Issuu

FREE

HIGH COUNTRY, NC/ NE TENNESSEE EDITION

Inside: Paddlesports Review

SUP FISHING TIPS

Enter To Win KAYAK

www.CoastalAnglerMag.com/Contest PHOTO COURTESY OF JERAMIE VAINE VOLUME 23 â€¢ ISSUE 290

F R A N C H I S E

0419_TAM_CVR.indd 6

THEANGLERMAG.COM O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

APRIL 2019

W O R L D W I D E

3/18/19 11:01 AM

THE LIGHTEST PENN REEL EVER MADE The Lightest PENN Reel Ever Made. The all new Conflict II matches an extremely light weight design with PENN’s legendary durability. Featuring our RR30 body, CNC Gear Technology and HT-100 Drag system, the Conflict II is the ultimate inshore reel.

PENNFISHING.COM

COMMON CVRS_0419.indd 2

3/18/19 9:38 AM

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage. CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 3

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I APRIL 2019 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Big Fish And Little Plastic Boats By Nick Carter; Photos by Eric McDonald

hese guys stole a chapter out of “The Old Man and the Sea.” While fishing a 2014 kayak tournament in the Bahamas, angler Matt Eckert had an adventure of epic proportions. He hooked into a 500-pound blue marlin while sitting on the deck of a little plastic boat. It dragged him 32 miles over an 11-hour fight. Eckert admits he was unbelievably lucky to get his hands on the leader, making it an official catch before the fish continued having its way with him. “I grabbed the leader with my hand, and it was like a bomb went off next to me. It almost spooled me 10 hours into the fight,” Eckert said. “The only reason I was able to get the leader was he made a big airplane turn and swam right by me.” That’s about as extreme as fishing gets. The kayak trips Eckert and his partner Eric McDonald guide out of Boynton Beach, Fla., might seem tame in comparison. But there aren’t many who would consider catching sailfish from a kayak to be tame. Deep Blue Kayak Fishing offers standard inshore and freshwater trips, but they specialize in taking groups of up to six anglers off the beach in rigged-out peddle-drive Hobie kayaks to chase big pelagics. They don’t use motherships or support boats. Their location on the southeast coast of Florida is one of the only places in the world where their style of fishing is possible. At times, the Gulf Stream swings in as close as 8 miles off the beach and brings with it fishing that would normally require long runs offshore. “When the east wind picks up, it brings everything in,” said McDonald. “It brings in the grass and the baitfish, which brings in the pelagics.” Deep Blue doesn’t force clients on an 8-mile death-peddle out to the Gulf Stream. Less than a half-mile off the beach, the reef tops out at about 45 feet and drops precipitously into 100-foot depths on the backside. Within sight of shore, they drift with the current and slowly peddle-troll live baits from the reef out into 200-foot depths and back. Each kayak pulls a single bait on a kingfish-style rig, and six anglers working together can pull a pretty impressive spread. The fish are impressive, too. “We’re so close to the Gulf Stream, you never know what you’re going to get,” said McDonald. “It seems like everyone wants a billfish, and sailfish are our most common catch. It’s sailfish from October into maybe June. Then the rest of the year it’s big king mackerel.” A smoker king or 65-pound sailfish will take a kayak angler on a

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 4

serious sleigh ride. The typical fight stretches out over 3 or 4 miles of water and lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours. “We usually start out trying to get a sailfish first thing in the morning. Then you’re trolling looking for meat,” McDonald said. “A good day would consist of a sailfish and three or four more meat fish.” Kingfish, blackfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, grouper, snapper and cobia are some of the species that regularly find a spot in the deck-mounted fish bags. Because of a kayak’s limited range, Deep Blue stays in contact with the local charter fleet to share intel, and word of a good grass line might call for a trek out into 400-foot depths in search of mahi. But what kayaks lack in range they make up for in stealth. McDonald said they are sometimes able to peddle over and through bait balls and schooling fish that an outboard would definitely spook. “We just look like another piece of debris floating out there,” he said. “We get a lot of sea turtles that come check us out, and a lot of times mahi will be right under the boat.” Because of the physical nature of kayak fishing, Deep Blue limits its trips to five hours on the water. Depending on the wind and currents, a five-hour drift can take you 20 miles or more from where you put in. But they won’t make you peddle all the way back to the put-in. With a series of different take-out points, the end of a trip is usually a straight shot back to shore, hopefully in a kayak loaded down with fresh fish. Check out Deep Blue Kayak Fishing Charters at deepbluekayakfishing.com or give them a call at (561) 350-8764.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

The Easiest Way To Get To The Fish!

The NEW Sea Eagle SUPCat10!

Available April 2019

SUPCat10 Specs:

• 10’ long x 3’ 6” wide * Hull weighs just 42 lbs. * Wheels hook into the rear crossbar up or down for easy transport * Takes electric motor or up to 3 hp gas engine to go farther and faster than any kayak *Easy set-up/ Easy take-down

Introducing the fastest, lightest, most portable solo fishing SUP ever! The Sea Eagle SUPCat10™ weighs in at less than 45 lbs. This amazing SUP can be paddled or motored. Coming with multiple rod-holders and fittings for fishing accessories, this small SUP packs in a lot of features in a little space. Best of all, the SUPCat10™ packs in a car trunk and goes anywhere there is water.

Visit SeaEagle.com or call for info:

1-800-748-8066 M-F 9-5

19 North Columbia Street, Dept. CS049B Port Jefferson, NY 11777

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 5

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 6

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Putting In The Time:The Man Behind The Design By Ryan Drygas

evin Hawkins, owner of Kaku Kayaks, is not your typical kayak manufacturer. He’s a fisherman who tests and uses his own product and has made a living doing what he loves. In the quiet beachfront town of Tarpon Springs, Fla. Kaku Kayaks was born out of the idea of “life on the water.” Initially, Hawkins took up kayaking to get into springs, go scalloping, spearfishing and basic exercise. He fell in love with the ease of use, the peace of the water and the idea that you can pick-up and drop-in anywhere and take off to parts unknown. What started as a hobby turned into a passion, and an idea was born. At the time, Hawkins also had an interest in mountain biking, so in 2007 he started an outfitter shop to combine his two favorite outdoor activities. As time went on, Hawkins realized the products

he was selling weren’t holding up to his idea of a true paddle-craft, so he made the decision to stop reselling and focus on inventing. The idea was there, the knowledge was out there, all he had to do was find a way to put it all together. Hawkins spent five years working in other fields and saving money. All the while, he was learning the trade of roto-molding, studying different plastics, shaping, design and everything else he could possibly absorb about creating the perfect paddle-craft. Hawkins slowly made his dream become a reality by piecing together his company one step at a time. Eventually, the time came for Kaku Kayak to step out into the world of kayak angling. In late 2014, Hawkins took a crosscountry trip and tested his paddle-craft in every condition of water you can think of. From Florida to Texas, Hawkins fished rivers, creeks, lakes, inlets, offshore oil rigs and everything else in between. When he posted photos showcasing the Kahuna on social media, he knew he was onto something special. The Kahuna just might be the ultimate fishing SUP, designed, tested and tweaked by a hardcore fisherman. The response flooded in, with comments like: “Where can I get that?” and “That looks like a fisherman’s dream.” Requests for the Kahuna were not in short supply. Hawkins’ dream had become a reality, but he knew his inventing days weren’t over. The success of the Kahuna led to the birth of the Wahoo, a kayak fisherman’s dream. Designed to be simplistic yet fully capable of top-of-the-line rigging, the Wahoo will cut through the water like a downhill train. People from all over the country were noticing the unique design of the paddle-crafts coming out of Kaku Kayak. Still, Hawkins knew he could do more. The blended idea of the Kahuna and Wahoo brought forth one of today’s most sought-after paddle-crafts. The Voodoo is a combination of Kayak and SUP, a design that is a perfect mix of balance, comfort and mobility. We can only imagine what is going to come out of Kaku Kayak in the future! Check out Kaku Kayak at kakukayak.com.

kakukayak.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 7

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

BOAT REVIEW NuCanoe Frontier 12

The NuCanoe Frontier 12 is an incredible fishing platform. Just spend a few minutes fishing on the Frontier 12, and you’ll be hooked. First thing you’ll notice is that, unlike other kayaks, it has a very clean deck with a lot of open space. There’s not a lot to get in your way, and there’s no limit to how you can set it up and outfit it. Solo or tandem, rigged up or stripped down, paddle, trolling motor or outboard, the options are unlimited. You’ll be blown away by the Frontier 12’s stability. It’s unlike any canoe or kayak you’ve been in before. You feel completely comfortable whether seated or standing. Your movements barely affect how it rides on the water. So, when it comes time to cast and fight a fish, you’re not even thinking about being in a kayak, you’re just locked in to the battle! Adding an outboard to the Frontier 12 is an ideal solution for anglers who want a great fishing experience but don’t want to spend a lot of time paddling. The Honda 2.3hp outboard moves the Frontier 12 at a very nice clip and is surprisingly easy to control. Whether you are going 500 feet or 5 miles, the outboard will get you to where you want to be quickly and comfortably. Then kill the motor, grab your rod, stand up and enjoy your unlimited fishing experience.

Learn more + find your local NuCanoe dealer at www.nucanoe.com | 888.226.6310

www.nucanoe.com

“The most attractive option for boat and SUP storage.” -Cabin Life, June 2015

715-543-2006 Shop our online store!

www.LogKayakRack.com 8

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 8

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

70 + LO C AT I O N S N AT I O N W I D E ALABAMA

BIRMINGHAM HUNTSVILLE PURSELL FARMS

FLORIDA

SANDESTIN

LOUISIANA

BATON ROUGE

O R V I S .C O M / S TO R E S TEXAS

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 9

PLANO SAN ANTONIO SOUTHLAKE THE WOODLANDS

AUSTIN DALLAS HOUSTON

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Paddlesports| 1. Log Kayak Rack

Looking for a way to store your kayaks, canoes or paddleboards? You’d be hard-pressed to find a sturdier, more convenient or better-looking solution than a Log Kayak Rack. Individually constructed in the U.S.A. from weather-resistant white cedar, Log Kayak Racks are extremely strong and durable. They’re built to hold heavy loads and provide many years of service. They are available with capacity for two to eight boats, and racks can also be customized to meet your specific needs. Need a place off the ground to store a paddleboat, rowboat or any hand-launched vessel? Give Log Kayak Rack a call. They’ll custom design a rack for you. Well-considered design makes lifting boats in and out of the rack easy. Locking down boats is a cinch with standard cable locks. Racks can be bolted to a dock or anchored to the ground, and there are even Log Kayak Racks designed to hang on the wall. Visit their website to see what Log Kayak Rack has to offer, then give them a call at (715) 543-2006 to discuss the best solution for safely storing your fleet of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Product Reviews

LogKayakRack.com

2. 2019 Hobie Mirage Outback

For more than a decade, Hobie’s Mirage Outback has peddled along without any major redesigns. With a kayak this close to perfection, there hasn’t been a need. However, for 2019, Hobie has taken the world’s best-selling pedaldrive kayak and made it even better. The 2019 Mirage Outback is a fishing machine built to handle any trip, from pond prowling to offshore expeditions. An extra-wide deck offers an improved and more stable casting platform and vantage point for sight fishing. The revolutionary Guardian Transducer Shield protects your vision below. The new Vantage CTW seat is roomier and more comfortable. Four molded-in rod holders, multiple deluxe H-Track mounts and numerous high-capacity storage compartments ensure all your gear is at your fingertips. Powered by the MirageDrive 180 with ARC Cranks + Turbo Fins, this vessel is versatile, fast, quiet and nimble. It now features the Kick-Up Rudder system with dual steering.

Hobie.com

3. Kaku Voodoo

Kaku Voodoo The all-new Kaku Voodoo is the ultimate sight-casting paddle craft. This authentic fishing paddle craft has a unique look and performance. It’s part kayak, part paddleboard, with some micro skiff qualities. The Kaku Voodoo is like a personal deck yak. It has incredible stability, while maintaining good paddling efficiency. The performance of this paddle craft is lifted to an even higher level with the included Voodoo Chair, which is unlike anything on the market today. The Voodoo Chair has a beefy aluminum structure, a perfect amount of cushion, and off-the-charts utility, giving the paddler a high and low seating position, leaning chair,

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 10

as well as a standing platform, without having to adjust anything. It’s mounted securely on 30-inch aluminum tracks, allowing for trimming as necessary. Top it all off with great storage and five Micro Powerpole mounts, which allow for multiple or single Powerpoles while also offering motor mounting. Check out the Voodoo’s higher-level capabilities today.

KakuKayak.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

2. 4. Watershed Goforth Duffel

A dry bag is a necessity when you’re fishing from a kayak, canoe or SUP. Watershed’s Goforth is a darn good one. Step on it, stand on it or stomp around on it, no matter what you do, it won’t leak. The Goforth is a dry bag with mobility and versatility in mind. It features low-profile lash points along with a 2” nylon removable waist belt to make it ideal for on-the-go water enthusiasts. From the incredibly strong Airtight ZipDry closure to the 420 denier Cordura nylon ripstop fabric coated with polyurethane, it’s hard to know what to love most about the Goforth. Ideal for fishing, boating or just messing about on the water, this madein-the-U.S.A. duffel also features rugged carrying handles and multiple compression straps. Plus, it looks great on! Specs: Dimensions Rolled - 9”x16”x7.25” Capacity Rolled - 640 cu in (10.5L) Opening Size - 13” Weight - 1.5 lbs.

Drybags.com

5. Salt Marsh Skiffs Savanna

The new Savanna from Salt Marsh Skiffs is a kayak/skiff hybrid that offers a kayak’s ease of use with the capability to handle more diverse conditions and loads. Designed to handle two full size adults, it has a self-bailing cockpit fully loaded. The overall length of 14’ is long enough to accommodate 4 fly rods. The beam is 40” at the waterline, offering great stability that makes it a great fishing platform. The Savanna can be paddled, rowed, poled or powered depending on the need. It can putt around with a lightweight 2.5hp outboard or go long distance at up to 21mph with a 9.9hp engine. Perhaps the most intriguing option is the 3hp electric engine capable of cruising at 3mph with a range of up to 12-miles. For short bursts, the electric can reach speeds close to 6mph. The Savanna is right at home in rougher water and heavy boat traffic with a 14” free board. It can be easily be equipped for a variety of uses with the many accessories available from the kayak fishing world. If you’re ready to move up from a kayak and expand your horizons without the complexity and expense of a full-size skiff, the Savanna deserves a look.

SaltMarshSkiffs.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 11

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 12

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

DeFoe Slams Door On Hometown Bassmaster Classic Victory B.A.S.S. photo by Andy Crawford

or decades, it seemed almost impossible for an angler to win the Bassmaster Classic in his home state. Now it’s happened four times in six years. On the final day of the Classic March 17, Tennessee pro Ott DeFoe, of Knoxville, caught five bass that weighed 18 pounds, 14 ounces to win the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing and the $300,000 prize. The event was held on the Tennessee River in Knoxville. DeFoe’s three-day total weight of 49-3

helped him slip past second-place angler Jacob Wheeler at the weighin before a raucous home crowd at the University of Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena. The world-championship bass tournament drew a record attendance of 153,809. “This is a dream come true—a dream I’ve had since I was a 9-yearold kid,” said DeFoe. “When we came over here and did the walkthrough the day before the tournament, I actually imagined hearing my name after the words ‘Bassmaster Classic champion.’ “For it to happen now… I just keep thinking I’m gonna wake up.” DeFoe lives in Knoxville—and since few others in the 52-angler field had much experience on the tournament waters of Fort Loudon and Tellico lakes—he was one of the obvious favorites coming into the event. But things didn’t go smoothly for him all three days. After catching 20 pounds during Friday’s opening round, DeFoe caught five bass that weighed just 10-5 Saturday—and he said that tough day might have been the best thing that could have happened. “If I would have had a good Day 2—if I’d had even 14 or 15 pounds—I might have been totally committed to what I was doing,” DeFoe said. “…But the fact that it just didn’t work for me, that caused me to just scrap it all. I just

went fishing today, and that’s exactly what I needed to do.” DeFoe spent Day 1 far from the shoreline fishing shallow tips of points. His primary bait was a Storm Arashi Vibe lipless crankbait in the “rusty craw” pattern, which he doctored with orange, red and black Sharpies. On the second day, DeFoe switched to shallow boat docks when a strong north wind interfered with his pattern. His bait of choice around the docks—a 3/8-ounce bladed jig— helped him land three of his five keepers on Day 2. He used the bladed jig again Sunday but moved to the outside wall of a marina after a conversation with Keith Poche, a Classic competitor who failed to make the cut for Championship Sunday. On the water Sunday, after boating one of the bass that helped seal the victory, Defoe said he was going to give Poche a big old bear hug.

Bassmaster Classic Top-10 1. Ott Defoe, 49-3, $302,500 2. Jacob Wheeler, 45-3, $52,500 3. Jesse Wiggins, 43-14, $40,000 4. Michael Iaconelli, 42-9, $30,000 5. Mark Daniels Jr., 41-12, $26,250 6. Brandon Lester, 40-5, $22,000 7. Wesley Strader, 39-8, $21,500 8. Edwin Evers, 39-7, $22,250 9. Dean Rojas, 35-6, $20,500 10. Brandon Palaniuk, 34-15, $20,000

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 13

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Take a

ROD BUILDING CLASS

Taunton, MA

Clark, NJ

Charlotte, NC

Dallas, TX

Orlando, FL

Chicago, IL

Mobile, AL

Oakland, CA

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES

MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY

S alt Marsh

2 Person Self Bailing Cockpit Carbon Fiber Hybrid Construction Rod Storage - (4) 9' FlyRods

SaltMarshSavanna.com

14’ Length 40” @ Waterline, 48” @ Deck

772.801.3052

5 HP Propane Outboard

2.5 - 9.9 HP Gas Outboards

3 HP Electric Outboard 12 Mile Range @ 3 Mph 14

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 14

Pole, Paddle & Row Too!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Unforgettable Adventures.

Feel-Good Savings. Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today.

geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program • THEANGLERMAG.COM I Hathaway APRILInc.2019 NATIONAL provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO isCOASTALANGLERMAG.COM a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire subsidiary. ©I 2019 GEICO

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 15

3/18/19 11:18 AM

For over a century, a league of canned crusaders have been fighting to keep boats safe from barnacles, slime, algae and other aquatic evils that rob your boat of its true performance. With advanced know-how and unique capabilities, each antifouling is tailored to different conditions, and has the power to defeat fouling in all its forms. Micron® Extra leads the charge in all waters. Using its signature dual-protection with boosting Biolux® technology, it provides high-quality, multi-season protection that survives hauling and relaunch without the need for repainting.

For super-powered antifouling protection and proven performance, choose Interlux®.

The hero your boat deserves!

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2019.

interlux.com

8953/0219

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 16

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Unsinkable Polarized Mirror Sunglasses

KING KRACKEN Outdoor Clothing Co..

Unsinkable brings a lot more to the table than just being unsinkable. Their premium polarized glasses feature lenses made from a proprietary lens material called Polyamide, which has the optics of glass combined with the lightweight feel of polycarbonate, resulting in crystal-clear vision. New for 2019, Unsinkable’s lineup now offers blue and green mirror polarized lenses, providing another level of sun glare protection. These lenses reflect glare from every possible angle and offer super crisp, saturated, color acuity. A proprietary blue light barrier filters harmful blue light, allowing colors to blast, and a hydrophobic coating protects against salt, sweat and smudges. Other features include anti-scratch coating, 100 percent UV protection, they are BPA free, and boast injected and decentered optics. All Unsinkable glasses are lightweight and impact resistant, and provide 10 percent visual light transmittance (VLT). Blue mirror lenses are available in six wrap sunglass styles, ideal for blocking out glare while searching out signs of baitfish or gamefish. Blue mirrors are best suited for bright sunlight conditions and are an excellent choice for offshore and coastal fishing and boating. Green mirror lenses are available in four wrap sunglass styles, which reflect glare from every possible angle. They are best suited for variable light conditions and an excellent choice for anyone who spends a lot of time fishing or boating inshore waters or freshwater. Unsinkable Polarized Sunglasses will never sink, but in case they do float away, you are covered by Unsinkable’s groundbreaking Lifetime plus Loss warranty. The MSRP on the new Unsinkable premium polarized mirror sunglasses is $159. To checkout their complete lineup of products, go to https://unsinkablepolarized.com/.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 17

Go Boldly COASTAL

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Center sp ie Vaine By Jeram

tand up paddling covers a wide variety of activities. From the casual cruise on a calm lake to adrenaline fueled wave surfing. But I’ve found myself spending more time on my stand up paddleboard (SUP) with a fishing rod. Two good friends, Chris Hollingsworth and Ken Hoeve, opened my eyes to world of SUP fishing. Hearing their stories, seeing the fish they caught and the ear-to-ear smiles are what inspired me. I grew up on a small New England lake, where I spent countless hours fishing. But I never really thought about fishing from an SUP… until speaking with Chris and Ken. Besides hearing the stories and seeing the fun times, the biggest appeal of SUP fishing is its simplicity. All you need is a board, a paddle and a fishing rod. Whether you’re an angler who wants to try fishing from an SUP or a paddler interested in fishing, here are some tips for getting into SUP fishing.

• What’s the right board? These days, manufacturers make fishing-specific boards that make fishing from an SUP easier. They are awesome, but they’re not absolutely necessary for someone just getting started. The most important thing is to find a board you can comfortably paddle without falling in. My general rule is a board over 30 inches wide and longer than 10 feet. It will have the stability to stand and fish, while remaining portable. If you’re concerned about falling in or losing your fishing gear, use a tether to tie it off to your board. Don’t tie gear to your person, it could hinder your ability to swim if you do fall in. • Where and when to go? Like any outdoor activity, and probably more so, weather is crucial. With an SUP, calm days are definitely better. Wind and rough conditions make it challenging, which eliminates the fun factor. Smaller bodies of water are a great place to start, as they are more protected from wind and do not have a lot of boat traffic. For these reasons, I prefer freshwater lakes. But a little experience on a board opens up a whole world of inshore action on saltwater. An SUP is a great, elevated platform to fish from during a calm day along the mangroves or up in the backwaters. • What to bring? For beginners, it’s best to keep it simple. I started SUP fishing 18

NATIONAL

APRIL 2019

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 18

with one spinning rod, pre-rigged with a single tried-and-true lure. It limited my catch, but having just one option allows you to enjoy time on the water without fussing with gear. Again, experience will guide preferences, but starting simple can save a lot of headaches. Of course the safety rules of SUP still apply. You’ll need a paddle leash and a lifejacket. • What to fish for? I really enjoy bass fishing, but some of my most fun days were with my nephews catching perch. Other people seek out trout in rivers and saltwater fish like snook, seatrout and redfish. If it can be caught from a boat, it can be caught from atop an SUP. Head out on the water, take a few casts and see what you think. If it develops into a passion, you might find yourself paddling a board that resembles a fully rigged fishing skiff.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

SOUTHEAST

Land An EPIC Adventure

250

300

AIR CREDIT

FUEL CREDIT

From the Abacos to Andros and beyond, your bonefishing adventure across the Out Islands’ tidal flats offers more than epic thrills — and we’ve got generous offers to prove it.* For details visit OutIslandsAnglers.com

ABACOS

ACKLINS

ANDROS

BERRY ISLANDS

BIMINI

CAT ISLAND

CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA

EXUMAS

HARBOUR ISLAND

LONG ISLAND

SAN SALVADOR

*The $250 Air/Cruise Ferry Credit offer is based on single or double occupancy bookings from the U.S. and Canada only. Hotel accommodations must be pre-booked/made before arrival with both parties in the same booking. One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay. All offers available for stays at participating BOIPB member hotels. Not combinable with any other credit promotions.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 1

APRIL 2019

SOUTHEAST

3/18/19 10:59 AM

Apalachicola National Forest features many paddling opportunities. Photo courtesy of Colin Hackney, Visit Florida.

here may not be an area better suited for the paddle sports enthusiast than Franklin County, Fla. The Apalachicola River and its system of tributaries and creeks make the area a paddler’s paradise that offers paddling options for everyone. With more than 80 percent of Franklin County’s 545 square miles publically owned and preserved as wilderness areas, there are literally hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and coastal shallows to explore by canoe or kayak. From floating pristine rivers by canoe to

Discover

the challenges of a long-distance sea kayak adventure along a remote coastline, Franklin County has it all! The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System is broken into 11 separate smaller trail sections. Paddlers at all levels of ability will enjoy these canoeing and kayaking trails that are comprised of nearly 100 miles through the swamps of the Apalachicola River. Distances range from short, easy trips to multi-day river trips flowing into open bays of the Gulf of Mexico. These trails not only offer breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters, but the fishing in these places is amazing! As the river carries you to the bay, you can expect to catch both fresh and saltwater species like bass, bream, speckled trout and the mighty red drum. Tackle selection is easy. A few basic lures is all it takes: spinnerbaits, Texas-rigged worms and a topwater lure, like a Bagley Bang-O-Lure will get the bass bites in the flowing waters of the river. Cast to anything that creates a current break and hold on! As the water turns salty, a gold spoon and jigs tipped with curly tail grubs or a Gulp Shrimp are mainstays for trout and redfish success, but these fish smash topwaters, as well… especially walking baits like a Rapala Skitterwalk. Any one of the local tackle shops will help you gear up with lure types, colors and sizes best suited for the season and conditions. Or you can fill your bucket with the live bait. That’s always a sure bet. Don’t miss the Paddle Jam event and races April 5-7. Come be a part of this annual attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest raft of kayakers! Also enjoy other events like the Antique & Classic Boat & Car Show April 20 and the annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival featuring maritime exhibits, arts and crafts, seafood, live music and a classic car show April 26-27. Bring your kayak or paddleboard and a love for adventure and fun. For more info and a complete list of rentals, charters, supplies and more, visit www.floridasforgottencoast.com.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Visit Floridasforgottencoast.com/ca

for complete launch, marina, guide and tackle information

SOUTHEAST

CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 2

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 10:59 AM

BLUE RIDGE

North GA’s Full Service Fly Shop

his time of year, we’re usually writing about hatching insects and the blooming of springtime. With all the rain we’ve had, fly fishing high water seems a better topic. Fishing high water can be very productive, especially if the angler knows what to look for. Understanding hydraulics and likely locations to cast can produce good fish. Here are some tips for fishing high water: • High water is faster and causes insects to lose hold of whatever they’re clinging to. This means there is more food in the water, which makes trout lively. • High water is usually stained. Trout are not as spooky and many times will move into the open to feed. • High water, at times, will cause trout to move to the outer banks of the stream, where they can rest in less-turbulent water. • Use attention-getting flies. Try large streamers in dark colors, articulating patterns, large sculpin patterns, and do not forget about worm patterns like the San Juan or Squirmy Worm. • High water is a good time to fish with a buddy. • High water is also a good time to cinch that wading belt tight. It could help save your life. • Use a wading staff for balance and to check depth. • Bring a heavy 5- or 6-weight. Do not be shy with weight. Use whatever amount is needed to get flies to the bottom. When casting weight, be sure to use more of a lob cast. You don’t want that weight to hit your rod. • Rig your leader with 3x or even 2x tippet. Line is less visible in stained water, and big trout might be on the prowl. • Throw streamers either at or along the bank and strip. At times, throwing across and stripping back on a swing can get the rod almost jerked out of your hand. Cast to breaks caused by logs or large rocks, where trout hold out of the current. • Know when to stop because of unsafe conditions. Reel Em In Guide Service will be at the Blue Ridge Trout Fest in Blue Ridge, Ga. on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’ll be giving a presentation on private water. If you are a first-timer, we have several instructors schooled in the art of teaching fly fishing. If you are new to the area and need a place to go, give us a call. If big water is intimidating or if the Toccoa River DH is too rough for you to wade, we float the Toccoa with drift boats.

Outfitter - Guide Service Travel - Last Cast Bar

Book Your Next Guided Trip With Us: Fish thisRiver Season With • Etowah COHUTTA • Chattahoochee River The Shop For Details On Our •Call Private Trophy Trout Water

Guided Wade Trips and Float Trips!

Call the shop for our hosted and non-hosted trips Featuring Jackson Big Rigs Authorized Yellow Dog Dealer

www.cohuttatravel.com 39 S. Public Square, Cartersville GA 30120 (770) 606-1100 • www.cohuttafishingco.com NOW WITH TWO LOCATIONS

James Bradley is an Orvis-endorsed guide with Reel Em In Guide Service (www.ReelEmInGuideService.com). They guideSept_NS_COHUTTA.indd in Georgia and North Carolina, offer more than 6 miles of private trophy water and operate drift boats on the Toccoa and Tuckasegee rivers. Contact him at (706) 273-0764.

490 East Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 39 S. Public Square, Cartersville, GA

(770) 606-1100 www.cohuttafishingco.com 1

8/15/14 10:01 PM

(770) 606-1100 www.cohuttafishngco.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 1

APRIL 2019

BLUE RIDGE

3/18/19 10:09 AM

new term is being thrown around in the bass fishing world, and it is spreading like wildfire. This term is “hawg wallows.” It describes a concentrated area where a school of mature female largemouths settle to the bottom. Each individual selects a spot to rest and relax while staying in close proximity to all other fish in the same school. While lying almost motionless with tail, anal fins and pectorals moving slightly to maintain balance and stability, silt is gently removed. This action creates a small crater, very similar to a shellcracker bed, only much larger in individual size. It is not unusual to detect 50 or more wallows in an area about the size of a two-car garage, or 300 to 500 square feet, which in turn indicates 50 or more

bass. Yes, 50! This pattern is not a shallow-water anomaly. Actually, it is more likely to be found in deeper water, from 15 to 25 feet, near separated contour lines that identify gradual depth changes. Don’t look for hawg wallows on sharp ledges or rocky outcrops. They will usually be along sloping ravines where there is a soft bottom. I think these schools of bass are prespawn fish biding time for egg development or waiting for conducive water temperatures and weather patterns to migrate up to the spawning grounds. On the other hand, the wallows I found in February last year emptied out only to refill throughout the early summer. Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks on how to detect these hawg wallows and determine which fields of wallows are active versus those that are abandoned. Using side scan only on your Humminbird, adjust to 75 feet on either side with contours showing. Investigate the areas in your lake that match my description of likely locations. Look closely for multiple large indentions near the suggested depth. When spotted, move your curser to hover over the targeted area and zoom in. Mark the spot, especially if a white streak or multiple streaks are detected in or near the selected crater. Then mark a GPS location and toss a buoy marker. Back off to casting distance, put your Minn Kota on spot lock, pull a Big Bite Fighting Frog into the chaos and hold on. Repeat. With the newest side-imaging technology, Humminbird and Minn Kota with the spot-lock feature have changed the face of bass fishing forever. Try it. You’ll like it. During the last weekend of February on Lake Eufaula, a bass tournament was won using this method with a total weight of 34 pounds for the best five and a total of 40 bass caught by two anglers in three hours. With the win assured, these anglers departed to look for more wallows and future success. P.S. In the Deep South, we might just call them “wallers.” Billy Darby is a retired professional guide on Lake Eufaula. He can be reached at imfishing4u@windstream.net or 229-768-2369.

Franchise Opportunity FREE

The Angler Magazine currently has established franchise locations in Charlotte, Western NC, Wilmington and the Outer Banks. We’re looking to add a Raleigh location.

Raleigh/Durham

GEAR

Guide Cold er

If you or someone you know loves the outdoors and have sales experience then our Raleigh magazine franchise could be a great opportunity for you to own your own business and earn money doing something you are passionate about. Come join our team of successful franchisees as the Co-publisher of the Raleigh/Piedmont edition of The Angler Magazine.

weath Bassin'

• Home Based Business • Low Overhead • Complete Training Program

• Ongoing Support • Proven Franchise Model

For More Information On This And Other Franchise Locations VOLUME 23 • ISSUE

274

E F R A N C H I S

M AG .CO W I D E NG LEE RM L E W O R L D TH EA S A VA I L A B O R T U N I T I

JANUARY 2018

O P P

12/13/17 1:55 PM

0118_TAM_CVR.indd

Call 321-777-2773 Email info@theanglermagazine.com

BLUE RIDGE

CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 2

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 10:09 AM

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 1

3/18/19 10:41 AM

Rent This Fisherman’s Dream!

hose who think Gulf red snapper seasons are short should check out the sturgeon season on Cheboygan County, Michigan’s Black Lake. More than 400 registered anglers showed up on the ice Saturday, Feb. 2 for a season that lasted only 78 minutes before the six-fish quota was met. It hardly seems worth it, except to the lucky anglers who managed to bag a sturgeon. It’s one of the few sturgeon harvest opportunities available, and hook-andline fishing as well as spearing the prehistoric fish are allowed. With a heavy Michigan DNR presence on-hand and embedded within ice fishing communities, catches were tracked and anglers were notified of the season’s close by phone and text messages as well as with signal cannons, mortar rounds and fireworks. The first four sturgeon harvested were males ranging from 52 to 60 inches, and 25 to 47 pounds. The final two fish were females ranging from 61 to 72 inches long, and 54 to 80 pounds. Three of the six fish taken had been captured before by Michigan State University and the DNR during spring spawning runs in the Black River. A harvested 56inch male originally was captured in the 2009 spring spawning run. A 60-inch male had been captured and tagged during the 2004, 2010 and 2017 spawning runs. The largest fish, a 72-inch female, had been captured and tagged during the 2003, 2007 and 2012 spawning runs in the Black River.

Waterfront Canal Home with a Boat Dock on the remote Withlacoochee River! House Includes: 3 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bathroom Sleeps 6 Internet/Cable • Fully Equiped Kitchen Washer and Dryer Hair Dryer Parking Pet friendly Outdoor Grill • Much more!

• • • • • • • • •

This Property is a Fisherman’s Dream! Come dock your boat behind the house and get ready for scallop season! Enjoy the serene outdoors or take your boat directly to the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy some fishing!

Go to VRBO.com and look for listing #1387064 or email tracybythebeach@gmail.com today! Spring and Summer Specials Available Now!

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 2

3/18/19 10:41 AM

HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

Welcome High Country!

elcome to the inaugural High Country edition of The Angler Magazine. I have been looking forward to the release of this edition for several months now, and it’s finally here! The High Country of North Carolina and Tennessee has some of the most scenic countryside in the world, and some of the best fishing as well. The rivers and lakes of our area are known far and wide for their rugged, natural beauty. Bass, crappie, bluegill, trout, catfish, walleye, muskellunge – the list of gamefish that inhabit our waters goes on and on. In fact, for numbers and variety, I’d put our area up against any that I can think of. I’m sure those of you who live here would agree, especially if you’ve had the

chance to fish in other parts of the country. My job here is, in many ways, a dream come true. Many people never get the chance to make a living doing something they are passionate about, and I’m excited and thankful to have the opportunity. There is a lot of work, but it sure beats sitting at a desk all day. A magazine like ours takes a lot of effort and skill from a small group of very talented people. Many of them work diligently behind the scenes, without much recognition or credit. I would like to take a moment to thank Ben Martin, Tracy Patterson, Deanna Grant and especially Joe Woody, who has been an invaluable resource and mentor over the last couple of months. Without the continuing help

2 THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

APRIL 2019

and guidance of all these folks, I would not be writing these words to you now. For many, Spring is the best time to fish. It is definitely a good time to launch a new fishing magazine territory. Trout season is open, bass are spawning and for the most part, the weather is pleasant. The increasing length of the daylight hours gives everyone a chance to get in a quick trip to their favorite spot after work. I have a lifetime love affair with fishing. My dad got me started very young – I literally can’t remember a time when I didn’t fish! Dad taught me all the necessary technical components of the sport, but because he took me along with his buddies occasionally, I also picked up on the more subtle aspects. I

learned about fishing etiquette; being still and quiet and not casting over someone else’s line. I learned the give and take of trading barbs and wisecracks without being overly offensive or taking offense. Mostly though, I learned to appreciate and respect the outdoors and my fellow anglers. It is my mission to provide the best fishing magazine possible. A lofty goal perhaps, but you, the readers, deserve my best effort. I welcome all suggestions and comments - let me know what you like, and what you would like to see. I can be reached at eddie@ theanglermagazine.com. See you on the water, Eddie Cochrane

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2019

THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE 3

Fly Fishing in the Blue Ridge By Louie Pardue

ll my life I have wandered the mountains and streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I have been constantly filled with wonder and excitement as I find new places and experience all that this beautiful area has to offer. I took up fly fishing when I was about 12 years old. My father gave me a Cabela’s Genesis rod package for Christmas. I remember thinking that it was a very different looking rod than anything I had ever seen before. He took me many places around the Boone, NC area. Small wild streams with big trout in them. I always used a Royal Wulff, a n d still do. Dad would say, “This fly

has caught a lot of fish”, and it certainly has. I have been hooked on fly fishing ever since. It is a wonderful way to truly experience the natural beauty that the Blue Ridge has to offer. I grew up in the foothills of North Carolina in Wilkes County, NC. The state has really done a good job in the last ten years to promote fly fishing. They have been very successful with their fish hatcheries and stocking the streams to offer more fishing opportunities for the angler. My fly fishing guide service is called Brushy Mountain Anglers. I guide on all the best streams in Ashe, Allegheny, Wilkes and Surry counties. Give us a call at 828-400-4247 or visit BrushyMountainAnglers.com and book a trip for the coming year. We enjoy working with anyone who wants to fish! Start a hobby that will last a lifetime!

I hope to share with you all that I have learned and appreciate about the blue ridge in North Carolina and the trout that live here. – Louie Pardue 4 THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Visit and Explore Burnsville, NC

hether you’re hiking, fishing or camping in the mountains or attending a performance at Parkway Playhouse or coming to the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair or Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, there’s always a good day waiting for you in Burnsville, North Carolina, especially for travelers who like to discover their own journey. Yancey County is home to waterfalls, campgrounds, backroads, hiking trails, clean rivers, and six of the 10 highest peaks in Eastern America. Located in southern Yancey County, Mount Mitchell (6,684 feet) is the highest mountain East of the Mississippi River. It was designated the first state park in North Carolina in 1916. Today it features an observation platform on the summit next to Elisha Mitchell’s grave, and an interpretive museum

with historical and environmental exhibits. The restaurant, concession stand and gift shop are open May thru October. Campground has 9 tent sites only. Winding along the southern edge of Yancey County, the Blue Ridge Parkway gives travelers an amazing view of the Black Mountains and the South Toe River Valley. Stretching for nearly 500 miles through the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia – and not one single redlight – the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best scenic drives in America. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the only access to Mount Mitchell State Park at Hwy 128 and milepost 355. It’s five miles to the summit. The Parkway was built by CCC labor in the 1930s. Workers used dynamite to blast tunnels through the mountains and carve a road through rough, remote ter-

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

rain. The Parkway rises to an elevation over 5,000 feet as it passes through Yancey County. Enjoy a fun filled day on the water, catching the fish native Observation platform at Mount Mitchell State Park. to our mountains. We guarand reveal the mysteries of the antee your fishing trip will be full Southern Appalachian Mounof fish-catching experiences! tains. More info at www.snakeToe River, Carolina Hemlocks, and Black Mountain Campgrounds rootecotours.com. The Burnsville-Yancey Chamare all located off Highway 80 in ber of Commerce and Visitor the South Toe River area of Yancey Center is located at 106 West Main County. Mount Mitchell State Park Street. Inside you’ll find a helpful and Crabtree Meadows are acstaff and lots of information on cessed by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Snakeroot Ecotours offers cus- attractions, lodging, shopping, tom tours of one of the wildest dining, and local businesses & and most scenic corners of West- services. Visitor Center and office ern North Carolina. We invite you open Monday thru Friday 9am to into astoundingly diverse habitats 5pm. Call (828) 682-7413.

APRIL 2019

THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE 5

Mouse Fishing on the Kanektok

ouse fishing; just the words chained together alone almost doesn’t make sense. In the lower 48 you’re pretty much cornered in to throwing them at night. Ive had various success hucking big rats at night on the tailwaters of Tennessee, mixed with some memorable moments on the South Holston in the middle of the night in particular. Theres no question that trout feed on these furry servings, but nowhere else in the country like in Alaska. Southwest Alaska is world renowned for its mouse fishing. Most fish on wilderness floats have never really seen too many mouse imitations thrown at them and can be quite vulnerable to top water feeding. We are lucky enough to have a system that barely receives any pressure from guides, and little pressure from the public in general. The Chosen flows through Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, all 6 million acres harbor ridiculous amounts of water in various states. Tundra ponds, beaver ponds, springs, wetlands, brooks, creeks, ditches, streams, rivers - you can imagine how every once in a while one of the 11 species of rodent might fall in to some water. Kanektok translates in to English something along the lines of “changing river.” When the river changes, the braids and forces of flowing water can cut off traditional burrows and routes used by rodents as well. These two factors, plus the incredibly short growing season results in trout who feed on mice daily. Many anglers come to Alas6 THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

APRIL 2019

ka loaded with mice patterns of different sizes and shapes. The different shapes are meant to imitate different species; lemmings, mice, rats, voles, moles, shrews, and even ermine. The easiest for guests in general to throw would be the mice imitations. Do the trout eat all the other species? Absolutely. Ive thrown split shot in front of some of the larger rodent imitations just to get a real sense of a “drowned rat” and had lots of trout takes. Some of the bigger and longer imitations out there for bass and musky I have used as well that even 16” trout feed readily on. But the easiest to throw and most effective would have to be the mice imitations. The Morrish Mouse, Mr Hanky, and Mercers Mouse are all great imitations. When selecting patterns I like to stick to these, and variations thereof. The preferred set up for throwing these flies is at least a 7 weight. I use a SAGE Z-AXIS 796, the longer length being great for the wilderness floats. I use straight Maxima tied to the fly line - 15lb. This allows for the fly to be presented rapidly firing at will to the targets. Targets for the mouse cast is typically along the wood and root wads the Kanektok is so famous for. We fish out of Avon Pros with custom frames so we are able to slow the boat down and get the correct angle for the cast to be made. What is important to recognize with the mouse in particular is the trout’s “cone of vision.” The Leopards might be deep in the wood, but they’re looking out there in the current and in the traveling windows

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

of seams. Presenting the fly far above these lies and allowing the mouse to drift and drag and skitter in to these zones will produce the eat. Most people love to shake and skitter the mouse which is applicable to some degree. I like to almost dead drift the mouse, allowing the river to make it go in to places you would otherwise be skating and skittering you’re way out of. With the dead drift comes incredible takes as well. Most mouse takes are pretty

violent and trashy because of the very nature of them. Most trout are going for the death blow on the first “eat” and then circling around to take down the injured prey. With the dead drift mouse (the Ive given up and am going to die mouse) the trout almost realize the prey is already injured and I have seen them sip down palm size mouse imitations like a 24 midge on the tailwaters!! Our entire Summer on the Kanektok can have windows

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

of opportunities for mouse fishing. Just last year we were still catching them on mice all the way in to September! That being said, after 13 years out pursuing these legendary trout Id have to say the best time for mice in particular is July. The bulk of the salmon have not started bedding up, theres no flesh in the system, and I think the trout are just looking for easy meals before the salmon biomass shows up. Mouse fishing in Alaska will push your abilities and techniques to the limits. They’re terrible to throw and a bear to manage in the wind. Most

of the time the trout are feeding on eggs and flesh which they don’t have to hunt down and prey on. You miss a lot of takes because of the nature of the takes and the speed of the boat floating by. But successful tactics and great conditions can really change your perspective on what trout typically do. On the Kanektok there is no “typical” behavior, these trout are so wild and free they can do what they please when they please. But when they choose to eat mice, Ill be there with my guests happily feeding them!! *Dolly Varden and Cohos eat mice, too. Just a thought..

All photos courtesy of Capt. Chris Maher

Fly & Bottle Shop 828-386-6216 444 W King Street Boone, NC 28607 flyfishthehighcountry.com

APRIL 2019

THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE 7

Brook Trout – Anthony Creek and Little Cataloochee Restoration Projects

Contributed by The Great Smoky Mountain National Park Fisheries Department

nce upon a time, the Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) was abundant and widely distributed within eastern North America. These fish thrived in the cold, clean streams where they reigned as the only native salmonid in Appalachia. These incredible fish were perfectly adept for life in these waters… until the very waters they were built to survive in began to change. As timber companies and settlers changed the land around them by logging and farming, the loose soil once held by roots was washed into the streams, and the cool waters, once shaded by the trees, became hot without the dense canopy to protect them. In addition, logging companies and the National Park Service (NPS) stocked over 1.4 million non-native rainbow trout into

park streams, which outcompeted and further displaced native Brook Trout populations. Since the 1900’s, the Brook Trout, which were once abundant, declined by 75% in Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GRSM) due to logging practices performed before the creation of the park in 1936. Even as the land began to heal from these transgressions, the sky above became polluted from the gasses released from factories, cars, and power plants. The rain that once brought relief to the drying earth below, now brought an assault of acid that altered the chemistry of the soil and the streams. The hardships that came with the changes to their habitat were only compounded by the introduction and expansion of non-native Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from the West. With

8 THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

APRIL 2019

their habitat altered by humans and new competitors dominating their territory, Brook Trout populations have continued to decline through the mid-1900s. The NPS sought to restore the Brook Trout, not just because they are native to the local streams and rivers where they have dwelled for millennia, but because these fish are intertwined with southern Appalachian heritage. These Brook Trout are the descendants of those who saw the first European settlers arrive in Tennessee, the same lineage as those who supported Native American settlements for centuries, and of the same blood as those who knew these waters when they were fed by the glaciers

covering North America. In 2016, the NPS began efforts to restore Anthony Creek by dividing the stream above a barrier mill dam into 34, 100 meter sections and removing non–native rainbow trout using the 3-Pass Depletion method and backpack electrofishing units. Backpack electrofishing units send 600-700 volts of electricity into the water, which stuns the fish, and allows backup netters to net and capture the non-native Rainbow Trout. Each section is

Continued, see BROOK TROUT, page 11

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2019

THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE 9

Fly Fishing the Chauga River

he Chauga River is a little known, and far under used, trout stream that’s located in northwestern South Carolina. Recent improvements in the quality of the water, in the middle and lower sections, has helped but the upper, headwater sections offers the most for those willing to put a little effort into their fishing. The Chauga River is thought of, by most anglers, as a put-andtake fishery and much of it is. The main portion of the river is regularly stocked in many areas. The best sections of the stream are far from any roads. It flows through a wilderness through a very rugged canyon, or gorge like area, that requires a good bit of hiking to reach. The Chauga River has lots of cascades and waterfalls and plenty of white water. Although the main stream has some stem-bred trout and

By James Marsh

holdover trout from previously stocked trout, most of the fish that are caught from the Chauga River are those most recently stocked. The Chauga River isn’t exactly a small stream. Many areas of the stream average as much as forty feet wide. It begins in the mountains near the little town of Mountain Rest and eventually flows onto the Tugaloo arm of Lake Hartwell. The main part of the river is stocked where there are accessible sites for fishing. The remote areas of the river are stocked from helicopters during the fall. Most of the wild trout reside in the uppermost reaches of the stream as well as the many tributaries. Some of the tributaries are on private land but it is very doubtful anyone asking permission would be turned down to fish the tributaries that are on private property.

Don’t underestimate the effort required to reach these backcountry areas of the Chauga River. It’s wild country that’s very difficult to reach in areas. It requires long hikes on less than ideal trials. The stream doesn’t have a nice trail that follows alongside it like South Carolina and Georgia’s more popular Chattooga River. Some sections don’t have a trail. In most headwater areas where you can reach the stream, you will be limited to fishing within the confines of the stream. There’s another little known fact outside the local area about the Chauga River. It holds some very large, holdover brown trout in the main part of the river where, during the summer, the water is marginal for rainbows from a water temperature standpoint. The state of South Carolina has done a great job of improving the

Chauga River. They are stocking fingerlings in some areas, fitting lakes that feed tributary streams with bottom release devices to keep the water cooler, and many other things that are greatly contributing to this river’s ability to support trout.

Seasons: The trout season follows

the general South Carolina regulations.

Spring: Spring is the best season to fish the river

Summer: The water can get a little warm during the hot summer in the mainstem but it stays well oxygenated and cool in the remote areas of most of the uppermost sections. Fall: Autumn is a good time to fish the river.

Winter: Fishing during the winter can be good on warm days.

Fly of the Month By Eli Crumley

Blackhawk Fly Fishing keepemwet94@gmail.com

Caddis Pupa Hook: Tiemco TMC2457 size 14/16 Thread: UTC 70 denier (color) olive Body: Micro tubing (olive) Thorax: Natural hare’s ear Head: Black UV dubbing Legs: Hungarian Partridge 10 THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

APRIL 2019

A great caddis hatch is any fly angler’s dream. Don’t neglect the opportunity to catch fish with other caddis imitations. The caddis pupa has been the key to many successful days on the water for me.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

BROOK TROUT

continued from page 8

worked through three times to ensure a high capture rate. Using this method, 2,284 Rainbow Trout, or 99.3 percent of the trout population, were removed in 2016. In 2017, the NPS conducted a second effort to remove Rainbow Trout from the area, which resulted in the capture of an additional 52 Rainbow Trout. Following the removal of all non-native Rainbow Trout, the NPS began the reintroduction of Brook Trout from local source streams. The first reintroduction collected 269 Brook Trout from Bunches Creek and relocated the fish to Anthony Creek in hopes of establishing the Brook Trout population. Bunches Creek, located near Balsam Mountain, NC, was selected for the source stock as the stream lies within the same Little Tennessee River watershed as Anthony Creek and the Brook Trout were known to be genetically pure, Little Tennessee drainage fish. In 2018, the NPS continued reintroduction efforts by capturing approximately 230 Brook Trout from Deep Creek and Sahlee Creek within the Deep Creek watershed (also a genetically pure Little Tennessee tributary). With the help of our friends from the NPS trails crew and their trusty mules, the fisheries crew were able to haul the trout safely up the mountain trail, and from there transport them to Anthony Creek. If all goes as planned, these new recruits will disperse, multiply and reach carrying capacity within 3 years. The restoration of Little Cataloochee Creek began in 2017. This restoration utilized a different method to remove Rainbow Trout due to the larger size of the stream, which includes many holes deeper than 3-4 feet deep, complex habitat and wider stream sections. Instead of backpack electrofishing, the EPA approved piscicide Antimycin A, which was utilized to remove Rainbow Trout from a 3 mile section of stream. Antimycin A acts by inhibiting cellular respiration of fish, including Rainbow Trout. One 8-hour treatment of Antimycin A depleted all Rainbow Trout within the restored section

of Little Cataloochee Creek. Below the barrier waterfall at the lower end of the treatment zone, the antimycin was neutralized using potassium permanganate; once neutralized, the antimycin becomes ineffective and no fish are killed downstream of the barrier falls. Given that Little Cataloochee Creek included both Rainbow and Brook Trout, prior to Antimycin A application, a significant effort was made to remove all Brook Trout from the treatment sections with backpack electrofishing and hold them in a large fire tank or untreated headwater areas until treatment was complete. Once treatment was complete, the captive Brook Trout were redistributed to the newly reclaimed stream segments. In 2018, the stream was monitored to evaluate the condition of the reintroduced Brook Trout. An additional 151 Brook Trout were captured from Correll Branch and transported to Little Cataloochee Creek to augment the existing population. The 2018 Brook Trout population surveys indicate Little Cataloochee Creek is recovering very nicely and should be back to carrying capacity within three years. The successful restoration of Little Cataloochee Creek brings the total number of Brook Trout streams restored within GRSM to 13 and includes 30.5 miles of stream habitat. The GRSM Fisheries Department conducts several Brook Trout restoration projects, as well as dozens of water quality monitoring activities with the help of Park Fisheries employees, seasonal staff, interns and large numbers of volunteers from western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, western South Carolina and north Georgia. To volunteer with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department, please contact: North Carolina Volunteer Coordinator for the NC side of the Park, Mike Kesselring (828) 7366929 or mikesseL59@gmail.com. Tennessee Volunteer Coordinator for TN side of the Park, Richard Barnes (949) 212-8480 or canceleer1@gmail.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2019

THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE 11

Spinnerbait Musings By Eddie Cochrane

o you ever wonder what a fish is thinking when he strikes a lure? I know I do. Biologists tell us that the usual reasons are hunger, curiosity, aggravation, and territorial defense. I don’t know how one determines whether a fish is striking because of hunger or aggravation, but I assume the scientists know what they’re talking about. I can understand a fish striking a lure that closely resembles actual prey. Crankbaits, plastic worms, and especially trout flies fit this description. Other lures, such as spoons, don’t necessarily look the part, but have a flash and action that resembles baitfish. What baffles me is a lure like a spinnerbait. Not an in-line spinner, but the classic “safety pin” type, normally associated with bass fishing. There is nothing in nature that looks even remotely like a spinner-

bait coming through the water. One semi-plausible explanation I’ve heard is that it looks like a “predator” (the body), chasing “minnows” (the blades). I’m not so sure. Every fish I’ve ever caught on a spinnerbait has been hooked inside the mouth. If a bass or crappie were going after the “minnows”, you would expect to occasionally hook one somewhere outside the mouth, especially when you consider the location of the hook. What was the spinnerbait designer trying to imitate when he made the first model? Was it an intentional design or a desperate attempt to salvage a plan gone awry? What was his thought process? – “Let’s see, I’ll take some wire, bend it back on itself, attach some blades to one end and a chunk of lead, a plastic skirt and a hook to the other end, and tie up to the middle of the whole contraption. And

then it will look just like a (you fill in the blank) when it comes through the water.” We will probably never know, but whatever the origin, I’m glad the thing came together because the spinnerbait is my all-time favorite type of lure. There’s not a lot of middle ground – people seem to either love ‘em or hate ‘em, and I’m solidly in the former group. From tiny Beetle Spins to 1-ounce bottom crawling monsters, I’ve used them all. And yes, If I were stranded on the proverbial desert island with only one fishing lure, it would be some type of spinnerbait. Another mystery for me are prop baits and other topwater lures that chug, spit, or pop. I don’t know what these lures are trying to imitate either. I’ve seen all shapes and sizes of insects, birds, rodents, reptiles and amphibians making their way across the top of the water and I’ve yet to see (or more accu-

rately, hear) a single pop, chug, spit or buzz. In fact, any animal moving across the top always seems to be very quiet, making as little commotion as possible. Yet thousands of fish are caught on these lures every year. Maybe this is where the curiosity strike comes into play. Perhaps a prop bait doesn’t sound exactly like a struggling shiner, but it sounds like something struggling, so a bass figures he’ll just smash it and if it isn’t edible, he can always spit it out. Maybe I’ll ask a biologist. So for all you prospective lure designers out there, give all of your brilliant creations a thorough test under actual conditions before discarding them. Even if it doesn’t look exactly right or have the action you intended. You might just have the next spinnerbait sitting right there on your workbench. See you on the water, Eddie

12 THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH CAROLINA/TENNESSEE

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

GOT CABIN FEVER?

Call For Your Local Dealer

252-235-2461

www.ChAwkBOATs.NET

Veterans, Come Home To & Franchise Ownership If you’re a veteran and love the outdoors, you owe it to yourself to check out the new Veteran’s Program offered by Coastal Angler and The Angler Magazines. Now, you can earn a living doing something you love. We currently have 32 franchise locations from Boston to Mississippi, and we’re looking to expand. Our success in working with veterans as franchisees has convinced us that you’re probably well suited for running a fishing magazine. Email or give us a call for more information on our franchise opportunities for veterans.

info@coastalanglermagazine.com | 888-800-9794

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 3

3/18/19 10:41 AM

Get Bent.

If you think you can triumph over anything that swims, we suggest you go straight to The Florida Keys. Because from mighty offshore gamesters including sails, tuna and marlin to backcountry stars such as bonefish, permit, tarpon and snook, youâ€™ll discover your breaking point a lot sooner than you might think. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys

CANGL_FIL1-FIL4.indd 4

MCTG-3290-D Coastal Angler FP LO1

3/18/19 10:41 AM

n March 11, striped bass harvest closed in many North Carolina waters. Management measures were implemented for the Central Southern Management Area, which encompasses all internal waters from just south of Oregon Inlet to the South Carolina line. Waters impacted include, but are not limited to, the Pamlico and Core sounds and the Tar, Pamlico, Pungo, Bay, Neuse and White Oak rivers and their tributaries. In those areas, harvest of striped bass is closed, but recreational catch and release of striped bass is still allowed in the coastal fishing waters. Recreational fishermen are encouraged to use non-offset circle hooks and to limit handling of released fish. The recreational season remains open in joint fishing waters managed cooperatively between the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission until April 30 with an 18-inch minimum size limit, no possession of fish between 22 inches and 27 inches total length and a two-fish per person, per day bag limit. A recreational no-possession limit, essentially a year-round recreational season closure for striped bass will take effect in coastal fishing waters managed by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission. The closure does not impact striped bass fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, Albemarle Sound Management Area, Roanoke River Management Area, and inland waters under the sole jurisdiction of the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission. The new management measures are meant to be temporary restrictions to protect naturally spawned year classes of striped bass. Research has shown that striped bass in the Central Southern Management Area are not a self-sustaining population and that fishermen are mainly catching hatchery-raised fish; however, data suggest there have been two recent naturally spawned year classes.

Book the Fishing Trip of a Lifetime in the Beautiful Mountains of North Georgia and Western North Carolina with the Areaâ€™s Top Rated Guide Service. Fish with the Pros and Get Featured in The Angler Magazine

Serving Lakes Nottely, Hiawassee, Chatuge, Blue Ridge and more. We run trips 365 days a year. Book your trip now!

828-361-2021 www.bigolfish.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 3

APRIL 2019

BLUE RIDGE

3/18/19 10:09 AM

igger is better, right? Maybe, but when it comes to spring bluegills I like to go small. Everyone knows the ubiquitous bluegill or bream. A member of the sunfish family, the bluegill can be found in lakes, ponds and streams from the Rockies to Florida and is arguably one of the most popular, best known and most commonly caught freshwater fish. They are, however, the quintessential bait stealers and are often the cause of frustration, sometimes thrown back because they’re “just bluegills.” It took me a while to realize that the diminutive bluegill can be a bruiser and is hard to beat beer battered with a plate of fries. Going small is of course relative. Bluegills are small to begin with, and to put it into perspective, winter and early spring fishing calls for jigs as small as 1/64 of an ounce. Fast-forward to spring and comparatively large jigs of 1/32- to 1/16 of an ounce become the norm. Orange, yellow, white, chartreuse and purple Teardrop jigs, and

red Rat Finky and yellow or black ball jigs rule the day. Tipping the jigs with a wax worm, several red spikes or some other meaty offering is irresistible, especially when vertically jigged. The tiny baits are virtually weightless and casting, though not impossible, does create challenges. Vertical jigging keeps the jig and bait combo on the spot and in the strike zone far longer than drifting baits beneath a float. I’ve used crankbaits, spinnersbaits and bucktails larger than most bluegills I’ve caught, but big bull ’gills longer than 10 inches are pound-for-pound one of the strongest fighting fish that swims. They are great fun on very light tackle. A 4-foot, 6-inch to 5-foot ultra-light spooled with 4-pound mono is about perfect for catching the little brutes. If you plan to cast, the ultra-light is great, but a light action 6-foot, 6-inch crappie rod can provide a bit more distance. In early Spring, during prespawn when water temps push over 50 degrees, big bulls will begin moving out of their winter areas and start gravitating toward mid-depth structure. These areas include weed edges, rock piles or submerged timber; anything that provides protection will be sought out. Muddy bottoms and sunken brushpiles can be prime areas. Locating structure can be tricky, but when fishing muddy lakes look for slight changes in depth including depressions only inches deeper than the surrounding area. These “bowls” are big bull hotspots. A jig tipped with waxworms, spikes or grasshoppers work well here, but a 1-inch chunk of nightcrawler or leaf worm is better. If available, hellgrammites—sometimes locally called “wigglers”—will outshine any other offering. They’re typically more expensive, but you will not be disappointed. Be prepared, however, because largemouth bass love them too and will certainly test your light tackle. Vertical jigging is a great technique. Dangling a tempting morsel over a rock pile, suspended weeds, sunken brush or muddy bottom can mean the difference between fishing and catching. Sometimes bigger is better, but for these feisty little Frisbees, smaller is often your best bet.

he N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission closed approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters to fishing onehalf hour after sunset on Feb. 28 to prepare for opening day, which is April 6. During the closure, commission personnel stocked all Hatchery Supported Trout Waters in preparation for opening day. Staff stocks Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, which are marked by green-andwhite signs, at frequent intervals in the spring and early summer every year. This year, commission personnel will stock approximately 930,000 trout—96 percent of which average 10 inches in length, with the other 4 percent exceeding 14 inches in length. While fishing on Hatchery Supported Trout Waters, anglers can harvest a maximum of seven trout per day, with no minimum size limit or bait restriction. Hatchery Supported Trout Waters are open from 7 a.m. on the first Saturday in April until one-half hour after sunset on the last day of February the following year. For more information on trout fishing in North Carolina, visit the Commission’s trout fishing page, or call the Inland Fisheries Division, (919) 707-0220.

BLUE RIDGE

CANGL_BR1-BR4.indd 4

APRIL 2019

OAA has announced recreational red snapper seasons for the South Atlantic, which includes fisheries off Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The recreational sector will open for harvest on the following days: • July 12-14 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) • July 19-20 (Friday and Satur-

day) During this limited open season, the recreational bag limit is one red snapper per person, per day for private and charter vessels. The captain and crew on for-hire vessels will be allowed to retain the recreational bag limit. There is no size limit. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council identified the following best practices to reduce release mortality and further protect the population as it rebuilds: • Avoid areas likely to have red snapper if you already caught your limit. • When red snapper are out of season, avoid areas where they are common. • Use single-hook rigs to reduce the potential for catching multiple red snapper on a single drop. • Use non-offset circle hooks while fishing in areas where red snapper are common. • Use a dehooking device to remove the hook. Keep fish in the water if you plan to release them or return them to the water as quickly as possible. • Use descending devices when releasing fish with signs of barotrauma.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 10:09 AM

Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 3

APRIL 2019

SOUTHEAST

3/18/19 10:59 AM

The Return of a Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC

JOIN

ONLINE

• Regional Reports • Featured Articles • Fishing Tips • Giveaways

www.COASTALANGLERMAG.COM 4

SOUTHEAST

CANGL_SE1-SE4.indd 4

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 10:59 AM

r spread

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 19

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Tim Barefoot

here are several ways to make this double tackle, but one simple knot makes a wonderful, heavy-duty presentation. Some folks refer to this as a “high/low rig,” and you can call it anything you want, but for the sake of this article I’ll just call it a “double tackle.” To start with, consider the fish you are targeting and choose the correct size fluorocarbon for the leader. You can tie this knot in almost any size fluoro up to 80- or 100-pound. A rig like this is extremely effective on quite a few species and gets a lot of “reaction strikes” due to the multiple offerings presented and the erratic action of the baits. Using a heavier jig on the bottom keeps the lighter jig, streamer fly or unweighted soft plastic in place. It’s less likely to foul and makes the action more erratic, which draws the instinct strikes. The darting action resembles a scared or confused baitfish, which is irresistible to predatory fish, and the trailing bait is an easy target. These are the baitfish they have been programmed to eat since birth. It makes perfect sense, as they exert less energy to catch disoriented baitfish than those swimming perfectly in open water. There are two primary considerations when choosing the poundage of the fluoro leader material, water clarity and quarry. After choosing the correct size jigs and fluoro, it’s time to determine the lengths of the two legs of the rig. I start with about a 4- or 5-foot length of leader and make a 10- to 12-inch diameter loop in the center of the leader. This is typical for smaller inshore or freshwater fish, but can be made larger and longer for larger fish and jigs for a variety of offshore fish. Next, make eight turns with one of the tag ends through the 1-foot diameter loop. Find the center wrap of the tag end and separate it large enough to pass the 1-foot diameter loop back through (as shown in the photo).

10 CIGARS +HUMIDOR

only $19

99*

At this point, hook the 1-foot diameter loop onto something that allows you to pull all three legs of the tackle together with equal pressure and lubricant (saliva). Now, pull the two tag ends HARD as well as the loop to secure the knot down tight. Clip one of the two sides of the loop (shown in photo) and this makes the second leg of the “double tackle.” This might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. For a detailed video, visit the website and the watch the video named “Double Tackle” Check out Tim’s website at www.barefootcatsandtackle.com.

FORTHELO VEOFFISHING.COM

160 value! $

You’ve landed in cigar heaven! Take advantage of this amazing offer from America’s biggest cigar retailer, Cigars International. Ten premium handmade cigars from industry giants like Rocky Patel, Gurkha, Toraño, and many more. That’s worth the price of admission alone, but I’m also including a gorgeous, 40-capacity desktop humidor. The whole package is worth $160, but it’s yours right now for just $1999.* That’s nearly 90% off MSRP! Accept no imitators.

Visit: www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7573 Enter the complete web address or search keyword: SA7573

1-888-244-2790

Mention code SA7573 | Item #: CA62-SP Includes 1 each of: HC • Mark Twain • 5 Vegas • Amati Ramón Bueso • Bahia • La Perla Habana • CAO • Gurkha • Toraño + 40-Capacity Desktop Humidor

FREE 20

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 20

APRIL 2019

40-CAPACITY DESKTOP HUMIDOR

*Plus $499 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state or local sales tax where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For more information see www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 5/31/19.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Get Towing Before You Get Going

Once you’ve been stranded on the water, you’ll never leave the dock again without TowBoatU.S. With 300+ ports and 600+ boats, it’s a service no boater should be without.

GET THE BOATU.S. APP FOR ONE-TOUCH TOWING

BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628 *Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 21

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

Shot Placement Sheri Daye

hen you watch experienced spearos, you will notice they are relaxed in the water, they don’t take long shots, and they make it look easy. You will also notice they have a high percentage of kill shots. That is because they are disciplined and practice good shot placement. Perfect shot placement means you achieve a kill shot, also called “stoning the fish.” In other words, the fish is instantly put to sleep, lifeless as a stone. There’s a multitude of reasons to strive for this shot. For one, a kill shot is the most efficient and humane way to dispatch a fish. With a head shot, the fillets will be in better shape, with no holes, blood marks, or chance of bacteria entering the meat (from a gut shot). Also, the fish does not have a chance to struggle and bend your shaft, or worse yet, to get off the shaft. There are added safety benefits to stoning a fish. You will avoid ringing the dinner bell for sharks attracted to a struggling fish. Also, a live fish has the potential of tangling on the bottom or around you, so a dead fish makes for a much quicker and safer extraction. Finally, if you quietly put the fish to sleep, you won’t spook other fish in the surrounding area, giving you and your buddy a chance at more fish. To stone a fish, the shaft needs to hit the brain or spine. The ideal shot is a quartering shot from above and behind, hitting the spot where the lateral line meets the brain. This sweet spot is at the top of the gills and behind the eyes. Of course, the closer you can get to the fish, the higher the likelihood of proper shot placement.

Here’s more tips for achieving kill shots while spearfishing: 1. Refine your diving/stalking technique so you can get closer to fish without spooking them. 2. Don’t rush the shot, take your time and try to get a more accurate shot.

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 22

APRIL 2019

3. Buy a good quality speargun and make sure your shafts/floppers are in good shape (not bent). 4. Practice hitting an underwater target, such as a weighted foam fish or net. Try shooting from different distances so you know your range versus accuracy. Don’t take “iffy” shots. 5. Take the time to study fish anatomy and examine them at the Sheri Daye fillet table. shows what good shot There are excepplacement tions to the rule. For on cubera example, when taking snapper looks a long shot on a spooky fish with a narrow like. body, such as a wahoo, you might want to aim for “center mass.” Otherwise, take the time to learn one of the most fundamental rules of spearfishing—that is, good shot placement! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

For more Sheri Daye go to,

CAMSPEARFISHING.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 23

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

FROM SHIP TO SHORE

AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.

The new Havalon® TalonTM Quik-Change IITM Multi-Blade Cutlery System brings together nearly 40 years of expertise in the surgical field and decades of quality time spent out in open waters. This innovative platform features a variety of reliable add-on blades designed to make clean work of the dirty work all the way from ship to shore. NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 24

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:18 AM

SEA EAGLE SUPCAT 10 SeaEagle took the concept of an SUP and created a whole new type of inflatable fishing craft that is extremely versatile for anglers on the go. With two rock-solid inflatable side pontoons, The SUPCat10 is an incredibly stable platform to stand and fish or paddle from. For those who prefer to move faster, it can be equipped with either an electric or small gas outboard and reach speeds up to 8mph. From the trunk of your car to the water, the SUPCat10 sets up easily in less than 10 minutes. With the Wheels Up/Wheels Down feature, it’s possible to cart your boat and all your gear down to the water, flip the wheels into an upright position and paddle or motor away. Features include: Four Scotty gear mounts, two Scotty rod holders, nonslip EVA foam deck pads, 360-degree swivel seat, built-in fish rulers, multiple D-ring attachment points, removable rear motor mount and four grab handles. It’s an exceptional little fishing boat no matter how you choose to propel it.

•

For the Guy Who Defies the Odds!

Our unique shirt design is NOT for the man who has given up on life. Our guy keeps looking better and better with age and embraces a life well-spent, but not nearly over.

• •

The Perfect Gift for Your Old Guy!

Whether it’s your husband, dad, grandpa, uncle or good friend, this is by far the ultimate gift for them.

•

Quality T-Shirt for Quality Men

Made of 100% imported cotton blend that runs true to size, this premium shirt can be machine washed and tumbled dry medium. Do not iron the design.

Availability

T-shirts, caps and other accessories are available at better surf and resort shops along the East Coast. Dealer inquiries invited. Products also available online.

866-465-9640 www.oldguysrule.fishing

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 25

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:18 AM

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

855-HOOK-ONE

Sailfish Boats’ new flagship center console, the 360CC, is the largest, most feature-rich boat in the Sailfish family. The 360CC is on the leading-edge of center console design. Like all Sailfish Boats, the 360CC features Sailfish’s unique Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull design, offering a smooth, stable ride, even in rough seas. Their exclusive VDS Hull features three distinct running surfaces. The first section is a 24-degree dead rise that cuts through the water. This is the most aggressive angle used in the fishing boat segment. The second section is 23 degrees, and it provides lift and allows air under the hull, producing a softer ride with less friction for better performance and fuel economy. This lift allows you to reach the same speed without requiring as much horsepower as other boats. The third section is 22 degrees, and it provides stability needed for slow trolling or stopped positions. The hull and deck are both reinforced with Kevlar and carbon fiber, and built using the SailTech foam-filled fiberglass stringer system and SailTech composite full length transom. Sailfish has been expertly engineering center consoles, dual consoles, walkarounds and bay boats for nearly 40 years. They range from 19’ to 36’. With reliable outboard power from Yamaha or Mercury, and their exclusive VDS hull design, the Sailfish 360CC delivers a smooth, safe ride, even in the roughest offshore water. The all-new 360CC Center Console is a fitting addition to the Sailfish lineup. It epitomizes the Sailfish legacy of building high quality and expertly engineered boats that are fishing focused and family friendly.

FISHING FOCUSED. FAMILY FRIENDLY.

A rarity in its class, the 360CC is built using three-piece construction and cored hull sides, providing a rigid platform that allows for maximum cockpit space with abundant, built-in under-gunwale storage. Onboard, you will find an amazing array of innovative features and options, including a built-into-the-hardtop articulating cockpit shade, pressurized circulating bait wells, vented sunroof, and a spacious captain’s berth.

THE ALL NEW

360CC

CENTER CONSOLE

@Sailfishboats | www.SailifshBoats.com 26

Coastal Angler Half Page APRIL.indd 1

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 26

APRIL 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/7/19 1:35 PM

3/18/19 11:19 AM

TIPS FROM A PRO

EXPERIENCE THE

TIPS FROM A PRO

FRESHWATER Why Do Hooked Fish Get Off?

BRANDON LESTER

ass get away for two basic reasons: the hook coming out of their mouth and line failure. If you can keep those from happening, you’ll land the fish. Sounds simple right? Well, it is and it isn’t. To keep these from happening, you’ve got to have the right combination of hook, line and rod… and then you must use them all properly. Let’s start with the hookset. If the hook isn’t properly buried into the fish’s jaw, it is obviously easier for it to come out. The hookset is predominately a factor of the right hook paired with the right fishing rod. You generally want to use the biggest, sturdiest hook and the heaviest power (basically its stiffness) rod the particular technique and lure will allow. And you’ve got to learn to set the hook as hard as your equipment will allow you. Watch the hooksets of pro anglers on the Bassmaster television show. We do not mess around. The hookset is powerful and fast. The biggest challenge with matching hook and rod power is learning how big you can go with your equipment and still present the bait properly. You’ll get more bites using smaller hooks and lighter line, so you can’t always use the heaviest equipment. Pay close attention to the bait and lure weights that rods are rated for. I

build all my rods with blanks and supplies from Mud Hole Custom Tackle (www.MudHole.com). All of their blanks come with that information included. Winn Grips are a must on all my rods, as they ensure a proper grip on the rod for that big hookset. A good quality hook is one that penetrates a fish’s mouth and stays there until you get your hands on the fish. The sharper the hook, the better it penetrates into the fish’s mouth. Once there, the hook has to be strong enough to not “flex” or open up. A flexing hook takes pressure off the bass and allows him to pull off during the fight. A lot of baits come with cheap hooks that will flex even on the first fish. Lesser-quality hooks will often become dull very quickly, too. Not all hooks are made the same. Mustad is the world’s No. 1 hook seller, and it’s No. 1 for a reason. Fortunately for us bass anglers, years ago Denny Brauer and Kevin VanDam got together with Mustad’s engineers and designers to create the basic hooks needed specifically for bass. Mustad hasn’t stopped improving the line of hooks either. The Big Bite worm hook is a hook I helped them develop. In many countries, they don’t use a separate term for “fish hook.” They simply call it a “Mustad.” In a future article, we’ll discuss fighting the fish and the importance of choosing the right fishing line. Until then, go fishing and work on that hookset!

For more on Lester visit,

FISHINGMAGAZINE.FISHING

35 PM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 27

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:19 AM

You own a boat because you love spending time on the water. Choose the outboard that allows you to make the most of it. Honda’s legendary reliability, durability, ease-of-maintenance, and powerful performance keep you going strong.

GET UP TO 700 OFF SELECT OUTBOARDS! $ JANUARY 3, 2019-JUNE 3, 2019, ONLY AT PARTICIPATING DEALERS

*At participating dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may receive instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower. This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine 40 HP through 250 HP outboard engines, 2014 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 3, 2019 and June 3, 2019 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. © 2019 American Honda Co., Inc. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual. All Honda outboards meet EPA and CARB emission levels. 28 NATIONAL I APRIL 2019Motor I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 28 HondaMarine_CostalAngler_700Off_8.125x10.875.indd 1

3/18/19 11:19 AM 1/14/19 3:48 PM

MARK SOSIN There is a lesson to be learned. Shortly before he vaulted to stardom on the largemouth bass tournament trail countless years ago, Rick Clunn discovered that he spent so much time searching for magical techniques and secret lures that he almost lost sight of the basics. When he paused to reflect, he realized there were no curealls or panaceas that applied to any type of fishing. The answer centered on a more simplified approach. It suddenly became apparent that almost all bass tournaments were won by somebody who used a spinnerbait, plastic worm or a crankbait. It didn’t matter where the contest was held, who fished it and won, or what time of year it happened to be. Armed with that valuable bit of information, Rick decided to change his own fishing style and substitute simplicity for the complex techniques he clung to in the past. It occurred to him that if he learned to fish these basic lures with equal skill, he should be able to catch fish anywhere. Some of us have a tendency to insist on making fishing much more complicated than it actually is. If fish were that hard to catch, few of us would ever be successful. Impatience and lack of confidence force many anglers to search frantically for solutions that just don’t exist. These fishermen would do better if they learned one or two techniques thoroughly.

JOIN *

nda c.’s ons tice.

4/19 3:48 PM

Certainly, there will be times when their basic method does not produce, but over the long run they will catch more fish. My late father never heard of Rick Clunn, nor did he ever fish competitively for anything. Over many years, he fished for countless species in freshwater and salt, always limiting his approach to a few basic lures or some simple bait. When he finally retired and moved to Florida, his lure of choice was a small, yellow bucktail which he could fish better than anyone I ever met. His tackle box became the two side pockets on his jacket. A handful of bucktails were in his right-hand pocket and some leader material in his left pocket. There’s one other facet to Dad’s thinking worth following. He always insisted that the law of averages held the key to success. Those who insist on specializing on a particular species of fish or seek one of an extra large size are missing out on a lot of fun. All you have to do is keep casting and catching. The law of averages will eventually produce trophy fish for you as well as species that seem important. If you’ve been seeking a way to catch more fish on every outing, try this simplified approach that worked for Rick Clunn and my father. Many of the leading anglers of our time depend on it, and it just might turn the trick for you.

ONLINE

• Regional Reports • Featured Articles • Fishing Tips • Giveaways

www.COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 29

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:19 AM

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

ave you ever wondered why your buddy fishing next to you is catching more fish when you are both using the same lure? Chances are it has to do with the way he’s retrieving his lure that entices fish to strike. What is the first thing you do when the fish are not biting? Most people immediately change lures. If that doesn’t work, the next step is usually to move locations, only to work the lure the same way when it clearly was not producing. You must try working a lure several different ways before ruling it out as ineffective. Here is an example. One chilly morning I was throwing a Controlled Descent Jerk Shad set to sink very slowly. It had a rattle in it. Since the water was in the mid 50s, I concentrated on an area that was 3 or 4 feet deep with a soft silty bottom. I started out keeping my lure near the bottom and working my rod parallel to the water. The lure was basically suspending 6- to 18-inches off the bottom with a side-to-side motion. This is a proven technique in similar situations; however, I didn’t get a strike. After some time covering the area with that technique, I changed my retrieve and worked the same area with the same lure. I started to twitch my lure slowly to the surface, almost as if it was climbing stairs, but very slowly. Since this lure had an extremely slow sink rate, it would almost suspend when paused after

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 30

APRIL 2019

“climbing a few steps.” Once the lure reached the surface, I would let it slowly sink back to the bottom and repeat. I started to catch solid trout up to 6 pounds when the lure would almost reach the surface. Later that day, I fished a different spot with similar conditions. I was working the lure the same way that had produced earlier, and I was getting some very light bites once the lure would reach the bottom. The fish would pick up the lure and swim off, or at times they would swim toward me and I never really felt the strike. I landed a couple but missed and lost many more. Since they were definitely on the bottom and not really aggressive toward the slow-moving lure, I changed it up. Since I had a rattle, I started vigorously shaking my rod tip to make the lure rattle and twitch on the bottom without a lot of forward motion. This was most likely stirring up some silt, as well. This erratic action enticed the trout into a more instinctive strike. I began getting very aggressive strikes and landed every fish that hit. I never changed lure color, style or weight all day. Had I simply switched lures like most people do and worked them the same way as I started, I might not have caught anything. Try changing your retrieve before tying another knot. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:19 AM

popu So wh releas alread fresh Unite

Toda world millio ing fr 2019

This the m Toda these U.S. (BU) featu U.S. Eagle

GovMin

GovMint unregulat due to pr purchase 1-800-72

color, I simt peoe same t have nging nother

is the escent w.My-

LOoduct W ory P AS rice!

9 45 ea c

Actual size is 40.6 mm

ce the would e botcatch when ch the

a difcondire the d eare very would would m off, m toly felt le but . ely on ggresg lure, a rathaking rattle ithout is was me silt, nticed nctive ry agevery

Int

Just Released:

Secure Your New U.S. 2019 Silver Dollars Now!

illions of people collect the American Eagle Silver Dollar. In fact, it’s been the country’s most popular Silver Dollar for over thirty years. So when a new mintage of Silver Dollars is released, many of those same people are already standing in line, ready to secure the freshest silver coins straight from the United States Mint. Today, you can count yourself among the world’s top collectors by getting ahead of millions of Silver Dollar buyers and securing freshly struck Brilliant Uncirculated 2019 American Eagle Silver Dollars.

America’s Brand New Silver Dollar This is a strictly limited release of one of the most beautiful silver coins in the world. Today you have the opportunity to secure these massive, hefty one full Troy ounce U.S. Silver Dollars in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. The 100-year-old design features a walking Lady Liberty draped in a U.S. flag on one side and a majestic U.S. Eagle and shield on the other.

The Most Affordable Precious Metal— GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED Silver is by far the most affordable of all precious metals — and each full Troy ounce American Eagle Silver Dollar is government-guaranteed for its 99.9% purity, authenticity, and legal-tender status.

A Coin Flip You Can’t Afford to Lose Why are we releasing the most popular Silver Dollar in America for a remarkably affordable price? We’re doing it to introduce you to what hundreds of thousands of smart collectors and satisfied customers have known since 1984 — GovMint.com is the best source for coins worldwide.

Timing is Everything Our advice? Keep this stunning offer to yourself. Once word gets out that 2019 Silver Dollars are finally available, especially at such a great price, you’ll be facing far more competition for those very first 2019 Silver Dollars. But by calling today, you can secure yours ahead of the rush.

Call Now And Beat the Crowd! The American Eagle Silver Dollar is one of the best selling and most widely collected silver coins in the world. Don’t miss out — call now and secure your very own American Eagle Silver Dollars ahead of the crowd. Plus, the more you buy, the more you save!

2019 American Eagle Silver Dollar BU 1-4 Coins - $19.95 each + s/h 5-9 Coins - $19.55 each + s/h 10-19 Coins - $19.50 each + FREE SHIPPING 20+ Coins - $19.45 each + FREE SHIPPING

FREE SHIPPING on 8 or More! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Call today toll-free for fastest service

1-888-835-8675 Offer Code AES326-02 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. AES326-02 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2019 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

THE BEST SOURCE FOR COINS WORLDWIDE™I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 31

APRIL 2019

NATIONAL

3/18/19 11:19 AM

êêêêê “The quality of their watches is equal to many that can go for ten times the price or more.”

SUP COU

Customer R

— Jeff from McKinney, TX

PRE 2

SAVE $ 580

“Blue face watches are on the discerning gentleman’s ‘watch list’.” – watchtime.com

COMPARE

RANGEM

RAPID LIGHT FLOOR

• 3-1/2 • Lifts f • Weigh

Stone Cold Fox

SAVE COMPARE

K TOOL $ 4

151

MODEL: KTI6

So good-looking...heads will turn. So unbelievably-priced...jaws will drop.

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

ITEM 645 68053/621

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Experience the Blue Stone Chronograph for 30 days. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, send it back for a refund of the item price. Time is running out. Originally priced at $395, the Blue Stone Chronograph was already generating buzz among watch connoisseurs, but with the price slashed to $69, we can’t guarantee this limited-edition timepiece will last. So, call today!

TAKE 83% OFF INSTANTLY!

When you use your OFFER CODE Stauer Blue Stone Chronograph non-offer code price $395† Offer Code Price

$69 + S&P Save $326

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 32

APRIL 2019

Custome

NOW

$4 COMPARE

WEATHE $ 99

MODEL: 3000

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

1-800-333-2045 Your Offer Code: BSW355-01

Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W.,

® Ste 155, Dept. BSW355-01

Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

$59

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

• Precision movement • Digital and analog timekeeping • LED subdials • Stainless steel crown, caseback & bracelet • Dual time zone feature • Stopwatch • Alarm feature • Calendar: month, day, & date • Water resistant to 3 ATM • Fits wrists 7” to 9” 32

7 FT. 4 WEATH

COMPARE

WORX

ITEM 688

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:19 AM

hft_coasta

SUPER COUPON

êê

qual r ten ore.”

FREE

900 Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

BEATS HONDA* 2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

rom

, TX

PREDATOR 2000

NOW

RUN-TIME

3.4 HOURS

2000

MAX. STARTING WATTS

2000

1600

RUNNING WATTS

61 dB

NOISE LEVEL

59 dB

48 LBS.

WEIGHT

45.6 LBS.

1.2 GAL

TANK SIZE

.95 GAL

OUTLETS

YES

OVERLOAD PROTECTION

YES

79.7 cc

ENGINE SIZE

98.5 cc

YES

LOW OIL ALERT

YES

PARALLEL CAPABLE

YES

POWER SAVER

YES

499 99

99 $429

SAVE $ 580

4.7 HOURS

PRICE

ANY PURCHASE

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

1600

• 3.5" LCD Display • Battery Included COMPARE TO

1,00999

*HONDA EU2000i stated specs

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

SUPER COUPON

30", 5 DRAWER AMMO DRY BOX MECHANIC'S CARTS Customer Rating

PROSKIT $ 23

ITEM 98025/30756/63604/63758 63759/69096/90899 shown

HONDA EU2000i

*81919993 * 81919993

ITEM 62523

WITH

BLACK

ITEM 64032 64030 64033 shown

20% OFF

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

*81915925 * 81915925

MODEL: MT-1210

*81912409 * 81912409 Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/3/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

BLUE

ITEM 64031

Customer Rating

SUPER COUPON

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 8/3/19.

SUPER COUPON

• 1000 lb. capacity

18" x 12" MOVER'S DOLLY

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

8 GALLON, 125 PSI PORTABLE OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR NOW

Customer Rating

RED

ITEM 64061 64059 64060 shown

$3 99 6 SAVE COMPARE TO 9 ITEM 63135 RANGEMAXX 60% 61451 shown *81938538 * 81938538 $ 99

$ 99

MODEL: 1312-92

COMPARE TO

Snap-on

BLUE-POINT

$1 89

21999

$59

151

MODEL: KTI63094

99 COMPARE TO

GPL

$1 9

5145 SAVE

$ 61% 2999 *81970776 * 81970776 MODEL: H-21

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

*81970270 * 81970270 LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" CAMOUFLAGE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP Customer Rating

MODEL: 300083999

COMPARE TO

189

MODEL: 1125220

ITEM 61765/46411 shown

NOW

10-5/8" W 6-1/8" H

$499

194

MODEL: 1450

NOW

6999 $49

ITEM 68146/61297/63476/61840 shown

• 5400 lb. capacity

$5 99

NOW

$ 99

ITEM 97581, 97582, 37051, 37052, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

*81979263 * 81979263

*81981882 * 81981882

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

7 AMP ELECTRIC POLE SAW 1000 LB. CAPACITY 9.5" BAR SWING-BACK TRAILER JACK . to

8 ft

. 10

Customer Rating Customer Rating • Height range:

NOW

$59 COMPARE TO

99 $

79 98 $

MODEL: WG309

SAVE $39

ITEM 68862/63190/62896 shown

1000 LB. CAPACITY MOTORCYCLE LIFT

COMPARE TO

REESE $ 99

MODEL: 74410

NOW

$1 7 $

2599

ITEM 69780/41005 shown

COMPARE TO $

MIBRO

$1 999

64 99 SAVE

$ 69% 3999 *81983669 * 81983669 MODEL: 426920

ITEM 60658/97711 shown

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

29 PIECE TITANIUM DRILL BIT SET

• Diamond plated steel platform and ramp • Lift range: 7" to 29-1/2"

12-1/2" to 24"

SAVE 64%

SUPER COUPON

3/8" x 14 FT., GRADE 43 TOWING CHAIN

Customer Rating

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

SUPER COUPON

14 99

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

NOW

*81972603 * 81972603

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

*81976889 * 81976889

6 ft

GO GREEN POWER

*81970975 * 81970975

MODEL: VEN4145

ITEM 64110

COMPARE TO

Case contents and locks not included.

VENOM $ 97

$ 99

SAVE 66%

SAVE $ 164 ITEM 63927

PELICAN $ 19

COMPARE TO

SAVE 50%

Customer Rating

3999

SAVE 59%

SAVE $140 SUPERWINCH $ 99

250 LUMENS POP-UP LANTERN

• 5 mil thickness

SUPER COUPON

WORX

9 $299

19649

MODEL: 8010

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

POWDER-FREE Customer Rating NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100

2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

COMPARE TO

CALIFORNIA AIR

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

SUPER COUPON

NOW

ITEM 95386 67501/69667/68740 shown

*81953176 * 81953176

MODEL 3800

SAVE $96

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

Customer Rating

• Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H

$ 99

$799

11999

*81948161 * 81948161

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

SUPER COUPON

WEATHERMASTER $ 99

SAVE 65%

MODEL: HDFDOLLY

NOW

ITEM 64545/64552/64832/64980 68053/62160/62496/62516/60569 shown

COMPARE TO

1099

ITEM 60497/61899/63095/63096/63097/63098 shown

• 350 lb. capacity

NOW

18" WORKING PLATFORM ULTRA-LIGHT, CRUSH PROOF STEP STOOL WEATHER-RESISTANT Customer Rating LOCKABLE CASE NOW • 14-7/8" L

Customer Rating

BUFFALO TOOLS $ 99

SUPER COUPON

NOW

COMPARE TO

YELLOW

ITEM 56239 64720 shown

$ COMPARE TO

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.

K TOOL $ 42

ITEM 56238 64722 shown

MODEL: KRBC10TBPES

SAVE 91

ORANGE

• 15,000 cu. in. of storage SAVE $ 830 lb. capacity $ 640 •• 700 Weighs 139 lbs. *81944866 * 81944866

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 56237 64721 shown

YOUR CHOICE OF COLOR

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

RAPID PUMP 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK

$9999

GREEN

NOW

Customer Rating

NOW

99 $299 $

NOW

39999

COMPARE TO

DIRECT-LIFT

COMPARE TO

82999 SAVE $530

MODEL: 873100

ITEM 69904/68892 shown

DEWALT $ 14

MODEL: DW1369

SAVE 85%

ITEM 62281/61637 shown

$999

1799

*81985915 * 81985915

*81990164 * 81990164

*81990776 * 81990776

*81994559 * 81994559

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 8/3/19*

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 I APRIL 33 advertised for•sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in 2019 the U.S. withinItheNATIONAL past 90 days. Prices advertised by others

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 8/3/19.

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 33 hft_coastalangler_0419_M-REG163326.indd 1

may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

3/18/19 3/1/1911:19 3:10AM PM

Start the new boating season off right with the Ultimate 4-Stroke Outboard from Suzuki. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Extended Protection at no extra charge.There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Extended Protection

Six Years of Protection at no extra charge on all new outboards 25 to 350 HP.

INST

ANT SAVIN GS SAV

SELECE RIGHT N T SUZ UKI O OW ON UTBO ARDS

REPOWER FINANCE

Instant Savings on select models when you buy during this promotion. See your dealer for details.

Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

To learn more, visit www.suzukimarine.com. Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/19 and 06/30/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

NATIONAL

CANGL_NAT3-NAT32.indd 34

APRIL 2019

SZ_Q2 Promo_1PG_WIP.indd 1

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/18/19 11:19 AM

3/15/19 2:26 PM

1782-18B Coastal Angler.indd 1 COMMON CVRS_0419.indd 3

For: Coastal Angler

12/19/18 3:50 PM 3/18/19 9:38 AM

NEW FROM THE ALL NEW

Introducing the newest member of the NauticStar family: the 32 XS Offshore. This outstanding saltwater

NAUTICSTAR

HYPER HYBRID...

performer delivers all the necessary fishing features for the serious angler with a smooth, dry, comfortable ride, and cutting edge styling and comfort never before seen in a boat of this class.

IT’SXS CRAZY 32 COOL! OFFSHORE

With its 10’ 6” beam, the 32 XS Offshore offers a [a] spacious and comfortable bow that features a large forward lounge seat and plush wrap-around seating. The head console has a fully lined interior with a stainless steel sink, SeaDek® floor and electricSEE flush porcelain toilet. [b] IT It has a large helm station to allow for dual 12-inch (standard) or 16-inch AT THE MIAMI INTL (optional) multifunction displays. [c] The leaning post features ergoBOAT SHOW nomically correct Llebrock® double billfish seats with flip-up bolsters BOOTH A237 and pivot arms. [d] It has a sink, tackle storage, and a slide-out, 35 Qt. YETI® cooler or optional refrigerator. The D-channel, integrated T-top can be fitted with a variety of options such as a retractable shade, and folddown cockpit television. Aft, the jump seats flip-up for a roomy fishing deck with [e] port and starboard 8.8 cu.ft. in-floor fish boxes and large port side dive door.

NAUTICSTAR’S

251 HYBRID

Build the boat of your dreams on NauticStarBoats.com

Call (662) 200-4664 or visit our website:

Factoryinstalled installedwith with Factory

NauticStarBoats.com Some photos shown with optional equipment

COMMON CVRS_0419.indd 4

3/18/19 9:38 AM