FORT MYERS/CAPE CORAL/CHARLOTTE HARBOR EDITION
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IN ORLANDO 2019 PREVIEW JAN. 10-12, 2019
FISHMAS GIVEAWAY PHOTO BY MIKEY ERICKSON
VOLUME 23 • ISSUE 286
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
F R A N C H I S E
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Veteran’s Program Announcing Our New
EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Nick Barna • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.comw ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794
FRANCHISE DIRECTORY
for
Franchise Ownership!
FLORIDA BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : Chris Milner • (321) 631-1001 • cmilner@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA/DELAND : Amy Chibbaro • (386) 478-3812 • achibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com
Chris Chibbaro • (386) 478-9234 • cchibbaro@coastalanglermagazine.com
FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com
If you’re a veteran, love the outdoors and have been looking for a way to own your own business, we believe we have the perfect fit for your next professional endeavor. We have franchise locations available thoughout the continental U.S. and Hawaii.
GREATER MIAMI : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/DESTIN/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com
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.
flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com
SOUTHEAST ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Doug Simmons • (704) 361-6189 • simmons@theanglermagazine.com
Juli Simmons • (980) 333-7273 • simmons@theanglermagazine.com
COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com
Now, with our special Veteran’s Program, owning a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine franchise has never been easier.
TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : Brenda Riggs • (757) 409-7518 • brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com
Mike Riggs • (757) 681-5001 • mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com
WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com
NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
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.
CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com
GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com
ALABAMA/PENSACOLA : Paul Caruso • (239) 980-7738 • paul@coastalanglermagazine.com
GREAT LAKES
For more information on our franchise opportunities call
(321)777-2773 or email info@coastalanglermagazine.com
WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com
INTERNATIONAL VIRGIN ISLANDS/PUERTO RICO : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers.
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GIFT IDEAS FOR ANGLERS
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heck out these great gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiast on your holiday gift list. These local merchants are available to ensure your holiday gift giving satisfaction. We always try to encourage our readers to shop locally. It’s our community and we all benefit from supporting our local businesses. They’re here for us all year long and our personal convenience depends on their sustainability. Tell them Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine sent you. By the way, if you see something here that you wish could be under the tree with your name on it, just take out a marker and circle it. Then leave this page open for your friends and family to see. Yes, crude but effective. Happy Holidays from all of us at Coastal Angler/The Angler Magazine.
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• Reward Partners - Barracuda Tackle is pleased to be a rewards partner with Mastry RePower Owner’s Edge program. New Suzuki outboard owners receive a 25% discount certificate on a Barracuda cast net or other Barracuda Tackle products. • The Owner’s Edge Card - You receive an Owner’s Edge card which is your passport to discounts on product and services at any of the Mastry RePower Centers throughout Florida.
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DETAILS: Hardware and subscription sold separately. The subscription plan you choose will automatically renew and you will be charged according to your chosen payment method at then-current rates. Please see our Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. Note: Not all devices are capable of receiving all services offered by SiriusXM. Current information and features may not be available in all locations, or on all receivers. Data displays vary by device; images are representative only. SiriusXM Services may include weather and other content and emergency alert information. Such information and data is not for safety for life, but is merely supplemental and advisory in nature, and therefore cannot be relied upon as safety critical in connection with any aircraft, sea craft, automobile, or any other usage. SiriusXM is not responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the data services or their use. © 2018 Sirius XM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. All other marks and logos are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
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DECEMBER 2018
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Charlotte Harbor ◉ Ft. Myers ◉ Cape Coral ◉ The Islands
Publisher Nadeen Welch 239-595-8265 camftmyers@gmail.com
FORT MYERS EDITION
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE! CoastalAnglerMag.com/Fort-Myers
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!
/CoastalAnglerMagazineFtMyers
FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE | FT. MYERS/ | DECEMBER 2018 | FORT MYERS 1
Inshore & Offshore Opportunities
by Capt. Terry Fisher
t is that time of year when the area ‘lights’ up with numerous Ihabitats, visitors and home owners alike, returning from their summer to enjoy some of the best climate and pristine waters
that North America has to offer. It is also a time to reflect on another year gone by, of wonderful experiences on and off the water, with clients returning to enjoy another Christmas and the New Year. Recalling seasonal changes and the inherent challenges that required constant adjustments to guarantee clients had a good time on the water, catching fish. This December should be no different than others, except for any new challenges, to make ‘Memories of a Lifetime,’ for clients and their families on the water. December is a transitional month in regards to current strengths, water levels and water temperature, which for the most part, determine the species that myself and other guides will target. This is crucial to success on the water and is most important for the recreational angler to understand.
ANSWER MORE SIMPLY STATED: Inshore; this month I suggest that, as the cold fronts come in from the North and Northwest, concentrate on sheepshead and mangrove snapper around docks and old piles using shrimps and fiddler crabs on small hooks. Fish the canals and passes for snook. Big Jack crevalle will be found in the rivers, especially at the mouth of feeder creeks. Look to catch black drum, redfish, snook, sheepshead and mangrove snapper on incoming and outgoing tides around the structures at Redfish, Captiva and Boca Grand Passes. Seatrout will hold on the grass flats. Redfish and seatrout will also hold in deep potholes on the flats providing opportunity for anglers with shallow running boats. Fish for Spanish mackerel and ladyfish where the birds are diving.
Offshore; I suggest that anglers with boats unable to go to reefs and structures far offshore, capitalize on the fact that the cooler water temperature should push the larger reef fish within ten miles of the INSHORE, low water levels not only restrict access to numerous coastal islands. This may areas for most boats, it also changes the location of fish. When provide opportunity this occurs, I begin to fish areas around docks (with current flow to catch larger grouper and deeper water) than those or spoil islands with little depth. and snapper normally holding 20 to 30 miles OFFSHORE, reef fish out. Wind velocity will be and migratory species the dominant factor as to are affected mostly by whether or not one goes. water temperature. Fish Look for baitfish and temporarily relocate to diving bird activity on the surface. These are telltale signs of areas that sustain their basic fish, such as mackerel feeding. needs for food, spawning and survival. That is why in Fishing can be very productive in December as long as one winter months, fish such as, concentrates on the species that provide the most opportunity mackerel, permit, tarpon, ‘of the season’. This is Captain Terry Fisher wishing everyone tuna and cobia migrate Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, a safe New Years south, while in the summer Celebration and TIGHT LINES! months, they reverse their migratory pattern. If not migratory (grouper and snapper), they simply move into depths that meet their needs. Our job is to find them. Regardless of one’s preference to fish inshore or offshore, water temperature is the main determining factor as to where the fish will be found. As the baitfish change location, (due to water temperature,) so will the target species. In my opinion, ‘baitfish will not follow game fish so they can be eaten’, as it is more likely than not that, ‘game fish follow baitfish, so they can eat them’! The question becomes: which fish will provide the better opportunity for anglers throughout the month of December and where will they be? The answer depends on water temperature. As the temperature cools, offshore species (grouper, snapper, sheepshead) will likely move in to shallower waters, while many of the inshore species (redfish and seatrout) will move away from seasonal shallow haunts, to deeper water that suit their required body temperatures. All but the pelagic species such as wahoo, sailfish, tuna and dolphin, will utilize both inshore and offshore estuaries sometime throughout their lives.
This is Captain Terry Fisher of Fish Face Charters. Check out my website at www.fishfacecharters.com for all services offered. Feel free to call me direct at 239-357-6829 or email fishfacecharters@yahoo.com. I am also available as ‘Captain for Hire’ on your vessel (including boat club member vessels), by the hour to assist with safety, navigation, fishing techniques and locations that will make most all your fishing adventures a success. More fishing reports may be found at www.goboatingflorida.com under the section of ‘Fishing’. The reports are written on a bi-monthly basis and offer pictures of clients with their catches.
2 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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seeing, casting, and poling a little easier. Because bait is scarce, predator species change their diet and in turn I’ll downsize my baits and slow down my presentation. This is one of my favorite times to fish Pine Island Sound. I like the protection Pine Island provides from the northeast and it has some of the best mix of turtle grass and sand anywhere. The area from Pineland down to Demere Key is good and some by Capt. Mike Manis of the biggest trout in our watershed come from the deeper At this point, the beginning of winter, we’re holes between Cove Key and Captiva Shoal. all hoping that the cooler water temperatures To the extreme north, Lemon Bay also Cole’s snook caught on fly. will put to an end to the annoying red tide. fishes well. It offers a large lee shoreline and Typically, I find myself also includes a good mix of turtle grass and looking for windows of opportunity. By that, sand. Off the flats, pompano should be on I mean waiting between fronts for calmer the hard bottom off Cape Haze Point as days where both the run and fishing are well as outside the bar along the southern tolerable. And, even though the days are end of the west wall. Spanish mackerel will short, it’s nice not having to get out at the be found around harbor channel markers. crack of dawn. In fact, I like to wait till late Bluefish should be mixed in within these morning in order to let the sun warm the same areas. flats and provide some visibility. For backup, if you’d like to get out Due to lower tides combined with minimal and Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, there rain, sight fishing can be good as there are always the canal systems. Whether isn’t enough water for game fish to get it is Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, or the deep into the mangroves. Essentially, it’s Boca Bayou, the docks in all the above this dynamic that provides the open water will be holding fish. It’s not unusual to sand hole techniques that are so common see sheepshead and black drum scattered on the winter low tides. I’ll still pole around the pilings. Moreover, as for shorelines, particularly sandy sections, but it’s the sand holes sheepshead, this is the beginning of prime time. On the calmer off the shoreline that hold the best numbers of game fish. Most days, the Alligator Creek Reef is a great place to drop a piece of days, it’s not unusual to have to deal with a northeast breeze. shrimp. Until next month, good tides. For this reason, I like to look for spots that provide as much Captain Michael Manis is a U.S.G.C. Licensed captain and has been teaching the protection as possible and try to work with the wind at my back. sport of fly and light tackle angling since 2002. He lives in Punta Gorda, Florida and can be reached at www.puntagordaflycharters.com. If I can get the sun at my back, it’s even better. All this makes
On the Fly
4 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Let’s Take it Outside by Misty Wells
Yes, it is that time of year again, why not enjoy it and take the stress out of gift giving. I have come up with some fun, easy gift ideas that will make some great memories and not be shoved in a closet. My first gift idea is unique and I promise something the kids will never forget! Get out the Mistletoe, it’s time to Kiss a Gator. The alligator attraction in John’s Pass is the perfect holiday gift that everyone will get excited about; you can hold, feed, kiss and take a photo with a live gator. They also have lots of other critters to play with like potbelly pigs, pigmy goats, snakes, lizards and tropical fish. The Alligator Attraction is a Mom & Pop attraction and it is affordable; no lines, no hassle, inside and easy parking at John’s Pass, Madeira Beach, FL. Why not Paddle your way to some fun? If you have not
tried paddle boarding it is a must do and easy. I found a great place located on the Dunedin Causeway called “Livin Salty Paddle Sports” it’s awesome. Stop by the store, meet Todd Henkel the owner, and take a paddle out on the water. He gives lessons and group classes. Todd will drop your board at the beach, so you can paddle over to many different islands, including Caladesi Island State Park, you can even bring your dog. Once you fall in love with SUP life, Todd can hook you up with a great deal on a new or used board or rentals. It’s a great way to keep the New Year’s resolution! Get outside and share some healthy memories with the family. Gift idea number three is a gift the will get everyone out of the house, off the phones and put the Fun back into Family again. Freedom Boat Club; I am a huge fan because you can live the boating lifestyle without the headache. Ladies, not sure how to navigate the waters, dock the boat and boater safety, no problem, they have unlimited free classes. Trust me, the other 364 days a year Santa is dreaming about his toes in the sand and his family off the land. I hope some of these ideas help you take your Holiday Gift giving “outside”, Happy New Year and I look forward to sharing my writing with you in 2019. Merry Christmas from me to you & yours. Misty Wells Host of “Let’s Take It Outside” TV, Radio & Video series featured by the Tampa Bay Times, Outdoor Pro –Writer & Adventure Guide. Founder of “A Reel Future” a non-profit organization devoted to knowledge, conservation & the passion of fishing to foster kids Statewide. www.mistywells.com
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Fishing Adventures
by Capt. Bart Marx
ello Fellow Anglers, it is December and this is the time of H family and friends spending time together. Most of us have busy lives and are doing life wide open. I pray you take time with your family to go fishing and leave all the stuff behind and enjoy. The migration of the snow birds has started and the bait and mackerels, too. Between the fronts, if you get offshore to find the birds and bait, the kings are close by. They will, at times, get near the artificial reefs and this is where the baits hangout that attract the mackerels. You may troll for them or if you have the means to catch threadfins and anchor near these reefs and cast the live baits with some wire is the most fun. Yea if the kings are there, as soon as your bait hits the water it usually gets slammed. And they have a nickname of “smoker� as they will strip some line and fast too. Also, around some of the close reefs the sheepshead will be starting to migrate offshore to spawn. As the waters cool this happens, the flounder do a very similar thing migrating. This is all dependent on the cooling of the Gulf waters. Kings like between sixty-eight to seventy- six degrees water temperature. The sheepshead and flounder will be later in the month as the waters cool. So if you are looking for grouper, the reds tend to migrate to deeper waters as it gets cooler and the gags tend to come in closer, even inshore. Also, there should be some pompano along the beaches and along the passes and on the outside bars of the harbor. Another trick is to get out on the water before most of the other boats and run the offshore stone crab trap lines in search for tripletail, make sure you have live shrimp or DOA natural clear baits. This is site fishing at its best, you see them and you drive past and return cautiously as not to spook them. This is where you use your redfish rod with a shrimp on a hook and cast to them or use the DOA. This is fun and exciting too. If you have guests coming from up north and would like to try some of the fishing activities I have the boat and all the gear plus license. Give Capt. Bart Marx a call at 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@ alphaomegacharters.com And we can get you hooked up with an opportunity to make some Florida fishing memories. And it may even become an annual thing. For those that you know like to fish get them a gift certificate for a fishing charter.
If you would like to have Capt. Bart Marx come along with you, so you can learn some of these methods and where to take your boat. You can always meet me at my boat to learn more about SWFL fishing. Give me a call, 941-979-6517 or e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com And always remember, singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{ 6 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
CATCH-A-DREAM
TO CATCH A CAPTAIN
Mike Short, Catch-A-Dream Volunteer Host
“Mike, how are your sea legs these days?” That was how my introduction to offshore fishing with Captain Tom Bailas began. Little did I know then the impact that he and his wife, first mate Trisha, would have on me for years to come. A bond born on the rolling seas, off the Florida Coast, that will last a lifetime. In late September of this year, a call came in from Catch-A-Dream headquarters, as our Project Manager was planning to grant a dream trip to a child with a life-threatening illness. This young man wanted to catch fish -- big fish! It would be my second seafaring Catch-A-Dream adventure with this outfitter, TNT Charters out of Venice, Florida. The Catch-A-Dream Foundation is a unique organization with a purposeful mission, they grant a once in a lifetime hunting or fishing experience to children who face life-threatening or terminal medical conditions. When I became a Volunteer Host and went on my first trip with a child and family, I knew it would be a lifelong commitment. To see the joy and happiness brought to a child’s life just by taking them away from the world of medicine, treatments and hospital beds is both gratifying and life changing. Catch-ADream makes dreams come true, but it is more importantly about sharing a message of Hope and reminding the child and their family that regardless of the trial they have before them, they are loved beyond measure by our God and creator. Catch-ADream adventures would not be possible without outfitter partners who believe in this mission and vision and also provide the fishing or hunting opportunities to fulfill the dream of each child. The unique partnership between the Catch-A-Dream Host and the outfitter is an important part of each adventure. From the first time I met Tom and Trisha I knew they were a keeper. A Catch-A-Dream trip with Tom and Trisha is not just about catching fish. Make no mistake, that’s going to happen, I assure you; but they want more for the child than merely catching a trophy. They want to know all they can about the child and the family. They want to know about school, friends and prom dates. They want to know about medicines, treatment protocols and prognosis. They make each child a part of their family. That child is going to hear often from Trisha and Tom. When the child or family least expect it, a text or message will arrive in their inbox. For them it’s not just a “fishing trip,” it’s a “lifetime commitment trip.” Well, we caught fish -- lots of them! We caught big ones and small ones, fat ones and skinny ones. Funny looking ones and some that left us scratching our heads in wonder at God’s handiwork. But more importantly, the young man on this trip forgot for a moment that he was sick and battling against a disease that seeks to rob him of the joys of life. Tom and Trisha made him
laugh, in between loving shouts of “reel, reel, reel”, they let him know he was loved and cherished. They helped him see that relationships are one of the things in life that matter most, and that God provides HOPE for a brighter tomorrow; and for eternity. They “get it.” Catch-A-Dream doesn’t conquer the child’s illness, but it does bring a glimmer of joy into a difficult circumstance. And not every Catch-A-Dream experience happens in Florida, and even fewer with Captain Tom and Trisha. But this I know: every child that takes a ride on Captain Tom’s boat is going to experience so much more than just a fishing trip. They are going to create a memory and most likely land a trophy that will live in their memory and often include a replica to place on their wall or mantle. More importantly, the light of hope shared by a Captain, a first mate, and a volunteer host, can help shine through the most difficult circumstances imaginable. For me that is enough; and for a salty, sea grizzled captain with a laugh that can drown out a boat motor, it is enough as well.
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Paddlin’ & Fishin’ by Dan Carns grew up fishing the streams and back-waters of Georgia and Irules. Alabama, eventually moving to the coast where saltwater Due to some water quality issues we were having here in
SW Florida, I decided to refocus some time closer to those old roots. There is a large drainage canal in N.W. Cape Coral called the Alligator Slough that I cross every day to get home and under this bridge is a flood control dam that splits the slough in two, so we’ll call them the upper and lower sections. There is a new access point on NW 27th St. off of Chiquita Blvd. at the top of the lower section, so I launched one beautiful morning and spent 4 hours exploring this canal all the way down to Burnt Store Rd. Immediately upon entering the water, the
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shore line is lily pad lined and as I suspected the largemouth bass were under them, so I plopped a rubber frog against the shoreline and started a slow relieve back across the pads. My first five casts yielded five bucket mouths in the two lb. range and seemed to be holding to a pattern, so I switched to a big rubber worm from Gambler Baits and my next cast changed everything! This fish was five lbs., as was the next, mind you I’ve never fished this body of water so I’m just trying to figure it out and boy is it stunning. As I move downstream, the shallow lily pad covered banks drop off into deeper water, so I switched over to a diving plug and sure enough I encounter more medium size largemouths hanging on the drop offs and this scenario, shallow water to deep water, repeats itself all the way to the Burnt Store weir. Four hours of targeting and catching these fish yielded about 60 fish, but no real record breakers, as I often see anglers in little boats plying the same water as well, as every bridge in this lower section holds a couple of anglers every day. People who fish with me understand that I’m no trophy hunter, I just want to put a bend in my rod and have a great time fishing! One month later I put my kayak in the upper section off of Wilmington Pkwy at the very top of Cape Coral into a waterway that receives no pressure from the public. This section is skinny, about 25’ across and around 6’ deep most of the way as far as I travelled. There are periodic sections that widen and flatten out with expected lily pad hide-outs. There seemed to be fewer fish, but mostly in the larger class and they jumped on every kind of lure I used as they don’t see many artificials (lures) and competition for food is fierce. Thanks to my buddy Jimmy Kennedy for turning me on to the Fat Ace rubber worm from Gambler Fat Ace Lures! It’s a wild world-get out there! Fishman Dan, Gulf Coast Kayak, 4120 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha, FL 33993, (239) 283-1125
8 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Spearfishing Mahis
by Sheri Daye
L
ooking for a vacation destination to take the whole family—a place where you can enjoy nature together and pluck dinner from the ocean and have it cooked that night? Look no farther than the Bahamas. Just a short plane or boat ride from Florida, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas consists of more than 700 islands, cays and islets set in crystal-clear water. When it comes to diving, it’s hard to find a more beautiful place with such an abundance of sea life. The warm, clear water and shallow depths make it a diver’s paradise, suitable for beginners and advanced alike. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing on scuba, hunting while freediving or simply snorkeling, everyone is sure to have a good time. Very young divers can snorkel on the surface and are likely to see fish, turtles, stingrays and more. If you’re an underwater hunter, there’s no better place to find a large variety of delicious fish within easy freediving depths. Hogfish, snapper and grouper, as well as conch and lobster, can be found on the beautiful reef formations. It’s no accident that The Bahamas boasts some of the best spearfishing grounds in the world. It was the first country to establish a Land and Sea Park to protect the reefs. Spearfishing is only allowed while freediving and by use of slings or polespears. No scuba or spearguns are allowed. As opposed to being a deterrent, the regulations have made slinging and polespearing a fun and popular trend. While some might consider it a challenge, the clear shallow water and abundance of fish work in your favor, and no one goes hungry in the Bahamas! Regulations allow conchs and lobsters (during open season), as well as 20 scale fish like groupers and snappers. That’s more than enough to feed a large family. Always double
check for the latest regulations, as these may change. You can scuba or snorkel on one of the many guided sightseeing charters, which will take you to swim with sharks, dolphins and/or stingrays. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more satisfying than gathering over a meal and talking about your underwater experience. If you picked up seafood along the way, there are many restaurants on the islands that will be happy to cook your catch. This is the type vacation that’s sure to generate fond memories that last a lifetime. There’s a reason they say, “It’s better in the Bahamas.” Check it out and find out why!
Sheri Daye is a wold-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo.” You can follow “Sheri Daye” and “the Blue wild”on Facebook and Instagram. FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE | FT. MYERS/ | DECEMBER 2018 | FORT MYERS 9
LOCAL BUSINESSES
10 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
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The Great Calusa Blueway
by Mike Hammond
ften overlooked by O tourists, North Fort Myers has some great
launches for access to the water. The Marinatown Bait Shop is a launch site all paddle anglers should have on their list. The shop has a floating dock, live wells, a full line of gear, kayak and SUP rentals, snacks, beverages and is open 24-hours-a-day. That’s right, the shop does not close. The owner appreciates that many anglers like to fish at night and will open whenever customers ring the bell. The launch fee is $5 per vessel. It is only about a one-mile paddle from the launch to the U.S. 41 bridge where black drum, shark, tarpon and many other species can be caught. It can get pretty rough out there on windy days, though. For anglers looking for more protected water, heading north out of the marina will provide miles of fishing in Yellow Fever Creek and Hancock Creek. There are also residential canals to duck into along the way where redfish, snook and snapper are often caught. We concentrated our efforts around the mangroves and old pilings near the mouth of the creeks and did well. After your paddle, there are multiple paddler/angler friendly Tiki-style restaurants just steps from the launch. It was fun recapping our trip over some nachos by the water. If you are looking for a launch that has everything you need in one location for a great day on the water, give the Marinatown Bait Shop a try. You will be glad you did. For more ideas, visit https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/ calusablueway
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 14 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
Product Spotlight America Go Fishing
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Why key in a few locations on your GPS unit when you could download hundred in seconds? Putting these reef sites in the users’ hands helps to spread people out, reducing fishing and diving pressure in order to conserve and protect these areas for future generations. When you are on a site that is overcrowded or unproductive, you can quickly see nearby reef sites to visit on your GPS’s map. Waypoints appear as ID numbers on your map keeping it uncluttered. Open each waypoint to see the reef name and the materials at the site. For highly regulated areas, rules are included. This information wasn’t easy to gather, but is important and extremely useful. Data Files for all your devices on a microSD™ stored inside SD™Adapter – 2 card sizes! The memory cards a currently available for Florida. Other coastal states coming soon. Order at our online store: Americagofishing.com/shop FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE | FT. MYERS/ | DECEMBER 2018 | FORT MYERS 15
Celebrating 60 Years of Sunshine
W
hen Don Wynn established Sunshine Ace Hardware in 1958, the Naples based company was built on a set of core values that have continued to drive the company’s growth ever since. For 60 years now, the Wynn family has served the community with its one-of-a-kind retail shopping experiences, unwavering commitment to superior customer service and diligently providing support to local organizations, businesses and residents in need. It’s no surprise, the company’s associates are known for building strong relationships within the community and have developed a reputation for going above and beyond. Whether by helping solve home repair or maintenance issues or guiding a customer to just the right tool for their job, Sunshine Ace Hardware has always been there to help.
A hardware store, and so much more
And that commitment extends beyond the hardware store floor, out into the lives, hobbies and causes important to the local community. It’s widely known that Sunshine Ace Hardware is a major contributor to our fishing community. We provide financial support, countless volunteer hours, superior fishing products and in-store advertising for local fishing organizations and tournaments. We are also very proud to promote the Southwest Florida lifestyle. Offering local families opportunities to come together, have fun and learn more about their favorite outdoor hobbies, bringing everyone involved real joy. One key event on the calendar each year is the Sunshine Ace Hardware Annual Reel in the Sunshine Fishing Expo. There, fishing enthusiasts of all levels gather to enjoy free fishing seminars lead by local fishing captains and vendor product experts. Additional fun and family-friendly activities are also provided to be lively and entertaining hosts throughout the day.
Give the perfect gift
With the holidays upon us, Sunshine Ace Hardware is a great resource for finding the perfect gift. More than just a hardware store, our nine Sunshine Ace Hardware locations carry a wide range of products, from grills and cooking accessories, rods, reels and more – we certainly have the perfect gifts for all the anglers and outdoorsmen you know and love!
Shining beyond 60 years
For six decades, the Southwest Florida community has embraced Sunshine Ace Hardware, allowing us to serve the community as a shining resource in many ways. We look forward to continuing to be a valued resource for all of Southwest Florida’s home repairs and maintenance needs, outdoor living essentials, fishing equipment and more.
Outdoor Opportunities by Wayne Nichols ell, the weather this time of year is definitely hit and miss. W You wake thinking the temps are starting to fall finally and tomorrow you wake up to 80°. These weather patterns
make for hard hunting even on private land a lot of times. Our animals are accustomed to the heat, and generally feed in the evening right before dark on into the morning. Food plots can help increase your success on private land, but even with these things in place, there’s been no shortage of acorns this year, so you can’t count on feeders all the time either...hence our night hunts for hogs. While turkeys are solely out in daytime and deer frequently feed off and on all hours of the day, hogs prefer cooler temps for feeding and are primarily a night feeder anyway. While hunting season is in full swing now in Florida, let’s face it, hunters aren’t traveling here to hunt deer, we’re just not known for quality deer hunting in Florida. Most hunters come to Florida for the Osceola turkey, alligators, and hog hunting. Luckily, we have plenty of all 3 and hogs and gators can be hunted year-round on private land. We haven’t been seeing good numbers of hogs day or night the last few months, but with night time temps falling it’s picking up fast. Hogs can be hunted on private land 365 days a year here, day or night. For over a year now we’ve offered the thermal hunts at night with 100% success for our hunters. Most hunters need a little convincing on doing a night hunt. Daytime hunts are never a guarantee, especially with our hotter temps. We average about an 85% success rate on seeing hogs in the daytime, but only about 70% kill rate. Night hunts have been 100% success on seeing and killing hogs, it’s just a better way to hunt, for easier follow up shots when needed. When hunting at night, we generally use our thermal scanners to locate hogs in fields, farms, oak hammocks etc... then we do a stalk on them. Hunters can use any weapon they want to bring or can use our thermal gear/guns. We stalk downwind of hogs and usually get you within about 20-25 yards if using pistols, bow/crossbows, shotgun, and 50-75 yards with rifles or thermal gear. With thermal imaging scopes/guns you just aim and fire, with nonthermal gear we get you to your comfort range zone and turn on green or red lights that don’t spook them. 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 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!
16 FORT MYERS DECEMBER 2018 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FORT-MYERS/
by Capt. Brent Bensmiller
Peace RiverCharlotte Harbor
by Capt. Dave Stephens
As the end of the year gets closer, the season for our fishery changes. The cooling water temps have our fish on the move. Some of our local fishing will go into more of a dormant stage, while others will take a front row seat for the next couple months. Over the past few days the amount of pompano that I have seen has been unbelievable. The outside of the bars on the north end of the harbor have had many large schools of these guys. One of the bonuses about these fish is, you don’t need live pilchards. Pompano are a fish that feeds on crustaceans, so you can grab a few dozen shrimp and have a great time fishing. One of the easiest ways to locate these guys is look behind your boat. When pompano are startled they will skip through your wake. Turn around with a stealthier approach and make a few casts and you should be good. Just remember to keep your bait in contact with the bottom. Another fish that will begin to school up with the passing cold fronts is seatrout. As long as the water temps stay in the mid 70’s, focus on the grass flats. I prefer to fish areas that have
a mix of sand and grass. If the winds are calm, drifting is a great way to locate fish. Just remember to not fish the area you just drifted over, keep your baits in front of you. On the lower tides, these guys will move to the deeper water, so potholes will be where you’ll find fish. Look for an area that is a couple feet deeper and you are certain to find hungry fish. For you artificial guys this is a great time of year to throw soft plastics. As the baitfish become harder to find, lures become very effective. Water color plays a major factor in the color choice of lure. If you are fishing water that has good clarity, I would recommend a lighter colored lure. Colors such as pearl and chartreuse will be very effective. If we have a front that passes and we get high winds, we could have stained water. In these conditions I would recommend a darker color. One of the best ways to locate fish is to cover a lot of water. If you’re not having much success in the area, don’t be afraid to move. This time of year the fish will be moving around a lot. The good thing is when you locate them, you will find a large number of feeding fish. This time of year our fish are in a transition period. If you’re finding you’re having a hard time locating fish, don’t get frustrated, it’s normal. Just keep grinding, and stay moving. I promise when you do find them, you will be well rewarded. 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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Offshore with Capt. Tom
T
by Capt. Tom Bailas
he big amberjacks are on my target list for December. It is very common to catch amberjack in the mid 80-100 lb. class this time of year. It is important to have top of the line tackle in order to successfully land one of these beasts!! This month is a catch and release time of season for these fish, but if you are up for the battle, this will surely test your will power and skill. One of the best part of catching AJ’s in December is that you don’t have to go too far to find them. We catch the majority of them in less than 50 ft of water. When the water temperature drops, the amberjack come into the shallower waters and hang out around the structures and wrecks. The common method I use to catch them is finding some medium-sized blue runners and slow troll them on and around the structures. I would advise using a
wire rig with a stinger hook. This will also allow you to catch other large fish, such as kingfish and sharks, with this method. The reason I like to troll for large amberjacks is because I can pull away from the structure after they bite to try and eliminate the fish from breaking off in the bottom. We fish 20 lb. tackle and sometimes the battle can last for an hour or more. Make sure when you release a tired fish that you take the time to revive it, as it wears out. Put the fish back in the water and slowly put the boat in gear to allow water to flow through its gills until it its ready to swim away. This time of year is also a great month to target gag grouper, as they are also more in shallower waters. It is not uncommon to catch a 20 lb. plus gag in less than 50 ft of water. The trick is to find a good ledge using live bait and you will find the grouper. The live bait that works the best and I use mostly are cigar minnows and pin fish. Charter fishing from Venice, FL is home to some of the best fishing anywhere! You can reach Capt. Tom at 941-587-2028 or at www.tntfishingchartersvenice. com or follow on FB @ tntchartersvenice - specializing in Family Friendly Fishing Adventures.
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The Best Angler Photos From Southwest Florida!
Mike caught this 8.84# bass in a lake with the same name as a detective series from the 80’s. Where is he? Text in your guess.
Capt. Jay w/ a 36” red grouper caught offshore on a large pinfish.
Joseph Sheaffer w/ a beautiful snook caught in Boca Grande.
Mike Kusmierek with a beautiful red grouper.
Brace Whachter w/ Everglades canals bass & snook w/ Capt. Fred Gowdy. 35lb. black drum caught by Joe Leonti from the El Jobean Pier.
Craig Spurlock caught his first tarpon from shore in N. Ft. Myers. Congratulations!
A beautiful shot of a nice cobia caught by Christian Sommer.
Photos submitted courtesy of:
Capt. Bart Marx Capt. James Marko Capt. Larry Conley Capt. Mike Manis
Capt. Neil Eisner Capt. Terry Fisher Capt. Dave Stephens Captain Tom Bailas
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Kalynn Shook w/ a beautiful 33” snook caught & released in Matlacha.
Text your fish pics to 239-595-8265 or email them to camftmyers@gmail.com. Please include your name, type, size, and location where fish was caught and we will do our best to get you on the board.
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JANUARY 10-12, 2019 ORLANDO, FLORIDA By CAM Staff
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urf Expo’s Bluewater category launched last year as an examination of the crossover occurring between fishing brands and the larger market of coastal life. Since then, the show has become a must-attend event for fishing and boating retailers savvy enough to stay ahead of the trends water-loving consumers crave. The world’s largest and longest-running board and watersports show has packed the floor of its Bluewater—offshore, inshore and freshwater fishing—category headed into the Jan. 10-12 show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Popular brands traditionally associated with the waterman and outdoor sporting lifestyle will show off their latest and greatest, giving retailers a hands-on first-look at the products that will drive the industry in 2019. Included in the Bluewater category are top brands like Bluewater sponsor Hell’s Bay Boatworks, Yeti, Otterbox, Fish Hippie, AFTCO, Guy Harvey, Marsh Wear, 5Fin, Salt Life, Bimini Bay, Hooked Soul, Heybo, XTRATUF, Dry Case, Bluewater Gear, Wave Life, Sunday Afternoons and more. Many of fishing’s big hitters will be there along with a huge contingent of brands that appeal to the on-the-water lifestyle. With the crossover evident in today’s marketplace, retailers and outfitters who target only their small niche are missing out on a powerful revenue source. Why sell to just the hardcore boater and angler when you could be unloading cool merchandise on the angler as well as his entire family? “The Bluewater section offers the opportunity for buyers to see the latest in trends for fishing and boating apparel and accessories at a time when retailers can leave their store,” said Kenneth Andres, with Surf Expo. “With our confluence from southern California, the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, the Southeast, the Caribbean, Central and South America, this is a trend-setting show.” The economy is churning and consumer spending and confidence levels are higher than they have been for almost 20 years. Surf Expo is a timely opportunity for retailers to preview product for what promises to be a very busy spring season for fishing, boating and watersports retailers. “January is the best time to preview and order new product lines before the season starts,” said Andres. “Retailers can get out of their shops to talk with exhibitors and see and touch the product before they order, plus take advantage of early incentive discounts.” And for the angling marketplace, where there may be a down season but there is no off-season, Surf Expo will feature an array of exhibitors offering at-once product to fill the racks. This is an opportunity to stock the hottest new gear before the competition has even seen it. The show features more than 2,500 booths of apparel and hardgoods and a full line-up of special events, including fashion shows, awards ceremonies, education and demos. Average buyer and exhibitor turnout exceeds 28,600 attendees per show. And it’s a trade-only show, which eliminates the hubbub and massage-chair hawkers of open-to-the-public trade shows. Surf Show is intentionally held during retail down time—the January restocking period for outdoor-sports retailers—so it is a marketplace to get business done in a laid-back atmosphere. “When people come to the Surf Expo for the first time, they notice the relaxed, cool atmosphere. It’s that lifestyle we all buy into, and there are a lot of beautiful people at a surf show,” said Andres. “It’s just a great place to be if you’re in the watersports industry. If you’ve got a fishing, boating, or watersports shop, come check it out for yourself.” For more information, on January’s Surf Expo in Orlando, go to www. surfexpo.com.
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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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very few years a new technique explodes on the bass fishing scene. Many of these trends just fade away, but some endure and become a part of every bass angler’s arsenal. The technique of the moment is the Ned rig. It is excellent for big numbers of spotted bass and smallmouths. It’ll catch largemouths, too. And it really shines when the fishing gets tough. On post-frontal days in winter, when bass are deep on vertical structure, it’s time to rig up a Ned and go to work. It is the perfect technique when bass are looking for a meal that is small and slow moving. A Ned rig is a miniature soft-plastic stick bait threaded on a light 1/8- to 1/32-ounce mushroom-style jighead. A drop of superglue holding the 3- to 5-inch worm to the jighead works wonders for making this rig durable. When fishing at winter depths, light line should be matched with a light spinning rod with a supple tip. Go as light as you dare, with 4- to 8-pound-test braid finished off with a fluorocarbon leader. When fish are active, a Ned worked steadily along the bottom is deadly. When they are sluggish, it’s better to let the jig sit on the bottom, allowing the bait’s vertical tail to do the work with the slightest shake of the rod tip. It’s not the most exciting way to fish, but it catches fish—sometimes when nothing else will.
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Photo courtesy of The Cooking Channel
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hose who have seen his show “Man Fire Food” will recognize Roger Mooking as the iconic host of what has become the ultimate look at extreme outdoor or fire/smoke based cooking. Each week Roger introduces us to passionate and inventive outdoor cooking aficionados and an array of epic custom-built apparatuses designed to cook everything from 200-pound sturgeon to whole cows on a massive homemade spit. Roger’s visits give us insight into the innovative extremes outdoor cooks utilize in their pursuit of perfection. If you’re an outdoor cooking enthusiast, “Man Fire Food” is a must-watch program. We recently caught up with Roger to discuss the show’s success and rich content. CAM: Roger, your show has become a must-watch series for anyone who mans a grill. Why do you think your show has become so popular? Roger: Over the course of the last 7 seasons, we’ve seen an amazing array of outdoor and flame-inspired cooking devices and techniques featured on the show. If you love outdoor cooking, then you’re probably going to like the show. People just love being outside with loved ones. Backyard barbecues have been a longstanding tradition; in fact, you could say that tradition may even date back to the most primitive use of fire itself. There’s also something very special about slowing down and taking the time it demands to tend a hypnotizing fire and be immersed in the full experience, and getting to eat at the end of that entire adventure. The smells, sounds, sights of nature and breaking the hectic pace that a lot of us live at… it’s needed. CAM: So, you think cooking outdoors is somehow satisfying a primal urge? Roger: When I look back at some of the massive cuts of meat that have been prepared on previous episodes, it does seem like fire and food is primal, and I think we would all have to agree that cooking with wood, coals or heated rocks bridges a gap that is satisfying to those primal instincts.
CAM: What can we expect to see in future episodes? Roger: Humans all over the globe have been cooking with fire for many millennia now, and cultures all over the world have different ways of cooking with fire. I would like to explore extending the borders of the show to feature more places outside of the U.S. CAM: What advice would you offer the average outdoor cook? Roger: Just to enjoy the whole experience. I think the average outdoor cook is a more experienced cook, or else they would be a novice indoor cook. It takes a different level of attention to detail and mindfulness to cook outdoors because you have to deal with many other variables like wind, rain, keeping the fire going, how hot or cool is the fire, what are the hotspots, how much wood/charcoal do I need to add at a particular stage, bugs trying to get you, and all sorts of other things that you simply don’t have to worry about in a modern day North American kitchen with electricity and good shelter. Also, use the smoke as a seasoning advantage. You don’t need to add all kinds of stuff if you start with a freshly caught fish, some salt and a bit of good wood smoke; the work is already done, you just have to make sure you don’t get in the way or don’t burn the darn thing. It’s the magic of simplicity. CAM: How do you select the places that we see on the show? Roger: There is a very dedicated but small team of amazing people who find, research and vet all the potential locations for “Man Fire Food.” The winning candidates have endured hours of interviews and a barrage of questions as exhaustive as possible. The variables are so unimaginable to the viewer, and if we all do our jobs right, you have no idea how much work went into what looks so simple on TV. We’re always interested in looking at unique “Man Fire Food” subject matters. If any of your readers think they qualify, they should email: Contact@rogermooking.com. “Man Fire Food’s” new season premiered Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 9 p.m. on The Cooking Channel.
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Feeding Strategies MARK SOSIN What appears obvious may be deceiving. Most anglers erroneously believe that when predators corner a hapless school of baitfish, they simply open their mouths and swim through the prey, gorging themselves in the process. It doesn’t happen that way. A predator must isolate and attack one specific victim at a time. That’s not always an easy task. A frantic school of baitfish sensing predators can appear as a shimmering mass of silver with each individual member of the school constantly changing position. Selecting a tasty morsel to ingest can frustrate even the most sophisticated gamefish. That’s one reason why you’ll find predators lurking under a pod of bait. The instant their intended prey strays from the pack, they strike. When you think about it, you can understand that any gamefish searches for a victim that is isolated, disabled or looks different from the others. Feeding is a tradeoff. Success centers on expending as little energy as possible for the food value received. Unsuccessfully chasing prey for long distances keeps a predator lean, hungry, and tends to slow it down. The easiest way to get a strike when you locate a school of baitfish starts with a cast into the middle of the school. It doesn’t matter whether you are fishing an artificial lure or a natural bait. The retrieve should work your offering toward the fringes of the school in basically the same direction in which the school is swimming or at a 45-degree angle to the basic direction. As your bait or lure eases toward the edge of the school, it is easier for a predator to isolate. And, it looks slightly different than the baitfish in the school. Some live bait fishermen squeeze a minnow before casting
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it or drifting it so that it will be disabled. Clipping a fin or two also impairs swimming motion. The injured fish will have trouble swimming, and that means it will send out vibrations that attract the attention of predators. These frantic movements to obtain equilibrium frequently trigger the strike. Even during the anticipated feast of locating a school of baitfish, certain factors come into play. As water temperatures drop, a predator will not pursue its prey as fast and as far as it would in warmer water. When you are fishing a chum slick and fish are feeding on the chum, it is much more effective to fish an offering without retrieving it. A dead drift works just fine. I’ve seen that produce inshore and offshore including tuna and sailfish. I once had an opportunity to watch scientists monitor the behavior of a school of bluefish in a massive aquarium as they attacked a school of minnows. By chance, I focused on a minnow that did not move, even when attacked by a bluefish four times. Each time, the bluefish broke off the attack because the minnow did not behave as it should. On the fifth pass, the minnow moved and it was eaten faster than you can read this sentence. Finally, if you are trolling and see a school of small fish on the surface, approach the school slowly so as not to scare them. Ease alongside the school and work the fringes or establish a position ahead of the baitfish. If you prefer to cast, keep the boat away from the school and make the cast into the school. As you retrieve your offering and it begins to clear the fringes of the school, you should get a strike.
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smaller, higher quality and more affordable than ever. If your loved one is an experienced diver and might like “something to do” while underwater, treat them to a compact action camera such GoPro, Sheri Daye Sony or others. These will cost between $300 and $600 and give hours of enjoyment. If they get into serious photography, they can he holidays will be upon us soon, as well always upgrade. as the struggle to find that perfect gift. If If you’re looking to win big points there are any divers (or wannabes) with a hunter, you could surprise them in your life, here are some ideas to choose with a gift certificate for a custom-made from. speargun, or you can buy one at the store. Let’s start with the basics. Every diver Good spearguns can be found from $180 needs a mask. This is a somewhat personto $800. An affordable option for hunters al item, because it needs to fit the shape would be a lobster net, tickle stick, and of the face, so it doesn’t leak. You can buy Kevlar gloves or a good set of fillet knives. one, but make sure the store has a good exIf your loved ones have not yet tried change policy. If it’s for a freediver, choose diving, and you think they might enjoy a low volume mask. If it’s for a spearfisher, it, why not buy them some lessons? You choose a black skirt as this helps with visiSheri Daye hunts the reef. can buy them a scuba certification ($350bility. These can run from $40 to $120. Photo by Jose Fernandez. $500) or a freediving class ($400-$800). Wetsuits can also be a personal choice, Better yet, take classes together. as there are many options—thickness, Want to add some spice to your life? size, one or two-piece, etc. However, a skin for summer-wear is an easy item to buy, because they are unisex, stretchy and one-size- Gift them a dive trip on a liveaboard. Interesting options include AllStar Liveaboard in the Bahamas, Aggressor Fleet with worldfits-all within the S-M-L range. They run between $50 and $150. Dive fins come in many different options in colors, shapes and wide destinations, and Nautilus Explorer out of San Diego or Cabo materials. Freediving fins tend to be longer, and the carbon fiber San Lucas. Depending on which charter you choose, Nautilus Exones can be pricey. Fins can cost from $200 to $700—quite a range! plorer can take you to dive with whales, sharks and/or giant manDive accessories are the safest bet if you’re looking for afford- tas—the experience of a lifetime! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and able items that won’t need exchanging due to size issues. Items that are always in demand and appreciated by any diver include: a good producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderpair of gloves, booties, underwater lights and dive knives. These dale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook items tend to wear out or get lost, so it’s not possible to have too and Instagram. many. Dry bags to store small items and large sturdy dive bags that For more Sheri Daye, go to hold all the gear are sure to be appreciated also. Great news—underwater photo/video cameras have become
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MODEL: 77
ITEM 69
12,00 WITH AUTO
• Weig • 21" L
HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS
Custome
ITEM 64 TORSION AXLE WITH REMOVABLE SPINDLE
■ Built-in forged brake flange ■ Replaceable spindles reduce down
9 PIEC COMB
Custome
time and expensive axle replacement ■ Stainless steel wear sleeve eliminates corrosion and provides a longer seal/ bearing life
YOUR C
$5 7
$ 9
COMPAR
HUSKY
Custome
■ 100,000 mile or 6-year
Pregreased with Lucas Oil Products Marine Grease
16 16
NATIONAL NATIONAL
II
limited warranty ■ “No Touch” lubrication system ■ No maintenance required
DECEMBER DECEMBER2018 2018
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 16
ITEM 60 ITEM 69 CALIFOR
www.dexteraxle.com II COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM••THEANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM
*
11/15/18 10:39 AM
hft_coasta
SUPER COUPON
900 Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com
SUPER COUPON
30", 5 DRAWER MECHANIC'S CARTS
BLUE
• 15,000 cu. in. of storage • 700 lb. capacity • Weighs 139 lbs.
ITEM 64031
FREE WITH
BLACK
Customer Rating ITEM 64032
ANY PURCHASE
7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER
64030 64033 shown
RED
• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included
ITEM 64059 64061 64060 shown
LIME
COMPARE TO
ITEM 64721
YOUR CHOICE
$
*97388810 * 97388810 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
209
99
SUPER COUPON
72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET
$1 89
Customer Rating
Customer Rating
99
BLUE HAWK $ 99
$5
SAVE 70%
19
MODEL: 77280
ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown
YELLOW
$
BLUE-POINT
800
MODEL: KRBC10TBPES
*97388489 * 97388489 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 4/1/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.
SUPER COUPON
$99
99
SUPER COUPON
99
119 $
ITEM 69667/68740 shown CALIFORNIA AIR
183
70
MODEL: 8010
REESE $ 99
45
$
MODEL: 74410
$1 7
COMPARE TO
2599
ITEM 69780/41005 shown
*97390113 * 97390113
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
$
69999
MODEL: 96820
ITEM 64045/64046/63770 shown
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
SUPER COUPON
RAPID PUMP 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK
Customer Rating
$699
COMPARE TO
FLAMBEAU
29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET
• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.
NOW
399
COMPARE TO $
99 $529
*97390154 * 97390154
Customer Rating
®
TACTICAL AMMO/UTILITY BOX
99
WARN
NOW
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
SAVE $400 $999
Customer Rating
Wheel kit and battery
2,599 $sold separately. 59999
MODEL: EB6500X1AT
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
99 $299
SUPER COUPON
8750 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating 7000 RUNNING WATTS 13 HP (420 CC) GAS GENERATOR
HONDA $
*97389558 * 97389558
• 21" L x 10-1/8" H
*97388696 * 97388696
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 4/1/19.
SAVE $2,069
99
*97389081 * 97389081
12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC BRAKE NOW • Weighs 83.65 lbs.
ANY SINGLE ITEM*
• GFCI outlets
NOW
COMPARE TO
20% OFF ITEM 63086/68530/63085 shown ITEM 68525/63088/63087 CALIFORNIA ONLY
12-1/2" to 24"
99 SAVE 60%
SAVE $83
8
16
MODEL: MT-1210
8 GALLON, 2 HP, 125 PSI 1000 LB. CAPACITY PORTABLE OIL-LUBE SWING-BACK AIR COMPRESSOR TRAILER JACK NOW Customer Rating • Height range:
$
$ 99
ITEM 98025/30756/63604/63758 63759/69096/90899 shown
ITEM 64720
Snap-on
COMPARE TO
Battle Tested
Customer Rating
$ 99 SAVE $ 65 79 NOW COMPARE TO 99
$
1999 SAVE 65%
MODEL: 1409
Tools sold separately.
ITEM 64113
NOW
$59
K TOOL $ 68
125
MODEL: KTI63094
COMPARE TO
ITEM 64545/64552/64832 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown
DEWALT $ 99
64
MODEL: DW1369
$999
SAVE 84%
$
1699
ITEM 5889/62281/61637 shown
*97390933 * 97390933
*97391226 * 97391226
*97391336 * 97391336
*97391771 * 97391771
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
SUPER COUPON
9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED COMBINATION WRENCH SETS Customer Rating
$5 99 7
66%
$
17
97
MODEL: HCW10PCSAE
40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS 14" BRUSHLESS CHAIN SAW
TYPE ITEM SAE 69043/63282/42304 METRIC 69044/63171/42305
SAVE $ 25
$
NOW
17999 $15 49
SUPER COUPON
10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY
CAMO TOUCHSCREEN PERFORMANCE WORK GLOVES $ 99 NOW
15
$ 99 SAVE COMPARE TO
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
Customer Rating
Item 42305 shown
YOUR CHOICE
HUSKY
ITEM 64722
COMPARE TO
NOW
COMPARE TO
ORANGE
SAVE $ 610
PROSKIT $ 72
SUPER COUPON
ITEM 64715/64478/63287 shown
NOW
$999
SAVE 71%
9
Customer Rating
$
COMPARE TO
MECHANIX
$9999
SAVE 106 $
3499
$
COMPARE TO
MODEL: MPT-78-009
SHELTER LOGIC
ITEM 64414, 64415 shown
20599
MODEL: 23522
$
11999
ITEM 63054/62858 shown
*97391989 * 97391989
*97392242 * 97392242
*97392619 * 97392619
*97393156 * 97393156
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 6 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
Customer Rating
119
SAVE $230 COMPARE TO
HONDA
$
32999
MODEL: GX200UT2QX2
COMPARE TO
SAVE 50%
PROMIER $
6
Customer Rating
MODEL: SW-SWITCH-12/24
ITEM 64189/64723/63922 shown
• 300 lb. working load Customer Rating
NOW
NOW
$2
4
SUPER COUPON
130 PIECE TOOL KIT 3/8" x 75 FT. CAMOUFLAGE WITH CASE POLYPROPYLENE ROPE
6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV 200 LUMENS LED SUPER BRIGHT HORIZONTAL SHAFT FLIP LIGHT GAS ENGINE • Wireless, tool-free and easy installation NOW 99 Customer Ratingng NOW 99 $ 99 $ 49
$99
ITEM 60363/69730 ITEM 69727 shown CALIFORNIA ONLY
SUPER COUPON
SUPER COUPON
$29
COMPARE TO
HDX
$
6639 SAVE 54% $3869
MODEL: H137HOS
ITEM 68998/63248/64080/64263/63091 shown
$3 49
99 COMPARE TO
EVERBILT
9
$ 97 MODEL: 18614
SAVE $ 49 64% 5
ITEM 61674/62761/47835 shown
*97393170 * 97393170
*97393631 * 97393631
*97393759 * 97393759
*97394219 * 97394219
LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*
At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM DECEMBER I pastNATIONAL 17others advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price byIanother national retailer in the2018 U.S. within the 90 days. Prices advertised by may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 4/1/19.
hft_coastalangler_1218_M-REG152009.indd 1 CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 17
11/1/18 10:39 3:25 AM PM 11/15/18
WHO CARES ABOUT LIVE SCANNING SONAR? ANYONE WHO FISHES.
PANOPTIX™ LIVESCOPE SYSTEM LIVE, REAL-TIME 18
NATIONAL
2 MODES IN
SEE AROUND YOUR BOAT
RANGE UP
WORKS EVEN WHEN
AHRS STABILIZES
SCANNING SONAR 1 TRANSDUCER SEE BELOW YOUR BOAT TO 200’ BOAT IS STATIONARY SONAR VIEW I DECEMBER 2018 I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM © 2018 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
CANGL_NAT3-NAT18.indd 18 18-MCJT11128 Panoptix LiveScope Full-page Near Shore Ad-8.125x10.875-CoastalAngler.indd 1
EASY TO INSTALL
INTEGRATES SEAMLESSLY
11/15/18 10:39 AM 10/10/18 2:01 PM
AUTUMN SALES EVENT JUST IN TIME FOR THE FALL BOAT SHOW SEASON Your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals in store for you when you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from 25 to 350 horsepower this fall. 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.
SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection
Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.
INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings of up to $800 on select models. See your dealer for details.
REPOWER FINANCE REPOWER FINANCE
Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]
If you’re in the market to buy, we have the deals! See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer today for all the details or 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 10/01/18 and 12/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 10/01/18 and 12/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 10/01/18 and 12/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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11/14/18 1:21 PM 9/12/18 2:42 PM
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