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VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 313
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APRIL 2021
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FISHING FROM A PADDLEBOARD:
TUPAT’S TIPS By Nick Carter
THINK AHEAD: Unless your board is staked out or tied off, it is going to move. It blows with the wind and drifts with the tide. Even small fish will tow a board during a fight. Tupat constantly considers these factors and comes up with a plan before making a cast. Sometimes, finding wind-shade in the lee of landscape is necessary to fish. Other times, the wind or tide can be used to set up drifts. When you do hook up, you must adapt to the situation. “It’s spur of the moment to decide what you have to do to land the fish.” Tupat said. “You have to use your common sense.” If you’re in open water, it’s possible to play a fish out. The board serves as a secondary drag system in this situation. In shallow water and tight confines, it sometimes makes sense to step off the board and battle a fish on foot. In other situations, it can be necessary to hold the rod in one hand and paddle with the other to find a more advantageous place to land large fish.
F TUPAT.
Check out Tupat’s Hawaiian Poke Sauce at www. tupats.com, his Youtube fishing show Tupat’s Fishing Adventures and his Instagram feeds @therealtupat and @tupatshawaiian.
URTESY O
board that will float your weight. From there: “You’ve got to develop a core balance and become one with the motions of paddling and fishing and how the board reacts to your movements,” said Tupat. He fishes an 11-foot-long, 36-inch-wide, 5-inch-thick Pau Hana Big EZ Angler. He said it’s stable, yet maneuverable, and called it the ultimate fishing board. Rigging is a matter of preference, but generally “less is more on a paddleboard,” said Tupat. A cooler placed on the middle of the board is a seat and fishbox. Aft of that, a milk crate with zip-tied sections of PVC pipe serves as a rod holder and carry-all. Tupat keeps a softsided, rectangular wet/dry bag in front of him on the deck. This is where he keeps tackle, tools and anything he’ll need quick access to. “I’ve tried attachments and all that crap, and all it’s done is get in my way,” he said. “I need it to be as simple as possible to put me in the best position to catch fish.” STEALTH: The ability to sneak up on fish in shallow water is the primary advantage of a paddleboard. A paddle or any other gear banging on the deck alerts fish to your presence. Tupat said knowing where your paddle is and having a secure place to put it quickly is imperative. You should have a plan for your paddle. Tupat sets his on that soft-sided wet/dry bag, where it is secure and will not bang on the deck.
PHOTOS CO
P
atrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt has been mucking around in backwater creeks as long as he can remember. He grew up just north of Florida’s famous Mosquito Lagoon, in Bethune Beach, where the Indian River is a labyrinth of saltwater creeks and channels that snake between mangrove islands. Tupat is a surfer, angler and an entrepreneur, and recently life brought him home to Bethune Beach, where his passion for fishing from a standup paddleboard (SUP) re-ignited in a big way. “The things a board allows me to see and do is incomparable to being in a boat,” he said. “It puts me as close to Mother Nature and the fish as I can get. I can get to places you wouldn’t dream of in a boat, and the stealth lets me observe fish at a much deeper level.” Casting from an SUP for big snook, trout and redfish is not, however, something you just pick up and go do well. It’s a melding of sports, and Tupat’s surfing background gifted him with an awareness of how a board handles in the water. Anyone can spend the day SUP fishing and catch some fish. Getting good at it requires time on the water to learn the intricacies of the sport. Here are some tips from Tupat: SETUP: Fishing from an SUP requires confidence in the board and competence on it. Before you hit the water, it’s wise to research and find a stable
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APRIL 2021
NATIONAL 7
IGFA Tweaks Electric Reel Rules W ith the skyrocketing popularity of daytime swordfishing and following on the heels of some spectacularly large swordfish caught in the last few years, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has tweaked its rules on electric reels. Effective immediately, anglers will be allowed limited use of power-driven reels and remain eligible for IGFA records. According to an IGFA press release, new language in its rules clarify accepted and nonaccepted uses of electric reels. New rules do not allow for fighting fish with the aid electric reels. Of note is a requirement that power accessories must be removable and may not be attached to a reel during deployment of baits or at any time during fishing, except to retrieve baits all the way to the boat. This function is almost necessary in daytime swordfishing, which requires anglers to commonly drop and retrieve baits deeper, sometimes much deeper than 1,000 feet. The old and new language read as follows: IGFA International Angling Rules: Section E. Reel PREVIOUS RULE: 2. Power-driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage in fighting the fish.
NEW RULE: 2. Power- driven reels are acceptable under the following situation and configuration. a) Reels that have power accessories (e.g., electric drill attachments, motors or other power accessories specifically designed for a reel) that can be physically removed from the reel may be used strictly for the purpose of retrieving a deployed bait or lure at depth all the way to the boat. b) Power accessories may only be used to retrieve a bait or lure completely to the boat and are not permitted for adjusting the position of a bait or lure in the water column. Once a power accessory is attached to the reel, the bait or lure may no longer be legally used to catch a fish and the bait or lure must be retrieved all the way to the boat for manual redeployment before it may be legally used to hook or catch a fish. Power accessories may not be attached to the reel during the deployment of a bait or lure. c) Power accessories must be physically removed from the reel before the act of hooking and/or fighting a fish. Any fish that strikes a bait or lure being fished with a reel with power accessories still attached—whether or not under electric operation—will not be eligible for record consideration. d) Electric reels that do not have removable electronic components that allow them to be completely manually driven are prohibited.
“Changes to the IGFA’s International Angling Rules are always something we handle with the utmost care,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “This rule in particular has been a point of contention for years, and we are pleased to announce this new language that we strongly feel adapts IGFA rules to the technology of our time, while not jeopardizing the core principles of IGFA ethics.” For more information, see igfa.org.
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Coastal_Angler_April2021.indd 1
APRIL 2021
NATIONAL 9
2/25/21 12:17 PM
By TAM Staff
LIFE ON THE TRAIL WITH
T
KRISTINE FISCHER
hose familiar with kayak bass tournaments have likely heard the name Kristine Fischer. She’s a driven angler from Weeping Water, Nebraska, who dropped out of the rat race a few years ago to hit the road and fish kayak tournaments. Since 2017, she’s proven she’s a lot more than just a breath of fresh air in a male-dominated sport. Fischer has amassed a strong resume from top national tournament trails like KBF, Hobie B.O.S. and B.A.S.S. In 81 tournaments, she’s tallied five firstplace victories and fished her way to top-10 finishes 27 times. Along the way, she’s picked up major sponsors like Tincup Whiskey, Hobie Fishing, Z-Man, PLANO, Hobie Eyewear, AFTCO, Omnia, CalCoast Fishing, Dakota Lithium batteries and Torqeedo. These sponsorships allow her to make a living as a professional kayak angler. And while she doesn’t deny her blonde hair and big smile have helped, the 33-year-old said it also drives her to build on her reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the circuit. Here’s a little Q&A with Kristine Fischer:
Q: What led you to become a professional kayak angler? KF: My biggest fear has always been leading a life that lacked purpose and didn’t allow me to grow as a person. I’ve always craved adventure in some capacity and fully believe in the importance of submersing yourself in the wilderness as often as possible. To me, routines and having everything planned out can become mundane and almost robs us of spontaneity and ability to live in the moment. Being a full-time angler was a natural fit, given my love for fishing and my competitive nature. 10 NATIONAL
APRIL 2021
I mean, the family camping trips etched on your mind are the ones when gale-force winds destroyed the camp and raccoons stole the last bag of marshmallows. Life is what you make of it, whether it is on the road or at the end of a cul-de-sac. It’s all about your disposition.
Q: What’s the lifestyle on the road? KF: The Internet has a funny way of romanticizing road life. In reality, it’s hardly romantic. Replace sunsets wrapped in fuzzy blankets and barefoot nights by the fire with lights strung in the trees and drone shots of the RV rolling down a picturesque Route 66 with flat tires. Living on the road is 10-second cold showers, eating cans of gas-station beef ravioli with your fingers and praying you get to the next gas station before the truck runs out of fuel. It’s wrapping up a tournament in the Carolinas, knowing you’ve got one day to make it to west Texas. It’s utter chaos. Something always seems to go wrong at the most inconvenient time. It’s little sleep, a gas-station diet and pushing yourself to the limits in every capacity. Despite all that, there’s something about the road that lights my soul. I’ve always found the most joy in those moments of chaos. The best memories are made when everything goes south.
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Q: Tell us about being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry. KF: Successful women in fishing are a rarity, and therefore it’s much easier to get noticed. That fact has never sat well with me. I’m the type of person who needs to know I’m absolutely earning opportunities and that they aren’t coming to me simply because I’m a female with a big smile and blonde hair. I wanted to be recognized as a talented angler who is capable of winning any tournament on any given day. I set my sights on that. The sport is inundated with people who pose as anglers to take advantage of the industry. I’ve had to work to overcome negative stereotypes associated with women in the sport. Over the years, it’s gotten easier. The ability to record my tournaments has helped prove that I’m the “real deal.” Q: What are your goals for the 2021 season and into the future? KF: I’m gunning for AOY in the Hobie series, and I want to make “The TEN” for KBF. Future goals: qualifying for the Bassmaster Elites certainly has lingered on my mind. It’s a lofty goal, but I always appreciate a good challenge. Keep up with Kristine Fischer and her life on the tournament trail at her YouTube channel and through Facebook @kristinefischerfishing and Instagram @midwestfishergal.
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CHARLESTON EDITION
APRIL 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 Fishing Forecast - Chris Pounder - Mt. Pleasant Pier Fishing Report - Fishing Boat Overview - Trophy T21 Bay - David Fladd - Artificial Intelligence - Fishing The Jetties - Mandy Henderson - Fishy Nurse Adventures - Jiggin Jerry - The Right Balance Can Make The Difference - Capt. John Ward - The SouthSide Report - Jim Morrissey - Lowcountry Kayak Fishing - Capt. Will Adams - Spade Fish - Cameron Rhodes - South Carolina Billfish 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
A Sportfisher in the Atlantic ocean on a calm morning, read our new column by Cameron Rhodes inside on page 9 she will focus on South Carolina Billfishing with her Monthly Report. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
APRIL 2021
CHARLESTON 1
Charleston’s
April Forecast
By Captain Mark Phelps
WHERE THE LOWCOUNTRY
GETS HITCHED.
F
ishing the Charleston area in April can simply be unpredictable. The type of fishing will depend on the weather. We have had several 80 degree days already so we should be fishing an early summer pattern. Some days the red fish in the spring will get quite picky to say the least. When this happens you might find that anchoring the boat and soaking some cut bait works best. I like to use cracked crabs or cut mullet for this purpose. However, if you have some live mud minnows or live mullet they will also work well. If April brings continued warm sunny days and the water warms to the high 60s or low 70s, we will have several options. The redfish will began to look for crabs in the grass at high tide and you might find the first “tailing” fish of the year. Crab flies and a weedless DOA shrimp or artificial crab work great. This will be a great time to start fishing for sea trout. A mud minnow or DOA shrimp under a cork is hard to beat. I always like April for the start of flounder season. Use a mud minnow or finger mullet on the bottom fished slowly and you might catch dinner. If the seas are calm you can look for the annual cobia run off the beaches and jetties. The last few years have seen some red hot cobia action in April as they migrate north for the summer. Cobia love bait fish and eels so anything that resembles these will work. Make sure you have a rod and reel in the 20-50 lb class because some of the cobia can be over 50 lbs!!! While off the beach you may also try sheep head fishing. These fish are schooled up good this time of the year on structure. It’s time to get on the water and enjoy being in Charleston! .
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 2 CHARLESTON
APRIL 2021
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The Southside April Forecast
Folly Beach, Kiawah to Edisto Islands By Captain John Ward
VETERAN OWNED
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pril is here and Spring has sprung, with longer days and daylight brings life into our waters! Hopefully we are done with any of the major cold fronts from February and March and our water will steadily climb and bring more seasonal species into our nearshore and inshore waters. With water temperatures staying in the 60’s our year round species have been more aggressive to bite and on the move instead of staying put in tight schooling trying to stay warm and not get eaten by bottlenose dolphins. The trout have started to move in towards shallower waters along the banks and points, and the redfish are busting up from huge schools and moving off the flats and hidden back creeks and moving around more into more open waters. April is a big transition month inshore and the fish are not always in their winter and summer patterns where they are in exact spot most of the time doing the exact same thing everyday, the fishing is a little more unpredictable and on the move chasing the new influx of bait exploding back into our coastal waters. During April our redfish catch numbers have been decreasing since the huge schools are starting to break up, but our variety of species that we are catching per trip are going way up with : ladyfish, jacks, flounder, sharks, and many other species moving back into the inshore waters with the warming water temp and massive bait explosion. The nearshore reef fishing has been good with the sheepshead and large flounder doing really well, plus we are starting to see a lot of life on the surface with school of Spanish Mackerel and bluefish. We are still about a month shy of the cobia beginning to show up and about 2 months for the tarpon arrival, but come on summer! Glad to see a majority of our local anglers starting to release our larger trout and flounder to help our future fisheries situation. Tight lines and remember to take a kid fishing to insure the future of outdoors for the next generation. Tight lines, Captain John Ward Affinity Charters / www.affinitycharters.com / 843-693-2460
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Mt. Pleasant Pier April Forecast By Chris Pounder
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pril is a great month to give pier fishing a try and look for some species that we probably haven’t seen in a few months. The water temperature is typically in the 65-70-degree range which brings increasing activity to the flat. When you’re coming out you may want to rig up for flounder and plan on bringing or catching some live bait. One of the best ways to target flounder is to use a basic Carolina Rig and “walk the dog” by raising and lowering your bait as you walk along the Oliver Liberis 3 lb 9 oz flounder. pier railing. Using live mullet or a mud minnow, drop your rig over the side and let it down slowly until the weight hits the bottom. Once you’re there you’ll want to reel in just a bit so that you can walk with your rod over the side and ease it back to the bottom every few feet. Since flounder are ambush feeders this trick works great and allows you to cover more ground. There’s no need to cast way out into the flat as most of the flounder we see are very close to the pier structure. Vudu shrimp, Zman DieZel MinnowZ, and other artificials can produce similar results when fished the same way as well. We’re often asked if fishermen are allowed to throw a cast or use a minnow trap to catch live bait. The pier does allow both; however, the trap or net should not interfere with another fisherman’s activity. Also, we recommend anglers checking the area around the pier at low tide before throwing an expensive cast net. There’s rebar and concrete from the old bridge in some spots and a cast in the wrong location will send you shopping for new equipment. We hope everyone that comes out to the pier has a good time and can help us be good stewards of our natural resources. You can’t control what bites and there are plenty of species that show up in April that aren’t Marlene’s 4 lb flounder. exactly “trophy” fish. If you hook something that you’re not going to keep or something you can’t keep because of legal limits, please return it to the water as soon as possible. April should be a great month at the pier as more species move in for the summer. Give us a call at (843) 762-9946 and the staff will be glad to let you know exactly what is biting and the best way to land the big one. Be sure to follow Charlestoncountypaks. com for exciting news regarding our first virtual fishing tournament of the year coming in May 2021. Note: There will be NO FISHING from the pier April 25, 2021 due to the Blessing of the Fleet Festival at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. 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 4 CHARLESTON
APRIL 2021
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Charleston Offshore Fishing Spade Fish - By Captain Will Adams
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ound for pound, spade fish are the toughest, yet most sought after fish when fishing near shore reefs. Catching these beautiful fish is a thrill, but watching them swarm around the boat during the summer months is incredible. Mid-April spade fish will start schooling in mass amounts. I normally use jelly balls, however, shrimp and clams work very well. Clams can be used when spade fish are not in tight schools and acting skittish. When using these always cut the clam carefully so each piece has a part of the foot (The part that attaches to the shell) that way when hooking there is a part that if hooked up properly can be cast with distance and not sling the clam off the hook. Even store-bought clams work-uncooked of course LOL. When using shrimp I always peel them first and cut them in the size that will hide the hook as well as weight so it can be cast at a good distance. Remember that shrimp will start to cook if left out in the sun and heat. It is important that all bait stay fresh on ice. Also jellyfish and squid are one of their favorite and can be used to chum. During your voyage to your location, keep your eyes out for huge cannon ball jellyfish. Use your dip net to scoop them out of the water. I always bring five or six extra to drop(once anchored) three or four on a string (or use a fish stringer) below the boat. I find that once they see them, they try eating them and stay around the boat until they devour them. I also cut them in many pieces for chum.
Squid seems to always work and I highly recommend packing a lot. Once you find what they want, you will use way more than you think.
My tackle bag always consists of the following for Spade fish:
- # 1 & 2 Hook (Mustad) - 15lb and 17lb leader- both floro and mono - Small split shots, only use if needed - Small black barrel swivels, only use if needed - I enjoy using medium action 7 foot rod paired with a real that can hold a lot of line. Not only for those long runs spadefish are notorious for, but also if you are cut off, you can continue to fish since your spool still holds lots of line. I use 20lb braid tipped with 17lb floro. Remember: Equipment - Search for bait - Anchor up around areas spade fish are spotted - Cham with jelly balls - Bring dip net - Keep bait fresh on ice - Plenty of line. Tip and trick of the trade: Try using orange cork with 4ft leader. Spade fish are one of my favorites for many reasons but mainly because they are delicious! If you’re catching one to eat for supper, catch two so you have a practice fish to clean. It can be difficult and sometimes frustrating work so take your time!
Capt. Will Adams – Write off the Rip Charters Tel 843-270-0909 or email: writeoftheripcharters@gmail.com
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Fishy Nurse Adventures Its Finally Spring!
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inally its spring!!! With the teases of Spring that March gives, April is finally the weather we’ve been waiting for! The fishing is a little harder because the bait game is changing up a little! We always hope that the wind lays down and the water warms up bringing the Mahi with it! Always more of a chance to catch some bigger reds inshore and sometimes flounder. I will be curious to see how many flounder we catch this year. I personally target them around a higher tide but a lot of people catch them by mistake…. however, this year will be interesting. The southern flounder’s population keeps decreasing. I think gigging is soon going to be a hobby of the past or kept to frogs only. There’s a huge push to release flounder right now because their numbers are dwindling. I’m all for catch and release of the flatty’s.
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They’re personally one of my favorite inshore fish to catch and eat but it will be awhile before I eat one again! DNR is hopefully changing things up to try and protect these fish more than ever before. Last year we had noticed that we have been catching less and less flounder and North Carolina had changed their flounder size limits and laws. Anglers can always choose to release and I hope more do! If you’re interested more in the Flounder population check out @releaseover20 on Instagram or type release over 20 into your google search. Some Pretty interesting stuff going on with flounder research between the Carolinas and Georgia. So let’s give them a chance! Tight lines, Mandy. - 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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Artificial Intelligence The Jetties are like a Box of Chocolates
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he Charleston jetties, built in the late 1800’s, are a set of immense stone walls running parallel to the harbor inlet. They funnel the tides and provide safe passage for the many commercial ships vital to the state’s economy. They also provide incredible structure, and therefore, great fishing. In the warmer months, the jetties are a popular place to fish, and often boats are anchored all along the length of the rocks. The most popular way to fish there is to cast out heavy “Carolina Rigs” consisting of a 3 to 6 oz weight followed by a couple feet of leader and a circle hook. Although this is a simple and productive way to fish them, I’d like to focus on another way to fish the jetties – with artificial lures. Before you plan a trip out there, make sure you know what you’re getting into. To get to the jetties you need to cross some rough waters that are always choppy and usually include swell. You need a seaworthy boat of at least 18 ft, in my opinion. There is a lot of water flow there. Three rivers, plus the harbor, at a depth of 5 to 6 ft, must flow in and out of the jetties every 6 hours. That is a lot of water. Ocean liners and the pilot boats that service them are at work and are not paying attention to you in your fishing boat. When an ocean liner passes an immense amount of water sucks out of the rocks and like a tsunami, returns with equal force. Large wakes several feet high are common. You really need to think about your safety and keep your head on a swivel. I have personally had
some scary near-misses out there that still haunt my dreams on occasion. If you’re thinking I’m trying to scare you, then, mission accomplished. Please respect the jetties at all times.
.... Continue reading on page 15
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South Carolina Billfishing Report By Cameron Rhodes
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Photo CAMC
elcome to the column! Here we’ll focus on South Carolina’s offshore sport fishing news. You can expect updates on the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, interviews with top notch local captains and mates, and information on pelagic species like dolphin, wahoo, tunas, and billfish.
2021 South Carolina Governor’s Cup Although South Carolina might not have quite as much offshore sport fishing notoriety as North Carolina or Florida, some of the best blue water fishermen in the world have come up right here! Many of those talented captains, mates, and anglers will showcase their skills during this year’s South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series. The Series will celebrate its 33rd year with four individual tournaments this summer: The 53rd Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, The Carolina Billfish Classic, The Megadock Billfishing Tournament, and The Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament. The Megadock Billfishing Tournament will make a highly anticipated return this July. The Safe Harbor Charleston City Marina had plans for construction over the last two years, preventing the possibility of hosting an event. Sadly, the Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament, typically the first leg of the Series, was recently cancelled due to necessary marina repairs. Every tournament in the Gov Cup has its own storied history and each host marina offers a unique experience. But the culture of camaraderie and sportsmanship remains consistent throughout the Series. Participants compete for cash prizes and bragging rights, all while enjoying time on the water with family and friends. Points are accumulated at each tournament, resulting in an overall Series winner, as well as awards for top youth angler, leading lady
angler, and other categories. Given what we all experienced in 2020, we’re looking forward to seeing the Series back in action this season. Only one event, the Carolina Billfish Classic, was held last year due to concerns over COVID-19. While it’s likely that some social distancing guidelines will be in effect in the summer months, each tournament has indicated that they are ready to do whatever is necessary to host an event while ensuring the safety of participants and staff. We’re sure looking forward to seeing everyone compete again! In February and March, we saw quite a few good reports of big wahoo during the SC Wahoo Series. We hope the dolphin, blue marlin, and sailfish bite follows suit in the next couple of months, just in time for the start of the 2021 Series! Those interested in learning more about the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series are welcome to visit govcup. dnr.sc.gov for additional information about its history, sponsors, conservation practices, and fishing guidelines. 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 most excited about sharing the stories, experiences, and expertise of fishermen. She 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 Balance Can Make the Difference
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By Jiggin’ Jerry
pring is finally here in the Lowcountry. Soon our water temperatures will start to rise and marine species that have moved out to sea for the winter will start to return, filling our local estuaries and harbors again. This will excite any inshore angler. Anglers will start to fill their arsenal of lures with all types. After all, another one of our favorite seasons to target the inshore slam (consisting of Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout and Flounder) is the spring, and using artificials is one of our favorite techniques. Some of us start replacing the line on our reels, cleaning up our rods and, of course, what could be better than buying a brand new rod and reel combo for the task? But there are some things to think about when getting ready that may be overlooked. We are usually concentrating on stocking up on an assortment of lures, like artificial Shrimp, Paddle Tail Grubs, Curly Tail Grubs, imitation Mullet, and of course, an assortment of hard lures. But once we have all these lures, we intend to throw them out on our fishing rods all day long in most cases. So when it comes to the rod and reel we are using to accomplish this, there are some important things to keep in mind. One is repetitive casting. It is important to use a reel that can handle continuous opening and closing of the bail and repetitive reeling cast after cast and a rod that has quality guides that can handle the friction of your line continuously moving back and forth. If not, you may find yourself losing that monster fish that you worked so hard to target and hook by equipment failure. This means the reel must be light and have a reasonable amount of corrosion resistant ball bearings. This will help with wrist fatigue and continuous operation, but as time goes on, reel companies have decided to have sort of a competition and are trying to make their reels lighter and lighter. Now don’t get me wrong. Like I said a moment ago, light is good, but then there can be reels that are too light. This is where balance comes in. When you are using a 7-foot rod, the heavier the action, the heavier the rod. The longer the rod, rods that exceed 7 foot, the heavier the rod becomes towards the end, what we refer to as front heavy. When a rod is front heavy, this means the rod is not balanced, and as you cast and work the rod, moving your bait around, it generates serious wrist fatigue and could cause future damage to the wrist and hand. Most anglers try to keep their rod and reel combinations that they use for artificials around 6 foot, 6 inches or 7 foot. When paired with a reel that is around 8 ounces, this will usually generate a nice balance right at your fingertips while holding the reel and the rod. When this happens, an angler can easily move his wrist back and forth, working his artificial baits continuously without major fatigue, making for a comfortable day of fishing. Some of the new reels that are on the market are around 7 ounces and even 6.5 ounces in a 3000 size reel. This will make even some of the lightest rods front heavy. There are some custom rods that are designed to receive different size weights that are placed in the handle of the rod to compensate for the difference of the reel being so light, allowing the angler to balance the rod. Of course, these rods are usually quite expensive, so just keep in mind when you are pairing up your rod and reel, you might want to check the balance before you commit. After all, if you love fishing like I do, you want to be able to move your wrist and your hand for years and years and years to come.
Yes, I know some of those brand new super, super light reels look fantastic. I like a number of them myself, but somewhere along the line, the engineers are just not thinking everything out. Remember, the tips in this article only apply for combinations you are using for inshore fishing with artificials, not rods and reels that are used for cut bait and live bait that are intended to just sit in a rod holder. Those combinations are not considered for repetitive casting and reeling of artificials. I hope this helps while you are trying to get ready for the season, and remember, the right balance can make the difference. 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.
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Lowcountry Kayak Fishing ____________________________________________________________
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Yak-Bassin’ Lowcountry - Kayak Bass Tournament Series
hat comes to mind when someone mentions fishing in the Lowcountry? Many anglers picture sunsets over the salt marsh, pelicans gliding overhead, and the playful wave of a dolphin’s flipper as it passes by. What do kayak BASS fishermen in the Lowcountry think about? Well it’s not dolphins I can tell you that. Endless acres of lily pads, massive trees reaching in the water like giants, and infinite stump fields come to mind. Flashbacks to the baking sun and the deafening roar of ambient wildlife rings a bell. The push of water, waking toward your frog as you hold your breath and prepare for the strike. That’s what kayak bass fishermen in the Lowcountry think about. It’s not just one or two bass fishermen daydreaming about topwater explosions either. Recently, a North Carolina based kayak series, Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing, held a one-day tournament that drew 141 kayak anglers to the Santee Cooper Lakes. Kayak bass fishing has become unbelievably popular in recent years and the Lowcountry is the perfect venue for it. Yak-Bassin’ LLC recognized the Lowcountry as a special place when it comes to kayak bass fishing. After all, the founders of this fishing company cut their teeth punch mats, burning spinnerbaits, and hopping frogs alone its endless banks back in 2018. What started as a small Charleston based kayak bass club (Chucktown Kayak Bassin’) has since evolved into Yak-Bassin’ LLC, one of the largest online kayak tournament management companies in the Nation. In 2021 Yak-Bassin’ is finally heading back to it Southern bass fishing roots and announcing the Yak-Bassin’ Lowcountry Circuit. YakBassin’ Lowcountry is a live CPR (Catch Photo Release) kayak bass tournament series that’s open to the public. Entry fees are charged per event – no yearly membership fee or secret qualifiers required to participate. So what does it take to become a kayak bass tournament angler? It’s a lot easier than you think. A kayak, pfd, Coast Guard approved safety equipment, valid fishing license, Ketch Brand measuring board, and a fishing rod are all that is really needed to get out there for a chance to win some serious cash. Once caught, fish are placed on the measuring board and a photo of the fish is submitted using a free tournament app on your phone. The angler with the longest 5 bass wins. Optional side pots are also available for single longest bass caught during the competition. Angler of the year points are also accrued, and a championship tournament is held at the
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end of the season. Tournaments take place on the Santee Cooper Lake system as well as other popular freshwater locations around Charleston SC all starting in April 2021. Payouts vary pending participation. Full rules, event schedule, and registration info will be posted on Facebook @YakBassin’ Lowcountry If you or someone you know is interested in exploring new waters, sharing tips and tricks with other kayak fishing fanatics, and competing in a friendly environment than please visit www.yak-bassin.com or @ Yak-Bassin Lowcountry on Facebook. By Jim Morrissey
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Carolina Flyfisher Start Them When They’re Young By Scotty Davis
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o you remember your first fish? How about who taught you? Chances are you answered yes to both of these questions! It’s something that very few people learn and give up: it will stay with you for your whole life. Fly fishing is no different and can be very easy for kids to learn. Start easy and keep it light. There are bream and bass ponds all over the South and are a perfect spot to introduce a new fly fisher. Begin with a few poppers and small streamers and watch the smiles start. Bream especially are extremely eager to eat a fly and therefore keep the shorter attention spans in check, and who doesn’t like to catch a pile of fish?!? Fly casting is easy to learn, but there are a few things that can make it easier on your little ones. Leave the big rods (8,9wts) at home and grab a 5-6 wt. The cork grips are generally much thinner diameter and easier to hold. The forgiveness (flex) of the smaller rods means less broken tippets also. Keep things fun and interesting, if the fishing is slow- practice casting at targets on the water (floating leaves etc). Pinching the barbs down on your flies will make life much less painful as well. As far as fly selection, fish topwater whenever possible…nothing beats a fish exploding
on a popper. If the fish don’t seem to want to rise, a black or olive wooly bugger in sz 6-10 will certainly get bit subsurface. Small clouser minnows with lead eyes are helpful in deeper water also. Don’t get caught up in the finer mechanics yet, the goal is fun. Teach the cast, retrieve, and hookset but the primary focus in the beginning should be fish. They will naturally improve is the fundamentals are taught, subtle reminders (keep your tip up, watch your backcast) are helpful but the last thing you want to sound like is a drill sergeant- remember this is your future fishing partner. Want to up the fun level? Stop by your local fly shop and learn to tie a fly! Kids love to tie flies and its easier than you might expect. Then, head out to your local water and behold: you’ve created a monster!
Scotty Davis
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OM
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Fishing Boat Overview _________________________________________________________________
Trophy T21 Bay
Affordable Family Boating
I
f you think you’d love to join the ranks of new-boat-owning anglers but you think you It really has a spacious layout with fore and aft casting decks, ample storage and all the can’t afford it, the Trophy T21 Bay has a simple answer to that question: it’s not true. fishing features you need. Opt for the T-top and you can get four more rocket launchers, but This boat will provide you with a great platform to go out and do some serious fishing both inshore and nearshore around the inter-coastal waterways, and it can take you to the jetties to cast for those large Redfish in the fall. It will also take the family for a nice cruise around Charleston harbor. Its M-Hull design improves stability whether on plane or fighting a monster. Its spacious
perhaps more importantly, it’s a hinged folding version you can quickly swing down so the boat still counts as “garage ready.” layout includes large fore and aft decks that create ample fishing platforms with loads of One more important detail for storage beneath. After stepping up the deck is all one level to the toe-kick, and it wouldn’t be anglers: the boat drafts just 12 a stretch to have multiple anglers up there casting at the same time — a tall order on the bow inches, so sneaking into those of a 21-footer. Aft flip-up seating quickly folds out of your way when it’s time for business. shallows to cast for Redfish and trout will be in your future. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more boat for the money anywhere.
By CAMC Staff
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Artificial Intelligence ....Continued from page 7
So, let’s talk about fishing the jetties. What can we expect to catch? Because the jetties extend a couple miles into the ocean, you literally never know what you might catch out there. Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Crevalle Jacks, King Mackerel, and even Tarpon are some of the many possibilities. Your most probable catch will be Red Drum a.k.a redfish. Thanks to our state having an upper slot for redfish, we have an incredible population of “bulls”. Some of these can measure up to 50” and they frequent the jetties. Fishing the jetties with artificial lures is a blast. You are going to need a trolling motor with spot-lock technology. The basic idea is you keep a casting distance away from the rocks and cast toward the visible rocks. Slowly hop the lure down the slope of the rocks. As always, its imperative that you keep in contact with your lure so you can feel the sometimes-subtle bite. Work the gaps in the rocks and different depths, then move along until you have a new section to cast to. This method can be difficult on a summer weekend because the bait soakers are blocking access. For that reason, I’d advise you to avoid trying it during those times. Although it is always fun when your rod doubles over when soaking bait, I promise you its way more fun to feel the fish thump your lure while
all the ers, but
After the tide changed, we tried the other jetty and eventually stumbled on a pretty good redfish bite. We found a particular rock that held several nice fish and we even had a double at one point. Steadily running the trolling motor and casting at random places, I suddenly got a big thump. I set the hook and I could immediately tell from the low-frequency headshakes that this was a giant. First thing I said was “Uh-Oh!” I don’t think the beast knew it was hooked because it just set there for a minute. I high-sticked my rod and said “Ty, look, I’m not hung up…watch…” As we watched my rod tip it eventually made a long bob and we both started laughing. Did I mention this was on a trout rod with 10 lb braid? I worked the trolling motor out to deep water and eventually she showed herself. After an excellent job by Ty with the lip grippers we carefully hoisted her into the boat. She measured out at 40 inches and after applying a SCDNR dart tag, I revived and released her back to be caught again. This is exactly the kind of thing that makes fishing the jetties so fun. You never know what you might get, but even if you don’t hook a giant redfish, you almost always have action and often at least one of your catches will be a surprise. Give it a try, but remember to pick your days, wear a PFD, keep your head on a swivel and bring a good luck charm like Ty. Please consider letting the big fish go, even if its legal to keep them, and always support bull reds by the belly, not by the lip!
you’re working it down the slope. And, like I mentioned before, you just never know what you’re gonna get. I’d like to recap a recent outing that is pretty typical of what you can expect. This winter I asked my friend Ty Kotz if he’d like to join me for a trip to fish the jetties with lures. I’m still trying to learn the jetties and Ty is the perfect companion for scouting around because he’s just happy to be out fishing. Plus, we’ve only fished together a couple times and I consider him a good luck charm because we have always had epic days together. I warned him before the trip that I had no idea if we’d be successful, and he was okay with that. So, we worked long stretches of the rocks just to see what would happen. We started out working slowly throwing Texas Eye jigs with Z-Man Scented JerkshadZ. We didn’t have a single bite for 100 yards or so, then Ty picked up a couple decent trout. Moving a little further, we picked up a slot redfish. I have found that the fish seem to be concentrated in 100 ft or so lengths depending on the current and tide. That day, though, the fish seemed to be pretty random. It seemed like we would pick one up every so often - just enough to keep it interesting.
- David Fladd Partner, Eye Strike Fishing dfladd@eyestrikefishing.com • eyestrikefishing.com
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Jim spent his vacation catching fish like these with Topwater Kayak Fishing in beautiful Bulls Bay! Carolinatopwater.com
Apex Tool group, caught this nice double, 41 redfish, while staying on Kiawah Island with Affinity Charters
Anastasia shows off an early springtime redfish during her day on the water with Chris Tweedy at Carolinatopwater.com
Charleston local Mary Pat Calvert, with 2 seabass on one hook and redfish inshore/nearshore fishing near Charleston with Capt John Ward.
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Yamaha's New 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E The Most Capable and Versatile Center Console Boats in Their Class
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ew for 2021 is the exciting 25-foot Yamaha 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E center console boats that are the most capable and versatile boats in their class. These larger models of Yamaha’s popular FSH Series are designed with the size, power, and fuel range for serious offshore adventures. The 252 FSH Sport features twin, Yamaha 1.8L High Output engines. These normally-aspirated engines are powerful, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. Acceleration is instant, bow rise is minimal, and more deck space is available for fishing and fun. For buyers who want the most performance available, and the premium features that come with Yamaha's E-Series drive-by-wire features, the 255 FSH Sport E gets twin 1.8L supercharged Yamaha SVHO® marine engines for a combined 500-horsepower. Zero to 30 mph acceleration is a blistering five seconds with a top speed of 55 mph. In addition, the 255 FSH Sport E feature push-button start, dual throttle lever syncing, and more. Both models come with 111-gallon fuel tanks, the highest capacity fuel tanks Yamaha offers in a jet boat. Paired with Yamaha's fuelefficient engines, there is plenty of cruising range for boaters who want to explore beyond the harbor surf break.
Under the water line is an all-new deep-V hull design that responds immediately to steering input at all speeds and comes on plane instantly. The bow seating area is wide and long, providing ample space for taller passengers to stretch out. And of course, there is plenty of storage available under the hinged bow seats, stainless steel beverage holders in all the right places, and an expansive anchor and bow ladder locker for easy access. Moving into the spacious cockpit interior, there is a transparent live well located portside and a large storage pod topped with padded marine mat adjacent on the starboard side. There is a comfortable bench seat in the front of the center console that lifts up to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure that is standard on all models. Both models are fitted with finished fiberglass hard tops with LED lighting and integrated audio speakers. Completing the tower are five rocket launcher rod holders mounted to the T-Top frame, and there are eight additional rod holders located under the port and starboard gunnels.
The helm is thoughtfully designed with a glass windshield, stainless steel sports steering wheel, locking glove box, and 12-inch Simrad® marine electronics. Also included is Yamaha's Connext® 3.0 helm control system with a 7-inch touchscreen that controls the entertainment and vital system functions of the boat, a mobile phone holder, and USB/AUX ports. Behind the helm is beam width bench seating, a starboard side live bait well, and a low walkthrough transom for easy access to Yamaha's signature stern lounge area. This is the place to be when hanging out at your favorite cove, and a great open access place to cast from. Completing the stern area are stainless steel beverage holders, high-quality padded flooring, a stainless-steel tow eye, and a telescopic reboarding ladder. They also feature underwater lights. From bow to stern, there is nothing cookiecutter about Yamaha's new 25-foot center console boats. From their striking good looks to industry-first innovations, Yamaha's 252/255 FSH Series models let you do it all on the water, in style and with peace of mind. Learn more at YamahaBoats.com
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GILL FISHING OVERTON SHIRT
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hen the heat of summer arrives, Gill Fishing’s Overton shirt will keep you dry, cool and clean thanks to its lightweight, breathable fabric treated with Gill’s exclusive XPEL water and stain resistance technology. New for Spring 2021, the Overton is capable of repelling water, blood, and other filth you may encounter while fishing. Gill loaded the Overton with smart fishing features, including dual chest pockets, concealed, snag-proof press stud fasteners, a micro-fiber panel to wipe sunglasses, a self-fabric strip to hang sunglasses or a small tool, and roll-up sleeves with a retainer loop and button. Gill has been trusted on the water for more than 40 years, and they’ve delivered yet another dependable piece for hardcore anglers. The Overton’s stylish design makes its just as capable off the water, providing anglers a shirt they can wear anywhere. It’s available in two colors, white and blue check, and sizes XS through 4XL. www.gillfishing.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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EZ ANCHOR: Must-Have Solution for Fiberglass Boat Builders is the Charter Captain’s Best-Kept Secret
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s charter captains, the time-consuming task of dropping and retrieving anchors not only becomes tedious, it cuts into valuable manpower, time and profits. Capt. Phillip Ridge, a Florida native, couldn’t settle for a typical windlass to anchor his fleet. “I have had [an E-Z Anchor Puller] unit on the bow of three different boats,” the founder of Blue Runner Charters said. “I was one of the very first captains in the area to install them... [they are] the best by far.” Charter fishermen across the United States have depended on the speed of E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winch for more than 30 years. Now, the value of owning an E-Z Anchor Puller for commercial fishing is recognized as the windlass upgrade customers want on their boats straight from the factory. Among the first fiberglass boat builders to embrace these true, freefall winches for center consoles is SeaVee, which had already been a familiar, customer-driven installer of the Classic series. Shurhold CEO Barry Berhoff, who personally installed the Rebel EZ-4 on his 40’ SeaVee, gave praise to the quality of the “strong, marinegrade piece of equipment” in a Youtube testimonial. Following in SeaVee’s footsteps, Georgia boat builder Carolina Skiff began factory-installing the Rebel EZ-4 on their Sea Chaser 35’ HFC Center Console after a company representative praised the brand from personal experience. “It works so great on our 35, I decided I needed to have one on my own personal boat.” Ed Johnston, Manufacturing Representative for Carolina Skiff, said of his E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winch. Sea Pro Boats recently debuted the 320 Deep-V series at the Miami
International Boat Show in 2020 with the Rebel EZ-4 as the factoryinstallation. The Rebel series appeals to boat owners and boat builders who need a versatile, no-jam solution that can hold ½” nylon rope or ¼” dyneema. What further sets Rebel anchor winches apart from the competition is its true, free-fall capabilities. Unlike other anchoring solutions, which manufacture “free-fall” mechanisms for emergency use only, E-Z Anchor Puller units are created to free-fall for regular, everyday use. Activating free-fall is simple. Press the “down” button for a quick 2-second push, the drum winch disengages the clutch plate and releases it to free-spool as fast as gravity allows. To quickly and neatly retract the line back onto the spool, press the “power up” side. Other notable fiberglass boat brands with E-Z Anchor Puller installations include Albemarle, Insetta Boatworks and Southport, with a plethora of customer and E-Z Anchor Puller authorized installers fitting Patriot EZ-3 and Rebel EZ-4 and EZ-5 units below deck.
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Th Ridge, but no variati Th in the Di he wo stonefl Aft issue. W up wit “It trying He los I mean held.”
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n Feb. 28, veteran Georgia trout guide Joe DiPietro caught a 32-inchlong brown trout that weighed 18 pounds, 2.4 ounces. It absolutely crushed the 9-year-old Toccoa River record of 12-pounds, 3.4 ounces. The fish was a long time coming. DiPietro has guided and fished this Blue Ridge, Ga. tailrace for more than two decades. He’s seen and caught monsters, but nothing close to the beast that picked up one of his own Pat’s Rubber Leg’s variations during a guides’ day off with his fishing buddy Colby White. The fish was not a stranger. Georgia WRD staff have reported a huge brown in the area that feasts on catchable-sized trout as they are stocked in the river. DiPietro, however, was not specifically targeting the fish. If he had been, he would have geared up. He was fishing a 10-foot, 5-weight rod. The size 6 stonefly anchoring his two-nymph rig was secured with 2-pound-test tippet. After the first couple runs, DiPietro knew light line was going to be an issue. White pulled anchor on the driftboat and rowed like a madman to keep up with the fish, which carried them several holes upstream. “It’s the biggest trout I’ve ever seen in my life,” DiPietro said. “Colby fell in trying to net him. I just threw Colby the net and told him to go get that fish. He lost a shoe, flooded his waders and went up to his neck in 42-degree water. I mean… the line was wrapped around his head. It really is amazing the tippet held.” For more on trout fishing Georgia’s Toccoa River, visit www.blueridgetroutfishing.com.
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