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THE FLORIDA KEYS EDITION

Gulf

Rods &

Tuna

Reels Reviews

At Night

Fish

Tales From Costa Rica

Skeeter Celebrates

Anniversary PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY KING VOLUME 23 â€¢ ISSUE 276

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F R A N C H I S E

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W O R L D W I D E

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FAMILY LEGENDS

and fish tales

BUILT FOR THAT

210 FSH ® SERIES

Go where no other boat has gone before. With powerful twin TR-1® Yamaha Marine Engines, ample storage and comfortable bow seating, the all-new 210 FSH provides the shallow-water capability to get to those hard-to-reach fishing spots and the versatility to enjoy watersports with your family.

210 FSH®

210 FSH® Deluxe

210 FSH® Sport

YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2018 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

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2018 242CC

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THE NEXT GREAT THE NEXT GREAT

HAVALON HAVALON INNOVATION INNOVATION HAS LANDED. HAS LANDED.

QUIK-CHANGE II ™ Interchangeable Fixed Blade™ QUIK-CHANGE Cutlery System II Interchangeable Fixed Blade Cutlery System9” FILLET 7” FILLET 9” FILLET 5” FILLET 7” FILLET 3” SERRATED 5” FILLET 3” SERRATED

Easy Blade Release System Easy Blade Release System

Opens For Easy Cleaning

KN IVES

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COMING SPRING 2018 COMING SPRING 2018 4

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Rugged Canvas Roll Pack Rugged Canvas Roll Pack

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BLEED TRIM

SAFETY

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com VICE PRESIDENT : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Rebecca Snowden • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Dmitriy Pislyagin • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Corporate Headquarters info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 888-800-9794

FLORIDA

BIG BEND : Mike McNamara • (850) 510-7919 • captmike@coastalanglermagazine.com BREVARD : David String • (321) 684-5888 • dstring@coastalanglermagazine.com DAYTONA/NEW SMYRNA BEACH : Don Meadows • (321) 436-5895 • donm@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS : Cliff Lumpkin • (305) 849-9093 • cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT LAUDERDALE : Gene Dyer • (954) 680-3900 • gene@coastalanglermagazine.com FORT MYERS : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com GREATER ORLANDO : Phillip & Giselle Wolf • (407) 790-9515 • phillip@coastalanglermagazine.com LAKELAND & SUMTER : Mary Brasher • (352) 598-4219 • maryf@coastalanglermagazine.com NAPLES : Nadeen Welch • (239) 595-8265 • nwelch@coastalanglermagazine.com NC FLORIDA/NATURE COAST : Cary & Lynn Crutchfield • (352) 372-4237 • crutch@coastalanglermagazine.com NE FLORIDA : Danny Patrick • (904) 742-4696 • danny@coastalanglermagazine.com PANAMA CITY/FORGOTTEN COAST : Randy Cnota • (229) 834-7880 • randyc@coastalanglermagazine.com PALM BEACH COUNTY : Barbara Ryan • (561) 373-8040 • barbara@coastalanglermagazine.com SARASOTA : Phil Prevoir • (239) 257-4684 • pprevoir@coastalanglermagazine.com TAMPA BAY : Chuck Atkins • (239) 464-5153 • chuck@coastalanglermagazine.com TREASURE COAST : Misti & Gary Guertin • (772) 285-6850 • treasurecoast@coastalanglermagazine.com

flahama@coastalanglermagazine.com

SOUTHEAST

ATLANTA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com CHARLESTON : Jane A. Redden • (205) 725-9616 • jane@coastalanglermagazine.com

Sam Buckareff • (843) 607-8629 • sam@coastalanglermagazine.com

CHARLOTTE/PIEDMONT : Mark & Haley Alberghini • (704) 651-1934 • mark@theanglermagazine.com

COME JOIN OUR TEAM Dear Reader, “Coastal Angler” and our freshwater component “The Angler” magazines are looking to expand our franchise footprint to include numerous Gulf Coast region markets. Having become the largest outdoor publication on the Eastern Seaboard, we’re now ready to continue our expansion westerly all the way to California and northerly to the Great Lakes and beyond. Our franchise system enables localized editions of the magazine to be managed and developed by our franchisee/co-publishers. Publishing your localized edition of either Coastal Angler Magazine or The Angler Magazine can be exceptionally enriching and financially rewarding. Our ideal candidate may never have been involved in publishing before. They would, however, be passionately involved in the outdoors. Obsessive anglers often make great fishing magazine franchisees.

COLUMBIA/MIDLANDS : John Lux • (803) 807-6885 • jlux@theanglermagazine.com MYRTLE BEACH : Mike Masiero • (732) 674-3019 • mmasiero@coastalanglermagazine.com SW GEORGIA : Bob & Brenda Rice • (706) 614-8231 • bobr@theanglermagazine.com TIDEWATER/OUTER BANKS : John Tiger • (757) 707-9654 • john.tiger@coastalanglermagazine.com

Laura Tiger • (757) 707-9655 • laura@coastalanglermagazine.com

WESTERN NC : Debra & Joe Woody • (828) 775-9663 • woody@theanglermagazine.com WILMINGTON/MOREHEAD : Kenny Ritter • (910) 550-9094 • kenny@coastalanglermagazine.com

NORTHEAST BOSTON : George Regan • (617) 488-2842 • boston@coastalanglermagazine.com LONG ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 • lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com CONNECTICUT/RHODE ISLAND : Lisa & Michael Danforth • (203) 321-7635 lisad@coastalanglermagazine.com

Your new career is just a phone call or email away.

GULF COAST MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST : Adam Nelson • (228) 627-5903 • anelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

This is a chance to own your own business but not be all on your own. Our training and support systems enable our co-publishers to quickly establish their localized edition of the magazine into a viable local business. If you think you would enjoy a career centered around the outdoors and fishing, you owe it to yourself to check out our franchise opportunities. Our expansion goals have numerous territories now available.

Toby Nelson • (228) 623-1761 • tnelson@coastalanglermagazine.com

Best regards,

NEW ORLEANS : Dr. Dave Dunaway • (225) 400-8156 • nola@coastalanglermagazine.com

GREAT LAKES WEST MICHIGAN : Phil Belsito • (616) 957-1714 • phil@theanglermagazine.com

INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS : Ace Bassue • (407) 285-9453 • ace@coastalanglermagazine.com COSTA RICA : Mike Erickson • (561) 262-2242 • mike@coastalanglermagazine.com © 2018. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Disclaimer: Coastal Angler Magazine / The Angler Magazine will not be held liable for injuries incurred while partaking in activities described herein, or for claims made against products or services provided by advertisers. SAFETY

Ben Martin Editor in Chief info@coastalanglermagazine.com

1-888-800-9794

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FEBRUARY 2018

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By CAM Staff

ast and stable, with a needle nose that reminded people of a mosquito buzzing over southern waters, the world’s first bass boat was the 1948 brainchild of Shreveport, Louisiana’s Holmes Thurmond. That first Skeeter boat, made of molded marine plywood, caught on quickly with local anglers. It launched the brand

that today, 70 years later, is still renowned for building innovative boats designed specifically for the needs of recreational anglers. Cary Crutchfield, co-publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine’s North Central Florida edition, owns one of those early Skeeter boats. When he bought his first Skeeter in the 1960s, the company was already leading the way in what became an industry-wide transition to fiberglass. His was a 15-foot model with stick steering up front that was powered by a 35hp outboard. “It’s real easy to fish from, and it’s just a neat 6

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looking boat,” Crutchfield said of those early flat-bottomed Skeeters. “It’s narrow, and the way the sides turn up to the cockpit makes it very stable to move around in.” With today’s bass boats, a 250hp Yamaha seems like a necessity to even compete on the tournament circuits. Back then, a Skeeter with a 35hp was capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph. It was a fishing boat superior to any that came before it. The Super Skeeter arose as the boat for serious anglers fishing the large, newly constructed man-made reservoirs that have since fueled the sport. Crutchfield sold his 15-footer in the 1980s and almost immediately began kicking himself. He missed the narrow profile and shallow draft, along with kind of stability that allows him to stand comfortably and pole into very tight places. It wasn’t long before he ran into another old Skeeter he had to have, this one a 14-footer, originally powered by a 25hp outboard that has since been replaced by a 1950s model 12hp. Even with that old motor, it still gets around pretty quickly, and Crutchfield said it’s still the perfect small fishing boat where he launches on the Suwannee River. With the spirit of innovation that gave rise to that first bass boat and an open ear to the new requirements of early bass tournaments, Skeeter grew and evolved with the sport. The Skeeter Hawk did away with the characteristic pointed bow, which allowed for a smoother ride and a raised casting platform. In the 1970s, after moving into its current plant in Kilgore, Texas, Skeeter rolled the dice and introduced the legendary Wrangler to the bass fishing world. Rated for 150hp with a V-bottom, it was an odd and new style that absolutely dominated the competition in performance. It became the template that led to the high-performance fishing machines that roar

around our reservoirs today. In 2018, Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats is celebrating its 70th year of providing anglers with exceptional fishing boats. With modern technology and computer design capabilities, it has continued to lead the industry with innovations such as the first production composite bass boat, the ZX202, in the mid-1990s. The venerable ZX series, in all its versions, has been a staple in the bass tournament world for more then three decades. But listening to the needs of the fishermen who are its customers, Skeeter branched out to produce deep-v boats for walleye tournament anglers on the big lakes of the north, as well as bay boats for saltwater anglers. Skeeter’s acquisition by Yamaha in 1996 brought new resources to the table and advances followed. In 2001, Skeeter again set a new standard for the industry with its Torque Transfer Transom and Stringer System, which provides lift to the entire keel, while eliminating stress on the on the transom, deck, hull and sides. Through all the advancements, Skeeter boats bear little resemblance to Thurmond’s first bass boat. But the same concept, to design perfect

fishing boats for fishermen, is evident throughout Skeeter’s product line. Whether it’s on southern reservoirs, the big northern lakes or the bays and backwaters of the Gulf of Mexico, Skeeter has a nimble, fast and extremely fishable boat perfect for the kind of fishing you do.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/17/18 5:06 PM

IT’S MORE THAN JUST A BOAT. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.

STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: Center console command center Abundant bow & floor storage Lowrance® Elite 9 Ti touch 40 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Deluxe lean post w/vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell New upholstery styling ...and much more!

ENGINEERED TO BE THE ULTIMATE BAY BOAT Ultimate in the way you get to the fish, with a durability that is unsurpassed. Engineering this one was a dream come true. We put everything you need right at your fingertips to provide you with a true fishing machine. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX240.

$42,995* 2O18 SX21O WITH

YAMAHA VF15OXA

ACTUAL SALES PRICE DETERMINED BY DEALER. PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FREIGHT, DEALER PREP & T.T.L.

NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE BEFORE REBATE

43,495

MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE

52,060

STANDARD FEATURES INCLUDE: White Pro Series 2 Power-Pole® Abundant bow & floor storage Center console command center 25 gallon rear livewell/baitwell Leaning post with vertical rod holders 14 gallon console baitwell ...and much more! 8” setback plate

THE BEST RIDE AT THE BEST VALUE It’s true you really can have it all without spending it all. The SX210 is just the right fit for any situation. Family fun and weekend getaways make this boat a hero. For additional information please visit SkeeterBoats.com/SX210.

UP TO

INSTANT REBATE

LIMITED TIME OFFER INSTANT REBATE APPLIED AT TIME OF FINAL SALE BY DEALER.

VALID JANUARY 1-MARCH 31, 2018

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty 10 Year Limited Transferable Structural Warranty 3 Year Limited Component Warranty

Visit SkeeterBoats.com to locate your nearest Skeeter Dealer. Nationally Advertised Price; actual sales price determined by dealer. Price does not include freight, dealer prep, and T.T.L.. uManufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Prices may vary due to supply, location, freight etc. Actual prices are set by the dealer. *Terms and Conditions: Nationally Advertised Price for 2018 SX210 with $1500 Rebate. Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused, not previously warranty registered) eligible MY 2018 and prior boat from 1/1/18- 3/31/18 is an instant rebate applied at time of final sale by dealer, at no extra cost to consumer. Actual rebate amount is determined by model selected. NO BENEFIT SUBSTITUTIONS. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Skeeter dealers in the U.S.A. and Canada sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. and Canada. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold, PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered in accordance with Skeeter’s promotion and warranty registration req uirements during applicable dates. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Not redeemable for cash. Boats sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, rental, promotional/ demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Skeeter offer or discounts. Some exceptions may apply. See authorized, participating Skeeter dealer for complete details. Skeeter reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. Other restrictions and conditions apply. ©2018 Skeeter Products, Inc. All rights reserved. This document contains many of Skeeter’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. Remember to observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and ride. Dress properly with a USCG approved flotation device and protective gear. +

LOOK FOR US AT THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW AT BOOTH A112 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Rods & Reels

G. LOOMIS/SHIMANO CONQUEST

PENN CONFLICT II

PENN redesigned its smooth and durable Conflict reel to bring anglers the Conflict II, the most lightweight PENN reel ever made. It is a superior reel, perfectly suited to inshore applications. True to its origins, the Conflict II features stealthy cosmetics and a smooth and reliable HT-100 carbon fiber drag system. The RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor are extremely lightweight and durable, and with the redesign, the Conflict II is 20 percent lighter than the first-generation Conflict. Internally, the Conflict II is updated with PENN’s CNC Gear Technology and high quality stainless steel ball bearings, making it the ultimate PENN inshore reel. With the Superline Spool, no backing is needed because of the rubber gasket that keeps superlines from slipping. Other key features include: Slow Oscillation – Leveline System, 7+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system and line capacity rings.

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

ST. CROIX LEGEND TOURNAMENT INSHORE

What do you get when you mix proven G. Loomis rod design with Shimano technology? You get Conquest, a line of 12 awesome bass rods, purposebuilt for different conditions and techniques. The new Conquest series includes eight casting rods with G. Loomis’ original “Mag Bass” fast-action tapers and four “Spin/Jig” fast-action spinning rods. With Shimano’s Spiral X and Hi-Power X processes, the blanks are rolled to exact G. Loomis specifications before being handfinished in G. Loomis’ Woodland, Wash. facility. With this partnership, engineers believe they have produced the most technologically advanced rods on the water. They are lightweight and offer anglers a whole new set of performance standards. Some of the benefits anglers will experience are: more accurate casts, increased fighting power, solid leverage for hook sets and reduced rod twist for rod control and durability. The casting rods are fitted with G. Loomis’ “skeleton” reel seats on full-cork contoured grips. The spinning rods feature split grips and Shimano’s CI4 reel seats. Blank-through-handle design on both versions adds sensitivity, as do the Fuji Torzite guides and a durable SIC Titanium tip guide. Whether you’re pitching jigs in thick cover or prospecting open water for smallies, high-performance Conquest rods will help you catch more bass.

WWW.GLOOMIS.COM

PENN INTERNATIONAL VI

Legend Tournament Inshore rods are the blending of the inimitable sensitivity, power and durability of St Croix’s Legend Tournament Bass and Walleye series with components and technology suited for saltwater environments. With good looks and a high-performance feel, the Legend Tournament Inshore was awarded Best Saltwater rod at ICAST 2017. The eye-catching “Belize Blue” blanks are crafted of SCIV graphite using Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology and engineered to eliminate all transitional points, which fosters smooth action, increased strength and sensitivity. They are surprisingly lightweight, yet durable, and are equipped with a Fuji TVS blank touch reel seat on spinning rods and PTS blank-touch reel seat with builtin hoods on casting models. These new Fuji seats are designed to stand-up to the pressure of hard-fighting inshore species. Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides and a Kigan titanium hook keeper provide 100 percent corrosion protection.

After nearly 15 years, the PENN International big game reel will get a makeover. The reel that has become legendary for fulfilling angler dreams offshore has been refined and modernized to once again redefine big game reels. The PENN International VI series features many upgrades including a weight reduction on key sizes, a new silent anti-reverse and a more refined/ adjustable Dura-Drag system. The new series features 28 models in both gold and silver, single speed and two-speed, wide and narrow. Made in the U.S.A. of domestic and imported components at the historic PENN Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company building in Philadelphia, the International VI will give anglers the edge in chasing that trophy of a lifetime. Key features include: Machined and anodized aluminum body and side plates, stainless steel main and pinion gears, Quick-Shift II two-speed system, sealed DuraDrag system, Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike stop, double-dog ratchet anti-reverse and line capacity rings.

STCROIXRODS.COM

WWW.PENNFISHING.COM

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/17/18 5:06 PM

Product Reviews

TSUNAMI ARMR

MUD HOLE TURN KEY KITS Avid anglers who want to take their fishing to the next level owe it to themselves to check out Mud Hole Custom Tackle’s rod building kits. They include everything needed for anglers to construct their own high-end custom fishing rods. Mud Hole is offering an amazing value on its Inshore Turnkey Kit, which includes all the tools and materials to build a custom inshore rod perfect for trout and redfish. The kit features the extremely popular and versatile MHX SJ842 rod blank. This 7’0” medium-light power rod features a fast action for throwing soft plastics and topwater lures at wary flats fish. Along with the blank, the kit comes with a matched guide set, handle kit and everything from the CRB wrapper, a CRB rod dryer and ProPaste and ProKote Rod Finish and all the tools needed to craft your own custom rod. Visit www.mudhole.com and check out all our Turn Key Kit options or simply Google: Mud Hole Turnkey.

Super smooth and well built, the Tsunami ARMR is lightweight, high-performance spinning reel available in 3000/4000 and 5000/6000 sizes. The Tsunami ARMR has a sleek design and features

high-end components to provide smooth and durable operation for fighting and casting. The lightweight, solid aluminum body combined with hybrid, corrosion resistant carbon infused side plates and rotor and a double anodized ported aluminum spool are what keep this reel feather light in the hand all day long. Seven high-precision, shielded stainless steel ball bearings allow full support to all free-moving parts during the toughest fight or retrieve after retrieve. The look and feel of the Tsunami ARMR reel, enhanced by a light, durable EVA handle knob and braid-ready spool is what separates these high-performance reels from the competition.

WWW.BIMINIBAYOUTFITTERS.COM

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM

SHIMANO SUSTAIN HOOKER ELECTRIC REELS Hooker Electric continues to raise the bar with the fastest, lightest and best looking electric reels on the market, along with second-to-none customer service. The top seller in 2017 was their 80 motor that features level wind and auto stop, mounted on the Shimano Tiagra 80WA. The auto stop feature allows the angler to set the reel to stop winding at any interval, including just before your terminal tackle reaches the rod tip. With both 12- and 24-volt functionality, there is no need for a converter box. Its full variable speed allows line retrieval at up to 500 feet per minute, which makes checking your bait from 1,800 feet a breeze. It also includes bluetooth connectivity, allowing the angler to control the reel through Hooker Electric’s iPhone app, ReelTime. If you’re feeling sporty, the reel can also be used manually, so you can feel the fight. New for 2018, Hooker Electric now offers custom colors in silver, black, blue and even pink. For more information, go to www.hookerelectric.com or give them a call at 954-530-6908.

WWW.HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

T h e Best New Saltwater Reel winner at ICAST 2017, Shimano’s Sustain might just be the best new spinning reel for freshwater or salt. The Sustain series comes in four sizes suitable for everything from finesse baits for bass, to stripers and even small billfish. In all sizes, the reel’s Hagane aluminum body construction gives it a solid feel, and the Shimano Magnumlite low inertia rotor provides sensitive, light rotation and a light start up, which allows anglers to instantly begin the retrieve. Shimano’s Hagane gear has already made waves in the industry for its incredibly smooth operation. The exclusive technology used to engineer the cold forged aluminum drive also makes it extremely strong and durable. The X-Protect feature, which should be of particular interest to saltwater anglers but is relevant in any wet fishing conditions, is a threelipped rubber seal system that offers exceptional water resistance. With Cross Carbon Drag, eight shielded anti-rust ball bearings, and a one-way roller bearing to stop handle backplay, Shimano went in whole hog to produce these award-winning reels. Whether you fish freshwater or salt, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spinning reel.

FISH.SHIMANO.COM

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MOTOR UPGRADES ARE AVAILABLE

Marine Wintertime Blowout $209* mon

G2968 Key Largo 160cc

G2661 Key Largo 1800 cc

40 HP Motor

90 HP Motor

WAS $23,849 NOW $15,999

WAS $37,749 NOW $25,999

$194* mon

90 HP Motor

G3149 Caravelle 16EBo 70 HP Motor

WAS $30,746 NOW $19,799

$299* mon thly

thly

G2849 Key Largo 2000

G2646 Key Largo 210LX

WAS $50,787 NOW $35,990

WAS $59,266 NOW $36,990

150 HP Motor

140 HP Motor

WAS $35,833 NOW $23,999

thly

$279* mon

thly

G3068 Caravelle 19EBo

$164* mon

thly

$377* mon

$306* mon

$368* mon

thly

G3010 Key Largo 220BAY

G3054 Razon 238PF

140 HP Motor

200 HP Motor

WAS $61,517 NOW $39,599

WAS $78,605 NOW $49,599

thly

G3081 Razor 247UR 200 HP Motor

WAS $71,288 NOW $48,499

www.factorydirectmarine.com *payments calculated at 180 months for well qualified buyers with 20% down. Please note: Prices do not include freight, dealer make ready, and rigging. Pictures may not reflect actual unit and/or available inventory. Price and payment do not include sales tax or fees. Not responsible for typographical errors.

Ridgeland, SC, 401 Sycamore Drive, 844-280-9753 | Panama City, FL, 8308 Panama City Beach Pkwy, 844-278-2510 Charlotte, NC | 9204 N Lakebrook Road | 980-267-5597 | Rockwood,TN, 2475 Westel Road, 844-271-9582 Hamburg, PA, 20 Industrial Drive , 844-247-1678 | West Coxsackie, NY, 12634 Route 9 West, 844-276-8649

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All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. Â© AkzoNobel 2017.

$136* mon

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

All trademarks mentioned are owned by, or licensed to, the AkzoNobel group of companies. © AkzoNobel 2017.

The hero your boat deserves!

8953/1217

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FEBRUARY 2018

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

1/17/18 5:06 PM

Drifting For

Nighttime Yellowfin On Gulf Floaters

By Nick Carter

ellowfin tuna are some of the most sought after gamefish in the world. They are the ahi tuna on the menus at restaurants and sushi bars, and in the water they have the speed and power to wear down anglers and break gear. The signature “spiral” that tuna commence in the waning moments of a fight is responsible for untold numbers of broken lines and broken hearts. After battling 30 mph runs for 20 minutes or more, the weary angler, captain and crew face one final test, a team effort to survive the spiral and get the fish on deck. These tense moments, when a big yellowfin turns sideways and begins to circle, using its body’s mass as leverage, are the most critical minutes of the fight. If the line even touches the boat, it will snap, and the circling fish provides many opportunities for this to happen. These moments are the reason Randy King, of Paparda Rey Fishing Charters out of Galveston, Texas, says the main limitation on their catch is the ability of the angler. The captain, Kenneth Doxey, is solid. He has been running their 54-foot Bertram and their 35-foot Cabo for more than a decade. He was the 2016 recipient

of the Houston Big Game Fishing Club’s Jim Peachey Award. The crew is also top-notch, which leaves the angler as the potential weak link. The good news is there will likely be multiple opportunities on one of their overnight trips to deep-water oil platforms off Texas. King said a great trip with six anglers would yield a dozen yellowfin tuna in the 40- to 120-pound range, and that doesn’t include the shots anglers will have at mahi-mahi, wahoo, marlin and blackfin tuna. Out of Galveston, it’s 100 miles or more into the Gulf of Mexico to reach the enormous floating gas and oil structures off the edge of the Continental Shelf. These deep-water facilities, known as “floaters,” create their own food chain, consolidating bait and gamefish from miles around. On a typical 36- or 48-hour trip, don’t plan on sleeping much. The floaters are brightly lit at night, which is when the tuna fishing is best. After identifying fish on the sonar, chumming and drift fishing with 30-pound-class tackle is usually the most productive method for yellowfin. “Sometimes the tuna will start breaching,” said King. “They’ll jump in the air like king mackerel.” It’s for these occasions, when fish are on the surface, that big spinning rigs armed with poppers are

kept on deck. Drifting and pulling poppers while chugging back up-current to start a new drift goes on all night long. At dawn, the bait rods come in, and it’s time to start trolling. The primary daylight targets are marlin, sailfish, wahoo and dolphin. Between night and day, it equates to a whole lot of big fish packed into a weekend at sea. It’s a grand adventure, and a meat trip of epic proportions in the Gulf of Mexico. Check out Paparda Rey at www.offshorebiggame.com. Information on the Houston Big Game Fishing Club can be found at www.hbgfc.com.

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By Capt. Larry Conley

f you’re new to fishing out of the Fort Myers, Fla. area, it can be very technical. It can also be very good. Knowing water depths for a certain fish can help you. Grouper typically reside in the 70- to 120-foot depths, and it changes with the water temps and the time of year. Red snapper will be in depths of 140 feet or more. Lane snapper are great table fare and can be found in 40 to 50 feet or deeper. This year we’ve caught more and bigger lanes than I have seen in eight years. Look for hard bottom areas; learn to use your sonar. If it works as you’re running it helps a lot. Watch your screen continuously as you get past 40 feet of water. I’m not going give out a bunch of numbers, but if you watch the sonar you’re going to find a lot of lane snapper in 45 to 65

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feet of water. As you’re running out, watch for rocky ledges, as they will hold mangrove snapper, gag grouper and white grunts. If I spot a new area as I’m running, I’ll mark it on the GPS and label it “RO.” I’ll know it as a run over. If it looks really good, like a bunch of lanes, I sometimes label it “WOW.” That way I know to look for lanes on a future trip. As I get in 40 feet or so, I’ll watch the radar and sonar more than out in front of the boat, and that’s how I’ve found many new spots. I might not fish them for months out, and I’ll delete the ones that don’t produce. As for bait, squid, threadfin and herring are the best and cheapest. Live shrimp work, but it’s one bite and the shrimp is gone, which adds up. Chum with cut threadfin. Cut them small, as you don’t want to fill the fish up. Just give them a taste to get them interested. A few of the best spots I’ve found are “potholes.” I found them by going slowly from one spot to another, watching the bottom machine. In 74 feet of water, I saw the bottom drop just 2 feet and then come back up after 20 yards to form a pothole. I saw what looked like one fish. One more red grouper was more than I had at the time, so I anchored. It took a few minutes, but the bottom came alive and we caught 15 keeper red grouper! That pothole was one of the best places I ever found. So, I continued looking for places that seemed the same and found about a dozen of these potholes. I keep records of the keepers for each spot on the GPS, and I can’t tell you enough how important those records are. When it gets tough, go to the high-numbered spots. Capt. Larry Conley and Reel-Ality Sportfishing offers inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing out of Fort Myers. The Reel-Ality offers various trips as well as tournament charters and is licensed to carry up to 6 passengers. Call 239-980-3880, visit www.reelalitysportfishing.com/ contact.html, and check them out on Facebook.

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By Capt. Ryan Drygas

n early morning departure from Key West Harbor puts the motor vessel Reel Time, a 45-foot Sea Hunter, right in the middle of 8- to 10-foot seas. The owner of the boat has been running sea trials for the last few days and has been comfortable running the boat throughout the trip, but has not yet handled seas of this magnitude. The owner made a decision to pass the helm to Paul Myrtetus, a member of the Sea Hunter team, and told him to start heading north. Myrtetus has been a part of several sea trials and is comfortable running

vessels in all types of conditions. After setting his course, Myrtetus began picking up speed and cutting through the swells. Usually, Myrtetus would be standing at the helm with his back resting on the edge of the seat. However, with the design and hydraulic integration of the Llebroc helm chair, he was more than comfortable running the course while remaining seated. In fact, Paul turned around to see the rest of the crew sitting down, as well. Anyone familiar with running in rough seas will tell you it was an unusual sight. Rough seas make for a rough ride, and the lack of a quality seat can cause back injuries quite easily from bottoming out in a chair. The 45foot Sea Hunter was fitted with Llebroc chairs, and the reasoning is quite obvious. Not only was everyone sitting down while running through 8- to 10-foot seas, they were laughing together, joking and enjoying watching wave after wave crashing over the decks and splashing against the window. After four days and 800 miles on the water, the sea trial was complete. Not only was the owner more than satisfied with his new boat, he was also injury free and has another sea story under his belt. Time after time, Llebroc has stood the test and passed with flying colors. Myrtetus is convinced Llebroc is the industry leader in seating and has helped return clients re-outfit their boats to Llebroc chairs. As a former member of the Coast Guard, I can personally recall stories of running in rough seas and bottoming out in helm chairs. The static and dynamic forces that affect the boat and the people inside are tremendous. Not only can they damage your vessel, but they can also have a lasting effect on your body. The equipment with which you outfit your boat determines the performance of your vessel as well as the enjoyment of your voyage. When looking for a comfortable ride, choose comfort, choose durability, choose Llebroc.

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trolling along the beaches of Florida, a wanderer is apt to notice cream-colored shells piled along the waterline. They might spot shades of brown, green, turquoise or even blue seaglass scattered along the sand. It takes a particularly keen eye, however, to spot an even more elusive prize of the Florida beachcomber: a fossilized shark tooth. Varying in size from a few millimeters long to the length of the palm of your hand, shark teeth can be found along Florida’s coasts, in freshwater riverbeds, and on sandy beaches dotting the Intracoastal waterways throughout the state. In a lifetime, the average shark will shed a few thousand teeth. When close to shore, a freshly-lost tooth might be carried right to the beach by moving water currents or storm surges. Locally, brighter white or cream hued shark teeth are usually found near West Palm Beach, on the public beaches of Palm Beach Island or along Singer Island. Most teeth, however, sink to the ocean floor or riverbed and settle

among the sediment. It is due to the sediment that fossilized shark teeth appear in an array of colors, from jet black to dark grey, mottled brown and lighter toffee tones, and even some shades of splotched red and pink. Deep underneath the water, surges will tumble the tooth into the sand, burying it alongside fragments of seashells and coral. Over time, minerals like calcite and silica make their way into porous spaces of the teeth. The covering of sand and sediment protects shark teeth from abrasion, and helps prevent decay due to oxygen and bacterial exposure. Darker teeth are rare along Florida’s lower east coast, but can be spotted by a patient observer on beaches along Juno and Jupiter, even spanning farther north into Martin County. It takes thousands of years for a shark tooth to truly become fossilized, which makes them a valuable find for collectors and beach-goers. Although spotting shark teeth along local beaches takes a practiced eye, fossils are more commonly found on Florida’s west coast, particularly around Venice Beach. Pura Vida Divers will be on the hunt for these elusive beach treasures, and invites you to join in the fun! February is Shark Month at Pura Vida, and they will have a month filled with related activities, educational sessions and travel opportunities. On Sunday, Feb. 11, Pura Vida Divers will join Jupiter Dive Center for a Lemon Shark Dive to observe the aggregations that gather each year in our local waters. Spaces are limited on the two-tank dive, so call us at 561-840-8750 to sign up. Join Pura Vida Divers on Friday, Feb. 16 for a Free Social Night, featuring guest speaker Dr. Kajiura, a Florida Atlantic University professor and researcher for their “Shark Lab.” Dr. Kajiura will share his research regarding shark migrations off Florida’s east coast, and the evening will feature complimentary potluck-style snacks, wine and beer. Later in the month, sign up for a Fossil-Finding Expedition, and join Pura Vida as it explores Florida, learning how to find and identify fossilized shark teeth. To register for any of the upcoming events, contact Pura Vida Divers at Info.PVD@PuraVidaDivers.com or 561-840-8750. See all of Pura Vida Divers’ upcoming activities at www.PuraVidaDivers.com.

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik • Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures

n early November, my buddy and I set out to fish some shallow flats in our kayaks. The water and air temperatures were near the 80-degree mark in south Texas. The area we had available to us only had a few inches of tidal flow predicted. When saltwater fishing, current is at the top of the list for catching requirements, but when the tide doesn’t provide it, find something that will. I had not fished this area in three years, and since that time hurricane Harvey changed a few things from the vehicle access point to my favorite hole, which isn’t a hole anymore. Needless to say, this was going to be a scouting mission as well as a fishing trip. We made our way to our first stop, which was a large knee- to waist-deep grass flat with a deep channel running down one side that is separated by a few spoil islands. We anchored up at the tip of a spoil island and casted to the channel. Although there was an abundance of bait, we didn’t get a strike. Off to plan B, my old honey hole. Once there, I realized the sweet spot was no longer, but we fished the area thoroughly since bait was present. We managed only a few strikes and a couple small trout. Knowing that the fish were inactive and that the tide was weak, I searched for an area where the wind might help drive a little more water flow to get the fish feeding. We headed back to the vicinity of our first stop, which was a flat the shape of a football field with the wind blowing from one endzone to the other. On the downwind side, there were a few small islands with breaks between them. Due to the wind, these breaks

funneled stronger water movement onto a small shallow flat. This flat didn’t have more bait than the other areas, but it did have water movement, which sparked the bite. We spent several hours in this tiny area catching reds and speckled trout. We used the same lures and presentation as we did earlier in the day. Soft plastic topwater jerk baits in pearl accounted for the more aggressive fish, but they were the smaller ones in this area. All of our larger fish came on slow-sinking paddle shad. Targeting the potholes and letting the lures slowly sink at the edge of the sand-to-grass transition drew the better strikes.

Photo courtesy of Capt. Tim Cutting

When fishing on less than desirable tides, remember to seek out locations that can offer it a push. Funnels and choke points are always a good bet, even if they are subtle. The water depth was the same on both sides and in between the islands, but it gave that little push the fish needed. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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he fishing is the Gulf of Mexico has been on fire with everything from Cobia to Spanish Mackeral and lots of great Triple Tail fishing along the trap lines, if you are a beginner fly fisherman or have ever wanted to get into the sport this is the very best time of year to try it out. When heading into the gulf for a day of mackerel fishing I take along a few blocks of chum and about 7-10 dozen shrimp, on the ride out we are always looking for floating triple tail which appear white laying on the surface near the a trap line. If you find one slow the boat down and cast a live shrimp up current of it and it makes for some great sight casting fun, if you are a fly fisherman use the same technique with a shrimp pattern. Now that you have had some fun on the ride out pick a spot out in the gulf with a sand hole or find other boats in the area and start chumming the mackerel will usually find you, I like to drag the chum bag about 5 min to let them know I am in the area. The tackle you will need is a light spinning rod with either a jig or a hook with a live shrimp, I usually start off without a wire leader till we loose a few rigs then move over to a light wire leader. When they are really biting you can catch them on artificial lures or poppers for the fly fisherman, there is nothing quite like watching a mackerel skyrocket out of the water to eat a popper! If the weather will allow go a little further past the mackeral to the deeper water or a wreck Capt. Greg Poland where you can do a little bottom fishing, you will find everything 305.393.3327 gregpoland.com from snapper & grouper to Instagram gregpoland cobia If you would like to Facebook: Fishing in the Florida Keys get out on the water with me with Capt. Greg Poland for a fay in the gulf give me a call at 305-393-3327 or send me an email at gregpoland@ icloud.com I have some open dates and would love gregpolandphotography.com to show you a good time on gregpolandstudios.com the waterâ€Ś COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM

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by Capt. Dallas Hopper

t is definitely feeling like winter here in the Florida Keys with the temps having plunged down into the low forties a few times, but don’t worry we wont be seeing snow anytime soon. The offshore bite has been stellar, so just throw on a few extra layers and get in on the action!

Clive and Ryan with a nice wahoo taken livebaiting

The cold fronts are pushing a lot of bait fish down the coast with the dropping water temps and the predators are hot on their tails. On the edge of the reef we have been targeting wahoo, king mackerel, blackfin tuna and sailfish. Live bait fishing has been very productive, whether we are pulling live speedos or flying an assortment of bait from kites. Make sure you fire up the grill and the smoker because the wahoo and kingfish bite shows no signs of slowing down! Snapper fishing this month has us mainly targeting yellowtail snapper, with the true “flags” coming from the deeper reefs and offshore wrecks. Its important to chum heavily and have a constant flow in hopes that the school of fish are drawn near the boat and even feeding on the surface. We prefer to use monofilament line in the 12-20 lb range but will often tie on an arms length of fluorocarbon leader if the fish are line shy. Cut bonita, ballyhoo, squid and peeled shrimp are the bait of choice.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as February can be a windy month, especially when a weather front is blowing through. With the water temp dipping down into the mid to low seventies the fishing is only go to get better. Capt. Dallas Hopper Fantastic II Charters “guaranteed fish” 305-451-2890 www.charterkeylargo.com

Dillon, Cathy and Jimmy rang in the new year with an epic day of fishing

One of five sails for the Webster crew 4 FLORIDA KEYS

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By Capt. Chris Johnson

Typically, February is the coolest month of the year, with water temperatures ranging from lows in the mid-60’s to highs in the mid-70’s. And, thanks to the solid cold fronts that rolled through during January, our wintertime fishing is living up to its reputation as being quite good for the species that love cooler water. Off the reef edge, the action for sailfish, kingfish and blackfin tuna should remain on par as long as the good, clean water is intact. Live baits are key to attract bites from these species. We use pilchards and cigar minnows as well as ballyhoo, when we can find them, drifted around known wrecks and rough bottom areas. It often pays to deploy one bait deep – on or near the bottom – to pick up mutton snappers plus big yellowjacks and amberjacks. Keep in mind, all AJ’s must be released as the season is closed until March 1. To catch the kings and occasional wahoo, you need to run a short piece of wire in front of your hook to prevent bite-offs. We like to use #5 wire. You’d be surprised at how many sailfish and blackfins we’ve caught on wire. But, when targeting these, 40-pound fluoro is the way to go. And, we match our Owner hook to the size of the bait, anything from a 3/0 to a 5/0 hook. During the warm periods between cold fronts, fish the deeper reef waters in 50 to 90 feet for yellowtail snappers. This time of year, you don’t need nearly as much chum as you do during the warm months, as the yellowtails require less food in cooler water temps. We find the best bait to be fresh shrimp. If the fish are shy to eat, sling some YellowtailUp mixed with oats. This will spur them into feeding more aggressively. These same areas should hold plenty of king and cero mackerel. Larger live baits, such as bluerunners, cigar minnows and pilchards, fished off the side of your yellowtail slick should provide strikes from these silver speedsters. Again, that same #5 wire should be sufficient to prevent bite-offs. Hawk Channel is a winter wonderland of fishing, offering a wide variety of fun-catching and good-eating species. You’ll find plenty of king, cero and Spanish mackerel, cobia, all the snappers, Florida pompano, porgies and throw-back hogfish and groupers. You just never know what you’ll catch next. As long as the water temps are in the high 60’s to low 70’s around the bridges and in Florida Bay, you should be able to find loads of mangrove snappers and Spanish mackerel. You might even pick up some seatrout.

30lb kingfish caught by the Devin group, from California, with Capt. Jason Bell and SeaSquared Charters

A very productive day with SeaSquared Charters on the No Slack for the Bultema group, from Indiana! The group caught a nice mutton, a kingfish and a big lane snapper. Shrimp or small pilchards are your baits of choice, and we most often fish them on 3/8-ounce jigheads. We find shrimp work best when the water is 60 to 70 degrees and chunks of pinfish or ballyhoo are better when the water gets into the low 70’s. FREE FISHING SEMINARS In partnership with the Hyatt Place/Faro Blanco Marina and The Tackle Box, we are hosting monthly fishing seminars. The topic for February is Yellowtailing 101, and the seminar takes place on February 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Faro Blanco. Check our Facebook page for the complete schedule. Capt. Chris Johnson specializes in offshore, reef/wreck, gulf/bay, sailfish, shark and tarpon fishing with SeaSquared Charters, docked at Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club in Marathon. 305-743-5305 • SeaSquaredCharters.com Mixed bag of wahoo, kingfish and blackfin tuna caught by the Kelly group, from Philadelphia, with Capt. Kevin Goodwin and SeaSquared Charters.

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FLORIDA KEYS BRIDGES OPEN TO FISHING:

• Channel 2 (MM 73) • Channel 5 (south end, MM 71) • Long Key (MM 63-65) • Tom’s Harbor Cut (MM 61.2) • Tom’s Harbor Channel (access from north end only, MM 60.6) • Seven Mile Bridge (south end only, MM 40) • Spanish Harbor (MM 34) • South Pine Channel Historic Bridge (MM 30) • Kemp Channel (MM 23) • Bow Channel (MM 20) • Park Channel (MM 18.5) • Shark Channel (MM 11)

FLORIDA KEYS BRIDGES CLOSED TO FISHING: • Little Duck Key-Missouri Historic Bridge, (MM 39.5) • Missouri-Ohio Historic Bridge (MM 39) • Ohio-Bahia Honda Historic Bridge (MM 38.5) • Lower Sugarloaf Channel (MM 15.8)

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FLORIDA KEYS 7

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By Capt. Nate Wheeler

he New Year started out with a bang! Good weather produced an excellent bite all around. Monster yellowtails hung around the edges of the reef. Fresh cut bait free lining behind a block of chum produced an easy limit of dinner. The wahoo bite turned on early in the morning out in the deeper water. The good weather didn’t last long though. Many fronts with lots of rain have been passing through, often making conditions completely un-fishable. I spent a lot of my time fishing very close to land. Large mangrove snappers have pushed into the channels and mangrove islands. Unpredictable weather has made making plans very tough. All you can do is wake up early and be ready to go. Coming into February Things should really begin to heat up. Winter storms should begin to arrive less frequently and really settle down. Strong north winds will result in much more bait around. Prime winter fishing is in full action. Your blue water species such as tuna, sailfish, and wahoo should be….wherever the blue water is. Storms can push dirty inshore water in and out of the reef. Good current should produce color changes. Covering ground trolling rigged baits early in the morning can really produce. As soon as you start finding fish, slow down and really work the area. Cobia frequent the edges of the reef in good numbers this time of year so its always a good idea to keep an eye out and be prepared to cast a live bait right on their head. If the big ocean is not your favorite and you prefer the calmer, inshore waters you will not be disappointed. Although colder water will push some of the major gamefish out, there are plenty of other fish to target. Casting artificial lures around the channel edges and mullet muds should produce a great trout bite. Jacks, lady fish and sharks will not produce a good meal, however are fun to catch and very plentiful. When fishing the backcountry channels, just like out front, be ready for the big cobia. Sometimes they will be on the back of the larger sharks. Captain Nate WheeleWaypoint Fishing Charters • (305) 394-2177 www.waypointfishing.net • captnatewheeler@aol.com

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1/16/18 1:38 PM

By Capt. Mike Weinhofer

elcome to the Key West winter fishery. It has been a cold start to the winter. Windy cold and the water temps are dropping fast.

Photo: Tony Ludovic

As February starts the winter fishing has kicked into high gear. The reef is packed with snapper. The yellowtail will bite on the shallow edge of the reef on the west bound current and the east current will push them out to the 80 to 120 foot depth. The mangrove snapper have will continue to be active in the 35 to 60 foot depth. Muttons are under the ballyhoo on the reef edge out to about 160. The kingfish are also lining up on the reef edge with the cero and Spanish mackerel eating the ballyhoo. Watch out for spraying ballyhoo, often the sailfish will chase the ballyhoo up onto the reef. Otherwise look for the sailfish in the 120 to 240 depth, bump trolling live ballyhoo can be really successful. The wrecks will fill with blackfin tuna during the day and live pilchards are the answer to chum them up from the depths. You can catch the blackfin tunas early morning and late afternoon trolling look from about 160 to 350 in depth. The birds are your friend to keep track of the tunas in the afternoon. The gulf side is also alive with action, the wrecks fill with sharks cobia and snappers. The gulf towers can be loaded with cobia and permit and kingfish. The amberjacks are always on the towers and just another fun addition to the action. Enjoy the cool winter breeze and all the fun fishing action that comes with it. Take a break get out on the water and remember why we all live in this special place. Capt Mike Weinhofer Compass Rose Charters 305-395-3474 www.KeyWestFloridaFishing.com

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By Robert Trosset

Snorkelfishing

The weather forecast was looking promising to make the trip out to The Dry Tortugas. We loaded up the boat and headed west to Fort Jefferson for a couple of days. The water around the fort is a magical place with excellent visibility year round. The fish and lobster are the biggest I have ever seen and it seems as though you are the only boat for miles. The Dry Tortugas is a national park 70 miles west of Key West and is home to one of my favorite reef dives. It is also considered one of the best snorkeling areas in Key West. The fishing is amazing but the only catch is spearfishing and lobstering are not allowed inside the park boundaries. As is true with many divers, traditional fishing is not something we gravitate towards. We don’t want to be on top of the water, we want to be in it watching the fish swim around us. Dropping a line in the water and hoping for a bite; where’s the excitement of the hunt; the thrill of the chase? So, what is a boat full of divers to do when there are all of these fish just waiting to be caught? Well, we did what any true pioneers would do, and took advantage of the rules! We put two activities together and made them into something awesome...that is where snorkelfishing was born!

You get into the water with snorkel gear, then get handed a small, custom made, waterproof fishing rod and reel. It looks like something you would give to a child, but this is not Childs play. This is pure awesome! Search for the fish you want or just lower your line and watch the fish eat your bait. Is that grouper going to be the one to get it or will you be pulling up the yellowtail swimming in for a bite? Pulling up a severed line on a boat is just disappointing. When your snorklefishing and a barracuda comes out of nowhere like a flash of light and claims your catch right in front of you, you almost can’t be mad. The anticipation, the action, you get a front row seat for it all. I caught my first fish, and I was hooked! When we finally decided to get back in the boat, the excitement didn’t end there. We started to fish the old fashion way. Let me tell you that normally I don’t like fishing; I don’t care for the down time. This wasn’t the case at The Dry Tortugas! All you have to do is put bait on a hook and into the water, then magically it turns into a fish! I know what you are thinking, but that is the way it felt like to me. We were catching Yellowtail Snapper and Grouper with ease. We had our pick of fish and found ourselves throwing back smaller ones, not because they weren’t legal but because why keep the small ones when you have tons of big ones just waiting to be reeled up?!? After a long weekend of camping, fishing, diving and Snorkelfishing we had to go back home. I laid back in the beanbag and relaxed to the sound of the boat cutting through the water. Drifting off to sleep I knew we had a boat load of fun and a box full of delicious fish. Joseph Setzer FINZ Dive Center 5130 Overseas Hiwy,Key West 305-395-0880 • Info@Finzdivecenter.com www.Finzdivecenter.com

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Max Burchfield of Cape Coral, FL landed this 23 inch Yello wtail Snapper on his recent visit to Marathon, FL go, with a nice

Joni, from Chica

mutton snappe

rs, with Fantastic II charte Ethan and Matt, fishing g kin lb monster 50 had to tag team this

Jack Schmidt, from California, caught this nice mutton snapper with Capt. Wayne Burri and SeaSquared Charters.

If you have a catch to brag about send your picture and caption to: cliff@coastalanglermagazine.com or april@coastalanglermagazine.com FLORIDA KEYS FEBRUARY 2018 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€˘ THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Progressive Miami International Boat Show Drops Anchor Feb. 15-19

et ready to experience the five biggest days in boating, when the 2018 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show fills up the Miami Marine Park & Stadium with newest and best in boating Feb. 15-19. New Sail and VIP areas will enhance this year’s show, which will be held over President’s Day weekend. Now in its 77th year, the event is expected to draw an estimated 100,000 boating enthusiasts. This year, sail will join power in one location, creating the ultimate destination for boat lovers from around the globe. The Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Miami moves to Miami Marine Stadium, where boaters and sailors alike will have the opportunity to browse, board and buy more than 1,400 boats in-water and on-land on Virginia Key. From sport fishing boats and high performance boats to personal watercraft and wake sport boats, family cruisers, sailboats and luxury yachts, there is something for every lifestyle and budget. The latest marine technology and fishing accessories will also be on display, making the Miami Boat Show a can’t miss winter destination for those with a taste for life on the water. “Miami’s favorite Boat Show is back, bringing the best in boating and accessories from around the globe,” said Larry Berryman, manager for the 2018 show. “We have all new boats—including worldwide model debuts, more yachts and larger boats than ever before, and every leading boat brand and major engine manufacturer on site. There truly is something for every lifestyle and budget. ” Compare and try before you buy! If

you’re looking to get out on the water, the Miami Boat Show will offer sea trials, where interested shoppers can take the boat of their dreams for a spin in Miami’s open waters. This year, more boat exhibitors will participate, giving boat buyers a chance to testdrive a number of options to find the perfect fit. In addition, following last year’s popular sold-out on-water boating skills workshops, the show will offer its Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training with more daily power boating and sailing courses. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended. “Center console and sport fishing boats are the bread and butter of our show,” said Berryman. “Buyers will be able to go for a ride on the water and then browse thousands of marine products and accessories featuring the latest innovations and cutting-edge technologies, as well as an entire tent dedicated to fishing.” Attendees seeking the VIP treatment will have access to the new, all-inclusive VIP experience, which includes one-day entry to the show and all its features, as well as complimentary food, drink and entertainment within an exclusive luxury VIP deck offering unparalleled views of Miami and the show. Travel to the show by land or sea! With the streamlining of the show’s venues into one location also comes the streamlining of transportation options. The Miami Boat Show will offer seamless transportation to and from Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin by water taxi and shuttle bus, and include more convenient parking options on Virginia Key. www.miamiboatshow.com

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By Capt. James Marko

y day started like any other, another early morning shark charter. My clients, two Canadian men on vacation, had no idea about what they were about to encounter. If you aren’t familiar with the migration patterns in Boca Grande, on Florida’s west coast near Fort Myers, sharks follow the yearly tarpon migration starting in mid-spring. The day began with us running roughly 3 miles offshore toward a trough that has been known to hold sharks. I did some rigging and got our baits in the water. Shark fishing is often a waiting game, and so our wait began. It didn’t last long. Within five minutes the Okuma 8000 Series was screaming from the rod holder, with no end in sight. The adrenaline started pumping, and I immediately started pulling up the anchor and prepared for a serious fight with a serious fish. With the boat in position, we started the chase. Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 8/1/14I 1:14 PM motor, Page 1 and the fight When we finally caught up to the1shark, cut the

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was on. The next two hours were full of reeling, swear words and sweat. We were dragged over 3 miles of ocean. With my clients at the point of exhaustion, it seemed that the shark was ready to give in, but not without one last run. Finally, we saw gray on the surface. With the shark next to the boat, I recognized it was a spinner shark. I immediately noted that this shark was huge for its species. Spinners are known to be jumpers, but this shark never breached the surface because of its size. My mind went right to the IGFA record. Thankfully, I had enough cell signal to Google the current record, even after the shark dragged us further offshore. The record was 205 pounds. I knew this shark was bigger than that. I made some quick phone calls and realized I would most likely have to kill the fish to get the record. I am usually a catch and release fisherman, so I was against brining the fish in, as were my clients. It took three of us to bring the fish into the boat to get a photo for bragging rights. I primarily deal with the Goliath grouper species, doing research for Florida Fish and Wildlife. This fish was comparable to the 300-pound Goliaths I catch regularly. After a few pictures and measurements, she became green again. She helped herself into the water and swam right off. We estimated the fish to be in the 260- to 270-pound range with a length of plus-8 feet. I loved seeing my client’s faces and reactions throughout the whole fight. All and all, it was just another day at the office. Capt. Marko specializes in Goliath grouper fishing and fishes waters from Sanibel through Boca Grande. Follow his daily catches on Instagram @captjamesmarko and Facebook. See www.goliathfishing.com for trip and contact information.

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Telling Good Fish Stories By Matt Jorn

Laura Price of Lexington, N.C. and a nice Dorado caught with the FishingNosara Explorer on Dec. 5, 2017.

“W

hat did you catch today?” It is a question asked at every marina, boat ramp and backyard dock in the world every day of the fishing calendar. This is your chance to hold up your catch, your fillet bag or your digital camera. It is a chance to reveal (or conceal) details regarding where and how you snared your prey. It is also the chance to spin a wonderful tale of the leviathan that you fought for hours, had right next to the boat, and locked eyes with only to have it spit the hook/break the leader/get caught on the props/ pull you overboard… we’ve all been there! Even the master angler and author Ernest Hemingway’s beloved “The Old Man and the Sea” is a fish tale, featuring the angler we all wish we were losing the fish we all wish we could catch.

The craft of embellishing your catch is a time-honored tradition; however as the curator of the FishingNosara Costa Rica Fishing Report, I take umbrage with the 21st century version of the fish story. For the last seven years, I have documented every one of the 2,000plus trips run by the Nosara, Costa Rica based fishing team. Each report is meticulously checked for accuracy, including the angler’s names, trip date, fish caught, and (most importantly) photographs of the catches. I also encourage my clients to offer their own stories from the fishing experience. In December 2017, we hosted Laura and Michael Price. Here’s what Laura wrote: “My husband and I went out today on the Explorer. We had an AMAZING time!!! We ended the day with six mahi mahi caught with one mahi mahi, one tuna and one marlin getting away. Phenomenal crew! We loved every minute of it!” Here is another example, this time from angler Kevin Bahr: “We went with Capt. William and his mate Johnny. They were very professional and ready to ensure we had a successful outing on May 12. The weather was pretty sketchy, but we were able to locate the fish and ended up with a freezer full of ahi and mahi mahi. We cut our day short due to the weather, but our crew was willing to stay out longer if we wanted to. Despite the weather, it was a great day!” Everyone knows that the Internet is a place where the line between fact and fiction is often blurry; from politics, to sports, to fishing—it is not always easy to separate the truth, from an opinion, from a sales pitch. For instance, a quick glance at a competing Central American fishing charter’s report looks like this: Dec 27, 3 sailfish, 6 mahi-mahi, 1 marlin. Dec 28, 7 sailfish, 2 marlin. Dec 29, 5 mahi-mahi, 3 yellowfin tuna, 1 sailfish. Who is this helping? Why no details, no photos? Is this for search engines, the illiterate, or the lazy? I put it to all anglers in the 21st century posting online: Tell me a good fish story or log-off.

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FEBRUARY 2018

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eginning Feb. 1, crappie anglers will have the chance to win part of $172,000 in cash prizes being awarded in the 2018 Weiss Lake Crappie Rodeo in Alabama. More than 1,000 pink-tagged crappie were released into the reservoir on the Alabama/Georgia border. Each of those fish has been sponsored by a local merchant or individual, and tags carry cash prizes ranging from $50 to $10,000. The rodeo, being conducted by the Weiss Lake Improvement Association, will run Feb. 1 through April 15. A highlight new to this year’s event is the One Day Crappie Champion Tournament, which will be held March 31. Guaranteed payout for first place is $2,500, and Big Fish will award $1,000 in this 100-percent payback event. There will be a free fish fry at the weigh-ins. For more information, visit www.weisslakeimprovementassociation.org.

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UNDER THE SEA

Speargun Basics

ike enthusiasts of any sport, if you stay with spearfishing long enough, you become intimately familiar with every detail of your equipment. Here’s an overview of what a newbie might want to know before buying that first speargun. Most spearguns are powered by bands, normally between one and three bands. There are two main types. The American style is recognized by the wood stock and is durable, sturdy and easy to load. The Eurogun style has a tubular shaped barrel, rear handle, and a thinner shaft well suited for freediving and smaller fish. In either case, spearguns are equipped with a trigger mechanism. The back end of the shaft engages into the trigger mechanism. Once the bands are loaded, the trigger is pulled and the shaft flies out due to the pulling load of the bands. You do not want to overload a gun by putting more bands than what it’s designed for as it could make the gun inaccurate or unsafe. Most spearguns now include a reel. This is especially needed if freediving and/or spearing larger fish, so the gun is not yanked out of your hands. If spearing a very large fish such as a tuna, which could spool your line in a matter of seconds, a line and float are required so the diver can pull it in from the surface. Shafts come in different lengths and diameters to match the gun, and spearos look for the perfect shaft—one that will not bend, not rust, fly straight in the water, and with a barb that will hold the fish securely. It’s wise to always carry a spare shaft or two on the boat, in case a shaft gets bent or lost. Like shafts, the bands are also replaced periodically, and it’s a good idea to carry spares in case one breaks. When bands get old, they start to get crack lines, or the wishbones can begin to fray, so it’s best to replace them before one snaps. There’s a wider variety of speargun brands than ever on the

market. These include: Wong, AB Biller, Riffe, Hammerhead, Cressi, SEAC, Mares, Rob Allen, Koah, Mako, JBL and more. If you want help selecting your first gun, see if you can find a mentor to help you select one that matches local conditions. Dive shops that specialize in spearfishing can also help. These include Austin’s in Miami, Fla.; Freedivers in Palm Beach, Fla.; James & Josephs in San Diego, Cali.; Freedive Shop in Sacramento, Cali.; and others. There are also Sheri Daye descends with a Wong speargun. custom gun builders who will work with you directly, give you advice, and design a gun to your specs—such as Wong Spearguns from Hawaii or Sea Sniper from California. Good luck and happy hunting! Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.

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3. Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards (OAC).*

REPOWER FINANCE

Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Customer and participating Dealer must fill out the appropriate form at time of sale. Instant Savings will be applied against the original dealer invoice (Suzuki will credit Dealer parts account). There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/18 and 03/31/18. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

NATIONAL

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