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KINGS DAYTIME SWORDFISH TACTICS

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LOCAL REPORTS PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE DALTON INSTAGRAM: @BOMBCHELLE_FISHING VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 320

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NYMPHING FOR WILD

Chattahoochee

BROWNS

By Nick Carter

rifting between forested banks over bedrock shoals, it’s easy to forget where you are on the Buford Dam tailrace of the Chattahoochee River. This beautiful stretch of water snakes southwest through densely populated suburbs north of Atlanta, yet riverside development is limited. There are long stretches where this river feels like wilderness— where the sounds of the city are replaced by lapping oars and the soft swish of fly rods cutting air. Chris Scalley, owner of River Through Atlanta guide service, manned the

4 NATIONAL

NOVEMBER 2021

oars. He rowed and coached and again showed us the bounty of the “Hooch.” The Angler Magazine Atlanta co-publisher Bob Rice and I have fished with Scalley several times before. Our late-September trip was another good one. The river’s wild reproducing brown trout were active in cooling weather patterns, and they punctuated a steady catch of sleek and feisty rainbows. The Chattahoochee is one of the best tailwater trout fisheries in the Southeast. It is a success story for fisheries management. Georgia DNR stopped stocking brown trout in the river in 2005 after natural reproduction was discovered. Today, those beautiful butter-bellies still thrive. It’s a unique situation that has made this 30-mile-long stretch a destination fishery. The Hooch has produced a string of state-record browns, including the current nearly 21-pounder. But before you get geared up for 30-inch trout, realize that while monsters do exist in the river’s deep holes and log jams, they are not frequent catches. Over several trips with Scalley, it seems a pretty good day consists of numerous rainbows, a handful of browns in the 10- to 12-inch range and a fish or two in the 14- to 16-inch range. Of course, the opportunity for larger fish is always present. Early in our float, a wading angler hailed us over to show photos of a 20-plus-inch fish he had in his net earlier that day. It was proof the big girls were eating, and it inspired us to fish our triplenymph rigs more diligently. After bringing several 8- to 12-inch rainbow trout to hand, I hooked into our first brown, a gorgeous 15-incher that took the big black stonefly anchoring the rig. We went on to catch several more good browns and a bunch of rainbows. The bows preferred either the small Baetis nymph in the rig or an egg pattern Scalley called a Stormy Daniels. While fishing three nymphs at once might sound like a recipe for disaster, it’s actually quite simple. Under Scalley’s coaching, even beginners catch on to the looping lob it takes to cast such a rig. Once it’s in the water, nymphing with an indicator is a lot like the bobber fishing you did as a kid. You just float down the river and watch for a fish to bite. Those bites should be frequent over the next few months. Water temperatures remain consistent on the tailwater year-round, and fall and winter offer great fishing for wild browns. Contact Chris Scalley and River Through Atlanta through their website riverthroughatlanta.com, or call (770) 650-8630.

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MUD HOLE URTESY OF PHOTO CO

Tailing the Kingfish Migration By CAM Staff

PHOTO CO

“K ‘th be lo URTESY O

F ERIC MAR

EST

erhaps more than any other species, king Texas. Some of these fish push farther south mackerel are temperature driven. Kingfish into waters off Mexico’s Yucatan. Regardless of where you fish along prefer a temperature range of about 68 to 73 degrees, which is extremely specific, and it these migrations, kingfish are looking for the same conditions. They can be found on keeps them on the move. That magic temperature window also makes ledges, reefs, oil rigs and wrecks, wherever them easier to find. With today’s technology and there are baitfish. They like nearshore subscription services providing daily updates and offshore structure and color breaks on offshore conditions and currents, identifying where plankton-rich waters exist in the prime hunting grounds for kings can be a matter temperature range they prefer. Trolling or drifting are the most of checking your phone or tablet in the morning effective methods to target kings, and before you head out. It’s no surprise that general seasonal good live bait is the best way to hook migratory patterns take king mackerel to up with big ones. Blue runners, pogies warmer waters as cold fronts of fall arrive. (menhaden), pilchards, threadfin Tagging and genetics studies have shown that herring, any bait with some silver Atlantic king mackerel push south to waters off flash is good. Switching them out and Florida to overwinter. Their numbers this time keeping them lively is important. A of year thin out the farther north you go, yet fall heavy chum slick can do wonders for can also be the best time to catch big isolated bringing them up near the surface. Idle speed is about right for smokers off the coast of the Carolinas. Off South Florida, Atlantic kingfish pulling baits. Stagger depth and intermingle with Gulf kingfish during the winter distance from the boat. Bump the months. This winter mixing zone is primarily throttle into neutral and drift when around the Florida Keys, where the December the sonar shows good bottom or kingfish bite ramps up along with the action for bait. other species like sailfish and wahoo. For more kingfish tips, visit In the Gulf of Mexico, kings spend summer coastalanglermag.com. in the northern Gulf, with high densities tracked to waters off the mouth of the Mississippi River. KINGFISH RIGS In fall, they push south in two separate groups. Some fish move east and then south along the A mainline of 20- to 30-pound monofilament will suffice, but with all the teeth in Florida coast, where anglers intercept them as a king’s mouth, a wire leader is required. Depending on water clarity, go as heavy as the fish will they move down the coastline. allow, but keep it light enough for your bait to appear natural. The other group of Gulf kings moves west A 24-inch, single-strand wire of 40-pound test is a starting point. Go lighter in clear water or with the arrival of cooler weather. They run with smaller baits; go heavier in dirty water or if you’re fishing big baits. down the Texas coast to winter2021 off the south 6 NATIONAL NOVEMBER COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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NATIONAL 7

g n i fish

THE EVOLVING ART OF DAYTIME

d wor

ithin the last decade, swordfishing has steadily evolved from being exclusively a nighttime pursuit into a roundthe-clock affair. The ongoing pioneering of daytime swordfishing techniques leaves room for experimentation to perfect personal preferences within this art. A lot of work goes into going after just a single bite, and many variables are at play fishing in 1,000 to 2,000 feet. Then, factoring in tackle, crew and the inconsistent bite style of these fish, the best way to figure out daytime swordfishing is to go do it. Although you might see little sport in utilizing an electric reel, this type of fishing requires an incredible amount of teamwork. There’s always a job for everyone on the boat. Good communication is essential, not only to land fish, but also just to set the bait correctly. Rigging a bait for swordfish is more satisfying than buying one pre-rigged. It’s a chance to flex your creativity and experiment with different styles and baits. After all, you want more than one bait on-hand during a sword trip. Whether you go with the tried-and-true squid bait or hardier mahi- or bonita-belly strips, the most important factor is whether or not the bait spins. If it spins on the surface, it will spin worse at the bottom, and it must be modified or scrapped. Personally, I like a glow-in-the-dark squid skirt on any bait, not just for added movement and visual enhancement, but the skirt also streamlines the bait and compensates for rigging errors. Once you’ve sewn the bait, slowly troll it behind the boat to check for spinning. If your Franken-bait is straight as an arrow 8 NATIONAL

NOVEMBER 2021

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

on the surface, send it on down. Affix breakaway lights along the wind-on leader near the bait. About 100 feet up the leader, use rigging floss to create a loop where the clip for the weight will attach to the main line. The clip is attached to about 30 feet of lighter leader, in the 50-pound range, that is then affixed to a weight. Adjust weight to the current. A reasonable go-to is 10 pounds. Again, ensure you have extra weights on board before investing in a sword trip. The last thing you want is to get revved up over a bite, come up without a weight and have to scavenge a tool box for your heaviest wrenches to toss overboard. There are a few different styles of driving the boat for swordfishing that have proven successful. Regardless of the method you chose, the idea is to keep the weight from free falling and tangling the line. Keep tension on the line while it is going down, take up the slack, and relocate the bottom. Come up off the bottom 100 feet, or so, and continue that process as you drift over varied depths. Keep eyes on the rod tip the entire time, and find the happy medium between not blinking and not losing your mind. Swordfish might swipe the bait before committing to the hook, or they might hammer it. Sometimes they just start swimming to the surface with it. All the different bites look different on the rod tip. You might see the rod bounce with taps, get heavy and not bounce at all, or just completely go slack. Whether the bite is obvious or subtle, setting the hook or knowing when to reel up to check the bait is a matter of experience. Swordfish are counted like tarpon, where the overall bite count is included along with those landed. Don’t even bother fishing for swords if

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you don’t have patience or enough love of fishing to be okay with coming home skunked. It’s all hands on deck boating one of these very aggressive, potentially large fish. If you’re lucky enough to get a swordfish to the boat, you’ll find out very quickly which friends to invite back on the next trip. While the captain remains behind the wheel, ideally someone will be on the rod with another person unclipping the weight and pulling off the breakaway lights as the leader gets to the boat. Once all that gear has been removed, there is the matter of hand-leadering the fish, gaffing it, potential use of tail rope, and heaving that sucker into the boat. There are many ways to go about this, and many ways the fish could react. Swordfish are well known for stamina and can be quite dangerous to green gaff. Be prepared for the fish to get a second wind boatside. This is where communication and teamwork can make or break the experience. Go into a swordfish trip with everything you’ve got, but with the intent to relax and hang out. You might sit there all day without a bite, so bring people you enjoy the company of, and leave the “I’m-so-bored” guy at the dock. He is worse than bananas, anyway. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Blue Magic Charters out of Marathon, Fla. Check her out her Instagram @CaptainQuinlyn, her website CaptainQuinlyn.com, or call (504) 920-6342.

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Goliath Grouper Recovering; Angler Harvest Proposed

4 FLORIDA

NOVEMBER 2021

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By CAM Staff

lorida has moved one step closer to allowing harvest of goliath grouper. In early October, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a draft proposal to allow limited and tightly controlled harvest of the species. Don’t run out and stock up on heavy tackle just yet. A permit to keep a single fish will come with a hefty price tag, and anglers will only be allowed to keep a smaller one. These iconic fish, which grow to more than 800 pounds and 8 feet in length, have been protected from harvest in state and federal waters off Florida since 1990. The harvest proposal is at the beginning of the long road that leads to regulation change. The proposal, with changes, must now be brought back before the commission at a future meeting. If approved again, it would then enter into the public feedback and data gathering stage before a final public hearing in March 2022. Regulations changes would take effect in 2023, at the earliest. Here’s an outline of the limited season the latest draft proposal would create: • Goliath grouper season would run March through May. • A lottery system with a $10 entry fee would issue $500 permits to harvest one fish per person. • Only 200 total permits would be issued. • There would be a slot limit from 20 to 36 inches. • Harvest would not be allowed off Palm Beach County, the Atlantic

• Fi coast of the Keys and Dry Tortugas National Park. • There will be post-harvest requirements. Commissioner Robert Spottswood said limited harvest should help better determine the overall stock of the fish in the next three to five years. “This stock is rebuilding,” Spottswood said. “We’re hearing that it can easily sustain this very small harvest of fish. We’re going to learn something from it. And more importantly, we’re going to give some access that we can give safely and sustainably back to the stakeholders that own the resource.” Goliath grouper were in a bad situation prior to harvest restrictions put in place in 1990. There are numerous factors that make the species susceptible to overfishing. They are a desirable and easy target for anglers because of their size and because they inhabit shallow waters in comparison to other groupers and tend to gather in large numbers in predictable locations. Since the 1990 harvest ban was enacted, goliath abundance has increased, and that positive trend is expected to continue. A limited harvest, managed similarly to the existing alligator program, would provide both data and funding for goliath grouper research, while allowing expanded recreational angler access to the species. The 200 permits issued are not expected to impact the population or its growth. For more information, go to myFWC.com.

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Hialeah Angler Catches State Record Peacock

f all the non-native fish species that have established themselves in South Florida’s system of freshwater lakes and canals, peacock bass are the only ones that arrived legally. Butterfly peacock bass are a species anglers are glad to have, and Felipe Prieto, of Hialeah, caught a dandy out of a Broward County lake while fishing live bait after work. His 9.11-pound, 23 5/16-inch catch was recently certified by FWC as a new state record. Prieto’s big peacock bested a mark that has stood for nearly three decades. The previous state record of 9.08 pounds was caught back in 1993. It is not, however, the largest ever caught in Florida. FWC has record of a 12-pound, 25.5-inch peacock that was not submitted for state record recognition. That fish was not far off the current IGFA all-tackle world record, which weighed 12 pounds, 9 ounces and was caught from Venezuela’s Chiguao River in January of 2000. Peacock bass are native to South America, and they were intentionally introduced to Florida. The FWC stocked peacock bass in coastal southeast Florida canals in 1984 to help reduce the number of undesirable exotic fishes, especially spotted tilapia. An awesome new fishery was a side benefit of the stocking. Limited low-temperature tolerance normally restricts butterfly peacocks to Broward and Miami-Dade counties, but recent mild winters have allowed anglers as far north as Palm Beach County to enjoy catching this species. “The butterfly peacock bass is colorful, a lightning-fast striker and a hard fighter,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Anglers from across the country travel here to catch a peacock bass, which only adds to the tremendous economic impact fishing has in Florida. This unique game fish is just one of the features that makes Florida, truly, the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World.”

6 FLORIDA

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To properly certify a new freshwater Florida state record, an FWC biologist must identify the species and an FWC employee must witness its weighing on a certified scale. Anglers can check the current state records at BigCatchFlorida.com by clicking on “State Record” and should notify the nearest FWC regional office if they believe they have caught a record fish. Anglers are encouraged to be prepared to provide a photograph of the fish on a scale with the weight legible, for expediting the initial verification of the fish species and potential state record status. Contact information for FWC regional offices can be found at MyFWC.com/Contact by clicking on “Contact Regional Offices.”

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Easy Pickin’s By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

all fishing can be the easiest and best fishing of the year. For me it is the flounder run, schools of trout and reds under flocks of gulls, and the prelim to giant trophy trout time. The fall flounder migration is definitely a staple of fall fishing, and I know that it goes on wherever flatfish exist. We do have a closed season for the first time, so be sure to check the regs wherever you plan to fish. Most states have changed flounder regulation in the last couple years. Not only are flounder easier to find when they travel though the passes in their voyage to their spawning grounds, they also feed aggressively as they follow baitfish out of the bays. When I focus on flounder, I change my presentation dramatically. I like to apply scent to my lures, which gives you a great advantage when it comes to catching flounder. A tandem rig is a popular method to utilize for flounder. Since flounder frequently ambush bait by burying themselves in the sand, I keep my lead lure in contact with the bottom at all times and give the lure a twitch with my rod using a sideways motion. If I am in a boat, I do this with my rod tip down, but while wading my rod moves to my side. Finding trout and reds smashing shrimp under feeding gulls can really get your heart pumping from the visual excitement. It can also provide nonstop fish on every cast. This is especially true in the fall, when it is more common to find larger trout schooling than in the other three seasons. When fishing the birds, I use a heavier jighead than I typically do. A ¼- to 3/8-ounce jighead works well. The more skittish the fish and birds, the heavier head I will use. I do this simply to increase my casting distance, so I can reach the schools sooner and stay farther away in an attempt to

not break up the schools or push them down. Using a durable soft plastic and smashing down the barb of the hook are helpful in maximizing the number of fish you can pull off each school. If you can keep the birds off of it, throwing a topwater might pull out some of the larger fish and add to the fun and visual stimulation of the entire event. By the end of fall, trophy trout become my main focus, and this continues through mid-spring. At this time, the water will have cooled considerably, and the majority of bait will have left the bays. Artifical lures will become a more reliable option for catching trophy trout. Enjoy this cooler weather, and spend some time on the water. This is a great time to introduce young anglers to the sport. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures and Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Trial Offer Details: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and the SiriusXM Platinum audio entertainment plan on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $22.99 on Platinum plan), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates (currently, $99.99/mo. for Fish Mapping and $22.99/mo. for Platinum plan). Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at www.siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change.This offer may be modified, suspended or canceled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately. Your Platinum subscription plan may be eligible for a multi-radio discounted rate if maintained on the same account as an activate full-price SiriusXM Marine Weather or Fish Mapping subscription package or other qualifying SiriusXM audio subscription. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

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f you’ve spent any time on a boat in sharky waters, there’s no doubt the tax man has taken his due from what you thought was going to be fish dinner. Racing sharks to get your catch to the boat is a part of fishing, and it’s a component of our fisheries that NOAA wants to look at a little closer. NOAA Fisheries is considering an exempted fishing permit (EFP) that would authorize the collection of fish with evidence of shark depredation on charter vessels in southeast Florida. The project seeks to collect fish carcasses with evidence of shark depredation and conduct genetic analysis to determine which shark species were responsible for the damage. If the EFP is approved, fish carcasses collected may be outside of the range of minimum size limit, bag limit, or seasonal closure regulations. Information collected would be useful in understanding the impact shark depredation has on the charter fishing fleet in South Florida. Researchers would work with specific captains who fish in federal waters between Sebastian Inlet and Jupiter Inlet, Fla. These charter vessels would continue routine fishing operations, and if a fish is caught that exhibits signs of depredation, the fish would be retained by the researcher, isolated from other catch, and transferred to Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Harbor Branch Laboratory when returned to port. Signs of depredation from landed fish include: fresh teeth marks and active bleeding; partially removed trunk tissue (scales, skin, and muscle); exposed musculature and/or internal organs; and missing fins. The skin and flesh exposed by the bite wound would be swabbed to identify depredating species from trace amounts of DNA left on prey remains. Researchers would retain a maximum of 240 individual fish distributed across the following species complexes during the study: snapper-grouper, dolphin-wahoo, and coastal migratory pelagics. Some samples collected may be under-sized, above the recreational bag limit, or caught during a closed season. Only the captain and crew aboard authorized charter vessels would be permitted to retain species with evidence of shark depredation that may be recreationally harvested out of season, or out of the authorized recreational bag limits or size limits. The EFP would be valid for two years during the course of the study. For more information, see www.fisheries.noaa.gov.

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FLORIDA’S E X PA N S I V E ARTIFICIAL REEFS

By Kevin McCarthy

ne of the best additions to Florida waters in my opinion is the great number of artificial reefs that have been placed just offshore. Divers like them because they offer an array of colorful fish that take refuge in the hiding places of the reefs. Environmentalists like them because they keep divers away from our fragile coral. Fishermen like them because of the wide diversity of fish one can find in the manmade contraptions like culverts and shipwrecks, which offer much fishing success to those who know where the reefs are. The Florida Legislature began the state’s artificial reef program in 1982. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Division of Marine Fisheries Management, has administered the reef program and has helped local towns and cities develop the reefs, which have attracted thousands of divers and fishermen, all of whom usually enrich the local coffers and spread the good word about the benefits of the reefs and of Florida fishing. Most of the state’s 35 coastal counties have been involved in the development of artificial reefs. Our 1,000-plus miles of coastal shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico offer many, many ideal places for the reefs. Our state, in fact, has long led the 14 Gulf and Atlantic coastal states in developing such reefs. Because this state has had more than 2,000 documented shipwrecks along our coast over our

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long history, Floridians know how much damage a grounded ship can do to our reefs and sea bottom. For the past 70-plus years, dating back to the early 1940s, concerned Floridians have placed almost 3,000 public, artificial reefs in our federal and state waters. Most of the active artificial reef permits off our coasts are held by local governments, who work with local fishing clubs, nonprofit corporations and interested private individuals to maintain and monitor the reefs. For more information on the state’s program for such reefs, their locations, guidelines for materials used in the building of such structures, photos and permits for the construction of such reefs, see the website of the Florida Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Commission: http://www. myfwc.com/conservation/saltwater/artificialreefs/ The many large fish that inhabit the reefs, the clarity of our Florida waters and the cooperation of local fishing clubs make our artificial reefs valuable and accessible for fishermen. One source that I like for locating fishing reefs is http://www. floridagofishing.com/index.html, but others are available on the Internet.

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Northeast Florida Fishing from Freshwater to the Gulf Stream

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s the “Fishing Capital of the World,” Florida has a whole lot to offer anglers, and the northeastern corner of the state, around Jacksonville, is a hotbed for almost any type fishing you’d like to do. From freshwater bass and bluegill to big-game sportfishing in the Gulf Stream, this one area boasts a whole lot of diverse and consistent fishing opportunities. Starting with the big-ticket item, the Gulf Stream is a pretty good boat ride out of St. Augustine, but the rewards are great. It’s one of the few areas in Florida where anglers regularly target blue marlin. This happens during the summer months, and during the fall sailfishing can be very good. Of course you’ve also got your other pelagics that frequent the same areas. Where the Gulf Stream interacts with the edge of the continental shelf, dolphin, tuna, wahoo and kings are regular catches at different times of the year. Several of the aforementioned species can 2 NORTH FLORIDA

NOVEMBER 2021

also be caught closer to shore on natural bottoms and wrecks. Excellent fishing in the area is accessible for anglers who might not have access to big sportfishing yachts capable of running way offshore. And a good guide can put you right on top of good fishing for wahoo, kingfish, sailfish and tuna, as well as outstanding snapper and grouper opportunities. Even closer in and accessible even to small boats are nearshore rockpiles and ledges, where the area’s famous kingfish tournaments are often won. Jack crevalle, tarpon, cobia and spanish mackerel are also frequently caught nearshore. Get some charts and go find them yourself, or better yet, hire a guide to show you the ropes. If you really want to do it alone, the pier and jetty fishing along the coast of northeast Florida is excellent for redfish, trout, sheepshead, croakers, bluefish, tarpon, sharks and pretty much anything that swims the Atlantic. By the

same token, surf fishing as well as inshore fishing in the marshes and the St. Johns River are very good. Flounder, seatrout, drum and redfish come in good numbers and size. Because of this, the Jacksonville area is home to a strong community of kayak anglers. Take one more step inshore, and you’re in brackish or freshwater. Northeast Florida has some very good bass fishing and pan fishing. Whether it’s on the St. Johns, one of the regions reservoirs or other rivers, year-round mild water temperatures and abundant forage lead to good numbers and excellent growth rates for both largemouth bass and bream. No matter how you like to fish or what you want to fish for, chances are you’ll find it in northeast Florida.

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LAKE PANASOFFKEE • BUSHNELL • WILDWOOD • SUMTERVILLE • WEBSTER • THE VILLAGES OXFORD • COLEMAN • MULBERRY • BARTOW • LAKELAND • POLK CITY • AUBURNDALE EAGLE LAKE • WINTER HAVEN • LAKE ALFRED • HAINES CITY • DAVENPORT • LAKE HAMILTON DUNDEE • LAKE WALES • HILLCREST HEIGHTS • FROSTPROOF • FORT MEADE

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If you have a suggestion for a distribution location for Coastal Angler Magazine, please let me know. You can view all 35 magazines in the U.S., including The Bahamas, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands at www.CoastalAnglerMagazine.com Please feel free to send me any fishing photos and comments about the magazine-I would love to hear from you!

E dition Highlights & Business Spotlight Page 2-3 Sumter County Map

Page 9 Photo Of The Month

Page 4 2nd Annual Fish In The Pan Byway Tournament

Page 14-15 Polk County Map

Page 5 Tournament & Events

Page 16 Find Us Here

Page 7 Bonfire Shootout

Polk & Sumter Edition Staff: Sales, Editing & Production- Mary Brasher Graphic Arts & Design - PPP Graphic Design Distribution - Mary & Larry Brasher, Joyce & Capt Dave Ochs Media Mgr - Patrick Powers Contributing Writers - Jim Veal Jr, Capt Dave Ochs, Capt. Scott Taylor, Capt Rick Burns, Allen Wyatt, Capt Bobby Woodard

Facebook -CoastalAnglerMagazineLakelandVicinity • Twitter - @camlakeland • Instagram- camlakeland • Youtube- CAM Sumpter Lakeland Each month I will bring you the latest and best knowledge for you to put to good use. I also invite you to share my passion for this area and if you would like to become a contributing writer contact us. You can read our magazine online anytime or sign up for a free digital subscription. Just visit our website and never miss an issue! CoastalAnglerMag.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Best Fishing Days November 4th-19th

NOVEMBER 2021

POLK & SUMTER 1

Homosassa Area 1-Capt. Rick Burns 352-201-6111 8975 W. Halls River Rd • Homosassa, FL 34448 www.RealBurns.com Oxford Area 2- Oxford Mower & Repair 352-748-7485 • 352-748-7490 3185 E CR 466 • Oxford FL 34484 Landscaping Repair Service/ Outdoor Power Equipment Store Lake Panasoffkee 3- Pana Vista Lodge 352-793-2061 3417 Co Rd 421• Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 www.panavistalodge.com 4- Catfish Johnnys 863-793-2083 2396 N County Rd 470 • Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 www.CatfishJohnnyRestaurant.com 5- Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant and Marina 352-793-8150 965 Co Rd 439 • Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 www.bigbassgrill.com 6- Shrimp’s On The Lake 352-569-4583 907 CR 439B • Lake Panasoffkee, Fl 33538 www.shrimpsonthelake.com Bushnell Area 7- Sumter Realty 352-793-3202 239 N Main St • Bushnell FL 33513 Agent Evan Merritt 8- Canada Meds 352-569-1484 512 N Main St • Bushnell, FL 33513-5112 9- Devine Family Jewelry and Pawn 352-444-2058 8271 W C-48 • Bushnell, Fl 33513

The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway Organization began as a Community Action Group in March 2009 in partnership with the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce with the express purpose of improving the southern entrance to Sumter County, therefore enhancing the visitor experience to the National Cemetary. The Veteran’s Memorial Hwy was designated soon afterwards, and pursuit of a Florida Scenic Hwy designation began. A Corridor Advocacy Group (CAG) began meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Five Scenic Highways Coordinator in order to pursue the “scenic” classification for a series of roads within Sumter County that encompass the communities of Webster, Bushnell, Sumterville, Lake Panasoffkee, Carlson, Rutland and the surrounding areas. The roads that comprise the 62-mile Byway traverse rural communities, pastoral farmlands, cattle ranches, parklands, lush hardwood hammock, and floodplain forests within the Withlacoochee River Watershed. The corridor highlights the scenic view and rich heritage of Sumter County through byway travel. Attractions along the Byway include the General James Van Fleet Trail State Park, Richloam Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Florida National Cemetary, Lake Panasoffkee, Withlacoochee River and the Half Moon Wildlife Management Area. The Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway Organization is a grass roots organization committed to altering their vision for the byway based on a multi-year work plan. The SSHBO consists of volunteers who are passionate about the heritage, traditions, recreational and scenic resources fo their community. They work with their partners to showcase these resources, educate the community and advocate for community-based decision making that protects and enhances these resources. Find out how to partner, be a sponsor, or donate at www.sumterbyway.com.

10- ParGas 352-793-1982 1452 W C 48, Bushnell, FL 33513 www.pargas.com 11- Papaw’s Country Store 352-793-1080 8271 W C-48 • Bushnell, Fl 33513 Deli, Groceries, Beer, Live Bait, Tackle, LP Gas Follow us on Facebook Webster Area 12- Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway, Inc. 352-267-8801 P.O. Box 6 • Webster, FL 33597 www.sumterbyway.com/ sumterbyway@gmail.com 13- Webster Hardware & Farm Supply Ace 352-793-4831 120 N. Market Blvd. • Webster, FL 33597 www.WebsterFarmSupply.com Sumterville Area 14- Blackjack Sporting Clays 352-569-9469 3372 County Road 526 • Sumterville, FL 33585 blackjackclays.com • info@blackjackdays.com Dale Walker Owner/Operator Wildwood Area 15- M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse Bar-B-Q 352-399-6597 7993 NE 7th Path DR • Wildwood, FL 34785

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B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship To qualify for the Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail Championship, a team must fish a minimum of 3 tournaments. The Team Trail Championship winners go to the B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship with the entry fee paid by the Lakeland Bassmasters. If the Team Trail membership is at least 50 teams, then the Team Trail Points winners will also go to the B.A.S.S. Nation Team Championship with the entry fee paid by the Lakeland Bassmasters. Contact: Matt Keeble (Tournament Director) email: mkeeble@hotmail.com or Jim Hooven (Club President) 863-698-9772 email: bassprez@tampabay.rr.com Lakeland Jr. Bassmaster members are welcome to fish with an adult 18+. All participants must be members of B.A.S.S. and must join the Lakeland Bassmasters.

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POLK & SUMTER 5

Polk & Sumter

11/12-12/6 POLK COUNTY HISTORY CENTER FESTIVAL OF WREATHS 10th Annual Festival of Wreaths. The History Center is selling wreaths via silent auction and all proceeds benefit the historic landmark. Call (863)534-4386 11/14-1/9 WONDER HOUSE CHRISTMAS TOURS- Wonder House in Bartow will be hosting Christmas Tours from November 14-January 9. Tours are available Friday-Sunday and must be scheduled in advance. Kristinwonderhousebartow@gmail.com 11/26-28, 12/4-5, 18-19, 24-31 HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND Celebrate the holidays at Legoland in Winter Haven. This jolly time of year features a combination of seasonal shows and treats, special LEGO characters, twinkling lights, fireworks on select nights and a Kid's New Year's Party! www.visitcentralflorida.org 11/26-1/2 HOLIDAYS AT BOK TOWER GARDENS Special events include holiday concerts, beer and wine tastings and a holiday gourmet feast in the Garden's beautiful Outdoor Kithchen. Register at boktowergardens.org 12/2 Lakeland Christmas Parade 6pm-8pm Downtown Lakeland 12/4 Chain of Lakes Christmas Boat Parade 6:30-9:30 12/10 Christmas In The Village Florida FlyWheelers Antique Fort Meade 12/10-11 Bartow Christmas Parade 6pm-8pm Main St/Downtown 12/11 Dundee Candy Cane Christmas Parade 6pm-8pm Dundee Community Center 12/11 Mulberry's Christmas Parade 6pm-7pm Spence Park 12/17 Haines City Christmas Parade 7pm Haines City 12/17 Cirque Musica’s Holiday Spectacular Sharon L Morse Performing Arts Ctr The Villages

CENTRAL FLORIDA REGION FORECAST

If you could have seen the young man’s smile!

Oh, how I love late fall here in Florida when you can tell the seasons are changing by the different colors of the license plate. Yep, it’s an old joke and I use it every year but hey, some things never change. With that being said I’d like to point out that the Visit Central Florida Outpost & Visitor’s Information Center in Davenport on Hwy 27 just 1/2 mile south of I4 has all of the new and up-to-date information on everything to do here in Polk County along with attraction tickets to most every park. And they can recommend the best way to get out on the water too! So, to start with our World Class bass fishing out of Camp Mack on the Kissimmee Chain I expect it to be very good this month with the cooler weather as the Old Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting. I’m not really fond of the drier part of the forecast, I prefer a little rain to keep the lakes at a higher pool level while still having current with the locks open. Slightly cooler days & nights may not sound like much but on these big wide-open shallow lakes it can bring the water temps down and the big fish up onto the flats. I will still be starting every morning with a variety of topwater baits just as the sun is starting to roll over the tree lines, along with Gambler EZ Swimmers or Chatter baits if out in open water. Honestly, the fish are going to tell us quickly whether they are roaming the open flats or up in the pads, grass, and reed heads. Always watch and listen to what is going on around you out here. The rest of the day is always a combo of black & blue Senko’s while still working the Gambler EZ Swimmers along with swim-jigs, and bigger ribbon tail or mag trick worms. Heading west over to Winter Haven and the South Chain of Lakes the weather is not going to change our approaches as much as it could on Kissimmee. Many of these lakes are deeper, some sit lower in a bowl, and they are spring fed so they do not change as quickly as the bigger lakes. Here we generally use smaller baits also because shad are the predominant bait. Smaller baits in natural colors will serve you very well, and when the water is extremely clear you may need to downsize your line as well. Watermelon red/pearl, whites, chrome, green pumpkin colors all work and pair them up with 10-14# fluoro or even mono. Submitted By: Capt. Scotty Taylor TMC Guide Services, llc • 855-354-8433 Scott@TMCGuideService.com • TMCGuideService.com Capt. Scott is the official guide for VisitCentralFlorida.org & Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort

6 POLK & SUMTER

NOVEMBER 2021

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Bonfire Shootout November 19-21 Join us for the bonfire shootout as qualified bonfire series anglers compete for the Series Championship. Register at guyharveycampmack.com

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The 2021 Taste of Winter Haven “Eat Out to Help Out” Dining Passport is still available! For just $50 you can receive a booklet filled with $10 off coupons to area restaurants, bars and caterers. Coupons will be good until December 31, 2021. The list of participating restaurants is below ($130 value)! Arabellas Ristorante KFC Auburndale Tanner's Lakeside Culver's Mediterranean Fresh Grill Tempo 1930 Elite Catering Company Old Man Franks The Catering Co of Central Florida Duke's Brewhouse Richard's Coffees Fire Restaurant Smoothie Squad We are thrilled to be hosting Taste of Winter Haven in 2022 as an in-person event!! Taste of Winter Haven is an evening event focused on giving the community an opportunity to taste local cuisine, beer, and wine while enjoying live music. Taste of Winter Haven will take place at Venue 650. You must be 21 or older to attend. Early bird tickets are $35. Price will increase on January 17th and the day of.

CHARLOTTE HARBOR FISHING FORECAST Truthfully, I haven’t been out as much as usual this past month. Between the seasonally slow bookings and the water quality issues I decided to take the opportunity to do some maintenance on my boat. When I did get out I was able to produce some results consistent with reports from other Captains that I know. Consistent catches of Snook and Trout have been coming from the flats on pilchards. The Mangrove Snapper bite has continued to steal the spotlight. We’ve been fishing for them on small pieces of structure and using both live and dead pilchards as well as shrimp on a light jig head. There has also been some full-grown tarpon around the bay bridges and deeper edges where the flats roll off from a few feet to 6-9ft. The smaller juvenile tarpon have been making a presence as well in the backwater creeks and residential canals. Juvenile tarpon can be real finicky, I mostly use live pilchards, but shrimp will work as well. If they’re not eating live bait I have success with DOA TerrorEyz and small white crappie jigs. We have been noticing more and more redfish beginning to show up on the flats. They are starting to move into the bay and school up for their fall spawn. If you’re looking for redfish in an area that you think they should be and not finding them, you may want to look just a little deeper. With the ever-increasing boat traffic in Tampa Bay the flats are being buzzed at an all-time high. Those historical redfish flats still hold fish it’s just that they’re deeper on the edges to avoid being constantly runover by boats. Speaking of the fall redfish spawn, a couple mornings ago I felt a little fall in the air and then today I’ve seen 3 lovebugs so far. So, get prepared now because fall is close, and the fall fishing should be really good. Capt. Bobby Woodard www.Captain-Bobby.com • 863-224-1418

8 POLK & SUMTER

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KISSIMMEE CHAIN FISHING FORECAST November forecast is not an easy one. Inconsistency of actively feeding fish is the reason for this. Buck Bass are in shallow cover, but the larger females are in deeper open water feeding off the school of threadfin shad. This pattern hasn’t changed in the last couple of months and I really expect this pattern will hold until at least December. As far as the inconsistency in the feeding pattern, I can only conclude that sometimes the fish are feeding at night when I’m not on the water. The way it is now, I’m only seeing active feeding maybe 3 days out of 7. Try Bass fishing after dark along the edges of the cover with top water hard baits that make alot of noise. Jitterbugs, hulapoppers and popbaits should produce quite well after sunset. I’m hoping this changes soon because I really don’t care much for night fishing. Fish the cloudy days at this time if you want to fish during the day because I have a strong suspicion that a high UV index is responsible for the fish slowing down and being inconsistent during daylight hours. Cloudy cover greatly reduces the effect on the fish from the UV index. Crappie fishing is still very good in 10’-15’ of water. Flipcork and minnow rigs set 4’ off the bottom is very good. Big Bream abound on the edge under cover throughout the Chain. During the day, Senkos, Trickworms and Finesse worms in the cover should do pretty good numbers on the Buck Bass. Submitted By: Capt Dave Ochs Kissimmee Chain Fishing (863) 455-6886 Back Water Fishing Adventures Lake Wales, FL 33898

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Bo Ma

NOVEMBER’S NOT NORMAL

November is without a doubt one of the 2 favorite times of the year for me as far as the fishing is concerned. The other would be April. And then, out of these 2, I would have to narrow it down to November. Why? Glad you asked. The weather is nice making for enjoyable times on the water. The humidity is low. The water temp is also lower. With these conditions the fish know that ole man winter won’t be far off. So guess what? With the more comfortable water and conditions, they start feeding and fattening up. The huge baitfish schools that are coming through add to their feeding fun. And another positive angling action that you’ll definitely enjoy would be the migratory pelagics that have already showed up. Species like your kings, macks, blues, cobia, and some tarpon would be a nice by catch when targeting the homeboys like trout and redfish. When targeting the trout for November, I call it the “we find, you find” method. We find the kelp grass, you find the trout. Kelp grass or sarcasm grass is the brown beady type of sea weed grass that grows in clumps off the bottom, just dimpling the surface. This type of terrain is a magnet to the many baitfish that like to hide in and around it for cover and/or protection. And the trout know exactly where they can find a meal. Sometimes you can find spotty patches of it, sometimes an acre of it. It’s been growing all summer, dies back in the winter, and grows back again. If it’s not breaking the surface too much, throw your topwater plugs. If it gets too snaggy, utilize jigs setup under Cajun-Thunder floats. For the reds this time of year, just make sure of one thing. Don’t go trying to crawl too deep around the backcountry islands with an east breeze in conjunction with an outgoing tide. You’ll be sorry. These oyster bars around here can ruin your day. However, when you do have a good incoming tide and be assured of plenty of water to navigate, it’s hard to beat topwater plugs, weedless jerkbaits and Thunder-Spin saltwater spinnerbaits. I must make mention as well, that until the water gets too cold November also ushers in the best time of year to target our shallow water grouper fishing. When you can catch keeper size grouper in 8’ to 12’ of water by casting diving plugs over the near shore rock piles, it never gets boring. Give me a holler and come enjoy what our Homosassa area has to offer this Fall.

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10 POLK & SUMTER

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Boat/Personal Watercraft/Canoe/Kayak/SUP Dealers Manufacturers/ New & Consignment Sales/Golf Carts Hillman Motors Inc. 2701 Havendale Blvd. NW Winter Haven FL 33881 863-967-4628 • www.hillmanmotors.net M-F 9-7, Sat 9-5 Closed Sunday

We Now Have A Certified Marine Technician Offering Service Repair On Outboard Motors. Your ONE STOP-SHOP For All Your Fiberglass Needs! . Family Run & Operated Since 2003 . Our Team is Certified In Gelcoat & Polyflake Repairs. No Job Is Too Big Or Too Small.

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3780 Hwy 92 East • Lakeland, FL 33801 863-666-2248 • Fax 863-667-0213 cftm3780@yahoo.com www.cftmr.com Check out our weekly specials on facebook! Factory Warranty Service for Minn Kota, Cannon Downriggers, Lowrance Ghost Motors, Motor Guide.

Erwine’s Marine 250 S. Scenic Hwy • Frostproof, FL 33843 863-635-4492 www.ErwinesMarine.com Come in to check out our new line of Lowe's Jon Boats

Millers Fiberglass Repair 1505 S. Lake Shipp Dr. Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-551-1551 bobby.mfr@gmail.com

Blackjack Sporting Clays 3372 County Road 526 • Sumtervile, Fl 33585 352-569-9469 • blackjackclays.com Blackjack Sporting Clays is proud to offer incredible amenities to both the public and private groups/events: 38 Stations; 3 Courses, Sub Gauge Course, Five Stand, Trap & Skeet, Cart & Gun Rental, Large Pavilions/Porch, Clubhouse, Merchandise, Paved Cart Paths, Bulk Clay Packages Sweet Ella’s Produce 326 State Road 60 E • Lake Wales Florida 863-223-8775

A unique, family owned indoor produce store which offers a LARGE VARIETY OF LOCAL fresh fruits, vegetables and Amish products. NOW Carrying: Gemma’s Jams!

Yamaha - Evinrude - Mercury - MerCruiser Volvo Penta - Avalon - Magic Tilt - Exide Technologies Power-Pole - Teleflex Marine Starcraft Marine - Engel Coolers & Tumblers

Pana Vista Lodge 3417 Co Rd 421 • Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538 352-793-2061 www.panavistalodge.com Cottages - Rv Camp Ground Hook-Ups - Camping - Boat Sales & Service. JohnsonEvinrude Motors Sales & Service. Boat Rentals Pontoon Rentals - Licenses - Bait - Ice - Gas Ramp

Action Watersports 402 Progress Rd • Auburndale, FL 33823 Ph: 863-967-4148 The brands we offer: Hobie • Jackson • RTM Perception • Feel Free • Wilderness Systems Ocean Kayak • Old Town • Hurricane • Kiwi • Solo Skiff • Evoke • Pau Hana • Amundsen are all leaders in the Kayak, Fishing, and Stand Up Paddle Board industries. Our accessories are sure to make your water experience more fun and safe. Alligators Unlimited Airboat Nature Tours Captain John Wathey 863-696-0313 14400 Reese Dr. • Lake Wales, Fl 33898 airboatnaturetours.com Our Airboats are the “Real Deal” not 20+ passenger Air-Busses! This guarantees your EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOUR to be personal and powerful!

Bait & Tackle Shops/Outfitters/Apparel Taylor Made Charters & Guide Service Central Florida & Great Lakes Bass Fishing Capt. Scott Taylor USCG Licensed Captian The Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida.Org & Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort Scott@TMCGuideService.com 855-354-8433 Bridgemasters 2131 Highway 60 E • Lake Wales, FL 33898 Phone: 863-676-1009 • Fax: 863-679-1638 www.fishermanscandystore.com

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11/26 BLACK FRIDAY “BALLOON POP” SALE 10%-75% OFF STOREWIDE Live Bait: Cricket - Worms - Minnows - Shiners. Large selection of Bitter’s Baits, Gambler. Lew’s, Halo, Bull Bay and Favorite Fishing rods are in stock.

Stones Bait & Tackle 2049 E Edgewood Drive • Lakeland, Fl 33803 863-940-4898 Instagram: Stones Outhouse Follow us on Facebook & Instagram A Variety of Freshwater Rods & Reels Available: NEW Abu Garcia Revo X Spinning Rods & Shimano SLX Rods . Large Selection of Strike King, Zoom & Gambler Baits. HUGE Apparel Sale- Save BIG!! Now Available- Stone’s Bulk Senko’s 25Ct/50CT/100CT

Big Fish Bait & Tackle 6908 US Hwy 98 North • Lakeland Fl 33809 863-815-9492 wwww.CentralFloridaAngling.com Bob Woodard-Owner Live Bait- Rod & Reel Repairs

Stretch Outdoors Discount Outfitters 848 W Daughtery Rd. • Lakeland, FL 33389 863-608-1513 We Now Carry Googan Baits!

Come In And Check Out Our New Lew’s and Abu Garcia Fishing Reels and Great Selection of Gambler and Bitter’s Baits. We also Carry Fitgzerald Rods and A Variety of Fitzgerald Fishing Products and 13 Fishing Products! Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort 14900 Camp Mack Rd • Lake Wales, Fl 33898

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Always Good Fishing - Airboat Nature Tours RV Camping - Trophy Bass Fishing - Cabin Rentals Liars Motel - Home Sales

Ron’s Tackle Box The Old Angler’s Antique Gallery 380 S. Lake Shore Way • Lake Alfred, FL 33850 863-956-4990 • Fax 863-956-2525 imareellady2@aol.com Live Bait & Tackle - Cast Nets - Sportswear- Gifts & Decor Mon - Th 6AM - 6PM • Fri & Sat 6AM - 7PM

Back Water Fishing Adventures Captain Dave Ochs Guide, Professional Angler Lake Wales Fl 33898 Cell: 863-455-6886 Overdue Adventures FL. “Cracker” Fishing Style Family Fishing, Shore Lunches, Waterside Dining Snorkeling Trips, Scalloping Trips, Egmont Key Day Trips Capt. Daryl Brown First Mate: Joy Brown 518 Main Street • Auburndale, FL 33823 863-559-4480

Scalloping Charter

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Lakeland Area 1- Big Fish Bait & Tackle 863-815-9492 6908 US Hwy 98 North • Lakeland FL 33809 wwww.CentralFloridaAngling.com

Lake Alfred Area 17-Ron’s Tackle Box,LLC 863-956-4990 380 S. Lake Shore Way • Lake Alfred, FL 33850 www.ronstacklebox.com

2-Champs Sports Grill 863-647-5900 6645 S. Florida Ave • Lakeland, FL 33813 www.ChampsToGo.com

Haines City Area 18- Hoppy’s Marine 863-439-7616 31499 Highway 27 • Haines City, FL 33844 www.HoppysMarine.com

3- LineX Of Lakeland 863-581-9173 3000 State Road 37 S. • Mulberry, FL 33860 www.linexoflakeland.com

Bartow Area 19- Spurlows 863-635-0240 1264 N Broadway Ave • Bartow, FL 33830 SpurlowsOutdoorOutfitters.com

4-Phillips Bait & Tackle 863-666-2248 3780 US-92 • Lakeland, FL 33801 www.CentralFloridaTrollingMotor.com

Lake Wales Area 20. Sweet Ella’s Produce 863-223-8775 326 FL-60, Lake Wales, FL 33853

5-Stone’s Bait & Tackle 863-940-4898 2049 E Edgewood Drive • Lakeland, FL 33803 6- Stretch Outdoors Discount Outfitters 863-608-1513 848 W Daughtery Road • Lakeland, FL 33389 Auburndale Area 7- Action Watersports 863-967-4148 402 Progress Rd • Auburndale, FL 33823 www.ActionWatersports.net

21- Bridgemasters 863-676-1009 2131 FL-60 • Lake Wales, FL 33898 www.fishermanscandystore.com 22- Capt Dave Och’s Backwater Fishing Adventure 863-455-6886 Lake Wales, Fl 33538 23- Gary’s Boating Center 863-638-0537 15520 Highway 27 • Lake Wales, FL 33859 www.GarysBoating.com

8-Overdue Adventures 863-559-4480 Auburndale, FL 33823 Winter Haven Area 9. Caribbean Bait & Tackle 863-292-9755 1004 N Lake Howard Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880

24-Guy Harvey Camp Mack Lodge, Marina & RV Resort 863-696-1108 14900 Camp Mack Rd • Lake Wales, FL 33898 www.GuyHarveyCampMack.com

10-Capt. Scott Taylor 855-354-8433 Official Guide for VisitCentralFlorida.org & Camp Mack’s River Resort Scott@TMCGuideService.com

Frostproof Area 25- Erwine’s Marine 863-635-4492 250 S. Scenic Hwy • Frostproof, FL 33843 www.ErwinesMarine.com

11-Hillman Motors Inc. 863-967-4628 2701 Havendale Blvd. NW • Winter Haven FL 33881 www.hillmanmotors.net 12- Marine Supply of Winter Haven 863-297-7003 1700 3rd St SW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 www.MarineSupplyBoats.com

Placida Area 26-Fly Em High Charters 863-224-1418 Capt Bobby Woodard 6499 Gasparilla Rd • Placida, FL 33946 www.Captain-Bobby.com

13- Millers Fiberglass 863-551-1551 1505 Lake Shipp Dr, Winter Haven, FL 33880 www.facebook.com/Millers-Fiberglass-Repair-157407427716301 14- Polk Tractor 863-967-0651 3450 Havendale Blvd NW • Winter Haven, FL 33881 www.PolkTractorco.com 15-RKY Seafood 863-294-2300 175 Ave A NW • Winter Haven, FL 33880 16-Sweetwater Guide Service 863-837-7028 336 Magnolia Ave • Winter Haven, FL 33880

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You Can Find Us Here

Central Fl Trolling Champs Sports Grill Ciao Bella Paid Supporters of the Magazine Crowder Ace Hardware Lake Alfred Auburndale Curtis Design Gary’s Oyster Bar & Grill Action Watersports Extended Stay America Harvest Meat Market Auburndale Library Fish City Grill Ron’s Tackle Box Best Western Inn & Suites Fun Bike Center The Lake Alfred Chamber of Grill Smith Hamptons Clubhouse Commerce Marathon Harvey’s Overdue Adventures Hibbett Sports Lake Wales Pizza Connection Hooters All Star Grill Pro Nails Huntington Hills Golf & Alligator’s Unlimited Sal’s Pizza Country Club Brandi’s Barber & Beauty The Twisted Crab Jin Jin Chinese Bridgemaster Townsend Motors Inc. Just Move Camp Lester Traders Pawn King’s Wok Cherry Pocket Restaurant Walmart LaQuinta Inn Crazy Fish Bar & Grill Laundry Dyer Chevy Winter Haven LineX of Lakeland Florida’s Natural Visitor’s AAMCO Transmission MoJo’s Restaurant Center Andy Thornals New Moon Japanese Rest Gary’s Boats Ard’s Awning, Inc. Off The Wall Adventures & Grape Hammock B&W Exhaust Pro Outfitters Caribbean Bay Bait/Tackle/ Guy Harvey Camp Mack Old Salt Marine Lodge, Marina & RV Resort Outcast Watersports Rest. Harvest Meat Market Cypresswood Golf Club Phillips Bait & Tackle Jay Bee’s Rest Dairy Queen Pinch A Penny Jennings Fish Camp Fields Equip. Red Top Pit Stop Juniors Fish Market Harry’s Old Place Russell’s Western Wear Lake Haven Bait Hillman Motors Sandpiper Golf Club Lake Market Howard Johnson Hotel Shoot Straight Lake Wales Country Club Jeep Shooter’s Leadfeather Guns & Archery Liars Lair Saloon Sky Powersports McKibben Powersports Marine Supply Stones Bait & Tackle Honda Miller’s Fiberglass Repair Stretch Outdoors Oakley Trucking Mobil Gas 1200 3rd St SW Tint Masters O’Reilly Auto Parts Old Man Franks Topatio’s Mexicano Rest. Pizzanos Pizza Oyster Bar Tropical Smoothie Cafe Quality Boats Polk Tractor Tubes’n’Hoses of Lakeland Ridge Glass & Mirror RKY Seafood Market Uncle Nick’s San Diego’s Mexican Grill & Rural King Walmart 98N Shiner’s Unlimited Sports Bar Walmart S. Fl. Ave Spurlows Schacks BBQ Wedgewood Golf Club State Park Scores Family Sports Cafe Winners Circle Shell Tanner’s Lakeside XYZ Liquor The Twisted Prop Bar & Grill Sweet Ella’s Produce The Port Rest Walmart Highlands Vinny’s Smoke-n-Grill West Marine Bamboo Wok US 98 Weikert Ford Gator’s Dockside Davenport Frostproof Davenport’s Ale House Bushnell Dicks Sporting Goods Posner Anchor Down Bait & Tackle Optimum RV Bagwell’s Center Anglers Tackle Shack Hungry Crab Juicy Seafood Chamber of Commerce Beef O Brady’s Crowder Ace Hardware & Bar Blueberry Hill RV Erwines Marine Mannino’s Pizza Breezy Oaks Good Sam Park Indian Estates Polk Outpost 27 Bronson’s Camp Outlaw at Posner Park Chrysler/Jeep/ Korky’s Kountry Store & Indian Bow Saloon Dodge Bushnell Medical Clinic Little Dixie Mart Ramada Bushnell Pharmacy Mini Mart Citgo Rickert Properties Byrd Insurance Agency Way Out West Canada Meds of Sumter Lakeland County 716 Burgers & Brew Haines City Devine Jewelry & Pawn Adventure Archery Lakeland Love’s Travel Stop Chamber of Commerce Ariana Barber Shop China Park Papaw’s Country Store Baymont Hoppy’s Marine ParGas Big Fish Bait & Tackle Pilot Red Oak RV Ridgewood Lake Golf Club Brewlands Bar & Grill Sumter County Realty Broadway Food & Gas Walmart The Wood Shed Bubbaques Walmart Bull Bay Tackle Company 16 POLK & SUMTER

NOVEMBER 2021

Panasoffkee AA Discount Beverage Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant and Marina Big Cypress Fish Camp Carter’s Kountry Store Catfish Johnny’s Countryside RV Kal’s Food Lake Panasoffkee Realty Lake Panasoffkee RV Village Mo’s Rest. CR Pan Hardware Pana Vista Lodge Shell Spirit Truck Stop Sumter Co. Chamber of Com. The Dam Pub The Inside Out Grill Thousand Palms RV Resort Tin Can Pam’s Tom & Jerry’s Swamp Boat Tours Tracy Pt Fish Camp Babson Park Crooked Bass MiniMacs Wildwood A Cut Above Polish Shop Chrome Shop Crevalle Boats Cover All Storage Hungry Howies M&M Old Hickory Smokehouse BBQ Old Salt Marine Salty Boats SPARR SpyderMX Traditions Antique Mall Wildwood Antique Mall Wildwood RV Village The Villages Buffalo’s Barbershop Beef O’ Brady’s SouthernTrace Plaza Dickey’s BBQ Pit (Traverse Trail) No. 1 Chinese (Traverse Trail) Custom Apparel & Gifts Hampton Inn Lighthouse Seafood Shell Streetrod Productions The Villages Fishing Club Walmart Winn Dixie (Burnsed Blvd) Oxford Oxford Mower & Repair River Ranch Westgate River Ranch

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Webster Country Village Power Equipment Dough J’s Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway, Inc The Webster Westside Flea Market Webster Ace Hardware & Farm Supply Dundee

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Challenge Harvests 21K Lionfish from Florida Reefs

t its October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the winners of this year’s Lionfish Challenge. The Lionfish Challenge is a summerlong (May 21-Sept. 6, 2021) tournament that rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. The tournament is open to everyone, is completely free to enter and participants can compete from anywhere in the state. Divers receive prizes based on the amount of lionfish they harvest and compete for the title of the Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion. Since 2016, this incentive program has encouraged divers to help reduce numbers of invasive lionfish that are detrimental to the native ecosystems of Florida reefs. This year’s lionfish removal and incentive program ended Sept. 6, and a total of 21,146 lionfish were removed during the 3.5-month program. This year, 471 people registered and 185 people submitted lionfish. It’s the highest participation number since the Lionfish Challenge began in 2016.

Winners Recreational Category: • First place Lionfish King: Brooks

Feeser, Palm Beach County, 1,632 removed. • Second place: Carl Antonik, Santa Rosa County, 1,582 removed. • Third place: Christina Raber-Jehn, Palm Beach County, 1,475 removed. Commercial Category: • Commercial Champion: Rachel Bowman, Monroe County, 730 pounds removed. • Second place: Paul DeCuir, Escambia County, 725 pounds removed. • Third place: Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County, 657 pounds removed.

First place winners received a customized trophy, $150 for SCUBA air fills, an HP 100 SCUBA cylinder, and will be featured in the 2021 Saltwater Regulations publication and in the FWC Lionfish Hall of Fame.

Final Stats • 21,146 lionfish removed. • 185 people submitted lionfish (172 recreational, 13 commercial). For more information, go to FWCReefRangers.com or MyFWC.com/Lionfish. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NOVEMBER 2021

NORTH FLORIDA 5

BIG TIME ANGLING ON THE NORTHERN GULF

t its heart, Panama City Beach is a fishing town. An enormous fleet of charter boats runs pretty much year-round, giving access to everything from great inshore fishing on St. Andrew Bay to marlin and sailfish out on the Loop Current. Sure, there are all sorts of other tourism activities to get into, but for anglers, Panama City provides outstanding access to productive waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Those who’d rather keep their feet on shore will find pier fishing that’s arguably the best on the Gulf Coast. There are four fishing piers in the area, three that reach far out into the emerald waters of the Gulf. And the piers aren’t just places to pass the time with a line in the water. Pier fishermen regularly catch big king and Spanish mackerel, flounder, pompano, redfish and trout. Every now and then, tuna and even sailfish show up. As with any pier, the catch is dependent on what’s within casting range. That’s not the case for anglers on a boat. Out of Panama City Beach, a short ride will put you on fish no matter the time of year. This time of year, anglers will find the crowds are gone from the inshore reefs, where various species of grouper and snapper are easy targets. Big speckled trout and redfish around the canals and river mouths are a great fall-back if the winds are high, and these fisheries will remain good all winter long. In the spring, warming water temperatures bring on the ladyfish, bluefish, bonito and Spanish mackerel. Trout move onto the grass flats and start 6 NORTH FLORIDA

NOVEMBER 2021

chasing topwater. Cobia show up in late spring, and summer brings on the some of the best trolling action for kingfish anywhere. By summer, snapper and grouper fishing has migrated offshore. Boats out of Panama City Beach will be fishing reefs in more than 100 feet of water for some big red snapper and lots of them. Summer is also the height of the big-game fishing, and big redfish will likely be in the pass. The weather may be cooling some when fall rolls in, but the fishing remains hot. Flounder fishing picks up, along with the rest of the inshore action. The bottom fishing will again move closer in, and it’s a great time to try light tackle for snapper and grouper. From anglers looking for a fishing vacation to vacationers looking for a little fishing, there’s always something for them in Panama City Beach. Unequaled access to the northern Gulf opens up some incredible options for anglers. For more information, visit coastalanglermag.com.

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ere’s your reminder. The recreational harvest of flounder in all Florida state and federal waters closed Oct. 15 and will remain closed through Nov. 30. Flounder harvest reopens Dec. 1. This annual season closure and other management measures were approved by the Florida Wildlife Resources Commission late last year because a stock status update suggested that the flounder fishery statewide has been in a general declining trend and is likely overfished and undergoing overfishing on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Other south Atlantic and Gulf states have also reported declines in flounder populations and have been making their own regulation changes. Learn more about flounder regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine.

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NOVEMBER 2021

NORTH FLORIDA 7

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. BRENT JUAREZ

GREAT FISHING!

WHERE THE SUWANNEE & STEINHATCHEE RIVERS MEET THE GULF OF MEXICO

Ugly Fishing Spots By Tobin Strickland

Often Produce

YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND A BOAT RAMP

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e all have an idea of what a good fishing spot should look like. Perhaps it’s surrounded by pristine sand dunes and native grasses and has that perfect seagrass bottom? Or maybe it’s a hidden marsh lagoon surrounded by mangroves? We spend so much time running to the prettiest spot and wonder why we don’t catch fish. Maybe it’s time to take a look at the ugly fishing spots? I’ve found great fishing wherever great fishing occurs, and many times those locales haven’t been pretty. Earlier today, I ran the boat to several isolated bays only to find a school of nice speckled trout right behind the boat ramp. I knew the structure was right, and when I saw good sign of fish presence, I didn’t hesitate to fish close to the ramp. It was less than 50 yards to the entrance to the harbor. In fact, three other fishing boats left the harbor while I steadily caught fish. We always feel the need to make the run to that “perfect” spot. I did that this past Friday and made a 22-mile run. Granted, I knew fish were there— and I caught fish—but I also caught solid fish today less than half a football field from my parked truck. Here’s the deal: Fish don’t know they aren’t supposed to be somewhere. As long as the location matches what they are looking for, the fish will be there regardless of what the above-surface features look like. So what makes a good fishing spot for speckled trout, redfish or flounder? First of all, it must be in the right part of the bay system for season. No spot will produce if it’s not where the bait and fish want to be seasonally. Next, it has to have the right structure for the fish you are targeting. If you’re seeking trout, that spot better be trout habitat. It should be the right depth for trout and give them plenty of opportunities to ambush prey from below, whether it’s a main-bay drop-off, the edge of an oyster reef or the edge of a pocket in the grass. The habitat must be a match for the species you are going after... period. And similarly to the seasonal requirement, the location has to have forage. If a fishing spot contains all the above parameters, yet it’s a little less than pristine, that can be a great spot. Take, for example, a big-trout spot I found last fall. I found this location using aerial photography, and it seemed promising. There was deep water nearby, a great oyster reef and a mud bottom. It was in the upper section of the estuary, so I knew it would fit the bill for late fall and early winter. I did wonder how the boat traffic would be… because it was in the back of the harbor. I caught fish closer to my truck than the actual run distance to the spot was. Today’s location was similar. Did it matter to me that it wasn’t 22 miles away? Not after that first hookset; No. Tobin created TroutSupport.com - Tech Support for speckled trout and redfish anglers who want to up their game to the next level.

8 NORTH FLORIDA

NOVEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG MCKEE

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was always destined to be a fisherman. I recall watching childhood heroes fishing exotic places on Saturday morning fishing shows and dreaming I would be one of the fortunate anglers to make experiences like those a reality. I watched Flip Pallot fly fishing the Everglades. I saw legendary Capt. Billy Black on the deck of the Duchess off Walker’s Cay. For a young man from up North, Florida was Mecca if your passion was sportfishing. Imagine the excitement when my wife and I had the opportunity to make a life-changing move. It was only natural that we chose Florida. We wanted somewhere with mild winters and a small-town feeling that was close enough to major attractions. We decided the Jensen Beach/Stuart area was perfect. Not to mention that Billy Black and the Duchess call Stuart home. I have since met this man. He is not only a great captain and fisherman, he is a very genuine and kind man. The fishing is all that I imagined. Lake Okeechobee is a short drive to the west, the Florida Keys are just a few hours south, and the Indian River Lagoon is our new backyard. The Treasure Coast has wonderful offshore fishing, where mahi and sailfish are much sought after. The annual glass minnow run sends anglers roaming beaches in search of tarpon and snook. Most days it does not disappoint. If you turn on the television during “Shark Week,” you’ll undoubtably see mention of the shark migration through South Florida. It boggles the mind just how many sharks cruise the waters here. But, the granddaddy of them all is the “mullet run.” There are very few area anglers who don’t await this time of year like a youngster on the night before Christmas. The Indian River Lagoon comes alive, as everything eagerly devours this bountiful baitfish. This area has a wide variety of quality fishing, something for everyone, regardless of target species. The Indian River Lagoon needs no introduction. This world-class fishery has a long and storied reputation and is on the bucket list of any person dreaming of snook, trout and redfish. When the topic of Mosquito Lagoon comes up, visions of monster redfish and goliath trout come to mind. The IRL produced one of the most impressive catches in recent history when in 1995 angler Craig Carson, of Orlando, caught the heaviest spotted seatrout ever recorded. The 17-pound, 7-ounce beast was pulled from a backwater cove in Fort Pierce. It’s been a few years since we made the move to follow my dreams of fishing. The Treasure Coast has certainly lived up to its name. I cherish every outing in this beautiful and diverse environment. And, even after all the years, after all the places I have been fortunate to visit, I still have species left on my bucket list. I can think of no better place to pursue those fish than Florida. For more from Rex Hannon, go to www.coastalanglermagazine.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

TAMPA BAY REOPENS FOR SNOOK, TROUT AND REDS

WC reopened recreational harvest of snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in Tampa Bay on Oct. 12. This ended the temporary catchand-release-only regulations that were implemented July 16, due to the impact of red tide. This applies to all Florida waters of Manatee County north of State Road 64, including all waters of the Braden River, and all tributaries of the Manatee River, excluding all waters of Palma Sola Bay; all Florida waters of Hillsborough County; and all Florida waters of Pinellas County, excluding all waters of the Anclote River and its tributaries. Learn more at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”

16 FLORIDA

NOVEMBER 2021

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REGS CHANGING FOR ATLANTIC SPOT/CROAKER

t its October meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved the creation of new regulations for spot and Atlantic croaker in state waters from the Florida-Georgia border through Miami-Dade County. The following changes for the Atlantic coast of Florida will go into effect Dec. 1, 2021: • Establish a daily recreational bag limit of 50 fish per person for each species. • Establish the following commercial vessel limits Spot: 2,200 pounds. Atlantic croaker: 1,200 pounds. There have been recent coast-wide declines in abundance and harvest of spot and Atlantic croaker. The approved changes are part of a coast-wide, multi-state conservation strategy for Atlantic stocks of these species.

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NOVEMBER 2021

FLORIDA 17

LIFE IS A BEACH November is a Great Month for Beach Fishing By Richard Matteson

ooling weather and longer nights make November one of the hottest beach fishing months of the year. Early November still features the occasional late run of mullet trying to catch up with the main waves that already moved through. Yes, the mullet runs are mostly in October, but warmer weather patterns have extended the runs into November. Look for birds and bait. There are many beach accesses in Martin and St. Lucie counties. If fishing on the Treasure Coast, try different beach accesses between the St. Lucie and Ft. Peirce inlets. Deeper water beach areas have been producing bigger and more fish. Some of the deeper water accesses are Bathtub Beach (walk to the inlet point), Tiger Shores, Walton Rocks and Ft. Pierce Inlet point. Either side of high tide seems to be best (incoming high or outgoing high). There are still lots of tarpon schooling and large snook, and the bite is hot the whole month. In midDecember and January, the patterns change and both snook and tarpon are harder to catch. Try freelining a 6- to 8-inch mullet or croaker just past the trough and working the outside of the trough during the day. Early morning or evening, fish are closer to the shore and use the trough as their bait freeway. The trough

is a deep channel carved out by the closest waves (first breakers) and is usually 1 or 2 feet deeper than the sand line. For large fish, use 20- to 40-pound braid (white) with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. Besides freelining live bait, try using a jig with a 4-inch paddletail or a silver crocodile-style spoon (1 oz.). Yo-Zuri shallowdiving crankbaits (white) and topwater (Zara Spook/Skitterwalk) will also work for schooling fish chasing bait. November is also the month when mackerel, pompano and bluefish begin their southward migration. They start showing up around the mullet run, and by the end of November are regularly caught off our beaches. Mackerel and bluefish like shiny fast-moving lures like spoons, while bluefish can also be caught on cut bait. Both have teeth, so be prepared to have your leader cut! Pompano usually can best be caught on live sand fleas or red Fishbites. The mackerel bite is best in a small boat around the inlets or in the bull-shark reef area, but surf fishermen can have hot mackerel action, too. In the morning, the bite is usually near the trough when bait is present. Later in the day, make long casts with silver or gold spoons. Good luck! May your days be filled with leaping fish and tight lines. Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BAIT

Tim Barefoot

t some point you have to realize the where these schools of bait truth about what really holds fish in went, the reds and gags went a certain area and why they show up with them. Find the bait; find the fish. during certain times of the year. Nowadays, I go to the same areas of “good For example, November is the first “cold” month of the year, and that signal is felt by the bottom,” and I look for stacks of beeliners to fish massive schools of cigar minnows, sardines and on. I have written about this before, but when the inshore baby beeliners (vermillion snapper). you find big stacks of bait, catch one of the baits They are programed to “ball up” for one reason and put it right back down. It increases your or another. The fish anglers are searching for get odds of catching what you came for. Granted, more gags, the same signal, scamps and red and they key in grouper have on these schools been caught of bait. Gags on frozen cigar are now well minnows than established on all the other nearshore ledges baits combined, for their annual but that was spawning run, then, and this and it is not is now. Thirty coincidence years ago, there these are the were so many same traditional grouper it was areas where the a competitive bait stages. atmosphere At one on the bottom, point in my without all bottom-fishing the little dink evolution, I snapper and fished stacks junk bites. That’s of bait on slick why frozen flat-sand bottom On the graph, a stack of bait marks not connected cigar minnows that we referred to the bottom indicates beeliners, cigar minnows worked so well. to as “trash and sardines. Grouper will be under or near a Now, you have piles.” These school of baitfish like this one. to think a little stacks of bait bit, and put baits were miles away from ledges and wrecks, but they held grouper down that attract the target species, instead of and big snapper just the same. These were giant everything down there. A grass grunt or pinfish stacks of cigs and sardines that were constantly as big as your hand will eliminate all the trash followed by red and gag grouper. No matter bites, and zoom in on the grouper. Nothing is

1 LOCATION

JUNE 2020

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA WHITAKER COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

a better vehicle to the bottom, creates a better “illusion,” and is a cleaner tackle than plugging one of these live or butterflied baits onto a Decoy Jig. If you find a stack of beeliners, you need to put some effort into catching some of these beeliners, butterflying them and sending them right back down. You’ll feel all the “junk bites” down there ripping chunks out of your bait, but that’s OK. Be patient. When you get the real bite, there will be no question, and it’ll be worth the wait. Check out Capt. Tim Barefoot at Barefootcatsandtackle.com, where there are videos highlighting his tips, tackle and techniques.

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FLORIDA 21

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CITY OF BOCA RATON'S 43RD ANNUAL

Holiday Boat Parade Saturday, December 18, 2021, 6:30PM INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY Delray/Boca Line South to Hillsboro Bridge Boats of all sizes will light up the Intracoastal Waterway for the City of Boca Raton's annual holiday celebration on the water. The parade starts at the C-15 Canal (Delray/Boca line) and travels south to the Hillsboro Bridge. The public viewing area is at Red Reef Park - space is limited, so plan ahead.

BRIDGE OPENING TIMES (estimated): 6:50 PM: Spanish River 7:20 PM: Palmetto Park 7:30 PM: Camino Real Bridges will be in the UP position for approx. 45 minutes.

For more information, or to enter YOUR boat, call (561) 367-7073 or visit MyBoca.us./SpecialEvents.

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Hooker Electric Tuna Tubes are offered in four different sizes. They can be ordered individually as removable live well tubes, on deck removable case, or transom-mounted tubes. The gel inserts allow your baits a healthy recovery.

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alking Liberty Half Dollars, or “Walkers” as they were called, led a coin renaissance in the U.S. that was in large part inspired by President Teddy Roosevelt’s 1904 comment that U.S. coinage was “artistically of atrocious hideousness.” During the first two decades of the 20th century, every circulating coin denomination in the U.S. got a new look. The front of the Walking Liberty Half Dollar features Adolph Weinman’s Walking Liberty design of a confident Miss Liberty striding toward the sun and the dawning of a new day, draped in an American flag, carrying laurel and oak branches representing peace and strength.

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TIPS FROM A PRO

FLIPPING HEAVY GRASS FOR FALL BASS

time or two until I get a bite or two in an area. Once you know there are fish around, slow down, make very precise flips and work the bait up and down multiple times with each cast. I flip and pitch with a craw-style bait. If the water has a good stain, black and blue colors are a must. If you’re working with cleaner water, TYLER WOOLCOTT green pumpkin or brown variations usually do the trick. When you are dealing with pressured fish or fishing in colder conditions, downsize and flip a creature bait like the 13 Fishing Lunch Bug. When the ith fall upon us, it’s time to bring out the big sticks and heavy braid. One of my favorite techniques weather is stable and you are around aggressive fish, flip a full-sized to target bass is flipping and punching grass, and fall is a creature bait like the 13 Fishing Invader. great time to do it. Fish seek heavy cover Flipping/ Punching Gear and vegetation to feed up on forage and get warmth under matted grass. This presents It is important to use the correct the opportunity to place your bait right in equipment to get your bait into the grass front of them. and then winch fish out. I like a 13 Fishing Flipping and pitching grass can be hard 7’9” Heavy Fast Envy Black rod paired to learn, but once you get the hang of it, it up with a Concept A 8:3:1 reel. The long can be one of the most exhilarating ways to heavy-action rod gives you power to get catch a bass. I live in Florida, where grass a hook into fish and then get them out of is always prevalent. It has taught me a few grass. Pairing that rod with a fast-gearthings about how fish position in fall, and ratio reel allows you to make lots of flips I’ve been able to use this knowledge all and to pick up line quickly. over the country. Heavy braided line is imperative. I Seek out either a clean edge or patches like 65-pound Seaguar Smackdown braid of grass that are isolated away from in grey. I use a Woo! Tungsten weight expansive areas of grass. These areas between 1 and 2 ounces, depending on concentrate fish in targetable places and the thickness of the grass. Hook size varies give you the highest probability of getting depending on the size bait. I use between a your bait in front of a hungry bass. 3/0 and a 5/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight HD When flipping, cover as much water as hook. possible until you run into a group of fish. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament Fish tend to group up in the fall, and this is angler and guide. Check out his website at also true with fish in the grass. I like to flip www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. fast, only pumping the bait up and down a

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.

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StyleCraft and A&M Introduce Versatile, Premium Fiberglass Hull Pontoon Boats

ptimum durability and performance are the design achievements for an all new line of pontoon boats named Style Craft Boats. These premium fiberglass-hulled pontoon boats result from a partnership between Billy Chapman and John Hemken, and they are only available through factory direct sales. Chapman, pioneer of Amazon peacock bass fishing and creator of the Floating Suite mobile lodge, and Hemken, with over 25 years of perfecting new and innovative production and owner of A&M Manufacturing, are designing several models of pontoon boats. Flagship of the line is the Fun Slide boat, a 28-foot pontoon craft built on Bulldog hulls with a 10-foot-wide main deck and upper deck featuring two water slides. The 22- and 26-foot Outfitters are recreational tritoons with multiple floorplans for family fun and fishing built on Riptide hulls. Outfitter pontoon boats also feature multiple deck boxes with cushion seats, and much more. StyleCraft Boats also offers three different kit boats, allowing the DIYer to finish out the boat to their liking. The Kit Boat includes fiberglass hulls and heavy-duty aluminum C-channel floor beams ready for assembly. The StyleCraft Boats Tuff Boat is a workboat created for the rigors of heavy-duty operations. A deck boat that can be configured for any task, the Tuff Boat can be outfitted with a crane, welder and anything else a work boat

might need. StyleCraft works with the owner to determine the right size pontoon boat for the work at hand. All StyleCraft Boats are built by A&M Manufacturing and feature a heavy-duty set of fiberglass hulls measuring from 30 feet to 53 feet in length. The deck is built with marine-grade composite that is fiberglassed, gelled and webbed. No wood is used in StyleCraft Boats. Each boat can be configured with an outboard engine. More models will be introduced. The Fun Slide boat and Outfitter series are equipped with a Humminbird Helix GPS depthfinder, anodized aluminum railing and Phifertex rail coverings, upgraded custom upholstery with hydraulic steering and steering wheel on a fiberglass console. A&M Manufacturing is the contract manufacturer of Elite Craft leisure boat, hand built from fiberglass but with the regal look of real mahogany wood. Elite Craft boats have been built for over 30 years. For more information about StyleCraft Boats, visit stylecraftboats.com.

TRAVEL PROTOCOLS RELAXED FOR BAHAMAS INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL

ffective Immediately, the requirement for a travel health visa for inter-island travel within The Bahamas has been removed. Other important updates include: • Vaccinated persons travelling inter-island from New Providence and Grand Bahama will now only be required to produce a negative result of a rapid antigen test of the type approved by the Ministry of Health, and if non-vaccinated, travelers are required to produce a negative result of the RT-PCR test at the point of embarkation to the operator of the airline or vessel on which they are travelling. • For persons travelling inter-island from any other islands of The Bahamas, only a negative result of an antigen test of the type approved by the Ministry of Health is required. • The requirement for secondary testing for inter-island travelers is now removed. Curfew times have also been relaxed to 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m. on New Providence and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Exuma mainland, Abaco mainland, Bimini and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island. For entry into the U.S., beginning Nov. 1, 2021, all adult foreign nationals traveling to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated, with limited exceptions. Additionally, unvaccinated U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents who return to the United States will be required to provide proof of a negative test result taken within one day prior to their departure. For more information on US requirements, visit https://bs.usembassy.gov/ covid-19-information. For full Bahamas Covid Protocols & Requirements for Boaters, visit www.bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols.

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n May 18, 1980, the once-slumbering Mount St. Helens erupted in the Pacific Northwest. It was the most impressive display of nature’s power in North America’s recorded history. But even more impressive is what emerged from the chaos... a spectacular new creation born of ancient minerals named Helenite. Its lush, vivid color and amazing story instantly captured the attention of jewelry connoisseurs worldwide. You can now have four carats of the world’s newest stone for an absolutely unbelievable price. Known as America’s emerald, Helenite makes it possible to give her a stone that’s brighter and has more fire than any emerald without paying the exorbitant price. In fact, this many carats of an emerald that looks this perfect and glows this green would cost you upwards of $80,000. Your more beautiful and much more affordable option features a perfect teardrop of Helenite set in gold-covered sterling silver suspended from a chain accented with even more verdant Helenite. Limited Reserves. As one of the largest EXCLUSIVE gemstone dealers in the world, we buy more carats of Helenite than anyone, which lets us give you a great price. However, this much gorgeous green Helenite Earrings for this price won’t last long. Don’t miss out. Helenite is only found in -a one section of Washington State, so with purchase of call today! Helenite Necklace Romance guaranteed or your money back. Experience the scintillating beauty of the Helenite Teardrop Necklace for 30 days and if she isn’t completely in love with it send it back for a full refund of the item price. You can even keep the stud earrings as our thank you for giving us a try.

4 carats of shimmering Helenite

FREE

$129 value-



“I love these pieces... it just glowed... so beautiful!” — S.S., Salem, OR

Helenite Teardrop Necklace (4 ¼ ctw) $299* ..... Only $129 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) ....................................... $129 +S&P

Helenite Set (5 ¼ ctw) $428* ...... Call-in price only $129 +S&P (Set includes necklace and stud earrings)

Call now and mention the offer code to receive FREE earrings.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code HEN404-01

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

Stauer Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HEN404-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

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

• 4 ¼ ctw of American Helenite and lab-created DiamondAura® • Gold-finished .925 sterling silver settings • 16" chain with 2" extender and lobster clasp

Stau e r … A f f or d the E x tr ao r di n a r y .®

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NOVEMBER 2021

NATIONAL 13

FCRaUllISING!

PHOTO BY CAPT. JOE JELLISON

E TIFOM R

Rocco Mansueto (center) with his fishing partners, Jay Effner (left) and Phillip Mansueto (right).

Anglers Catch Rare Piebald Cat CALL FOR YOUR NEAREST DEALER

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on the Tennessee River

By Richard Simms

olor mutations occur in a variety of wildlife species—albino whitetail deer, black (melanistic) coyotes and yes, piebald catfish. To witness, and especially catch, one of those unique creatures, however, is rare. Yet it happened recently for Rocco Mansueto on the Tennessee River. Mansueto was fishing in late September with Capt. Joe Jellison, a guide working with Scenic City Fishing Charters in Chattanooga, Tenn. Capt. Jellison also produces the popular YouTube Channel, Chatt Cats Fishing. Capt. Jellison routinely fishes on the Tennessee River near Chattanooga. His clients had already enjoyed a successful day, including a 27-pound blue caught by Rocco’s brother, Phillip, when Rocco hooked up again on a respectable catfish. When they fought the fish close enough to the boat to see it, Capt. Jellison, who has boated thousands of catfish, said he was awestruck. “Piebald catfish are quite rare. There’s one-in-a-million chance of getting one,” said Capt. Jellison. “They are actually blue catfish with a genetic mutation. I told Rocco many (or most) fishermen will fish their whole life and not catch a piebald catfish.” Piebaldism is the absence of melanin-forming cells (melanocytes) in certain areas of the skin. It is different from albinism, where all cells lack the ability to produce pigment altogether. Hence, piebald creatures do not have the pink eye characteristic of albinos. The piebald gene is often hereditary. Another Scenic City Fishing guide, Capt. Sam Simons, caught a similar fish in 2019. While it appeared to be a totally white albino, it did not have the characteristic pink eye, hence was probably a piebald as well. At the time of the catch, Capt. Jellison was drifting chicken breast as bait in the Tennessee River current, what Scenic City guides refer to as their “light tackle technique.” They use standard spinning gear and relatively light line (10-pound mono or 20-pound braid), which allows the bait to drift more naturally. Even though they use light tackle, the technique sometimes produces big catfish—up to 50 and 60 pounds. However, trophy-sized catfish are not as rare, or as cherished, as a once-in-a-lifetime piebald. Mansueto released his rare piebald catfish back into the river in hopes someone else might someday have the same experience he did. Richard Simms is an outdoor journalist and owner/guide at Scenic City Fishing Charters in Chattanooga, Tenn. Check them out at www.sceniccityfishing.com.

14 NATIONAL

NOVEMBER 2021

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719-POUNDER WINS BLUEFIN BONANZA L ocal captain Pete Speeches, of Scarborough, Maine, and the crew of Backstabber, brought a giant 719-pound bluefin tuna to the scale to win the Third Annual Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza out of South Portland, Maine. They took home their second consecutive Casco Bay Cup. It was a fretful year for the Bonanza, as proposed restricted fishing days threatened to scuttle the event. Then, an 11th-hour category closure forced postponement of the three-day tournament from early August to early September. Despite the tremendous inconvenience to all, and a less-than-favorable forecast, the boats set out and didn’t disappoint. First to the dock on Day 1 was Endorfin with a 511-pounder. Keith Jordan, of the Bailey and Bella, quickly set the bar higher with a fat tuna that weighed 700 pounds on the nose. Speeches was hot on his tail, arriving at the scales just 20 minutes later with what would eventually prove to be the tournament winner. He was preceded by Mitch Napalitano’s 598-pounder, moving Mitch down to a third-place position, at least temporarily. Perennial frontrunner Kurt Christensen and the Molly Jane came in with a 373-pounder with Wasabi, High Anxiety and Lion’s den bringing in fish of 478, 311 and 440 pounds, respectively. Forecasted high winds and thunder showers kept many boats off the water on Day 2, but Backstabber—vying for the cumulative-weight prize—landed their second, a 467-pounder followed by Bailey & Bella’s 582-pounder. Bounty

Hunter II, one of the smaller boats in the tournament went way offshore and after a five-hour battle managed to wrangle in a 422-pounder, and made the scales before they closed. Despite challenging conditions, the crew of Molly Jane showed their mettle, bringing in a 632-pounder to open Day 3 that would ultimately hold up in the top five. Hot on their heels was Bailey & Bella with a 646-pounder that would take fourth place and secure the overall cumulative weight. The final fish was ANUT’s 698-pounder, which moved them back into third place. In the end, over $18,000 in prize money was handed out, including a top prize of $7,500 and the Casco Cup for the largest fish. More importantly, the Bluefin Bonanza raised enough money to ensure that 14 students, two from each of Maine’s seven community colleges, will receive scholarships next year. The Bonanza will also be able to fulfill their endowment to the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges, ensuring there will always be scholarships in the future. Furthermore, a new endowment will be established with the University of Maine’s School of Marine Sciences and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to support vital bluefin tuna research that will ensure the resource and the fishery remain sustainable. For more information, check out the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza on Facebook, visit www.bluefinbonanza.org or email bluefinbonanza@gmail.com.

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5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC. All rights reserved.

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