The Angler Magazine | November 2019 | Charlotte/Piedmont Edition

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FISH OF A LIFETIME IN SOUTHWEST ALASKA By Tom Schlichter

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o one has to tell you a halibut has taken your bait. As you set the hook with all your might, the heavy rod takes on a full bend, tip pumping rapidly as the beast powers down and away in a series of short, explosive bursts. Within minutes, beads of sweat begin to roll down your brow, and soon your back and arms begin to tire. The battle continues for another five to 10 minutes—or longer— and the enormity of the fish at the end of your line becomes apparent. This is the fish of a lifetime. This is why you came to Alaska! What saltwater angler hasn’t fantasized about taking such a trip? Yet there’s more to the beautiful, chilly waters in the far Northwest than outlandish flatfish. Ferocious-looking lingcod, giant, bright orange shortrakers, yelloweyes and other rockfish are also on the menu, as are king, coho and chum salmon, whether jigged or trolled in open water or tempted with the long rod in a river so full of fish you could walk across the dorsal fins. From breaching whales and soaring bald eagles to grizzly bears, sea lions, otters and endless miles of wild, unspoiled vistas, nature abounds in the forty-ninth state. Of course, where to start is a major questions you’ll need to tackle when planning your first Alaska fishing adventure. By and large, Southeast Alaska is the first choice if you are seeking major-league halibut. From the town of Ketchikan northwest up the coast to Chichagof Island, there are fishing lodges to accommodate your needs in such towns as Sitka, Juneau, Elfin Cove and Gustavus, plus places from which the most adventurous can set out on their own. One of the most popular spots is Tanaku Lodge. At the northwest corner of the famed Inside Passage, it’s tucked inside Elfin Cove, about 25 miles west of Glacier Bay National Park. From here you can get a terrific sampling of Alaska’s great coastal fishery, while seeing astounding amounts of wildlife and enjoying your stay in comfort. “The fishing is always great around here,” said Dennis Meier, co-owner of Tanaku Lodge with Jim Benton. “That’s a given, but we pride ourselves on making the entire experience the best it can be. Our skippers and mates are tops in the business, our lodge staff is helpful and courteous, and you’ll find the accommodations here to be first class all the way around. We may be off the beaten track, but that doesn’t mean we compromise on quality.” Tanaku is a full-service lodge with all-wood interior, vaulted ceilings, and wood burning stoves to keep you warm. Bedroom suites feature two full-sized beds and either a shared or private bath. Huge, wrap-around windows and outdoor decks offer fabulous views of the harbor. You don’t even have to bring foul-weather gear, as slicks and boots are provided for each angler. Leave your tackle home, too; the lodge offerings are in excellent shape and a perfect match to fishing you’ll encounter.

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As for the fishing, there are so many possibilities it can make your head spin. Halibut is the perfect first choice, since big ones can be found just a short ride away. Prepare to fish heavy and in water depths of 130 to 150 feet, though. Expect rods and reels suited for tuna and cannonball weights up to 2 pounds with a herring, pink salmon strip or side of pink salmon for bait. Even with all that heavy gear, a big halibut can still kick your butt. If you want to make things even more exciting (read: strenuous) try tempting these beasties with 1-pound jigs. It took me only 10 minutes of jigging in the Inside Passage to set the point to a 90-pound brute that beat the heck out of me before coming aboard. Over the next two days, I managed four more on jigs as we rotated between fishing for halibut, salmon and rockfish, depending on the most favorable tides. What a blast! As previously mentioned, salmon fishing is the other big draw here. While stocks of kings and cohos have slipped somewhat over the past few years, the number of king (Chinook), coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon is substantial. Anglers can troll for salmon, jig them, or set up a trip to wade a nearby river and catch them on the fly. Wherever you decide to stay on your Alaskan adventure, it’s wise to clearly state your wishes when booking a trip—especially if you hope to sample river salmon fishing or want to try for additional species like lingcod, shortrakers and various other rockfish. Not all are available from every lodge. While there are occasional off days even in this remarkable fishing wilderness—weather can be a serious issue late in the season—the odds are you’ll experience some of the best fishing of your life.

For information on Tanaku Lodge in Elfin Cove, AK, visit www.tanakulodge. com, or phone: 800-482-6258.

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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures By Nick Carter

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pearfishers seeking a little variety in their bottom time should take a close look at the waters off New England. You won’t find warm tropical waters off the Northeast coast, but you will find a freediving experience unlike any other. Destinations like Montauk, N.Y. and Block Island, R.I. have long been recognized for some of the best striped bass fishing on the planet. The bass blitzes around Long Island Sound are legendary, and huge schools of stripers in these rocky waters offer conventional anglers and spearos the opportunity of a lifetime. Matt Belanger, of Newburyport, Mass., is one of a growing contingent of divers hooked on what New England has to offer. He’s a member of TriState Skindivers, and a big 54.2-pound striped bass he speared off

Block Island in July topped the club’s season-long TriState Leaderboard Spearfishing Tournament. “The striper is sort of our signature inshore species,” Belanger said. “It’s a very skittish fish. A lot of guys say they can hear your heartbeat. You’ve got to be really stealth when you go after a big striper.” Belanger’s description of a typical dive was intriguing. With a 50- to 60-foot bottom littered with Volkswagen-sized boulders, strong currents and visibility averaging 10 feet, it’s a different environment from Caribbean reef dives. The veil of dingy water actually makes hunting stripers easier. On the drop, you fin down through a school of striped bass to the bottom. “You’re in the middle of a giant school of hundreds of fish,” Belanger said. “Then, when you hit the bottom, they always spook… all at once. It’s crazy. It makes this big noise, almost a boom.” The secret to sticking a big bass is bottom time. After about 25 seconds, Belanger said the school begins to reconvene. Then you must spend precious seconds selecting a target from hundreds of circling fish, while minimizing movement and sound that might spook them. The goal is to take the largest fish in the school. You’re allowed only one fish per day with a 28-inch minimum size limit. A 28-inch striped bass weighs 10 to 15 pounds. They get much bigger. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 81-pounds, 14-ounces. It was caught from Long Island Sound off Connecticut. The speargun world record weighed 68.4 pounds. Dave Hochman, who guides Block Island Sound, stuck that fish in 2008. Hochman is the guide who put Belanger on the big striper he killed in this year’s tournament. If one fish per day seems scant to travel for, there’s a lot of excellent eating on a big striper. Also, when you get your limit—with speargun or rod and reel—there are other interesting and tasty species like tautog, black sea bass, fluke and others. A word of warning: Area waters can get sharky, with great whites a concern. A good captain will know where shark encounters are least likely. For information, contact Dave Hochman of Spear-it Charters through his website at www.spearfishcharters.com.

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SHRINK WRAPPING

By Justin Witt

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he Rio Pico region of Chubut province, Argentina is known to a select and adventurous few as the best big-trout country in all of Patagonia. Comprised of an immense network of lakes and drainages flowing through the Andes of southwestern Argentina, these waters are spectacular, and they’re as far off the beaten path as it gets. The diversity of the fishery is astounding. The area hosts an almost unbelievable quantity of waters in all shapes and sizes, and the region is known for trout that reach “unusual size” in pristine water with very little fishing pressure. “It was incredible. I was fishing dry flies up a little spring creek for trout as long as my leg,” said Greg Baugus, who visited the remote

area with Hemispheres Unlimited, an agency specializing in fishing trips of a lifetime. But spring creeks are not all Rio Pico has to offer. Rainbows, brookies and browns were introduced over a century ago and can be pursued with a wide variety of tackle and techniques. From large lakes and rivers to high-elevation trickles, anglers have the option to throw dry flies on delicate tippets, chuck 6-inch streamers on a heavy sink-tip line, or nymph any day of the week. It all boils down to personal preferences, and it’s all done within the gorgeous expanses and dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Some spots are numbers games, with consistent action for what in Patagonia amounts to smallish fish—fish that would be considered large almost anywhere else in the world. Most folks come down hunting bruisers, though, the photo fish, the monsters that stand out in truly amazing adventures. Hemispheres Unlimited offers perfect trips for those seeking adventure. Their Rio Pico Trout Bum program pairs anglers with local guides who grew up on these drainages and know them like the backs of their hands. It’s a unique, low-cost option for anglers more interested in fishing than luxury lodging. There’s no mint on the pillow, for sure. Instead, the Hemispheres Unlimited team makes certain preparations are in place so you can make the most of your time pursuing the fish that brought you to Argentina in the first place. Accommodations for the Trout Bum program are best described as authentic, in true, local, Patagonia style. Unless there is a specific need for backcountry camping, groups usually lodge at local hospedajes, either in town or out on one of the waters. Each spot has its own characteristics, advantages and style, and Hemispheres helps each group choose the best option for their desires. The program can be set up in a wide variety of styles, ranging from boat fishing every day of the trip to mixed trips with easier wading, all the way to more extreme hike-in and camp expeditions. For more information on the Rio Pico Trout Bum program and everything else Hemispheres Unlimited offers, go to hemispheresunlimited. com/blog/diving-mizpah.

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Photo courtesy of www.sfctravel.com

By CAM Staff

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nglers seeking stellar offshore fishing, including the best Atlantic blue marlin fishing on the planet should book passage to Cape Verde. This island nation about 350 miles off northwest Africa is a horseshoe cluster of 10 islands and eight islets that are a popular tourist destination for Europeans. The fishery is renowned for the consistency of big blue marlin. Billfish Report ranked it best in the world for 500-plus-pound blues, edging out venerable Kona, Hawaii by the numbers in its annual rankings based on 2018 statistics. Last years numbers were 110 blue marlin heavier than 500 pounds, including a 900-plus-pounder and one grander, which stretched the scales to 1,037 pounds. It’s the kind of place where releasing three marlin heavier than 500 pounds in a day is considered possible… because it happens. With big-game fishing this good, the marlin fishing is obviously the headliner. It’s best from April through July, with March and August usually being good as well. It’s a happy coincidence that this time frame coincides with the best seasons for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo and dorado. Four islands, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vincente, Santo Antao and Maio, harbor most of the medium-sized recreational fleet. The channel between Sao Vincente and Santo Antao is the epicenter of this international hot-spot for blues. For more information, go to www.capeverdeislands.org.

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These coastal fishing communities are nestled right in the heart of one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The saltwater fishing, both inshore and offshore, is probably the most popular attraction for the area and with good reason… it’s epic! A host of charter captains and crews wait to take you on the fishing expedition of your dreams. Deep blue water for sailfish, king mackerel, mahi and more is easily accessible. If the deep blue isn’t your thing, the inshore choices include redfish, speckled trout, tripletail, tarpon and so much more. If you’ve never experienced a redfish crushing a topwater plug, you’re missing out! With all these fishing options, it’s a rare occasion that weather will prevent you from feeling a fish tug your line. Don’t overlook the freshwater fishing that the Apalachicola River and its many tributaries offer those in search of bass, bream, catfish and more. In the lower reaches of this coastal river system, anglers often catch bass and redfish in the same day. Advanced and beginner paddlers will find exactly what they’ve been looking for in a paddling adventure. It’s almost like kayaks were invented for this place. With paddler’s trails, launches, amenities and events, you won’t find a more exciting, scenic and wild place to skim across the water. But wait, there’s more! Visitors will find the area full of fun and exciting things to do besides fishing. Experience old Florida how it used to be along our gorgeous beaches or explore a museum or old lighthouse. Birdwatch on hiking trails. Paddle down a lazy stretch of river or backwater. There’s something for everyone here… and don’t forget oysters! Here are some fishing tips for anyone coming down soon. If you’re after redfish and trout, you’re in luck… the fall bite can be amazing! If Photo courtesy of Robinson Brother’s Guide Service. the weather is mild, cast a topwater plug like a Rapala Skitterwalk or visit to Franklin County’s coast is like going back in time. Places a sub-surface plug like a Mirrodine. If it’s cooler than usual, a small jig like Apalachicola, East Point, Alligator Point, St. George Island tipped with live shrimp or Berkley Gulp will produce best. Live shrimp will and Carrabelle offer the experience of a simpler time, a time catch just about anything that swims and is the surest bet for getting bit. when folks gather around an oyster bar for great seafood, a cold beverage and conversations about the day’s catch or what tomorrow’s fishing For more info and a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and trip might have in store. more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.

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Spoon-Fed Stripers At Santee Cooper By Capt. Cefus McRae, Nuts & Bolts of Fishing Series

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t’s been a long time since I fished South Carolina’s Santee Cooper lakes. Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are world famous for mondo catfish and crappie, and they are vibrant striped and largemouth bass fisheries, as well. Recently, I attended the South Carolina Outdoor Writer’s Conference, held at Black’s Fish Camp, and had the honor to fish with two iconic Santee Cooper guides: Capt. Leroy Suggs and Capt. Charlie King. Each morning, I was treated to breakfast at Black’s Restaurant while the captains prepped their boats with tackle and a livewell full of blue-

back herring. After a short run down the lake, we would set four to six downline rods with live baits and drift near actively working seagulls. The striper schools would show up on the sonar, and we would typically boat three or four fish before the school would break up or move. This is the way many anglers fish for stripers. It’s very effective. Even though the calendar said October, the air temperature said July, with temps in the mid-90s. The water surface temperature hovered near 85 degrees. By the time the sun cleared the treetops, the fish went deep, and the bite all but stopped. We could see fish on the sonar, but their enthusiasm to eat a herring diminished as the sun got higher. Coincidentally, one of the sponsors of the conference was Live Target Lures, and they had put a few sample baits in each attendees’ goodie bag. My bag had a Live Target Flutter Shad jigging spoon in it. When the live bait bite slowed, I figured it was as good a time as any to try out the spoon. Upon dropping it over the side, I noticed the bait’s erratic, fluttering descent. With 12-pound braid on a light spinning rod, I could feel the spoon’s movement all the way down. The same applied to the jigging retrieve. You could feel the spoon when lifting the rod and when reeling it back to the surface. On the second drop, the spoon went to the bottom, and as I lifted the rod, the line came tight. There was a noticeable thump that peeled drag. After a gallant fight, a slot-sized striper came to the landing net. When the third drop produced another fish, everyone in the boat started jigging as well. My theory is that when active feeding time passed, the stripers were hanging out in cooler, oxygen-rich deep water until they got hungry again. Our spoons were likely drawing reaction strikes as they fluttered past the fish’s noses. Although I couldn’t see what our herring were doing 40 feet below the boat, my guess is they were just sitting there, without the bite-generating action of the spoon. We caught more than 50 fish each day, with the majority being caught on a jigging spoon. I’ve always been a believer in jigging spoons. Now I’ve experienced first-hand that spoons can turn the bite back on.

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Forecast for LAKE HICKORY & RHODHISS

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ovember can almost be thought of as a “last stand” type of situation, to an extent. The stripers on Lake Hickory and Lake Rhodhiss are actively trying to pack on all the weight they can this month before they start to (sorry for the pun) cool down for the winter. November is typically their last push. One benefit to the fishing in November is that the bait tends to be larger and easier to catch. The cooler water, regularly in the 60’s, should also help the stripers. You should find success fishing the main points on the mid to lower sections of each lake. Throw crankbaits to those points in about 12 to 20 feet of water. We tend to think of the late fall, when the bass roam the shallows, as an ideal time to throw a crankbait. There are numerous color combinations that prove effective. Any with chartreuse are top picks. Jerkbaits like the Zoom Fluke are also good for this time of year. Shad is still a go-to. Planer boards are still effective up to about 20 feet of water, especially in the morning hours. With the cooler weather and water temperatures, we’ll see some pretty decent surface bite as well. You can get a leg up on the “competition” by using depthfinders to locate the fish. Most fish are going to either be at their winter holes already or are on their way to them. Crappie are still hanging around the brush piles and docks, somewhere in that 10 to 20 feet range. We’ll also continue to see a solid catfish bite in the main lake channel, with the sweet spots being somewhere in the 10 to 17 feet range. Typical baits are all in play. Give it a go with shrimp, nightcrawlers or cut bait. It can be a bittersweet thing, fishing in November, as it can be seen as a sign the end is near, at least for the stripers. But, don’t get caught up in all that – go catch some fish instead!

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10/17/19 3:44 PM

Merger Was The Case That They Gave Me By: Thomas Raines

n October 10, 2019 Major League Fishing (MLF) came to an O agreement to acquire Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) in 2020. In 2019 Major League Fishing (MLF) launched its inaugural

Bass Pro Tour, a series of tour events that would select an elite field of anglers and invite them to fish in a completely different format than the standard five fish format most of us are used to in tournament bass fishing. This new format placed a MLF official on every boat to weigh each bass caught. Any bass over 1lb would count towards the anglers total for the day. These Bass Pro Tour events last six days, with a series of eliminations after each round of competition. The most appealing part to most anglers who accepted their invitation to join the tour was the lack of an entry fee to all events on the Bass Pro Tour. Many anglers from FLW and Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society (B.A.S.S.) left behind their respective tours to try this new format, shocking many bass fishing fans due to many people rejecting this new style of tournament fishing. At the end of its 2019 season the Bass Pro Tour actually had great viewership despite many hardcore bass fishermen not agreeing with its “small fish” format. Now that MFL has acquired one of it’s biggest competitors for next season there are many questions arising about the future of tournament bass fishing. MLF has said they want to create a clear platform for anglers to make it through their system from high school through college. They have some changes to how the FLW circuits will work for 2020 and some incorporate the MLF style along with the standard five fish format. Entry fees for all FLW events will also be lower. Whatever happens

when spring arrives in 2020 and the pros drop their boats in for the first time, we’ll all be watching intently to see how this newly merged organization will stand up to the longstanding dedication of B.A.S.S to the five fish format. The new formats and entry fees can be found below: Costa FLW Series anglers will see an expansion of regions from five to eight in 2020, to make the Series geographically available to more anglers. The schedule will include three events per region, and an FLW Series Championship. Entry fees for both boaters and co-anglers will be reduced: Boaters will pay $1,700, and co-anglers will pay $550 (down from $1,900 and $650 in 2019). The BFL competition structure will continue as-is in 2020, with the same number of regions, tournaments and Super Tournaments as in 2019, all competing under the traditional five-fish-limit format. Entry fees will be reduced to $200 for boaters and $100 for coanglers for single-day events, and $300/$150 for the two-day Super Tournaments. The same group of BFL tournament directors will continue to manage BFL competitions. FLW’s High School Fishing and YETI FLW College Fishing schedules will continue without change for the remainder of 2019 and beyond. Anglers and teams that qualified for 2020 events in 2019 can expect to proceed as planned.

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From Poland With Love By: Jake Bussolini

long way from home, Irena Jozwik participated in her first fish catch AJoswik, and it was on Lake Norman during a very hot September day. Tomasz a US Navy disabled veteran brings his mom to America every year

from her home in the small town of Legnica, Poland. Irena, 65, has lived in Poland all her life. The years from the end of the second world war until 1989 under Soviet control were very difficult years. She recalls that strict government control then and even now places heavy restrictions on her freedom so she has never had a chance to learn how to fish. Irena came to Lake Norman for a pleasant boat ride and some time on the water, but when she saw the fishing gear on the boat, she suggested that it might be a good idea to have a few rods out as we cruised around the lake. I grabbed a few golden shiners from my bait tank and we started our tour, trolling the shiners behind the boat. She offered her opinion that we probably would not catch any fish.

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As we entered the rear of a small cove, the rod closest to where Irena was sitting was nearly pulled off the boat. Her instinct made her grab the rod and the game was on. Her Son Tomasz tried to help her but she would have none of that. She was holding her first ever fish and it was a Gar, fighting her fiercly. When she finally got the needed help and brought the 36 inch fish into the boat, I immediately gave her a pair of gloves so her son could take this photo, which appropriately showed her holding the fish under the American flag. She wanted to take the fish home to cook that night but I informed her that Gar do not make the best eating fish and it would be best to return the fish to the lake. She did it with a big smile.

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Forecast for Lake Norman By: Capt. Craig Price, Fish On! Guide Service PO Box 1623, Denver, NC 28037

I

look forward to November every year, aka “primetime” for active bass, hybrids, stripers, crappie, perch, and catfish. October is usually a beautiful month when the heat of summer begins to give way to fall, but warm weather and relatively high temperatures (air and water) can persist through the month.

with 3-4” swimbaits on 1/16 -1/4 oz. jigheads. I prefer bullet or darter heads because of the water flow that comes off them down the side of the bait, resulting in a maximum swimming action.

November has historically been the true transition month when shorter days and stronger cold fronts push water temps down, and the winter “feed up” becomes more consistent. Barring a prolonged warm spell as we enter November, water temperatures should be in the high 60’s(F) early in the month falling to the upper 50’S range by months end. This is the comfort zone for bait and predators alike.

I also use tandem bucktail rigs and crankbaits at times. I may weight any of the above rigs if necessary to get them to the target depth. Usually I deploy them from just under the surface down to 25-30 ft. Finally, keeping one or more casting rods ready to cast to bustin’ fish, or maybe a lead jig, bucktail, or crankbait for deeper fish is a must.

The forage will be balled up after October’s full moon, and under attack by all species of predatory gamefish. This activity can occur in many places as November progresses – long points and adjacent pockets near major creek mouths early in the month; halfway to all the way back in major creek channels later in November; points and humps along the main river channel throughout the month; on or near brushpiles in 15-35 ft. of water and under or around bridges at any time.

Don’t let the cooler temps and winds of November keep you off the water. Get the right foul weather gear and join the fray while primetime for some of the year’s best catching is here. Fish On!

So how do you know where to start your search each day? First, a cooperative network of fellow anglers who you can share dependable info with is important. Lake Norman is a big place and any of us can only be in one area at a time. Second, November is when sea birds, terns and gulls, show up and take advantage of feeding opportunities created by active gamefish pushing bait to the surface. Ospreys, even crows, can also be useful for locating bait and fish. Areas where these birds are active are always worth observing, and usually worth fishing. Learn to interpret the birds’ actions and use their type and size to ascertain the size of the bait they’re picking up. This info can be critical to matching the hatch with lure selection. Finally, use wind direction to decide where to look for active gamefish. For example, during or after a sustained wind (after 4-6 hrs.), look for activity along windward banks and in exposed coves. The wind pushes bait against these windward banks and also stirs up other bottom dwelling organisms. The longer the wind blows in a given direction, the more pronounced the effect generally is. Wind “rips” can also be productive. These are areas, usually at the end of a point, where the water motion transitions from windward and moving to the lee side of the structure where the water is calmer with little current. Laying out of the current to conserve energy and waiting for bait to sweep by is a proven feeding tactic of most predatory gamefish. As for how to catch November’s aggressive fish, live bait is a great option before the water gets too cold. Keeping bait fresh and lively is relatively easy in November’s ambient water temps. Fresh shad, herring, or alewives fished from the surface down to 35 ft. or so can produce big creels. Let your sonar, the time of day, and light conditions dictate your deployment. Store bought shiners can also be effective if you don’t have the wherewithal to catch and keep local forage. I typically begin trolling spreads of artificials near the end of November. This is a great way to cover the most water because trolling speeds are 1.5-3 mph vs. 0.5-1 mph for live bait. I like multi-hook rigs COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

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TED BENBOW

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6 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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Yamaha FSH 210

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B R A G B O A R D

Bailey Fuller

Chris Goodwin

Greg Donlin

Dustin Hugg

Joe Horvath Jacob Earnhardt 8 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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Nick Huddleston

Paige Gamble

Tyler Smith

Stephen Allen

B R A G B O A R D

Matthew Goodale Vinny Ferreri

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Forecast for LAKE WYLIE

By: Captain Phillip Rizzitello Rizz’s Outdoors 803-230-6309 ww.rizzsoutdoors.com Brought to you by:

W

ith the lack of rain, lake levels are way down. This can be a blessing and a curse. It’s a great time to get out and look around and find shallow structure that would normally be under water. Take note of this and remember for once the water levels pick back up. This is also causing new vegetation that the fish will eat and hide in once water levels pick back up. It can also create additional dangers so be cautious. With the weather cooling, the early morning bass bite has been prolonged further into the day and the top water bite has been productive, switching to deeper water as the day goes on. Early evening has been yielding the same results. As the water cools, look near rocks that are still holding warmth from the days sun. Depending how late you stay out, once that cold drop hits, the fish have been shutting off almost instantly. With all the various lures, realistic looking shad and anything with chartreuse are good options. The catfish are enjoying this weather and have been out in full force. They can be caught anywhere on the lake but much like other species at night with the quick drop in temperature, they will slow down quick until they adapt to the quick change. Live bait is always a go to. Crappie are taking full advantage of the minnows being out. From end to end the minnows are up and the crappie are chasing them. Long lining during the day and fishing live bait at night is resulting in daily limits pretty regularly. You don’t have to fish very deep to find the fish but still try different depths until you find what works and stick to that. Remember to always try and handle your fish carefully and dislodge hooks with as little damage as possible. Circle hooks are a great way to keep catfish from swallowing and end up in the corner of the fish’s mouth every time. Long shafted hooks for crappie and sunfish will result in easier hook dislodging. The more fish you catch and release unharmed, the more fish there will be for another day. You can’t catch again what you don’t put back

10 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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4070 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, South Carolina

(803) 831-0251 M-F 7:00am-5:00pm Saturday 7:00am-12:00pm

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Forecast for HIGH ROCK, BADIN, TUCKERTOWN By: John Martin,Owner and Operator of True South Custom Lures 704-577-8707 • www.truesouthcustomlures.com

is a fantastic time to get out on the Yadkin chain of Nfallovember lakes. Enjoy cooler weather, less boat traffic and awesome colors. There’s also another good reason to be on the Yadkin and that’s great fishing. We have had a long hot and dry summer and it’s left our lakes low and warmer than usual. Low water and warmer water temps should be to an anglers advantage in the Fall. Low water will concentrate the bass and baitfish and the warmer water will extend the great fall action through November and early December. The baitfish should be in the back of creeks especially in the afternoons and the bass will be close by. Watch closely for surface activity to help locate schools of bass. Always be ready with a topwater if a school erupts on a pod of bait close by. There are a number of ways you can catch bass this time of year but I like to keep 5 key baits rigged in November. Let’s take a look. Number 1: A walking topwater like a IMA Little Stik 135 or a Zara Spook in chrome or clear colors for schooling fish. Number 2: A TrueSouth 1/2 ounce LiveWire 3.0 spinnerbait in the Dirty Dinero color. This is a light wire compact 3 blade spinnerbait that matches the baitfish perfectly this time of year. I like to fish this bait fast over shallow flats and cover in the back of creeks especially on windy days. Number 3: A TrueSouth 3/8 ounce V-Twin Buzzbait in black or the Merlin color. The buzzbait works really well fished around sea

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walls, docks, lay downs and grass edges. Try to parallel the cover and keep the buzzbait in the strike zone longer. Number 4: A TrueSouth 9/16 ounce Fathead Jig in any craw color or white. This is an extremely versatile jig that can be pitched, skipped and swam around any cover. I like the 9/16 size so I can keep in contact with the bait and the bottom better. The jig bite really heats up as the water temps cool to the lower 60s and big bass start to feed up on crawfish. Number 5: Swimbaits, I will either rig up a 3 1/2 to 4 inch swimbait on a TrueSouth 3/8 ounce K-Pro Spin jighead or I will rig up a TrueSouth V-8 umbrella rig with 5 3.3 Fat Impact Keitech swimbaits. I use these for bass that are more suspended in the creek channels and ditches usually in late November as the water cools below 60. Take advantage of the great fall fishing on the Yadkin chain this fall and enjoy some fun bass action. Be safe and remember to “Take a Kid Fishing” Brought to you by:

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Your Locally Owned Outdoor Specialist 830 North Main St. Norwood, NC 28128 Your Locally Owned Outdoor Specialist 704-690 -0033 • www.santeerodholders.com 12 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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The Science Line: Fun Fishing for Lake Norman Gar By: Jake Bussolini

The warm water of Lake Norman may have caused the bass and hybrid fishing to slow down but it has created a situation where Gar have become very accessible. Most anglers don’t actually seek out the Gar, but when hooked, they provide a fine experience, especially for the new anglers who need the experience of a strong fighting fish. Many anglers have asked me if it is possible to actually fish for this species. Yes! it is possible but a slightly different approach is necessary. First it is necessary to understand a little about this species. The Gar is heavily armored with large and very sharp scales. To handle the fish in the boat requires that you have gloves available. The Gar has long jaws filled with very sharp teeth. The fish has a very large swim bladder and often comes to the surface to gulp air especially when the water is warm and the oxygen level is low. The Gar is edible but the eggs are very toxic. The fish this time of the year are usually between 24 and 35 inches long but other larger ones have been caught. The fish is very strong and hard to handle when brought into the boat. Gloves are recommended when handling the fish. Gar will attack nearly any bait when they are active. To find them go to the back of small quiet coves in late afternoon when the water is calm. Gar are often seen lounging near the surface in these quiet waters but when they are actively feeding, they may be swimming below the surface. Let me offer an unusual technique for catching these fish.

A spinning rod is best used for Gar since it can be more accurately cast. Cast the lure toward the shore or in front of the fish you can see the fish. Work the lure slowly until it is hit. Let the fish shake its head to insure tangling the rope in its teeth and then retrieve the fighting fish. The hook is not necessary because the fish will attack the white rope and tangle its teeth in the material. I use a hook only to assist in tying the lure to the line. Once the fish is in the boat it can often be a chore to untangle the rope from the teeth but that is part of the experience. Don’t worry if the fish is out of the water for an extended period, the Gar can remain out of the water for long periods without damage.

Jake Bussolini is a freelance writer who has authored several books about fresh water fishing. His books can be seen or purchased at www. booksbyjake.com.

Fine some white nylon rope possibly 1/4 inch in diameter. Cut a piece about 6 inched long and with a lighter or match burn and harden one end of the rope as shown below.

With you fingers or a pointed tool, unravel the rope, combing it as a final motion resulting in a frayed section as shown.

Although a hook is not necessary, I suggest running a hook through the charred end to help with the tying process. I also attached a small weight to the hook to assist casting. You now have the finished lure as shown.

Brenda Farmer

Country Home Real Estate Broker/Realtor

4001 East Hwy. 24/27 Midland, NC 28107 (704) 791-5437 (704) 888-6335 www.countryhomerealestate.com brendaleefarmer@gmail.com 14 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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Forecast for LAKE WATEREE By: Cory Davis Instagram: Carolinafishin3

he temperatures are finally dropping around Lake Wateree, and so will TCooler the fish. Fishing can get difficult during these colder weather months. temperatures mean fish will become more concentrated in certain

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There is always a top water bite on Wateree, but only for a short period of time in the morning. Throwing any top water with a bait fish imitation around rocky points near the main lake can be productive early. Bass will likely be suspending this time of year and the depth depends on the weather trends. Throwing search baits like spinnerbaits and deep diving cranks can help locate areas with fish. Once the fish are found, lures like jigging or flutter spoons and swim jigs or chatter baits can be effective. If the weather gets real cold the bass could turn off of the faster search baits and a slower presentation like Carolina rigged worms or other soft plastics can do the trick. Don’t be afraid to use some big soft plastics this time of year.

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deeper areas. So finding the fish may be a little more challenging. But catching one fish should be a good indication there are more around.

Contact us now! Contact Ricky Raines for more information. rickyr@theanglermagazine.com

Just like last month Crappie fishing has been productive in the 15-25’ range, vertical jigging with live bait and artificial jigs around brushes, and bridge pilings. Look for current, and the upper half of the lake has been more productive. Crappie can also be found hugging the bottom in the same areas, so fishing a jig a couple inches off the bottom can be a productive method. Plaining minnows and jigs tipped with minnows in 20-25’ range can also produce so good fish this time of year. Also, there isn’t much difference with Catfish during these colder months. Catfish obviously like to go deep when the water temps start to drop, so try fishing the lower half of the lake in 25-40’ of water, or even deeper. Fishing with cut bait in channels, main lake points, bridge pilings, and main lake ledges are all good spots for the big ones to hang out. Cats will be hugging the bottom either cruising around to different points of cover, or they will be sitting still while in or under cover.

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Victory Lap

M

By: Nick Huddleston Member of Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing Club, 2019 Tournament of Titans Champion

y greatest passion has become kayak fishing. When I have free time, I’m always out on the lake relaxing and fishing, or I’m fishing competitively in local or traveling tournament events. I love competition, and have ever since I was a kid. I’m originally from Utah where I grew up trout fishing. I had never fished for bass until I was stationed at Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. Now living in Charlotte, NC, I’ve been bass fishing for about four years, and fishing from a kayak for two. I have learned most of what I know from friends willing to share their strategies in our kayak club, Queen City Kayak Bass Fishing, as well as online from sites like YouTube and groups on Facebook. Bass fishing has a lifetime learning curve, meaning, it doesn’t matter how good you are, there are always things to learn.

strategy, but it won’t ever do you any good unless you go out and put what you learned to practice. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been fishing a month or twenty years, take everything you learn one step at a time and go out on the water and practice what you learned, that’s the only way to become successful.

There are tons of options out there for any level angler when choosing a kayak and fishing gear. I started off with a $300 kayak from Cabelas about 4 years ago, and within a few months I was addicted and felt I had to upgrade to a bigger and better kayak, with pedals. I’m currently using a Jackson Kayaks Coosa FD, which has been a very reliable kayak, but just like anything else, I may go another route in the future to keep up with the best technology on the market. My kayak is outfitted with several accessories that have helped improve my chances to catch fish, and I’m always wearing my life jacket regardless of the conditions. I have a Garmin 106SV UHD Chartplotter, which is a “fish finder,” and uses sonar to locate fish in the water. This was one of the most important accessories that helped me locate and catch the fish that I did during the Tournament of Titans. Had I not been using it, I may have pedaled right past the fish that help me win. I use a large selection of different styles of baits, but my favorites include; crankbaits, spinnerbaits, finesse baits, and chatterbaits. A Zman Jackhammer Chatterbait (in white and chartreuse, with a white swimbait as a trailer) is what I caught all my fish at Lake Guntersville on. I use 13 Fishing reels paired with Dobyns rods, but the length and action types of the rods are more important and determine what baits I use on each setup. I generally carry about seven to nine rods on my kayak during tournaments with all the different style of baits rigged up and ready in case I get to an area or find fish where one bait works better. This also cuts down on time tying baits every time I want to try something different. My game plan and strategy usually go hand in hand. I’ll look at a topographic map of a lake that I’ll be fishing to determine which areas are going to be best for the current time of year. I’ll plan my route, and what baits I’ll be throwing in certain spots along that route. Sometimes, I’ll run into a lot of fish along the route or maybe none at all, and it’s usually times like those where knowledge and critical thinking come in play. I’ll have to switch things up a bit and go a different route or tie on a different bait to catch fish. Overall my experience in kayak fishing has been extraordinary. I’d say the best thing about the sport is the camaraderie that I have with everyone I’ve met, whether it’s at our local QCKBF tournaments, or at national events like the Tournament of Titans. A couple things that have worked best for me, staying calm and spending a lot of time on the water and learning patterns. When I stress out I tend to make mistakes, and I’ve made a lot of those during critical times, but I learn from them and try my best to become a better fisherman. Spending time learning and using what you learn on the water is very important. You can watch strategies on YouTube or listen to someone explain a 16 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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The Low Water Blues By: Ryan Wilson

Owner and Operator of Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters

about every conversation I’ve had with my fellow anglers J“Weustoverneed the last month or so, has boiled down the sentiment of rain.” As of this writing, North Carolina has (rightfully)

postponed or only partially stocked the majority of the Delayed Harvest trout streams and the others are still painfully low and slow. Small wild streams have all but dried up and even larger drainages like the New River seem to just be trickling along. For anxious anglers, who rode out a tough summer and have been patiently awaiting the Fall bonanza, these kinds of conditions don’t even seem fair. However, I bring tidings of good news. There are still plenty of great fishing opportunities and trout can still be caught in less than ideal conditions. Knowing how to approach and present to these fish will help you catch them, and then proper landing and handling will allow them a chance to survive. While many aspects of low water will work against you, take advantage of what you can. Low & slow water means less food, less oxygen and less quality habitable space in the river for a trout. For the angler, it means less margin for error on sloppy approach and presentation. On the plus side, fish should be easy to find (or at least rule out where they aren’t), and when they’re concentrated in one spot, it can drive competition for limited food sources.

possible, and make sure your hands are wet before touching any part of it. Barbless hooks and a rubber mesh net will make the process much more effective. If a fish needs to be revived, you can very lightly cup its head in one hand and brace its tail with the other, while facing upstream in a gentle current. When the fish is ready to take off, it should be able to do so unimpeded. Ultimately, when the water gets low and slow, so should you. Your movements should be deliberate and precision should be the name of the game. You can also take advantage of the enhanced visibility to better learn the layouts of the places you fish regularly. The fishing can still be fantastic under these conditions, but the margin for error simply goes down. By forcing yourself to be better, you’ll become an overall stronger and wellrounded angler.

Ryan Wilson is the Owner and Operator of Madison River Fly Fishing Outfitters in Cornelius, NC. If you’d like help making the most of your time on the water, 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

The arguably most important aspect of low water fishing is approach. Many DH anglers tend to get spoiled on fish that don’t seem to mind human presence. Deep pools with good current and green/blue water make for content fish. Anglers can tramp up to a spot and start casting and the fish will pretty much stick around and continue feeding. This will not work when conditions get tough. You’ll need to borrow your tactics from the wild trout world. Approach slowly and smoothly from downstream. Stop and watch before moving. See what the water and the fish are doing and then develop a plan for how to set up your cast. Fish will spook and shut down quickly, so make your first few casts count. When the bite slows down, stop fishing for a bit and let the pool you’re on rest. When the water is clear and not moving, it gives your fish more time to find something that he doesn’t like in your offering. You’ll need to get comfortable with small, basic looking flies and light tippet. Fluorocarbon is a must. 6X and 7X can be tough to tie, but if you want the bites, take the time to use it. Fish will still take the colorful eggs and worms that always tend to work, but pair it with a zebra midge or mircro mayfly. Use just enough weight to get it down and the most unobtrusive indicator you have – yarn or a dry fly. Realize that your first cast will often be your best shot at hooking a fish. Fish will quickly figure out that something is up and will move off and shut down, so take a few extra seconds to game plan your movements. Keep presentation sharp and try to keep your eye on the fly. Many times, waiting for your indicator will be too late, so watch the line, the fly or the fish whenever possible. These conditions put an extra strain on trout, so after you’ve hooked a fish, it’s very important to handle and release it properly. Land the fish quickly and keep it in the water. Handle it as little as

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November on the New River By Roy Stanford & Britt Stoudenmire

R

ecently, I (Roy) was walking along the banks of the New River with my dog Remmy and reflecting on how the fishing has been. The river is low and fishing was a bit slow earlier in the month. As I walked, I couldn’t help but notice the changing leaves, and with the cooler temperatures finally moving in, the fishing has definitely begun to improve as we move toward November. Also with these cooling temps, people are coming off the water, so there is much less fishing pressure on the river. Fall Smallmouth For fall smallmouth, you can throw topwater plugs until the water temps get below 60 degrees. That bite will fluctuate with the weather conditions and I prefer low pressure days with some cloud coverage and a warming trend to get them looking up. Buzzbaits, Whopper Ploppers, and Pop-R’s are a few of my favorite choices. When they aren’t looking up, it is time to go subsurface with selections like jerkbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, tubes, and jigs. Crayfish is one of the biggest forages in the New River, so if you match the colors of the crayfish and find where they live, you will find the smallmouth. I prefer natural colors such as green, brown, and black hues. As the water temperatures continue to cool, the bait will move to deeper locations and the smallmouth will follow. Suspending jerkbaits are another great bait for this time of year and can be effective on highpressure days when the bite tends to be finicky. Smallmouth are curious by nature and this selection is very effective for triggering in-active fish with a deliberate pause and slight twitch retrieve. Musky Madness November gets us looking forward to one of the most anticipated periods of the year, the winter musky season. As water temperatures fall into the 50’s, musky begin to feed heavily and put on significant weight for the upcoming spawn. When the water is low and clear, musky can just about anywhere on the river searching for food. Top water can still be effective in the fall, particularly on rainy, cold, low-pressure days. I prefer tailbaits

18 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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such as Dahlberg’s Whopper Plopper and Stinnett’s Pacemaker and I never leave home without a Suick Weagle. When they aren’t looking up, I prefer inline spinners and glide-bait style jerkbaits. Areas that hold fish in November are big, deep eddies next to fast shoals, deep, structured filled pools, and the edges of any remaining grass in the river. Various studies show that there is at least one big female for every mile of the New River so don’t spend too much time in one spot. However, if you a move a fish, make sure to mark that area so that you can come back later and try it again. Most musky are territorial and do not venture far from where they call home. This is a highly effective and proven tactic. As we move deeper into the fall and early-winter season, bigger baits tend to be more effective. For example, a Musky Innovations Bull Dawg or Chaos Tackle Medussa are two of my favorites. We also love to target these fish on the fly with bigger streamer patterns such as Bohen’s Buford or Hang Time. Brighter colors are good but don’t forget natural sucker colors as well, particularly when the water is lower and clear. Muskies are very curious and smart creatures so make sure you always do a figure eight when you are retrieving in close to the boat. You never know when that big 50-incher will surprise you by following your lure or fly in boat side. I’ve seen more than one of my clients get weak knees looking right down on a monster and stop their baits, which is an absolute no-no. My message has always been, if you don’t know what to do, keep doing what you are doing. And that is never, ever stopping.

Roy Stanford is lead guide for New River Outdoor Co. which features waterfront cabin rentals and guided smallmouth and musky trips on the New River in SW Virginia. For more information on their services, contact them at 540-921-7438 or visit their website at www.newriveroutdoorco. com.

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Hunting From a Tree Stand This Season? Wildlife Commission Encourages Safe Practices By: Ryan Kennemur, NC Wildlife Resources Commission

the 2017 hunting season, seven hunters in North Sdeerince Carolina have lost their lives in a tree stand incident. As season begins, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds hunters to follow safety guidelines when hunting from a tree stand.

“Tree stand accidents continue to be the leading cause of injury to hunters year in and year out,” said Chet Clark, the Commission’s recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) manager. “The majority of these accidents can be traced back to a lack of precaution, such as failing to use a fall-arrest system or not following the manufacturer’s recommended safety procedures.” The Commission’s hunter safety education campaign, Home From the Hunt, and the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation offer these tree stand safety recommendations:

Prepping Your Tree Stand

• Before use, check the stand’s belts, chains, bolts and attachment cords for damage and wear and replace them, if necessary. • Ensure you do not exceed the stand manufacturer’s maximum height or weight limits. • Purchase a full-body safety harness as part of a fall-arrest system.

​​Tree Stand Set Up

• Let someone know where you are setting up your stand ahead of time. • Select a healthy, straight tree for your tree stand. • Have another person assist with setting up the stand.

SUNDAY - MONDAY: Closed TUESDAY - THURSDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Using Your Tree Stand

• Always wear and utilize your harness and its tree tether to stay connected to the tree from the time you leave the ground to the time you return to the ground. • Maintain three points of contact, as most falls occur when climbing up or down. • When climbing or descending use a lineman’s belt and/or lifeline • Raise and lower equipment using a haul line – Never carry anything as you climb. • Bring an emergency signal device, such as a cell phone or a whistle. • Hunters can review a free tree stand safety course online. For more information on tree stand safety, visit the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation webpage. For information on the Hunter Education Program, hunting seasons and Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permits, visit ncwildlife.org or call 919707-0031.

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charlotte november2019.indd 19

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Talking To Your Child About SAFETY By: Karen Fisher, Carolina Self Protection www.carolinaselfprotection.com – 704-237-4487

Y

ou’ve seen me write before about situational awareness for adults. But what about for kids? When is it too early to talk to you children about being situationally aware? In my opinion, it’s never too early. But it can be a hard subject to broach. Many parents are afraid they will scare their children if they talk about the bad stuff that happens in our world. Will it make any difference if I tell you that your kids already know about the bad stuff? They are looking for guidance and permission to keep themselves safe. Keep reading for five tips that might help. I’ll be back next month with more.

5) Safe adults. Talk about safe adults and who can help them if you aren’t available. • An employee or manager at a store (make sure you look for their name badge). • Another parent with children. • A trusted neighbor. • Security guards. • And the obvious - police, fire, and medic. Having open conversations with your kids will help gauge what is happening in their world and can assist with creating dialogue about safety within the family. Kids are people too. They get to do what it takes to keep 1) Safe zones. Teach your child about safe zones both at themselves safe. Giving them tips and permission goes a home and when you are out and about. For example, if long way, and might offer you a little peace of mind. there is a fire in your home and escape is necessary, where would everyone in your family meet? A trusted neighbor’s house, the mailbox, or the stop sign? If you are out and about, pick a meeting location such as a specific register number, or the store next door if evacuation is necessary and you become separated. 2) Eye contact. Many times, direct eye contact could be the one and only thing that is needed to thwart a person’s plan to harm you. Let the person know you see them and you are aware of them. 3) Inventory. If a person is making them nervous, take a quick inventory of what he/she looks like and what they are wearing. You can practice this by having your child understand what the word describe means and how to describe people or items (like cars). 4) Words. Listen to what the person is saying. • Are they asking questions? Don’t answer questions from adults you don’t know - it’s your parent’s job to answer personal questions. • Are they digging for information about you, your parents, your address? Again, only parents are allowed to answer those questions. • Are they telling you to come closer to them? Do the opposite. Create more distance by backing up. That is a cue that you are not comfortable. • Are they asking for help? It’s a grown up’s job to help another adult you don’t know, not yours. • Are they offering you something? Always get your parent’s permission first before taking any item from a person you don’t know. 20 CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT

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NOVEMBER 2019

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By Mikey Erickson

A

lot of people know Costa Rica is the “Billfish Capital of the World,” but that’s not all it is. Double-digit numbers of tarpon and an abundance of snook can be caught on the Caribbean Coast out of Tortuguero, where rivers like Rio Parismina and Rio Colorado follow the coast and open up into the ocean. Days of 30 or more fish are possible. And the river-locked town of Tortuguero is a true gem.The culture has a lot of Jamaican and Spanish influence. The season here is from February to May. Great spots for freshwater fishing include the beautiful Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the rivers running through northern-inland Costa Rica. Rainbow bass, better known as “guapote,” are the main target of freshwater anglers. They are prized for intelligence, aggression and great tasting meat. The Machaca is another exciting fish that has earned the nickname “mini tarpon.” The town of La Fortuna in Arenal is a very nice place to visit. Everything is green and full of life due to the volcanic soil. There are also hot springs. The best season for this area is from January to May. On the northern Pacific Coast, fishing is great all the way down the coast from Papagayo to El Coco, Flamingo to Tamarindo, Nosara to Samara, and Santa Teresa to Tambor. The sport fishing in this area picks up from May to August with species like mahi, marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper and wahoo. This region is beautiful, and the culture is very European. If you get the chance to explore this region, take it! The best fishing in the central Pacific region is near Jaco, Herradura, Quepos and Manuel Antonio. I’ve lived four years, fishing constantly, and it offers year-round angling. The marlin and sailfish bite is insane from December to June, and from April to November the mahi come in huge numbers to debris pushed out by the rivers. There are also many FAD’s (Fish Attracting Devices) 100 miles off the coast. Overnight trips offer double-digit marlin and sailfish! The southern Pacific Coast offers many great destinations both inshore and offshore. The Sierpe River offers great freshwater fishing, and places like Golfito, Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez offer killer inshore fishing. These areas known for giant roosterfish year-round, and also feature great marlin and sailfish from August to March, mahi-mahi from May to October and tuna year-round. All in all, Costa Rica is the fishing destination of a lifetime for freshwater, inshore, offshore and spearfishing. Come explore what the land of Pura Vida has to Offer. Mikey Erickson is co-editor of Coastal Angler/Costa Rica and Tres Niñas Tours Manager. Contact him at mikey@coastalanglermagazine.com, info@tresninastours.com, U.S. Cell: +1(561)310-2665, CR Cell: +506-8305-0041. Visit www.coastalanglermag.com/costa-rica/ and www.tresninastours.com.

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NATIONAL

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TIPS FROM A PRO

BIG BASS IN MEXICO

BRANDON LESTER

T

his summer I took my second trip to Mexico’s famed El Salto. It didn’t disappoint, dishing out some of the meanest 7- and 8-pound bass I’ve ever seen. Of course, we caught numbers as well, but this time I slowed down and enjoyed everything Angler’s Inn at El Salto has to offer. On this trip, the lake was down 45 feet. El Salto is an irrigation lake, so water gets used a lot in summer. Low water levels concentrated the fish. We caught a bunch on lipless baits, a few on jigs and a good number on crankbaits. By and large, though, the best pattern was a Texas-rigged Photo by Jon Tatum worm. It’s awesome how the lake is different during different seasons. It makes each trip unique. On the first day, guides feel you out to make your trip as fun as possible. Everyone has a different goal. Some guys want numbers; some want their best shot at a 10-pounder. On Day One, we landed 70 to 80 fish, easily, but I didn’t catch any over 5 pounds. On Day Two, my very experienced guide took me after the big ones. We fished for bass suspended in standing timber. It was a little harder to catch them, but the fish were much bigger. Down

there, you can pretty much catch fish any way you want, but you can’t catch big fish doing whatever you want. The guides at El Salto have the big-fish patterns nailed down through the seasons. Last year, I went in January and we caught big fish deep cranking, so the pattern had changed completely. One thing that didn’t change was how mean the fish are. That brings me to my other takeaway: Big fish require the best gear you can throw. I fished extensively with the new 11-inch X Zone Blitz Worm, in both plum and red bug. They bit the fire out of both colors. The bait has very little salt content, so it floats off the bottom, which gives it much better action. The baits are also very soft and easy to rig. Mustad just came out with a complete line of tungsten, and I put it to the test. We used a 3/8-ounce tungsten bullet weight, and loved it. The Mustad line has Titan X finish on it, which is awesome. Most objects in nature aren’t shiny, so this mattestyle Titan X finish is more natural. The sizes are etched onto each weight. It’s a nice touch that makes selection easier. A 5/0 Grip Pin Big Bite hook is the perfect big-bass hook. There were a few sessions where I caught at least 50 fish on one hook. That’s one of the best things about a Mustad hook. Drag it across rocks and set the hook over and over. The points on their hooks will not roll. Feel free to ask me on social media about the trip and any of the gear mentioned here.

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ake Picachos, Mexico might not warrant the title of the world’s best trophy lake, but it might just be the world’s most fun bass fishery. Picachos is the newest of northwest Mexico’s storied bass fisheries. The dam for this 14,000-acre reservoir on the Presidio River was completed in 2009. It was opened to anglers in 2013. A decade since its formation, the lake is pumping out almost unbelievable numbers of 3- to 5-pound fish. According to Angler’s Inn International, it’s not unusual for a pair of skilled anglers to catch 200 to 300 fish a day. According to Ron Speed Jr.’s daily reports, Picachos regularly produces 150-fish days with big fish each day topping out at 6 to 8 pounds. That’s incredible action for solid fish. The lake record is 12-pounds, 14-ounces, and the bar is expected to rise as the fishery matures. An ample forage base of tilapia, plenty of heavy cover, clean water and catch-and-release regulations point to a bright future. Mornings and evenings generally see an outstanding topwater bite, which is a ton of fun for conventional anglers with walking baits and poppers as well as for fly-rodders throwing bass bugs. Spinnerbaits, lizards, stickbaits, Flukes and shallow-running crankbaits also provide action that leads to bleeding bass thumb. Lake Picachos is about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Coast resort town Mazatlán. Fishing is great year-round, with a peak from February into June. For information, go to www.anglersinn.com or www.ronspeedadventures.com.

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HUSKY $ 97

89

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MODEL 1800

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ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF WEATHER-RESISTANT Customer Rating LOCKABLE CASE

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214

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6" DIA x 31" L

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Case contents and locks not included.

ITEM 56257/63022 shown

*85710490 * 85710490

*85717895 * 85717895

*85719354 * 85719354

*85721807 * 85721807

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

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hft_coastalangler_1119_M-REG163333.indd 1

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EXPERIENCE THE

M

ore litigation looms in the latest chapter of the three-decade saga to protect the world’s largest salmon run. Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to thriving sport and commercial fishing industries, is under the gun again as the U.S. photo by Nick Carter Environmental Agency recently removed protections that again Julie Carter with a Kvichak River sockeye. open the door for the proposed Pebble mine. Pebble mine is an exploration project investigating enormous deposits of gold, copper and other minerals near the headwaters of the Kvichak River and lakes Clark and Iliamna. These remote and pristine waterways offer some of best rainbow trout fishing in the world and feed Bristol Bay with the clean water that supports massive sockeye and Chinook salmon runs. Trout Unlimited recently joined other groups in filing suit against the EPA, alleging that the EPA ignored science and the potential impacts of developing the mine when it withdrew the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, which are protections for the region that have been in place since 2014. “Billions of dollars have been spent in attempt to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Bristol Bay sets records for its salmon returns year after year. All we need to do is have the humility and common-sense to leave this landscape alone,” said Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited. “Sacrificing a place such as Bristol Bay for some gold is a short-sighted fools-errand. We are not a litigious organization, but we and millions of other sportsmen and women will not allow greed to compromise the most important salmon fishery on the planet.”

FIGHT!

For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign, go to SaveBristolBay.org.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Full Variable Speed Control Powerful Brushless Motor Retains Handle Function Digital Line Counter Auto Stop, 12/24VDC Compact & Sleek Design

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FLY FISHING

The permit is the Holy Grail for many serious saltwater fly anglers. Many, including me, have traveled and spent endless days pursuing these great gamefish with little to show for our efforts. Of course, the challenge is what’s special about permit fishing, not the number of fish brought to hand. However, there is one place where an angler can have great success catching permit on the fly; that place is the Yucatan Peninsula’s Punta Allen. Here, just a few kilometers south of Tulum in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is the world’s most fertile and diverse permit saltwater fly fishery. The Unicorn of the Flats Ghostlike, spooky and finicky are three words to describe permit. It is one of the most difficult saltwater fish to catch on the fly and has been the Achilles heel for many saltwater fly angers. But if there is one destination where one can successfully sight cast to large schools of permit consistently, it’s the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Because of the vast numbers of permit ranging from 2 to 20 pounds, a fly angler will have multiple shots per day. In addition, Yucatan permit are aggressive eaters, making them a great target for the less-experienced or first-time saltwater fly anglers. Flies and Tackle The primary food items for permit are crabs and shrimp. A good selection of these patterns will give the angler the best chance at success. For crab patterns, I like Merkins and Ragheads in sizes 4 and 6. I find the color of the fly should match the color of the habitat you’re fishing. For example, if you’re fishing over light colored sand, then a fly pattern should be tan or even white. If you’re fishing in turtle grass or a darker bottom, then a green or even a dark brown works best. Tackle A 9-foot, 9-weight rod matched with a large arbor reel that holds 250 yards of 30-pound Hi Viz Dacron or micron backing is the perfect combo for Yucatan permit. Since a majority of the fishing is in shallow water, I suggest only using a weight-forward tropical floating line. Keep your leaders long: 10 to 12 feet with 16- to 20-pound tippets. Casting to Permit It’s important to be able to quickly and accurately cast 30 to 60 feet when targeting permit on the flats. Your ability to make longer casts will increase your chances of catching more fish. Of course, you can hook a permit close to the boat, but it’s always to your advantage be able to make the long cast when the opportunity presents itself. The back-hand cast is another to be able to execute. Permit schools will often present themselves on the opposite side of the boat, so being able to make a quick back cast is very important.

For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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12/19/18 3:50 PM

êêêêê “The quality of their watches is equal to many that can go for ten times the price or more.” — Jeff from McKinney, TX

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very once in a while a timepiece comes along that’s so incredibly good looking, masterfully equipped and jaw-droppingly priced, that it stops us stone cold. A watch that can take you seamlessly from the 18th hole to the board room. A watch that blurs the line betweens sports watch and dress watch. We’re talking the Blue Stone Chronograph, and it sits at the top of the discerning gentleman’s watch list. Striking in appearance and fully equipped with features, this is a watch of substance. The Blue Stone merges the durability of steel with the precision of crystal movement that’s accurate to 0.2 seconds a day. Both an analog and digital watch, the Blue Stone keeps time with pinpoint accuracy in two time zones. The watch’s handsome steel blue dial seamlessly blends an analog watch face with a stylish digital display. It’s a stopwatch, calendar, and alarm. Plus, the Blue Stone resists water up to 30 meters, making it up for water adventures. A watch with these features would easily cost you thousands if you shopped big names. But overcharging to justify an inflated brand name makes us blue in the face. Which is why we make superior looking and performing timepieces priced to please. Decades of experience in engineering enables Stauer to put quality on your wrist and keep your money in your pocket.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Blue Stone Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price. Time is running out. Originally priced at $395, the Blue Stone Chronograph was already generating buzz among watch connoisseurs, but with the price slashed to $79, we can’t guarantee this limited-edition timepiece will last. So, call today!

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14101 Southcross Drive W.,

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Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

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

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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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine. com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s 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 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. “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. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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