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Fishing Reports Catch Photos News & Events PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB RICE, THE ANGLER MAGAZINE ATLANTA VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 277
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BOOST YOUR CATCH w/RezBoostTM Technology
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Get up to 8x sharper resolution, using a standard narrow band transducer, to more clearly define fish targets.
Assess individual fish size and depth based on echo strength for fish from 4 inches to over 6 feet.
Identify the sea floor composition from four types (Rocks/Sand/Gravel/Mud).
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BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
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WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com
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GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
Owning a Fishing Magazine
This edition of the magazine is being brought to you by your local publisher. Their contact information is shown on the left of this page. They’re doing a great job to make sure that you receive accurate fishing forecasts and marine related information every month. They also ensure that you can easily find a copy of the magazine throughout your community. They also make sure that this magazine continues to be available to you for free. As you read the magazine, you’ll notice that business owners place their ads in the magazine. That’s what keeps this magazine free to the public. Your local publisher of the magazine would appreciate you letting these businesses know that you saw their ad in the magazine and that you appreciate their support of this resource. Our publishers do a great job of providing this resource to your community. You might even consider sending them an email or a call to let them know you appreciate what they do. Everybody enjoys hearing “Good job” from time to time. If you or someone you know would be interested in learning about our franchise opportunities, we would love to hear from you. We want to expand our magazine throughout the country. Owning your own fishing magazine requires hard work and dedication, but it can be a very rewarding profession. Some say “the best job you’ll ever have.” We currently have over 30 locations, and we have been franchising the magazine for 10 years. If you would like to turn your passion for the outdoors into a profession, give us a call. We may have just what you’ve been looking for. Best regards,
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY
Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com
1-888-800-9794
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Outdoor Apparel FISH HIPPIE FLATWATER COLLECTION SHUCKERHUT PLAID Those who live an outdoor life should be able to represent it in their casual lives as well as “out there.” That’s the idea behind Fish Hippie, which was created by anglers who favor good times with friends, time on the water and “drifting off course” as often as life allows. New for spring 2018 from the Fish Hippie Flatwater Collection, the Shuckerhut Plaid blends on-the-water comfort with casual style of the highest quality. Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the Shuckerhut delivers a silky-smooth touch with an apt range of movement and flexibility. Hidden-button collars prevent dreaded “collar flare,” while double chest pockets and two back shoulder pleats converge for an elevated level of functional, yet casual, style. The specially created four-way stretch fabric is 30+ upf, wrinkle and stain resistant and is easily worn fishing, as well as to the office or a night on the town. The Flatwater Collection is the latest offering from Fish Hippie for those more at home on the road less traveled. Learn more about Fish Hippie and survey all the lifestyle-driven gear and apparel at www.fishhippie.com.
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L.L.BEAN ULTIMATE FISHING SHIRT L.L.Bean recently introduced its new Ultimate Fishing Shirt, and it’s exactly what you need for a long day on the flats or a wade trip up your favorite stream. The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is a technical fishing shirt, thoughtfully designed with a combination of fabrics for ease of movement, comfort and durability. It looks good and keeps you dry with moisturewicking fabrics, but what makes it the Ultimate Fishing Shirt is its ability to provide protection from both biting insects and the sun’s harmful rays. With UPF 50+ sun protection and No Fly Zone technology to repel insects, this shirt eliminates two of the most prominent factors that lead to discomfort on the water. It features four chest pockets to hold essential gear, it can be worn tucked or untucked, the sleeves can be rolled up and secured, and an extended collar unrolls from hidden snaps to provide added protection from the sun. The slightly fitted design offers a relaxed fit through the chest and sleeve, with a slightly slimmer waist to both look good and provide for unhindered movement. The Ultimate Fishing Shirt is available in Dusty Sage, Marine Blue and Graystone colors.
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CAPSMITH REEL ANGLER HEADWEAR
SHIMANO EVAIR BOAT SHOES
Do you need custom headwear? Capsmith Inc. is the No. 1 trusted source for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts with more than 33 years of experience in the headwear industry. A wholesale distributor of fishing headwear, Capsmith has a line of stylish hats designed specifically for anglers. Their Reel Angler headwear collection celebrates life out on the water. Their in-stock Reel Angler collection comes in a variety of cool fish designs including dolphin, marlin, tarpon, sailfish, yellowfin, bass, snook, seatrout and redfish. These five-panel caps feature sublimation printed crown and bill inspired by nautical maps. A 3D embroidered Reel Angler logo on crown adds a premium look to this one-of-a-kind cap that features an extended bill with a green undervisor to avoid water glare. A soft performance mesh back and snapback closure ensures comfort for extended wear. Wholesalers, distributors or custom-made customers can contact Capsmith at 1-800-228-3889 or sales@capsmith.com.
Perfect on the deck of or a boat, Shimano’s new Evair boat shoes offer both style and function for all kinds of fishing. The ultra lightweight EVA midsole provides all-day comfort, and if they get wet, the upper mesh is made from a quick dry fabric. The heel can be bent down to wear like a sandal. Relying on its expertise with cycling shoes from its bicycle components division, and Shimano’s success with its Evair marine/ fishing sandal and award-wining Evair flats boots, Evair boat shoes include design features like a exposed EVA soft material on the inside front sole to better grip a trolling motor pedal. The non-marking sole is welcomed on any boat, plus it provides traction on a wet surface. Designed, developed and manufactured by Shimano, Evair boat shoes are offered in two colors – blue and navy – and in whole sizes from 7 through 13.
WWW.CAPSMITH.COM COLUMBIA PFG SOLAR SHADE ZERO
This woven button-up, longsleeved shirt is fully featured with Columbia’s new Omni-Shade Sun Deflector and OmniFreeze Zero to help keep you cool and protected for long days on the water. This key style for Columbia PFG is strategically zoned and offers the sun-deflecting dots exactly where you need it on the shoulders and back, to help protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition, this shirt has a sun protection collar, roll-up sleeves, rod holder and Light Rail zippered chest pockets.
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CAPITAL SPORTSMAN ULTIMATE HYBRID The Ultimate Hybrid from Capital Sportsman is more than a great fishing shirt. Capital Sportsman set out to design one shirt that would be functional for any outdoor activity, while being stylish enough for indoor activities – the ultimate
hybrid shirt. Available in three original patterns, four solid colors and limited-edition seasonal patterns, it was designed for comfort and is made of a 100% cotton twill fabric with a baby-soft hand. It also has a special “soft-as-butter” under the arms and in a back vent which provides exceptional ventilation. A relaxed fit provides freedom of movement for casting. Other features include a roll-up sleeve tab, two easy-access chest pockets and a secured zipper pocket for important documents such as a license or passport. There is also a utility loop, which is important if you need to keep that extra fly handy. The Ultimate hybrid already has people talking. Cory “Ruthless” Routh of Ruthless Outdoor Adventures said the Ultimate Hybrid is, “more comfortable than anything I’ve ever tried on. I can go from the field to the office, no problem.”
WWW.CAPITALSPORTSMAN.COM
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Product Reviews
SIMMS CHALLENGER JACKET
KLUCH MAKIN’ MOVES COLLECTION
From bitter early morning cold through late-afternoon storms, the outside elements can be a distraction when you’re zoning in on the end of your line. Simms’ men’s Challenger Jacket fights back against the elements with heavy-duty Toray fabric and fully taped seams for completely waterproof, breathable comfort. Fleece-lined pockets warm your hands in the most numbing weather. An adjustable storm hood packs away in the collar, and a storm flap with water-resistant zippers adds protection from the driving rain. This jacket will keep you warm and dry while you fish, regardless of the type of fishing you do.
Whether you’re making a move toward the hot bite or looking to reset your spread, the new Kluch Makin’ Moves collection has the perfect shirt for every offshore angler. These shirts are available in short or long sleeve cotton. Each shirt sports a classic distressed design with comfort in mind. Head on over to Kluch.com today and get your hands on one before they’re gone!
WWW.SIMMSFISHING.COM
Hooked Soul is an outdoor apparel company offering premium men’s and women’s clothing, specifically designed for extended wear, comfort and with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Hooked Soul is an extension of the wearer’s passion for sports, hobbies, and lifestyle experiences with family and friends. Whether fishing in the blue waters of the ocean or freshwater lakes, rivers and streams, each outdoorsman demands comfort and protection from the elements. Hooked Soul was founded in 2014 by three friends and fishing enthusiasts. The inspiration for Hooked Soul came from being outside, the camaraderie and the thrill of the day’s catch. Their passion for an outdoor lifestyle led these three friends to research and bring to market superior performance clothing, the kind they always wanted for themselves. Today Hooked Soul has become an expression and a lifestyle. Hooked Soul, do you have it?
HOOKED SOUL
WWW.KLUCH.COM REALTREE FISHING HAT Realtree has always been about family, friends and the outdoors. As the America’s No. 1 camo pattern, the iconic brand has been providing quality to those who love the outdoors since the 1980s. Last year, Realtree entered into the fishing world with a lifestyle brand ideal for sportsmen and women who trade their bows and guns for fishing rods during the summer months. Realtree Fishing gives an additional connection to the brand they know and respect. Check out their good-looking Realtree fishing hats. They come in several different colors and designs perfect for fishing or everyday wear. These mid-profile hats feature the cool fishhook Realtree Fishing logo embroidered in the front panel, mesh backing and plastic snap closure.
WWW.REALTREE.COM SOFTSCIENCE FIN 3.0
WWW.HOOKEDSOUL.COM
DICKIES WATERPROOF BREATHABLE REFLECTIVE JACKET From the job site to the boat deck, Dickies’ Waterproof Breathable Reflective Jacket has it all. It keeps you comfortable, dry and protected from the elements while providing greater visibility in low light conditions. • Waterproof: The jacket is water resistant and its chest and lower pockets feature waterproof zippers. • Breathable: At just 5.6 ozs., this jacket is lightweight and breathable to keep you comfortable no matter the conditions. • Reflective: For safety, this jacket features enhanced visibility in low light conditions. It appears to light up when light is flashed upon it. 100% Polyester reflective print 10K/10K lamination.
WWW.DICKIES.COM OT WEAR CUSTOM APPAREL OT Wear designs using vivid colors and unique, custom graphics to exceed their customers’ expectations. Their professional designers create custom jerseys and athletic apparel for whatever activity you choose. Distinctive dye-sublimated graphics combined with vivid colors on high performing, comfortable and durable apparel will give you a distinctive edge to stand out from the crowd. Your sponsors will be blown away with how their logos are showcased on your jersey. Let OT Wear outfit you or your team in style with a range of men’s and women’s cuts and
The Fin 3.0 fishing shoe adds a four-eye textile lacing system, an easy-on pull tab and EVA reinforcements on critical toe, forefoot and ankle locations to provide maximum stability in virtually any weather condition. Like all SoftScience shoes, it is lightweight, superbly cushioned and stable, with a woven, breathable reinforced upper. The forefoot water flow system is ideal for worryfree water activity, keeping your feet stable and not slippery. A relaxed fit, the shoes have a removable, washable Trileon insole and Trileon nonmarking, slip-resistant outsole.
WWW.SOFTSCIENCE.COM choice of performance fabrics. They can give you true brand consistency by matching your other marketing materials. Submit your own artwork or let the designers work with your graphics to create highperformance apparel that is unique to you. You will have a stunning, unique look that won’t be matched by others. All of OT’s apparel is made in the USA, from fabric to finished product. Contact them today and let them help you create an extraordinary new look for you or your team.
WWW.OUTDOORTECHWEAR.COM
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FISH & FISHING
Finding The Touch MARK SOSIN
T
oo many anglers blame what they consider the obvious when they are not catching fish. They reason that the fish aren’t hungry, they’re not fishing in the right spot, or the lure they have chosen is not producing the results they expected. Sometimes, it merely takes a subtle touch to turn frustration into success. Although my father fished around the bend many years ago, I still marvel at his skill working a yellow Upperman bucktail in the ¼- or 3/8-ounce size. To this day, I have never met an angler who could come close to matching his success with that single lure. He caught countless species on that bucktail, from striped bass, bluefish and weakfish, to redfish, trout, bonefish, permit and tarpon. Even when I stood next to him and tried to match his every move, I fell far short. What that taught me is that some simple thing in the retrieve (or lack of one) can make a major difference. Let me share a few examples with you. Two of us fishing side-by-side were casting MirrOlures. They were the same model and the same color. He would get strike after strike, while I could barely get a fish to hit my lure. No matter how closely I watched him, I couldn’t detect any difference in the area we fished and the speed of the retrieve. I had to threaten to physically harm him if he didn’t tell me what he was doing. The only difference was that he occasionally vibrated his wrist on the hand
holding the rod. That caused the lure to flash just like a baitfish, and a predator reacted to that instantly. In another example, my friend and I were both fishing a swimming plug with a lip. During the retrieve, it would dive down, but if you stopped reeling the lure would start to float back to the surface. Once again, my partner got strike after strike, and I could barely catch an occasional fish. All he was doing was swimming the plug for a short distance, pausing for an instant, and then continuing the retrieve. Every time he paused, the plug would start to rise in the water column and then dive again when he resumed reeling. The sudden dive made it appear the lure was trying to escape from a predator. That’s all it took. Here’s one more example. The successful angler would start with a rather slow retrieve and then speed it up about halfway back to the boat. If a fish happened to see the plug, the change in speed would make it appear as if the plug were trying to get away and that’s a trigger mechanism. Seasoned anglers who fish artificials and score frequently limit the number of lures they carry and develop a touch for each one that produces strikes. Basically, there is more than one way to fish any artificial. My suggestion is that you keep trying a variety of subtle approaches until you become the angler that others envy and try to copy.
For more about artifical lures with Mark Sosin, visit
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FLY FISHING
Fly Reel Backing
L
osing a big saltwater gamefish after it is hooked and decides to head for the horizon is, in many instances, the result of filling your reel with backing that is either too short or too light. It can ruin an otherwise wonderful trip. Also, making wrong choice in backing can lose you not only your fish, but worse, it can cost you a very expensive fly line. Twenty-pound backing is a good choice for most inshore saltwater fly fishing situations, and 30-pound backing will more than fill the bill in getting you through a tussle with an uncooperative bluewater gamefish. The Old School Frame Of Mind: Dacron These days there are many choices when it comes to choosing backing for your fly reels. Some anglers prefer braided backing because of its small diameter. I prefer the tested and trued performance of standard hi-vis Dacron. Why? Because, It’s easier on the fingers while fighting big fish, and it does not have the tendency—as braid does—to dig into itself when reeled back onto the fly reel. How Much Do You Need? Your fly reel should house a minimum of 175 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing. Many inshore saltwater gamefish will make initial runs of from 75 to 100 yards before they turn and settle into a fighting mode. For bluewater fly fishing, 30-pound Dacron or gel spun is standard. A minimum of 300 yards should fill these reels. Big bluewater gamefish like the tuna and marlin will run off 200
yards of backing before you’ve had time to say, “Come back and fight like a man!” These fish can also dive to great depths, thus making essential an abundant supply of backing. One caveat to remember is “Don’t short-line your backing.” Best Color For Backing? The phrase “getting into your backing” always arouses excitement through a saltwater fly fisherman’s being each time he hears it. There is nothing more exciting than witnessing one hundred yards of water-shedding backing slicing through the water, pulled by a bonefish, tarpon, sailfish or marlin. It’s a common occurrence in saltwater fly fishing. When this happens, the color of your backing is essential in tracking the fish’s direction. Is it swimming at an angle or is it sounding. Make no mistake, eventually every saltwater fisherman experiences this. High-visibility backing will help determine how to fight the fish. For instance, when tarpon fishing it is important that you are able to turn a tarpon’s head during the tussle, a move aimed at keeping the tarpon off balance and assuring the fish is brought quickly to the boat. Also, the use of hivis backing allows the angler a better sight-line in tracking the fish’s direction so pressure may be applied in an opposite direction. The best colors? As I stated above, I prefer hi-vis backing in bright yellow or bright orange, both highly visible backing regardless of weather conditions or water coloration.
For Tackle Box Essentials from Bowman, go to
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You could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Multi-Policy Discount available to auto insureds that have purchased a boat policy through the GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICO
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hen Yamaha introduced the 19-foot 190 FSH center console boat in 2016, the company tapped into a segment of boaters who want to fish more than runabout owners, but who also want to tow and entertain more than other center console owners. By all accounts, Yamaha’s “family sports hybrid” concept proved to be a success. Featuring an innovative, yet familiar, center console deck design, a performance sports boat hull, and the versatility unique to jet power, the 190 FSH is attracting more younger, first-time buyers than traditional center console brands, and is already the second best seller in the category. For 2018, Yamaha is expanding their FSH offering to include a 21-foot model that is better suited for rougher waters and delivers the added peace of mind that comes with dual engines. And because the motors and driveline are tucked in the hull underneath the captain’s leaning post, the boat provides an open 360-degree experience that fishermen love. The 210 FSH includes all the features that fishing enthusiasts require, along with family features that are perfect for an entire day out on the water to include water sports, swimming and lounging—all in the same boat, and at a competitive price starting under $40,000. The 210 FSH is available in three variations that include the base model 210 FSH, an upgraded 210 FSH Deluxe, and the flagship 210 FSH Sport that offers the features of the Deluxe with the addition of a custom T-top. All three models come with Yamaha’s award-winning TR-1 High Output marine engines. 210 FSH Walkthrough Starting at the bow, there is comfortable, padded seating with ample room for four adults. The padded cushions snap off, so they are easy to store or leave at home when you are heading out for a fishing trip. Under the starboard bow seat is an insulated fish locker, and there is a dedicated locker for a full-size Danforth anchor. There is more storage below the port bow seat, in the sole, and inside two large consoles. In front of the helm console is more seating, and the console lifts up to reveal a cavernous storage area that also serves as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure included on the Deluxe and Sport models. The 210 FSH is loaded with the angling features one would ex-
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pect in a premium center console boat to include coaming pads, vertical and horizontal holders for 14 rods and a 26-gallon aerated live well. A cool feature you won’t find on other center console boats is Yamaha’s exclusive Jet Wash system that uses pressure from the jet pumps for easy cleanup of the cockpit, whether you land a big fish or the kids fill the boat full of sand. The Helm The helm is thoughtfully designed with a simple-to-remove windshield for low profile storage, a stainless-steel sports steering wheel, easy access to all boat control switches, a locking glove box and an open area to flush mount electronics such as a fishfinder, a GPS unit and other marine electronics. The 210 FSH comes equipped with Yamaha’s 4.3” Connext Touchscreen Display, which is NMEA compatible to send vital engine information to third-party electronics. Behind the helm is a padded leaning post with a backrest (on Deluxe and Sport). Under the leaning post is a dedicated space for a removable cooler. The Transom The transom area on the FSH Series is unlike any other center console boat on the market. Since the engines and drivetrain are in the hull, the entire back of the 201 FSH is open for unobstructed casting and watersports towing. The 210 FSH features Yamaha’s signature two-tier swim platform that sits low at the water’s edge. A retractable stern ladder makes reboarding after swimming a breeze. The transom also includes a tow eye for watersports. Like all Yamaha boats, the 210 FSH features Yamaha’s patented clean-out ports that allow for the removal of debris from the jet pump without having to get in the water or swim under the boat. Rounding out the FSH’s list of innovations is the addition of Yamaha’s Articulating Keel, the latest in Yamaha’s Advanced Responsive Handling features. The Articulating Keel is an extension of the boat’s keel that moves and tracks along with the jet pump nozzle to provide comfort, stability and straight-line tracking at all speeds. For buyers attracted to the iconic styling of a center console boat, but need more versatility to appease the family, look no further than the Yamaha 210 FSH.
For more on Yamaha’s 210 FSH Series, go to
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Center sp W
ho doesn’t have a smile on their face when they’re spending time on the water? You can’t help yourself. Boating is getting away from it all. And getting away from it all is always more fun with friends. This is where the United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club comes in. Enjoying your time on the water with family and friends starts with being safe and responsible while having fun. That’s what makes America’s Boating Club different than most boating organizations. For over a hundred years, the organization’s focus has been on providing unsurpassed boating safety education. But the organization’s leadership and members are passionate about a membership that doesn’t end on Sunday and doesn’t care if the calendar says it’s winter. It’s about being together and building a community through a variety of events like parties, meetings and even just getting together for no reason at all. Driven by this passion, United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization, just launched its new logo. This is the first of several planned updates in the organization’s new brand image and identity. Changes to the organization’s website, social media platforms and collateral are expected in the coming weeks. “We are United States Power Squadrons, but we are also America’s Boating Club,” said Louie Ojeda, chief commander, United States Power Squadrons. “This is not just a name change, it describes what we do. We go boating and have fun doing it. Over time, our squadrons have evolved to become social clubs as well as providers of high quality boating education – allowing members to enjoy the sport and camaraderie of boating and any number of activities that keep us together. Togetherness is what this lifestyle is all about. We joined the organization for the boating education, but we stayed for the friends.” Offering classes For Boaters, By Boaters in boat handling, navigation, boat maintenance, weather and related subjects, United States
Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club serves as a virtual “yacht club” with boating and social activities for all types of recreational boaters. With over 27,000 members organized into 356 squadrons across the country, America’s Boating Club is comprised of families who contribute to their communities by promoting safe boating through education. Squadron members are vital to strengthening the communities
they live in and know it’s important to live their values by giving back through public service and volunteer opportunities. Members provide courtesy vessel safety checks, help the NOAA’s National Ocean Service keep nautical charts accurate and organize beach cleanups. “Our commitment is to continue learning, teaching, laughing and helping our fellow members enjoy boating,” continued Ojeda. “Whether you’re passionate about cruising, racing, making new friends, volunteering in your community or learning from experienced boaters, your local squadron has the resources you need to engage your passions and, perhaps, instill some new ones.” In February of 2017, the United States Power Squadrons announced its America’s Boating Club co-brand to its squadrons, following an almost yearlong re-naming exercise. To learn more about United States Power Squadrons – America’s Boating Club, visit www.americasboatingclub.org.
Join in the Fun!
United States Power Squadrons is America’s Boating Club Learn boating skills. Engage with boating friends. Connect with the boating community.
Learn more at www.americasboatingclub.org
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SOUTHEAST
By Randy Cnota
S
pring means one thing to me… bedding bass! This is that magical time of the year when giant bass come to the shallows to procreate. Depending on where you fish, the first waves of bedding bass could show up in February or earlier, and in some places the spawn stretches through the spring and into summer. Their movement is affected by moon phases somewhat, but more so by water temperature. Once it’s in the 60-degree range, start combing the shallows for white spots where they’ve fanned out a bed with their tails.
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Once you’ve located them, it is important to understand that they’ve located you. Bass are extremely aware of their surroundings. This makes it difficult at times to trigger a fish to take a lure. I like to run through an area with the trolling motor on high and put a 6-foot tomato stake right smack in the middle of the bed that’s holding the fish I intend to catch. Then I leave the area and allow the fish to calm down. During this waiting period, I might spend an hour doing the same thing in another area or probe the deeper areas surrounding the flat looking for pre- or post-spawn fish. Fish will be in all three spawning stages throughout spring, and any shallows that hold fish will have fish in the deeper water nearby. After an hour or so, sneak back quietly into the area you’ve staked out. Pole in, let the wind blow you in or troll in at a very low speed. Remember, you must be quiet, which means no banging around. Have everything you need on the deck of the boat. This is when a shallow-water anchoring system is worth its weight in gold. Minn Kota Talons and Power Poles are the premier systems available. Other less costly ways to anchor a boat are available as well, like Boatsticks at boatsticks.com. You’ll want to position your boat far enough from the bed to not spook the fish, but close enough to cast several yards beyond the target. You need two Texas-rigged baits—a Z-Man Grass KickerZ and a Punch CrawZ. These baits float in the upright position, which tells a bass that something is feeding on her eggs. Swim the Grass Kicker over the bed several times. This will get the fish fired up. Then hop it right into the bed and stop it. Give it a pulsating action. If this doesn’t provoke the fish to eat, try hopping the Punch CrawZ on the bed. Sometimes you have to go back and forth with those baits to entice a strike, but often you will get them to eat right away. When you do this enough, you’ll learn to understand the fish’s behavior. If a fish runs big circles away from the bed and is slow to come back, it might not be catchable. If she displays aggression and stays close to the bed, that’s a catchable fish. Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine.
GREAT FISHING REQUIRES GREAT REST!
Boater’s Welcome! Capt. Mike McNamara
(850) 510-7919
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MARCH 2018
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By Capt. Chester Reese
W
ith winter on the way out, pompano and cobia start their migration from the south, up through the Gulf of Mexico, to reach spawning areas. When the water reaches 70 degrees, the hunt for these great eating fish begins. Both are hard fighting fish, offering anglers amazing fishing opportunities all over Franklin County. To many people, pompano are the most excellent eating fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Some anglers work to be experts, understanding what time of day and tide range is best and exactly what tackle to
Discover
pick, so that they know when it’s best to grab a rod and go. You can catch them from the shore or a boat, and they’re perfect for firsttime anglers with limited experience. When water temps get right, they come in large schools to feed and spawn. Some reside in our waters all summer, so don’t give up on them in the warmer months. The most commonly used set-up is a two-hook dropper rig baited with sand fleas or pieces of fresh shrimp. White bucktails and special pompano lures work well too. Tip them with fleas or shrimp and work them slowly on the bottom just inside the sandbars close to the beach. As the migration moves through, you can find them over our grass flats. Cobia get my juices flowing in the spring. These fish can go over 50 pounds and provide anglers a catch of a lifetime. Another migrating species, they’re also arriving with the warmer waters. Cobia are found worldwide and are prized for their bountiful, white delicious meat. Structure of any kind attracts and holds these fish, and it’s not uncommon to find them in schools around wrecks or buoys. They also like to cruise the beaches where they can be sight fished from boat or shore. Prime baits for taking cobia are crabs, shrimp, fish and eels, but lures catch them all the time, too. Work baits both on the surface and on the bottom, since they inhabit all areas of the water column. When the bite is on, it can be a frenzy to hook and fight these bruisers. Even after fighting hard for a long time, when boated they can slap and jump until subdued. Be careful of the strong tail and dorsal spines. We have a great fishery for cobia and pompano in our Franklin County waters, and some of the best captains and guides that can put you on them. Visit our local tackle shops in East Point or St. George Island, and they’ll set you up to successfully catch and prepare these special fish. Contact Capt. Chester Reese and Natural World Charters at (850) 228-9060. For a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Your fish is waiting. Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information
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n February, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management council took steps toward turning over management of the Gulf red snapper fishery to the Gulf states. By approving Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications for each of the five states on the Gulf of Mexico, the council opened the door for a pilot program that would allow each state to manage recreational fishing for red snapper during 2018 and 2019. Seasons for red snapper harvest would be determined by the respective states, and red snapper landings would be monitored by the states. State seasons would close when a state’s quota is caught. These EFPs are issued for scientific studies, and this study will determine the effectiveness of state management of the recreational red snapper fishery. At the federal level, NOAA Fisheries now must rule on whether or not to approve the program for implementation.
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Surprising Winter is the Best Planting Time
I am often asked when is the best time to plant fruiting plants. My answer is usually the same; the best time is 20 years ago or today. The second best time to plant is during the winter months. Plants are dormant, and can be easily shipped and planted with no stress on the plant because there is not a lot of maintenance once the plant or tree has been planted. Simply dig a good hole, water thoroughly
at planting, and take the rest of the winter off. Even though there are no signs of growth above ground, the root systems will have time to get adjusted to their new location and begin to initiate new root growth. There are plenty of advantages of growing your own edibles. First of all, you know what has been done over the course of the growing season from a chemical stand point. Second, the fruit just taste
better coming out of your home orchard versus buying fruit from the grocers that have little to no flavors. Thirdly, it is good for your soul and you will feel more connected to the environment and nature. Whether it is an apple tree, muscadine vine or a blueberry bush; now is the time to plant. Let’s Grow Together. Greg Ison, Ison’s Nursery and Vineyards, 800733-0324, www.isons.com
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NORTH CAROLINA
H
azel Creek is one of three Great Smoky Mountain National Park trout streams on the north shore of Fontana Lake in Swain County, N.C. Since there are no roads on the north shore of the lake, these creeks have gained an almost mythical reputation as backcountry destinations. Backcountry fishing expeditions rarely begin on grounds so well maintained. Approach by boat across Fontana Lake brings you to the mouth of Hazel Creek, where a short walk up the trail puts you within the buildings and ruins of the long-abandoned town of Proctor. The National Park Service keeps up this area near the mouth of the creek almost meticulously. The trail is a flat gravel road with a bridge. The campsites are clean and include hangers to keep provisions out
What’s Missing in North Carolina?
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oastal Angler and its freshwater component The Angler Magazine are part of a national franchise publishing system with over 30 locations throughout the country. We currently have four successful franchise locations in North Carolina; Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington, and the Outer Banks. What’s missing? You guessed it, Raleigh Piedmont. We’re very interested in expanding our publication into the Raleigh area. Adding a Raleigh location would complete our statewide coverage and make us the largest outdoor publication in North Carolina. Our franchises are simple home-based businesses, best suited for an outdoor enthusiast (fishing fanatic) with an outgoing personality and a bit of ambition. Our training program and ongoing support ensures that they operate smoothly. Our franchisee co-publishers ensure that they run profitably. If you or someone you know in the Raleigh area would like to -be your own boss and run your own business, you owe it to yourself to check out this franchise opportunity while it’s still available. You never know, maybe it’s you that we’re missing. This could be the start of a wonderful new career for the right candidate. For more information on the Raleigh Piedmont franchise, call 888-800-9794 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com.
of reach of marauding raccoons and black bears. Wilderness that’s supposed to be hard to get to should not be this comfortable. The truth is Hazel Creek is not very hard to access. By foot, it is a day-long hike by whatever trail you choose. By boat, it’s just a quick ride across the lake. The novelty, the assumed remoteness and a reputation for good fishing actually draw a crowd. On busy weekends the campsites fill up with people. The creek itself is a medium-sized, and its reputation as a good fishery is well earned. A few gorgeous 10- to 12-inch rainbows can be expected on a good fishing day mixed in with many smaller fish. There is also a chance for larger fish in the 16-inch range. The creek boasts a good population of brown trout, as well, including some large individuals. In general, the fishery can be a little tougher than other streams that don’t receive as much pressure, but because of its size and ample aquatic insect life there remains the opportunity for larger fish. On its lower end, the creek and trail are flat, like a stroll through the park. The water is mostly shallow riffles with some good pools scattered in. The main trails here are the old roads and rail beds of Proctor. They meander through the valley offering easy access to good water for several miles. The Hazel Creek trail follows the creek and remains relatively flat for about 10 miles. The stream does pick up some elevation, which provides larger pools and deeper runs upstream, and a few native brookies will begin showing up. The trail eventually leaves the creek after about 15 miles. Those willing to hike, camp and fish over several days will find adventure and unmolested water. There are backcountry campsites scattered up the trail. Users must reserve these campsites with the GSMNP Backcountry Information Office. For GPS coordinates to access points and detailed maps of all North Carolina’s and Georgia’s best trout water, check out “Flyfishers Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available at fly shops, on Amazon, and signed copies are available from the author by emailing nsc8957@gmail.com.
Franchise Opportunity The Angler Magazine currently has established franchise locations in Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington and the Outer Banks. We’re looking to add a Raleigh location.
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BLUE RIDGE
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t’s been called the “Test of the Best” bass anglers, the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” and the “World Championship of Fishing.” By any name, the Bassmaster Classic was the salvation of Ray Scott’s Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) when the tournament was launched 47 years ago. Now known as the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, the annual tournament began modestly with just 24 competitors in October 1971. Arkansas angler Bobby Murray won the inaugural Classic, held on Lake Mead, Nevada. Scott recalls that the lakeside weigh-ins attracted only a handful of spectators. More important than crowds, however, were the two-dozen outdoor writers who attended at Scott’s invitation. Their articles in ma-
jor publications across the United States lent legitimacy to the fledgling sport of tournament bass fishing. Founded 50 years ago, B.A.S.S. struggled for attention in the beginning. The B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail was popular among bass anglers but lacked broader exposure until Scott and then-Bassmaster Magazine editor Bob Cobb concocted the season-ending championship. B.A.S.S. membership grew rapidly after that first Classic. Many industry insiders consider the birth of B.A.S.S. and its tournament circuits to mark the beginning of the modern era of bass fishing. When the 48th Classic takes place March 16-18 on Lake Hartwell at Anderson, S.C., it will be unrecognizable compared to its meager beginnings. The prize for claiming the first Classic crown was $10,000, winner take all. The event today pays out $1 million to the 52 qualifiers, including $300,000 to the champion. Weigh-ins for the first 10 Bassmaster Classics were held at lakeside, but as crowds grew, weigh-ins moved indoors, and a boat and tackle show was added. “The Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods has become a highlight of Classic Week for thousands of fans,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin, who noted that the combined attendance at Classic venues has averaged more than 100,000 for the past six years. The Expo will be held March 16-18 in the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C. Weigh-ins will be in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville those days. One of the biggest developments in the evolution of the Classic has been its impact on local economies. Las Vegas barely noticed that 60 or so people in town for a three-day tournament in 1971. In Greenville next month, 11,000 room nights will be booked in association with the event. Economic impact for the Greenville/Anderson area is expected to exceed $24 million. Clearly, Ray Scott’s Las Vegas Classic gamble, almost 50 years ago, has paid off. For more information visit Bassmaster.com.
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2/16/18 10:12 AM
By Jackson Dockery
A large stonefly nymph is one of my go-to patterns throughout the year, but particularly in the early spring. You’ll very often find this fly at the bottom end of my nymph rig, dredging deep pools and runs. The tungsten bead and wire helps the fly get to the bottom quickly, and stay there, putting it right in the trout’s feeding area. There is something about a large stonefly, with legs undulating, that larger fish looking for an easy meal just can’t resist.
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Fish until the cows come home.
Here in The Florida Keys & Key West, you can run-and-gun for dolphin in the morning, fly a kite for sailfish in the afternoon and battle giant swordfish deep into the night. So come down and milk the world’s best deep-sea fishing for all its worth.
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Islamorada On The Fly
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TOM SCHLICHTER
andy Moret pointed to port: “10 o’clock!” he said in a hushed voice. “Lead them.” It took a second for me to sight in, but a moving shadow just beyond the bow brought things into focus. A pod of 70-pound tarpon were running a channel edge and we were perfectly positioned for an intercept. Late with the cast, I dropped my streamer on the nose of the lead fish, which promptly turned and powered into oblivion across the shallow flats of Florida Bay, compatriots in tow. Moret smiled and politely let me off the hook. “Happens all the time down here,” he said. “We’ll get another shot.” Chalk one up to lessons learned. A heavy front was moving in, and what had been a drizzly morning suddenly turned threatening, sending us racing back to port for a round of refreshments at the Lorelei Marina (www.loreleicabanabar.com/ marina-and-fishing). With the Florida Keys steadily rebounding from the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, anglers across the country are once again making plans for an assault on the stellar flats fishery here. Featuring tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook and sea trout, the shallows of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park on the village’s lee side are ideal for fly fishing and Moret, one of the founding fathers of long-wand sport in these waters, couldn’t be happier. “We still have a way to go before everyone is back on their feet, but we are getting there,” he said in a recent interview. “As for the fishing, it’s bounced back nicely.” As a guide and outfitter, Moret (www.floridakeysoutfitters. com) logically suggests first-timers to the area head out with a professional skipper. “It’s the quickest way to learn the intricacies of tempting local gamefish,” he explained. Still, he noted that the
fishing in these parts is consistent enough that those launching a kayak or even fishing from shore around bridges and passes have a chance to score. “The most important thing in the Keys is to practice your casting – especially when flyfishing,” he advised. “It’s vital to make a few casts in every spot you stop to factor in the wind, current and water depth courtesy of Sandy Moret before you even see the Photo Sandy Moret shows off a chunky Islamorada fish.” snook taken on the fly. Moret, recently honored with 2018 Fly Fisherman Conservationist of the Year Award by the Bonefish Tarpon Trust (www.bonefishtarpontrust.org), works a wide range of patterns but does have several favorites. He likes a size 4 creamand-tan Merkin with lead eyes for bonefish. For silver kings, a Keys Tarpon Streamer in purple and black is his choice for murky water. To target snook and redfish, he throws purple Deceivers in discolored water and yellow and white in clear water. Concentrate your efforts on rising tides to avoid groundings, he cautions, and keep moving until you find the fish. Getting to Islamorada is easy. Find your way to Miami or Fort Lauderdale and head south on U.S. 1. Once there, you’ll find plenty of places to stay including the world class Cheeca Lodge (www. cheeca.com) and Amara Cay Resort (www.amaracayresort.com).
Lake Erie Experienced
Record Walleye Fishing In 2017
Photo courtesy of Capt. Wes Carlton
D
uring the 2017 season, walleye anglers on Lake Erie experienced the highest recorded success in nearly 30 years. “The New York State waters of Lake Erie are world famous for outstanding angling opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass and yellow perch,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Our Lake Erie waters have consistently ranked among
the top three most heavily fished waters in the state, and the fishery generates more than $26 million in economic activity annually. Anglers should take advantage of Lake Erie’s current conditions and experience this world-class walleye fishery for themselves in 2018.” DEC has conducted an angler survey on Lake Erie to estimate fishing quality and fish harvest annually since 1988. In recent years, walleye fishing quality has been generally increasing. Survey results for 2017 revealed record-high walleye catch rates that are nearly three times greater than the 30-year average. DEC estimates that anglers harvested more than 70,000 walleyes in 2017, a level not achieved since 1989. This exceptional fishing was due in large part to contributions of strong walleye reproductive success in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Recent evidence also suggests that walleye reproduction was strong again in 2016. Walleye are one of the most popular gamefish in New York, as they put up an exciting fight during the catch and make for tasty meal on the table. Walleye are aptly named because of their unique eyes that have a reflective layer of pigment called the tapetum lucidum, which allows them to see very well at night and during other low-light periods. This layer also gives walleye their “glassy-eyed” or “wall-eyed” appearance. Lake Erie is continually ranked among the world’s top walleye fishing destinations by angler publications, with an abundance of trophy-size walleye ranging from 8 to 10 pounds. Local tournament winners often score fish exceeding 11 lbs. Given that walleye typically live 10 years or more in Lake Erie combined with excellent reproduction rates in recent years, anglers should experience continued, exceptional walleye fishing in future years.
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CHARLOTTE/ PIEDMONT Lakes, Articles & Fishing Forecasts
S E C T I O N S Lake Hickory & Rhodhiss Lake Lake Norman/Cornelius/Denver/ Mooresville/Mountain Island Lake Charlotte Metro Lake Wylie/Rock Hill High Rock/Tuckertown/ Badin/Tillery Lakes/The Falls Trout Hunting
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e
Spice Up Your Fishing
I
t seems that wherever I travel, people ask me two things. The first question is always..”Where’s Buck the Wonder Dog?” and the second question is “What’s your favorite fish to catch?” My response to the second question is, “That’s an easy question to answer…Whatever fish is on the end of my line.” Then they ask if I like freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing better. That’s a little harder to answer, because I like them both. As with many other sports and outdoor activities, you’ll find people who have a passion for one endeavor over another. Some like canoeing, some like kayaking. And while they are very similar, they can both be very different. The same is true for fishing. Freshwater and saltwater fishing both involve ‘fishing’, but the tactics, gear, waters, boats, and species can be quite different. I’ve met die-hard crappie enthusiasts who didn’t care too much for bass fishing. And, I’ve met folks who loved to fish for flounder, but wouldn’t waste a shrimp on speckled trout. Each to their own, right? But I truly think folks who are super-focused on one specific species or style of fishing are missing out. After all, variety is the spice of life… and fishing too! In this case, let’s look at a few similarities between saltwater and freshwater
fishing, and the gear you probably already have that lets you do both. Inshore saltwater fishing has the most common denominators with freshwater, especially for bass and walleye aficionados. Rods are going to be 6 ½ to 7 ½ feet rigged with 8 to 15 pound line. You can use spinning reels or baitcasters; and you can use live bait or artificial. You can easily translate your bass skillset to seatrout, flounder and redfish. Topwater, flukes, flashy blades, and shallow divers will entice slot redfish as quickly as they do spawning bucketmouths. And believe me, a 4 pound redfish will feel like a 12 pound bass, plus they are great on the plate. And for those that have the ‘touch’ to feel the subtleties of a sheepshead bite…your skill set is perfect for spotted bass with a drop-shot rig in the winter. Avid offshore folks who troll for kingfish or dolphin will be right at home on our large southeastern reservoirs. Stripers and hybrids will slam slow-trolled live baits and big jigs. In the spring and fall you can pull baits behind planer boards or use your outriggers to create a wide fish-catching spread. Conversely, striper anglers can transform their bay boats into Spanish Mackerel and bonita catching machines by simply adding a little wire leader ahead of their umbrella rigs and jigs. Troll them at 3 to 4 mph…and hang on! Have I compelled you to go outside of your comfort zone and try something new? Or try familiar gear in a not-so-familiar setting. I certainly hope so. And the good news is you can do it without completely re-vamping the gear you already have in the garage. So, the choice is yours. Fresh, or salt…and vice-versa. Expand your horizons and give them both a try. I’m sure you’ll find variety is the spice of life, and it will spice up your fishing too. And by the way, my answer to the first question is usually..”He’s right here beside me.” Tight Lines and Calm Seas, Capt. Cefus McRae
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MARCH 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 3
LAKEHICKORY&RHODHISSFORECAST
Restaurant & Oyster Bar SINCE
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I
n like a lion out like a lamb the old saying goes about March, and typically the old saying isn’t wrong. On the bright side of things spring is almost here. Lake Rhodhiss and Lake Hickory will slowly come to life this month. The beginning of the month will still be a little slow but towards the end when water temperatures finally start going up stripers are going to be on the move again. Bait is going to be the name of the game this month. Anywhere I can find bait is where I’m going to be fishing. These fish are going to start thinking spawn as the water temperatures rise, but even before that they are going to think eat eat eat. Im going to start fishing in the same old spots I’ve fished all winter but I’m going to start looking for bait in these areas. After I find decent amounts of bait in the area I’m going to start looking around for ambush spots. Stripers are going to position themselves in areas to ambush bait. It might be where one of their wintering holes comes up on a shallow flat very suddenly, a creek they can run the bait up into and corner it, or just a good point that goes very deep to very shallow. Once I’ve fount bait, and a few good places I think stripers will be the fun begins. I’m going to put out baits in these ambush spots on Original Clear Planer Boards because they’re clear and don’t ripple spooking those very shallow fish. Putting baits at different lengths behind the boards will control depth and allow me to run baits anywhere from the surface to 20-25 feet. I’ll fish a spot and slow troll the area for 45 minutes or so and see what happens. If I don’t get any bites I’ll do it all over again at another spot I find bait. The main thing this month is going to be find bait where you know fish are. If you consistently do that you will catch stripers.
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5
Tips and Observations for Trolling Artificials
I saw a poster this week credited to someone called Ol’ Hooker that says “Fishing – you catch or you learn. Either way it’s better than working.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Fishing is one of my primary means of “continuing education” and though I’ve chosen to make a career of it, I’ve yet to convince too many people that it’s real work, especially my wife. My recent studies have included a pretty steep learning curve as I’ve spent more time than ever trolling artificial lures and rigs on local freshwater impoundments, primarily for stripers and hybrids. Until I decided to pursue this curriculum, I had been a dedicated live bait fisherman, using lures mainly for casting to shallow or surface feeding fish, and jigging vertically when they’re deeper. I’m hopeful the information I share below allows other anglers to benefit from my lessons with improved catch rates, and maybe save them some frustration and expense too. • First, my typical striper set up contains 5-7 rods pulling a combination of umbrella rigs, Alabama rigs and lures run from down deep to up close to the surface. My next article will delve into the specifics of my tackle, and how I set my spread but feel free to contact me in the interim for more details, or better yet book a charter and see how it’s done. • If you’re going to pull tackle that runs deep, you gotta know exactly how deep each rig runs. You’re going to lose some rigs anyway because it’s not easy, especially fishing by yourself, to control the boat speed and direction, know exactly where you are in relation to the bottom contour and depth, plus keep your spread working correctly without tangles, picking up debris, etc. • I recommend buying 2 critical tools before even attempting this type of fishing 1. A lure retrieval tool for when you do get hung up on the bottom 2. A really good topo map of the area(s) you’re fishing, study it ahead of time. • Another useful tool is structure scan sonar, which is a big advantage over broadband in that helps to clearly identify brush piles, standing timber, or basically any cover not shown on the topo map. • Prepare to be patient and get really good at untangling fishing
Fishing guide service with Captain Craig Price The Catawba Lakes
By Captain Craig Price
704-996-0946
Photos – the following catches came from trolled Alabama rigs. Brock Rissmiller of Charlotte with a healthy LKN hybrid striper. Rusty Britt of Ft Mill with another LKN hybrid..
www.folkn.com 6 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
lines and lures. Umbrella and A-rigs in particular can get unbelievably tangled when the action heats up. • If using a landing net to boat fish caught on multilure rigs, try to keep the net under the fish/rig as its lifted from the water, but don’t let the fish or the rig & its hooks contact the net’s mesh, i.e. use it as a “safety net” not the actual weight bearing device. This simple step minimizes hooks snagged in the net, and allows for quick release of the fish and re-deployment of the rig. • A boga grip type tool is useful for securing the catch before lifting to the boat, but keeping fish in the water while unhooking them greatly reduces tangles, and it’s better for the fish too. • Become proficient at tying a couple of “go to” knots because it’s often easier and faster to cut your way out of a big mess than untangle it. • It’s wise to keep at least one backup U-rig or A-rig ready to put into action quickly when needed. • Bring extra line for reels and extra lures to replace equipment that gets broken or lost to snags. • As trolling artificials becomes more prevalent, I find that some of my snags are caused by line, lures and rigs that have been abandoned. Pull up all of these materials that you can. • I usually troll 1.5 +/- 0.5 mph using my electric trolling motor, but I see boats going much slower and much faster. • - I utilize a zig-zag course most of the time. The turns allow me to cover more water and they make the baits speed up, slow down, rise and fall so I get more varied swimming action without adjusting the boat’s speed. • Stop the boat occasionally when you mark fish or bait, which allows the baits to fall. The falling action or the initial burst of swimming action when you re-engage the motor is an effective additional variance. • Be conscious of how much line you have out at all times. Stopping the boat for too long in 75 ft. of water when you have 100 ft. of line out is a recipe for a lot of snagged tackle. • Be observant and let the time of year and conditions, plus the behavior of the bait and fish tell you how to alter your approach. • Don’t be afraid to try a different lure, rig, or set up even if no one else is using it. I used to be skeptical of those “fast trollers that just throw a bunch of hardware out and start riding.” But I have to admit the amount of Fish On! my customers and I have experienced has made a believer out of me.
MARCH 2018
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM
LAKE NORMAN FORECAST
W
hile it might be chilly on Lake Norman in March, fishing can be fabulous. So, why wait for spring? You could be missing out on some of the best fishing of the New Year! A die-hard striper fisherman once said, “The worse the weather; the better the fishing.” That’s why a select, but hardy group, dreams of days when the barometric pressure is low, air temperatures are in the thirties, and wind driven sleet and snow pelt the water. If its miserable weather the fish and fishermen want, the first week of March is usually prime time, especially since hybrids are now being stocked in Lake Norman. One thing bass and hybrid striped bass fishermen have in common this time of year, is that they both keep a watchful eye out for low flying and diving sea birds. When terns and gulls are dipping baitfish off the water’s surface, hungry schools of bass and/or hybrids are more than likely present. Both largemouth and spotted bass will be in pre-spawn mode early in the month, so look for them in cove openings and along the edges of river and creek flats. As the water warms, they will make their way to the shallows and begin the bedding process. Others, who brave the cool weather of March, can enjoy the simplicity of “pole fishing” for crappies. Small jigs or minnows suspended near brush, bridge pilings and in channels, make good baits for this feisty pan fish. They are not only easily tempted into biting and fun to catch, but make excellent table fare. Arguably, white perch are the children’s favorite because they can often be caught two, three and four at a time when jigging Sabiki Rigs. If it’s the really big fish you’re after in March, give catfishing a try. Lake Norman is known for its monster size Arkansas Blue Catfish. The biggest ever from Lake Norman was an eighty-five pounder. It held the state record, until it was topped by an eighty-nine-pounder taken from Badin Lake in 2006. The best baits for super-size blue cats are fresh cut strips of perch and bream, whole gizzard shad and chunks of chicken breast laced with garlic. To catch big cats, use heavier than normal gear. A minimum of thirty-pound tackle, with fifty-pound test leader material and 5/0 or larger circle hooks are needed. Tips from Capt. Gus: A thin coating of lithium grease on the shaft of your electric trolling motor will prevent it from freezing on cold mornings.
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MARCH 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 7
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lue catfish will be on the move in the month of March as they transition from the deep southern end of Lake Wylie toward the narrow river sections in North Carolina. We are fortunate Lake Wylie has two rivers that form the wide body of the lake we see as we pass over the Buster Boyd Bridge. It is these narrower riverine parts of Wylie which catfish, blue cats in particular, will migrate toward as days become longer and water temperatures rise. It would seem obvious that the majority of fish will run up the Catawba arm but the South Fork is also a good bet for late winter/early spring fishing. The warm water discharge canal from the Allen Steam station in Belmont empties into the South Fork river a mile or so above the confluence of the rivers. This unnaturally warm water can be a blessing or a curse for catfishing. Warm moving water through the canal is a plus. The warm water and current attracts both baitfish and predatory fish, however warm water and current are not always present. This can make fishing go from great to poor very quickly in absence of warm water flow. Catching a late winter flathead is not out of the question in the warm waters of the lower South Fork. Fishing for blues and channels is excellent at times if you catch the water moving and warm. The Catawba river flows south through the dam at Mountain Island and meets up with the South Fork river just below the Lower Armstrong Ford bridge. This section of several miles of river has many prime areas to set up and fish for transitioning blue cats as they march north. Fishing vertical drops on the edge of the river is very productive especially when there is good water release from the upstream dam. The river is its widest near the confluence and narrows considerably north of the power plant where it definitely looks more like a river. Water releases from the dam provide current which is easy to recognize in the narrows. Several major river bends, bridges, islands and shallow flats north of the Paw Creek area are ideal spots to 8 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
MARCH 2018
look to anchor up. Anchoring up is the best approach when fishing the river. Most seasoned catfishermen will use a single anchor or combination of 2 to 3 anchors fore and aft to get a stable platform to fish from. Ideally if the conditions are optimal, a single anchor attached to the bow will hold the boat in current and orient the boat so 6 to 8 rods can be fan cast covering both deep and shallow areas of the river. Passing weather fronts are common in March and bring wind on the front and back of the weather system. Fishing in the wind can be difficult but can be helped by finding prime areas near the river drop and fishing the leeward side of the river. In the case of a north to south wind barreling down the river, protected bends and creeks off the main channel are nice places to shelter from the wind and catch fish. River fishing will only improve from March through mid May as fish from the lower lake cycle toward northward spawning grounds. The pre spawn bite is a favorite for most species of fish, especially blue cats. Blues are very migratory and move great distances, but not all at the same time. Fishing seems to peak between late March and mid April. Local weather conditions definitely affect access to and movement of blue catfish. Careful planning combined with boatmanship may make March one of your favorite months to fish Lake Wylie. By Rodger Taylor, Catfish ON! Guide Service, www.catfishon.com, 803-517-7828
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MARCH 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 9
LAKE WYLIE FORECAST
W
ell, here is the month we’ve all been waiting for all winter long. March is the magical month where all the fish move into the creeks to prepair for spawning. The days are getting longer and the waters are warming. The first two weeks are a little slow, but the first warm spell will have the fish on a feeding frenzy. All kinds of baits come into play when you are bass fishing. The lake conditions dictate your lures of choice. Sometimes the lake is dingy to muddy. So, you get out the spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits and anything that makes a racket. The other days you cast your favorite crankbaits swimbaits or plastics. The fish will be shallow most days and they will be on secondary points in the creeks. Big coves will have some fish in them, just fish sunny banks, because that water will be a little warmer. Anything that is out of the water that runs back into the water will hold fish. Trees, cement ramps, stumps and rocks are like a magnet to bass during this time of the year. Its a comfort zone for them. The water is a little warmer around this kind of structure. Later in the month the bass will move into the back of coves to serch out places to make their beds. Crappie fishing is at its best for trollers. The creeks will hold a large amount of crappies. Sometimes they will be toward the back of the creeks in 6-12 feet of water. At times they will stack up right in the middle of a creek bed. Sometimes small points in creeks will hold a ton of crappie. Use your depthfinder to find them. Keep a sharp eye out on your temperature guage. Just a couple of degrees in water temperature will make the difference in a good bite or a slow bite. There will be a good to fair crappie bite around docks with brush around them. Brushpiles that you put out in December will have some crappie on them too.
The catfish bite can be great in March. They roam around looking for an easy meal. They will follow the migration right to the creeks. I start at the back of the creeks and fish shallow to deep trolling cutbaits. Try fishing breaklines along the creek channels. Remember to check your fishing gear and change the lines on your reels. Its going to be a good year on Lake Wylie. Please take a kid fishing. Practice catch and release as much as you can. Only take as much fish as you can use. Remember fish is a natural resource of nature that we enjoy. By Jerry Neeley, Jerry’s Carolina’s Fishing Guide Service
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10 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
MARCH 2018
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March Madness Refresher By Capt. Jake Davis
W
hen the month of March arrives it’s the start of the best part of the season! March bring so many different presentations for the average fisherman to be successful. Here are a couple of things to watch for. Let’s take a short look at weather and its effect on how the fish respond. Nothing changes the bite more than a few degrees of water temperature increase or a cold front in the early springtime. This year, with all the constant up and down weather change, this has been extremely evident. The increase in water temperature effect is easily noticed during the change of real cold water like in the 40’s moving to the 50’s, but it also is extremely obvious in the change of 55 degree water to 57 degree water. A small change in your tactics can make or break a day on the lake. The key is knowing when to move to the shallow water with the slight changes in water temperature. The first thing that is important is the type of day. Is it sunny or cloudy? There is no question the sun warms the water temperature from the early part of the day to the mid and later part. This is your sign to start hunting warmer water to find a bite. The bass will turn on just like a light bulb when we see this sunny weather make slight changes in water temperature. Most times the movement is very near the deep water, so look for main river points, then the bays around close to deep water to find the first temperature change. Bass migrate back and forth several times throughout a given 24 hour period, thus main river points are exceptional places to start. With spring rains, there is generally mud lines from the main river to the pockets or main points; mud lines almost always show water temperature increases. Fishing the edge of the mud lines can be critical as the fish will hang on the mud line next to the increased water temperature area. It’s a known fact that as we move into the spring, the bass migrate from their winter haunts to the spawning areas like clock-work. The key is to understand the lake you’re fishing on so you can fish the migration (pre-spawn areas). The best way I know how to do this is to look for likely spawning areas, then adjust to transition areas; the main river points, road beds are in this area and grass or stumps along the way. If the lake is shallow, then migration is probably done through grass points, stump fields and just about any kind of hard bottom or hard bottom structure. If the lake is deep, then your paths are more likely to be deep dropping points and, many times, boat houses near dropping creeks are the paths you’re looking for. No matter what lake you’re on as the water warms, the rocky areas warm first and the migration path normally starts near the rocky areas. If you like fishing fast moving baits, rattle baits, square bill crankbaits or burning swimbaits over grass beds can be extremely successful. A power fisherman can really rack up some weight as any fast moving presentation can catch you a big sack of fish in a short day on the water. As the month of March goes on, burning big spinnerbaits normally proves to be an ideal time to do it. Nothing is out of the question and anglers should never pass up boat docks on the bright sunny days, especially the docks where the creeks front end the spawning grounds. I also really like a football head jig because the bass always stage and move as water temperature increases, allowing you to slowly move or drag that football head on the bottom as they slowly migrate with increased water temperature. Hopefully, this will refresh your memory or give you some ideas what to look for on the water. Let’s Go Fish’in!
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CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 11
High Rock Extended Football Season
Who Is It?
By O’Neill Williams
With another football season behind us, it’s time to take to the lake with a different kind of football. Early Spring (March/April) is prime time to kick off football jig season. Here in NC we have over 40 different species of Crayfish. Some are indigenous only to these parts. No other lure replicates the Crayfish quite like a football jig. Within the variety that live here there are many different colors from which to lure Bass on your hook. Some of the more prominent colors are, in fisherman language, green pumpkin, black/blue, and of course crawdad. Crayfish are active all throughout the year, but their spawning time mirrors the Bass spawn so activity increases. When fishing clay banks I prefer more orange or red colors. I rely on other colors depending on water color. I like to add a few strands of red or purple “flash” to my jigs. Flashing, looks like tinsel and can be found in flyshops, and in the terminal tackle at most tackle stores. Most success will come from red clay banks, rocky points, rip rap, and any hard bottom surfaces. Remember, it’s still a little early in the game so you should be in interception mode. The goal is the catch the Bass working their way back and forth to their spawning grounds. Football jigs are ideal for this because you can cover alot of crevices in the rocks where crayfish live. A football jig cannot fall over because of its shape. If it feels like it gets stuck a simple twitch with your rod tip usually dislodges your lure. This is most often when a reaction strike will occur. When your at a clay bank with no rock in sight, it’s a good idea to slow crawl or fan cast and “swim” the bait working it much like a crankbait. Ledges or shelfs are ideal situations for a football jig. You can slow crawl your jig down each level letting it rest a moment before you twitch the bait and move on to the next level. I use a Dobyns Champion Extreme 784 rod with 14lb to 17lb flourocarbon line. This is a perfect combination of lightness, sensitivity, and power. This is usually a big bass bite time of year so you need to shy away from light line for this presentation. I tend to use a 1/2 oz to a 1oz jig depending on the depth I’m fishing. Some of my favorite jigs are made by Higher Power Baits. They are made locally and can be customized. Ideally I like my trailer to closely match my jig color. Usually I can find a Buzz Baits Cutter Craw, also made locally, that will do the trick AND it replicates the action of a true crayfish quite well. This bite is usually quite good all day but it tends to be at it’s best at early light and late in the day. Now go catch fish.
Instead of the usual self-aggrandizing garble of advice as to current fishing conditions and how to make the best of it, let’s have a little fun with an interesting set of brief personal biographies and see if you know who these people are. Want to play? Born in October of 1940 in Lynchburg, Tennessee, he planned to become a doctor like his father and grandfather before him, but changed his mind after happening upon a grisly motorcycle accident in the early 1960s. He then turned his focus to competing in bass tournaments. A fishing lure manufacturer in Winter Haven, Florida, that sponsored him for bass tournaments, suggested he should start a TV show to promote the product. The program originally began on an ABC affiliate in 1968. Who is it? Bill Dance. Too easy huh? Let’s continue. Fishing in 291 bass tournaments, his career includes the following achievements – 19 tournaments won, 9 B.A.S.S. Angler-of-the-Year titles, nearly 100 Top Ten finishes, and 25 appearances in bass fishing’s world championship event, the Bassmaster Classic. He has a record 19 second place BASS finishes. He was the first professional bass fisherman to be inducted into all three Halls of Fame. Stick with me, it’s gonna get harder. Just couldn’t resist including Roland Martin. He was a star high school athlete in track, basketball, and football and received a college scholarship for football at Ole Miss. Graduated from college in 1973, but injuries kept him from considering a professional football career. In 1983 he started Spartan Archery in the back of his dad’s boat dealership. In 1986 he designed his own camouflage patterns by trying to simulate the bark from an oak tree in his parent’s front lawn. His sports achievements have earned him several recognitions. In 2012, he was inducted into the University of Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements both on and off the field. Who it is? Bill Jordan. In the area of Columbus, GA, it’s pronounced Jerdan. He was born in a farmhouse in Pennsylvania in 1902, He worked as a glue maker for the Chrysler Company in Detroit from 1929 – 1933. With a partner named Chuck who had worked at the same plant, they put together $1,200 to open an archery business in a garage in 1933. In 1947, he and his wife moved to Michigan, where they lived in a tent along a river to keep their expenses down. His company became the most famous in the archery business. He is the foremost member of the Archery Hall of Fame. Who is it? Fred Bear. Too easy again huh? Well, the next one isn’t. Born in Saskatchewan, he was formerly an All-American swimmer and played on the National water-polo team during the 1980 Olympics in Russia. He is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on the Ethnocentric Folk Art forms from Western Canada and is an avid collector of Tribal art and artifacts from around the world. Currently his hunting show on Outdoor Channel is the number one highest rated. Jim Shockey! Surprised? A graduate of Auburn University, he had the vision of building the sport of bass fishing to its rightful place in the first rank of American sports. He is the Godfather of modern competitive bass fishing. Surprisingly, he is the founder of the Whitetail Institute of North America distributing more than five million pounds of proprietary Imperial Whitetail Clover seed and other forage seed formulations, and publishes Whitetail News magazine about deer hunting and deer management. Ray Scott. Had some fun with this? I have. Interesting how and when some of the giants of the outdoor industry became famous. Now you know. I’m inviting you to telephone my radio show on Saturday mornings on WSB AM750 and tell me about other people’s stories you have found interesting or encouraging
By Michelle Armstrong
12 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT
MARCH 2018
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LAKE HIGHROCK/BADIN TUCKERTOWN DAM FORECAST
D
epending on the weather you are either reading this still in deep winter or with any luck maybe we are seeing an earlier spring. Fish patterns will vary depending on this factor. Largemouth bass can be caught on 1/2oz. Jigs (Green Pumpkin, Black/Blue are very good colors) fished slowly around points and ledges. I like to use a trailer on the jig this time of year. A Zoom Large Chunk trailer is a good choice. If the water temperature has warmed up a few degrees a jerkbait may work well in these same areas and around docks and piers. Jerk baits commonly used for this are the Rapala Shadow Rap and Bagley Bang O Lure. Again, if the water temperature has warmed a couple of degrees, a crankbait may be the ticket to some faster action. A deep or medium diving crankbait that runs at slow to moderate speed will be the best type since the fish are still somewhat lethargic from the cold water. Crappie should be starting the annual pilgrimage to shallow water but will still be fairly deep. Using a Kalin’s Triple Threat grub around structure that is close to deep water but not necessarily in deep water can produce some great fish. I use the Kalin’s jigs almost exclusively when I am casting to structure. The Kalin’s jig has a very thin cut tail that allows the action on the tail to continue even when the jig is retrieved very slowly. Vertically jigging over the structure is another method that catches a lot of slab crappies. For vertical jigging the Charlie Brewer Slider jig works great. The reason for this is the short paddle tail that has a great action when falling in the water. Color will vary depending on water clarity but some colors just seem to work well all the time such as black/chartreuse, junebug/chartreuse and blue/silver. Catfish will most likely still be in deep holes near the main river channel as they tend to start the migration to shallower water a little later than other fish. Drift fishing over the mouth of creeks is a good way to locate them. The mouth of Riles (also known as Royals) creek on Tuckertown lake is an excellent area for this type of fishing. If the wind is gusting you may need to use a drift sock to slow your drift speed. A drift sock is a device that is attached to the boat via a rope to slow your speed when drifting. They work great when you want a slow drift but the wind is preventing it. Cut shad and live sunfish are good baits to use. Fish your bait a few inches off the bottom. Large white perch are being caught as I am writing this and should continue to be an excellent way to put some fresh fish on the table. Look for ledges and drop offs that extend into deep water and fish about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom. Small hooks with small pieces of cut shad will do the trick when you find them. Lures that work well on these delicious panfish are small chrome spoons, Rapala Jigging Raps, and the Northland Puppet Minnow jigging lure. Spring is just around the corner and most fish will be making the annual run into shallow water to spawn. But you don’t have to wait to catch them. With a little work you can catch just as many or more right now.
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MARCH 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 13
LAKE TILLERY FORECAST
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inally, spring is just around the corner and with warming air temps come warmer water temps. If you have been Teddy Zimmerman 980-581-1135 putting off getting your fishing gear ready now is the time, clean out the boat, the tackle box and get ready. Crappie will be the most sought after pan fish for the next few months and for good reason, they taste good. Look for them to move toward shallow water, in the 4-6 foot range to prepare for the spawn. Just remember, all of the fish won’t move at the same time, some of FACTORY DIRECT PRICING them will continue to be caught in the mouth of the creeks in 15-20 of water. This is a good thing for us because they can be targeted in 2614 US HWY 52 N, ALBEMARLE, NC 28001 feet different ways and still be productive. Trolling, pushing, tight lining, flat lining, casting, shooting will all work but you may have to let the weather decide which style will work the best. Casting jigs around flats and likely spawning areas after a few sunny days will be a good choice as water temps will rise slightly and the fish will react to the warmer water. Cooler cloudy days may lead you to concentrate on the -- LLC -deeper more consistent fish, jigs tipped with minnows is a good way to produce some of the larger fish in the school. live bait, tackle, guns, Striped bass will begin to feed better in preparation for the spawn, ammo, full service feeding activity will increase as their upstream movements near. Look archery shop, hunting for feeding fish on primary and secondary points and creek mouths clothes, decoys, & along with shallow flats adjacent to deeper water. Live bait will produce other supplies. well when presented on down lines and flat lines along with side planers, looking for active fish on your electronics is a must. Trolling can also 1236 E. Main St. be productive with plugs, bucktail jigs, Alabama rigs and leadcore line, Albemarle, NC it is a great way to cover more water in search of these fish. Largemouth bass fishing will get more predictable as the water warms, this month jerk baits and square bill crank baits should akes. continue to produce, along with A-rigs which has been a favorite for the last few months. Large profile jigs will produce some large fish and don’t forgetisthe spoons as fish in the deeper water for will be Seatow thejigging #1 choice ofthe boaters nationwide rrielakes. active as well. Main lake points with rip rap or red dirt will be a good expert on-water assistance. Whether you are neware for to start as they will warm faster the day, as important Seatow is theplace #1 choice of boaters nationwide forduringrocks ure. the things we can’t see such as underwater and other structure the to boating orWhether an old salt-we’ve expert on-water assistance. you are new got you covered! that will hold heat and bait fish. tow is the #1 choice of boaters nationwide for picture. maboating or an Don’t old salt-we’ve you covered! forget to got re-spool your reels with fresh, quality line before theare#1newchoice of boaters nationwide for expert on-waterto assistance. ert on-water assistance.Seatow Whetherisyou fishing this year, we have bulk line in stock and we will be glad to nformaoating or an old salt-we’ve got you covered! Whether you are new to boating or an old salt–we’ve got you covered! fo spool your reels for you. Stop in for more info and help with your next d info fishing trip. Take advantage of Take advantage of tain one of these two By Rodney Crisco – Joe’s Tackletwo & Guns LLC, 704-982-8716 oneBait, of these great membership optionsGREAT and take the great membership 910-995995worry out of your MEMBERSHIP options and take the boating experience! OPTIONS
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Tips To Get That GOLD CARD Gobbler This Year 169
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Becau to wor To mouth “hollo side-u soft an those Bu gobble that p somet callin On calls a lying make regula he gob then h your c An strutt is to st in or l him a you ca from simply back i where He pull th to loc sure y vocal
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For more information, including early registration rules, visit Todd Street’s Gun and Pawn at 13333 US Hwy 601, Midland NC, 28107 or call 704-888-9998 or contact Deputy Keith Drake at 704-791-2150 or email kadrake@cabarruscounty.us. Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorships are available.
Because of this, many hunters will only use a pot-and-peg friction call to work a roosted gobbler. To make tree calling easier, you can turn your favorite 2- or 3-reeded mouth call upside down and the notes will immediately become more “hollow” and softer. You’ll lose the rasp that the cut reed of a rightside-up call gives you. Listen to most hens tree call and their notes are soft and hollow. Your upside-down mouth call will help you reproduce those same sounds. Give it a try this spring! Buy a custom box call. Sure you can call in a love-crazed suicidal gobbler this spring with an old box call. Have you even stroked that paddle on one made by a true craftsman of turkey calls? Try it sometime. You’ll be amazed how many turkeys come out of that calling tool as you run it. One thing to remember when hunting turkeys is to present your calls and decoys in a unique way. Sometimes you can have a hen decoy lying down and a jake decoy about to breed it. Then with your calling, make the hen sound excited! For instance, once you see a tom, do a regular series of four or five yelps. Once you get the tom’s attention and he gobbles or puffs up, yelp faster and more aggressively. That means then hen is getting more excited! It gets them every time! Try varying your calling and decoys like this, and success will walk your way! Another tip used with success is getting a gobbler to leave his strutting ground if he doesn’t want to come in. One thing you can try is to stop calling all together. He can only do one thing after this: come in or leave. If he just doesn’t want to leave you can try to circle around him and call him from another area to coax him away. Once he leaves you can sneak back around to the area where he just left. Start calling from here and he will be more willing to come into your calls. This is simply because he just left this area and still feels comfortable coming back into the area. However, always make sure that you set up above where you anticipate the gobbler to come in. Here’s some advice on calling turkeys, both gobblers and hens, to pull that longbeard you want into range: When on the move and trying to locate a tom after he responds to your locating call, repeat to make sure you have his attention then do not call for 15 minutes. If he is vocal and on the move to you, give a purr or a light call. If he is hung
up, give him a couple calls and get his attention again then remain quiet for 15 minutes. It will peak his curiosity, and if no other hens are in the area, he will work his way to your location, looking for the hen. If you get in a competition with a hot hen, hit her calls hard and copy what she is doing...you might get her mad and she will come in to run off the competition. Sometimes, new equipment can be your key to success. Buy a custom box call. Sure you can call in a love-crazed suicidal gobbler this spring with an old box call. Have you even stroked that paddle on one made by a true craftsman of turkey calls? Try it sometime. You’ll be amazed how many turkeys come out of that calling tool as you run it. Amateurs can use tips also, so here is some advice that you can practice and one of the things that can help you the most. First, find your comfortable shooting range. Say it is 40-50 yards then try to limit yourself to 40 yards or less so that you can be fairly sure to get the kill. Sometimes in a partially open area, it is difficult to judge distance. Therefore the most important tip of advise for turkey hunters (especially ones that have not hunted very long) is to use a rangefinder. As soon as youhear the gobble and choose your sitting tree, quickly range the trees in the surrounding area, so that you can get an idea about where the gobbler should be whenyou shoot. BOOM! Good luck everyone and stay safe!
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MARCH 2018
CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT 15
A How to Guide on Fishing with a Guide
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“It’s too expensive.” “I’ve been fishing for twenty years.” “My buddy really knows what he’s doing – he’s got, like, all the gear.” “I don’t need a guide.” There are plenty of excuses you can use to talk yourself out of booking a guided fly fishing trip, but if you’d really like to step up your game and build your skill set, you’re short changing yourself by trying to go it alone. While a guided day comes with a price tag, so does everything in fly fishing – and that money spent on a guided day will almost certainly have a more efficient payoff than any particular piece of gear or gadget. An experienced guide will not only put together an excellent day on the water, he or she will help equip you with the tools and knowledge to improve your skill set. Regardless of your experience level, you can and will learn something new every time you fish with a professional. For anglers who are just starting out, it’s essential to fish with someone who knows what they’re doing and can help cut through some of the more frustrating parts of trial and error. However, even experienced anglers can benefit from a second set of eyes and some local expertise. That’s one reason why so many guides choose to hire one, when traveling outside of their home region. Now that you’re sold on booking a trip, you need to think about how to get the most out of your experience. You should set some expectations for yourself and communicate with your guide ahead of time. What do you want to get out of the day? Do you want to focus on a particular skill or technique? Do you want to learn the basics or improve in a specific area? Do you want to fish a river or section that you’ve never seen before? Do you want to target bigger fish or are you more interested in numbers? Do you not really care about either and just want to focus on the scenery and relative solitude? If you communicate your preferences ahead of time, your guide will know how best to plan your day. You should also be up front with your guide about your experience level and any physical limitations that might come into play. Your guide wants to make this the best trip possible and will plan the day according to the information you provide. You and your guide should cover logistics, gear needs, lunch preferences, weather considerations and payment. In case you’re wondering, yes you do need to tip your guide. It’s important to have all of the questions squared away before the trip, so that you guys can focus on the fishing! A good guide will help you manage expectations. He or she should have a good working knowledge of the water and should have an idea of how the day will flow. However, it is fishing and crazy things can happen. Your guide should have a solid backup plan for when things aren’t falling into place. You’ll get the most out the day by letting the guide take charge and trusting his or her expertise. However, remember that this is your trip and you’re paying for a service. If your guide isn’t meeting an expectation, it’s completely acceptable to verbalize that, so it can be corrected. When you spend your day with a guide, you are investing in your fly fishing skill set. If you follow up on what you learn, that day will pay dividends throughout your fishing career. You should also have a great day of fishing with an interesting person. Fly fishing is one of those things that no one can ever really learn completely. Frankly, if there was nothing left to surprise or challenge us, there really would be no point in the venture. Spring is here and the fishing is good, so it’s time to stop making excuses and instead make the most out of the season with a guided fly fishing trip. Ryan Wilson is the Owner and Operator of Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters in Cornelius, NC. If you’d like to hear about our guided trip options, please contact him at madisonriverflyfishing@gmail.com or call at (704) 896-3676. Check us out on Facebook: Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters or on the Web: www. carolinaflyfishing.com
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New IGFA Observer Training in Mattituck, Long Island
Photo courtesy of Casa Vieja Lodge, Guatemala ver wonder what it would be like to sit on a big, beautiful sportfishing boat and watch a top-notch crew work their magic against monster marlin and schools of sailfish? Can you hear the lines going off? Can you hear yourself screaming “release!” Then you’re ready to become an observer. All observers must take the IGFA Observer Training Course. It takes about four hours, it’s a great way to meet other fishing enthusiast and there’s no test or exam. The International Game Fish Association will conduct an observer training courses in New York on Long Island at Strong’s Water Club and Marina in Mattituck, Long Island, New York on Saturday, May 19. The half-day session teaches observer responsibilities and duties, billfish identification, and IGFA’s International Angling Rules. The class will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a training manual, two DVD’s, a one-year IGFA membership and costs just $150. Take the course, and observe in luxurious resorts in Aruba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more, go to igfto.org. To sign up, go to igfa.org/Educate/ Observer-Training.aspx.
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By Doug Haddaway
Photo courtesy of Capt. Mike Weinhoffer
For more about the Dry Tortugas, go to
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By Chris Scalley
North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop
W
ith spring in the air, anglers are finally ready to shake the dust off their fly gear and hit the river to remedy that cabin fever. Anticipation of the first dry fly action of the season gets all fly fishermen fired up! But hold your horses. Let’s really think about the aquatic bug lifecycle. For advanced invertebrates like caddisflies or black flies, the sequence of stages are egg, larvae, pupae, adult. With more primitive insects like mayflies and stoneflies, the cycle goes egg, larvae (nymph) then adult. Early spring, usually March in the South, is the starting point for most aquatic invertebrate’s initial emergence. Anglers should
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focus on the middle stages like larvae, nymphs and pupae, which are most readily available to the trout. Even though you might see a rise here and there, you will likely catch more and bigger fish on subsurface patterns such as nymphs and wet flies. I have always agreed with my clients that one fish on a dry is worth 10 on nymphs, but at the end of the day, most folks just want to catch a lot of fish. Over most of the southern waters, the best dry fly fishing won’t begin in earnest until a little later in spring. That’s when trout will key in on adult and pupal stages of hatching insects on the river. Then it will be very handy to know about rise forms created by trout and fly fishing the “surface” and “surface film” with dry flies.
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2/16/18 10:12 AM
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
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pring is around the corner, and a lot of fishermen who hang up their gear for the winter can’t wait for the temps to rise. Although the enthusiasm is high, spring can be a difficult season to successfully pattern and consistently catch fish inshore. Most fish are still in transition between the deep mud and the shallow sand and grass flats, which has them spread out through the bays. Add high winds, cool fronts, the small size of the forage, and you have a tougher puzzle to put together than the other three seasons. I have put together a few tips to help you sort though this maze and hopefully land a few more fish this spring. First and foremost, the size of the baitfish is extremely small this time of year. It is not uncommon to find dozens of small glass minnows in the bellies of trout and reds in spring. This makes my first tip very obvious. Downsize your lure presentation if you can. Obviously, this can impact one’s casting abilities, so rigging small lures in tandem can be a plus and increase casting distance. Something else I like to use in the spring is a clear or transparent lure with some glitter or maybe one with a light translucent color. I choose these
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because it’s more difficult for the fish to see its actual size and gives the appearance of being smaller than it actually is. I’ve found this to be a productive alternative to downsizing my lure. While choosing a typical size trout and red lure for this application, I look for one with subtle movements. I like either a darting-style bait or a very subtle vibrating paddle lure. Strong, big vibrating tails have their place, but early spring is not one of them. One thing I notice about schools of small baitfish is that when they are displaced they seldom dart deeper before quickly regrouping. Most of their movement is to the side and up. Due to this characteristic, I also like a light lure that has a slow sink rate. I feel this imitates the spring forage movements and increases my strikes. I like a lure you can twitch from side to side that doesn’t sink very fast on the pause. In early spring while the fish are in transition, they will start to congregate on sandy shores with grass. This will be the main cover for the small fry. While employing these techniques and lure choices, concentrate your efforts on broken grass flats with potholes and distinct edges. Early in the season, areas like these near deeper water is where I would start. I hope you find these tactics helpful. As the weather warms and you enjoy the outdoors, don’t forget to take a kid fishing! Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
he N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters in 25 western counties at 7 a.m. on April 1. The season will run through Feb. 28, 2018. While fishing on Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, anglers can harvest a maximum of seven trout per day, with no minimum size limits or bait restrictions. To give trout anglers opportunities to plan fishing trips in advance, the Commission has posted on its website a Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters stocking schedule that provides information on what weeks each water is being stocked. Anglers can search by county and by month. The agency also posts daily updates at noon for all waters stocked that day. Information can be searched by county, by month, or both.
Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, marked by green-and-white signs, are stocked from March until August every year, depending on the individual stream. Many of these waters are stocked monthly, although some heavily fished waters are stocked more frequently. Commission personnel will stock nearly 916,000 trout in 2017— 96 percent of which average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length. Stocked trout are produced primarily at two mountain region fish hatcheries operated by the Commission and are distributed along hatchery-supported streams where public access for fishing is available. While Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters are open to public fishing, many of those miles are privately owned so the Commission urges anglers to respect the property they’re fishing on and remember that landowners can take away access if they feel their property is being misused. Anglers can help prevent the ltoss of public access to fishing by: • Respecting private property and landowners at all times; • Removing all trash and litter from fishing and parking areas; • Parking only in designated areas and leaving driveways open for traffic; • Closing and/or locking gates after use; and, • Reporting wildlife violations by calling 1-800-662-7137. For a complete list of all Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, as well as trout maps, weekly stocking schedule, and daily stocking updates on Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters, visit the Commission’s trout fishing page. For more information on fishing in public, inland waters, visit the Commission’s fishing page, www.ncwildlife.org/fishing or call the Inland Fisheries Division, 919-707-0220.
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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures
MARCH 2018
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By Will Robinson
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hoosing the right fly reel can really make your head spin. From basic drags to sealed-disk braking systems, the prices and quality vary dramatically. My gut always tells me to get the best that I can. Buy it once and you won’t be replacing it in a couple of years. While this typically holds true for fly reels, there are instances when it can be overkill. If you are looking for an inshore 8-weight and will be typically chasing snook in the backcountry, the need for
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a reel with a silky smooth drag and 300 yards of backing is pointless. You will likely be fighting most fish within 50 feet of you. And much of the time, you’ll be hand-lining them and have no need for a fancy drag system. In these situations, the reel is more of a line holder and can be much less expensive than their highly tuned cousins. A good starting point is deciding if you need a sealed drag reel. They are nice, and most are very well made with super smooth drags, but that comes at a price. A great advantage of these reels is that they are virtually maintenance free. The sealed drag keeps water out, so rinse them down well after fishing and, you are pretty much done. The negative is they are typically higher-end reels and a bit pricey. For nearly two decades I have fished with non-sealed drags and have never had an issue, but I need to do a little more maintenance and cleaning on those reels. Also, if you primarily fish from a boat where dunking a reel is not likely, this could be a great way to save some dough. Another important question is size, which often has to do with how much backing you think you will need. Since the tackle is lighter, it’s nice to have the line for long runs when fishing open areas, but again, if you typically fish tight spots there might not be a need for 300 yards of backing. Conversely, if you are looking to chase large tarpon or go offshore, you need plenty of backing. Larger arbors are great, even with limited backing. They allow you to pick up line at a much faster pace, making life easier on both the fish and fisher. Finally, opt for ported reels, as they are lighter and allow your backing to dry much faster. This is important for the longevity of the line. Smooth drags and plenty of backing are always nice. But be honest with yourself, this is an instance in which you can save a considerable amount of weight and money depending on the type of fishing you will be doing. Will Robinson is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for more than two decades. His picks for the best reels can be found at Galvanflyreels.com and Nautilusreels.com.
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2/16/18 9:26 AM
By CAM Staff
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o many inshore anglers, springtime means flatfish, and there’s no destination fishery more closely associated with giant doormat flounder than Murrells Inlet, S.C. When waters begin to warm into the mid 70s, the inlet fills up with glass minnows, pogies and mullet. Flounder follow the bait, and they’ll set up in ambush points waiting for an easy meal. Murrells Inlet becomes the epicenter on the Atlantic coast for anglers seeking tasty flatfish. Most years, the flounder bite begins as early as April and will reach its peak in June. But flounder aren’t the only game in town. The same influx of bait draws all sorts of gamefish into this closed system of marshes and backwater creeks. Speckled trout fishing heats up, and as the crabs get more active on the flats, large schools of tailing redfish provide excellent sight fishing opportunities on light tackle as well as on the fly. With lures,
For more information on fishing, golfing and the Inlet Sports Lodge at Murrells Inlet, S.C., go to www.inletsportslodge.com/ or call 877-585-9360.
esy of Photo court utting C im Capt. T 6
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flies or live bait, the grass edges, creeks and oyster bars offer an almost surefire shot at an inshore slam of flounder trout and reds, and hard-pulling black drum will likely be in the mix as well. In the sound, there is even more sight fishing to be done. Triple tail and some big sharks will be taking advantage of all that bait. There’s good news from the federal fisheries managers, too. After almost a year of no harvest, cobia are again fair game. There is not much in fishing as exciting as spotting and casting to cruising cobia, but big bull reds definitely give them a run for their money in terms of pure strength. Along with the famous fall run, bull reds show up at Murrells Inlet in spring. Fish in the 20- to 40-pound range are a common occurrence. Outside the inlet, with a run of just a few miles, the nearshore reefs can be easily accessed, even on a half-day trip. Mackerel, sharks, black sea bass, reds, flounder, bluefish, spadefish and more make for an exciting cooler-filling outing. A little farther out, there is excellent trolling for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia and amberjack, as well as bottom fishing for snappers, groupers and sea bass. And serious anglers should look into a full-day or overnight trip to the Gulf Stream. From 55 to 70 miles offshore, opportunities for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, marlin and sailfish abound. Trolling the Gulf Stream for big-game species off the lower end of the Grand Strand is tough to beat anywhere. If all that fishing isn’t enough to pique your interest, the area is also world famous for its golf courses, and there’s a vacation destination on the inlet that caters specifically to the needs of anglers and golfers. Located at the heart of Murrells Inlet, the Inlet Sports Lodge is a comfortable and classy boutique hotel with the finest amenities in the area. It’s minutes away from three marinas, works closely with the area’s best charter captains and can accommodate boats up to 25 feet. There’s a fish cleaning room for prep, as well as gas and charcoal grills available in the courtyard to cook your catch. Or, for those who’d rather let someone else do the cooking, the COSTA Coastal Kitchen and Bar on-site offers up fine, fresh Italian and seafood fare. There are also several other restaurants nearby that prepare the kind of delicious right-out-ofthe-water dishes that have made Murrells Inlet the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” If days on the water paired with a days on the links sounds like the perfect way to relax, the Inlet Sports Lodge has you covered. With golf packages booking a wide variety of the Grand Strand’s famous courses, there’s more golf than you can swing a stick at, including two award-winning courses with the same ownership as the Inlet Sports Lodge. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Plantation are two of the finest courses in the area as well as the nation.
For more fishing at Murrells Inlet, go to
ANGLERSLIFE.CO MARCH 2018
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2/16/18 9:26 AM
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ver the last five years, Columbia, South Carolina’s Lower Saluda River has been on the rise as a trout fishery. Fed by the cold waters of Lake Murray, it took work by South Carolina DNR as well as habitat improvements to turn what once was a purely put-and-take fishery into viable year-round tailwater trout fishery. With improved dissolved oxygen levels and a new flow program, anglers began catching large holdover fish back in 2012. Where stocked rainbows were once expected to die off during summer months, rainbows and browns are now thriving throughout the year. Trout exceeding 20 inches in length are now a real possibility for anglers fishing the tailwater. South Carolina stocks this stretch of river with about 18,000 rainbow and brown trout by helicopter in winter. Regulations allow for no bait or tackle restrictions, and there is a daily harvest limit of five trout per day, per person. It would be interesting to see how stricter regulations might affect the fishery. That’s exactly what South Carolina DNR has proposed. In February, public meetings were held to provide information and gauge opinions on a catch-and-release-only section of the Saluda. A 1.3-mile special catch-and-release zone has been proposed on the river’s nearly 10-mile run from the dam at Lake Murray to its convergence with the Broad River. Regulations would remain unchanged for the rest of the Lower Saluda. For information or to submit comments on the proposed plan, see www.dnr.sc.gov.
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Angler Chuck Hanford and Capt. Alex with a 60-pound roosterfish released on the Harvester in February.
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he 2018 season is in full swing in Nosara, Costa Rica. The five boats of the FishingNosara team have already run 225 trips since our season kicked-off in November, and show no signs of slowing down. As usual, the flagship Wanderer has led the charge with great action this season. One of our favorite anglers Leah Merryfield helped the Wanderer ring in the New Year with a great day of action on Jan. 1. Capt. William found a 40-plus-pound dorado lurking offshore, and Miss Merryfield was there to land the monster. Mate Johnny had his work cut out for him to filet this big green beast. With dinner on ice, Mike battled a big sailfish all the way in for the release. Filets for the table and another trophy release for the scrapbook… that’s a perfect day of fishing to kick off 2018. On Jan. 9, Soren and Marianne Dalberg-Pedersen had a big day with
Capt. William, highlighted by a pair of awesome marlin releases. They added a big dorado for the icebox, and all of this happened on just a fivehour, half-day trip! Our big battleship Discoverer also has been delivering big fish and big smiles. Our dear friend Jerome McKown continues to add to his FishingNosara Hall of Fame resume with a great day of action for his group on Feb. 1. After a sweet sailfish release, these Texas anglers scored a nice yellowfin tuna with a baitcaster reel he brought from home. Ryan McPherson joined Capt. Carlos and had the best five-hour trip you can imagine on Jan. 31. First up was a big blue marlin release. The blue water kept producing with an excellent sailfish backed up by a tasty yellowfin tuna. Our newest weapon, the 32-foot Eduardono mega-panga Harvester, has already redefined the potential of panga fishing in Central America. After three full days of fishing, angler Chuck Hanford saved the best for last with a mammoth roosterfish release on his final day of action on Feb. 5. This monster was a legitimate 60 pounds, proven by Captain Alex’s Bogagrip. Great work by the mega-panga to photograph and release this monster. Meanwhile, our smaller pangas, the Explorer and Adventurer, are delivering the best bang-for-your-buck fishing action in all of Central America. The Explorer put on a show for Maurycy Krzastek, of Poland, with a wonderful day of action on Jan. 12. The fish were fired-up as the Explorer released not one but two mighty marlins. This amazing feat was backedup with plenty of dorado, so these boys will be well fed. Great work by Capt. Fico! The Adventurer scored a swarm of permit, snappers and yellowfin tuna on Jan. 6. Want to have ceviche, sushi and filets all in one meal? Capt. David is known for delivering a wide variety of edible delights every time he hits the water. Daily updates on the team’s catches are available at blog.fishingnosara.com and on the major social media platforms.
For more on FishingNosara, go to
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FRESHWATER
By TAM Staff
T
his is the time of year when crappie anglers flock to the water. The predictability and seemingly never-ending abundance of these tasty fish make them a springtime tradition with a community feel. No one’s going to fight you for crappie; there are plenty for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you load a cooler this spring. • Fish The Right Areas: This time of year, crappie are either shallow or thinking about moving shallow, depending on where you fish. With warming waters, the spring spawn will find them right up on the banks in water as shallow as 1 ½ feet. Explore backs of the creeks that feed reservoirs or the flats adjacent to creek channels. Crappie use those channels to travel in and out of their spawning areas, so they’ll be stacked up in shallow brush near those slightly deeper areas when they move up. They’ll be holding in those slightly deeper channels before and after the spawn. • Brush, Brush, Brush: The necessity for cover cannot be overstated. Crappie seek out hard bottoms with abundant cover to hide and
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protect their beds. Laydowns on the bank, shallow docks, timber and brush stacked up by currents, angler-placed brush in shallow water, all of it will hold spawning crappie as long as there is firm bottom for them to build their nests and something to conceal them. • Tactics: Male crappie are usually the target when fishing during the spawn. Males are the ones that guard the beds, and while they are in protector mode they are aggressive. They are not necessarily feeding; they are attacking. Minnows under a float are the traditional bait for crappie fishing, and it is a tactic that works any time of year. But during the spawn, minnows can actually hurt your productivity because fishing them out of the livewell and hooking them up is time consuming. If they will take a jig, there is no reason not to use one. Jigs are just more efficient. This time of year, bright and gaudy colors are the way to go. Angry fish don’t need to be enticed into feeding, just getting their attention is often enough to make them strike. Whether you’re vertical jigging thick cover or casting to the banks, move quickly until you find crappie and then slow down to catch all of them that will bite. • Remember: When you find a good spot, mark it on the graph or remember where it is. Crappie know where to go to spawn successfully and comfortably. They will utilize the same areas year after year, and so should you. This holds true on a short-term basis also. Catch a limit one day, and you might think you’ve fished a particular bank out. Don’t count on it. Those good spawning sites reload. New fish will move in to take the place of the ones you took home to the fryer. That spot is worth checking again as early as tomorrow or even this afternoon.
For more on fishing Crappie in the spring, go to
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TIPS FROM A PRO
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BRANDON LESTER
T
he first pro event of the 2018 Bassmaster schedule was the Bassmaster Eastern Open in Kissimmee, Fla. I love Florida in winter, and love it even more now. I finished the event in second place, my highest professional finish to date. To notch that result, I had to adapt. Here’s how I did it. In practice and early on day one I was catching fish on a prop bait. The fish were eating it, but I started catching smaller fish as time wore on. I knew big fish were in the area but weren’t willing to hit a topwater. They were buried in the cover, and I needed to go in after them. That meant punching the heavy mats. My arsenal for approaching the thickest Florida cover is simple but vital. I like to
use a MHX FP936 flipping stick with a 1 ½-ounce tungsten weight. I like a 4/0 Mustad 3X Grip Pin Max flipping hook, which helps keep a compact creature bait on the hook shank while penetrating abrasive cover. I pair it with 65-pound Vicious No Fade Braid to a high-speed reel to ensure I can muscle trophy fish from matted cover. A big key to punching heavy cover is the bait. It must have a compact shape to slip through the mats behind that big weight. I worked with X Zone Lures to create a new punching bait that does just that and is a new look for the fish. The Muscle Back Finesse Craw is the result. You can find them on the X Zone website (www.xzonelures.com). I relied on the Okeechobee Craw and Black/Blue Flake colors, which are both Florida staples.
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FRESHWATER PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
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UNDER THE SEA
What To Wear?
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ho says you can’t have it all? When it comes to wetsuits—whether man or woman, warm or cold water, scuba or freediver—there are many great choices on the market. They are more comfortable, better-fitting, and more fashionable than ever. Pioneers in the dive world had to endure cold temperatures sometimes. Finally, in 1952, a University of California physicist invented the wetsuit. Water conducts heat away from the body about 20 times more efficiently than air, which is why an unprotected individual feels cold even in “warmish” water. The inventor created a foam-like material to cover the body, which reduced the water’s ability to conduct heat away from the body. This, plus the fact that water is warmed by your body and trapped inside the suit, made for a more comfortable experience. Previous materials were very fragile or very rigid. Due to product innovation, wetsuits are more flexible, warm, and come in many different colors—even camouflage patterns. Better-fitting designs and new methods of joining the seams make today’s suits even more waterproof and reduce “flushing,” which is the seeping in of cold water. In the warmest parts of the world, divers may opt for a simple “lycra skin” for protection from jellyfish, coral and sunburns. However, even in the summer, most will still wear at least a 2-mil wetsuit. On the other end of the scale, my very admirable friends in northern California wear two-piece 8-mil wetsuits complemented by thick neoprene boots, gloves and hoods. As an example, someone in the Bahamas might wear a skin for the summer and a 2-mil in the winter. Someone in Florida might own a 3-mil for the summer and a two-piece 5-mil for the winter. A Californian would probably own a two-piece 5-mil for the summer and 8-mil for winter.
The rule of thumb is that you want to wear the thinnest possible wetsuit, but enough to feel comfortable throughout the dive. That’s because you want to maintain maximum Photo by Jose Fernandez flexibility and reduce the amount of lead needed on your weight belt to submerge (wetsuit material is buoyant). The beauty of owning two-piece suits (hooded top and farmer john bottoms) is that you can switch pieces around for the perfect combination—such as wearing a 5-mil bottom with a 3-mil top. Along these lines, it’s also possible to buy a sleeveless vest for more layering options. With just a few basic pieces, many different combinations are available. This is especially handy if traveling and exact conditions are unknown or could change. The following brands are available at your local dive shop: Yazbeck, Mares, Riffe, Omer, Cressi and more. If an off-the-rack suit does not fit, there are several affordable custom manufacturers who will tailor one to your measurements, such as Polosub or Elios. These days, there’s no reason to be uncomfortable in the water. Happy diving! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
For more Sheri Daye, go to
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The Professional Choice For 200 Years
By CAM Staff
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ichael Clark’s 9.66-pound sheepshead might not be the biggest ever caught, but it’s the heaviest officially recognized sheep ever caught on a fly rod in Louisiana. Clark, of Charleston, S.C., and his father-in-law Craig Pagels booked a couple days with Louisiana Low Tide Charters and Capt. Lucas Bissett last January to fish the marshes of Delacroix. The big sheepshead came on the second afternoon of the trip. The day had dawned clear and calm, but when winds picked up in the afternoon it stirred up the mud bottom they were fishing. Capt. Bissett made the call to move in search of a sand bottom and clear water. It was a good call. Bissett spotted two sheepshead from the poling platform. “He told me to strip out all my line and said ‘four o’clock, four o’clock,’” Clark said. “I threw it out there and dropped it right on the shadow. Then I waited for what seemed like forever. Then I twitched it once and it took the fly.” The fish ate Bissett’s own pattern, a Bissett’s Mud Bug, which has a deer hair head and a baitfish profile. It was caught on a 10-weight Orvis Helios. The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) recognized it as the fly-caught state record. The all-tackle LOWA record for sheepshead was caught in 1982 by Wayne Desselle. That one weighed 21.25 pounds.
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By Tobin Strickland - CAM Special Correspondent Photo Courtesy of Capt. Ernest Cisneros - Simms Ambassador
pring temperatures can swing widely; the morning can start very cold with late season frontal passages, or strong winds with clouds or fog. Even warm days can feel cold due to the water’s ability to cool the near surface layer of air. However, those cold mornings can warm to hot afternoons and back to cold. First, start with a thermal layer that breathes well that can be worn on its own if it warms up. I prefer merino wool for this, but cotton thermals are fine as well if that’s your budget. The merino seems to wick and dry better and is comfortable in a wider range. Next comes a hoodie of some sort, whether that be heavy cotton, fleece or poly, and on your legs either poly sweats or jeans are usually enough for spring. The hoodie will be a welcome addition over your hat of choice at dawn, during high winds, or evening low-light conditions. The final layer should be some sort of windproof and waterproof layer. For wade fishing or rough water conditions, I like a pair of Simms fishing waders and a jacket. I can’t stress enough how important it is to block the wind and water on the top layer. Spring fishing brings variable conditions that require you to layer your clothes so you can adjust through the day. The mornings may be cold, but the mid afternoon leaves you peeling off clothes and sweating. You’ll be ready if you layer. Tobin created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for inshore fisherman wanting to take it beyond the basics.
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ITEM 6285
N
NOW
SUPER COUPON
$1799
REESE $ 99
SAVE 61% $
MODEL: GSP1711
NOW
2599
COMPARE TO
15999
77
$29
17
Customer Rating
• 1.3 GPM • Adjustable spray nozzle
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
GRIZZLY
GENESIS
$
ITEM 69474/62861/60626 shown
60" HARDWOOD WORKBENCH 1000 LB. CAPACITY WITH 4 DRAWERS SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK
Tools sold separately.
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
COMPARE TO
NOW
99
99 $
1750 PSI ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER
Customer Rating
NOW
COMPARE TO
7" VARIABLE SPEED POLISHER/SANDER
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYER KIT
HEAVY DUTY FOLDABLE ALUMINUM SPORTS CHAIR
$19
LIMIT 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/1/18.
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Cust
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
MODEL: 887400
Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/1/18 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
20% OFF
FREE
RAPID PUMP® 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK
Customer Rating
SUPER COUPON
NOW
99
$6
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
Customer Rating COMPARE TO
EATON
$
$
4894
NOW
3999 $29
MODEL: MSLED180W
99
SAVE 38%
ITEM 62534 69643 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
2/16/18 12:35 PM
SA 60
CO
PE
Inclu
ON
%
F
10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY
Customer Rating
PER UPON
g
Customer Rating
• Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H
• Air delivery: Customer Rating 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI, 4.7 CFM NOW @ 90 PSI
$4999 $
ITEM 63054 62858 shown
12999
205
COMPARE TO $ 99 SHELTER LOGIC MODEL: 23522
NOW
$9999
SAVE $106
$
7999
$
SAVE Voted Best $130 Winches
179
$ 99 SUPERWINCH MODEL: 1125220
COMPARE TO
ITEM 61840/61297/63476/61258 shown
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
17 FT. TYPE IA MULTI-TASK LADDER
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
298
LITTLE GIANT MODEL: XE M17
SAVE $189
12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT
OW
1899 N$99 9 33 $
$
OPTRONICS
59
ITEM 63100
MODEL: TL21RK
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET
100 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT
Customer Rating
DEWALT
$
60
SAVE 83%
MODEL: DW1369
1799
ITEM 62281 61637 shown
SAVE $175
$
RENEWABLE ENERGY, ANYWHERE
COMPARE TO $
SUNFORCE
18999 NOW99
32592 ITEM 64335
MODEL: 50180
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
63585 shown
$1 49
• 15,704 cu. in. of storage Customer Rating • 1200 lb. capacity
99 $239
$
299 SAVE $169
$
Blade sold separately.
ITEM 61969 61970 69684 shown
MODEL: SM3055LW
26999 SAVE $30
ITEM 64023 64012 shown
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET
1500 WATT DUAL TEMPERATURE HEAT GUN (572°/1112°)
$
COMPARE TO
BLACK & DECKER
12 VOLT, 150 PSI PORTABLE INFLATOR
Customer Rating
$
28
1499
06
MODEL: HG1300
COMPARE TO
BLUE HAWK $ 99
SAVE 67%
19
MODEL: 77280
Customer Rating
$1999 COMPARE TO
GOODYEAR
$
3134 SAVE 36%
MODEL: 12865
$
ITEM 61939/62884/62890 shown
3096
24
99
$
COMPARE TO
1689 SAVE 58%
CUSTOM ACCESSORIES MODEL: 59008 ITEM 63109/4077/63152 shown
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
shown
9
$ 99
Item 69560 shown
METRIC 69279/69332/69561 LIFETIME WARRANTY
HUSKY
$
5551
MODEL: H2DSAEI11PCSR
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
3 WATT LED RECHARGEABLE CORDLESS SPOTLIGHT
• 50 ft. lbs. max. torque
Customer Rating
NOW
SUPER COUPON
99
$1 9
39
SAVE 50%
NOW
$2999
99
Customer Rating $
COMPARE TO
2499
MILWAUKEE
5999
MODEL: 70019
ITEM 62775/62776 62973/95061 shown
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
3/8" AIR RATCHET WRENCH
Customer Rating
YOUR CHOICE
SAVE $ 63%
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$11
ITEM 69280/69333/69560
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
TRI-FOLD ALUMINUM LOADING RAMP 18 VOLT, 3/8" CORDLESS • 1500 lb. DRILL/DRIVER WITH capacity KEYLESS CHUCK Customer Rating
99
SAVE $ 60%
1499
COMPARE TO
$
29
99
PEAK MODEL: PKC0TV-R ITEM 61960/61777 shown Includes AC/DC adapter and 12 volt DC cigarette lighter plug.
$
NOW
$1399 $1999 COMPARE TO
HUSKY
$
3498 SAVE 60%
MODEL: H4110
Customer Rating COMPARE TO $
ITEM 47214 60631 shown
$5 99
13 PIECE, 1/2" DRIVE HEAVY DUTY HAND TRUCK DEEP IMPACT lb. capacity SOCKET SETS •• 600 10" pneumatic tires
$ TYPE SAE
NOW
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
99
NOW
8
SUPER COUPON
NOW
$6
SAVE $ 99 70%
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
ITEM 62340/62546/63104/96289 shown LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
3/8" x 50 FT. INDUSTRIAL GRADE RUBBER AIR HOSE
12" OLLY
$899
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
hown
99
KOBALT
46" MOBILE WORKBENCH WITH SOLID WOOD TOP
NOW
$999
COMPARE TO
6V, NiCd ack.
• Laser guide
SUPER COUPON
NOW
19499
COMPARE TO
ITEM 63927
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
NOW
$
ER ON
$
SAVE $69
9995
MODEL:1450
Customer Rating
ESS QUE KIT
9
$
PELICAN
SUPER COUPON
12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
39
Case contents
locks 99 notandincluded.
COMPARE TO
ITEM 69091/61454/62803/63635/67847 shown
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
PER PON
219 SAVE $69
9 $1299
COMPARE TO
ITEM 63418/63419/62656/67646/62514/63417 shown
UPON
$
NOW
SAVE 70%
$2999
MODEL: C201H
Customer Rating
$10999 $13999 99
$
NOW
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
NOW
$
HUSKY
16999 $1 49
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating • 16-15/16" L 12-7/8" W 6-11/16" H
99
SUPER COUPON
• Versatile - 24 configurations • Safe + Secure + Stable • Super strong - holds 300 lbs. • Weighs 34 lbs.
COMPARE TO
COMPARE TO
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
SUPER COUPON
Model 3800
21 GALLON, 2.5 HP, 125 PSI ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF VERTICAL OIL-LUBE WEATHER-RESISTANT AIR COMPRESSOR LOCKABLE CASE
2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL NOW
NY GLE M*
Cannot be ide Track g Lot Sale , trailers, , Fischer, ot valid on gh 7/1/18.
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Battle Tested
SUPER COUPON
REESE
149
$
MODEL: 74554700
9499 SAVE $74
ITEM 69595/60334/90018 shown
NOW
99
$74
19
NOW
99
SAVE 71%
$1 699
Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.
COMPARE TO
BLACK & DECKER
$
5999
MODEL: GC1801
ITEM 69651/62868 62873/68239 shown
4 LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 7/1/18*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specifi ed comparison, which is an item the same or similar function, 850 Stores Nationwide or HarborFreight.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I MARCH 2018 I with NATIONAL 33 was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 7/1/18.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT34.indd 33
may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
2/16/18 PM 2/1/18 12:35 3:26 PM
SUZUKI MAKES IT EASY AS
1-2-3
1. Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
2. SEL
These are limited time offers. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details or visit www.suzukimarine.com.
N SO S NG ARD AVI TBO T S I OU TANUZUK INSECT S
Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*
REPOWER FINANCE
Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
34
NATIONAL
I
MARCH 2018
CANGL_NAT3-NAT34.indd 34 SZ_Q1Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1
I
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
2/16/18 12:35 PM 12/8/17 2:46 PM
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