crowds and find our solitude. Pushing farther back into the shallows and marsh areas requires some planning, so let’s start with some satellite scouting on the computer. The first thing to do is find areas that have tidal movement. One way to determine this via satellite is to zoom in on the openings of bayous and drains. If you notice a deeper hole at the mouth, this lets you know it has good current flow, which is what causes a washout in the mouth. If the mouth looks shallow or silted in, search for another spot.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES
Once you have identified areas with sufficient current, find the structure. I like areas with scattered grass, shell, or both. Add in some depth changes around bends, and you are set. Depending how deep into the marsh you are going, and if you are new to the area, taking a GPS is a great idea. Once you get in the marsh, it looks completely different on the way out. Cell phone service might not always be reliable, and I know on my phone the bright sun really makes it hard to see the satellite imagery. Now let’s get down to the business end and talk about lures and presentation. I generally like to throw a paddle tail. If I am fishing a new area, I’ll have one rigged weedless on a weighted swimbait hook. I prefer this style of lure for a couple of reasons. One, it is a great search bait. I can simply
cast, reel and cover a lot of water. It is also my preferred soft plastic when fishing shallow water, which is what you find in the marsh. Redfish will not hesitate to hit a lure reeled in a straight line with a vibrating tail. Adding sound into the mix really grabs their attention. Like the clicking sound of a fleeing shrimp, the Knockin Tail Lure, with its built-in tail rattle is my lure of choice in this scenario. These swimbaits rattle on a steady retrieve and can make the difference between just fishing and catching. Be safe, find an out-of-the-way area, and catch some fish! I know my family and I will be tucked away in the backwaters in June. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO
BUILD YOUR OWN RODS
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JUNE 2021
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Actual size is 40.6 mm
3,000,000
Tied for 4th Lowest Mintage (1 million)
2,000,000
Buy More and Save!
We’re currently selling these coins for $51 each. But you can secure them for as low as $48.95 each when you buy 10 or more and mention the special call-in-only offer code below. Call 1-888-201-7639 now! Date: Mint: Weight: Purity: Diameter: Mintage: Condition: Certified:
2021 San Francisco (S) 1oz (31.101 grams) 99.9% Silver 40.6 mm 1,000,000 Mint State-69 (MS69) Emergency Production
2021(S) Emergency Production American Eagle Silver Dollar NGC MS69 Early Releases —$51 1-4 coins — $49.95 each + s/h 5-9 coins — $49.50 each 10+ coins — $48.95 each SAVE over $20 on 10 or more coins! FREE SHIPPING on 3 or More!
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This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Silver Eagle. It’s also the final mintage to feature the coin’s original eagle design by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. “Lasts” are always a big deal for collectors—almost as big as low populations. This Emergency Production release is both. In fact, it’s tied for the fourth lowest bullion Silver Eagle mintage ever! But how do we tell which coins are from the Emergency Production run?
4,000,000
2017-P
The End of an Era
2016-P
Due to the pandemic, the West Point Mint—the U.S. Mint branch that normally strikes Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Silver Eagles—temporarily locked down. Demand was skyrocking, and so the U.S. Mint turned to its other branches, ordering them to strike special “Emergency Production” runs of Silver Eagles. It was great news for silver buyers, and even better news for collectors. Here’s why:
Silver Eagles have no mint mark to tell us where they were produced. But thanks to some skilled detective work, the experts at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one of the world’s leading third-party grading services, were able to certify our coins as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during this Emergency Production run. What’s more, a number of these coins have been graded as Mint State-69 (MS69) condition—just one grade point away from perfection—and sealed with labels certifying them as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during the series’ 35th anniversary!
2017-S
Emergency Production!
Certified “Struck at” with Special Anniversary Labels
1966
ne of the most popular ways to buy silver is the Silver Eagle— legal-tender U.S. Silver Dollars struck in one ounce of 99.9% pure silver. When the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the world, demand skyrocketed. But there was a problem...
1994
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Rush Production of U.S. Silver Dollars Tied for 4th Lowest Mintage in History
Offer Code ESE215-01
Please mention this code when you call.
GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. ESE215-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.
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IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA
t incited excited Spanish chatter from the crew when the fish’s bill slashed the surface. “Marlin blanco?” was the only phrase I could decipher. I clung to the rod as Tony Tuz and his father Lorenzo cleared lines. “Billfish! Billfish!” Tony barked so the gringos understood. Then my 10-year-old son gasped. A 7-foot sailfish went airborne and tail-walked for 20 yards off the stern. It was awesome, exactly what I envisioned while e-mailing Charter Fishing Cancun prior to a recent family vacation. My son and I were the only anglers aboard the 35-foot Bertram Xaviera III. We could have used some help cranking in all those fish. Cancun, Mexico is a great place to fish. The resorts overlook the Straits of Yucatan on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s the pinch point between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, a highway for pelagic species. In March, we were early for the headliner species. From April through July, summer is peak season for blue and white marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi—which they call Dorado. Snapper and grouper species, as well as amberjack
By Nick Carter and huge barracuda can be caught year-round. No matter. We just wanted bent rods, and Capt. Jorge Rivas steered us toward open water with baitwell full of small jacks and blue runners. The action began almost as soon as Tony and Lorenzo got lines out. We pulled a spread with bird teasers, a squid chain, skirted ballyhoo and several flat-lined live baits, which almost immediately brought up a big Dorado that came unbuttoned. Then we drove into birds. Gulls diving on flying fish were enough to get me excited. Tony was not impressed. “Bonito,” he said with a shrug. “Sea gulls mean bonito. Frigate birds mean tuna.” Sure enough, my son took the rod to catch bonito for the bait bucket until big fork-tailed frigate birds
started diving all around the boat. The boy could definitely tell the difference when a gorgeous 20-pound blackfin tuna took the bait. It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m., and we had seen a lot of action. But the captain and crew had more to show us. When the tuna bite died, we stopped over a ledge in 350 feet of water. Lorenzo worked quickly to cut bonito into baits. He sliced away the entire dorsal section and tail of each fish to leave streamlined head-and-belly baits. We jigged them deep, and in short order were tripling up on amberjacks up to 40 pounds. We battled big AJs until weary arms begged for mercy and then headed to deeper water and the sailfish. We finished the day with three big barracuda, which are a ton of fun when they’re 4 to 5 feet long. After all that activity, my son crashed in the shade for the ride back. Seeing him smile in his sleep is something I’ll never forget. To book an inshore or offshore trip out of Cancun, contact Charter Fishing Cancun at cfishingcancun@gmail.com. Check out their website www.charterfishingcancun.com.
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Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!
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or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet high, it was truly a sleeping giant. Until May 18, 1980, when the beast awoke with violent force and revealed its greatest secret. Mount St. Helens erupted, sending up a 80,000-foot column of ash and smoke. From that chaos, something beautiful emerged… our spectacular Helenite Necklace.
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Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6½-carat stunner for only $149! Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pear-cut set in .925 sterling silver finished in luxurious gold. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18" luxurious gold-finished sterling silver chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire.
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CHARLESTON EDITION
JUNE 2021
Coastal Angler Magazine Charleston is a Family Business published by SABJAR Media, LLC. We’re in our 4th year of publishing CAMC We’re based in Summerville, SC. Comments: send us an email to Charleston@coastalanglermagazine. com. Follow and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube & Twitter.
Inside this month.. - Capt. Mark Phelps - Charleston’s Best Fishing Forecast - Chris Pounder - Mt. Pleasant Pier Fishing Report - Jim Duncan - Boating in the Lowcountry - David Fladd - Artificial Intelligence - The Angel & The Devil - Mandy Henderson - Fishy Nurse Adventures - It’s June Already! - Jiggin Jerry - The Right Place At The Right Time - Capt. John Ward - The SouthSide Report - Folly to Edisto Beach - Chris Tweedy - Lowcountry Kayak Fishing - Capt. Will Adams - It’s Grouper Season - Cameron Rhodes - South Carolina Billfishing & Offshore Report Advertising: Call for all the details to reach 25K monthly readers today. 843-607-8629 or send an email: Charleston@coastalanglermagazine.com Send us a letter to: CAM CHARLESTON Edition 717 Old Trolley Rd Ste. 6-154 Summerville, SC 29485 Visit us online: Coastalanglermag.com/Charleston Send your editorial contributions or info about distribution to: Sam@sabjarmedia.com
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Charleston’s
June Forecast
By Captain Mark Phelps
WHERE THE LOWCOUNTRY
GETS HITCHED.
J
une is a great month to fish in Charleston. The bite is really good for the local fish and for the many migratory species coming through the area. Our usual suspects--redfish, sea trout, and flounder—will be found back in the creeks and flats in the marsh. These fish can be caught in a number of ways. The early morning top water bite can be very fun. There is a lot of bait in the water this time of year so the redfish will eat a variety of live and cut bait. Mud minnows under a popping cork or finger mullet on the bottom will work great for any of these hungry fish. You may also use a DOA shrimp in glow or gold flake color and do very well for a variety of fish. Slow presentation and drift in the current works great for the lure. Variety is a major theme this month because of the large number of species you can catch. Many different types of fish are migrating through our waters. The Spanish mackerel can be found in the Charleston harbor, inlets and jetties. Bluefish and ladyfish will be travelling with the schools of Spanish. Use 30# or 40# fluorocarbon leaders and small baits for these fish. Small Clark spoons size 00 or any small synthetic jigs in the 1/8-1/2 oz size work great. These are also great fish to catch on a light fly rod. Clouser minnows and surf candy flies work well. Larger 2 CHARLESTON
JUNE 2021
migrating species including sharks, tarpon, and jacks will also show up this time of the year. Many species of sharks invade the area when the water warms. Use live or cut bait on the bottom for these. I have also caught sharks on a fly rod. The tarpon are always a great game fish and large ones 80-180 lb show up off the beach. Every year there are some large jacks that make their way into the Charleston harbor to eat the bait the harbor provides. If the weather is calm you might even go off the beach and look for cobia or amberjacks. In June, the possibilities are endless--usually the hardest thing to do is to decide which type of fish you want to target on a given day!
4534 Durant Ave - North Charleston 843-747-3400
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: 843-475-1274. Captain Mark Phelps Shore Thang Charters COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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The Southside June Forecast
Folly Beach, Kiawah to Edisto Islands By Captain John Ward
VETERAN OWNED
T
he water is warm and the days are getting longer, variety has been the name of the game since all of our summertime seasonal species have arrived back into our local waters. The school of redfish have broken away from their huge schools and are now on the move and in much smaller groups, the bite on the flats
have slowed down, but the lower tide deeper water structure bite has heated up. We have switched from shrimp and crabs ( due to the bait stealers) and have been having better luck using cut mullet and menhaden. Popping corks with live bait have been producing well while covering some water looking for fish, and we have mostly been catching trout, but also a good mixed bag of: jacks,
spanish mackerel, flounder, and ladyfish. The inshore shark bite has really fired up mostly sharpnose and bonnetheads , but we are also starting to see some of the larger varieties like: sandbar, lemon, blacktop and spinner sharks, mostly fishing drop offs and inlets with fresh cut bait. The nearshore reef and wrecks have really come alive with a variety of fish all through the water column. The sheephead bite at reef has slowed down, while most other species have picked up. The Cobia bite in early June is at its peak, and we are starting to see the large groups of spadefish on the surface over submerged structure. Surrounding the reef we have been chasing the birds which have been leading us to the schools of busting: tuna, mackerel, and bluefish on the surface for some fun lite tackle action while throwing artificials. Tight lines, and take a kid fishing. Captain John Ward Affinity Charters www.affinitycharters.com 843-693-2460
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Mt. Pleasant Pier June Forecast By Chris Pounder
T
ypically in June the harbor temperature reaches 80 degrees and we see a variety of species show up. Expect to see whiting, black drum, sea trout, Spanish mackerel and others get in the mix with the reds, flounder, and sheepshead. June is one of those months that should be great for fishermen of all experience levels. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. You can get an inexpensive rod combo with 10-20-pound test line and a 2-drop rig or Carolina rig and you’re almost ready to go. This setup is commonly used when pier fishing and the rigs can be purchased in the River Watch Café and Gift Shop on the pier. In order to hold the bottom while fishing you’ll want a 1.5 to 2-ounce weight under most circumstances. One of the biggest mistakes people make around the pier is using hooks that are too big. Keep it simple and stick with a size 1, 2, 1/0, or 2/0 hook. We encourage the use of kahle or circle hooks when possible as these offer a better chance for the safe release of fish that will not be kept. Now you just need some bait and a daily fishing pass from the shop and you’re ready to fish. When it comes to bait there many choices and some work better than others on any given day. Frozen shrimp on a bottom rig is the most common bait and our top seller by far. Who doesn’t like shrimp right? When putting shrimp on the hook you’ll want to cut or break it into small pieces. A fishing buddy once said that elephants eat peanuts and there’s definitely truth to that. Leaving chunks hanging off will entice the pinfish and other baitfish to pick at it and likely stealing your bait without ever taking the hook. If you want live bait, you’ll want to stop off and visit our friends at Haddrell’s Point Tackle and Supply or bring a cast net to try and catch your own. It’s best to check out the pier at low tide before throwing a net so you’re familiar with where the rebar from the old bridge is located. Many regulars have their favorite or “lucky” spots, but we’ve seen fish caught from one end of the pier to the other. If one spot isn’t working after a bit you may want to try a new one during a different tide. Some species like trout and flounder, are more prevalent the last 2 hours of the outgoing tide and the first 2 hours of the incoming tide. Other species, such as red
4 CHARLESTON
JUNE 2021
Kyle Cross with 22in Seatrout.
drum and blue fish, seem to be caught during the higher tides especially in locations around the grass line. The one area to be cautious of until you learn the waters is the very tip of the pier. There’s 350 cubic yards of old bridge debris right off the end of the pier that has claimed many rigs over the years. Once you are comfortable with other
Michael McLoone with nice Seatrout.
spots, we’ll be glad to help you learn that one as well. Be sure to visit Charlestoncountyparks. com for rules and information regarding our newest virtual fishing tournament. Anglers will have a chance to win prizes when fishing during regular business hours any day in June. Just upload 2 photos of qualifying catches and there are several ways to win. Hope to see more of your catches soon! Good luck! For any additional information about the pier or what’s biting this week feel free to call the River Watch Café & Gift Shop on the pier at 843-762-9946. Chris Pounder, CPRP Manager | Mount Pleasant Pier
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Charleston Offshore Fishing Grouper Season is Here
G
rouper season is upon us, you just need to know where to look this time of year. Our waters haven’t warmed up as quickly this year as it has in the previous years, but the grouper are still there and ready to put up a good fight. Gag grouper are still in that 120’-180’ depth range until the water temperature steadily rises over 75°, then they start moving in a little closer to shore, staying in the 70’ or deeper range. Live bait-namely Menhaden-is what has always done the trick for me along with a hefty leader(120lb+) and
- Captain Will Adams
10-12 oz weight. Your goal is to get that fish up as quickly as you can once he’s on the line or you risk losing him when he burrows into the rocks. Right after the question of how to catch them, my second most common question is: How do I cook them? Right after you catch them place the filets in a plain old pan frying with a little butter and salt/pepper. I personally love firing up the grill and heating up the old cast iron skillet with some olive oil and tossing the filets on there for a few minutes on each side depending on thickness. I’ve recently discovered Coastal Badass Blackening Bark, let me tell you it’s a real game changer. Coating each filet with the blackening bark and letting them crisp up on high heat is the perfect way to enjoy your catch. As a charter guide, fish eventually loses its appeal and this has me bringing home fish for my family after most of my charters again. Check out coastalbadassco.com for the best seasoning and tons of great recipes to go along with your fishing catches! Capt Will Adams - Write off the Rip Charters. 843-270-0909 - writeoftheripcharters@gmail.com
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Fishy Nurse Adventures Its June Already!
H
ow is it already June?!? Anyone else feeling like this year is just flying by? We couldn’t wait for it to turn 2021 and we thought it was just gonna magically all get better but here we are in June! I mean last year they were saying you couldn’t have more than 4 people on a boat! We were having to sneak people on
seemed so strange without half the tournaments. Glad to be finally getting back to a somewhat normal life! I personally was excited to participate in the SC Wahoo series. We did enter a smaller tournament last fall in Edisto for inshore fishing and I still can’t believe we actually won! It was strange to have fished tournaments for years and then nothing…. I was more than glad to have been able to fish but it just seemed like last year was missing a little something! Keep your eyes peeled because tournaments are back and so is the fun! It’s always a great way to raise money for local charities and of course there are always the bragging rights between friends and honestly,,,,, that’s the best part!!! Tight lines! Mandy - Mandy Henderson is a night cardiac nurse in
to a center console so we wouldn’t get in trouble. I would Charleston, on her days off she loves to fish as have to admit that I’ve started to see more tournaments often as she can! You can visit her on Instagram starting back up and that makes me happy! Last year just @onefishynurse
6 CHARLESTON
JUNE 2021
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Charleston • Folly Beach - CHARTER FISHING Offshore Bottom Fishing Offshore Trolling Fishing Nearshore Fishing Shark/Megladon Teeth Hunt Dolphin Watch a Harbor Cruise
“Every trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience”
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Kiawah to Edisto Islands
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JUNE 2021
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South Carolina Billfishing & Offshore Report By Cameron Rhodes
CAMC PHOTO
A
s I write, crews along South Carolina’s coast are busy catching dolphin and tunas during the warm, breezy days of early May. When dolphin starts to show up offshore, their many predators, including billfish, begin to arrive in droves as well. The Tina’s Trippin’, the Mister Pete, and other sportfishing boats in the state reported blue marlin releases in late April and early May, which hopefully bodes well for the remainder of the season. By the time this column reaches you, the first leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series will have just wrapped up over Memorial Day Weekend. The Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, an
Tuna continues to be a favorite among the tournament’s many participants. Later this month, the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina will host the Carolina Billfish Classic, the second leg of the Series. This tournament boasts its own suite of unique features, including a stellar view of Patriot’s Point and access to the many amenities the resort offers. In July, the series will finish with the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament. This event, widely known for its island vibes, is a great finish to South Carolina’s competitive billfish season. Afterward, the fleet tends to head North to fish the waters off North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
event that is celebrating its 53rd year, is a staple in local sportfishing history. It’s a fun tournament for countless reasons, but the location’s unique features seem to resonate with competitors most of all. Georgetown Landing Marina offers a steady supply of boiled peanuts, a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to many restaurants and bars in historic downtown Georgetown. The Big
While we don’t yet know what the billfish season will be like this summer, the community is certainly ready to see another record breaking year for anglers. Last year was rough for so many reasons. We are all due for some good news. Stories of families and friends returning to competitive sportfishing, all while bringing up the next generation of offshore fishermen, will certainly add some welcome inspiration to the summer months.
I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting new folks too. Stay tuned for next month’s column for a detailed summary of results from the Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament. Here, we’ll continue to provide updates on each tournament in the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, as well as other offshore sportfishing news. Until next time, tight lines! – Cameron - Over the last several years, Cameron Rhodes has served as the official photographer and social media manager for the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. Utilizing her Bachelor’s degrees in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Miami, Cameron also works in federal
fisheries management as an outreach and communication specialist. While she is very proud of all of this work, Cameron is not the expert here, but will instead be sharing news and information from those who know these waters best.
*All Photo’s for this article unless noted are courtesy of Cameron Rhodes/SC Governor’s Cup
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Focus
On Fishing
The Right Place at the Right Time By Jiggin’ Jerry
T
hrough all my years of fishing and all the knowledge I have gained studying detailed information and hands-on observation of fish species, learning what they eat, their breeding habits, their migration habits and what kind of environment they thrive in, practicing and coming up with numerous fishing techniques, targeting all kinds of species with all kinds of equipment, and now as a fishing instructor, I practice teaching all I have learned to others. But, sometimes there are other lessons in life, especially when it comes to fishing. Yes, when fishing, you need to know your fish, and you need to know what equipment to use at the time and how to use it, and yes, you need to know what bait or lures to place before your game. But, all of this means nothing unless you are in the right place at the right time. It could be grandpa’s old faithful spot. It could be your favorite neighborhood pond that never lets you down. It could be a location that a friend had taken you fishing before. A fisherman would believe the right place at the right time means a location that you have caught fish at a certain time of day, whether on a pond, in a lake, offshore or inshore. But, there is more to the story. The right place at the right time is not just about a location you heard of. It’s not just about a spot you have caught fish before. It’s about a moment in a fisherman’s life that comes unexpectedly. It’s a moment while fishing that time seems to slow down. This feeling comes about you, whether you’re with friends, family or by yourself, you slowly glance up and look at the sky and everything seems just right. The water is in the perfect conditions. The wind is exactly where it needs to be, and the fish are there. You have exactly the right equipment. You have the exact lures and bait needed for the moment. Everything seems to be
symptoms of the experience to those for the first time, and a reminder to those experienced, just remember these are the moments that drive us forward—the moments that we try to find again and again. We find ourselves going back to the same spot where it all happened the first time just hoping that you can do it all again, that you can arrive and put yourself in the right place at the right time. So, don’t give up if you don’t find it quickly, and remember the world is a big place and there are a lot of locations that are holding that moment for the one fisherman at that one place at that one time.
in perfect alignment and then it begins! Whether it is just one great fish that you’ve always wanted or it’s a moment where you’re catching one fish after the other, everything else in your mind seems to go away. The rest of the world does not exist at that moment. A rush of adrenaline moves through your body. Your heart races. Your voice rises and a smile comes across your face that is so pronounced that your cheeks hurt. Then within a period of time it all seems to subside, and you find yourself immediately looking back at the moment. The memories of the moment always seem to play in slow motion. It is a memory that never leaves. These are the memories that keep a fisherman going. Times like these are not abundant. Some fishermen may only experience this once. Others dozens of times. It is the moment in a fisherman’s life when you were in the right place at the right time. So, if there is anything that I can help teach you in all my years of fishing, after all the articles I have written, videos I have done, seminars and classes I have taught, this is probably one of the most important to learn. It is one of the things to look forward to for those who have not yet experienced it,
and one of the things to strive for again and again for those that have experienced it. Now that I have explained the
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Like I always say, good luck out there and have fun fishing! - To view some fishing adventures, go to my YouTube Channel: Fishing With Jiggin Jerry.
JUNE 2021
CHARLESTON 11
Lowcountry Kayak Fishing ____________________________________________________________
FINDING FISH ALONG THE INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY
O
ne of the most common questions I get asked by folks new to fishing in and around Charleston, is, “The ICW all looks the same, how do you figure out where the fish are?” Aside from being taken out to these spots by someone that already knows, there are things you can do to increase your chances for a successful outing. Over the course of the summer, in Coastal Angler Charleston print edition as well as follow-up video reports on the Coastal Angler Charleston Facebook page, I’ll be sharing scouting tips and tricks to be used to find new areas to increase your success rate along this amazing marine highway! While the focus is on Bulls Bay and The Cape where I fish with Topwater Kayak Charters, this advice can be applied to most any inshore waters around Charleston. The key to success for me has been finding small oasis areas in a sea of mud along the ICW that give gamefish a reason to orient to that spot. This month we lay the foundation by exploring what to look for to begin turning the odds in your favor by identifying likely high probability spots as well as bypassing lower percentage spot by scouting as you move around on the water.
SCOUTING ON THE TIDES
The best way to locate new areas to target along the ICW is the tried and true advice most folks are handed at local tackle shops and internet forums, “know what the area looks like at the bottom of the tide.” I’m also going to add the suggestion to scout at high tide, as it offers a top-down view of that actual routes bait and fish will travel especially when the water is more than a few inches deep. While not very specific, this is invaluable advice. Stepping back and seeing the forest for the trees at top and bottom of the tides will help anglers specifically know what areas are like to hold or not hold fish, as it reveals the pathways bait and fish will utilize in their seasonal and tidal patterns. 12 CHARLESTON
JUNE 2021
Low Tide Focus
Inshore fishing is a game of eat and not get eaten. Flat, muddy stretches of bank along the ICW don’t offer much to each nor much protection from being eaten, so it’s not a very attractive place for fish to hold. At low tide, I like to locate a cut or small finger creek that allows bait (and fish) a way up off the ICW as the tide rises. It’s access points like this you’ll typically find redfish, trout, and flounder ambushing prey. These finger/feeder creeks on both sides of the ICW are a fantastic starting point in your search for fish. Add in some oyster structure (live and dead) or nearby docks and it adds nooks and crevices for bait and gamefish to seek shelter from current and predators. Ultimately, bait will cruise into and out of the creeks as the tide rises and falls, dumping bait out of the marsh or pushing it up into the grass begin development of a predictable pattern of movement that fish of all sizes can follow. Finding these paths will quickly help narrow the search. Miles of muddy banks that go dry 20 yards out will not usually be ideal target spots and can often be ignored completely, as there is nothing to attract and hold bait to the area and exposes fish to birds, dolphins, and sharks.
High Tide Focus
When I’m moving between spots, heading in or out on the tide, or simply exploring a new area, I’m making an effort to pay attention to the bank, how far out the water drops from the banks, presence of live vs dead oyster shells, grasslines, and bottom composition
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primarily. These factors play important roles in determining if, when, and for how long fish may relate to that section of bank. Fish that live in areas that have the ICW as the biggest direct tidal influence in terms of current and landscape can typically be found in and around areas with the greatest diversity of bank and bottom conditions as well as proximity to deeper water. Scouting at high tide will show the tops of the channels and cuts fish and bait will use to migrate up into creeks and onto flats at high tide, which in turn means the bait will use the same or similar creek or cut to exit as the tide falls. These funnels and chutes are your high percentage areas. Topwater’s video reports for June focus on examining some of these high and low tide scouting areas so be sure to check our Topwater Kayak Charters and Coastal Angler Charleston’s facebook pages for a visual breakdown of tidal scouting. Hit me up with some questions/pictures of your scouting or give me a call to help you shortern the saltwater learning curve or any other area of your inshore game that needs some help. For a kayak fishing charter you will never forget give us a call at 843-906-7112 or check us out on Facebook or at carolinatopwater.com. Thanks for reading and tight lines, Chris Tweedy, Owner/Operator Topwater Kayak Charters
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CHARLESTON 13
Boating in the Lowcountry ____________________________________________________________
Safety On The Water - Jim Duncan
B
oating is fun and relaxing and certainly a wonderful way to enjoy the low country. However, there is a lot of responsibility when captaining your vessel. Boating education, safety and proper equipment are vitally important. New boaters and even many seasoned veterans should take the time to understand the rules and regulations and get as much hands on training as possible. You learned the “rules of the road” before you sat behind the wheel of a car and you should do the same before taking the helm. Just like studying to get your driver’s license, it is very important to have the boating information you need to be a safe boater before you hit the water. In South Carolina, a boating certification is not required for boat operators 16 years and older, but is certainly something everyone should do. Not only will it make you and your family safer on the water, it could potentially reduce your insurance. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, America’s Boating Club (US Power Squadron) and many other organizations teach courses that will prepare you to pass the SC Boater’s certification course which can be found online. Having the proper safety equipment on board is also a must. A Coast Guard approved wearable Personal
14 CHARLESTON
JUNE 2021
heading out on the water. All boats must also carry an efficient sound producing device including horns, bells or whistles. Finally, navigation lights are required when operating between sunset and sunrise. Details of these requirements can be found at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/ regs/boating.html. While not required in SC, every boat should have an appropriate anchor with proper rode. Even if you do not plan to anchor out, an anchor can come in handy if you become disabled. It can keep you from drifting into the marsh making your situation worse. Your boat should also be equipped with appropriate dock lines and fenders. Be sure to keep your lines neat and accessible and bring your fenders in the boat before getting under way. Other items that you should always have on board include sunscreen, bug spray, hats, sunglasses and plenty of potable water. Being prepared on the water will make Floatation Device, PFD, is required for every person your boating safer, more fun and less stressful. on board and an approved throwable device is required on boats 16 feet or longer. Children under the age of At Duncan’s Boats, we are passionate about the boating 12 must wear their PFD on vessels 16 feet or less. Fire lifestyle and encourage all boaters to enjoy the day on the extinguishers are required on nearly all boats. Flares are water in a safe and responsible manner. required on coastal waters and they have an expiration date. Be sure to check the date on your flares before Jim Duncan, Duncan’s Boats
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Artificial Intelligence The Angel And The Devil - David Fladd
A
couple years ago I was fishing with Ray and Josh, two friends from my neighborhood. It was an overcast morning and as they say the fishing was great, but the catching was fair. We had a late morning high tide and as we approached slack the bites faded away as they often do when the water stops moving. I decided to try working down a long bank that I usually fly by on plane going from one high producing (and likely overfished) spot to another. If I’m honest, I was just trying to burn time waiting for the flow to pick up again. We fan-casted down the shoreline aiming at any details likely to hold a fish and picked off a few not worth bragging about. I was casting my favorite confidence lure, a Pearl Z-Man MinnowZ rigged on a goldeyed TroutEye jig when I suddenly got a hard thump. I was sure this was a nice mid-slot redfish the way it hit and pulled drag on this submerged flat where reds like to cruise along the grassline. When it rose and shook its head violently, I let out a few choice words and prayed for the hook to stay put while Ray grabbed the net. After a few tense moments Ray expertly netted the giant trout and there were shouts of joy and high-fives all around. And then it occurred to me…What am I gonna do? You see, this day happened to be a Summerville Saltwater Anglers fishing club tournament. On one hand I really want to release this fish, and on the other hand this 25” speckled trout is a sure win and even better it would be good for bragging rights at the weigh in. Releasing it at weigh in was not possible since my 13 ft classic Boston Whaler is too small for a live well. Should I do the right thing, or pump up my ego? Can you picture the little angel and devil over my shoulders? Today I’m not proud to say the devil won. I killed that fish to take the “W” in the tournament. This dilemma really affected me and motivated me to become Tournament Director for the club at the next opportunity. My first priority was to change the tournament rules to a CPR (Catch, Photo, Release) format following the lead of kayak anglers. You see, there’s no reason to be faced with this dilemma in the present day. Here are a few
ways to have a tournament and practice conservation, a winwin! Low Tech CPR – Everyone has a mobile phone with camera these days. The Tournament Director announces a unique identifier to tournament participants the night before the event. This could be a physical
token, a keyword to be written on something or even a unique hand gesture. A fish is measured on a ruler, ideally a metal ruler with a bumpstop on the end. The decal rulers issued by SCDNR are a poor choice because they tend to shrink up to a quarter-inch in the sun. A photo is taken of the fish with closed mouth and pinched tail and the token clearly visible. It takes a little practice but it is not too difficult to master. This pic can be emailed to the Tournament Director who tallies the results after the tournament is over. High Tech CPR – In the last few years several competing online web based services have emerged, making running CPR tournaments easier than ever. The generally idea is the same but puts everything in the cloud. Two of the leading services are TourneyX and iAngler. These services handle registration and payment and even allow you to view your ranking up to the minute. You can thank the kayak angling community for bringing these services to the mainstream as several high-profile tournaments are run using them. They work, and work well. Live Weigh-In – Bass fisherman are way ahead of saltwater fishermen when it comes to conservation. They have been doing live weigh in tournaments for years, but the Redfish tours
such as the Southern Redfish Cup also do live weigh ins. Significant penalties are issued for dead fish and anglers spend a lot of effort making sure their fish remain alive and frisky in their live wells. Adding air bubblers to your wells goes a long way to ensuring your fish survive as well as not overcrowding them. Many people would counter that you can’t do a live release tournament for speckled trout because they are not as hearty as a redfish. My friend Dan Connolly from Murrells Inlet would beg to differ. He runs a successful and growing live release speckled trout tournament called the Speckled Studs every December. I proudly participated in this tournament last year and was impressed with how Dan runs it. Fish are brought live to the scale which is located directly adjacent to the docks. Anglers are encouraged to weigh fish throughout the day rather than keeping them in the live well unnecessarily long. A team can upgrade their fish throughout the day with the best two counting. The fish is very quickly measured and weighed (horizontally, not by hanging from the lip) and returned to the water in under a minute. The days of fish kill tournaments are over, that ship has sailed. If you are thinking of participating in or planning a fishing tournament, I ask that you keep conservation in mind and protect our resource by releasing these trophies back to the water. That way you can do the right thing, pump your ego and have your bragging rights! David Fladd Partner, Eye Strike Fishing dfladd@eyestrikefishing.com eyestrikefishing.com
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JUNE 2021
CHARLESTON 15
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JUNE 2021
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JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 17
CustomBilt Pondtoons
The Pondtoon is the perfect small-water boat for the avid river and pond angler, duck and bow hunter, as well as the family with children or grandchildren. It’s easy on, easy off, so it is the perfect boat for the elderly. All boats are all-welded aluminum construction made in the USA with premium options LENGTH: 14’ to 16’ to meet every fisherman’s needs in boating. BEAM: 5’ to 6’ With a vision to build MAXIMUM HP: 9.9 innovative, durable and CONSTRUCTION: comfortable aluminum .090 Marine-Grade Aluminum boats, CustomBilt has emerged as a leader in the design and building of small to mid-sized pontoon boats. Steve J. “Bassin” Bynum, designer of the all-welded aluminum Pondtoon boat, strives to offer quality, premium options to meet every fisherman’s need in boating. Pondtoon boats are factory assembled in three standard sizes with options and additional features that allow you to equip the boat for your fishing and hunting style at a very affordable price. Contact us at (334) 684-2210 or pondtoonboats@gmail.com with any questions to help “customize” your very own CustomBilt Pondtoon boat.
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18 NATIONAL
JUNE 2021
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JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 19
SUMMER IS HERE Time to Get Out There!
T
he long days of summer are here, and we all know what that means—more time to fish. It also means blazing sun and stifling heat. That’s reason enough to take inventory of your gear to make sure you’re prepared to take on the summer heat. GILLZ technical fishing apparel is designed in Florida, one of the hottest places on the planet in summer. Gear that keeps you cool and comfortable here will keep you cool anywhere! Constant innovation has led to superior fabrics and designs that push performance to new heights. This gear is designed with the single goal of allowing you to fish longer and harder in total comfort. Consider the Flex Mesh Woven Short Sleeve shirt. On the boat or at the bar dockside, this shirt is up to the task. The incredibly unique fabric has thousands of micro holes acting as vents, keeping you cool and comfortable. Performance features include UPF 30+, two chest pockets, snap collar and quick dry. Plus, the shirt comes in three colors: Aquatic Water, Hawaiian Ocean Grunge, and Hi Rise Grey Grunge. So, you don’t have to wear the same one every day, because trust us, you’ll want to. Next, check out the new Men’s Tournament Short Sleeve. Proprietary, chemical-free GillzTec fabric provides 30 percent better cooling than other shirts. The revolutionary cross-breeze ventilation system brings another blast of cooling air, making it the coolest shirt you’ll ever own! Featuring incredible stretch that effortlessly moves as you move, this is a must-have shirt for any serious angler. Check out the website at gillz-gear.com
20 NATIONAL
JUNE 2021
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22 NATIONAL
JUNE 2021
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HYDRASTEPP’S NEW 18’ FLATS-BOAT By CAM Orlando Owner Phil Wolf
T
he new Hydrastepp 18’ is a high-performance flats boat resulting from years of trial and improvement by renowned racing boat designer/ builder Steve Stepp. With 35 years in the industry, Stepp racked up 14 world records with his company, Velocity Powerboats, of Sanford, Fla. His advanced designs achieve performance and efficiency most manufacturers are unable to match. His latest venture, Hydrastepp Boats, manufactures this new vessel in Lake Mary, Fla. As owner and co-publisher of the Orlando edition of Coastal Angler Magazine, I wanted to see if Stepp’s newest production vessel could measure up to claims made in their advertisement with us. Eager to climb aboard, I met Stepp at Lake Monroe and the I-4 Bridge on the St. Johns River. The boat was equipped with a 140 hp Suzuki 4-stroke with half tank of gas,
Coast Guard-required equipment and a modest amount of gear. Stepp said it would get on plane in less than three seconds with both of us in it. Each of us weighs more than 200 pounds, and it did just that… effortlessly. Heading into a moderate quartered-sea chop at about 32 to 34 mph, the ride was extremely smooth and incredibly dry. With those boxes checked, we returned to calm water in the river. This boat has a large gunnel and a 94” beam, extremely wide for an 18’ boat. It was very stable when I walked around on the gunnel. It has a huge storage compartment up front, with a removable tackle-storage system, and two large storage compartments in the rear. There are front and rear livewells. The custom, divided sport seat with a removable backrest is like those on offshore racing boats. The console is sleek and sports a 9” monitor screen/fish-finder/ GPS and all the normal gauges: tachometer, water pressure, temperature, gas, speed by GPS, all linked to the motor and fuel system. Very cool! This boat gets up to 10 mpg while cruising between 30 and 32 mph at 3,400 to 3,600 rpms. Back in the river, we cruised at about 32 mph and the monitor read 3,400 rpms. Then Stepp hammered the throttle, and the boat quickly achieved over 65 mph at 6,200 rpms with a little throttle left. It was very impressive for a stock 140 hp engine with a rear poling platform creating drag. I jumped at the chance to drive back to the ramp. Once acquainted with the throttle and trim, I drove with confidence. Cruising over 55 mph, we only burned about 6 gallons per hour on the gauge. This boat also floats in 10” or less and has room for four anglers with a huge front deck. If you’re in the market for a flats boat, the new Hydrastepp is worth a test ride. Hydrastepp is taking production orders, so get in line! This vessel is nicely equipped at around $60,000 for boat, 115 hp motor and custom trailer by Ameratrail. Or, you can upgrade to the fully loaded version with a 140 hp for $75,000. See this boat online at www.HYDRASTEPP.com.
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JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 23
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JUNE 2021
Angler Lands World Record Shellcracker
W
hen sunfish get this big, are they still considered panfish? On Tuesday, May 4, Thomas Farchione, of Wisconsin, caught this 6.3-pound redear sunfish at Lake Havasu on the Arizona/ California border. The fish, which measured 17 inches in length, with a 20inch girth, is a potential world record if accepted by the International Game Fish Association. The existing IGFA All-Tackle World Record was caught in Feb. 2014 by Hector Brito. It weighed 5-pounds, 12.8 ounces (5.8 pounds). Brito’s fish was also caught from Lake Havasu. Wait… it gets better. Before Brito caught his fish, the world record for redear was 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Can you guess where it was caught? You got it. In May of 2011 Robert Lawler landed a 5-pound, 8-ounce record redear at Lake Havasu to set the mark at the time. Obviously, this 19,300-acre impoundment of the Colorado River has earned its reputation as the best place in the world to catch enormous redear sunfish, which are also known as shellcrackers because they feed on snails, mussels and other mollusks using teeth in their throat to crush the shells. According to USA Today, invasive quagga mussels were discovered in Havasu in 2007. The fast-spreading mussels have provided an abundant food source to grow the largest shellcrackers in the world. Farchione caught his monster redear drop-shotting a nightcrawler in 25 feet of water. For more information, see www.azgfd.com.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
FROG FISHING FOR HUNGRY POST-SPAWN BASS
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hat a fun time of year to fish! In most parts of the country, bass are finishing up with spawning. This leads to awesome fishing as bass feed up after coming off the beds. You will find very aggressive fry guarders, often times a shad spawn, and also fish roaming the banks feeding on bluegill and other forage. There are many ways to catch these hungry and aggressive bass, and a hollow-body frog is one of the most fun and effective techniques. A frog duplicates many different types of baitfish, it can be fished through a wide variety of cover, and it flat out puts big fish in the boat! There are many different styles, sizes and colors of frogs on the market. When choosing, think about the forage, the type of cover and the size of fish you are targeting. My favorite frog is a 13 Fishing Trash Panda. It comes in a walking model and a popping model in a variety of colors.
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JUNE 2020
LOCATION 1
A fry guarder is a bass guarding a big ball of tiny bass hatchlings. These bass are extremely aggressive and territorial and will chase and eat pretty much any fish that gets near the babies. In this scenario, I go down banks through areas where bass have recently spawned. I stay off the cover and cast a frog through it. I like a bluegill-colored walking frog in this scenario, which means the lure will have a yellow or orange belly. Bluegill are a common nemesis to the bass and their fry. This color pattern drives bass crazy when they spot it near their babies. Often, you can find a shad spawn in the low light of early mornings and evenings. Look for birds lined up along the banks to find spawning shad. The shad often relate to hard cover (rocks and wood), grass lines and slow tapering points. A shad-colored popping frog in a white or silver color is an awesome lure to pick up bass feeding on shad. With the hollow-body frog being so weedless, it can be thrown where many other baits would get hung up. These are the places where shad spawns occur. A hollow-body frog is an awesome way to cover a lot of water, and it can produce some extremely fun topwater strikes. Whether you’re targeting late spawners, fry guarders or fish that are on the feed, a frog puts fish in the boat this time of year. Frog Fishing Gear: Typically, you will be fishing a frog around some type of heavy cover, which calls for some heavy gear. I like to throw a 13 Fishing 7’4H Omen Black rod paired with a Concept A 8.3 reel spooled with Seaguar 50-pound Smackdown braid. This setup allows you to haul fish out of heavy cover and into the boat! Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 25
G o to An ch or Pu lle ri st he W ay or Be lo w ,E -Z D ec k Ab ov e Above-deck on the 3025 GFX or below-deck inside the rope locker of the 35’ Sea Chaser HFC, the Rebel drum anchor winch is included as the standard or optional upgrade feature on these and other 2021 models. The compact design and 316 stainless steel components ensure E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winches can be retrofitted into tight spaces and perform in harsh, saltwater environments.
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30
Y EARS ANNIVERSARY
E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. DEBUTS NEW PRODUCTS IN 2021 New Offers Include Pre-Spooled Rope Kits, Bowsprits and a Break-Away Anchor Design
A
fter 30-plus years of specializing in the windlass-replacement anchoring solution, E-Z Anchor Puller debuts its branded anchoring products engineered to suit each drum anchor winch. Widely used anchoring accessories such as hawse pipes, bowsprits, guide rollers and more have been added to the catalog, manufactured specifically to accommodate the Hero, Patriot and Rebel drum anchor winches. “To offer improved level winding of the rode onto the drum, we now have 4-inch wide flat rollers that let the rode wander back and forth to create a better spooling onto the drum,” said company President Aaron Knopp. “The 4-inch wide flat rollers allow more travel to ensure the rope is not centered onto the drum.” “We knew our catalog needed to include inventory totally unique to our drum anchor winch dimensions,” said Sara Hitchins, Office & Trade Show Manager. “The standard anchoring accessories you see on the market now cater to the traditional windlass, for example, narrower guides on the roller, however, narrower guide rollers mean pile-up in the middle of the winch.” Hitchins said the company’s expanded inventory will enhance boaters’ experiences on
the water, as well as improve the buying process for customers who prefer a “one-stop-shop” experience over researching and selecting other brand accessories. “For a while, we’ve identified ourselves as the drum anchor winch experts, but really, having dealt with various consultations and unique boating experiences over the years, we’ve really become boat anchoring experts along the way,” Hitchins said. Two other notable products, the Shear Magic galvanized plow anchor and the pontoon anchoring solution are also on sale. The 15-, 22and 35-pound anchors were designed with a shear pin designed to break, so boaters no longer have to worry about cutting away their anchor rope and anchor when they get caught in coral reefs or other obstructions on the seabed. With the pontoon anchoring solution, an under-deck mounted configuration utilizes the structural integrity of the pontoon and is powered by the drum anchor winch. To further compliment the
catalog, the company will begin offering spools of anchor rope in July, 2021, further eliminating guesswork and wait time for customers. Vice President Christy Funk said the pre-cut nylon and dyneema will be shipped the same day as the customer’s anchor winch. “We’ve offered consultations on winch size and appropriate rope configurations based on boating needs for years,” said Funk, “so it’s exciting to be able to provide them with what they need right off the bat, when they need it, rather than ordering the winch first, then ordering the rope and having to wait for that.” E-Z Anchor Puller will attend the in-person ICAST boat show, July 20 at Booth 3817 as well as the 30th anniversary IBEX show in late September, Booth 3-2130. The “Trade Only” Tampa-based event caters to marine industry professionals and is “dedicated to advancing the business of boating.” For information, go to www.ezanchorpuller.com.
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JUNE 2021
NATIONAL 27
GULF SNAPPER SEASONS OPEN FOR 2021
I DOA 2.75 Shrimp
totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp. The weighted super sharp hook slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. It has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.
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JUNE 2021
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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG RAPP
n April, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved a slight increase in the annual catch limit for red snapper for 2021. It’s nowhere near the increase some expected after the Congressionally funded Great Red Snapper Count (GRSC) indicated an abundance of red snapper far higher than estimates being used to set regulations in the fishery. The Gulf Council’s scientific review committee chose not to include GRSC data in its 2021 acceptable catch recommendation. However, the Gulf Council requested catch level recommendations for 2021 and beyond be revisited with consideration of the GRSC final report. The Gulf red snapper season for federally permitted vessels is June 1-Aug. 2. Each Gulf state sets its own season for private recreational angling and charter operations without federal permits. Check state regulations for gear and reporting requirements. The daily limit is two fish per person, with a 16-inch minimum size, except in Texas state waters, where the limit is four fish per person with a 15-inch minimum size. State seasons are as follows: Florida: June 4-July 28. Alabama: Four-day weekends, Fridays-Mondays, beginning May 28 and continuing until the private angler quota is projected to be met. Mississippi: Opened Friday, May 28, with an expected mid-season closure on July 5 to compile data and examine the potential for a season extension. Louisiana: Weekends only (Friday-Sunday), including Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July regardless of the day of the week; Season subject to change. Texas: Open year-round in state waters until the quota is met.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG RAPP
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NATIONAL 29
Parkit360°: The Ultimate Trailer Parking Solution
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ave the parking headaches—one-shot your boat into position every time with one of Parkit360’s electric trailer dollies. The Force and Transformer models are compatible with almost every trailer right out of the box thanks to their ball-mounted Stablelock technology. Just freewheel the dolly to the trailer, connect to the hitch and steer your trailer into place. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses can handle the most difficult parking challenges with ease. Unlike a driver who relies on mirrors and backup cameras, the user faces the trailer, giving them complete visibility and control while parking. See exactly where the trailer is at all times and steer within inches of any obstacle if needed. Park in ways that were once impossible with a truck, and have the flexibility to move around the trailer at any time to check its position. The dolly’s compact design also allows the user to park hitchend forward as a serious theft deterrent, something that is nearly impossible to do with a vehicle. All models include Intelligent Speed Control, a great feature for those looking to move through open areas quickly, and more precisely in tight spaces. The high and low speed option starts and stops the motor gradually to prevent potential damage from sudden movements, something that makes these dollies stand out above the competition. Switch speeds any time during parking and get things done faster! Have a unique trailer hitch on your boat
trailer? Easily move any ball mounted, fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer up to 15,000 pounds with our standard adapters, or try the Telescopic Hitch Adapter. It’s a non-invasive, alternative connection point that bolts around your existing trailer frame. Parkit360° dollies are built strong and secure to safely move on firm grass, packed gravel, and 4- to 6-percent inclines. Want a Dolly that’s ready to park, right out of the box? Most models include a 12V U1 Interstate Battery with all required cables and hardware. With existing features like the Built-in Battery Charger, Electric/Surge Brake Controller and a full 2 Year Warranty, Parkit360° has truly made parking simple for every trailer. Parkit360° has been in business for more than 10 years and has shipped more than 15,000 trailer
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