Issuu

THE FLORIDA KEYS EDITION

FREE @CAMTAMagazine

SKINNY WATER

SNOOK

COBIA CHAOS

BEST OF PHOTO CREDIT: ALICIA BROOKS PROVIDED BY: SAVANNAH FRANCIS VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 318

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

SEPTEMBER 2021

W O R L D W I D E

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

êêêêê

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

êêêêê

“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: HUK590-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK590-01 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.®

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.

F M

featu Silve colle thes Min Ame fine onethey bulli silve offer $5.0

Wha Silve built Ame was famo whe arou Nev see t mirr

GovM

GovM GovM public or call

P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

12:00:28 PM

Grab Your Piece of America’s Silver Legacy 99.9% Fine Silver Bars

Actual size is 30.6 x 50.4 mm

Fill Your Vault with Morgan Silver Bars

ot only are these hefty bars one full Troy ounce of real, .999 precious silver, they’re also beautiful, featuring the crisp image of a Morgan Silver Dollar struck onto the surface. That collectible image adds interest and makes these Silver Bars even more desirable. Minted in the U.S.A. from shimmering American silver, these one-ounce 99.9% fine silver bars are a great alternative to one-ounce silver coins or rounds. Plus, they offer great savings compared to other bullion options like one-ounce sovereign silver coins. Take advantage of our special offer for new customers only and save $5.00 off our regular prices.

Morgan Silver Dollars Are Among the Most Iconic Coins in U.S. History

What makes them iconic? The Morgan Silver Dollar is the legendary coin that built the Wild West. It exemplifies the American spirit like few other coins, and was created using silver mined from the famous Comstock Lode in Nevada. In fact, when travelers approached the mountains around the boomtown of Virginia City, Nevada in the 1850s, they were startled to see the hills shining in the sunlight like a mirror. A mirage caused by weary eyes?

BU Y MORE E! S AV E M O R

No, rather the effect came from tiny flecks of silver glinting in the sun.

A Special Way for You to Stock Up on Precious Silver

While no one can predict the future value of silver in an uncertain economy, many Americans are rushing to get their hands on as much silver as possible, putting it away for themselves and their loved ones. You’ll enjoy owning these Silver Bars. They’re tangible. They feel good when you hold them, You’ll relish the design and thinking about all it represents. These Morgan Design One-Ounce Bars make appreciated gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduations, creating a legacy sure to be cherished for a lifetime.

Order More and SAVE

You can save $5.00 off our regular price when you buy now. There is a limit of 25 Bars per customer, which means with this special offer, you can save up to $125.

Hurry. Secure Yours Now!

One-Ounce Silver Morgan Design Bar

$49.95 ea. RE Special offer - $44.95 ea. +s/h B U Y M O E ! O S AV E M R SAVE $5 - $125 Limit of 25 bars per customer Free Morgan Silver Dollar with every order over $499

(A $59.95 value!)

FREE SHIPPING over $149!

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

1-888-201-7144 Offer Code MSB156-01

Please mention this code when you call.

SPECIAL CALL-IN ONLY OFFER

Call right now to secure your .999 fine silver Morgan Design One-Ounce Silver Bars. You’ll be glad you did.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MSB156-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 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. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:

info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 321.777.2773 FRANCHISE DIRECTORY LINK

www.coastalanglermag.com/directory

Franchise Opportunities Now Available If you love the outdoors and dream of being in business for yourself, now is the time to choose a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise.

Help Starts Here.

Priority service for members.

Our Captains are on scene in an average of 1-hour or less. Inshore, offshore, or destination sportfishing — our Captains are standing by 24/7. Are you a member? Join today and save 10%. seatow.com/angler

Established Brand • Proven Systems Training & Ongoing Support Work From Home • Be Your Own Boss • • • • • • • • •

Alabama Arkansas Connecticut/Rhode Island Destin/Pensacola, FL - SOLD Georgia (Coastline, Savannah) Lake Erie Lake Michigan Long Island, NY Okeechobee, FL - SOLD

• • • • •

Miami, FL Panama City, FL New Hampshire New Orleans, LA North Carolina (Raleigh, Wilmington) • South Carolina (Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) • Texas (Coastal, Houston) • ...YOUR HOMETOWN!

Don’t see your location? Ask one of our specialists about franchise availability in your area.

321.777.2773

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

franchise.coastalanglermag.com

4 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PR DI

Il St ag

—

Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES

êêêêê

I love it. I have several Stauer watches and once again you don’t disappoint.” — F. from Jersey City, NJ

Dive in Without Taking a Plunge

The Explorer is one well-constructed 20 ATM dive watch for a price that won’t take you under.

he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com

deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

Limited to the First 1400 Respondents to This Ad Only Stauer Explorer Dive Watch $399† Your Cost With Offer Code

$99 + S&P Save $300

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code: EXW138-01

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

† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer. com without your offer code. 14101 Southcross Drive W., ® Ste 155, Dept. EXW138-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Rating of A+

Stauer

www.stauer.com

• Precision movement • Stainless steel crown, case, caseback and bracelet • Date window at 3 o’clock • Water resistant to 20 ATM • Bracelet ﬁts wrists up to 8 1/2"

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.® COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 5

IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.

The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation. The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

nc.

See Extensive ICAST Coverage In The Angler Video Mag

CAST 2021 marked a return to normalcy for the fishing industry. In the 64th exhibition of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the halls of the Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center bustled with activity July 21-23. As usual, the event kicked off with the ICAST Cup bass tournament at nearby Lake Toho, and the renowned big-bass factory did not disappoint. In a short four-hour tournament, the winning team weighed a tournament-record 25-pound, 7-ounce five-fish limit. But most of the action went on indoors. The annual ICAST New Product Showcase is an event the fishing world eagerly awaits every year. It is the venue where industry heavyweights and innovative newcomers roll out their best new gear for the year to come. This year, 686 new products were entered by 218 companies to compete for Best of Category awards in 30 different categories. From rods, reels and lures to apparel, electronics, gadgets and accessories, the New Product Showcase is gear-head heaven. The Angler Video Mag team was on-hand at ICAST 2021 to cover the show and give you a first-hand look at some of the cool and innovative products that will make you a better angler this year.

Raymarine Evolution EV-150 Hydraulic Autopilot System Pack • Designed for small to medium sized hydraulically steered vessels • Steering ram capacity between 4.9 cu. in. (80cc) and 14.0 cu in. (230cc) • Eliminates the need for complicated set up and calibration

For comprehensive coverage of ICAST 2021, go to: https://bit.ly/3jr3BWs

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS TACO Marine GS-280 Grand Slam Outrigger Kit - Base: 1-1/2” Diameter • Includes (2) 15-Foot Outriggers, (2) Mounts, Rigging Kit and Line Caddies • Line Caddies Eliminate Tangling and Hold Rigging Dexter offers the most comprehensive line of axles, actuators and disc brakes engineered specifically for the marine market. Popular features include removable spindles on Eliminator™ axles, aluminum master cylinders and

Defender.com | 800-628-8225

corrosion resistant coatings. Choose Dexter for trouble-free towing.

Together. Carrying what matters most. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NATIONAL 7

Live Bait Snook on South Florida Beaches

ere on Florida’s East Coast, we have access to some of the most exciting shore-based fishing there is. From spring, through summer and into fall, big snook run the beaches of South Florida, and they can be caught from the sand with lures and even sight fished with flies. I am a lure fisherman, and everyone knows it, but fishing with artificials can be difficult during the doldrums of late summer and fall. The Atlantic Ocean is flatter and big snook become wary. The fish are still here; what are we to do? Here’s a pretty simple technique that will catch snook when the fishing gets tough. The hottest bait this time of year is live croakers. Croakers are catching so many snook right now that the local bait shops here in the Stuart, Fla. area sell out as soon as they get a shipment. With the artificial bite kind of drying up, my friend and occasional fishing buddy, Mike Vars, showed me how to catch big snook on live bait. Mike buys a dozen croakers when he can get them. All you need to keep them alive for a couple days is a round bucket with an aerator. Good baitsized croakers are 5 to 8 inches, anything larger might catch a big snook, but they are harder to fish. Mike uses a 3 or 4 size circle hook and hooks his croakers through the nostrils so they can

8 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

By Richard L. Matteson

swim freely. Some anglers prefer to hook them through the tail. Since the tactic involves free-lining, with no weight, casts should be just past the trough on a high tide, which is about 20 feet here. Then open the spool and let that croaker run. On low tide, it might be necessary to wade past the trough and cast farther out. Mike uses a 60-lb. leader and 20-lb. braid on a spinning reel. Before the snook takes the bait, the croaker will often wiggle excitedly—this is a signal you are about to get bit. When the line suddenly starts moving fast, it means a snook has your croaker. Let her have the bait for a few seconds, and then begin reeling steadily so the circle hook lodges in the corner of her mouth. Mike Vars with a nice beach snook Mike averages three or four big female snook caught on live bait. each trip with this method. He has caught several over-slot snook, with the biggest measuring about 40 inches. Florida’s Atlantic Coast. You’re allowed one per day If you want to catch your own bait, use a between 28 and 32 inches. sabiki rig and tip hooks with a small piece of Richard Matteson writes for the Stuart Rod & shrimp. Or fish the trough with light tackle and a Reel Club and he is a long-time contributor small piece of shrimp. to Coastal Angler Magazine. Sept. 1 marks open season for snook on

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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

57 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

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

LABOR DAY MEANS GREAT SAVINGS WITH YOU IN MIND.

KEEP YOUR TOOLS SAFE

• DOWN FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECK • EVERYONE GETS APPROVED • GREAT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP KEENSBUILDINGS.COM

$30.68 20X21 DOUBLE CARPORT

/Month + Tax

AS-LOW-AS $35.19/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

payment

/Month + Tax

18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

Call for

$143.10

$54.90

$39.86

/Month + Tax

12X24 ROLL-UP DOOR

AS-LOW-AS $58.93/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

Call for payment

$238.68 /Month + Tax

28X30X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $189.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Financing Disclaimer:

30X40X14 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $282.60/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

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

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

LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028 2495 Young Blvd.

PERRY

P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky

211 72nd Trace

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.

30X50X14 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $282.60/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

WAYCROSS

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

30X50X14 METAL GARAGE

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

MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291 568 S. Broad St.

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 •

The Mullet Run Is On! By CAM Staff

t’s that time of year again when the lowly mullet becomes a primary target of interest for Florida anglers. Over the next few weeks and months, mullet in untold numbers will migrate out of the estuaries and run down the coast to their spawning grounds off South Florida. The mullet run is on, and it has switched on the predatory drive of almost every fish in the ocean. From the beach, or on a jetty, pier, bridge or boat, anglers who encounter fish feeding in huge schools of mullet are in for a treat. These intrepid little pilgrims have made their way south from as far up as the Carolinas, and it’s a good thing they come in numbers, because a whole lot of them get gobbled up along the way. Snook, tarpon, flounder, redfish, sharks, bluefish, jacks, Spanish mackerel,

2 FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 2021

ladyfish… they all answer the dinner bell when mullet are balled up. To find the fish, you must find the bait. Young finger mullet make an easy meal when large schools of them are pinned against a jetty or are caught out in the open by predators running the beaches. Live or dead mullet are the obvious baits to fish if you’ve got time to throw a net, but don’t get caught cast-netting when there is a frenzy going on. A plug or soft-plastic will also get hammered when the melee is on. Don’t pass up your window of opportunity when the action is hot. Bait might be heavy in an area one day and gone the next. Anglers with boats can run the beaches in search of diving birds and find fish blowing up on top. Seawalls, rocky shorelines and other obstruction to the southward migration can serve as ambush points or corrals where baitfish are pinned in. Any structure that steers schools of mullet into a predictable path can turn into a killing ground. Shore-bound anglers must rely on good intel or just show up and hope to get lucky. Some prefer to pick a place that has been productive in the past and return frequently to catch it when it’s right. Others have a list of likely locations and eat up the road in search of activity. It’s the time of year when your gear should remain rigged and ready in the back of the truck. A good network of fishing buddies is worth its weight in tarpon during the run. Sharing good information on locations and the southward progression of bait is a two-way street. Take care of someone else, and they will likely take care of you. This time of year is a great time to be on the water. Temperatures are beginning to cool, most of the tourists have gone home, and thick waves of baitfish are there to be found, running the coastline with big predators in hot pursuit. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

Fall

Transition Pay Attention to Detail By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

s fall approaches, fish patterns change. By understanding the habits of fish, you can target them with confidence. Spring fry have matured in the marsh and are ready to move into open water. Knowing the timing, tides and location of this migration can lead to great action. I recently tried a new area. It’s a place I really hadn’t heard anything about. I planned to target reds, since satellite imagery suggested it should be favorable. This area had a long meandering bayou that emptied into a small lake, which ranged in depth from 1 to 3 feet. I was at the top of a chain of lakes and marsh, so this particular drain would see the first of the baitfish and shrimp exiting their summer home. Targeting the inland-most marshes and bayous early in the season will be the most productive. Follow the bait and schools of fish out as the season advances. Although the reds were there, they were only 12 inches long, and the trout were smaller. They were gorging on shad and shrimp as tide poured out of the bayou into the lake. Once I noticed flounder busting completely out of the water attacking the schools of shad, I quickly changed my retrieve. I had been working my soft-plastic swimbait high in the water column to keep it in the bait balls. When I saw those flounder, I immediately lowered my rod tip and began vigorously twitching my rod down and to the side to make the jig head hit the mud bottom hard. Kicking up clouds of silt attracts flatfish. I started landing flounder immediately with the new retrieve. It was obvious they were aggressive since they were going airborne to feed on shad. This is why I worked the lure hard and fast, unlike a traditional flounder retrieve. I’m not sure how many I caught, released and lost, but it was well into double digits. The most productive color was white or pearl to mimic shad. Since they were attacking schools of bait, I tied on a tandem rig using the same lures. I think the presentation looked more like the schools of baitfish they were targeting. I rigged my second lure so it would look more natural floating above the first jig-head swimbait, which was bouncing on the bottom. This increased my strikes. Paying attention to the details of the location, season and tide, as well as how the fish were feeding all played a huge part in my success. These concepts can be applied in any situation at any time of year. It was not what I expected, but I will take a limit of flounder any day. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures and Controlled Descent Lures. He owns www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

Suz of a ext adv

W Co

•M

•M s

•M ri

•W p

•O

•F

•A w

4 FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Consider Ad fo

bits of in the g, tides

bout. I e. This anged so this mmer will be ances. e trout of the water

o keep rod tip g head

bvious why I ot sure e most

e same y were above reased

as how can be t I will

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 • 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 Marstry 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 Consider Ad for CA 210608.indd 1

7/15/21 8:30 AM

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL

Depressions and sinkholes along the wall are signs of seawall erosion.

FAILING SEAWALL? WE CAN HELP! SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION 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

• Free Estimates • Free 2nd Opinions

• Fully Licensed

• Competitive Pricing

• Family Owned

• Environmentally Friendly

• Experienced and Reputable

• Guaranteed Work

• Serving All of Florida

813.377.2462

www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com

#CBC1255391

Go on a power trip with

Drift-It, Fish-It...Catch It!

Stop wasting time and fuel. Furuno's exclusive Fish-It and Drift-It features remove the guesswork and keep you on the fish!

Fish-It Point Target Your Spot

Range Rings Track Your Distance

Drift-It Point Optimize Your Drift

Determine your best drift the first time, so you'll hit your favorite spot every time. Standard feature for all NavNet TZtouch3 MFDs

Select drift times from 3-20 minutes

Pick the best spot with help from your chart, Fish Finder, or DFF3D Multi-Beam Sonar

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

Scan me to see it in action!

Drift hot spots like the pros

Also can be used to set anchor

BOATHOUSE BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies

Marine Supplies

Jacksonville West

Locations Same Low Prices

Jacksonville Beach

Locations Same Low Price

OEM Marine Parts

Melbourne

Certified Service Department

Authorized Marine EngineAuthorized & Parts Dealer OEM

Marine Engine & Parts Dealer

Trailer Parts

Trailer Sales

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT

Three Locations To Serve •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION •ENHANCED STYLE Melbourne Jacksonville Beach 557 N. Harbor City Blvd 8587 Beach Blvd •99% UV PROTECTION Melbourne, FL 32935

(321) 254-2535

Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 564-9669

You Jacksonville

5615 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244

(904) 778-7775

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD

JANUARY 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

FLORIDA 9

f A r s w d m

W B b i

N m a g

S T s

L s c

L t

• 2 ct

Flip Flip Hooray! A perfect symbol of fun in the sun for only $79

ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

A full two carats of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver

Limited Reserves. A full two carats of genuine blue topaz set in sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today!

Limited to the first 1900 responders to this ad only! To show exquisite details, pendant shown is not exact size. Chain sold separately.

“Enormously popular, significantly intelligent and scientifically sophisticated, dolphins are amidst the most beloved animals among people.” — Dolphins-World

Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant non-offer code price $395 † Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $316!

êêêêê

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

“This sterling silver dolphin is absolutely beautiful and the blue topaz is like the color of the ocean”

— Vivian, Cabool, MO

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

Stauer

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DPP320-03 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP320-03, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ctw blue topaz; ½ ctw Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura® • .925 sterling silver setting • Sterling silver chain sold separately

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

John Deere Technician Program

Go to school and get PAID while doing it! The John Deere Tech Program requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Get the full college experience going to South Georgia Technical College and coming home to work and make money. Over the two-year program, you attend college for 8-weeks and then come home and work at the dealership for 8-weeks. Truly the best of both worlds! Check out the program highlights: • AA Degree • John Deere certified technician • Great pay each time you come home for 8-weeks • Guaranteed Job after graduation at $50,000 per year or more! • $1,000 scholarship guaranteed Do you know a high school Junior or Senior who may be interested? Contact us for more information or check out our YouTube channel to learn more at: https://www.youtube.com/user/EvergladesTV

www.EFE1963.com

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

Getting out there a little earlier By: Capt. Greg Poland

f your headed to the backcountry like I do most days, I like to look for rolling tarpon at first light, and if I don’t find them rolling in channels or around my favorite shoreline I’ll move on in search of live bait. If you know you are only going to fish till that mid-day heat, only spend enough time on the live bait search as needed so you can get on to the Capt. Greg Poland fishing. It is great to have a blacked-out bait well but my bait never seems to hold up well overnight, so I tend to only catch 305.393.3327 | gregpoland.com Instagram: gregpoland what I need for the day. The Snook fishing has been great lately in and around the backcountry channels and shorelines but the sharks have also been around, so please don’t put your hands in the water to grab a fish at boat side. I always use a Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys with Capt. Greg Poland landing net and just the other day had a 6ft bull shark try to attack a snook while it was in the net! Check out my Instagram feed under gregpoland to see the action, it was insane. I have always loved shark fishing and this time of year you can chum them up for some great sight fishing in shallow water. Definitely a lot of fun when I have kids on board and a great way for everybody to pull on a giant fish in clear water. gregpolandphotography.com If you are more interested in something to eat for dinner mangrove gregpolandstudios.com snappers have been biting out on the reef line and I have been venturing offshore for the mahi mahi action when the weather and wind allow. I just got a brand-new Contender Bay Boat and added a retractable Bimini Top for the hot summer days. If you are looking to get out on the water for a few hours give me a call and let’s get you and your family out for some fun on the water.

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

SEPTEMBER 2021

FLORIDA KEYS 1

The fishing is hot and so is the weather By: Capt. Armando Alejo

othing makes me happier than a returning group, particularly when they were one of the first group I’d ever guided. The Stephen’s family and I were aboard together six seasons ago but we’ve always been able to keep in touch even if we weren’t on the water together. Our recent adventure began with a text “Capt. are you free for a trip” date provided. Sure, I replied, we would love to have you all aboard. Next text, “Capt. we are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary”. At that moment I knew, I had to produce a special day for them, and that I did. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens hopped aboard after an hour rain delay, as is typical in the summer months, and we headed out on a hot and humid morning which is also typical in the summer. We headed toward our first stop and put lines in almost immediately. It became evident, that this day would soon be filled with humor as the trash talk ensued when Mrs. Stephens began catching what quickly became a limit of mangrove snapper! Although Mr. Stephens stayed in the game, the Mrs., quite frankly put a pretty bad beating on him. We closed out that spot, searched for triple tail with no luck when I quickly decided we needed to find snook or Redfish or both.

At our second and third stops, we also came out empty handed, however, I quickly made one adjustment that led to the BEST part of our day. It was Redfish time! In fact, we fought and quickly brought two upper slot fish to the boat in just a few minutes. After enjoying these 30 or so minutes of some excellent fishing, I decided it was the best time to bring out my gift to them. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens enjoyed a champagne toast on US! I cannot describe the look on their faces when I “popped a bottle” on board. They were amazed, grateful and simply just at peace during that moment as they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with us in the Flamingo Everglades aboard our Pathfinder 2300. It was my pleasure to share in a very important milestone with these lovely folks, some of my best clients! Congratulations to this beautiful couple. Join us aboard to celebrate your milestone or simply to get some of the epic summer action here in the Flamingo Everglades.

— Fish with us: Call Capt. Armando at 305-778-5342 or visit us at www.a2charters.com, we are a FIVE-STAR rated service and guide.

By: He @u

2 FLORIDA KEYS

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

Born to Sell the Keys

owevday. It ot fish utes of gift to d Mrs. yed a ast on scribe ir facopped board. mazed, simply during s they r 40th ersary e Flashare est cli-

Put the Born Team to work for you today!

www.borntosellthekeys.com Call BJ Born today for a Free CMA! 305.619.0240

Let us sell your spot in paradise! Recently Sold Waterfront Properties

of the

Call us about our video marketing program and get your property added to our solds today!

Heather Born | 305.394.0716 upperkeysrealestate@gmail.com

t us at guide.

Snapper Is My Favorite Go To By: Heather Born @upperkeysrealestate

o me, no fish tastes quite as good as snapper. Whether it be queen, hogfish, mangrove, yellowtail or mutton, the wide variety of snapper there is to cook is sure to never fail you in the kitchen or out there on the water. Sure, the pelagic fish such as mahi and even tuna have never let me down when it comes to cooking, but when you want to change things up a bit as the summer months start creeping to an end, deep dropping for yelloweye snapper becomes my favorite go to. Schools of yelloweye snapper can be found congregating in depths of 200-500 feet and are found around rock piles and any form of structured bottom. These fish usually average around 5 – 15 pounds. I prefer to catch these with an electric reel, however it’s definitely possible to use a conventional reel if you prefer, as these fish are also found shallow enough to do so. On a recent trip out, we caught plenty of snapper in 350-feet of water using an electric reel. We were using a 10-foot chicken rig with 3-way swivels and using squid as bait attached to a total of five 8/0 circle hooks with 100 lb. monofilament and dropping a 3-pound lead to the bottom. We were able to dodge the sharks and barracudas allowing us to catch multiples of yelloweye at once and we were also lucky enough to bring up a few vermillion snapper. Yelloweye snapper are also known as silk snapper and are excellent to eat as they have a flaky white meat with a delicate texture. Makes for a great fish taco dinner! FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

SEPTEMBER 2021

FLORIDA KEYS 3

Capt. Joel’s Fishin’ Holes By: Capt. Joel Brandenburg

ini season and the start of regular lobster season was a big hit again this year. People from all around the world flock to the Florida Keys in search of these tasty bugs. Us locals benefit from all of the tourism, however when it comes to getting our own lobster, most locals prefer to wait and get them from mid-August to mid-November. The tourism usually slows down during that time. A new crop of lobsters migrate in during that time and it can be easy pickings for the locals with lots less competition from the tourists. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, many trees in the back-country islands were uprooted an blown out on the grass flats. On a 2-ft deep grass flat, we were finding 40-ft long trees with Volkswagen size root balls. Over time with extreme currents flowing through the flats, the rush of the currents flow would bore out a giant divot under the root ball. It would create an 8-ft deep clear white sand pool underneath the root ball. This proved to be major lobster habitat. We dive underneath these root balls, turn upside down and look up into the roots of the root ball. At first glance we see what looked like a bunch of roots hanging down, but on second glance you’d realize what you’re looking at is dozens of lobster anten-

4 FLORIDA KEYS

SEPTEMBER 2021

nas. We learned it was very difficult to extract the lobsters from deep up in the roots using a net and tickle stick, so we found the very best way to get them out was with a lobster lasso. The bad news about these lobster trees is now 5 years later most of them have rotted away and the lobster have found new habitat. Lobster enthusiasts keep lobster GPS #’s guarded closer than Ft Knox. If you don’t have special #’s here’s some tips on finding them on your own. Google Earth 10-ft bomb holes in the gulf or look for reef bottoms that look like swish cheese from Google Earth. The bridges and seawalls are very consistent lobster spots too. If you are inexperienced at diving or snorkeling for lobster and want to give it a try, I recommend hiring a lobster guide. Ana Banana Fishing company can assist you anytime during lobster season. We also offer lobster/ fishing combo trips. Lobster in the morning and fishing in the afternoon. — For a charter with Ana Banana Fishing Company Marathon Florida Keys call 813-267-4401 cell, 305-395-4211 office, or email us at marathonkeyfishingcharters@gmail.com You can also visit us in person at Ana Banana Marina at 12699 Overseas Highway Marathon Florida Keys or Captain Joel Brandenburg 570 Sombrero Beach Rd Marathon FL 33050

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

Ge aw tun

By: Ca

mount the we Th Trollin leader shore way to you w also th minno driftin Th to be o the key the bit until y takes a time, them fi to cap it’s hot ple fish your fi other l Th most d fishing and oft getting all the to eat ting th can b usually tackle you do them i to the pop up Be this ye are ple get in

Get in on some awesome blackfin tuna action this month By: Capt. Bruce Andersen

lthough blackfin tuna can be caught year-round in the Florida Keys, every year we experience a fall run that starts around mid to late August and goes through September and into October. This can be some of the most consistent and best tuna fishing of the year. I always look forward to heading to the seamounts offshore of the upper keys like the Islamorada hump, the 409 hump, and the west hump with a livewell full of pilchards to catch some tuna. There are a few different ways to catch blackfin tuna offshore of the Keys. Trolling small squid skirts or tuna feathers on light 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders far back behind the boat is one way that almost anyone headed offshore can get in on the action. Vertical jigging can also be a very productive way to catch these fish and you’ll often catch bigger tuna with the jigs than you will with the trolling stuff. The most effective method and in my opinion also the most fun is live bait chumming. Throwing scoops of pilchards or cigar minnows behind the boat up current from the peak of the seamount while drifting baits out on light spinning tackle. The sight of big blackfin tuna exploding on the surface chasing live bait has to be one of the most exciting scenes you’ll witness on an offshore fishing trip in the keys. Once you get the tunas fired up on the freebies and start hooking them, the bite can be instant. When you get them biting, don’t stop hooking these fish until you’ve got several on. It takes a lot of bait, hard work, time, and a little luck to get them fired up and you’ll want to capitalize on the bite while it’s hot. While fighting multiple fish, make sure you follow your fish quickly around the other lines to avoid tangles. There can be off days, but most days this time of year the fishing is consistently good and often the hardest part is getting them to the boat past all the sharks that are waiting to eat your hooked fish. Getting the tuna past the sharks can be challenging as you usually have to use fairly light tackle to get the bites. While you don’t want to horse the fish and break him off you do want to try and work them in as quickly as possible to keep them away from the predators. In addition to the blackfins, mahi mahi, skipjack tuna, and even an occasional billfish can pop up in the live baits and make a great addition to the day’s fishing. Be sure to get in on this September tuna bite offshore of the upper keys this year. If you don’t have the right boat or equipment to do it yourself there are plenty of guys like me that will be ready to take you. Give me a call and let’s get in on the action!

— 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

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

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

SEPTEMBER 2021

FLORIDA KEYS 5

The Florida Keys Largest Authorized Suzuki Repower Center

Wellings Automotive & Marine

www.keywestkia.com 9200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 | 305-509-7499 2826 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 | 305-295-8646 6 FLORIDA KEYS

SEPTEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/FLORIDA-KEYS

IN STOCK

NOW

2022 Pioneer 222 Sportfish | Silver

2022 Sea Born LX26 | Twin Suzuki 200’s | White

IN STOCK

NOW

2021 Pioneer Pioneer 202 Islander | Seafoam / Tan Interior

2021 Sea Born FX24 LE Hardtop | Suzuki 300hp, White, w/Sea Foam Bottom

INCOMING SEPTEMBER DELIVERY! RESERVE

RESERVE

NOW

2022 Sea Born LX26, T-Top | Twin Suzuki 250’s | Starting at $152,755

RESERVE

2022 Pioneer 202 Sport Fish | White/Tan Interior

RESERVE

NOW

2022 Pioneer 180 Islander | Grey/Tan Interior

2022 Pioneer 222 Sportfish | T-Top | Grey / Tan Interior

RESERVE NOW FOR INCOMING SEPTEMBER DELIVERY!

Wellings Automotive & Marine

www.keywestkia.com 9200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 | 305-509-7499

2826 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 | 305-295-8646

FACEBOOK.COM/CAMFLORIDAKEYS

SEPTEMBER 2021

FLORIDA KEYS 7

TIDE CHART KEY LARGO

www.USHarbors.com

Key Largo, South Sound, SEPTEMBER FL - Sep 2021 2021 High

Date

Low

Rise

Set

TIDE CHART ISLAMORADA

www.USHarbors.com

Islamorada, Florida Bay, FL - Sep 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 High

Date

Moon

Low

Rise

Set

8:48

0.4

12:48

0.4

3:23

0.1

7:02