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NEARSHORE BONANZA
OUT OF PANAMA CITY
By Nick Carter
T
he rising sun revealed unaddressed devastation as Capt. Randy Cnota backed his 22-foot Pathfinder down the ramp at Tyndall Airforce Base. Less than a year after Hurricane Michael rocked the Florida Panhandle, we launched near the heart of the destruction. Just east of Panama City and a short drive from the catastrophe that unfolded at Mexico Beach, this slice of the Panhandle is a community doggedly enduring the slow process of rebuilding. The bright boards of new framing show progress in neighborhoods of single-story homes. Blue-tarped roofs, shredded metal buildings and acres of tall pines snapped like so many twigs are reminders of just how far there is to go. At the docks, bare wood pilings and concrete footings are left from what was a bustling little marina before the storm surge. But the fish don’t care. And with an eager 8-year-old angler perched on the leaning post, Capt. Randy pointed us toward the open Gulf of Mexico. This was early July, during the Gulf red snapper season, and Capt. Randy’s numbers would take us a few miles out to some hard-bottom that promised big snapper. But first we had to catch bait, which was plentiful in the form of Spanish sardines balled up around the markers just outside the pass from St. Andrews Bay. The 8-year-old would have spent all day catching sardines on a Sabiki rig, but shortly we left the other boats jockeying for position at the marker. We had our bait, and Capt. Randy now had an idea of how the boy would handle his first fishing trip on the open ocean. The kid emitted enthusiasm, and it’s a good thing we didn’t make a several hour run. The waiting would have driven him mad. Bigger boats out of Panama City can comfortably take anglers dozens of miles out to deeper water, quick limits and huge fish, but this nearshore trip was more our speed. Less than 10 miles from the coast, and even inside the 9-mile state waters, there are wrecks, reefs and hard bottom in the 100-foot depths that offer plentiful bottomfish as well as shots at some big pelagics. Within minutes at our first drop, the boy was hooked up with a big bonito, and Capt. Randy was steering with one hand, while holding the butt of the rod with the other. The kid had a death grip on the handle and cranked with all his might. “You’re gonna have to come over here and make sure this rod doesn’t get pulled out!” Randy barked at me with both hands full. But I couldn’t. On the other side of the boat, I was pumping and grunting on what turned out to be a stud red snapper. Somehow, both
fish made it onto the deck, and Randy went right back to work feeding out a freelined sardine from the stern. “Where there’s Bonnies, there’s kings,” he called the shot. Shortly thereafter, he handed me a rod with line ripping off the spool. I came up tight on a good king mackerel. It was one of three kingfish we had on that morning, but it was the only one that made it in the boat. Through the morning, the fish kept us continuously busy. We caught more red snapper than we could keep track of as well as gag and red grouper. Capt. Randy was great with the kid. Seeing the big bottom rigs were too much for an 8-year-old, Randy tied up a chicken rig on a lighter rod, showed the boy how to bait and fish it and then set him loose. Although the beeliners we were hoping for didn’t show up, the boy had a field day hauling snapper and triggerfish off the bottom. He was particularly proud of an FWC-tagged trigger he caught. “Part of the fun is you never know what you’re going to catch when you’re out here,” said Randy as he unhooked a 2-foot-long smoothback pufferfish. The whole time out, we kept eyes peeled for weeds and surface activity that might belie the presence of mahi-mahi or cobia. In the week before our trip, Randy managed to put clients on a sailfish and a big blackfin tuna. Although we didn’t encounter these species, we did watch in awe as two 10-foot tiger sharks circled uncomfortably close to the boat. We went home with a cooler full of fish. But more importantly, while those meaty chunks of snapper sizzled in hot oil, the boy regaled his grandparents with stories of the trip. His first time was an experience he will never forget. Snapper seasons may be over along the Gulf Coast, but if you find yourself hankering for a good fishing trip that’s fun and easy, consider hiring a captain out of the Panama City area. Capt. Randy said fall brings better opportunities for sailfish and tuna nearshore, and with his smaller boat, he is also well equipped to fish inshore. The fall redfish and trout bite can be off the charts. These hurricane-battered communities remain in recovery, but the fish, beaches and visitor ammenities are still there. Go spend some time at Panama City and eastward along The Forgotten Coast. You’ll be glad you did, because the fishing is pretty spectacular. Capt. Randy Cnota is co-publisher of the Panama City/Forgotten Coast edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and owner of C-Note Charters. Check him out online at www.cnotecharters.com or call 229-834-7880.
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Urban Chrome In Grand Rapids, Michigan
Photo by Aaron Peterson Photography, LLC for Experience Grand Rapids
By Tom Werkman
W
hy do people feel the need to head to remote destinations a million miles from nowhere to fish? Some of the best fishing opportunities exist right under our noses, and many times they are very close to major metropolitan areas. The Grand River is just such a place. Michigan’s largest river runs through the heart of the state’s second largest city, Grand Rapids, and offers great fishing through its 252-mile run from rural headwaters in Hillsdale County down to Lake Michigan. Downtown Grand Rapids: Home to more than 37 craft breweries, Grand Rapids is Beer City. But there is another side of Grand Rapids that few know about. It offers the
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lure of big-river fishing in an urban environment. The river through downtown Grand Rapids offers the angler a unique opportunity to fish for steelhead in swift rapids beneath the city’s skyscrapers. On an early leg of their run up out of Lake Michigan, these fish are strong and as hot as they come. From October through December and again during March and April, droves of steelhead run through downtown as they migrate through and hold up in the rapids. Some of the best steelhead fishing lies between Sixth Street Dam and the Fulton Street Bridge. It’s not uncommon to see people wading the river, fishing from the banks or in boats landing these chrome bullets. When fishing here, the angler can expect to only move a few times to get on fish. Once you have your spot, you don’t want to move very much as it can be crowded at times. If you’re not on a fish right away, be patient. These fish get backed up at the dam and constantly move around in search of the fish ladder to pass through and continue their migration up the river. Lowell To Ada Section: Just minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, a roughly 10-mile stretch of the Grand River between the towns of Lowell and Ada offers fishing that is a little more secluded. From late spring through early fall, this section offers smallmouth bass and northern pike. There is little public access here, and the angler can expect solitude and no-pressure fishing in a remote river setting just outside Grand Rapids. A typical trip involves floating in a drift boat or jet boat from Lowell to Ada, covering a lot of water while casting to the banks, river timber and rocks. Bald eagles, osprey, blue heron and deer are common sights on this piece of river. Rarely will the angler lay eyes on another boat or fisherman. On the Grand River, one can enjoy spectacular fishing and then enjoy a cold beer and everything else the city has to offer. Tom Werkman, and his son Max, are owner/guides at Werkman Outfitters, a guide service on the Grand River in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contact them at tom@werkmanoutfitters.com or check them out at werkmanoutfitters.com.
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FISH & FISHING
FOCUSING OUR EFFORTS MARK SOSIN
I
t may seem logical, but it’s not always right. My favorite example is George Westinghouse, the man who invented the air brake for oversized vehicles. Researchers relied on logical thinking and experimented continuously on using air to apply the brake. It didn’t work. Westinghouse took an opposite approach and used the air to hold the brake off the drum until the driver stepped on the brake pedal and released the air. The common approach to understanding fish behavior lies in applying human values with the assumption that a fish’s brain has the capacity to reason. Just because a particular lure looks good to us does not mean it’s a fish’s favorite, too. Few of us can boast even the slightest knowledge of the release that triggers a fish into striking or simply passing up an offering. And, we probably wouldn’t recognize it if we saw it. Repeated observations hold the key to helping us focus our efforts on techniques that have worked in the past. As an example, fish have an amazing alertness to movement. It can cause them to flee a situation or take advantage of it and feed. The same applies to underwater sound. Low frequency vibrations such as those that indicate a fish is in distress usually cause predators to investigate with the hope of finding food. The more natural a bait or lure appears to a fish, the greater the chance a strike will occur. When you can see your quarry
and observe hesitation of any type, assume that something in your offering appears unnatural. Fish may be curious, but they are seldom in the habit of wasting energy to pursue something needlessly. Many species have the ability to measure energy expended in chasing food against the value received. Because fish are creatures of habit, they tend to do the same things over and over. That’s why captains and guides boast the ability to find fish. The quarry may hold in one spot with uncanny precision day after day, month after month, and year after year. If that fish is caught or leaves for any reason, another will take its place. Those fish that work a tide follow the same pattern daily. Even offshore skippers understand reliable patterns that fish follow and troll the waters where their quarry should be. For some unknown reason, fish tend to hold at the same depth over a wide area. If another angler can tell you the depth where he found fish, you don’t need to know the precise spot. Keep in mind that water temperature can play a role. Each species has its upper and lower limits. As water temperature drops, fish tend to swim slower and chase an offering for shorter distances. Figuring out what motivates a fish to strike a bait or lure becomes a continuous challenge for leading anglers as well as the scientific community. The important thing to remember is that fish do not think like humans. Their basic approach is simple, yet it is not always easy to detect. The more you observe fish behavior and understand that it follows patterns and procedures established a long time ago, the more successful you are going to be.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
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t first glance, Alphonso Jackson’s 2-pound, 1-ounce redbreast sunfish might not seem all that impressive. But when you consider the size of your average redbreast, this thing is a monster. Jackson was fishing the Lumber River in central North Carolina’s Scotland County on June 10 when he caught the fish on a cricket. It bested a 36-yearold North Carolina state record for the species by 5 ounces. The previous record, caught in 1983 by Ronald Stanley in Big Swamp in Bladen County, N.C. weighed 1 pound, 12 ounces. Jackson’s fish also outweighs the world record. The current IGFA all-tackle world record for the species has stood at 1-pound, 12-ounces since 1984. That fish came from Florida’s Suwannee River. Wikipedia claims the heaviest redbreast on record weighed 2.3 pounds (2 pounds, 4.8 ounces), but there’s no information as to where that weight came from or whether it was angler-caught. So, if Jackson bothers to complete all the paperwork properly, he would definitely be the new IGFA record holder. Jackson, 43, is an avid fisherman, a passion he attributes to his father Johnny Jacobs who taught him how to fish when he was a boy, and one that he has passed on to his children, ages 23, 18 and 17. They were with him the day he caught the massive readbreast. “We started fishing in a pond but weren’t having any luck, so I said to my kids, ‘Let’s go back to where I learned how to fish.’ And this is what we caught,” Jackson said. “I’d like to thank my daddy for teaching me how to catch fish and where to catch fish.” COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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TIPS FROM A PRO
READ GRASS MATS FOR BIG BASS
BRANDON LESTER
L
ate summer and early fall absolutely scream for a frog. With big bass holed up in thick vegetation, working a frog across grass mats can lead to some of the most explosive strikes in fishing. I always look forward to the frog pattern setting up around this time of year. This year should be especially sweet because of the reemergence of Alabama’s Lake Guntersville as one of the best bass fisheries in the nation. This Tennessee River impoundment is frog fishing heaven. Over the last decade the Guntersville bass fishery saw a bit of a decline. But the “Big G” has come back in a big way. Bassmaster ranked Guntersville the No. 2 fishery in the nation in this year’s “100 Best Bass Lakes” listings. It is fishing lights-out, with five-fish tournament sacks regularly approaching and surpassing 30 pounds. I just came off a top-10 finish in the June Elite Series event on Guntersville. Some fish came off frogs, but the best patterns I found were deep cranking and worms. You can bet the frog bite will ramp up soon, though. No matter where you fish, the key to topwater frog fishing is reading the grass. To really dial in a pattern, you need to observe what’s happening on the lake. At Guntersville, the two prominent grass types are hydrilla and milfoil. There are other types, but these are the two you will encounter
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most often. From the time the grass first tops out in the summer until the first frost of the fall, I will concentrate on milfoil. Milfoil creates a great canopy and is hollow underneath, so the bass can get through it to get to your frog. When the hydrilla is still green, it is so thick that a bass has trouble seeing your frog on top of the mat. With that said, later on in the fall when the hydrilla starts to turn brown and break up, it starts to get hollow underneath. That is the time to start targeting it more. Another key to frog fishing is to listen and watch for “active” grass. Bass school up in grass mats just like they do on ledges, points and humps, so it is important to find a mat that has activity in it. Listen for bluegill popping the mat or watch for shad to flicker. Those are signs that bass are not far away. Also, look for points, turns and indentions in the mat itself. Anything different will often hold bass. Rod selection is important for hauling bass out of matted grass. I throw a MHX-MB-874. This rod is 7’3” heavy power with plenty of backbone, but more importantly it has enough action in the tip to allow the fish to eat the bait. I use 50-pound Vicious braid and a 7:1:1 reel. Try a topwater frog on your next trip out, or better yet plan an excursion to Guntersville for the trip of a lifetime.
For more Lester visit,
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Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit & Education Available Online
The education and permit requirements also apply if you plan to fish from shore for any species of fish with tactics and tackle including: • fishing with a metal leader more than 4 feet long • Using a fighting belt/harness • Deploying bait by any means other than casting (kayaking for example) while using a hook that is 1.5 inches or larger at its widest inside distance OTHER REGULATION CHANGES:
F
• Prohibit of chumming when fishing for any species from the beach. • Require immediate release of prohibited shark species when fishing from the shore and require anglers to cut the leader or hook to prevent delaying release of prohibited species. • Require that prohibited shark species remain in the water (when fishing from shore or from a vessel). • Require the use of non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks to target or harvest sharks when using live or dead natural bait (when fishing from shore and from a vessel). • Require the possession/use of a device capable of quickly cutting the leader or hook when targeting sharks (when fishing from shore or a vessel). These rules are intended to increase survival of released sharks, improve information-gathering from the fishery and address public safety concerns.
lorida’s new shark fishing regulations were enacted July 1, including a mandatory, no-cost, annual Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit and educational course for shore-based anglers and other requirements that apply to all shark fishing and fishing from the beach in general. The Shore-based Shark-Smart Fishing educational course and Shore-based Shark Fishing Permit are now available online. To take the educational course, which must be completed before getting the permit, visit MyFWC.com/SharkCourse. The permit is required for all shore-based shark anglers age 16 and older, including those 65 and older who are normally exempt from needing a fishing license. Those under 16 are required to take For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on the educational course unless they are fishing with an adult who already holds the permit. Persons under 16 are not required to get the “Recreational Regulations” and “Sharks.” permit.
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FLORIDA LOBSTER SEASON
Sheri Daye
T
he beginning of Florida lobster season gets many divers more excited than kids at Christmas. Barely able to sleep, the divers nestle all snug in their beds, while visions of lobster dance in their heads. Whether locals or out-of-state visitors, many arrange their vacation plans around this special time, either during the two-day mini-season or the actual start of lobster season on Aug. 6. Mini season falls on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, while the regular season is Aug. 6 to March 31. Some will brave the two-day mini season, when tourists descend on the state, and some simply wait until Aug. 6 when things calm down. The most popular destination in Florida is The Keys, where shallow warm waters provide great breeding grounds and easy dives. However, the east coast from Miami to Jupiter and beyond can also be popular and productive destinations. Generally speaking, the farther north you go, the farther out and deeper you will need to dive, but you can also be rewarded with larger lobsters. The biggest challenge is finding lobster spots. Divers who find good spots tend to go back to them year after year and, understandably, don’t like to share their locations. However, there are
plenty of charter boats that specialize in taking new divers or tourists to productive spots. What you need to know: 1) A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobsters. Information is available online at MyFWC.com. 2) The recreational limit for spiny lobster is six per person, and the carapace must be longer than 3 inches. By law, it must be measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device are required at all times. You can google “how to measure a lobster” to be sure you are doing it correctly. 3) The possession of egg-bearing lobster is prohibited. Egg-bearing lobsters have hundreds of orange eggs that are easily visible and attached under the tail. While most lobsters have completed reproduction by the start of season, some still have eggs in August and beyond. 4) Do not take lobsters using any device which could puncture, penetrate or crush the lobster. The most common methods are the net and tickle stick combination or the looper. There are plenty of videos online to show you how to use each method. 5) Lobsters must be landed in whole condition. Separating the tail from the body is prohibited in state waters, so bring a cooler large enough to hold the entire catch until you reach land. 6) Although most people wring/twist the tail, it’s possible to get more meat by cooking the whole lobster. Just split it in two lengthwise and broil. 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.
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FLORIDA MARINE FLEA MARKET AND BBQ FEST
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lorida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Fest Sails Into West Palm Sept. 1415. The 10th Annual Florida Marine Flea Market and BBQ Festival will be held Sept. 14-15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Fla. Bargain hunters looking for deals can visit marine booths, as vendors exhibit and sell their nautical and marine-related merchandise and services during the twoday festival. The marine flea market area will have offshore rods, reels, tackle, dock lines, halyards, sheet lines, anchor lines, ladders, seats, bimini tops, life vests, mooring whips and bases, gauges, wakeboards, skis, wake surfers, kneeboards, boat covers, scissors, fenders, antique collectibles and maps, marine artifacts, lures and lines, boating apparel, taxidermy, diving equipment, and all kinds of other marine items. Come by for some super discounts on surplus, liquidation, closeouts, new and used boating and fishing supplies. The event promises some super discounts on new and used boating and fishing supplies as well as liquidation and closeouts items. Speaking on the location, event promoter Larry Burdgick said, “The South Florida Fairgrounds is the perfect venue since it’s right in the heart of Palm Beach County. It offers the space we need along with free great parking for our guests.” The South Florida Fairgrounds is located at 9067 Southern Blvd West Palm Beach, Fla. The Marine Flea Market is easily accessible from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike and there are acres of free parking. Admission is $10 and Children 12 and under are free. Visit The Florida Marine Flea Market, Boat Show and BBQ Seafood Festival website www.FLNauticalFleaMarket.com for more information, discount tickets, vendor applications and specific driving directions. Contact Under the Sun Promotions, Inc. at 954-205-7813.
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AUGUST 2019
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69.3-pound flathead catfish was recently certified as a new Florida state record. Measuring 47 inches long, with a girth of 34.25 inches, the monster Yellow River flathead bested the old record of 63.8 pounds. The angler, Marvin Griffin, of Santa Rosa County, is no stranger to the Yellow River or huge catfish. Griffin’s family has been fishing the Yellow River for years and they have caught exceptionally large catfish there. Griffin’s uncle, James Auston Jr., caught a state record flathead catfish in the Yellow River, which held the record from 2011 until 2016. “I have always wanted to catch a state reFWC Photo cord,” said Griffin. “After my uncle caught his, I made it a mission of mine to catch my own. “I wasn’t expecting to catch a state record when I started fishing that day with John Babb. But, it was the first and only fish we caught that day. I never would have been able to bring the fish into the boat without his help.” Flathead catfish are a non-native fish found in many northwest Florida panhandle river systems. Flatheads prefer long, slow-flowing, moderately turbid rivers. Their solitary lifestyle makes them more difficult to catch than other catfish. Adult flathead catfish feed primarily on live fish, crawfish, freshwater clams and mussels. To properly certify a new Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the fish species and witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record,” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/Contact by clicking on “Contact Regional Offices.”
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AUGUST 2019
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FLORIDA
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
JULY FRESHWATER IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
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By Capt. Roan zumFelde
G IN AN
IMPROVED FOR ANGLERS
Leaning Post Raised Helm Console Bait Well in the Casting Platform
LE
GEN III 1720
PO
ST
reshwater fishing in the summer months can mean heavy rain, extreme heat and lots of bugs here in southwest Florida. This is why I prefer to travel a little farther north this time of year to some of our central Florida lakes. One of the easiest parts of these trips is finding a place to stay. There are plenty of hotels and Air B&Bs that are used sparingly this time of the year, so prices are low and availability is high in and around Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Wales. The area has great restaurants, with little cafés all the way to five-star dining. If you are on a budget or just don’t like going out, then stay in an Air B&B and cook. I do this a lot when traveling with clients and fishing early and late. The fishing can be very good on the lakes from Istokpoga all the way to the Kissimmee Chain. Some great lakes in between are Lake June or Lake Placid, Lake Reedy, Lake Arbuckle, and one of my favorites is Crooked Lake, also called Lake Calusa. This lake is situated north of Avon Park and south of Lake Wales and has a diverse fishery with one end having deep clear water and the other being shallow and dark. Ramps are limited on this lake, so do your homework, but here is a hint: you have to travel off Alt.
27 to find it. The great thing is you do not even have to pick any of the lakes I mentioned; there are tons of great lakes all through the area. Get a good map or check them out on the computer to find your possible hidden honey hole. Tip of the day: do not discount the smaller lakes, as they can be awesome fisheries, especially if you are looking for the big lunker bass. I bring a wide variety of rods to handle all types of fishing. Each body of water has its own productive techniques. Always include at least two different worm rods or pitching rods, a flipping stick and topwater rods, in either baitcasting or spinning. Fly rods should be 5- and 8-weight with an assortment of flies, topwater and baitfish, as well as some weighted patterns. Check out TFO rods and reels, both in fly and conventional, they have all the above with prices that can’t be beat for the quality. Local knowledge can be the key to finding the hottest lakes and the baits that are producing. Visit the local tackle stores and buy something. They are slow this time of the year, and if you show willingness to spend a little you might get the tip of a lifetime in return. If you need more info or want to pick anything up for your trip, visit us at Mike’s Bait House and Indian Pass Outfitters. I will be happy to get you started.
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AUGUST 2019
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WEST COAST FLORIDA
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Summer Snook On Top
Photo courtesy of of Knockin Tail Lures.
more active and a little skittish. Without a strike, I decided to temporarily switch lures. Although I love the topwater blow up, my desire to land a snook took priority. Since it was apparent fish were in the area and feeding subsurface, I decided to go with a soft-plastic swimbait and a ¼-ounce jighead. I was looking for larger fish, so I tied on a 5-inch model. This particular swimbait, a Knockin Tail, was equipped with a rattle built into the tail. I wanted to give the fish every chance to find my lure utilizing all of their senses. With the vibration from the paddle and the constant rattling of the pulsating tail, I started catching fish within a few casts. Some hit on a steady retrieve along the bottom while others inhaled it as I bounced it along the sand. I caught and released several trout from 17 to 20 inches, and then a school of 100-pound tarpon moved in and the bite ended. I’m not sure if I was lucky or unlucky that the tarpon didn’t eat, since I was using light inshore tackle. I moved to a new area and switched back to the topwater plug. This area was covered in shell clumps out to waist deep and then transitioned to hard sand to about 6 feet deep. I was casting into the 6-foot depths and vigorously working the lure back into the shallows where the bait was. When my lure was just outside the bait, I had an enormous eruption, striking and heading to my right. I immediately knew it was a large snook by the distinctive sound they make when striking a topwater plug. I could see the top of her out of the water for a few seconds before my line went limp. I continued to work my lure rapidly and then immediately cast back to the same area. Within a few seconds, there was another massive explosion and she was on, tail walking across the surface. After a few more rounds of jumps, I landed my snook. It weighed just over 9 pounds. Upon release, she didn’t hesitate to return to the depths. I hope to see her again next summer!
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik love blow-ups from a fish attacking a topwater lure. The sound and sight combined with the sudden impact are exhilarating to say the least. Of all of the fish I have caught on top in both fresh and saltwater, none compare to an aggressive snook attack. While exhibiting at ICAST 2019 in Florida, I had to make time for some snook fishing. I started the morning early, before the sun breached the horizon throwing a bone-and-white topwater with a loud rattle. This area had a hard sand bottom with a steep transition into 6 feet of water. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail & As the sun inched above the horizon, bait started to become Controlled Descent Lures. www.MyCoastOutdoors.com
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
NANTUCKET SHOALS:
HOME OF THE DOORMATS! “Jimmy the Greek” from On Time Sportfishing charters in Yarmouth, Massachusetts shows off a nice summer flattie taken earlier this year at Nantucket Shoals. Photo courtesy of On Time Sportfishing.
“F
or anglers looking to hook-up with the fluke of a lifetime, there’s no spot more likely to bring success these days than Nantucket Shoals, Massachusetts. Action for summer flounder has absolutely sizzled here for the last several years, with many anglers drilling doormats weighing 8, 10 or 12 pounds and heavier. “This truly is an amazing place when it comes to catching outlandish summer flatties,” said Capt. Demetrios Koutalakis, also known as “Jimmy the Greek.” He runs On Time Sportfishing (www.ontimefishingcharters. com) out of Yarmouth, Massachusetts and launches from various local ramps based on weather conditions. “The action is generally fast-paced with typical keepers running 20 to 24
inches long and a disproportionate number of bigger fish in daily catches,” said Koutalakis. “It’s not unusual to see a double-digit doormat hit the deck in these waters. We had a 14.4-pounder yesterday, released a 14.9-pounder last week, and had two over 15 pounds last year.” Nantucket Island is roughly 16 to 17 miles from Koutalakis’ typical departure sites in the Bass River area. From there, the fish can be anywhere southwest of the island from up tight to 7 or 8 miles out and beyond. The entire area features a hilly bottom that’s more gravel than sand or rock. In the spring, squid and mackerel get swept through the shoal waters by strong currents and the big fish show up in hot pursuit. By mid-summer, sand eels dominate the baitfish scene and the fluke fishing settles in to a steady, consistent pattern that runs right through August and into September. “It’s the combination of the hills, currents and baitfish that give this place big fish appeal,” explained Koutalakis. “The biggest fluke, especially, like to settle into the gullies and wait for the current to bring the bait right across their noses. The water depths where I like to fish typically vary from 30 to 60 feet deep, and the best action moves around from day to day based on bait movements. So it really helps to have a skipper who is out working this area on a daily basis. It also helps a lot that the waters here are slow to change temperature, so small cold fronts or a couple of hot days generally don’t dampen the bite. I think the big fish really like that.” Koutalakis favors a hi-low rig with 6- and 8-ounce Berkeley bucktails tipped with 5- or 6-inch Berkley Gulp! Grubs or Swimming Mullets. He’ll spool up with 20- to 30-pound test Berkley X9 braided line on a fast retrieve reel. Typically, white, chartreuse and Nuclear Chicken color grubs work best but this year pink shine seems to have an edge. “More important than color choice,” he advised, “is keeping your rig active and bouncing all the time. Big fluke will follow a bait being dragged smoothly across the bottom—but they’ll absolutely SMASH a jig with exaggerated action.” If you’d like to give this super fluking a shot, you are best off using a professional skipper to reach the grounds. For those traveling overnight, Koutalakis suggests staying at the Wind Drift Hotel (https://www.windriftmotelcapecod. com) in Yarmouth. If you’d like to sample these waters via a party boat, the Helen H Fishing Fleet in Hyannis (https://helen-h.com) offers both one- and two-day trips.
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Inshore & Offshore Opportunities
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by Capt. Terry Fisher
ugust is a great month to expect the unexpected when it comes to catching a ‘fish of a lifetime’! The only obstacles to consider will likely be heat and afternoon storms. Reef and pelagic species are abundant in the gulf and inshore species are returning in good numbers. July catches included an abundance of grouper, porgy, red and lane snappers in 85’ – 130’ depths. A variety of
and Boca Grande Passes. Live, dead, and artificial presentations all work. I prefer to free-line live baits on small 1/0 to 3/0 hooks. Use sufficient tackle (medium heavy) rods 3500-4000 series reels to prevent prolonging a fight in this hot summer month producing 90 plus degree water temperatures, which may injure or kill the fish. Redfish harvesting is also
other reef species included gray (mangrove) and vermillion snapper, common on reefs closer inland. Pelagic fish such as king, Spanish mackerel, permit and cobia made up the balance somewhere between close and far offshore, especially around the reefs and structures holding baitfish. Inshore catches of seatrout, snook and redfish improved slightly and I am hopeful this trend will continue into August and months to come. Snook season is closed on the Gulf Coast but there are no laws that prevent anglers from targeting and catching them. August is a great month to look for big snook swimming along the beaches, holding around structure in and along Redfish, Captiva
closed and the same will hold true for them. I use the same size reels, rod, line and leaders for these as I do for snook. Compared to June, the red-fishing improved in July in the back areas of Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, as well as Bull and Turtle Bays on the northwest utmost end of Charlotte Harbor. August is the month that the ‘Bull’ redfish begin to come into the shallows, offering anglers great fun. The good news is that thousands of fingerlings were recently introduced to our waters to help replenish their population after a devastating Red Tide and Algae Bloom of last year. Even though Seatrout are making a comeback, the season on them is closed until further notice by FWC. This
is all good for the future of our fishery. They are fun to catch for all kids nine years old to ninety on light spinning reels and rods. Handle them with care prior to releasing as well as during the releasing process to return to the water. One will find best results fishing for them in the clearer waters of the passes and Charlotte Harbor. A NOTE OF CAUTION TO ALL ANGLERS: KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE FISHING REGULATIONS! THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FREQUENTLY, AS RESULT OF FISH POPULATION STUDIES. Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle, Spanish mackerel and a few pompanos are around and considered by-catches while fishing grass flats and passes. The waters are alive with baitfish giving anglers opportunity to throw their cast nets. Avid SWFL anglers should keep in mind that we are strategically located with quick and easy accessibility to other areas on the east coast, such as Jensen Beach, Stuart, Miami Bay and the Keys. Those with trailers can haul their boats and be at anyone of the above locations within 3 - 4 hours. More adventurous anglers may choose to navigate the Caloosahatchee via Lake Okeechobee and out the
St. Lucie lock, through the Everglades or around the horn. The east coast offers quicker accessibility to more pelagic species than we have here on the west coast, as well as deeper water just a few miles from shore for those targeting reefs and structure. The only caveat is the weather. When the weather forecast is good, just go. If one does not have or want to take their vessel, when the weather forecasts are good, hire a guide close to overnight accommodations. The annual ‘Mullet Run’ starts around September in the Stuart, Florida location. The weather patterns should hold fairly firm throughout August and into September for the east coast. August is one of my favorite months to fish the east coast offshore. The bait is abundant and the game fish follow them. 1st Mate Vicki and I will be watching east coast weather patterns to decide where and when to go this month or next month, if not both. I stay in touch and ‘in tune’ with current Florida fishing shows, guides and print publications to plan our travel dates. We are looking forward to a trip over to the east coast soon for reef, tuna, dolphin and sailfish aboard Fish Face II, our Pathfinder HPS Bay Boat.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters wishing everyone tight lines. Contact me at 239-357-6829 or email me at fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel (by the hour) for safety, navigation, fishing techniques and locations to insure your every adventure is a success.
2 FORT MYERS | AUGUST 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | AUGUST 2019 | FORT MYERS 3
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by Capt. Brian Boxx
OW! Has it been a hot summer or what! With multiple days of recordbreaking heat, it will be one for the books. As we steer through the mids of the “Dog Days” we are left begging for relief that the afternoon storms bring. The sweet smell of summer rain and that cold blast of air is a blessing in disguise to both angler and his quarry. As storms pass, the effected backwater temperatures drop, sparking a flurry of action in the waters below. The unmistakable sound of snook pops begin to echo throughout the mangroves while juvenile tarpon gently roll, leaving a ring of ripples behind. As anglers gaze out over the serene water, bait fish shatter the surface with futile attempts to escape hungry predators. Serene perfection!
Finger mullet have been my go-to bait for August. Finding them can be a bit of a challenge
sometimes, but most of the time I can net a couple dozen right off the boat ramp. They love feeding on the algae growing on the ramp itself. Thanks to the rain, the ramp traffic is minimum, yet another blessing. To place yourself in the scene above, it’s all about timing. Be on the water the second it’s safe. Try to go on
an afternoon with a good falling tide. Find a creek or small bay with very little boat traffic and decent water flow. Scout the area for shore birds. These guys should be your best friends. Quietly approach your spot and get into position. The rig is simple, a small circle hook sized to the bait and that is it. Gently
cast your bait and pay out line by hand, allowing the bait to swim around as natural as possible. When the thump comes lower your rod tip and close the bail. Let the circle hook set itself then squeal-n-reel.
The artificial bite has also been extremely productive. 3” to 6” paddle tail baits with a slow steady retrieve have been producing great results with the juvenile tarpon. Snook of all sizes have been hammering Storm Lures Chug-Bug on topwater and thumping ¼ oz bucktails bounced off the bottom. It is also an excellent time of year to get bent on fly. Black and purple gurglers have been the go-to with a green and grey EP bait fish a close second. Regardless of how you get out there this month, keep safety number one. Fishing can be a dangerous sport. Keep your safety gear in top condition and a first aid kit on board. Always, Always! file a float plan with someone close to you. Give them a time that you will check in and a time that you plan on returning. Until next month STAY SAFE, STAY SALTYCAPT. BRIAN BOXX
Capt. Brian Boxx is the owner/operator of Reel Salty Endeavours, a proud veteran owned and operated charter service. If you, your family, or guests are looking to get out on the water, contact him through his website, https://www.reelsaltyendeavours.com/contact-us/, Facebook at Reel Salty Endeavours, or call 904-866-5050.
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On the Fly
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s we approach the two hottest months of the year, it’s a good time to head for the bars. Of course, I’m referring to the kind made of sand and grass. In particular, bar systems lining the harbor’s outside edge. With the exception of night and very early morning, the heat and resulting water temperature will push redfish and snook off the flats and onto these outer edges. For instance, the entire bar that runs from Cape Haze at the lower end of the West Wall to the southwest tip of Cayo Pelau at the bottom end of Gasparilla Sound is good water. Moreover, lots of anglers take the opportunity to wade. Because of the solid bottom, from Gallagher’s Cut at the western edge of Turtle Bay, down past Bull Bay is convenient. They’ll wade up
by Capt. Mike Manis close to shore and cast out toward deeper water. It’s also a good idea to keep your
baits down and work slow as fish aren’t going to be very aggressive. I like small baitfish patterns and I’ll strip extra slow. Across the harbor, the bar systems around Smokehouse Bay and the northeast end of Pine Island are also good. Tarpon will still be holding in the deeper holes off the West Wall and outside Pirate Harbor and the D.O.A. Bait Buster
is still a good bet. If you see them rolling; a slow retrieve anywhere in the area is worth a shot. Also, don’t forget about the bridges. In particular, the U.S. 41 bridge can be good. If you still feel like looking for snook and redfish on the flats, it’s not a bad idea to look for shorelines that are not too far from the intracoastal and be prepared to fish up under the bushes. Typically, anywhere along this waterway from Placida to Cabbage Key in northern Pine Island Sound has potential. There will still be snook in the surf along the beaches, with the smaller fish up tight and some larger fish out a bit deeper. Even though it’s a bit hot, spotted sea trout are still active. A good bet is the deeper water in Pine Island Sound, 5’-6’, off the edge of a grass flat anywhere around the intracoastal. The snapper bite in Boca Grande Pass is also still good
this month, as well as just about anywhere there is structure. This includes canal and dock systems. Jack crevalle should also be moving in and out of the canals of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte. They’re always on the move, but just about any offering put in their path should be sufficient. Spanish mackerel could be just about
anywhere in the harbor with the best bet being just inside Boca Grande Pass. Until next month, good tides.
Captain Michael Manis is a U.S.C.G. Licensed captain and has been teaching the sport of fly and light tackle angling since 2002. He lives in Punta Gorda, Florida and can be reached at (941) 628-7895 or www.puntagordaflycharters.com
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ur launch at Gulf Coast Outfitters sits square in the middle of one of SW Florida’s most prolific fisheries and is a kayaker’s paradise. We are also on the Calusa Blueway, a 90-mile watery gem of a paddling trail winding through Lee county and a portion of Charlotte harbor. Like any other day of fishing, you’ve prepared your gear to encounter certain species of fish, but the variety here can be extensive so adaptability is essential. Once launched you can traverse north or south of the Bascule Bridge; I personally prefer the northern side as the environment is so diverse and likely to hold more species, but may suffer a little more fishing pressure. Other than a couple of boating channels, you soon realize how shallow it is and more importantly how few boats can traverse around you and your paddle craft. Although unseen from the surface, this Preserve is feed by a fast-moving tidal flow right down the middle of the pass bringing with it an influx of salty water, bait, and the fish we love to chase. Like a conveyor belt, twice a day the tides flush out the fresh water that sheet flows though the mangrove-protected shoreline and delivers new oxygenated salt water that is the life blood of this fishery. Sometimes the decision to fish open water or “backcountry” can be tough, but here they are so close to each other that you can easily do both! Depending on the day or time of year I will start in open water and follow the tide into the deep mangrove channels or vice versa, paddling at daybreak into the
by Dan Carns backcountry flats hoping for the elusive tailing redfish or snook that are potholed-up waiting for the tide to deliver breakfast. This backcountry fishery is one of my favorites, as it is really shallow and you can sight fish easily, but you must be stealthy and approach from a distance with long casts. These shallow creeks pass through mangrove choke points that may have a little deeper water where mangrove snapper and the occasional sheepshead hang out and can be the savior of a fishing trip.
Anchored up with a bucket of shrimp, you can pull dozens of these tasty fish out and perhaps bring some home for the frying pan. The coves surrounding the dozens of mangrove islands here are home to countless fish species including spotted seatrout, Jack Crevalle, ladyfish and the unavoidable catfish! As you move to the outside islands and into the pass you find numerous oyster bars, varying depths of water and countless opportunities to catch fish. Matlacha is home to a heathy shark and tarpon population, so dropping a dead bait on the bottom may result in a drag screaming run of a lifetime! Whatever species of fish your chasing down the Matlacha Aquatic Preserve may be just the place for you. It’s a Wild World-Get Out There! Fishman Dan
Come by the shop at 4120 Pine Island Rd. Matlacha Fl. 33993 (239) 283-1125 and see for yourself what we have to offer as I’m sure you will love our location! It’s A Wild World-Get Out There! Fishman Dan
6 FORT MYERS | AUGUST 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Peace RiverCharlotte Harbor
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by Capt. Dave Stephens
his has been a hot summer so far! We’ve been hitting triple numbers in the heat index. This has also affected our fishery some, fish are in a sense like us. During the hottest parts of the day they just want to find a cool place to lay, whether it be in a nice shady spot or an area with deep cool water. What I’ve been doing is trying to get as early a start as possible, around 630am, so we can get back in before the heat gets unbearable. Snook fishing has been good during the morning. Most of the fish have been
shorelines and points have been doing very well. As the tide drops out look for a deep pothole or fish the bars. The smaller bait really gets these guys going. I recommend downsizing your tackle; 1520# fluorocarbon, and a #1 circle hook. Remember, these guys are considered a reef fish and you must use circle hooks. The size limit is 10” and you may possess 5/angler. If you are fishing in federal waters offshore, check their rules. The last few weeks the juvenile tarpon bite has been very good before 10am. For
on the smaller side 18-24’, however the numbers have been good. Live bait has been the bait of choice. Since most of the bait has spawned, it’s been on the small side. I have been using small popping corks or split shots to help cast. Look for fish on shady shorelines, and deeper points with good moving water. Summer time fishing in the harbor to me means mangrove snapper. These guys seem to move into all the areas that hold other game fish. You can locate snapper on mangrove shorelines, in potholes and on bars. For the anglers that are looking for dinner, this is your best shot. Good news is they’re probably one of the tastiest fishes out there. On the higher tides, deeper mangrove
the most part, I mostly sight fish these lil guys, so certain conditions help. The most important for me is calm winds. The lil guys don’t show as much when they roll, so a small chop can make it difficult. Often, I find them in areas the water is not very good. So, if I’m throwing live bait it doesn’t live long. Calm conditions and good water are the two main things I look for. The good news is these guys will generally eat when I locate them on the flats, however they are a fish and a tarpon at that, so sometimes you have to find the right pod that wants to play. To me, sight casting a 1520# poon on light tackle is the best the flats have to offer. Well, it’s in my top 2.
If you would like to experience some of Southwest Florida’s finest fishing, give us a call, 941-916-5769 or send an email to capt.dstephens@comcast.net. All of our charters are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs. Capt. Dave Stephens, www.backbayxtremes.com
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Boat Auto Home Motorcycle Life Business Capt. David Schuman 1329 Hibiscus Dr., Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-242-8072 Davidschuman3@allstate.com 2801 Del Prado Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-945-8888
3114 Lee Blvd Suite 4, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 239-369-1313
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Fishing Adventures
S
ummer time is a great time to do some night fishing for snapper. It is fun to target
by Capt. Bart Marx
snapper. Go to the spot that you want to fish before the sun sets. This gives you time to get the anchor set and readjust if needed, and then you can start Nice 18� Gulf to build your chum Yellowtail Snapper. line. Some of the guys call it building life, life around your boat. I have a couple of ways to do chum; an old school chum-churn that you stuff fish stuff into and slam it up and down to chop the chum and let it hang over the side (the chum and mess are in the water not your boat) and the sound also attracts them at night; I like to travel fish too. Or a meat grinder to my spots that I know hold that when I clean fish at my mangrove, lane, and yellowtail house, I set it up and grind
up the carcasses to make my own chum blocks. This is nice if you have a freezer in your garage where you can store it. There are several ways to deploy your chum; mesh bags and the vinyl type that have bigger holes to let it go even if you have bigger pieces mixed in. All methods work well and produce fish. Most of the artificial reefs have goliath grouper that can be a pain in the %&$, if you anchor off of the structure and draw the snapper to you, they are less aggressive this way. It is fun to use a redfish rod to do your snapper fishing, a 4000 reel with 20lb. line and a hook with a piece of cut bait; let it drift down with your chum and when the line starts flying off the spool, flip the bail and get ready for a battle. When you hook into the snappers in the 20� range, they put up a good
fight! You can use as little as ten-pound leader to make it more fun. When all things come together, the snapper will rise to the surface and you could even site-cast to them. This is when you need to NOT slam a cooler or hatch lid! Some anglers like to fish like this around the full moon, so it is easier to see and the fish can see too. To me, whenever you can get out there is good. Most of your baits at night can be frozen, like sardines, squid, silversides, shrimp, or frozen white bait left over from an inshore trip. With the addition of the SCARAB to the fleet I am able to do some six-hour night trips, usually starting around 6pm till midnight. Give me a call if you would like to see how night fishing for snapper in SWFL works!
If you are interested in an offshore trip give me a call and see what the availability is. I have a thirty-foot SCARAB with twin engines and can get out there fairly quick to catch red snapper. A normal eight-hour trip I can reach one hundred feet of water plus. So, give Capt. Bart Marx a call at 941-979-6517 for the quickest response. Or you can e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com and always remember, singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{
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Fishing with Joe
I
moved to southwest Florida 3 years ago. An avid bass fisherman from Northern Virginia eager to start my inshore fishing adventure. Like many, I was caught up in the plethora of salt water lures. Needless to say, it was a struggle-a trout here, a snook there, and a redfish might as well have been a unicorn! Looking back to my roots as a bass angler, I was very
productive using a jig. The jig and paddle tail became a major part of my inshore lure selection. This is a close cousin to the jig and trailer setups that I used to catch bass. Making a commitment to use that lure, my results and confidence catching these inshore species have been amazing. Fishing
here my first year, I only caught 8 redfish and those were by accident. The last 2 years I have caught hundreds of redfish, snook and trout; all sizes and most with a jig and paddle tail. Using this simple, versatile lure can be very effective. A slow, steady swimming retrieve on the flats, adjacent to mangroves and even in the surf, can be so
by Joe Sheaffer productive. Jigging or popping in potholes, along or near structure, and around blowouts (ripping tidal out flows) in the surf have been rewarded with many awesome bites. Using a lighter jig, it can be jerked in and around schooling fish for explosive strikes. Jigs come in many different styles, sizes, shapes and colors. It seems that everyone has their own ideas about jigs and paddle tails. I’m not an expert and don’t have all the answers, but these are the things I look for when choosing a jig. Usually I will use a red or unpainted jig, with a medium size stout hook (1/0, 2/0). The eye needs to be towards the front of the lead and needs to have good bait keepers to hold the paddle tail tight. Typically, using an 1/8 oz – 3/8 oz jig, changing the weight according to water depth, current flow, or to create a certain action. When swimming the jig, I usually use a 3/16 oz or ¼ oz, having the eye towards the front allows for a slow steady action that is extremely effective. Jigging or popping the jig usually calls for ¼ - 3/8 oz jig. Obviously, if fishing water depths of 10 feet or more, a heavier jig would likely be more effective. Shallow water (1’-2’) presentation or jerking the jig around schooling fish, an 1/8 oz jig can be very productive. When it comes to choosing a paddle tail, a 3-4” body with a larger size paddle works best. Keep things simple with colors; natural greens (pumpkin and watermelon) on the flats and back country. When fishing the surf, I prefer minnow or shad colors (whites, silvers and blues). If you are struggling to consistently get bites inshore and surf fishing try this effective and versatile lure in your arsenal, you may be surprised with your results!
D&D MATLACHA BAIT & TACKLE
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LOCAL BUSINESSES
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AT YOUR SERVICE Welcome to Our New Yoga and Pilates Studio in Cape Coral, FL
We Offer a Variety of Classes High-Quality Certified Yoga Teachers Classes Open to All Levels of Yogis
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The Principles of Catch & Cook
By Fish Like Us
T
Gafftopsail Catfish!
here’s no guarantee what you’ll catch. Sure we can target species based on the patterns we recognize, but depending on the tides, weather, season, and water condition, every venture is a coin toss. It’s called fishing not catching, after all. Looming red tides and concerns about decreased species populations leave us in a sea of increased regulation and reduced food fish. Catching 20 trash fish in a day seems like more of a disappointment than a reward - until a little courage changes your mind. There are numerous species of “trash fish.” These fish are commonly unappealing in some aspect (appearance, slime, texture) and are rated “poor” on an edibility scale. Most anglers prefer to avoid catching them and typically don’t eat them. We’re about to change this perception. To sustain fish populations and continue eating delicious food, we have decided to explore the world of trash fish on a culinary scale. They have no limit, tend to put up a good fight, and are, indeed, edible in most instances. The Gafftopsail, in particular, is the optimal selection when compared to its cousin, the hardhead catfish. It feeds on the water column and although slimy, have some hearty fillets inside. Bonus is, they’re easy to catch, even on a slack tide. Place fish on ice immediately being cautious of the poisonous barbs. To filet, you’ll cut behind their dorsal/pectoral fins in a triangular shape toward the belly. Using pliers grab hold of the skin and pull toward the tail. The skin will come off in one piece. Remove the head by twisting or cutting off. Separate fillets from the backstrap saving the backstrap as part of the meal. The backstrap has the best meat. We chose to cook this dish with fresh herbs and some homemade mayonnaise for added health and flavor. It turned out to be surprisingly good! The hardest part was getting over the mindset that it was supposed to taste bad. It’s not a prize fish, but it’s edible and good enough that we’ d undoubtedly bring the larger ones home on a slow day again. INGREDIENTS: Catfish, Pesto, Mayonnaise, Almonds, Salt/Pepper. DIRECTIONS: minutes rotating half-way 1. Place catfish fillets into a through cook time for even baking dish and allow to come cooking. to room temperature. 7. Remove filets from the stove 2. Preheat oven to 350°F. and allow them to rest for 3-5 3. Grab your pesto or make minutes before serving. your own by combining cilantro, almonds, a squeeze of lemon, garlic, salt, and oil. 4. Add 2-parts cilantro to 1-part mayonnaise in a bowl and blend. 5. Spread mixture on top of your fillets attempting to cover its surface. 6. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 Capt. Erik and Cf M. Janel, NT provide fishing lessons & kayak charters on Hobie PA17T’s. To book call (360) 797-3275 or visit https://fishlikeus.com. Find recipes and weekly how-to videos on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram @FishLIkeUs
14 FORT MYERS | AUGUST 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
The Great Calusa Blueway
by Mike Hammond
T
he Buck Key Mangrove Kayak Tour guided by Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP on Captiva is definitely a paddle to consider before tourist season is in full swing. A friend and I recently had the pleasure of taking the tour and had a great time. I’m usually the person checking the weather, helping people in kayaks and making sure everyone has gear…I have to admit, it was really nice having someone else do this for us. After a quick lesson on shore with a family of four, my friend, the guide and I paddled away in our kayaks and were immediately greeted
are pretty common in other tunnels. The tunnel took us to the Pine Island Sound and it was a short paddle around the northern tip of Buck Key and back to the launch at Tween Waters Inn. Along the way we saw more manatees, dolphins, mangrove crabs and many wading birds including a lone roseate spoonbill perched high above in a tree. Our guide shared the area’s history and facts about all the flora and fauna we were discovering. It was really relaxing and fun. After paddling, there are some great restaurants onsite or a short drive away. You can rinse
by manatees. Our guide had great information to share with us, including how to ethically observe wildlife. Bonus points to the guide for teaching others to respect our marine animals. We continued across Roosevelt Channel and into the Buck Key Mangrove Tunnel. I had mentioned this tunnel in a previous article but did not go into detail. While some other tunnels are narrow and challenging to navigate, the Buck Key Tunnel is fairly wide and had enough room for SUPs to stand through much of it. Nobody got stuck in mangrove roots or complained about spider webs. Spider web facials and “log jams”
off at the outdoor shower by the pool before dining, but I’m not sure this is necessary on Captiva. Buck Key is definitely one of our area’s hidden gems. With Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP’s proximity to the island at nearby Tween Waters, it makes this mangrove wonderland easily accessible to everyone. Paddlers who want to take their own adventure can rent kayaks or SUPs and explore on their own. The launch at Tween Waters is private, but paddlers can bring their own vessels if they are with someone renting from Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP.
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For complete schedule and registration information, visit: https://paddleguru.com/races/BattleontheBlueway2018 Additional information about the site and other paddling locations in Lee County are at www.leeparks.org or www.calusablueway.com
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Welcome to Our New Yoga and Pilates Studio in Cape Coral, FL
We Offer a Variety of Classes High-Quality Certified Yoga Teachers Classes Open to All Levels of Yogis
Bring This Ad in with you for a
Free Class
during the month of August!
We guarantee your body, mind and soul will be changed with regular yoga practice.
*new members only
1202 SE 8TH PLACE, CAPE CORAL, FL 33990 PH: (239) 541-8253 www.CapeCoralYoga.com
16 FORT MYERS | AUGUST 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
be sitting at a spot by daylight. Opening day and the next few that follow are a madhouse at most common areas. Etiquette goes out the window and manners generally are left at by Wayne Nichols the hotel. Everyone suddenly access to all the same places, so owns the water and "their spot". the odds of catching a limit is not I won't get into details, but we've seen about every rude behavior in your favor.
Outdoor Opportunities
I
t's that time of year again. Everyone is descending on the Florida Keys. That can only mean one thing, Lobster Season is Back! This is a yearly trip for most folks and the Florida Keys depends on the money from divers and tourists alike. I did some construction work last year down there and there's still plenty of businesses trying to get back to normal after the devastating hit they took from the last hurricane. On a brighter note, if you're any kind of diver at all, limiting out on the tasty crustaceans is a breeze and there's plenty of them. Naturally if you're not a regular in the Keys, it's best to hire a guide. While it's easy to look on a map or ask for locations to dive, you need to remember everyone else is doing the same thing and has
get off the beaten path, find some areas not many go. Bag limits and regulations vary from Miami to the Keys, when and where you can dive, so be sure to check what you can and can't do for your area. You'll never be able to justify the cost of diving, food, fuel, lodging etc. vs just going and buying lobster fresh from the market, so don't try lol! It's a fun sport and vacation, but can be pricey. Along with diving for lobster comes spearfishing; again several regulations and bag limits have changed, so know where you're at and what they are. Make sure you have all necessary safety gear, you're going to get checked and multiple times, usually. This is a great sport to do with family and friends and provides some great memories and meals. We're heading back out! Y'all stay safe out there and as always, take a kid hunting or fishing when you get a chance.
Trial and error, and more trial and there is while diving. It's just error are your best friends when part of the game, if you decide diving. It's best to go scouting to play. I've found it’s better to a few days before season opens If you have any questions about hunting down here, need information on booking a hunt or would like to know more about what we offer, give me a call anytime at and GPS some locations. Wake up early, get on the water early, 863-990-7650. I’m heading back in the woods now y’all stay safe and remember to take a kid hunting or fishing anytime you get a chance!
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Boat Lift Repairs, Service & Maintenance Specialists!
Call Now For Summer Service Specials TheBoatLiftPros.com | PH: 239-785-1647 hook. The crew was having a blast pulling up lane snapper, vermillion snapper, Key West grunts, and porgies. Once we got a solid box of fish we moved a little deeper for some by Capt. Philip Watson red grouper. The Shelton crew managed to pull in a few bottom, a sabaki rig, and some keepers, despite many being squid. just shy of 20”.
Just Kickin’ Back
I
think we can all agree that August is just plain hot! This time of the year is perfect for 6 and 8 hour days out on the water to beat the heat and storms. During our 6 and 8 trips, we will be fishing for a few hours to catch grouper and snapper species and then finishing off fighting some amberjacks, which we’ll be able to keep starting August 1st. I recently had The Shelton crew aboard The Just Kickin’ Back, vacationing from Tennessee. The crew requested some meat to take home and to fight some bigger fish. For this 6 hour charter, we pushed off at 8 and began the trip catching bait in about 40’ of water. Catching bait this time of the year is fairly easy, all you need is some shallow hard
Once we reached our second spot, 75’ on hardbottom, I set the crew up with my new set of Florida Fishing Products “Osprey” 4000 reels. Each rod had a knocker rig, with a one ounce lead, 25 pound fluorocarbon, and a #2 circle
Since the chores were done and we had meat for the freezer, we moved to a set of ledges in 85’ that hold some smaller
AJ’s in the 30”- 45” range. Once we anchored and started chumming it didn’t take long at all for the fish to come to the surface and pop at baits. I like using my 8’ Star rods, matched with Fin Nor 7500 Offshore Series reels. Just make sure you use a strong hook because you never really know what’s going to eat your bait in the chum and you want to be prepared for a cobia, grouper, or tuna. Amberjacks are always a crowd pleaser because they put up a good fight. They don’t call them reef donkeys for nothing! Federal amberjack season is a tricky one, never knowing when they will open or close the season, but we have fun catching and releasing. Book sooner than later if you want to get out to catch some fish for the grill and make your friends jealous of your awesome fishing adventure while on the Just Kickin’ Back.
Just Kickin’ Back Charters offers Offshore and Nearshore fishing, as well as Sunset Cruises, Egmont Key Trips, and EcoTours around Anna Maria Island, FL. You can book your adventure with Capt. Philip Watson, owner/operator, by visiting www.justfishfl.com , calling 941-226-1100, or on FB www.facebook.com/justfishfl.
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The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!
Trace got his first shark!
Sean Waldeck of Naples caught this nice peacock bass out with Capt. Fred Gowdy. Trace’s mommy got her first shark too!
Marion Iglecia, FM caught a 9.18 lb. mahi to clinch Second Place Offshore in LLGF Tourn.
David Alvarez is hot on the tarpon in Port of the Islands!
7yo Wesley w/ a 3#2oz largemouth bass. The smile says it all!
Maria relaxes from teaching by fishing and catching!
Jay Adair from TN w/ a nice peacock bass.
Joe Leonti caught a blacktip shark from Laishley Pier.
Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers 24 FORT MYERS | AUGUST 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Fish At Night...Cool Temps, Hot Bites RIGGING & JIGGING
F
Tim Barefoot
or the remainder of the summer and into early fall, the best fishing can often be at night. Temperatures are more comfortable, there’s less boat traffic, less wind and fewer anglers. There’s no need for sunscreen, and best of all… fish are very active. I fish for several species in fresh and saltwater at night around the big lights on bridges and docks. I’ll also bring my own lights. Light draws the baitfish, and then it’s just a matter of time until the target species show up. Squid, cigar minnows, sardines and tinker mackerel (boston mackerel) show up in numbers around a bright light on an anchored boat over a ledge or wreck. This is a wonderful opportunity to fill the livewell with a Sabiki. It also brings all the action right to your back deck. It’s really cool to watch the life that is attracted. It’s like a National Geographic show right behind the boat. The key is bright lights. Years ago I bumped into the owner of Hydro Glow Lights at ICAST, and he quickly brought me into the modern age of offshore and inshore lights. New LED, low-amperage lights are powerful and require low power usage. Not only do I use a light on the surface, but I also drop at least one down 20 or 30 feet, and one even deeper depending on the target species. See video of this on the website. In addition to the good bite at night, it’s kinda like hunting in some respects when running the existing lights in waterways and sounds. You can go from light to light and watch, and you can also be very quiet and hear surface activity. Being stealthy is important. You don’t want to stomp around the boat, or yell over thumping music. Some of the standout species that hunt the edge of the light are
DUDLEY WINS FOURTH FLW ANGLER OF THE YEAR
D
avid Dudley made history by winning his fourth FLW Angler of the Year title at the last regular-season stop for the FLW Tour on Lake Champlain in late June. His seventh-place finish at the Lake Champlain event vaulted him to the top of the AOY rankings. “I’m still making the championship and still doing well, but in my mind I thought I had peaked out,” said Dudley. “To win my fourth makes this one very special and satisfying.” Dudley has finished in the top 25 at every event this season, with the exception of one stumble at Lake Seminole. Coming into the Lake Champlain event, Dudley trailed John Cox by one point in the standings. “I knew I had a very good chance at winning after day one at Lake Champlain,” said Dudley. “I had an 18-point lead, but what was more encouraging was that I had almost a 2-pound lead over John. I had the confidence that with a 2-pound cushion, I had a good shot at winning.” Consistency is the hallmark of Angler of the Year, and Dudley personified this throughout the year with timely, on-the-water decision-making. “The decisions you make out on the water separate a good angler from a great angler,” said Dudley. “Understanding how to play the game better than good anglers is key. We all can skip docks the same way, but knowing when to pick up and leave an area at the right time can make all the difference.”
kings, wahoo, most all the snappers and tuna, offshore. Inshore, snook, tarpon, drum and trout are susceptible. In freshwater, striped bass, crappie and panfish are suckers for well-lit water. I have memories of commercial trips of kings and beeliners in numbers at night. The beeliners really chew it up a few days before and during the full moons of summer, but the bite shuts down right at daylight. Even though the largest gag grouper I ever caught was at night, groupers can be difficult at night. Snapper, on the other hand, move higher in the water column and really chew. King mackerel under the lights can be off the charts. Once you get the squid and minnows concentrated under the lights, the dinner bell is ringing for kings, wahoo and tuna. Be sure to fill the livewell and fish the first couple hours after daybreak, while it’s still cool. Then head back in with a full box while other folks are just headed out. For video instructions on how to tye this rig, see:
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When submitting a photo for consideration for use as a cover image or editorial image, please follow the guidelines specified here: Optimal size: 10 x 12.5 at 300 DPI (3000 x 3750 Pixels) 1) Don’t zoom in too closely. Allow additional background to give our art directors the opportunity to create a horizontal or vertical layout. 2) Don’t hold your fish way out in front of you to create the illusion of a bigger fish. We call this telescoping and we just don’t use images like this. 3) Make sure the lighting is good. Having the sun behind a subject will create a silhouette effect and too strong a light source will burn out details in a photo. 4) Don’t have blood in the photo. It may not bother you, but it doesn’t contribute to making a better photo and many readers find it unattractive. 5) Hold the fish properly. The subject should hold the fish in a horizontal position supporting it with their hands. Don’t let fish hang by the head, gills or tail. Send to: graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com
Our success with helping veterans to learn to publish their own localized fishing/ outdoor magazine leads us to believe that our franchise opportunities are a perfect fit for a wide variety of veteran talents and training. Now, with our special Veteran’s Program, owning a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine franchise has never been easier. If you love the outdoors and have ever considered owning your own business, you owe it to yourself to check out our Franchise opportunities and our new Veteran’s Program.
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13
, KINGFISH BACK TO THE BASICS Photos by Gene Dyer
By Gene Dyer
K
6 barrel swivel. I like to stay on the long side with my leader to be a bit stealthier. This step will help to avoid line twist, especially when using a spinning reel. Now it’s time to put together some rigs. You’ll need some #5 stainless steel, coffee-colored wire, and depending on the bait that is available, octopus hooks ranging from 3/0 to 7/0 and some treble hooks in size 4 and 6. If you are using smaller baits like pilchards, you’ll want to use a smaller main hook and smaller treble hook for your stinger. For bigger baits like goggle eyes, blue runners and speedos, step up your hook size for your main hook and stinger. Use a haywire twist to attach a 20inch length of wire to the main hook. Don’t over do it, as four to five twists on a 45-degree angle will suffice. Finish off your haywire with three to four straight wraps to secure the connection. Now it’s time to attach your stinger to the main hook. Again, depending on the size of your bait, attach 4 to 8 inches of wire to your stinger hook with a haywire twist and then attach the other end of your stinger rig to the eye of the main hook with another haywire twist. It’s extremely important to rig your stinger with enough slack so that your bait will swim naturally. Now you are ready to attach your rig to your leader. Use an albright knot to connect your rig to your leader. If you don’t know how to tie an albright knot, do an Internet search and plenty of pages and videos will pop up. You can fish this setup a couple of different ways. If you will be drifting, fish at least two rods. You’ll want one bait on the surface and one deeper, from 30 to 60 feet. Send your surface bait out first and allow it to swim away from the boat. You can attach a balloon to your main line to help keep track of where your bait is. Depending on conditions, add 4 to 8 ounces of lead to your deep rod. Slip your lead on above the swivel or attach it to the main line with a rubber band. If you utilize the rubber band method, it’s highly likely that you’ll lose your sinker on the strike. These rigs can also be used for slow trolling baits. Slow trolling can help determine what depth the fish are in. Start trolling in about 60 feet and head out to 200 feet and then back to 60 feet. Once you find the fish, set up your drift at the depth. When kingfish strike, they typically go on a long run away from the boat. Take your time and slowly work the fish toward the boat. Don’t be surprised if you get it close and it takes off on another short run after it sees the boat. Let the fish run and tire out. You should then be able to get your fish back to the boat for a gaff shot to the head.
ing mackerel are aggressive predators with extremely sharp teeth. To catch them with consistency, you must prepare accordingly. Though there are many ways to rig your rods for kingfish, I’d like to focus on a few techniques that have worked for me over the years. These techniques can be utilized on both spinning and conventional tackle. To start, you’re going to want a rod in the 7-foot range that has a sensitive tip, so you can feel the bite, but also some backbone to turn the head of a smoker that just peeled off 100 yards of line in 20 seconds. Sometimes, a big king will swim right back at the boat after a blistering run, and you will have a better chance of coming tight with a higher speed reel. You’ll want nothing less than a 5-to-1 gear ratio. When it comes to line choice, you can certainly spool your reels with braided line, but I prefer 20- to 30-pound monofilament, as I’m kind of old school and learned to fish for kingfish before braid became so popular. That said, you’ll want to connect your main line to Gene Dyer is co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Fort Lau4 to 10 feet of 40- or 50-pound fluorocarbon leader with a size 4 or derdale edition. Contact him at gene@coastalanglermagazine.com. 14
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FLY FISHING 16
CHUMMING UP MAKO SHARKS One of the greatest adversaries on the fly rod in saltwater is the shortfin mako shark. The mako is considered by many as the fastest of all sharks, but what makes this great gamefish stand out is not only its fighting ability but its tendency to leap 20 feet in the air once hooked! The mako shark is one of saltwater fly-fishing’s outstanding but unappreciated gamefish. Found on both in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, a smaller mako in the 20- to 30-pound range can be perfect for the beginning saltwater fly fisherman; of course, fishing for sharks is a tad different than fishing for bluegills in your Uncle Ned’s farm pond. First, you’ll need a boat, preferably a boat over 18 feet that can handle fairly choppy seas. Most center-consoles will do; however, a skiff with a beam of 8 feet or wider and a not-too-deep V will settle in the water better and reduce pitch and roll to a minimum, guaranteeing a much more stable casting platform. A chum line is the most effective way of attracting makos into casting distance of your boat. Chumming attracts the larger makos and will allow you to sight-cast to them. Into a chum bag, place the belly sections or fresh carcasses of tuna, bluefish or bonito. Then place the bag into a milk crate or five-gallon bucket, lower this mess by rope over the side and listen for the musical score from the movie “Jaws” to begin. You won’t have long to wait once that chum slick begins to spread. Ideally, you should use fresh carcasses, but store-bought chum will suffice. One bit of important advice: Less is more when chumming; you don’t
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need much; no matter how small the slick, a shark can smell it from miles away. Now that you have the boat and chum, the next thing to do is find a mako. On the West Coast we are fortunate to have the continental shelf only a few miles offshore. On the east coast, you’ll have to venture bit farther offshore. Keep your eyes peeled for working birds and surface-busting bait; constantly check the water temperature, looking for readings between 66 and 70 degrees. But, be patient when chumming. I will wait at least an hour and a half before moving to another spot, but there have been occasions when the sharks make their appearance within a few minutes. Once in the slick, makos will stick around for most of the fishing day. Drifting allows you to cover more water and, in the process, attract more makos to your boat. By choosing the right season, having the right chum and chumming the right areas, you can count on hooking and releasing a good number of makos during the course of a single day on the water.
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For more Bowman, go to
CAMFLYFISHING.COM
SEATECH MARINE KE SERIES ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS
Many boaters spend a small fortune repowering their boats, which makes sense considering the engine is one of the most important components. However, most people
fail to then upgrade their old engine controls. KE+ electronic engine controls should be your next step to refitting your boat. The technology cultivated through 40 years of producing the highest quality controls for marine commercial vessels, fishing vessels, yachts and small pleasure craft goes into the KE Series electronic engine controls. Guaranteed to provide the helmsman unequivocal reliability, ease of use and comfort, the KE Series electronic engine controls are perfect for installation in nearly every marine vessel. Contact Seatech Marine Products toll free at 866-456-1379 for more information, pricing and dealer opportunities. www.seatechmarineproducts.com
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Steel Yourself
Limited Collector’s Edition
At $59, this blade of legendary Damascus steel is a real steal
D
amascus steel is the stuff of legend. Using a technique first mastered in the ancient city, swords made from Damascus steel were known to slice gun barrels in half and separate single strands of hair in two, even if the hair simply floated down onto the blade. Now, you can be a part of the legend. The 7 ½" August Knife features a blade of modern Damascus steel, inspired by the production techniques and legends of history. Damascus steel blade knives can cost thousands. So, at $59, the price itself is also legendary.
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.”
Once a lost art, we sought out a knifemaker who — R., Lacey, Washington has resurrected the craftsmanship of Damascus steel to create the August Knife. The elusive, ancient production technique mixes different steel alloys to form a super steel–– the outcome is a beautiful one-of-a-kind pattern of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. With the August Knife you’re getting the best blade money can buy. What you won’t get is the inflated price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account. Limited availability. Only a handful of artisans make these blades, with each handcrafted knife taking months to perfect. We currently can get less than 1500 this year, so we can’t promise they’ll stick around for long–– especially at this price. Call today! Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe once you wrap your fingers around the August’s handle and experience the BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this beauty of its Damascus steel blade, you’ll be ready genuine leather sheath! to carve out your own legend.
August Knife non offer code price $149*
Offer Code Price Only $59 + S&P Save $90
1-800-333-2045
TAKE 60 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use
Not shown actual size.
your
INSIDER OFFER CO DE
Your Insider Offer Code: AGK282-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. AGK282-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+
• 7 ½" overall length • Genuine Damascus steel blade • Stainless steel guard • Leather handle • Includes genuine leather sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.™
Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.
3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
INST
ANT SAVIN GS SAV
SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS
REPOWER FINANCE
Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. 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 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “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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