Skip to main content

The Angler Magazine | February 2022 | Charlotte/Piedmont, NC Edition

Page 1

FREE

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT, NC EDITION

@CAMTAMagazine

LOCAL CATCH PHOTOS

CURRENT INTEL FROM AREA GUIDES

MOUNTAIN LAKE

SMALLIES PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY SHOEMAKE IG: @EMILYSHOEMAKE

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 323

F R A N C H I S E

THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

FEBRUARY 2022

W O R L D W I D E


P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM


Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.


HOOKED ON™ A CLEAN OCEAN

CLEANING OUR OCEANS FOR A BETTER

TOMORROW

SUZUKI’S CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT If you’re going to claim to be “The Ultimate Outboard Motor,” you’d better do more than just build great engines. This is why, for the past 10 years, Suzuki has been committed to cleaning up the marine environment through voluntary “Clean Up The World” activities around the globe. Through the recently launched CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, Suzuki Marine is committed to reducing the use of plastics in packaging materials to its consumers which has led to eliminating 2.3 tons of plastic waste annually. Suzuki is continually finding ways to reduce plastic waste while educating and informing the boating industry about this critical issue. This is only the beginning and Suzuki is pledging itself to the important cause of protecting our planet’s waters, coastal environments, and marine ecosystems for future generations to enjoy.

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.


C Pr

The

C

a m coun mode Flotti with


Covert Italian Navy Program’s Secret Revealed!

® Staueler Price

ImpossibLY ON

$49

The Italian Royal Navy makes a very compelling case … ONLY $49!

C

all in the frogmen! That’s what you say when a military mission calls for combat scuba divers and swimmers. Many countries have their own elite forces of frogmen, but the first modern frogmen were the Italian commando unit of Decima Flottiglia MAS. These men pioneered a new kind of war, and with it, new types of tools.

That’s when they created the cushion case, an iconic watch shape that mixes comfort with top-shelf mechanics. Known best for its square shape with rounded corners, the cushion case became a hallmark of the Frogmen of the Italian Navy. Inspired by this workhorse of a machine, we’ve crafted the Royal Cushion Watch, a watch that aims to cushion the blow from other, overpriced timepieces. Big, ultra-masculine, yet somehow refined, this historic case is a design with heritage and panache. Don’t believe us? Ask GQ. The publication’s UK edition recently wrote that “cushion-shaped watches are the hottest timepiece trend.” “Forget round,” it wrote. “Screw square. These watches are easy on the eye, but also on the wrist.” Water resistant up to 3 ATM, this rough-and-tumble watch features a precision movement, champagne dial, blue Breguet-style hands and markers and a date window at 6 o’clock. Usually a cushion case watch of this caliber would set you back thousands, but because Stauer designs and crafts its own timepieces, we can offer you the Royal Cushion without having to touch the royal coffers. This is a ridiculously good offer for a classic, handsome watch. Don’t get too comfortable — the first time we offered this watch, it SOLD OUT in TWO DAYS! Finally, our artisanal watchmakers have provided us with a few more. With only 1,581 637 in stock, you need to act fast before you’re sunk. Watch Specifications: • Precision movement that oscillates 32,768 times each second • Stainless steel crown and caseback • Black leather band. 44 mm case diameter • Water resistant to 3 ATM. Date window at 3 o’clock • Fits wrists to 8 1/2" Stauer Royal Cushion Watch $299 $49* + S&P *Special price only for customers using the offer code.

Join more than 1 million stauer watch collectors

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: RCW136-01

Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. RCW136-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com

Stauer® |

AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

®


M

ost folks associate the word “gators” with big scaly reptiles or a college mascot. Mention gators to a cadre of hardcore inshore anglers and you are likely to elicit fond memories of 30-plus-inch silver flanks speckled with black spots and gaping yellow mouths sporting a wicked pair of canine teeth. I’m talking about seatrout, big trophy trout that prompt some of us to wake up at 4 a.m. so we can be on the water throwing topwater plugs at first light. Big trout don’t act like their smaller brethren, and the techniques that hammer schoolies won’t work on bigger fish. Most gator trout are caught on shallow grass flats 1 ½ to 3 feet deep. Look for flats with dense grass mixed with a few sandy potholes that big trout use to ambush prey. The flat should also have a healthy supply of bait like mullet or pinfish, and it should be close to deeper water, so a wary old trout has a short escape route. During the hottest days of summer, big trout retreat to deeper water off the edge of a flat or seek out shade under mangroves or docks. During the coldest nights of winter, gator trout move into deep channels, canals and dredge holes where they can be targeted with sinking plugs and shrimp imitations worked slowly along the bottom. Seatrout see well in low light, unlike their prey items, like mullet. So, big trout feed best during low light. It is best to

By Paul MacInnis

SLING LURES for Grass Flat Gator Trout

fish early mornings, late evenings, on overcast days and at night. It may seem counter intuitive, but more trophy trout are caught on artificials than bait. Big trout are loners. Lures allow you to cover a lot of water, increasing your odds of intercepting bigger fish. About 80 percent of an adult seatrout’s diet is fish. With that in mind, large mullet-imitating lures are a good choice. The classic gator trout lure is a topwater “walk-the-dog” bait like the venerable Zara Spook. Of course, big swimbaits and shallowrunning plugs also work, along with soft plastic shrimp. A seatrout doesn’t grow to trophy size by being stupid. Big trout are wary and will evacuate a flat at the slightest indication of danger. Hull slaps and pressure waves from a drifting boat put wise old trout on high alert. It’s best to ditch the skiff and either wade or fish from a minimally invasive vessel like a kayak. It also helps to make long casts to get your lure in front of a fish before it detects your presence. Catching a true gator seatrout is not easy, and even when you do everything right there is still an element of luck involved. When you finally catch that trophy fish, handle with care and release her gently. A mature female seatrout can release over a million eggs during a spawn. Let her go to release her big-fish DNA into the gene pool.

He sec inc Use promocode CA2022 at Fellmarine.com to receive a special offer!

ALWAYS ON - NEVER INTRUSIVE

Complies with new USCG regulation regarding mandatory emergency lanyard use 6 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Wh qui com of c inc to

Th sitt tha Ce uni U.S

Eac II H All

FREEDOM WITH SAFETY

www.fellmarine.com

W

194

YOUR PERSONAL LIFEGUARD...

The MOB+™ is a life-saving device for your boat. It provides greater freedom of movement than a traditional kill switch, and stops the engine should you fall overboard. Connect up to 4 people at the same time.

AU W

Now available at: & (Online only) Or find your local retailer at www.fellmarine.com/retailers

Loo in t

Go

Gov Gov publ tions


$

SA VE

70

NTIC AUTH E E E L T WWI I S S CE NT

OV E

R

Actual size is 19 mm

W

hen our buyer received the call, he nearly fell out of his chair. In his 19 years in the coin business, he had never seen a hoard like this. 20,000 coins—all 1943 Lincoln Steel Cents! He quickly secured as many as he could, and now you can secure full rolls of this historic World War II-era coin at an incredible price.

What is a Steel Cent?

When the United States entered World War II, copper quickly became a coveted material. Required for our communications as well as munitions, every major supply of copper needed to be turned over to the war effort. That included the large supply of copper used by the U.S. Mint to strike Lincoln Cents! The Lincoln Cent is the U.S. Mint’s longest-running series, sitting in the pockets and piggy banks of Americans for more than 100 years. But for one year only—1943—the Lincoln Cent was struck in steel-coated zinc instead of copper. This unique, historic mintage is now one of the most coveted in U.S. history!

Authentic Pieces of WWII History

much as $2.25 per coin, or a total of $112.50 for a full 50-coin roll’s worth! But while our supplies last, you can secure a 50-coin roll of authentic World War II 1943 Steel Cents for Only $39.95—a savings of over $70! Buy multiple rolls and SAVE EVEN MORE! In addition, you’ll also receive a BONUS Replica WWII newspaper, reprinting front-page news! There’s no telling when or if another hoard of these historic WWII coins will be found. Don’t wait—secure your very own piece of the Allied victory now!

1943 U.S. Steel Cent 50-Coin Roll

1-2 Rolls- $39.95 ea. + s/h 3-4 Rolls- $38.49 ea. + FREE SHIPPING 5-10 Rolls- $36.75 ea. + FREE SHIPPING Limit 10 rolls per customer

BONUS

REPLICA WWI I NEWSPAPER

FREE SHIPPING over $149 $99!

Limited time special, normally free shipping applies to orders of $149. Product total over $99 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Each 1943 U.S. Steel Cent is an authentic piece of World War II History—an example of America’s dedication to aiding the Allies and winning the war.

Buy a Full Roll and SAVE!

Look elsewhere for these coveted World War II Steel Cents in this same condition, and you could wind up paying as

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-800-329-0225 Offer Code RLC378-02 Please mention this code when you call.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER

GovMint.com • 1300 Corporate Center Curve, Dept. RLC378-02, Eagan, MN 55121 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. © 2022 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.


The Experts in Custom Rod Building Have Much to Share

M

ud Hole Custom Tackle is the world’s largest supplier of rod building and tackle crafting goods and instruction. The heart of Mud Hole is its people, who strive for excellence and truly care about what they do. From leadership to customer service, and from product development to the warehouse floor, Mud Hole is comprised of passionate anglers and rod builders who use their own products every day and are eager to bring custom rod building to anglers everywhere. Established in the 1970s as a custom rod shop in New Jersey, and named after the famed Mud Hole trench at the outflow of the Hudson River, Mud Hole has truly humble, “tackle-shop” origins. Things really picked up in 1999, when the headquarters moved to Oviedo, Florida and the Internet made it easier to connect across the globe. Promoting the many benefits of custombuilt fishing equipment, Mud Hole Custom Tackle thrived and brought custom rod building to the masses. As interest in rod building grew and the industry flourished, Mud Hole dedicated itself to providing accessible DIY rod building instruction and resources to anyone who wanted to learn. Today, the Mud Hole YouTube channel hosts almost 500 videos with over 10 million views, and is followed by over 31,000 subscribers. From Rod Building

101 instructional videos to product reviews to Rod Recipes to Mud Hole TV episodes—where the team builds custom rods and puts them to the test against the most popular target species—Mud Hole provides the highest quality, most entertaining rod building content available. In addition to recorded video content, Mud Hole also hosts a live, streamed rod building show, Mud Hole Live, where hosts and guests share rod building techniques with an interactive, online audience. Who knew that custom rod building would hit the big time! Beyond making quality rod building content easily accessible to DIY audiences, Mud Hole also offers custom rod building classes with professional instructors. The workshops take place in the Mud Hole Education Center in Oviedo, Florida, in local markets across the U.S., and even online, in the comfort of your own home. A variety of topical classes are offered, from beginner workshops to application-specific builds, such as surf, fly, redfish and mahi rods. All classes include every component, supply, and all of the personal interaction needed to build high quality, custom fishing rods. Mud Hole also collaborates with schools and youth organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and 4-H to bring rod building to students through

specialized programs and education curriculum. In its 13 years, the Mud Hole Education program has reached over 30,000 students across 650 institutions in the United States, Canada and Australia. For Mud Hole, it’s not just about selling customers the components, tools and supplies they need with top-notch customer service, it’s also providing all of the instruction and resources to help them build! It’s about supporting and growing the community of rod builders who share a passion for custom rod building. Check out all that Mud Hole Custom Tackle has to offer at mudhole.com.

YOUR RODS. YOUR WAY. Elevate your fishing game with custom built rods.

8 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MUDHOLE.COM


CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT NC EDITION

In This Issue…. Local Fishing Forecasts The Science Line Catch of the Month Billy Raines, Publisher TheAnglerMagCLT@gmail.com

/TAMcharlottenc

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2022

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 1


FRESHWATER FORECAS

Forecast for Lake Norman By: Captain Craig Price On Lake Norman, water temperatures should be close to ideal (50-55⁰ F), and large schools of forage, primarily small-medium size herring, threadfin shad, and alewives form in major drainages above and below the Hwy 150 bridge. Depending on actual water temps and other conditions (wind, light, etc.) the bait can be found in creek mouths; midway back along the creek channels; and sometimes back close to the mudflats where the creeks enter the lake. Sea birds typically have arrived by January and are excellent indicators of where concentrations of bait and gamefish are on any given day. In the cool water, schools of hybrids, stripers, spotted bass, and white perch roam freely throughout the water column. Surface feeding, and surface catching, opportunities can take place anytime, especially on low light days. Catfish are often below this activity, especially around humps and ledges near points or flats. The methods for catching winter gamefish are numerous. I’m an old (longtime, not age!) live bait fishermen and live shad, herring, or even store-bought trout or shiners are effective. They can be fished on free lines or weighted lines to reach the desired depth. I use Carolina rigs with 1/0-3/0 circle hooks, but j-hooks and trebles are still used. You might consider fishing barbless if you plan to release your catch alive and healthy. Since the introduction of blueback herring into Lake Norman, the action is often found in open water along deep creek channels, and more so along the river channel as winter progresses. I especially like to work the initial depth transition from the deep channel/flood plain to the shallower areas approaching the bank. These transition zones are easily identified on a topo map because the flood plain contains very few contour lines and the decreasing depths heading towards the bank are indicated by an increasing number of contour lines.

As a live bait striper angler, it took me quite some time to embrace trolling artificials (A-rigs, umbrella rigs, tandem bucktail rigs, crankbaits, etc.), but the open water activity in winter is a great time to employ this technique, simply because you can cover more water while tracking the fast-moving action. One of my favorite inshore saltwater offerings that has proven successful here in winter is the use of Gulp Alive swimming mullets. I fish them on lead jig heads, for trolling or casting. The curly tail design has a great swimming action, plus the profile and length are ideal for “matching the hatch” at Lake Norman. White or chartreuse are the only colors I carry. I vary my presentation by changing jig head colors if needed. The integral scent is an added attractant. Other paddle tail or curly tail swim baits are also effective, so don’t hesitate to try different designs. What I call my “Christmas tree A-rig” is a 2 tier, nine drop Shane’s Baits setup with 1/16 or 1/8 oz. red jig heads and chartreuse swimming mullets. It’s pretty gaudy, but some of my very best creels, both number and sizewise, have come from this display. On Norman, hybrids, stripers, bass, and perch all attack this offering. No matter your preference, there’s really no excuse to miss these early winter opportunities. Get your foul weather gear out, choose your weapons, and hit the water for some of the year’s best catching. Fish On! Capt. Craig Price is locally born and raised, and has been fishing the Catawba River and its impoundments since the 1960’s. As his guide business has grown, his area of operations has also grown to include numerous freshwater lakes in NC & SC, plus inshore saltwater charters along the coasts of both states.Capt. Craig is a master rated USCG licensed captain, fully insured, and trained in first aid/CPR. Visit www. fishonguideservices.com or call 704-996-0946 to book your fishing adventure today.

HWY. 49 36488 SPORTING GOODS NC 49 Hwy, New London, NC 28127 704-463-7053 Tuckertown Lake 49sports.com

2 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

FEBRUARY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM


mbrace kbaits, oy this ng the

cessful em on great ng the carry. I tegral its are

s Baits ullets. d sizebass,

e early e your sh On!

ng the guide nclude arters USCG www. fishing

DS

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2022

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 3


FRESHWATER FORECAS

Forecast for Lake WYLIE By: Captain Phillip Rizzitello With the holidays and hunting season over its time to get back on the water. This time of the year can be very hit or miss. Watching the weather can be your best friend. While the actual temperature may play a roll, something more important is sharp temperature changes. Days with sharp drops in temperature are going to be the least favorable and days with a consistent temperature or rise will be more desirable. Generally speaking, leading up to rain produces warmer weather as well as a drop in pressure, which are both favorable conditions. The cooler weather and sharp changes are going to drive the fish into deeper water to avoid the sudden change. The warmer weather will push them back up to feed on bait fish. Rocks are a great place to start as they will hold heat when the temperature starts to drop. Points with rocks is where I’m going to target most species. Flats with quick access to deeper water is a great place as well, as the fish will hold deep or on the ledge and move into the shallows to feed.

Be mindful with our lack of rain our lakes are low and can cause navigation hazards. It may help you locate structure that might have otherwise been under water. Regardless just be aware because after all returning home safely to loved ones is the most important thing! Visit www.rizzsoutdoors.com or call 803-2306309 to book your fishing trip with Captain Phillip Rizzitello

SUNDAY - MONDAY: Closed TUESDAY - THURSDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Indoor Range is Open! Deer Season is around the corner! We have all the equipment to make your hunt a success. Stop in and sign up for the 2021 Deer Contest!

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram

Stop in for the latest gear and accessories to pursue your archery passion. We are dedicated to helping people practice and expand their archery skills. Practice your shooting skill at our range! All abilities are welcome! 4410 Old Pineville Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217

(704) 527-1110 www.barefootarchery.com

4 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

FEBRUARY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM


COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2022

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 5


Catch of the MONTH

Lewis Gensel 6 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

FEBRUARY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM


The Science Line

Light Weight Line For Big Fish By: Jake Bussolini

This is the time of the year when a lot of part time anglers start asking questions about line strength that should be used in our local lakes and rivers. The question comes up now because the winter months are the time when many anglers start to re-string their reels and do other equipment maintenance.

With strong slow action the line will stretch and hold far more weight than its listed weight. Care must be taken to let a big fish run when it wants to run because if the drag is held tight, the fish will snap the line when he runs. The important factors are not to let the fish make sudden lunges and above all else don’t let the line rub against the boat or even rub other lines that may be in the water. When stretched to its limits the line The question of line strength can get somewhat complicated will snap easily if it rubes a solid object. It is also advisable to if you want to get into the species of fish being sought, kind use a lift up and crank down retrieve so that the rod does all of water being fished and the actual casting techniques the work and the fish can be brought to the surface slowly but being used by a specific angler. Actually, to me, it’s a rather above all, if the fish wants to run, let it run. Tiring a huge fish simple answer because it’s more a function of how the angler is the only way that you will be able to get it into the boat. retrieves the fish, and not the strength of the line. I will use a I have found that on Lake Norman when not fishing for any case in point to illustrate my theory. specific species, a 10 pound test line will catch any fish in the lake with a little angler skill and care. I had a guest out fishing right after Christmas. His name is Lewis Gensel who was visiting North Carolina from Pennsylvania. Jake Bussolini is a freelance writer who has published several Because the weather had been rather warm, we were fishing books about fresh water fishing. His books can be seen at for bass so I used my regular line set-ups that were om the www.booksbyjake.com boat that day which were spinning equipment wound with 10 pound mono line. We had a terrible day of fishing which often happens when we are trying to brag about all the bass that we have in Lake Norman. We were trolling in the back of a long cove with live bait, when Lewis suddenly jumped up and grabbed a rod that he thought was hooked on the bottom because the rod tip was nearly touching the water. I noticed that the rod tip was actually hopping so I told Lewis that it looked to me like he had a big fish on the line. I had briefed him when we started that we were using 10 pound test line and I had the drag set loose enough that a big fish could run and if it wanted to run he should permit it to do so. He had to make his retrieve very slow and very carefully using a slow pull up and crank down technique which he was familiar with. About 20 minutes later Lewis finally brought this 40 pound blue catfish into the boat. The fish was so fat that it would not bend to fit into my net but once we saw the fish we took great care not to loose it. This monster turned an otherwise bad fishing day into a trophy success. When we finally sat and rested from the experience and returned the fish to the lake, I explained to Lewis what had just happened but as a seasoned angler he already knew. Monofilament line has a significant stretch factor built in.

123 W Broad St * Statesville, NC 28677 * 704.871.1444 1-40 exit 150, S one mile or 1-77 exit 50, W 1 mile approx

Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-6pm

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2022

Sat 9am-12pm

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 7


8 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

FEBRUARY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM


Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.

geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO. 21_660726485


CATCH SMALLMOUTHS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA

H

By Capt. James McManus

ere in the western North Carolina mountains, we get a lot of visitors. Snowbirds are what we call people who come here from up north to enjoy our milder climate. One snowbird most fishermen cherish is the smallmouth bass. We are at the southern end of their natural range, and almost all of our watersheds contain some. Smallies have characteristics that endear them to anglers. They are aggressive, eat year-round, grow to respectable size and when hooked spend as much time out of the water as in.

You can find these beauties in most of our sizeable rivers. River fish seem to be more active in summer. I think it’s linked to terrestrial food items being more available. Floating area rivers like the Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee, Hiwassee and French Broad will keep you in fish regardless of your preferred method. For fly guys, any minnow or crawdad imitation will draw strikes, and in warmer weather nymphs and hoppers get their attention. Poppers and sliders can be lots of fun, just remember river smallies tend to be smaller than their lake buds. I spend more time chasing lake fish. There is less competition from other anglers, and average size is much better. Winter and early spring are the best seasons, in my opinion, only because the females are chock-full of eggs. It is when we catch our largest fish of the year. Many methods produce, and I throw a lot of jigs and jerkbaits. Lake fish have a variety of forage, so anything resembling threadfin shad, blueback herring or crawdads fits their menu. Dropshot, Shaky head and wacky-rigged worms all catch fish. Average depth for smallies year-round is 45 feet, or so. However, our clear mountain lakes allow them to identify prey up on the surface. Don’t shy from throwing topwater just because you mark fish deep. Especially when they are feeding up pre- and postspawn, you’ll find smallmouths on rock or gravel, where they love to eat little lobsters. They also suspend in open water to chase shad, but this is more of a warm-water behavior. On Lake Fontana, my home lake, we troll a good bit, and it’s not unusual to find them suspended at 45 feet over 200 feet of water. I should note that while we still have good smallmouth fishing, invasive spotted bass have forced their way into smallie enclaves. For this reason, we never kill a smallmouth. If you like to eat fish, take all the spotted bass you want; they are better eating anyway. Smallies and spots use the same spawning areas and hybridize. While not good genetically, it produces a fish that has that hybrid vigor, hence the name “meanmouth.” Markings and coloration make the smallmouth one of the prettiest of all fish. We should try hard to preserve them so our kids have the thrill of fighting one of the gamest fish around. Captain James McManus owns 153 charters out of Sylva, N.C. Call him at (828) 421-8125. James fishing McManus/Instagram.

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

Q3 ECSTAR HALF HORIZONTAL CSTL ANGLR 7-16-21.indd 1 10 SZNATIONAL FEBRUARY 2022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

7/16/2021 9:56:33 AM


er fish l food segee, n fish ow or ymphs of fun, ds. n from ng are -full of

Stranded on the Water?

You’re not Alone.

. Lake shad, ad and

er, our Don’t

ll find . They -water t’s not

UNLIMITED TOWING MEMBERSHIP

vasive on, we ss you

*

$99/$165

While ce the one of s have

Breakdowns can feel unnerving but with an Unlimited Towing Membership, there’s no need to worry. With 600+ boats and 300+ ports on the water, help is just a phone call away.

GET TOWING AND GET GOING!

800-395-2628 • BoatUS.com/Towing *One year Freshwater/Saltwater Towing Membership pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

REEL LIFE HOODIES

R

eel Life has your back on those cold fly fishing mornings. Hook elusive permit in total comfort in the Men’s Captiva Hoodie. Wearable on its own, or layered when there’s a chill in the air, the long cotton fabric is super soft. Wear the Captiva Hoodie while at your favorite fishing spot or hanging out at the marina. Of course, if you don’t fish in winter, you might be looking toward warmer waters. The breathable vented design is ultra-lightweight and breezy to keep you cool without sweating. It’s a delicate balance when fishing for cobia in southern Florida, and a bonus that lets you wear it year-round. From mornings on the boat to evenings at the beach, Reel Life’s Women’s Sanibel Hoodie helps you have fun in the most comfortable fabric possible. The Sanibel Hoodie is breezy, ultra-soft, and with six different designs to choose from, there are options for everyone! From fishing and kayaking to boat shows and beach hangouts, the ring-spun cotton is breathable, lightweight and eye-catching. Reel Life hoodies provide maximum comfort and style, no matter where you REELLIFEGEAR.COM are or what you’re doing. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 2022

NATIONAL 11


C-HAWK & MITZI SKIFF: DEPENDABLE SIMPLICITY

T

here’s a certain type of boater who values simplicity and functionality over flashiness. Most anglers fall into this category. A simple boat comes with less hassle, allowing you to spend more time on the water. Two brands that fit right into this niche for dependability and easy boating are C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff. Across the product lines for both boats, a no-nonsense reputation has developed a considerable following among people who would rather fish than look at their boats. No trailer queens here! “We build a keep-it-simple-stupid boat. If you want something you can soft scrub at the end of the day and put it away, you’re my guy,” said Brad Grubbs, the owner and manufacturer of C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff. “We set out to make boats that are affordable to operate and affordable to own, and the philosophy has worked.” C-Hawk, which has been around since the mid-1970s, offers lines of 16’ to 29’ center consoles and 22’ to 29’ sport cabins that were originallyw developed for commercial applications. C-Hawks remain widely used commercially, and many recreational boaters also see the value in a vessel

H that’s built to take a beating. “Really, we just took a commercial-duty boat and put a little lipstick on it,” Grubbs said. “The boat is as tough as it ever was. It’s been the same boat for nearly 50 years.” Mitzi Skiffs were designed for a specific purpose, yet the same philosophy applies. When the first Mitzi was designed in the mid-1990s, the concept was simple. There was nothing on the market with the shallow draft, clean layout and quiet maneuverability needed for fly fishing the flats. Those ideas propel the company today. Almost 30 years later, Mitzi’s line of 15’, 16’ and 17’ skiffs achieve those purposes exceptionally well, and they are inexpensive to own and operate. With the original design and continuing innovation, Mitzi Skiffs are flats boats other boat builders imitate. C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats are available exclusively through select dealers. Contact your local dealer to find out how they can be rigged out to fit your style of fishing.

SPRINGTIME FISHING...

LET’S GO!

For more on Mitzi Skiffs, go to www.mitziskiffs.com. For more on C-Hawk, go to chawkboats.net.

f A r s w d m

W B b i

N m a g

S T s

L s c www.

.com

L t

25’ C-Hawk CC

www.MitziSkiffs.com • www.CHawkBoats.net CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER 12 NATIONAL

FEBRUARY 2022

252-235-2461

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

S

• 2 ct


Flip Flip Hooray! A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79

H

ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver

Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!

Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only! To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size. Chain sold separately.

“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.” — Dolphins-World

Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316!

êêêêê

You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”

— Vivian, Cabool, MO

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DPP325-03 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP325-03, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®


PARKIT360: THE ULTIMATE TRAILER PARKING SOLUTION S

ave yourself the parking headaches—oneshot your boat or trailer into position every time with one of Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies. Parkit360 units are powerful and easy to use. Even large trailered boats, campers and cargo trailers are infinitely more maneuverable, especially in tight spaces, with a Parkit360 Trailer Dolly. 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. Parkit360 makes compact dollies that make parking easy, even on difficult surfaces. With planetary gearing, all Force and Transformer models include 6.5” tires, standard, which provide excellent traction on a wide range of surfaces like firm grass, packed gravel, asphalt and up to a 6 percent incline. 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. You can park in ways that are impossible with a truck and have the flexibility to move around the trailer at any time to check its position or for obstacles that might damage your precious cargo. The dolly’s compact design also allows the user to park hitch-end forward as a serious theft deterrent, something that is pretty much 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

B option starts and stops the motor gradually to prevent potential damage from sudden movements, something that makes these trailer dollies stand out above the competition. Switch speeds any time during parking and get things done faster than ever before! 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. 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 dollies to customers all over the world. Move your trailer with ease, and get in and out of storage faster than ever!

o a and natu fossil years are n B.

For more information, visit Parkit360.ca

C.

“Peo years

• 20"


N

A.

44 million year old honey gold Baltic amber gives you a glimpse into the fascinating world of prehistoric times

Get the complete set for only $249 plus Free Shipping with call-in only!*

Prehistoric Perfection B

44 million year old Baltic amber priced at just $99

oth in love and in gemstones, it can take a long time to achieve perfection. Just as your relationship has matured and strengthened over the years, so has Baltic amber. This natural gemstone is a scientific phenomenon that contains fossilized plant and animal life that date back over 40 million years. In fact, most of the life-forms found in Baltic amber are now extinct. Thankfully, the fine art of a great deal B. is alive and well at Stauer. The amber pieces you see here feature ample carats of amber from the icy Baltic region, famous for containing the world’s finest amber deposits. And, adding to the prehistoric mystique is the fact that no two stones are identical–– each piece captured something different as it formed, just as every love story is unique. C. Now, there are necklaces with generous gems of amber going for nearly $15,000. We think that’s barbaric. Which is why we made certain you can bring home 160 total carats of the world’s oldest natural gem for only $99. “People have been making amber jewelry for over 10,000 years, which could make it the first gem material ever used.” — The International Gem Society (IGS)

PRAISE FOR STAUER Satisfaction guaranteed or AMBER JEWELRY your money back. Revel in the  unique beauty of Cherry Amber “When it arrived I was for 30 days If it fails to delight, blown away by it’s beauty and uniqueness.” send it back for a full refund of – J. R., Port Angeles, WA the item price. Limited Reserves. Baltic amber at these prices won’t stick around. Call today before this great deal becomes extinct.

Cherry Amber Collection A. Necklace (160 ctw) ..................... $499† $99 + S&P Save $400 B. Ring (8 ctw) ................................. $399† $129 + S&P Save $270 C. Earrings (15 ctw) ......................... $399† $149 + S&P Save $250 Necklace, Ring & Earrings Set $1297 $299 + S&P Save $998 *Call and ask how to get the set for only $249 with free shipping

You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: CAC193-02 † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

®

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CAC193-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 20" Necklace • 160 carats total weight tumbled Baltic amber • Ring set in yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver • Ring: whole sizes 5-10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®


AndAlusiA MArine & powersports inc.

Headquarters For All your Boating needs Xpress •

1707 River Falls Street, Andalusia, AL 36421

Alweld •

(334) 427-1428

stingrAy • VerAndA • Quest

All kinds of parts and accessories in stock and ready for delivery! Innertubes • Ski’s • Wakeboards Ropes • Life jackets Solas and Michigan Wheel Props

certified full line YAmAhA deAler!

GreAt service!

• Humminbird • Garmin • Lowrance • Minnkota - authorized sales and service center • Rhodan • Certified Full Line Yamaha Dealer

www.andalusiamarine.com www.facebook.com/andalusiamarine


WHEN FISHING SHALLOWS, YOU NEED A REEL WITH A REPUTATION THAT RUNS DEEP.

Packed with more fish stopping features than ever before, the PENN ® Slammer ® IV takes a tradition of excellence to a whole new level. An 8+1 sealed stainless steel bearing system with Hydrophobic Line Roller Bearing makes the reel as smooth as it is tough. The Slammer IV drag system was upgraded to provide wider range. And the reel body and spool are now even more perfectly sealed. Just like the fate of the fish. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

© 2021

Pure Fishing, Inc.

PENN ® Slammer ® IV


FOR REEL

GOOD FISHING Visit Upcountry South Carolina Stop by the South Carolina Lakes booth at the Bassmaster Classic Expo, March 4-6, 2022 at the Greenville Convention Center.

Perfectly Seasoned FishUpcountrySC.com

864-233-2690

Lake Hartwell, host of the 2008, 2015, 2018, and 2022 Academy Sports & Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
The Angler Magazine | February 2022 | Charlotte/Piedmont, NC Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine - Issuu