Issuu

FREE

THE FLORIDA KEYS EDITION

DRUM BEAT

LONG DISTANCE LURES

LOCAL REPORTS

GROUPER TIME!

@CAMTAMagazine

OF THE WORKING MAN

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURA CHERIE IG: @LAURALOVES2FISH

VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 326

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MAY 2022

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.

Proven inshore. Proven offshore. Ready for those who fish and for those who catch. We’re standing by to keep you fishing. Are you a member?

Fu bo

als If y wi loo Th ex bla res Th de fea na Th in wi aro for sp Bu las co she Hu Yo Fe on cra cu 30 ite Li las Bl be

*D list

Ca Pr

•

JOIN NOW AND SAVE 10% seatow.com/angler

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this BONUS! Call today and beauty slip through your fingers. Call today! you’ll also receive this

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives



“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN



“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $170

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK768-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK768-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

shown *Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the actual size. listed original Stauer.com price.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. • 12" overall length; 6 ¹⁄2" stainless steel full tang blade • Genuine bone handle with brass hand guard & bolsters • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

The Workingman’s Drum By CAM Staff

Young angler Hayes Grinnell did battle with this big black drum while fishing the Texas coast with Slinging Mullet Guide Service and Get Em Guide Service.

n some circles, black drum don’t get the respect they deserve. Maybe it’s their appearance? With weird chin barbells and a humped head, they hug the bottom, looking like the hunchbacked cousins of the sleeker redfish inshore anglers adore. Or maybe it’s their reluctance to take a lure? Black drum feed primarily by scent, and while you might catch one slinging a spoon, targeting them requires bait, which is more effort than plug and paddletail aficionados are willing to put forth. However, for anglers who aren’t too prissy to get their hands dirty, black drum have a whole lot to offer. They are the workingman’s drum, found nearshore and inshore throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic seaboard to New England. Black drum pull hard, with powerful bulldogging runs regardless of size. And they grow quite large, reaching weights well over 100 pounds. On top of that, they provide consistent action in a wide range of areas where they can be caught. Shore-bound anglers can target them from docks, bridges, jetties and piers, where drum hunt crustaceans around structure. Surf anglers often connect with them on quartered blue crabs cast outside the breakers. From a boat, passes and inlets are prime feeding grounds as is nearshore structure. Shallow-water anglers find younger specimens way up in the estuaries tailing like redfish for fiddler crabs in tidal creeks.

Their movements are seasonal, but as long as you’ve got bait, you can pursue black drum pretty much anywhere you choose. Like most fish, they bite best on a moving tide, when your bait’s scent disperses over a wide area. They’ll eat halved blue crabs, whole fiddler crabs or mud crabs with backs cracked to let a little scent out, and also live or dead shrimp or fresh cut bait. On the northern end of their range, anglers add clams, mussels and blood worms to the array of baits a drum will eat. As long as your bait is on the bottom and smelling like food, it’s likely to draw the attention of a drum. Rigging and gear are pretty simple. A classic Carolina rig with just enough weight to keep the bait on bottom will get the job done in most situations. Up in the creeks, where you’ll be doing more casting and maybe even sight fishing, baits can be fished on a jighead or even a simple hook with a split shot. Tackle in the 20-pound class is a good starting point, and it’s wise to beef up to pull big drum off structure. They do get big. The IGFA world record, caught in 1975 off Delaware, weighed 113 pounds, 1 ounce. Fish in the 40- to 50-pound range are regular catches across the drum’s range. Those big fish aren’t good to eat, though. The meat is often full of worms by the time fish reach weights heavier than about 15 pounds. Smaller drum are excellent table fare. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

YOUR PERSONAL LIFEGUARD... Use promocode CA2022 at Fellmarine.com to receive a special offer!

ALWAYS ON - NEVER INTRUSIVE

FREEDOM WITH SAFETY

The MOB+™ is a life-saving device for your boat. It provides greater freedom of movement than a traditional kill switch, and stops the engine should you fall overboard. Connect up to 4 people at the same time. www.fellmarine.com

Complies with new USCG regulation regarding mandatory emergency lanyard use 4 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Now available at: & (Online only) Or find your local retailer at www.fellmarine.com/retailers

2022 o er!

SPECIAL OFFER

30 DAY MONEY ROSE GOLD & BACK GUARANTEE BLUE FINISH

D RESS ED TO KILL & FULLY LOAD E D ! T H E WATC H YOU ’ V E BE E N AFTE R ALL T H ES E Y E AR S NOW ON S PECIAL O FFE R !

The quest to find the ultimate men’s watch has always been a difficult one in the world of fashion. A timepiece with the perfect look and functionality has long been the goal of both watch designers and enthusiasts alike.

After many years, mastering and honing the construction, design, and look. We bring you a durable rubber strap that will withstand everything the elements throw at it. Three precision sub-dials featuring a split second, minute and second, as well as being water-resistant to 3ATM’s. This watch is the epitome of style and sporty design.

Your journey is at an end you can rest in the knowledge that this superb looking timepiece will

stand out on the wrist. High-quality materials and design will endure the ravages of time both in terms of remaining fashionable and stylish yet durable enough to be worn every day whether at work, rest, or play.

When we first introduced this outstanding looking timepiece we sold out within days especially considering the very special low-cost offer of only $99 plus S&H. To avoid disappointment hurry and order today. Using the toll-free number below and quoting the promo code or by visiting our online store and entering the code before checkout.

The Daniel Steiger

RENEGADE BLUE NON OFFER PRICE $599 (WITHOUT PROMO CODE)

$99

83% OFF NOW ONLY (WITH PROMO CA2YRN)

PLUS S&H

ORDER NOW TOLL FREE 24/7 ON

1-800 733 8463 PROMO CODE: C A 2 Y R N

ORDER ONLINE AT timepiecesusa.com/ca2yrn AND ENTER CODE: C A 2 Y R N

• Rose Gold & Blue Finish • Comfortable Silicone Band • High Precision Quartz Movement • Split-Second Chronograph • Blue Plating Timepieces Int Inc, 10701 NW 140th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah Gardens, Fl. 33018

IT’S GROUPER TIME AGAIN! By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

ay is finally here, opening grouper season for fishermen on the Atlantic Coast. For the past several months of the season closure, charter captains in the Florida Keys have been boasting incredible throw-back grouper catches. The reopening of this species enriches each fishing trip with an extra opportunity for a great fighting fish, which is also excellent tablefare. Grouper fishing can easily be peppered into a day of fishing by dropping a bottom rig down while yellowtail fishing, trolling lures or stopping offshore to deep-drop for snowy grouper while on the mahi hunt. While the fishery in the Keys may not be famous for its bottom fishing, there is no reason it shouldn’t be. Red, black and gag grouper are plentiful and close to land. Snowy grouper aren’t too far either, and can be reasonably reliable to target. Snowy grouper are found within 1,000 feet, and can be targeted with electric or hand-crank set ups. Electric reels are advisable when mahi season is in full swing, as to make quick work of the one-per-boat limit of snowy grouper. The trek offshore for a single fish might seem like a waste of time, but there is a little more to it. Snowy grouper can get quite large and yield impressively sized, excellent tasting fillets. There

are also the welcomed bycatches of rosies, barrelfish and tilefish while deep dropping in these areas. Furthermore, there should be ample opportunities for mahi fishing on the way to and from the spot. Another reason the electric reel is preferable is an 8-pound weight should be used to keep your bait on the bottom in the heavy current. Keep your weight as close to the bottom as you can and utilize a chicken rig, with multiple hooks along the leader, baited with just about anything. Continuously recheck the bottom to make sure it hasn’t gotten away from you, and bring a spare weight or two, as it isn’t overly difficult to lose one while fishing this way. Targeting red, black and gag grouper on the reef can be a little different than typical grouper fishing on the west coast of Florida. Heavy weights can easily get snagged on the rocky bottom in the heavy current, potentially making inexperience quite expensive in terms of lost tackle. There are also plenty of smaller reef fish waiting to pick apart your bait. Over-baiting can be a good tactic, but the most reliable way to bypass these conditions, is to simply freeline a live bait on a jighead. After breaking client’s hearts by releasing trophy grouper throughout the closed season, we are thrilled to be able to add these tasty critters to the icebox yet again. Right now is an excellent time to visit the Florida Keys and enjoy our full fishery. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters out of Marathon, Fla.

LURES

CASTING FAR: THE DYNAMICS OF LONG DISTANCE LURES

PATRICK SEBILE

’ve enjoyed fishing from the shore since I was a teen angler, and one thing that became obvious to me very quickly was there are numerous situations when casts are a tad bit short to reach targeted fish in specific situations. This is a constant truism when fishing from the bank, the beach, a pier or jetty, but it also applies to boat anglers. Quick, long casts are often required for fastmoving fish like tuna. Long casts are also useful when it’s necessary to keep the boat away from reefs, boulders and breakers for safety or to avoid spooking fish. Long ago, I began making sure to always have lures in my possession that

were especially efficient for reaching out long distances. These lures sometimes trade realistic swimming action for distance, yet there are also a few that find a balance between great range and great action. When you read the packaging of a saltwater lure, and especially a surffishing lure, it often mentions how good the lure is for longdistance casts— or how good it is supposed to be. The problem is, there is no scale. There is no quantifiable reference for comparing lures that honestly presents the real numbers of yards any given lure will deliver. Marketing promises do not

always translate into real performance. To make things more complex, there is theoretical and real distance. A lure that casts great on a parking lot with no breeze can turn into a disaster when casting into an onshore breeze at night, which are conditions many serious fishermen face in the surf. There’s no magic, and what makes some lures reach farther distances than others is a mix between their concept, their balance and, to a certain extent, the gear used to throw them when the goal is to reach a little bit farther than other anglers. This conversation is all about the physics that translates to longer casting distance for better fishing results. The key points that will help you pick the proper lures to do the job are shape, buoyancy, the position of weight on the lure, the total weight and sometimes extra appendages, such as side wings that really help a lure fly as far as possible. These elements are just a primer to a discussion on lures designed for distance. Next month, I plan to go in-depth on ways you can select lures that will truly help you cast super-long distances to reach fish other lures cannot. Arming yourself with a longcasting arsenal gives you an edge in catching fish, simply because you’ll be able put a lure in front of them.

Legendary angler Patrick Sebile is a world record holder and an award-winning designer of innovative lures and fishing gear. Check out his creations at abandofanglers.com.

B in

E fo it

2 p r in a

2 b w S

2 c h fi in

2 W M d

8 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

G ri o co

ere is t casts n turn nshore many

some rs is a e and, throw tle bit

T ED 202 S U AS or

J ELE ins f R Co W

5 Countries, 5 Pure Silver Coins!

hysics ce for at will he job ght on s extra y help

to a tance. ways p you other longtching ure in

rld igner k out

Your Silver Passport to Travel the World

The 5 Most Popular Pure Silver Coins on Earth in One Set

ravel the globe, without leaving home—with this set of the world’s five most popular pure silver coins. Newly struck for 2022 in one troy ounce of fine silver, each coin will arrive in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. Your excursion includes stops in the United States, China, South Africa, Australia and Canada.

We’ve Done the Work for You with this Extraordinary 5-Pc. World Silver Coin Set

Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability, even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal tender value. 2022 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the single most popular coin in the world. 2022 represents the first full year of release of the Silver Eagle’s new Eagles Landing reverse design, introduced midway through last year to honor the coin’s 35th anniversary. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint. 2022 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best-known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. 2022 is the 5th anniversary of the first silver Krugerrand. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint. 2022 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, highlighted by one-year-only designs. This 2022 Panda features its first-ever privy mark honoring the coin’s 40th anniversary. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint. 2022 Australia Wedge Tailed Eagle: Introduced in 2014, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle is the first-ever collaboration between U.S. Mint designer John Mercanti and a foreign mint. With a new design for 2022, it’s struck in 99.9% fine silver at the Perth Mint. GovMint.com • 1300 Corporate Center Curve, Dept. WRD219-02, Eagan, MN 55121

2022 Canada Maple Leaf: Since 1988, the Silver Maple Leaf’s elegant design has made it a highly sought-after bullion coin. The 2022 coin features anti-counterfeit security technology—radial lines and a microengraved maple leaf with the number “22”. Struck in 99.99% fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint.

Exquisite Designs Struck in Precious Silver

These coins, with stunningly detailed designs and gorgeous finishes that speak to their country of origin, are sure to hold a revered place in your collection. Plus, they provide you with a unique way to stock up on precious fine silver. Here’s a legacy you and your family will enjoy, and cherish. Secure yours now!

SAVE with this World Coin Set

You’ll save both time and money on this world coin set with FREE shipping and a BONUS presentation case.

2022 World Silver 5-Coin Set $199 + FREE SHIPPING FREE SHIPPING: Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

For fastest service call today toll-free

1-888-201-7070 Offer Code WRD219-02

Please mention this code when you call.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER Not sold yet? To learn more, place your phone camera here >>> or visit govmint.com/WRD

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. © 2022 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

A+

Shiner Fishing for Giant Florida

LARGEMOUTHS

ass tournament anglers get excited about 20-pound five-fish limits, and a 30-pound tournament sack is a lifetime achievement for most. It takes a little bit more to impress hawg hunter Sean Rush. Rush makes a living guiding clients to trophy largemouth bass, mostly on Rodman Reservoir in north Florida. The best five fish haul his boat has seen weighed 61 pounds, 9 ounces. Think about that. That’s a more than 12-pound average. Rush said it was the best fishing day he’s ever witnessed, with two fish well over 13 pounds and the smallest of the five weighing a measly 11 pounds, 1 ounce. Most bass anglers across the country spend a lifetime seeking out a single 10-pound-plus largemouth. Rush’s anglers did five lifetime’s worth of trophy catching in a single day on April 26 of 2021. “And we probably lost between three and six fish that were that big or bigger,” Rush added after rattling off the astounding statistics. “Those guys were from New Jersey. They had never done any Florida shiner fishing before. I told them it was all downhill from there.” The downhill slide, however, is not too steep. Even a decent day using Rush’s techniques on Rodman produces results that would impress just about anyone. When it comes to catching big largemouths, he’s got several advantages over your average angler. Location is a big factor. Rodman is a 9,500acre giant bass factory. It is a 15-mile long stump field with a deep river channel running down the middle of it and the matted vegetation Florida

By Nick Carter

fisheries are known for. In more than three decades guiding, Rush said his clients have boated close to 1,000 bass better than 10 pounds. He landed 73 10-plus-pounders last year alone and has overseen the landing of eight fish on FWC’s TrophyCatch Hall of Fame list, which is for fish heavier than 13 pounds. He does 95 percent of his trips on Rodman. “If fishing is good, we commonly catch 30 to 60 fish a day,” he said. “The average size at Rodman is pretty solid. Usually we’ll have fish in the 8- to 10-pound class on the top end of that range.” Tactics are everything when it comes to catching fish like that. Live bait provides a huge advantage over the lures tournament anglers must fish. Rush fishes exclusively with live, wildcaught shiners, which he keeps lively in a huge bait tank on his custom-built, 22-foot Prodigy Razor. The tournament guys can keep their fiberglass glitter rockets. Rush’s sturdy aluminum boat is rigged out for the style of fishing he does, and it’s powered by a 150 hp Mercury with a power-assisted hand tiller. The tackle is also sturdy. Rush pairs heavy duty Daiwa 300 Lexa baitcasting reels with super heavy 7 ½- and 8-foot rods he said are essentially musky rods. He fishes straight 20-pound Berkley Big Game in green, which is thin enough for low visibility and strong enough to get the job done. He hooks his shiners through the tail above the anal fin with 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 Eagle Claw 84s, which

are standard J hooks with a slight offset. In a typical spread, his anglers will work shiners under bobbers set 3 to 5 feet deep, and he’ll throw out one or two shiners on freelines to swim up under the vegetation. For big fish, he prefers shiners 7 to 9 inches long. Rush’s big-fish reputation has gotten around, so he stays booked 300-plus days a year. His favorite time of year is fall, before the December through February spawn. “It’s prespawn, the fishing pressure is lower and the fish are feeding up that time of year,” he said. “The fish are also big then. They look like gorillas.” Late spring and summer are also good, once fish settle back into normal patterns after the spawn. Most of the year he targets them around floating mats of vegetation and deep river bends. The exception is during the spawn, when bass push up on the flats. Rush does not bed fish, though. He’ll set up on mats near known spawning flats and try to catch big females staging. One more thing: don’t call Rush if you want to eat bass or have a trophy mounted. Rodman is managed under regular Florida regulations— which allow five fish, with one fish longer than 16 inches—but Rush’s trips are catch-and-release. “I’m up front and honest about it on the phone,” he said. “If they even talk like they want to keep one, I just won’t take them.” Contact Capt. Sean Rush and Trophy Bass Expeditions of Central Florida through the website at www.floridatrophybass.com.

work p, and eelines fish, he

round, r. His ember

lower ar,” he ok like

, once er the round bends. s push hough. g flats

u want odman ions— han 16 ase. on the y want

ass he .

GEICO.COM/BOAT • 1-800-865-4846 • LOCAL OFFICE GREAT LOW RATES | MULTI-VEHICLE DISCOUNT | SPECIALIZED AGENTS 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. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2022 GEICO. 21_782312631

Monster Blue Cat Smashes Mississippi Record By CAM Staff

he Mississippi River near Natchez, Miss. has a history of producing giant blue cats. The most recent monster catfish, caught on April 7, weighed 131 pounds and absolutely crushed the existing state rod-and-reel state record. Eugene Cronley, of Brandon, Mississippi, had just set up in a 90-foot-deep hole downstream of Natchez. About five minutes after making his first cast, the big fish took the cut skipjack he was using as bait, according to a report in the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “He hit the rod and started pulling drag,”

Cronley told the Clarion Ledger. “We had to untie the boat and float down the river. “I couldn’t move him. I’d pull on him and take in a foot of line and he’d pull and take 10 feet. I just sat there like I was hung up.” After a 40-minute fight on 30-pound line, the angler’s exhaustion made hauling the fish into the boat a chore. Cronley has caught 50-pound fish from the area before, and he didn’t

realize exactly how big this fish was until he put eyes on it. Then, it was time to start looking for a certified scale with the capacity to weigh such an enormous fish. Cronley’s fish waited on ice for three days before he was able to get a certified weight. Fish lose weight when they are out of the water. The Clarion Ledger reported that the fish had an initial weight of 138 pounds on uncertified scales. Even out of the water for three days, Cronley’s blue cat shattered the previous rod-and-reel state record of 95 pounds, caught from the Mississippi near Natchez in 2009. In 1997, a 101-pound Mississippi trophy record blue catfish was caught in the same stretch of river. The IGFA all-tackle world record for blue catfish is 143 pounds. It was caught from Kerr Lake, Buggs Island, Virginia in 2011. Cronley’s catch, if certified by IGFA, would possibly be a new 30-pound line class record. The 30-pound line class record stands at 111 pounds. It was caught in 1996 from Wheeler Reservoir in Alabama. For more Mississippi fishing records, visit mdwfp.com.

YOUR RODS. YOUR WAY. Elevate your ﬁshing game with custom built rods.

MUDHOLE.COM 12 NATIONAL

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PR DI

Il St ag

—

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Suzuki RePower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

Performance Bulletin Available

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

58 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

Custom Marine Service

St. Augustine Marine Center

Panama City

St. Augustine

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales! Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.

Oyster City Suzuki

Apalachicola

COMING SOON Volsuia County

On-Site Marine

Mastry Engine Center

Ruskin

Clearwater

Innovation Marine Corp.

Bayfront Yacht Works

Sarasota

Siesta Key

Calusa Certified Marine Cape Coral

Marina One

Deerfield Beach

Twin Screws Marine Service

All Suzuki repowers come with the new Suzuki 5-year factory warranty.

Fort Myers

Atlantic Marine Store Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574

Go on a power trip with

Get Hooked. More power to find the birds that get you on the fish.

NXT level performance with the most powerful Solid-State Radars on the market. Exceptional short and long-range performance

Target Analyzer™ alerts you to hazardous targets

NXT Bird Mode finds birds faster and farther

Simultaneous dual-range capability

Rain Mode provides precise detection in any weather

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

V6-GetHooked-CoastalAngler.indd 1

4/2/20 4:11 PM

/20 4:11 PM

Permit Monitoring Funded for Western Dry Rocks

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE POWELL

ast year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), initiated an annual total fishing closure from April through July at a popular fishing location off Key West known as Western Dry Rocks. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) recently announced a $600,000 investment to monitor the effectiveness of the closure in protecting spawning permit. Western Dry Rocks is an area of reef and rock about 10 miles southwest of Key West that hosts large spawning aggregations of permit and various snapper and grouper species each year. Its proximity to Key West and the dependable nature of the fishery make it a popular spot for bountiful half-day trips. The intent of the closure, which bans fishing in a 1 square-mile area from April through July for seven years, is to protect populations of several species

by allowing them to spawn unmolested by anglers. Permit, yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper and gray snapper are all known to aggregate at Western Dry Rocks from April through July. These spawning aggregations, along with the swirling currents that sweep past Western Dry Rocks are thought to play a role in the distribution of fish eggs and larvae throughout the Florida Keys and up the Atlantic coast of southern Florida. BTT’s investment will fund a monitoring program for three years. “We can’t overstate the importance of this analysis for fisheries management and how appreciative we are to our partners at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Working together on this important research initiative helps to ensure Florida’s status as the Fishing Capital of the World.” FWC is requiring updates on regulation effectiveness at three, five and seven years, with a sunset clause at seven years if the closure is not meeting expectations. BTT scientists expect the spawning-season closure will have positive impacts on the behavior of permit at Western Dry Rocks, resulting in more relaxed schooling behaviors and enabling spawning fish to remain at the site longer. BTT will work with collaborators from previous permit research projects to test these predictions by comparing data collected at Western Dry Rocks (WDR) with data from other known permit spawning locations where fishing is allowed. “The monitoring will build on datasets that measured depredation, spawning permit aggregation characteristics, and permit spawning migrations at key spawning sites prior to the closure,” said Dr. Ross Boucek, BTT Florida Keys Initiative Manager. “By studying permit at WDR and comparing the WDR data to information gathered at other permit spawning sites that aren’t protected, we’ll be able to assess the effectiveness of a spawning season closure at WDR as a management tool.” The monitoring program will utilize acoustic telemetry, sonar technology and laser-mount underwater cameras to monitor permit spawning behaviors, estimate permit abundance and estimate permit size. The program will also employ methods previously used at WDR to determine rates of depredation at spawning locations that are still fished. For more information, visit myFWC.com.

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • NEW HABITABLE SINGLE AND TWO STORY TINY HOMES • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE •

MAY BRINGS FLOWERS, GREAT DEALS, AND HABITABLE TWO-STORY TINY HOMES.

$0 DOWN FINANCING AVAILABLE UP TO $100,000

3 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS

6 MONTHS NO PAYMENTS

ble

Suz of ac exte adve

Wh Co

• Ma

• Ma so

STEEL BUILDING

• Ma rig

•W pe

26 GUAGE METAL ROOF

• Op CHOOSE YOUR PAINT COLORS FROM VALSPAR®

18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO

/Month

DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS FILLED W/ ARGON GAS

RESIDENTIAL DOORS INCLUDED

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

Call for

MANAGERS SPECIAL

AVAILABLE IN 4 SIZES. CALL FOR PRICING.

30X50X14 CUSTOM METAL BUILDING

Pictured Building 16X24. (Available Sizes: 16X28, AS-LOW-AS $289.00/MO +TAX 16X32, and 16X36) With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

AS-LOW-AS $299.00/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028

PERRY

LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548

MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291

DADE CITY

620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)

211 72nd Trace

Financing Disclaimer:

12X24 ROLL UP DOOR

$162.69

Pricing

28X40X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE

SERVING ALL OF FLORIDA AND SOUTH GEORGIA

/Month

AS-LOW-AS $59.60/MO

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

7 Locations

$39.62

$35.10

2495 Young Blvd.

568 S. Broad St.

P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky P: 352-583-2410 20229 US 301

Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 3.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $3.33 followed by 79 amortized payments of $14.41. Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 11.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $9.99 followed by 79 amortized payments of $18.36.

WAYCROSS

P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501

• Fi

• Al wa

/Month

28X40X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $229.00/MO With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

FIVE STAR RATED ON

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM View our inventory online.

Subject to qualifying credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 12 months. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status.

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

4 FLORIDA

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Consider Ad for

apper, n Dry ith the y a role and up

ement Trust,” ortant of the

ve and eeting

ositive more at the search n Dry where

dation, rations Florida ng the aren’t losure

nology aviors, ll also tion at

Consider A Mastry Suzuki RePower

It Simply Makes Sense

Repowering your boat with Mastry Suzuki outboards gives you an effective

blend of pure power and rugged durability.

Suzuki’s extensive lineup of four-stroke outboards are built for long life, reliable performance, fuel efﬁciency, quiet operation, ease of access to major parts, and simpliﬁed integration. Plus, with Mastry Suzuki’s reputation for high-quality, customer service and extensive marine dealer network — including genuine Suzuki parts and service — we are prepared to support you wherever your adventures lead.

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Mastry Suzuki RePower exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers are located throughout the southeast

•

STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

• Mastry has over 5-decades of repower experience for proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With Mastry Suzuki RePower owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability • Options that will ﬁt most any budget • Financing available • All Suzuki RePowers come with latest factory backed 5-year warranty

Get with the Program! *When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identiﬁcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional beneﬁts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

suzukirepower.com

tus.

1-800-545-4574

LE •

Consider Ad for CA 210608.indd 1

7/15/21 8:30 AM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FWC TROPHYCATCH

PINK-TAGGED BASS OFFER BIG MONEY

here’s a whole lot of gift-card money out there for the lucky anglers who catch one of 10 pink-tagged largemouth bass that were distributed around Florida waters this spring. To celebrate the tenth season of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program, biologists stocked 10 trophysized largemouth bass with bright pink tags into 10 different freshwater fisheries. Each angler who catches and documents a pink-tagged bass will score a $5,000 gift card to Bass Pro Shops, $1,000 to shop at AFTCO, and secure a chance to win an additional $10,000. “Our freshwater biologists tagged 10 huge bass across the state – just about everyone is within a day-trip’s distance to fish for one of these tagged bass from a boat, kayak or even the bank. Now comes the fun part for anglers!” said TrophyCatch Director KP Clements. “Get out there and catch one! Tag, you’re it!” FWC’s TrophyCatch program is a valuable tool for freshwater fisheries research and management. It provides reward incentives to encourage anglers to catch, release and report trophy-sized (weighing 8 pounds or more) largemouth bass in Florida. The program develops public-private partnerships to protect trophy bass, promote fishing and support fisheries conservation programs. TrophyCatch anglers with approved bass receive rewards from program partners while FWC biologists learn more about producing and sustaining the best trophy bass fishery in the world. Here’s a list of the waters where pink-tagged bass are swimming: • Newnans Lake, Alachua County • Lake George, Putnam/Volusia counties • Lake Talquin, Gadsden/Leon counties • Lake Walk-in-Water, Polk County • Tenoroc Fish Management Area, Polk County • Lake Trafford, Collier County • Lake Istokpoga, Highlands County • Lake Griffin, Lake/Orange counties • Lake Rousseau, Levy/Citrus counties • Johns Lake, Orange County For more information, visit www.trophycatchflorida.com.

6 FLORIDA

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FWC TROPHYCATCH

WET YOUR LINE NOT YOUR GEAR INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

WATERPROOF BACKPACK & ROLL-UP BAG FROM AMERICAN TACKLE CO.

DRY ZIP BACKPACK

LIKE OUR NEW FACEBOOK PAGE!

DRY ROLL-TOP BAG

Order yours today at www.americantackleanglerproducts.com

Find better fishing spots

"I started using the Fishbrain app and was amazed at how it actually helped me catch more fish! While on the water I am constantly checking the maps for real-time data in the area I am fishing. I am a Fishbrain believer!" Chasten Whitfield Pro Angler, Captain, Influencer, Educator

Download for free!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2022

FLORIDA 7

Doesn’t require complicated components to keep the system running optimally.

COBIA CUTS LIVE BAIT COMING FOR STATE WATERS HOOKER ELECTRIC

BUCKET

• Completely Mobile • Three Tuna Tubes • 10 or 15 inch Tubes • 12V DC Powered • 6 ft Power Cable • Servicable Water Pump • Fresh or Saltwater Use • Nonskid Bucket Base • Fully Non-Corrosive • Bait Stays Fresh & Frisky

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334 EMAIL: sales@hookerelectric.com

8 FLORIDA

MAY 2022

ecently, federal fisheries managers approved cuts to cobia harvest in federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. At the May 4 meeting of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC staff will recommend regulations for state waters that are consistent with the new federal regulations. The proposed rule would: • Increase the minimum size limit from 33 to 36 inches fork length in all state waters. • Reduce the commercial bag limit from two to one fish per harvester, per day for Atlantic state waters. • Reduce the recreational and commercial vessel limit from six to two fish per vessel, per day for Atlantic State waters. These regulations changes were spurred by a recent stock assessment that shows cobia are undergoing overfishing. According to the proposal, a substantial portion of Florida’s cobia harvest comes from state waters. Staff is recommending the commission adopt these new regulations without further hearing. For more information, go to MyFWC.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

arvest co. At vation rs that

sment osal, a s. Staff ithout

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2022

FLORIDA 9

Summer-Long Statewide Fishing Competition Launches May 28 F or the first time in the history of Florida STAR, CCA Florida, will launch the annual STAR competition presented by Yamaha with a Title sponsor. CCA Florida STAR is proud to announce West Marine as the Title sponsor of the 2022 competition. West Marine began its support of the STAR competition in 2016 and each year has stepped up to a greater level of sponsorship. For 2022, West Marine has chosen to title the competition in order to increase awareness of the company’s commitment to the conservation of our fisheries resources for future viability which is so important to the future of its business. The West Marine CCA Florida STAR competition kicks off on May 28, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The 101-day, summerlong event invites anglers and non-anglers to participate and win their share of prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. Launched in 2015, STAR focuses on conservation with its technology-based, catch-photo-release format. STAR’s dedicated smartphone app promotes the proper handling of species and allows participants to upload competition photos, eliminating the requirement to harvest or capture and transport fish. CCA Florida also uses data collected from the app to educate the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources. This

10 FLORIDA

MAY 2022

important data is also available to other conservation organizations and universities for use in their studies on conservation, habitat and stock assessments. “In the past seven years, it’s been amazing to see STAR participants support conservation by embracing the catch-photo format and picking up garbage during the annual competition” CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald said. “Even more exciting is the participation of over 7,000 registrants annually and awarding more than $2.1 million in prizes, with $700,000 specifically awarded in youth scholarships.” The 2022 STAR competition is comprised of 17 divisions targeting 12 inshore and offshore species plus the cleanup of trash. STAR’s signature Tagged Redfish Division offers winners the choice of a Contender Boats 22 Sport, Pathfinder Boats 2200 TRS or Spyder Boats FX19 Vapor, all powered by Yamaha Outboards. For the first two youth anglers who win this division, prizes include two tiller boats powered with Yamaha Outboards, trailers, Minn Kota trolling motors and Humminbird electronics. The best opportunity to catch this year’s tagged redfish will be in Brevard, Citrus and Charlotte counties, STAR’s 2022 Destination Counties which each have eight tagged redfish in their coastal waters. There will be on average four STAR tagged redfish in every other coastal county of Florida for a total of nearly 170 released

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

tagged fish. There is one tagged fish that is worth $50,000 cash. This special tag is sponsored by Alta Equipment Company. For offshore anglers, the Tigress Outriggers and Gear Tagged Dolphin Division offers one winner a $10,000 cash prize. The first STAR registrant and CCA Florida member who catches one of the tagged dolphin will win. These dolphin will be tagged and released in the coastal waters of Florida for STAR by the Dolphin Research program implemented by the Beyond Our Shores foundation. STAR is a family-friendly competition, and CCA Florida youth members (ages 6 to 17) can participate for free. Kids are encouraged to submit entries in the Youth Scholarship Division presented by Realtree Fishing for an opportunity to win one of 12 scholarships totaling $100,000. Other divisions include ladies, kayak, conservation, guides and many more. Since most division winners are determined by a random drawing, it is not about catching the biggest fish. Any size fish can win. Registration is open throughout the competition, but anglers who register before May 28 will be entered in the Engel Early Bird Drawings for weekly prizes. To register for STAR 2022 or receive additional information on divisions, prizes and more, visit ccaflstar.com or Facebook.

Th ti

Le yo

Des you per

The yard

Fro a lo qui

The way we spend our time defines who we are..... Let us help you get the perfect machine for your “ME” time. Designed to work smarter than the competition, the 1 Series Compact Tractors maximize your yard without breaking the bank. From the comfort of your seat, you’ll appreciate big performance and convenient sizes. The affordable 1023E is easy to use and provides plenty of muscle for jobs around the yard. From mowing and loading to tilling and digging, these compact tractors are built to make a long day of chores feel simple. When you turn the key of a John Deere 1 Series, you’ll quickly see why these tractors are the one.

www.EFE1963.com

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Cracks in the seawall vertical panels or seawall cap 2. Depressions in your yard 3. Water bubbling up from the ground 4. Small sinkholes along the wall 5. Leaning or bowing of a seawall

Our Polyurethane Fills voids Seals cracks Strengthens soils

Free Estimates Free 2nd Opinions

Competitive Pricing Serving All of Florida

Experienced and Reputable Fully Licensed

Family Owned Guaranteed Work

“This company and its employees are awesome, can’t say enough nice things about them. Great job and neat and tidy!” - Kevin O.

•A

•SUP •ENH •99%

888.426.1002 www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com

#CBC1255391

*LIF 16 BREVARD

Florida Keys Advertise Your Business from Key Largo thru Key West Call 305.280.2021 or email: camflkeys@gmail.com

Tarpon Migration By: Capt. Greg Poland

he spring migration is underway, and the silver kings are in the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park. I absolutely love this time of year and try to spend every minute of every day on the water chasing tarpon while Capt. Greg Poland they are here. I can still remember the first tarpon I had on a line, as it jumped 305.393.3327 | gregpoland.com Instagram: gregpoland out of the water like a gymnast doing summersaults while throwing water all over the place and at that very moment I was hooked and have been chasing that high Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland since grade school. If you want to experience the fun of tarpon fishing, get out on the water either with a fishing guide that knows how to catch them or take one out on your own boat. You will need to get a bait well full of live mullett and your trusty fly rod and start hunting as they will be around through July but use caution because it just might start a lifelong passion! I have some prime dates open in the calendar as do most gregpolandphotography.com of my fellow guides if you want to get out with one of us, as we gregpolandstudios.com would love to show you a good time out on the water. If you are going to give it a try on your boat, I recommend a sturdy 20lb spinning rod or a light conventional rod in the same size. In my area, I get my gear from Islamorada Fishing Outfitters in Tavernier and they along with most of the local tackle shops sell all the right stuff to get you rigged up properly. You will want to use 60lb fluorocarbon about the length of the rod and I like a 5/0 or 6/0 circle hook under a bobber with a live mullett as my first choice for tarpon food. Look for rolling fish and anchor up current of them and if you see other boats fishing, please give them plenty of room as there is no reason to crowd another boat. Most guides use a great away anchor so when we hook a fish, we simply leave our anchor on a float and give chase, some fish can take an hour to bring to boat side. If you are new to the game and see an unattended anchor its best to move down the bridge a bit. Hope to see you out on the water this season and lets all have fun out there trying to keep the poon out of the concrete!

— Contact Capt. Greg at 305.393.3327 or email gregpoland@icloud.com FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

MAY 2022

FLORIDA KEYS 1

The Invasive Red Lionfish, Pterois Volitans By: Michael Sipos, Florida Sea Grant agent, UF/IFAS Extension The larval stage of this fish typically lasts 20 to 40 days, before it grows into a more recognizable juvenile lionfish. Both male and female lionfish can reach maturity within a year. It is believed that lionfish can live 10 to 15 years in their native range with individuals living much longer in captivity. If it can fit in its mouth, a lionfish can eat it. They have been known to consume prey nearly half their length and eat a wide variety of fish and invertebrates. The large, webbed pectoral fins of the lionfish are not only for ornamentation/signaling but are used to herd prey when flared out. These invaders can consume juvenile commercially and recreationally valuable species, compete for resources with native animals and snack on herbivorous species who help maintain the reef. To be considered an invasive species the organism must be nonnative, introduced by humans and can cause environmental, economic, or human harm.

What can you do to help with the lionfish and other invasive species?

• First, never release your pets. In addition, educate others about responsible pet ownership. • Second, if you can’t beat them, eat them. Lionfish are delicious and will quickly become one of your favorite seafood meals/ • Third, get involved in invasive species removal efforts.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Lionfish Spearing Records: • Atlantic - Longest: 18.78 inches, caught off Islamorada • Gulf - Longest: 18.78 inches, caught off Islamorada - Heaviest: 3.77 pounds, caught off Pensacola

ionfish belong to the Scorpaenidae family, which contains about 500 species of mostly marine fish that live in tropical and temperate seas. Two nonnative species of lionfish are in the western Atlantic Ocean: the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) and the devil firefish (Pterois miles). These two species look at lot like each other, but about 97 % of Atlantic are red lionfish. Because they’re hardy, and good at defending themselves, lionfish have quickly spread throughout the Atlantic and Caribbean. They can now be spotted from Massachusetts to Venezuela, with To be considered an invasive their range expected to species the organism must be expand. Lionfish can live in nonnative, introduced by humans depths up to 1,000 feet, tolerate temperatures as and can cause environmental, low as 50 degrees and economic, or human harm. withstand low salinities. A more typical environment for lionfish is on shallower natural or artificial reefs, ledges, wrecks and other offshore structures in stable temperatures and salinities. A lot of people know lionfish are venomous. These slow-moving fish are passive (unless you happen to be a small fish or invertebrate) and use their 18 grooved venomous spines to defend themselves, rather than attack. The spines are not hollow, like snake fangs, but are grooved and hold venomous glandular tissue. The venom of a lionfish sting contains a neurotoxin and acetylcholine, which affects neuromuscular transmission. Stings can be painful for several hours, but they’re rarely fatal. Lionfish grow fast and have lots of eggs. In warmer climates, it’s possible for a female lionfish to spawn every four days, releasing two gelatinous egg masses, which can hold a combined 15,000 to 30,000 eggs. 2 FLORIDA KEYS

MAY 2022

On the Radar, the FWC Reef Rangers are hosting The Lionfish Challenge which is a summer-long tournament open to participants from anywhere in the state! Another great lionfish event is The Emerald Coast Open which is schedule to take place in Destin Florida May 13-14th, 2022. This tournament filled with activities and education is by far the largest lionfish roundup out there with over 10,000 lionfish removed during the 2021 event! Head online to find more information on these efforts and other derbies to find out how you can get involved. Before you attempt to remove any invasive species like the lionfish, review how to harvest and handle them safely before trying to do so yourself. Lionfish are a slow-moving easy target, and you will be doing a service to both the environment and your tummy.

— Michael Sipos is the Florida Sea Grant agent for UF/IFAS Extension, an equal opportunity institution. Contact him at sipos624@ufl.edu.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

3 FLO

fore it emale sh can much

MM93 Bayside | 305.853.5370 | www.UniqueMarine.com | LIKE US on facebook.com/uniquemarine.fl

known sh and nly for

onally ack on n invans and

pon-

d will

OPEN BAY 247

MODERN & CLASSY

allenge here in hich is ament up out online ut how

sh, reurself. vice to

Extenfl.edu. 3 FLORIDA KEYS

TOURNAMENT EDITION 282

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

Hitting the Reef for Yellowtail Snapper By: Capt. Bruce Andersen

Penn – Daiwa – Shimano – Fin Nor – Okuma Rod & Reel Sales / Service / Repair Bait: Live – Frozen – Fresh Ice: Bagged – Block – Bulk

FISHING CHARTERS & GUIDE SERVICE Pelagic a nd Ocean Smith Costa Sunglasses ic A p parel & H Optics and Apparel ats Tackle Bo No-See-Um Dexter T-shirts - Hats x - Visors Insect Repellant Knives

Calcutta dise Merchan

Triple D and Tuna Killers

Torme n Fishin tor g Gear

Mile Marker 48 / Marathon / 305.289.0540

www.thetacklebox.com

4 FLORIDA KEYS

MAY 2022

ishing on the reef offshore of the Florida Keys for yellowtail snapper is a great opportunity to experience some awesome light tackle action for some of the best eating fish available. These fish are fun to catch, great eating, and available all year long. Yellowtail can be caught anywhere from the shallow patch reefs all the way out to wrecks and rock piles in over 150 feet of water; but the best fishing usually takes place on the edge of the reef in depths from 40 to 90 feet of water. Yellowtail snapper can be very temperamental. Sometimes it’s so easy to catch them that it can seem silly and other times it can be amazingly frustrating. There’s a saying that yellowtail snapper can be harder to catch than a blue marlin; the thinking is that if you had 300 blue marlin behind the boat you probably would be able to get one to bite, but sometimes when the yellowtail are wary you can literally be looking at a couple of hundred fish in your chum slick and not be able to get a bite out of any of them. Most of the time the fishing conditions like water color and current will dictate how good the bite will be. If you’ve got dusty water and a moderate current flowing behind the boat, you’re probably going to have a good day with these fish. If the water is crystal clear and the current is flowing into the wind, bringing your chum right under the anchor line, then it’s probably a good day to go fishing for something else. When everything comes together and the bite is on, you can be in for some awesome fishing. Every now and then you can get them chummed up into such a frenzy that they’ll be eating out of the chum bag right behind the boat and you can dip your bait in the water and hook them right there. We call this cane poling because you never have to let any line out of your reel. You can just dip your bait in and when you see a yellowtail eat it you pull him right out of the water before he even knows what happened. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does it’s a cool thing to see. I like to chum heavy with a mix of chum and oats for these fish and usually use 12-pound spinning tackle with either a small #2 hook or a 1/32-ounce jig baited with small pieces of cut bait or shrimp. These fish bite year-round, but spring through fall is my favorite time to target them. If you’d like to get in on the action, give me a call. I’ll be happy to take you out and show you what it’s all about!

— www.captaineasycharters.com You can reach Captain Bruce Andersen at Capt. Easy Charters, MM 85, call 305.360.2120 or email at: captbrucekey@comcast.net

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

“

Big Fish Like Potato Chips By: Joe Sheaffer

Indoor Firing Range Firearms & Ammo Sales Classes & Range Instruction FFL Transfers Hours:

10am - 7pm Monday - Saturday Closed Sundays

“

ou just can’t eat one”, the old saying that was used by one of the many potato chip companies over the years. Whether at a family get together, picnic, holiday party or just watching TV, we love our snacks. Chips, nuts, candy, popcorn and so many others all fit the bill when we are in that mood. Small, delicious morsels of goodness can really hit the spot when we need a fix between meals, or we get the munchies. If we think about it, a small, tasty piece of food is easy to eat and can make us feel so content. No effort or preparation, just grab and eat. These types of thoughts can wander through my brain after a fishing adventure What a blessing it was to hook, or experience. fight and land that fish. Then it Recently I was fishing with a good friend along popped into my mind, why would that a line of Mangroves in shallow water. We giant fish eat that very small lure. caught a few fun sized The next thought was potato chips. snook (20-24 inches), enjoying a solid day of fishing. Because the water was shallow with little current, I was using a ⅛ oz jig with a 2.5-inch paddle tail. A small presentation but the fish were definitely keyed in on that lure. We caught a couple more decent snook and trout and my friend hooked into a nice slot size snook. He was using a slightly larger lure, causing me to think, maybe I should tie on something larger. Luckily, I didn’t make the change. A few moments later I made a cast into a sandy area along the Mangroves and hooked into a very nice over slot snook. After a lengthy battle and a few anxious moments, I was able to land a beautiful heavy snook. What a blessing it was to hook, fight and land that fish. Then it popped into my mind, why would that giant fish eat that very small lure. The next thought was potato chips. I love potato chips and big fish like their snacks too! I have hooked and landed plenty of large fish, snook, reds, trout, and tarpon to name a few on small lure presentations. These big fish like easy meals and rarely pass on a quick fix. There are definitely times when big baits are the deal but don’t be surprised if you hook up on a quality fish using a smaller lure presentation. Just keep casting, you never know.

***

LADIES-ONLY Classes & Range Instruction Available

Visit Our New Simulator Range!

Classes / Instruction Offered: USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals + CCW Certification Firearms Basics with Range Instruction Firearms Cleaning & Maintenance Advanced Firearms Range Instruction

www.islandarms.com 305-451-0043

105910 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

MAY 2022

FLORIDA KEYS 5

The Florida Keys Largest Authorized Suzuki Repower Center

Wellings Automotive & Marine wamsuzuki.com 9200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 | 305-509-7499 2826 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 | 305-295-8646 6 FLORIDA KEYS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

IN STOCK

NOW

2022 Avenger 26 | Suzuki 300hp | T-Top

IN STOCK

Sea Born FX21 LT | Suzuki 150hp

IN STOCK

NOW

Bulls Bay 200CC | Suzuki 150hp | T-Top

IN STOCK

2022 Bulls Bay 2400 | Suzuki 250hp | T-Top

IN STOCK

NOW

2022 Sea Born SX 239 | Suzuki 300hp | T-Top LE Pkg

IN STOCK

Sea Born FX24 LE | Suzuki 300hp | Hard Top Pkg

IN STOCK

NOW

Sea Born LX24 EX Pkg | Twin Suzuki 140hp’s | T-Top | Loaded

Bulls Bay 2000 | Suzuki 140hp

9200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 305-509-7499 2826 N Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040 305-295-8646

Wellings Automotive & Marine wamsuzuki.com

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

MAY 2022

FLORIDA KEYS 7

APPAREL COMPANY Local to the Florida Keys!

Catching Tarpon in a Kayak! By: Eric Henson

keysdeep.com Retail Locations:

Angler Eddy’s • Capt. Bads FL Bay Outfitters • Hawks Cay Key Dives • Robbies Tackle Center • Trading Post For retail opportunities contact: scott@keysdeep.com As seen on the Discovery Channel

Giving Back to I-Care

8 FLORIDA KEYS

MAY 2022

ith it being a warmer winter, I have a feeling that they are going to show up in big numbers early. So hopefully you have already gotten all your bases covered to have a successful tarpon season. But if you haven’t I am going to share some of my knowledge that helps me get these slimy silver kings into my hands. No matter the size of these fish they will get your blood pumping and leave the biggest smile on your face every time! Juvi Tarpon-- These fish can be some of the most fun fish to catch on light tackle. My two favorite ways to target them is with artificial lure and flies. For spinning tackle, I generally use a 3-4000 size reel with a 7 ft. Med.Heavy Fast Action rod. I spool them with 150 These fish can and will put every yd. of 20-30 lb. Seaguar braided line accompa- nerve to the test both mind and body. nied by a 20-30 lb. fluThere is no mistaking when you orocarbon leader. And hook one of these giants! for fly fishing I like to use a 6-8 wt. 9 ft. rod. A 3-Tand T-Series reel to match the rod with a RIO WF Floating line accompanied by a tapered leader. Length changes depending on where and how I am targeting them but, I still use a 20-30 lb. tippet. For spinning I like to use soft-plastics like the Monster 3X 2 ¼ Ultrasoft or smaller hard baits like the Yo-Zuri 3DS Minnow 70 SP. And for flies, small bait imitations like EP minnow and gurglers work best. Adult Poons- These fish can and will put every nerve to the test both mind and body. There is no mistaking when you hook one of these giants! In a kayak I like to use a 6-8000 size spinning reels with a 8 ft. Heavy Fast Action rod. I spool them with 40-60 lb. Seaguar braided line accompanied by a 60-80 lb. Fluorocarbon leader. I use 2 or 3-X strong hooks with the right size to match your bait. Fly fishing wise I beef up to 10-12 wt. set up with a WF Floating or slow sinking line. Also, beefing up the leader with a 40-50 lb. tippet. Most of the time I target these fish with different live baits depending on what part of the season it is. And for flies, different type bunny flies seem to work best. Make sure to please be courteous to your fellow angler out there. And please respect your waters and make sure that your fish swim away healthy so everyone can enjoy our fishery. :) Tight Lines and Tight Knots to all!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

Don’t let the slip of a salty bait knife ruin your day on the water! Whether off-shore, intercoastal or in the Gulf... Big waves and cutting bait don’t mix...

The Sea Time Bait Cutter will make your day safe, enjoyable and more productive

SeaTimeBaitCutter.com FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

MAY 2022

FLORIDA KEYS 9

May is The Month By: Capt. Chris Johnson

here is an abundance of fishing opportunities in the Marathon area, and we will focus on three primary fisheries. The true reason for the season is found nearshore around the bridges. This is where we fish for tarpon, the Silver King. The tarpon run has been fast paced since the end of March, and it will only improve until it peaks during May. On an average four-hour outing, you’ll see a couple hundred tarpon rolling, and the chances of landing the fish of a lifetime are very good. In the Marathon area, we have the Long Key Bridge, the Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda Bridge. The preferred baits vary bridge-to-bridge, with mullet and pinfish the choice at Long Key and Seven Mile, while Bahia Honda is all about crabs. Talk to your local tackle shop to see what the tarpon are biting best and what rigs to use. Offshore, the dolphin (mahi mahi) bite kicks into gear steadily at this

The most complete Bait & Tackle Shop in the Upper Keys

All local brand Apparel, Tackle, Marine Supplies, Beverages & Snacks

All kinds of Live Bait: Shrimp, Crabs, Pilchards, Goggle Eyes & Pin Fish

“Come by boat or land”

point. You can expect larger fish this month, with the smaller schoolies arriving in June. Now is the time for the gaffers and slammers. Look for birds, especially frigates, working the water surface or weed lines to indicate the presence of the dolphin. The usual assortment of lures and rigged ballyhoo do the trick. On the reef, May 1 heralds the opening of grouper season. Black, gag and red grouper will hit the docks in great numbers this month. Black grouper is typically the primary target for anglers on the reef. They’re found in the same areas we fish for yellowtail snapper, which are beginning their spawn. Of the three primary grouper varieties, blacks are probably the toughest, so heavy tackle is necessary to land them. The SeaSquared captains use Penn Torque Lever Drag reels in the 30-pound class, matched with a 30to 50-pound Star conventional rod. On the reef, our leaders are typically 60-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon, matched to an 8/0 Owner AKI hook. The grouper are big so, naturally, the baits are big. Grunts, bluerunners with their tails trimmed and legal-size snappers, preferably 12- to 14-inch yellowtails. These baits usually don’t last long when dropped to the bottom in 50 to 70 feet of water. The Atlantic wrecks also hold large black grouper plus gags at 20plus pounds and good size reds going 10 to 15 pounds. Use the same setup and baits here as you would on the reef. As for the snapper action on the reef, the primary players are yellowtail and mangrove. This is the best time of year to get your biggest flag yellowtail, with fish upward of six pounds and more hitting the docks on a regular basis. Again, the deeper areas in 60 to 100 feet are most consistent for the flags. You may also find mangrove snapper mixed in. These are also forming their annual congregation on the reef, and most are large, mature fish in the four- to seven-pound category. The action on the wrecks also heats up in May, with lots of mutton snapper, amberjack, African pompano and, as mentioned above, grouper. Pinfish, pilchards or live ballyhoo are the preferred baits for all but the grouper. We’re still catching permit up to 30 pounds on the artificial reefs. Use small crabs on a jighead.

90515 Old Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070 • 305-741-7625

www.anglereddyslivebaitandtackle.com 10 FLORIDA KEYS

MAY 2022

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

— Capt. Chris Johnson | SeaSquared Charters, Marathon FL 305-393-2929 | SeaSquaredCharters.com

You Can Trust Your Local Mastry Suzuki RePower Center – It Simply Makes Sense With 13 Locations Across Florida There is a Mastry Suzuki RePower Center Near You In The Florida Keys - Boat Services Group is your certiﬁed Mastry Suzuki RePower Center

Boat Services Group 6000 Peninsular Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 305-320-0555 Boat Services Group is a family owned and operated full-service marine center located within Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina. Boat Services Group is committed to their customers’ needs with integrity, honesty and professionalism. Boat Services Group is a premier factory authorized service center for new outboard engine sales for Suzuki Outboards. We also service and repair major four-stroke outboard engines.

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Boat Services Group has decades of repower experience providing proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With a Mastry Suzuki RePower owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability • Options that will ﬁt most any budget, ﬁnancing available • Mastry Suzuki RePower’s exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s 5-years of protection

REPOWER THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT *Get with the Program!

When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identiﬁcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional beneﬁts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners.

suzukirepower.com | 1-800-545-4574

TIDE CHART KEY LARGO

www.USHarbors.com

Key Largo, South Sound, FL - May 2022 MAY 2022 High

Date

Low

Rise

Set

TIDE CHART ISLAMORADA

www.USHarbors.com

Islamorada, Florida Bay, FL - May 2022 MAY 2022 High

Date

Moon

Low

Rise

Set

6:20

0.1

7:26

-0.1

6:45