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FISH OF A LIFETIME IN SOUTHWEST ALASKA By Tom Schlichter
N
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
S
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
T
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
A
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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ve he R ! e Old Florida Waterfront Charm Re-Discovered N t s e O R R fO eas The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts NOWteR s N Wi Accommodations are nestled on 6 lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon. As you make your way down the one lane road you will truly be stepping back in time. Your hosts Kim and Robert Pruitt have re-captured the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.
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FLORIDA
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erious saltwater anglers know how important trim tabs are to optimizing any boat’s ride, performance and fuel efficiency. The ability to fine-tune a boat’s ride is even more important with today’s high-performance center console offshore, bay and flats boats. Adjusting a boat’s running attitude with trim tabs can also compensate for how a boat is loaded, ensuring a dry, safe and comfortable ride. While modern boats have become much “smarter” and more technologically advanced in recent years, operating trim tabs was still largely trial-and-error for the boater. That has changed with the recent unveiling of Dometic Marine’s new Smart Trim Tab System, designed to give owners of inboard/outboard and outboard powered boats precision control never before possible. This new system is a “smart” reinvention of the trim tab—offering robust construction, user programmability, quick, accurate response and intuitive operation. “Today’s modern vessels are becoming smarter and more connected,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “With this new introduction, we’ve taken trim tab technology and performance to a new level for boat builders and boaters alike. This will be a true game changer for the industry.” Dometic Marine has engineered the Smart Trim Tab System for inboard/outboard vessels, as well as today’s popular high-performance boats powered by single, twin, triple or quad outboards. It has the ability to connect with the Optimus Electric Steering System, joystick control and shift-throttle controls. Dometic Marine’s CAN-based smart actuator can also be used as a
standalone component to integrate with a boat’s control system. For instance, using this connected technology, wake boarders and wake surfers will be able to precisely control the shape/size of their wake by commanding an exact actuator position. This system uses a Smart Dial controller for intuitive operation and a customizable user experience. User programmable settings (Home and Favorite) make it easy to get the boat into optimum running attitude, whether the goal is to smooth the ride, maximize fuel efficiency or fine-tune the perfect wake. The easy-to-use smart dial can also be turned manually to level the boat quickly as conditions change, with built-in LED lights that indicate trim tab position. This system’s smart actuator provides unparalleled positional accuracy and repeatability. Dometic Marine’s sophisticated all-electric design reduces complexity and increases reliability. The robust actuator shaft and housing design provides strong performance in both the push and pull direction. The design also features superior actuator sealing to prevent leaks, even with extended use in the harsh marine environment. Additionally, the installer has the ability to control the speed at which the tabs deploy and retract. When synchronized with Dometic Marine’s Optimus 360 electric steering, joystick control and shift/throttle controls, the Smart Trim Tab System can respond to RPM and gear position inputs for even greater control. The tabs auto retract when the key is turned off, when the vessel is put in reverse, or any time the vessel is put into joystick mode. This exciting new Smart Trim Tab System will be available to OEM installers beginning in December 2019. For more information, visit www. seastarsolutions.com.
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56th
Islamorada Sailfish TOURNAMENT
DECEMBER 5th Thru DECEMBER 8th
Dec. 5th - Kickoff • Dec. 6-8th - Fishing • Dec. 8 - Awards $60,000.00 in prize money paid to winners in 2018
Hosted by Whale Harbor Restaurant & Marina Islamorada / MM83 / Oceanside The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, a 501-C-3 corporation. For more information, please visit us on the web or call Dianne Harbaugh 305.522.4868
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THANKSGIVING
IN THE KEYS
By Nick Carter
T
he year-round mahi bite is legendary in Atlantic waters off the Florida Keys. This time of the year the sailfish bite is phenomenal as well. Winter is a relative term when you’re talking about Monroe County, Fla. Wintertime lows average in the high 60s at night and highs run in the mid-70s. It’s downright comfortable. Apparently it’s the same with water temperatures. Just past the reef line, which runs the length of the Keys, big pelagic species show up in numbers to overwinter and feed on abundant schools of baitfish. Chief among them are sailfish. Capt. Chris Johnson, with SeaSquared Charters out of Marathon, looks forward to Thanksgiving every year, but not because of turkey. Late November is the beginning of sailfish season. It’s a time of diving frigatebirds and showering ballyhoo, when sight-fishing sailfish is the biggest thrill on the water. Mornings begin early. Low-light is key to finding sails and other pelagics as they push schools of baitfish up to the surface and into the air. Diving birds are the dead giveaway. From a tower, the activity is visible, as birds circle progressively lower and then plummet from the sky to take part in the massacre. “When you show up on the reef and you’re seeing spraying bait and birds, it’s game on,” said Johnson. “It’s usually an early morning thing, but it can go on into the day when there’s good cloud cover.” Depending on where in the Keys you set out from, the reef is just a 3 to 7 mile run from the docks. The sharp outer reef edge, which drops steeply into the 100-foot depths, is the topography that holds fish. Unlike most fisheries, where anglers attempt to intersect roving sailfish, fish actually congregate to feed off the Keys. Plentiful bait schools on the reef in close proximity to deep water create a unique situation where sailfish move into the shallows to corral and crash balls of baitfish. “This is what we’ve got that’s unique from anywhere else. It’s exciting, with lots of visual activity,” said Capt. Johnson. “We get sailfish spraying ballyhoos in 20 feet of water.” When it’s on, it really is sight fishing. Anglers must be able to cast
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live bait with accuracy that puts it on the edge of a spraying school or directly on the nose of a visible sailfish. The action can be hit or miss, but there’s nothing like it when a sailfish picks up the bait, feels the steel and starts tailwalking across the surface. Johnson said a good day sees double-digit release flags flying. When the bait showers die down, the fish remain in the area. Johnson said he’ll move off the reef edge in search of color breaks, weed lines and current breaks where baitfish are easy targets. “You want that blue water from the Gulf Stream up on that powdery water from the reef,” he said. “Sailfish love to hunt and chase bait up into that powdery water.” And where there are sailfish chasing bait, other species gather to feed as well. “If you’re into sailfish, you’re going to catch the other stuff, too,” Johnson said. “We see a lot of kingfish, blackfin tuna, dolphin, cobia, and even the occasional white marlin.” Sight fishing becomes power drifting, as Johnson deploys a spread of live baits and bumps the engine in and out of gear to cover water while presenting lively baits. Pilchards, cigar minnows and sardines are all on the menu. But when fish are keyed on ballyhoo, they won’t eat anything but ballyhoo, and a ballyhoo in open water out off the reef is bound to get hammered. In the right conditions, Johnson deploys kites with bridled goggle eyes. This tactic is particularly useful for skittish sailfish, as most of the tackle is suspended above the water where it’s not as visible to the fish. With the bait dancing near the surface, anglers might notice a fin or bill circling the bait. Then anticipation gives way to adrenaline, as the bait is inhaled and the speed and aerobatics of a fighting sailfish take over. The action is enough to make an angler forget everything but sailfish… until it’s time to unload a cooler full of blackfin and dolphin at the docks. Contact Capt. Chris Johnson and SeaSquared Charters through their website at www.seasquaredcharters.com.
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It’s a boy!
Troll, cast or fly a kite in the warm waters of The Florida Keys, and you could be rewarded with a real bundle of joy. Then again, if a rambunctious bull dolphin isn’t what you were hoping for, you could be blessed with a behemoth blue marlin – truly the mother of all gamefish. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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Photo by Andrea Whitaker A diver awaits pickup at the surface after a drift dive off of Palm Beach.
By John Lidington
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rift diving is a major part of the Palm Beach County dive scene, so a lot of divers are introduced to this discipline in our waters. Any open-water diver should have skills to handle diving in currents. But developing and applying some special habits makes such dives smoother, safer and more fun. On the ideal drift dive, divers let the current carry them over long stretches of bottom. The boat drifts overhead tracking the “float ball,” a buoy connected by reel from the surface to an underwater dive guide. The most comfortable dives are those where a diver “goes with the flow” of the current. That means limiting the need to swim against current and facilitating easy pickup back on the surface.
The dive briefing is about more than where to find the goliath groupers or turtles. Listen carefully. Is the dive guide running a continuous drift or planning to tie off for a while? Are there bottom features that alter the current? How strong is the current and how good is the visibility? This information will help refine your dive plan. When the captain shouts “Dive, dive, dive!” you should be ready to jump in quickly. That means having your equipment ready early. One tip in addition to what you know by heart: After testing its power inflator, suck all the air from your BC. You’re then ready for a “negative entry,” where you hop in and immediately begin your descent. As you descend, note the strength and direction of the current with your compass. The stronger the current and the lower the visibility, the more you need to focus on staying near your buddy and the group. A one-knot current carries you about 100 feet per minute. If visibility is 70 feet and you’re poking around in a hole for a minute, your buddy will be gone when you look up. If you’re in a strong current, do your best to maintain neutral buoyancy and dive at a safe distance from the bottom to prevent bumping the reef. At the end of the dive, use your Surface Marker Buoy (SMB). Sure, the well-trained eyes of the pros running the charter boats are great at picking out bobbing divers. But, while it’s a pain to deflate and re-roll “safety sausages,” they can make retrieval of the group faster and smoother. If released when you reach your safety stop, they give the captain a two-minute warning on where divers will be surfacing. There’s a lot more to drift diving than the few tips I can offer here. PADI offers a Drift Diver specialty course that efficiently bundles theory and training into a few hours work coupled with two dives. If you want to jump-start your skills, give Pura Vida Divers a call at 561-840-8750 or visit www.puravidadivers.com.
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MARK SOSIN
sk me my favorite fishing spot, and the answer might surprise you. With a career that spanned more than 50 years as a journalist and educator focusing on fishing (both freshwater and salt), my travels took me to all 50 states and more than 60 countries. I’m not a professional angler or tournament fisherman, nor am I a licensed captain or guide. My father loved to fish, and he started me when I was 3 years old by letting me hold a rod with a freshwater critter wiggling on the end of the line. That hooked me for life.
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Over the years, my travels took me to some of the hottest spots in the world for particular species. Usually, accommodations were marginal and the facilities questionable. As an example, before they brought peacock bass to the southern United States, I caught them in the Amazon jungles of Brazil. There are spots in the nearshore Pacific where it’s not uncommon to raise a couple dozen sailfish almost every day. There are tigerfish in central Africa, bonefish in the Bahamas and other hotspots. If you asked me to reveal my favorite fishing spot, my answer would be South Florida. Let me tell you why. You can get there from any part of the U.S. by car, train or plane, stay in a five-star hotel and eat in the best restaurants. Everywhere you want to fish, there are some of the best guides to put you on the species you seek. Biscayne Bay lies at Miami’s doorstep with Miami Beach on the eastern shore. In the Bay, you can catch bonefish, permit, snook and tarpon along with countless other species including sharks, which are a great challenge in shallow water on casting tackle. A short boat ride through Government Cut puts you in the Atlantic a few miles from the shoreward edge of the Gulf Stream. These waters hold a plethora of species that include sailfish, swordfish, dolphin, king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, an occasional marlin, and a wide variety of bottom species. At certain times of the year, snook feed in the coastal inlets and along the beaches. An hour’s drive to Flamingo in Everglades National Park puts you are in prime territory for redfish as well as several other species that are challenging and fun to catch. Many of the canals around Miami and south toward Key Largo hold peacock bass. Canals leading from Lake Okeechobee also host largemouth bass for the freshwater aficionado. And, there are even guides available for the land-based angler. You would be hard pressed to find another major city in the world that offers spectacular fishing for a host of species right at its doorstep. If there is such a place, I haven’t found it. That’s why South Florida is my favorite fishing spot.
For more from Mark Sosin, visit
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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2019 | FORT MYERS 1
Nov. 1-3 Florida International Airshow At the Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road, Punta Gorda FIAS celebrates its 37th year in 2019, featuring the USAF Thunderbirds Nov. 2nd & 3rd! Nov. 4th Kayak Tour of Peace River 10 AM - 1 PM Hunter Creek Estuary, located in Punta Gorda Prepare for an avian adventure of a lifetime! Reservations required, bring your own water, lunch or snack. Nov. 8 & 9 Live music at Fisherman’s Village Featuring a variety of musicians and bands Fri. & Sat. evenings in the beautiful Courtyard overlooking Charlotte Harbor.
Nov. 10 Mustang Club of Charlotte Co. Car Show 10 AM - 3PM @ Fisherman’s Village Free to attend. Over 100 vintage cars on display! Nov 16 Lighting of the Village 5:30 PM - 9 PM @ Fisherman’s Village Price: Toiletries donation to Share the Blessing Ministry. Over one million lights w/ traditional themed holiday decor, festivites parade, live music & dancing. Nov. 28 21st Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run & Fun Walk 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM @ Fl SW State College Presented by FL Southwestern State College & CC Habitat for Humanity. Come chase the bicycle riding turkey Thanksgiving morning.
2 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Seasonal W
ell fellow anglers fall has arrived. This brings in one of two, of my favorite times of year to fish. This is the time of year when we have a lot of great things happening. Our pelagic fish that have been spending their time in the north, are migrating south. For the anglers that are new to our area this is a great time of year. We have large schools of ladyfish and jacks that are running the bars feeding on the schools of glass minnows. It can be as easy as locating a large flock of birds. This is one of the short periods of time that locating birds will put you on fish. Visit your local tackle shop, like Fishin’ Franks in Port Charlotte. I recommend a spoon this time of year; it resembles what the fish are feeding on. It’s also hard to talk about fall without talking about my favorite game fish. Snook will be putting on the feed bags. These tropical fish will be looking to add some extra weight before winter approaches. I would love to tell you about a secret bait, but there’s not much they’re not eating. Look for areas that have good tidal flow, incoming or outgoing. I also start looking around areas that are close to deep water. If we have a crazy cool front make it to us, these guys will run for cover. Snook prefer water temps above seventy degrees. The redfish bite this fall has been really good. We were very
Migrations by Capt. Dave Stephens fortunate so far and haven’t had any bad water around the passes. On the higher tides the mangroves have been producing good numbers of fish. As the tide falls, look for fish on the flats. The biggest thing I look for when locating open water reds is mullet. Reds love to follow schools of mullet. As mullet move down the flats, they stir up smaller prey. Who doesn’t like an easy meal? I have also been catching some very nice sea trout on the flats. Some over twenty inches! I’m sure everyone is aware of the closures, so I would like to share an often over-looked
fish that I enjoy on the grill. As mentioned above about our migrating pelagic fish, Spanish mackerel are also making their way south. Not only do these guys offer a great fight, they are great table fare. They often get a bad rap because they’re mackerel. Well the trick is to only keep what you plan to eat that night. Put these guys skin side down on the grill with butter, Everglades Seasoning, and fresh garlic. Make sure to use some tin foil also. I promise you’ll look at macks different after this!
Contact Back Bay Xtremes at 941-916-5769 FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2019 | FORT MYERS 3
Offshore Fare
H
ello fellow anglers! Turkey month once again, can you believe it? It is the beginning of our tourist season and relatives that come to visit. This is to me, the month you start preparing for lots of family time. The weather is changing and the waters are getting cooler. This has triggered the migration from north to south in the fish community and is good for the offshore anglers. Offshore you can harvest several species that are great table fare. The two most popular that all folks like to eat are snappers and grouper. Just to name a few of the snapper: yellowtail, lane, and mangrove, all of these are great table fare. Then you have your grouper gag, red, and scamp. The State of Florida has the reds, snook, and sea trout on catch and release until May of 2020. Alpha Omega Fishing Charters has the proper permits and boat to venture out into the Federal waters of the Gulf. With 4-6 anglers aboard, we travel about thirty miles to target grouper and snapper. (Also, our addition to the fleet has a porta-potty for our female customers). As the migration gets into progress there will be catches of king mackerel, tripletail, and cobia. I have been fishing these waters for the last forty years and have done a fair amount of SCUBA diving-hunting with a spear gun. This is an advantage to understanding what the structures are like,
By Capt. Bart Marx
which in turn helps on how to fish the structure. I have been down one hundred forty-eight feet in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of SW Florida, mostly to harvest grouper and snapper with a spear gun. We have plenty of tackle for bottom fishing and artificial lures to troll for some of the migratory species, too. With all the closures on the reds, snook, and trout, we can go into the Gulf and target other good-eating fish. With this being the month of Thanksgiving, some people have out of state guests that might enjoy an offshore fishing trip. We have gift certificates (hint-hint, the holidays are near) that would be a great gift for a family Florida-fishing adventure. We have several anglers that use us to go offshore to harvest the snapper and grouper for a family outing and for a fresh fish cookout too. They wait till they have enough friends and family for a personalized trip for their guests. Always remember singing drags and tight lines make me s m i l e . <*(((((>{
Contact Capt. Bart Marx at 941-979-6517 4 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
type terrain with decent lee protection from the relentless northeast wind. When fishing sand holes, keep in mind that fish like to hang on the outside edge. Sometimes just inside the grass and sometimes in the sand. This doesn’t leave them as vulnerable as lying out in the open. Also, many times, the smallest holes hold good fish. Try not to look past them thinking the bigger holes are best. Every tidal flat in our watershed is affected by these
Change
By Capt. Mike Manis
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the cooler water will slow the fish’s metabolism. When the tide drops out the fish will move away from mangrove shorelines and have to drop into the deeper depressions or sand holes on the open flats. Also, as we get away from summer rain patterns, our water clears up and, on many flats, this is a sight fishing opportunity. Typically, the closer you get to the passes, the cleaner the water; however, even adjacent to the rivers, the water clarity is much improved this time of year. For a couple reasons, this is one of my favorite times of year to fish Pine Island Sound. First, it contains large expanses of turtle grass flats mixed with good sand holes; second, it provides lots of this
Contact Capt. Manis at 941-628-7895
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hings are about to change and this month marks that beginning. We’re about to enter what could be considered a winter pattern on the flats, in and around the harbor. Intermittent northerly fronts combined with lower morning tides combine to bring this change. In addition to cooler temperatures that affect the fish, these winds push water out of the harbor escalating already low tides. Of our game fish, snook are the most vulnerable to cold and should be well into their transition toward creeks, rivers, and canal systems. As a result, I tend not to target snook during this time of year. Out on the flats, I’ll typically turn my attention to redfish and spotted sea trout. Both these species tolerate the cold very well. Moreover, when the water temperature cools, the scaled sardines that make up a large extent of their diet move offshore. Like many prey or predator species, they are seeking more stable water temperatures. This forces the reds and trout to rely on shrimp and small crustaceans. As a result, I’ll begin using smaller patterns, flies, and will also slow down my presentation as
same conditions. What’s more, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to consist of scattered sand holes mixed with turtle grass. For example, on the east side between Hobbs Point and Burnt Store, the fish will move out onto the outside bar and hang in the sand troughs. In Bull Bay, a very popular low water spot, ponds of all size form when the water drops out. It’s a mix of soft and hard sand and mud and if you find the right hole it can be good. Until next month, good tides.
(941) 766-1044
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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2019 | FORT MYERS 5
Four Mile Cove by Mike Hammond
T
housands of drivers’ daily commute takes them past Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral on their way to and from work. Few realize what an enchanting paddling experience they are passing. Four Mile Cove is a 365-acre preserve operated by the City of Cape Coral. It includes boardwalks, picnic areas, a visitor center, piers, kayak rentals and launch. A friend and I recently paddled the preserve and put in at the launch directly across from the Kayak Shack located on S.E. 21st Avenue. The trail was navigable, but tight in some sections. After a halfmile, paddlers will come to a portage. Both ends of the portage were easy to put in and take out with about 800 feet of boardwalk in between. Keep
in mind you have to carry all of your gear when deciding what or who to bring. The Cape Coral Parks & Recreation website states that children under the age of 6 are not allowed in rented kayaks. After the portage, the creek was barely wider than our boards. We worked our way east into Alligator Creek, which gets wider and wider until reaching the Caloosahatchee River. My paddling partner knew of a tunnel that would lead us to a small lake between Alligator Creek and Four Mile Cove. There was a lot of ducking and even lying down on the boards to snake our way through the mangroves. Arachnophobes may want to avoid this tunnel
or find a couple other people to go first - LOL. After exploring the little lake, we were able to paddle through another tunnel to Four Mile Cove. Paddlers can tie up to one of the three floating shelters in the cove to stretch the legs or grab a snack. Instead of taking the mangrove obstacle course back, we opted for paddling up
the Caloosahatchee River to the mouth of Alligator Creek and back to the launch. There are several picnic tables and a porta-potty at the launch. Bathrooms with running water are located at the nearby visitor center. The Kayak Shack only offers rentals November through May on the weekends. If you have your own equipment, you can launch throughout the year from 8 a.m. to dusk. Keep in mind there is almost no breeze in mangrove tunnels so in the summer, insect repellant is a must. If you are up for a fun challenge in the mangroves without driving to the beach, check out Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. That way you will have an adventure to remember every time you drive over the Midpoint Bridge.
Contact Lee County at 239-338-3500 Marine Services & Upgrades • Electronics • Satellites • Navigation • Audio • Furniture • Seating • Ceramic Coating
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(239) 768-2410 rvtechservice@comcast.net 6 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Turkey & Peas
by Capt. Justin Napior
T
his year is flying by! The holidays are around the corner and if you plan on taking some time off to visit family or friends in southwest
Florida and have peacock bass on your bucket list, bring your rod and reel and tell grandma you’re going for a walk after all that turkey dinner!! The peacock bass have been around in southwest Florida for a long time. Fisherman would catch the
invasive species in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and bring them to Naples. I remember catching them as a kid when bass fishing in the local lakes and canals. Now they inhabit many of the local canals in the area and have become very popular on social media and are on most anglers bucket lists! And I don’t blame them, these fish are extremely aggressive and they are a blast to catch on light tackle and fly. They are very colorful fish and photograph really well! My favorite rig for these aggressive fish is pretty simple.. I use a ¼ ounce jig head and a paddletail or an Owner twist lock and any bright colored lure. Many classic bass fishing rigs will work, as well. These fish typically hang out near shore lines, banks, and around some
sort of structure like a dock, rocks, bridges, or fallen trees. Sight fishing them is very fun and is great for any skill level! All it takes is a decent cast and a twitch or two and they are usually honed in on it. If lures are not your thing, you can pick up some live shiners from the local tackle shop like Serenity Bait Company in Naples. Live shiners and a 2/0 circle hook will pretty much guarantee you a bite and a caught fish. You can find them in the local canal systems
by walking along banks or kayaking. Many of the canals are accessible by foot, so go explore, you may be surprised at what you can find. Well, I hope everyone has a great November and if you get a chance to fish for some southwest Florida peas, I wish you luck! And till next time, tight lines everybody.
Contact Capt. Napior at 239-682-7101
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2019 | FORT MYERS 7
Fishing with Capt. Terry
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by Capt. Terry Fisher
he fishing has been fantastic over the past several months. My October catches proved that all is well again in SWFL. Only a few reports regarding Red Tide and algae blooms exists compared to a year ago. The inshore and offshore waters of SWFL are full of hungry fish again with lots of species for anglers to target. INSHORE: Spanish mackerel, pompano, ladyfish, mangrove snapper, seatrout, Jack crevalle, bluefish, snook and redfish are all here and biting. Baits are plentiful and available at most bait shops. Crabbers have laid the posts for blue and stone crab, offering opportunities for anglers to target curious species such as tripletail and cobia frolicking around them. Offshore: migratory species including permit, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and cobia are all here. The further one travels offshore, the better the odds of catching grouper and larger reef species for harvesting. There was very little fishing pressure over the last several months, due to negative water quality reports of last year, together with FWC harvest closures on many species. The waters are clean. The release of hundreds of thousands of snook, trout, and redfish fingerlings are already apparent with larger, mature fish returning to the area. Less fishing pressure
as a result of the harvest closures are showing positive results. FWC made the right decision to allow the fish populations to rebound. I support no harvesting of seatrout, snook, or redfish for at least another year. These fish need a ‘break’. Too much pressure when other elements, such as excessive water releases from Lake Okeechobee, algae blooms and red tide are present. The good news is that corrective action regarding excessive water releases and poor water management are being addressed. Most of the credit for this is a result of the ‘Captains for Clean Water’ movement, its founders and members, Captains Chris Whitman and Daniel Andrews. They have been a relentless force in getting federal, state, and local officials to act on the devastation that we have been experiencing in regards to damaging water releases from Lake O and other problems contributing to algal blooms. Federal, state, and local funding have been acquired to support these actions as a result of their relentless efforts. We are already starting to see positive results, but more work still needs to be done. Supporters and members of Captains for Clean Water are on board. Continued support and contributions to this
organization are necessary to ensure that our fisheries are cleaned up and that Florida remains the Fishing Capital of the World for today, tomorrow, and beyond. Information on how you may help can be obtained at https://captainsforcleanwater.org. Please make your contribution today and/or join for only $30/year. This is for all of our best interests, not just anglers, but home-owners alike. My October article titled ‘The Hunt for Red October’ focused mainly on redfish. It proved to be correct as the numbers of redfish, big and little, once again inhabit the estuaries from Charlotte Harbor to Estero Bay in good numbers. It is like they returned home for their annual ‘fall festival’ of eating and spawning (not necessarily in that order)! Last month, I had the pleasure of taking out previous and new clients to target and catch lots of redfish, including Bull Reds. Needless to say, lots were caught and releases. The first part of November could prove equally as good, so long as the weather remains consistent during the latter part of October and early part of November. Time will tell. Nonetheless, the other species mentioned above should get even more active providing a chance for a great day on the waters for all anglers, regardless of their level of experience. If you lack experience, hire a guide and learn from them. My suggestions for targeting fish by species are as follows: 1) Fish for redfish on the incoming tides around oyster beds, bars, and under the mangroves. 2) Fish for snook on the outgoing tides around the docks, close to seawalls, at the points of islands and shoals, along the mangroves and in the passes of Redfish, Captiva, and Boca Grande. 3) Fish for mangrove snappers around mangrove roots, docks and close offshore reefs using circle hooks. 4) Fish for seatrout, Spanish mackerel and pompano and other species on the grass flats in about 4 - 7 feet of water. Bycatches will be ladyfish, bluefish, Jack Crevalle, bar jacks, and catfish. The annual Ft. Myers Boat Show will be held November 21st24th, downtown in the heart of the “River District”. It is my 6th year doing the show. Our booth will be located in the ‘Coastal Angler Fishing Village’. Fish Face Charters booth will feature pictures of our clients with catches of their ‘Fish of a Lifetime’! 1st Mate Vicki and I will be on hand to answer any fishing or charter questions. I will be doing at least 2 seminars a day on how, when, and where to catch fish.
Contact Capt. Fisher at 239-257-6829
8 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINEFTMYERS/ | NOVEMBER 2019 | FORT MYERS 9
Paddlin’ & Fishin’ by Dan Carns
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• Kayaks & Paddleboards • Fishing Charters • Rentals & Lessons • Guided Eco Tours
• Kayak Fishing Trips • Waterfront Retail location • Dolphin & Manatee Tours • Families Welcome
239-283-1125 www.GulfCoastKayak.com 4120 Pine Island Rd NW Matlacha, FL 33993
ulf Coast Kayak is once again hosting the 2019 Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament, the premier paddle sports fishing event in SWFL! Although this kayak fishing tournament takes place in all Lee County waters, it draws competitors from all over Florida. I encourage anyone who may not have fished competitively before to give this tournament a try, as the entry fee is very low and the Catch, Photo and Release (CPR) method of measuring has a minimal impact on the fish. This tournament is a low-key affair where the competition is primarily between you and your ability to find, catch, and record your catch. Of course, everyone wants to place in the payout spots, but after years of competing in this tournament, the best part about this event is the camaraderie and bantering among kayak anglers that begins at the Captain’s Meeting held the night before and continues at all the many launch points in Lee County. As a competitor you may feel as though you’re going to launch in that hidden secret spot somewhere along the Calusa Blueway’s 90 miles of watery paradise only to find you’re not alone, and offers of “Good Luck” between anglers is heartfelt. The night before competition, everyone is required to attend the Captain’s Meeting, kindly hosted by Point Ybel Brewing Company in Fort Myers where food, music, raffles and of course brew is on tap; where the rules are discussed and the lighthearted trash talking begins. The aftercompetition party and weighin is open to all, as families and friends of the competitors gather together to hear tales of the day and witness the everchanging leaderboard as the
anglers make their way back to shore. The Old Fish House Marina returns as the official weigh station in beautiful Matlacha and is sure to be fun as there will be live music, food, 50/50 raffles and a silent auction. All of the proceeds from this event benefit the Candlelighters of SWFL whose mission is to provide support, education and assistance to families of children with cancer and blood disorders. A few things to consider; everything from new line and leaders to what plugs or bait setup you’ll use on tournament day should be rigged and ready to go prior to the Captain’s Meeting. Drive or plan your route to and from the launch to weigh-in, have a backup plan in place if the fishing is uncooperative. Bring spare rods and reels in case of equipment failure, make sure you have
spare batteries or charging cubes to keep your camera up and running. Remember to get out of your boat and stretch periodically; also this is a good time to refuel and stay hydrated as the day will be long and physically demanding. Spread the word and join us for this great event! Find the details at Eventbrite /Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament, or on Facebook @ 2019 Calusa Blueway Kayak Fishing Tournament It’s A Wild World-Get Out There! Fishman Dan
Contact Dan Carns at 239-283-1125 10 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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Fishing with Joe
T
here are many different approaches to the inshore fishing game, including drifting, chumming, fishing points, docks, channels and I’m sure there are quite a few other strategies. When I first moved here 3 years ago, I tried many of these and had little to no success. I’m sure that these approaches can be very successful and my lack of success was a result of my lack of confidence and experience. I moved to S.W. Florida with Bass fishing experience and a cover water approach. I would fish productive areas with my trolling motor down covering water and making many casts, better known as Power Fishing to our Bass fishing friends. It didn’t take me long to try that approach down here, fishing to my strengths and comfort level. Making a few adjustments with my equipment and presentations, it has proved to be very productive. The first key for this approach is having a boat and a trolling motor with a good battery system. I use my trolling motor to cover water, control boat position and to keep me in good casting positions. The next key is fishing productive areas. There is a method to my madness. To be really productive, it is important to put yourself in areas that have a greater potential to hold fish. Areas that contain different types of structure ( grass, docks, oyster bars, potholes, mangroves, funnel areas and others) have a greater potential of holding fish. I typically will plan to fish 3-5 of these areas in a day and if bait is present than my confidence is very
12 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
by Joe Sheaffer high. The third key is bait presentation. I primarily fish artificial lures and I like using moving lures( examples: swim jig and paddle tails, spoons, swimbaits, top water lures and crankbaits ). It is possible to use live bait as a presentation but you may not cover quite as much area with a slower presentation. Another key is being able to make good, accurate casts without getting hung up or off target. This will help you be more efficient. The philosophy is a numbers game. Cover more water, make many casts, put your lure in front of as many fish as you can, could improve your odds of finding aggressive fish. This style of fishing can also help you zero in on a pattern that will be productive throughout the day. I like my boat in continuous motion, slow enough that I can effectively make good accurate casts in front of me but fast enough that I can keep my boat in a similar position throughout the area I’m fishing. If I find a stretch that holds numbers, I will stay on that spot and fish it more thoroughly before continuing forward. This is a very effective strategy and can help anglers be very productive.
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MATLACHA
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LOCAL BUSINESSES
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AT YOUR SERVICE
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Worth the Drive Jetty Jack’s Are you looking to feed your soul and your belly? A place to sit, soak in the sun, salt, fresh air, and view? Then Jetty Jack’s is the place. Located in Humphris Park on the South Jetty of Venice Island, you’ll be amazed at all this location has to offer. There is no better view in Venice! When you arrive, you can stretch your legs along the paved path or head right for the deck, where you can enjoy a casual meal, beverage, ice cream and the best view in Venice. The owner of Jetty Jack’s, Chris Johnson, is usually on location in the mornings and throughout the day and happy to be there. He welcomes you with open arms, making you feel like a regular. If you have beach chairs, you can sit along the jetty and enjoy the Gulf view. Wherever you sit, you’ll be enjoying the view, boats, dolphins, fishermen, and soaking in the salt air and cool breeze. To see what’s happening at Jetty Jack’s, check them out on Instagram @jettyjacks. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what’s going on! 200 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice, FL
18 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Seasonal Changes
by Capt. Billy Norris
F
ishing this past month has been excellent! Both backwater and offshore fishing have provided steady action with quality fish. The weather has begun to cool down quite a bit and the rains have slowed considerably. With the cooler weather, we will start to see the shift from summer to winter
patterns. In the backwaters, both snook and redfish have been eagerly taking baits. Best bet for bait this time of year is pinfish. You will still catch fish on whitebait, but the bigger fish are dialed in on pins. In my opinion, this is most likely due to the fact that the coastlines are inundated with massive schools of whitebait, and the fish are used to seeing it. Presenting them with a pinfish is something different that breaks their baseline and they are more apt to strike. This time of year, redfish can be found throughout the backwater, the passes, and even in the Gulf on some of the nearshore wrecks. Snook are everywhere. In the late fall, they will school in large numbers on the beaches and around passes. With clearer water, you will have to go with a lighter fluorocarbon leader to get them to strike. The catch 22 with lighter line is you will get broken off more often, but a heavier leader will drastically decrease the amount of strikes you get. In addition to snook and redfish, there have been plenty of
jacks and juvenile tarpon in the backwaters providing action filled days. The offshore bite has been equally good. Cobia have been around in numbers, and targeting them on the wrecks and reefs has proven worthwhile. Up your tackle from the backwater rigs to 40-50-pound fluorocarbon leader and up your reels to at least a 5000 or 6000 level. There are still plenty of Spanish mackerel around, with kings beginning to show up as well. The mangrove snapper bite has continued to be great, and there have been quite a few mutton snappers around as well. Although not common for our area, there have been large numbers of them on the nearshore reefs, however, they are all relatively small, averaging 12�-14�. For big game catch and release fisherman, barracudas, goliath grouper, and sharks have been plentiful around the wrecks and reefs. Tarpon fishing has also remained good this past month, and should continue to stay steady until the cold fronts begin to show up. Their bait of choice can change daily, so make sure you have a variety of options to pitch to them. A combination of threads, crabs and big pinfish is a good place to start. As we move later into the year and the water cools, we should be seeing a shift into the wintertime fishing patterns. Over the next month, kingfish should arrive in numbers, as well as the annual influx of big sheepshead into both the coastal and backwater areas. Fishing has been and will continue to be great over the course of the next few months, so give us a call today and book your trip! -Captain Billy
Contact Billy Norris at 239-285-7710
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November 21-24, 2019
Southwest Florida’s Premier Showcase of All Things Boating Expanded In Water & Land Displays Over 130 Boat Manufacturers of all Sizes
Marine Accessories & Services Fishing Seminars On The Caloosahatchee River in Ft. Myers Historic River District
Main Entrance
First St. & Carson St. - Next to Joe’s Crab Shack
Marina Entrance Edwards Dr. & Lee St. Thurs - Sat: 10AM - 6 PM & Sun. 10AM - 5 PM Admission: $13 (Under 16 Free with Paid Adult) Fishing Seminars Presented by:
$5 Parking with Trolley Service
(First St. & Altamont Ave. - Grass Lot Across from Publix) Presented By:
SWFMIA
Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association
More Information Available at www.goboatingflorida.com 20 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Something for Everyone!
S
outhwest Florida can easily make claim to the finest and most diverse boating waters in the country, so it stands to reason that it should also be home to one of the very finest boat shows. The 47th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show, November 21-24, is a showcase of everything boating. Virtually every area dealer, representing more than 130 boat manufacturers will
need on the water. Not only is this the most complete display of boats and boating products on Florida’s West Coast, it is also one of the most beautiful settings for a show in the country. Located in downtown Ft. Myers on the Caloosahatchee River, exhibits wind through Centennial Park along the river and Edwards Drive to the City Yacht Basin. “We
be on hand. Every size and style, from Skiffs to Yachts are displayed on land and in-water in the Ft. Myers City Yacht Basin. Hundreds of accessory exhibits feature everything from engines and electronics to boat lifts, boating services, fishing gear, clothing and just about anything else you might
are very lucky to be a part of Ft. Myers’ developing Historic District,” says Show Manager Kyle Good. “Whether you are in the market for a boat, looking to repower or upgrade your current boat, or just want to see what’s new, you will find what you are looking for at this show.”
Plan to spend the day. Not only for the boats and boating products, but also to enjoy downtown Ft. Myers. There are a variety of popular restaurants and bars a block away from the show. Come early, enjoy the show, take a break downtown for lunch and head back to the show. You can’t see it all in a couple of hours, particularly if you want to take advantage of fishing seminars and all the other boating information displays you will find. Coastal Angler Magazine is sponsoring this year’s fishing seminars. Local guides and experts will present a variety of seminars through the day and will be on hand to answer your questions and just talk fishing. Many boating organizations, including the Lee County Marine Task Force, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadron and more will be on hand with all kinds of boating safety and how-to information. This is a big show, be sure to wear your walking shoes. Unlike other big shows, however, getting there is a breeze if you simply take advantage of the convenient remote parking. Follow the signs to parking on 1st Street & Altamont, 1/3 of a mile west of the show entrance (on the river, one block north of McGregor). Parking is only $5.00 and a two minute free shuttle ride will bring you right to the show entrance. “Our main show
entrance is on the west edge of Centennial Park, said Good. “There is downtown parking available, but visitors will have to walk several blocks to enter the show. It is much more convenient to take advantage of the shuttle from the 1st Street lot”. Just the FAQS: No Pets – We are pet lovers but due to insurance issues, we cannot allow pets. Directions From I-75 Take Exit 138 (MLK Boulevard). Head west (about four miles) past downtown and past U.S 41 on to McGregor Blvd. Turn left at the light at Altamont Ave., about 1/3 of mile west of U.S. 41. From U.S. 41 FROM THE SOUTH: Turn left on Victoria Avenue (traffic Light just before the bridge over the river). Proceed to light at McGregor Blvd, cross McGregor, one block to parking at 1st Street. FROM THE NORTH: Stay on U.S 41 South as you come over the river (don’t follow signs to downtown). Turn right on Victoria Avenue (1st traffic Light south of the bridge over the river). Proceed to light at McGregor Blvd, cross McGregor, one block to parking at 1st Street. Who puts on this show? The Fort Myers Boat Show is owned by the Southwest Florida Marine Industries Association. The association, whose membership includes virtually every boat dealer and marine related company in Southwest Florida, has protected the rights of boaters and promoted boating and the marine industry in Southwest Florida for more than 40 years.
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Which Pair? by Capt. Neil Eisner
A
great pair of sun glasses are a must for fishing. This just might be the most important thing you buy. But with so many colors, types, and styles, how do you choose? Well, let’s try to keep this simple. If you fish offshore, blue mirror will work best to cut down the maximum amount of glare, they have a gray base. If you fish the back country like I do, you’ll want to get an amber or
green mirror color. They are a copper base lens. This type of color will cut through the water and let you see the fish when sight fishing in two feet of water. There are times when I wished I had a pair with a yellow lens. This would help me on those cloudy rainy days and early mornings before the sun gets up over the tree tops. Polarized lenses are a must regardless of what you buy. Polarized sunglasses have been popular for years with boaters and fishermen who need to reduce reflected glare from the water surrounding them. Now that many others who spend time outdoors have discovered the benefits of polarized lenses, interest in these types of sunglasses has soared. Besides boaters, outdoor
enthusiasts who benefit the most from polarized sunglasses include skiers, bikers, golfers and joggers since all of these activities require the elimination of
glare for optimum safety and performance. Next, you’ll have to choose between glass or plastic lenses. Plastic lenses are much lighter than glass. This will put less pressure on the bridge of your nose. They say that plastic
lenses scratch, but I’ve not had one pair scratch on me yet and I only wear plastic. You want a pair of sunglasses that fit right when you put them on. Make sure they’re not too tight or loose on your head. Some manufacturers make their frames in small, medium, large, and extra-large. The next thing you need to look for is that the lens is not too short. The lens should just about touch the top of your cheek bone and you should see very little to no light at all coming in from the sides or bottom of the frame. I just came from my yearly eye exam with a great check-up, it’s important to protect your eyes. So, have fun shopping.
Contact Capt. Neil Eisner at 239-860-4242
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The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!
Beautiful shot of Gary Shaw and his Redfish.
Ryan Connor of NY says the little guys are still fun. Cameron Fulp showing off his day’s fun.
Nice redfish caught while out w/ Fish Face Charters.
Tristan Rowand with a large clown knifefish.
Jeff Wheeler of Cape Coral caught his first tarpon at the Sanibel Causeway.
Morgan Smith, Thomas & Owen Roegele brought in some nice Reds at the same time near Stump Pass. Brittany and Dalton with their twin reds!
Tim Roegele caught a monster Redfish today off Stump Pass Beach, released safely.
Photos submitted Courtesy of Coastal Angler Readers and Contributing Writers 28 FORT MYERS | NOVEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING TO ACQUIRE FISHING LEAGUE WORLDWIDE
I
n a move that’s sure to again shake up the tournament bass fishing landscape, Major League Fishing (MLF) announced last month that it will acquire Fishing League Worldwide (FLW). MLF is the entity that FLW Photo last year lured many of the sport’s top professional anglers away from B.A.S.S., its Elite Series and the venerable Bassmaster Classic. It offers a made-for-television series, the new Bass Pro Tour and claims its format is more advantageous to anglers than 50-year-old B.A.S.S., which was started by Ray Scott in 1967 and made superstars out of so many anglers. FLW is the world’s largest grassroots bass tournament organization, which hosts tournaments for tens of thousands of competitive anglers, from weekend warriors to high schoolers, collegiate anglers and tour pros. FLW has already released preliminary plans for what this merger means for the thousands of anglers who fish its tournaments. The biggest changes will occur at the top, where the new FLW Pro Circuit will replace the 24-year-old FLW Tour. On the FLW Pro Circuit, events will span six days, with the first three days following the traditional five-fish format and the last three days using MLF’s catch-weigh-release format. The Costa FLW Series will expand geographically and feature lower entry fees. The BFL events so popular with non-professional competitive anglers will also reduce entry fees. There have been no changes announced for FLW’s high school and college tournaments.
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, WHERE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ABOUND
Photo by Peter Dutton/flickr.com
O
keechobee County is your paradise outdoors. This beautifully serene rural community still values the old Florida lifestyle, with down-home Southern hospitality and scenic land undisturbed by towering growth. Okeechobee County is at the northern shore of the awe-inspiring Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee is 730 square miles of fishing nirvana. Lake Okeechobee, named by the Seminoles as “big water,” is host to a number of guides that will take you to treasured “fishing spots” that will give any angler stories to take home. Largemouth bass dominate the fishermen’s attention throughout the year, while the well-known speckled perch (crappie) take front position during the peak of tourism season which runs from October through March. Lake Okeechobee also offers scenic trails that are excellent for
walking, jogging, biking and bird watching. The trail that surrounds this massive lake is the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (L.O.S.T). This trail just about surrounds the entire lake and leaves no nature lover disappointed. Okeechobee is a well-loved area for rare and hard to find birds aplenty, the snail kite and caracara just to name a couple. Don’t be concerned by the loud cry of the sandhill crane, as these beauties are in every corner of our community and have no issue stopping traffic or wandering neighborhoods. Okeechobee County is not just about the lake, though locals are extremely proud of their greatest natural asset. Okeechobee is home to a number of other sporting activities that definitely make the location a sportsman’s paradise. Hunting is popular with not only seasonal visitors but residents as well. Deer, hog, duck and even gator hunting keep the hunting guides busy and the hunter’s hauling trophies home for bragging rights. Looking to improve or develop some great shooting skills? Okeechobee has a number of gun ranges that offer shooting sports of all kinds. Most of these facilities are outdoors and offer lodging, shopping and the greatest ranges and instructors around. There is also an indoor archery range conveniently off our main street and a new state-of-the-art gun range just on your way into town. Although Okeechobee offers fantastic outdoor adventures such as air boating, horseback riding and other entertainment, there always comes a time when the day draws to a close and the day’s activities bring on a fierce appetite. Okeechobee offers wonderful food options to the most spectacular steaks to the tastiest seafood! With dinner served and memories made, it’s now time to dream of what Okeechobee may bring the next day at any of our hotels, motels, campgrounds or RV resorts. Looking for your paradise outdoors? Welcome to Okeechobee, Florida. For information on any of these great getaways, visit www.visitokeechobeecounty.com or call 863-763-3959. Introducing Okeechobee’s Inaugural Visitor’s Guide. This beautiful guide will be your destination must have. You may request your free guide via phone or the Contact Us section of the website listed above.
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By Ed Killer
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tuart, Fla.– The thump on the end of the line nearly pulls the rod out of your hand. It’s the kind of thump delivered by an apex predator confident in its choice to devour the offering. The line peels off the reel at a blistering pace. You can feel the trophy at the opposite end of this tug of war begin making its way to the surface. You prepare yourself for one of those mental memories you swear will stay with you forever. When this fish goes airborne, you know it’s going to be so cool. Backlit by the golden rising sun, the shower of spray from the head shakes will be glorious. You know your followers on social media are going to love it. The beauty of this encounter, for anyone who visits Martin County to fish, is that literally a half-dozen species of game fish can be plugged into the scenario. Is the soon-to-be leaping fish a tarpon, snook, sailfish or bass? Could it be a mako shark or perhaps a blue marlin? This area is known for incredible sport fishing. It developed that reputation more than a century ago, and continues to build upon it with every catch. And as fishing techniques and targets evolved, so did Martin County’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination. INSHORE Presidents once traveled to Stuart to fish for giant tarpon. Grover Cleveland, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding all plied the waters of the St. Lucie River in search of the “silver king.” In 1905, Cleveland purchased land in Stuart and was planning to build a home here, but never did. However, he was credited with catching one of the largest tarpon ever caught in the river’s North Fork. At the time, 200-pounders were common in the river system each spring. As popular as tarpon are, snook may be Martin County’s staple fish. The waters surrounding downtown Stuart are one of the only in the world where four species of snook can be caught – common snook, tarpon snook, fat snook and swordspine snook. Only the common snook typically reaches the legal size for harvest of 28 to 32 inches in length. Huge common snook, upwards of 30 pounds are caught lurking around bridges, marinas, rocky shorelines and spillways in the winter and spring. By summer, these fish stage closer to the St. Lucie Inlet, where spawning occurs. Live baits like sardines, herring, menhaden, mullet and shrimp are all irresistible, but artificial lures and flies work well, too. On the shallow grassflats and around the spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon, anglers catch spotted seatrout, redfish, black drum, jack crevalles, ladyfish and sheepshead. During the winter, spring and summer incoming tides, anglers can sight cast these targets in 3 to 5 feet of water. Like the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay, Martin County is one of
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those rare places where an angler can pursue a bonefish, tarpon, permit slam. During winter, some of the tastiest fish that swim, pompano—swarm the inshore waters. OFFSHORE Ironically, it was a poor year of tarpon fishing in the early 1930s that generated exploration of Martin County’s offshore fisheries. Early in the century, the county produced a lucrative fishing business each winter as commercial fishermen pursued bluefish and Spanish mackerel off the beaches. They would ship their catches, salted and iced, on rail cars to markets in the north. The first winter visitors to Martin County were fishermen from northern coastal towns. But when the tarpon fishing went flat for a couple of years, recreational fishermen started heading into deeper water offshore to find action. What they found would change the area forever. Sailfish are a majestic species of pelagic fish, meaning they travel great distances on open ocean. After exploring the best methods and bait-rigging techniques to catch these fish, which can measure 6 to 8 feet long and swim up to 40 mph, a charter fishing fleet developed. In January of 1938, editor of the Stuart News Ernie Lyons invited outdoor writers from all over the country to come to Stuart and catch sailfish. In a week, nearly 1,000 sailfish were caught. One writer reported to his readers back home, “You may as well call Stuart the capital of sailfish.” Lyons jumped on it. Soon the City of Stuart applied for a charter naming it “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Today, the iconic image of the leaping sailfish can be seen on signage for public and private entities and even on the city’s garbage trucks. A tournament last winter produced over 700 sailfish releases in a single day. But a bluewater angler will have a chance to catch excellent game and table fare, too. Kingfish up to 50 pounds roam the reefs in 40 to 60 feet of water every spring. Cobia up to 70 pounds can be caught when the manta rays come into shallow waters each winter. Dolphinfish are caught offshore year round. Fishing for mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and lane snapper is very good in 40 to 70 feet of water throughout much of the year. Fishing for gag, red and black grouper, scamp and amberjacks is best on the deepwater artificial reefs, of which the county has placed dozens offshore over the past 50 years. Tilefish and snowy grouper are on the deep flats in 700 feet. Wahoo are best during the summer for high speed trollers. In recent years, expert charter captains have developed a fishery for daytime swordfish where they also occasionally catch a mako shark. Each summer, the diving for spiny lobsters creates an offshore armada along the county’s healthy coral reefs. Suffice to say, the fishing along Martin County’s shores is about as good as it can get. The hard part is picking what to fish for.
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Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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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.
For more Lester visit,
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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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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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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
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12/19/18 3:50 PM
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