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NAPLES/MARCO ISLAND/EVERGLADES/BONITA SPRINGS EDITION

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HARDCORE

TUNA

MYSTERIOUS

SAILFISH Sept. 9-11 • Orlando PHOTO CREDIT: DARCIZZLE OFFSHORE COURTESY OF HAIRCLUB / WWW.HAIRCLUB.COM VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 317

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

AUGUST 2021

Upper Class Just Got Lower Priced Finally, luxury built for value— not for false status

ntil Stauer came along, you needed an inheritance to buy a timepiece with class and refinement. Not any more. The Stauer Magnificat II embodies the impeccable quality and engineering once found only in the watch collections of the idle rich. Today, it can be on your wrist. The Magnificat II has the kind of thoughtful design that harkens back to those rare, 150-year-old moon phases that once could only be found under glass in a collector’s trophy room. Powered by 27 jewels, the Magnificat II is wound by the movement of your body. An exhibition back reveals the genius of the engineering and lets you witness the automatic rotor that enables you to wind the watch with a simple flick of your wrist. It took three years of development and $26 million in advanced Swiss-built watch-making machinery to create the Magnificat II. When we took the watch to renowned watchmaker and watch historian George Thomas, he disassembled it and studied the escapement, balance wheel and the rotor. He remarked on the detailed guilloche face, gilt winding crown, and the crocodile-embossed leather band. He was intrigued by the three interior dials for day, date, and 24-hour moon phases. He estimated that this fine timepiece would cost over $2,500. We all smiled and told him that the Stauer price was less than $100. A truly magnificent watch at a truly magnificent price! Try the Magnificat II for 30 days and if you are not receiving compliments, please return the watch for a full refund of the purchase price. The precision-built movement carries a 2 year warranty against defect. If you trust your own good taste, the Magnificat II is built for you.

Stauer Magnificat II Timepiece $399* Offer Code Price

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The Stauer Magnificat II is powered by your own movement

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

• Luxurious gold-finished case with exposition back • 27-jeweled automatic movement • Croc-embossed band fits wrists 6¾"–8½" • Water-resistant to 3 ATM

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Now, THIS is a Knife! This 16" full tang stainless steel blade is not for the faint of heart —now ONLY $99!

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n the blockbuster film, when a strapping Australian crocodile hunter and a lovely American journalist were getting robbed at knife point by a couple of young thugs in New York, the tough Aussie pulls out his dagger and says “That’s not a knife, THIS is a knife!” Of course, the thugs scattered and he continued on to win the reporter’s heart. Our Aussie friend would approve of our rendition of his “knife.” Forged of high grade 420 surgical stainless steel, this knife is an impressive 16" from pommel to point. And, the blade is full tang, meaning it runs the entirety of the knife, even though part of it is under wraps in the natural bone and wood handle. Secured in a tooled leather sheath, this is one impressive knife, with an equally impressive price. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99, 8x21 power compact binoculars, and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Down Under Bowie Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Down Under Bowie Knifes for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip BONUS! Call today and through your fingers at a price that won’t drag you’ll also receive this you under. Call today! genuine leather sheath!

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 value-

with purchase of Down Under Knife

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

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

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Down Under Bowie Knife $249*

Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $150

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Your Insider Offer Code: DUK212-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price. Rating of A+

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DUK212-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

• Etched stainless steel full tang blade ; 16” overall • Painted natural bone and wood handle • Brass hand guards, spacers & end cap • Includes genuine tooled leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

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

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AUGUST 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Sizzling Hot Deals From Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event is finally here! It’s time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for a sizzling hot deal on the Ultimate Outboard Motor. You can get Low-Rate Financing on the all new DF140BG with Drive by Wire Technology, or our Flagship DF350. Get all the details at your participating Suzuki Marine Dealer.

REPOWER FINANCE

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†

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

*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †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. The Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.

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ISTIOPHORUS: THE MYSTERIOUS SAILFISH

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

he sailfish is one of the most commonly caught billfish. Due to its proclivity for shallower coastal waters and frequency of ascension to the surface, the odds of catching one of these beauties can be much greater than for other billfish. There is little scientific certainty about the mysterious behavior of sailfish. They exhibit a general migratory pattern throughout the year, but they often break their own rules and show up unexpectedly. Summer sailfish catches are generally more associated with the Gulf of Mexico, yet they do appear on the Atlantic coast this time of year, as well. Sailfishing in the Florida Keys is usually a late autumn and early spring

bite. It can be an absolute catching frenzy. However, in July, following the passage of tropical storm Elsa, sailfish were seen tailing at the surface, cruising the waves along a strong current line off of Marathon Key. It was a bizarre and welcomed phenomenon. The conditions that followed the storm created a concise current line, with greener nearshore waters touching the blue water, and a milky powder-blue highway running down the center. Sailfish were spotted swimming east to west at the top of the waves, and seemed to dive deeper to circle back. The locals are no strangers to this phenomenon that occurs in the Keys. Though the time of year may be unpredictable, anglers are always ready to make the most of it. This type of fishing requires polarized sunglasses and a tower boat. Slowly creeping through the powder blue highway, scan the waves for black torpedo shapes or blobs that resemble black garbage bags. Hunt for the opportunity to sight cast live baits. Without the visual vantage of a tower, trolling lures or bump trolling live bait may be more productive than trying to spot them from deck level. Sailfish truly are an incredible and unpredictable species. Very few have been successfully tagged, and few have held a tag long enough to transmit much information. Of those tagged for up to a year, their patterns were generally erratic. They seem to be extremely transient, foraging and spawning in many different coastal regions, predictably unpredictable, like majestic aquatic gypsies. Commonalities in their behavior are that they primarily stay within a water temperature of approximately 80 degrees; they mostly stay near the surface, rarely diving below 300 feet; and they exhibit extremely curious evening routines. All of the transmissions showed sailfish spending the evening within 30 feet of the surface, descending briefly before sunrise and sunset. They were also observed to be active nightly, seemingly unaffected by lunar phases. Help uncover the mysteries of sailfish by reporting tagged fish or by visiting billfish.org to purchase a tagging kit. Remember to handle sailfish with care and revive them before release when necessary. 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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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2021

NATIONAL 7

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Actual size is 40.6 mm

W N E IG S N DE

The Biggest Event In Silver Dollar History!

he American Silver Eagle has been the most popular silver coin on the planet since its introduction in 1986. Its beautiful, iconic design inspires collectors, and investors love it because it’s struck in one full ounce of 99.9% fine silver, and guaranteed for weight and fineness by the U.S. Government. Now in 2021, for the first time ever, the coin’s design is changing.

The Most Important Coins in the Modern Era

When President Ronald Reagan signed the Liberty Coin Act into law, he didn’t know American Eagles would have the impact they’ve had, year after year. The coins were so popular that between 1986 and 2020, over 535 million were struck. That’s more than HALF A BILLION coins, easily making Silver Eagles the most bought coins in the world. Hugely popular now, Silver Eagles may soon become even more popular!

Collectors Crave Firsts

Collectors covet coins with Key Dates. Key Dates mark significance in a coin’s history...firsts, lasts, lowest mintage,

new finishes and new designs. Now, for the first time in over three-and-a-half decades, the Silver Eagle is getting a new design, leading to a historic “first” unlike anything we’ve seen. The iconic Heraldic Eagle reverse is being replaced by a beautiful new “Eagle Landing” design. This is arguably a bigger deal than even the actual introduction of the coin because there’s so much more interest now than in 1986, with investors and collectors!

If You Knew Then What You Know Now...

If you’d had a crystal ball in 1986, you undoubtedly would have grabbed every Silver Eagle you could get. Those coins in uncirculated condition continue to be sought-after. Now you’re getting another chance to land a big Silver Eagle first, a Key Date. Additionally, since these newly designed Silver Eagles are only being released during the second half of 2021, it’s quite possible this will be one of the lowest mintages we’ve seen. That’s significant because it could make 2021 a DOUBLE Key Date, with both a new design and a low mintage. Demand for these coins is already sky-high, but if that

happens, watch out! No one can predict the future value of silver, but many Americans are rushing to stock up, for themselves, and their loved ones.

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. NRE155-02 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

DADDYghter u a DOFF DAYS VIRGINIA BEACH

By Nick Carter

or Matt Metelsky, daddy-daughter time with his 17-year-old is a little more involved than a trip to the ice cream parlor. Matt’s daughter Lily is a rising high school senior. She loves nothing more than waking up at 2 a.m. to run 85 miles off Virginia Beach and troll the edge of the Continental Shelf with her dad. In late June, the duo fished the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, where Lily placed second in the Lady Angler division with a yellowfin that weighed 39.9 pounds. But that’s not her biggest tuna to-date. Her heaviest yellowfin weighed 44 pounds. She caught it last summer, and at 5-foot-4 and 115 pounds, it took her about 15 minutes to haul it in stand-up with a belt. “I don’t know. We do wood work on the side, so we load wood, and I guess that gives you some back strength,” Lily offered as explanation for feats of fishing strength. “We always stay active. With Dad, it’s work hard, play harder.” Lily’s strength and stamina are a given considering she qualified and is working as an oceanfront lifeguard at Virginia Beach this summer. Matt, however, has another explanation for his daughter’s skill, as well as her love for this hard-core style of fishing. Lily was 5 years old when Matt purchased his Contender 25 with twin 150s. At a tender age, Lily cut her teeth going toe-to-toe with hard-pulling spadefish in 50 feet of water, 20 miles offshore. “I’m thinking the technique she picked up with those spades when she was little just kind of morphed over into the tuna,” Matt said. “It really amazes

me she is able to battle those things stand-up.” Lily began joining Matt for long days offshore when she turned 13. She was 15 the summer of 2019 when she was first physically able to handle a yellowfin—a 26-pounder—by herself. But pumping and reeling aren’t Lily’s only deck duties. She helps rig and bait and steers the boat while her dad deploys an eight-rod spread on the Gulf Stream. Last Jan. 11, she manned the helm while Matt battled a 550-pound bluefin. When the handle on the 50w reel broke under the stress, it was Lily’s idea to improvise with a screwdriver and electrical tape to eventually land that fish. The peak yellowfin season is June and July out of Rudee Inlet. Matt and Lily make five or six trips a summer, often with friends. Normal days consist of two or three tuna, some bonita and mahi, and occasionally a white marlin. Two or three times a year, January and February bluefin trips are just for the two of them. There aren’t many people interested in waiting on one big bite in brutal mid-winter conditions, anyway. “She’s just tough as nails,” Matt said of his daughter. “I don’t know how else to describe it. She’s just tough.” Lily doesn’t seem to perceive any hardship. She considers herself lucky to be able to spend time with her dad on the water. “When we’re out there on the boat, it’s just so peaceful,” she said. “I pretty much sleep the whole time. When that reel goes off, that’s my alarm.” For more action from Virginia Beach, visit coastalanglermag.com/tidewater-obx/.

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W r C g e o Y w f s B w h H a o M s a c Q

10 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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A gemstone 10,000 times rarer than diamonds

So rare, you can only find it one place on earth. Two, if you count Stauer! Over 7 carats of ethereal Larimar— From a remote Caribbean mountain

he rarity of larimar is legendary. Its exquisite beauty, unique color and scarcity make it a truly treasured gem. Found in only one square kilometer of the world, the ONLY source of larimar lies in the relatively inaccessible Bahoruco’s mountains in the Caribbean. Formed by unique combination of volcanic minerals and geological conditions, larimar is very dangerous to get to and therefore is only mined 5 months out of the year. Because of its rarity, few people have ever seen larimar, and it is only recently that the Caribbean yielded its secret to us. But luckily, the prices are not controlled by a syndicate so this rare stone is still affordable, as long as you know where to look. And, you’ve come to the right place, we are your ticket to paradise. We’ve crafted rare larimar into remarkable jewelry that’s also remarkably affordable. Each stone in our Sea of Love Larimar Collection is a picture of perfect swirling blue. Nature guarantees that no two larimar gemstones will be exactly alike, each has a wispy white swirl that looks like the highest clouds on a sun-filled day. You could spend PRAISE FOR STAUER LARIMAR RINGS well over $1,000 “There are not enough adjectives in for a larimar ring the dictionary to describe the beauty set in sterling silver. and excellence of this ring. Buy it, do But why would you not wait.” — C., Longwood, FL when you can bring her this gorgeous stone for an exclusive Stauer price. Her Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed. If she’s not swept away within 30 days, simply return your purchase for a refund of the item price. Mother Nature has given us such a small quantity of this beautiful stone and there is no way to replenish the few carats that are available. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own this captivating gemstone that’s 10,000 times rarer than diamonds. Quantities are extremely limited, so please act quickly!

Add the entire collection to your jewelry ensemble C.

Jewelry shown is not exact size

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A. Ring (7 ¹⁄2 carat) ............................... $299 $99* Save $200 B. Earrings (5 ctw) ..............................$299 $99* Save $200 C. Pendant (7 ¹⁄2 carat) ..........................$299 $149* Save $150 18" Sterling Silver Cable Chain ........... $59 D. 7 ¹⁄2" Bracelet (7 ³⁄4 ctw) .....................$299 $149* Save $150 Pendant, Chain, Earrings & Bracelet $956 $299 Save $657 Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

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By Nick Carter

BAY COUNTY’S

t the mid-point of the Florida Panhandle, St. Andrew Bay dominates the map of Bay County, flanking Panama City on three sides. It’s a 107-square-mile inshore playground that bustles with all sorts of watersports during the heavy tourism months. But there’s a quieter side to St. Andrew. With access points spread throughout Bay County, skinny water is where it’s at for redfish anglers. The water is clear and maintains predictably high salinity thanks to limited freshwater inflow. There are vast prairies of spartina grass, cut through with channels, as well as acres of sand, mud and grass flats. Much of it is accessible only to shallow-draft vessels, and therein is the allure for folks seeking respite 2 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2021

from party pontoons and jet skis. When you’re in less than 2 feet of water, the only other boats you’ll see are kayaks, paddleboards and flats skiffs. “I fell in love with inshore fishing and kayaking here because of the ease and lower expense,” said Josh Damon, who hails from Fountain, Fla., about 25 miles north of Panama City. “I enjoy the tranquility and access to areas big boats can’t reach.” The fishing is good, too. Damon is a passionate angler who enjoys inshore tournaments, so he specializes in redfish on artificials. He said a good day might results in five or six reds from 18 to 24 inches, with a few trout or flounder thrown into a mixed bag. He fishes from a paddle-powered kayak, which is perfectly at home in the one-and-a-half-foot depths he prefers. Redfish are comfortable and free from predatory threats in extreme shallows, and it’s also where the food is. St. Andrew reds grow fat on mullet, mud minnows, pinfish and a variety of other little baitfish. With good visibility, sight fishing is a good tactic. This time of year, there’s usually a good topwater bite in the mornings and evenings, and walking baits are a favorite of many anglers. Damon, however, fishes soft plastics almost exclusively. With tackle modifications, they can be worked across the top, bounced on the bottom or fished anywhere in between. They’re delicate enough for sight casting and also make great chunk-and-wind search baits. “Aside from the versatility of a soft-plastic bait, I don’t want a fish flopping around in the kayak with six hooks,” Damon said. At St. Andrew, Damon’s go-to lure is a 4-inch D.O.A. C.A.L. Shad Tail rigged on a 1/8-ounce 4/0 Screw Lock jig head. He likes the Houdini color and dresses it with Kings Stank Stick, a scent product he said increases hookups. He fishes variations of this set-up, but this basic rig gets the job done. For safety reasons as well effective fishing, planning is key. Damon studies wind and tide before selecting a put-in on a given day. With the whole bay to choose from, he’s looking for a location that will provide long drifts over productive water. Follow Josh Damon’s adventures on his Facebook page Josh Damon’s Inshore Fishing. For information on kayaking the Panama City area, check out Sunjammers at www.sunjammers.com.

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IN THE

STILL OF THE NIGHT By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

ith the dog days upon us, night fishing can be productive and much more comfortable than slogging it out during the heat of the day. Many fish feed aggressively in the still of the night. They can be

targeted by anglers in multiple ways in different locations. Here are a few options to try. I’ve utilized all three methods and found success with each. • Perhaps the coolest strategy is wade fishing in the dark. Large trout and redfish move unbelievably shallow under the cover of the night sky, and tossing a topwater plug on the flats can result in exciting explosions. I typically wade in the dark without lights, other than a headlamp for changing lures or unhooking fish. With vision impaired, your sense of hearing is on high alert. Nighttime is quiet on the water, which makes the commotion of a topwater take startling. It can give the impression that a fish is larger than it really is. That’s part of the excitement of a topwater bite! For safety reasons, I only wade at night in areas I know well and have fished many times. • Another way to beat the heat is to focus on dock lights. This can be done from the dock, a kayak or a boat. Many canal homes have lights, both under water and above the surface. Lights attract baitfish, which in-turn attract the gamefish we target. Trout, reds and snook are all drawn to baitfish around lights at night. I like to target these areas with smaller lures. In this situation, I’ve had a lot of success throwing my Knockin Tail Lures, which are soft-plastic paddletails with a built-in rattle. Small, lipped hard baits can also be very productive around canal lights. I prefer natural colors, with some shade of white or clear and some silver mixed in. • Fish also feed around rock jetties at night. The setup for this bite requires a little more work, but it can yield terrific results. When jetty fishing, I bring a generator and two 1,500 watt stage lights. These areas typically have more current, so I fish slightly larger lipped hard lures, but I still go with the smallest lure I can work properly in the current. I stick with the same color pattern as mentioned earlier. The channel and surf side of the rocks can both be productive depending on the tide, water clarity and bait presence. I recommend pointing one light in each direction until you determine which areas have the best conditions. Night fishing definitely brings new challenges, but it can offer some of the best catching of the summer. Remember, safety first and don’t fish alone. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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SCALLOPING

Reports Look Mighty Good

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eports from a few of the historic scalloping hotspots indicated a very good beginning to the season. Capt. Katie Jo Davis, of KD Outdoors Fishing Charters, said scalloping out of Crystal River and Homosassa has been great. “It’s been fantastic. It’s been a lot better year than the last few to be sure,” she said. “They have also been larger than in recent years. The quantity and quality are very good, and I expect it to continue into August and September.” Davis said they are finding scallops six and seven at a time in 2 to 6 feet of water. She took her 6-year-old out, and it took them about an hour to get their 2-gallon limit. Up in Steinhatchee, there are reports of plentiful scallops. Headed north out of the river, scallopers are seeing tons of scallops in 6- to 7-foot depths. The bottom is loaded with them, but they are on the small side. Headed south, scallops are running larger, but there are not as many. Either way, quick limits are being reported. With the bulk of the season still ahead for most of the scalloping zones and Gulf County opening up this month, it’s shaping up to be a mighty good year for scallops. For regulations and information, go to myfwc.com.

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Expect the Unexpected

By: Capt. Bill D’Antuono

ed Snapper season was a blast, but we dealt with some wet weather. Dodging storms and "shooting the gap" on offshore runs make for an interesting time on the water. It is imperative to read weather patterns and utilize the tools available. Along with radar on the boat, I like to look at my radar app on my phone to see the general direction of the storms before venturing offshore. This gives me an idea of what the pop-up storms will do and how to avoid them. Red Snapper fishing is truly one of the greatest offshore trips you

can embark on in SWFL. Not only do these fish put up a good fight, when you locate a solid spot, you are guaranteed to catch more than just red snapper. We boated multiple species of grouper, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi and large porgies. I was able to spearfish on some of my red snapper spots and took down some large black grouper - up to 80 pounds! Next on the list is spiny lobster, another great Florida pastime. There's nothing like getting down to the Keys and enjoying a long vacation, snagging a few lobsters, cracking a cold one and grilling out with friends. Locally, we can bag some above-average lobster, up to 10 pounds. It is for more skilled divers, but if you put in the time you will find them out of Naples. Finally, Amberjack season will open up in August 1 - Oct 31. Make sure to download the Fish Rules App to stay current on all fishing regulations in State and Federal Waters. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram for more pictures and stories @offshorenaples!

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A 12-foot female smalltooth sawfish collected by Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office near Marvin Key. Credit: Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office.

A 16-foot female smalltooth sawfish collected by FWC in the Florida Keys. Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

SAWFISH NEWS by Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

Investigating death – what we can learn from recent sawfish mortalities.

everal institutions conduct research activities on the biology, distribution, and ecology of endangered smalltooth sawfish in the United States. These partners include state and federal governments, universities, nonprofits, museums, and international organizations. Results of these research projects inform management decisions and enhance recovery efforts for this endangered species. In this Sawfish News we are going to focus on the information we gather from necropsies, the thorough examination and dissection of sawfish carcasses. The purpose of necropsies is to collect samples for gaining insight into the biology of the species and to attempt to determine the cause of death. Necropsies of sawfish which have died in the wild provide the opportunity to collect data necessary for understanding age, growth, maturity, and reproduction. In the case of other, non-endangered species this type of biological data is typically gathered by sacrificing some individuals within the population. But sacrificing any endangered sawfish is not an option given their reduced population size, so carcass recoveries provide scientists with these valuable opportunities. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sawfish biologists recently responded to collect several large smalltooth sawfish which had died in the Florida Keys. Curiously all were large females; one a mature 16-foot female, https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/photos/a.611845082164895/4713223488693680 and another an immature female measuring 12 feet, 4 inches long https://www. facebook.com/floridakeyssheriff/posts/10157727440136816. The 16foot sawfish was particularly interesting as it was the longest measured by scientists in the United States since research began on the species. There were no obvious causes of death for any of the sawfish recovered from the Keys this spring (whether natural or environmental); however, a number of samples were collected from each. At the very least though, valuable life history information will continue be collected from each carcass due to the swift response from Keys-based FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute staff and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office personnel to secure the carcasses for study. Sawfish biologists are working to learn as much as possible from all samples they collect from necropsies. The vertebrae will be used to 4 NAPLES | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

determine the age of each sawfish. Reproductive tissues will be used to assess the reproductive status (mature or immature) of each dead sawfish. and used in combination with age and length to fine tune both age and length at maturity for females in the wild population. DNA collected from tissue samples will be sequenced to compare to other sawfish throughout Florida, which is useful in understanding population structure, diversity within the population, and both the size and health of the current population in comparison to the historical one. Stable isotopic analyses can be run on tissue samples and compared to a variety of potential prey items in the environment to determine the diet and trophic position of smalltooth sawfish within the food web. Blood samples are collected from sawfish to investigate reproductive status as hormones within the blood can be used to assess reproductive maturity and timing. Samples are preserved for further analysis in the future which may provide insight into environmental conditions at their time of death. Collection of the sawfish and necropsy activities were conducted pursuant to NMFS ESA Permit No. 21043. If you catch or see a sawfish (living or dead), take a quick photograph of the sawfish, estimate its size, note your location, and please share the details with scientists. The details of your sightings or catches of sawfish help scientists collect valuable information to help monitor the population and track the recovery progress. You can share your information by visiting www.SawfishRecovery.org, calling 1-844-4SAWFISH, emailing sawfish@myfwc.com, or submitting the information through the FWC Reporter app.

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Family Time By: Capt. Armando Alejo

ith an unexpected break in our summer season, we finally took to some time on the water for our family. My wife and I set out to cross out two species from her list, tarpon and shark. We headed out through the backcountry waters of the Flamingo Everglades with our target species in mind on what was a beautiful summer day! On our first, and each stop thereafter we found one

of our two targets almost immediately, but they, in typical tarpon fashion would not eat, at least not on this day. We kept grinding finding several other tarpon and some goliath grouper to mix up the fun. Not wanting to disappoint my beautiful wife, I took and unplanned route back with

the idea of giving the illusive tarpon, one last try before we head back. I chose an area with a dark bottom, knowing this is a preferred stomping ground for our target. After a slow start at this stop, we ‘jumped’ our first fish. Albeit in the 30 lb. class, and it was the highlight of my day to see my wife smile after the acrobatic display. We hung in there as the bite came in spurts, of course they fed when THEY wanted to. It wasn’t long before we got one tarpon ‘to the hand’, which was followed quickly by a few others! As luck would have it, I noticed a few small black-tip sharks circling the boat, so I strategically placed a second bait in the water, and to my surprise, it too was taken almost immediately by our second target. Albeit in rapid fashion, one decision put a huge smile on my wife’s face and she was able to check off two additional species from her list! Call and join us during what’s left of this summer season.

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Fishing in Paradise By: Capt. Travis Freeman

i everyone! Captain Travis here with Steady Fishing Charters, I want to start off by saying the fishing is great down here in the Everglades City and 10,000 Islands area. So now I’m going to tell you what we have been catching and how we’ve been catching all these amazing species. Starting off with redfish, this time of the year, down here in August you can’t miss catching a redfish with a simple popping cork and a live shrimp and or a bucktail 1/8th ounce jig head (white or red in color). Or you can cast a white soft jerk bait and bounce it along the shorelines, both have been working great for me. As far as the snook bite, it is strong like usual down here in the Glades. 20 plus pound snook are all over along the outside islands and near shores of the Gulf of Mexico. When it comes to catching them, I always use live white bait and or live shrimp, but they can be caught on soft plastic’s and MirrOlures. I have also caught a bunch on the white bucktail jigs. And last, but definitely not least, seatrout are always a fun family fish that pretty much anyone on the boat can catch. They are super aggressive and they will eat just about anything in their path, al-

ways proving to be a fun fish! I like using a popping cork and a live shrimp with a #4 circle hook. Sea trout have soft lips so a circle hook really helps for a good hook set, right in the corner of the mouth. If your ever down in Southwest Florida, I would highly recommend coming out and viewing our piece of paradise in the beautiful Florida Everglades and the 10,000 Islands!

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SWFL Freshwater By: Capt. Roan zumFelde Scene

ugust in Southwest Florida is not always a pleasant month to fish. Wet, buggy, and unbelievably hot does not make us want to jump out of bed and go running to the water. But for you intrepid die hard anglers there are still plenty of fish to catch. Just we need to be smart about our fishing this month. Get up early and get on the water early, the best bite, no matter fishing fresh or saltwater is going to be first light to two or three hours after. Last light in the evening should have the same affect. Bring bug reFaka Union Canal Weir #1, pellent for both adventures. photo credit to USGS Take a nap at midday in the nice cool A/C. If you are fishing the evenings, wait for the thunderstorms to pass. Catching a fish is not worth getting electrocuted, plus the fish aren’t feeding when the thunder is rolling around. After the afternoon storms the fish will get more active due to the cool rain and the added oxygen in the water. It is also a lot nicer out when the rains have cooled everything down a bit. This month is one of the best for early morning top water baits like your Heddon Zara Spook or Rapala Skitterwalks. I like the HJB fly this month and especially the Uncle Foamy (see Fly of the Month). But anything top water like a gurgler or various poppers should work well early and late. Canal fishing should be very good especially at the various weirs that should have plenty of water running over them or through them; Golden Gate has them or for the more adventuresome sort check out the ones on the Faka Union Canal. The canals, especially across Hwy 41 toward Miami, should have good fishing this month for all the cichlid species including peacock bass. You can walk many of them and or take your smaller outboard boats. Many of these canals have good edge that can be fished even with high water. Check maps and see where you can put in, the state also will have some listed on their websites and have maps at the county offices. Just get out and explore a little, you never know what you will find. Come visit Mike and me at Mike’s Bait house and Indian Pass Outfitters on Danford Street, next to Bayview Park in Naples and we can talk fishing. We carry a full line of tackle including: fly fishing needs and both saltwater and freshwater gear, food, drink, and bait. Thanks and good fishing. Roan z

Capt. David Schuman 1329 Hibiscus Dr., Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-242-8072 Davidschuman3@allstate.com 2801 Del Prado Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL 33904 239-945-8888

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Pale Horse Fishing Charters

By: Capt. Billy Norris

ishing has been stellar this month! Both backwater and nearshore has been on fire! Moving through the summer and into the fall, you can expect excellent fishing as long as there are no hurricanes that put a speed bump in the way. Backwater has been hot, and it is clearly evident that the environment is recovering after the decimation from the 2018 red tide disaster.

The backwaters have been very productive fishing for the “big 4” snook, redfish, jack crevalle and trout. Snook are nearly everywhere. This time of year, they will head more towards the passes and beaches, so look for them around the Gulf-backwater transitional areas. Also, highly effective this time of year is fly fishing for snook from the beach. Small flies of a white or olive drab/white pattern are best. Always remember, prey never runs towards a predator so make sure to strip away from snook to make it appear as if it is a fleeting baitfish. Redfish have been equally as plentiful in the backwaters, with some over-slot fish not being uncommon. Trout have also rebounded since the 2018 red tide and are showing up in large numbers. Again, remember that we were hit hard and the season was closed for a reason, so now is not the time to try to fill your freezer with fillets. If you are going to keep fish rather than practice catch and release, just keep what you can eat that night. Offshore has been on fire as well. Cobia, permit, tarpon and more are cruising our local waters right now. This is my favorite time of year for nearshore fishing. Although it’s hot, the bite is just too good to pass up. We are in rainy season however, so ensure that you are getting out on the water early to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. In addition, the big bucket list fish like Goliath Grouper and sharks are heavy in many areas right now, so bust out the big gear and make sure to stretch out! Fishing is great, the weather is great, and I only expect more stellar fishing throughout the rest of summer so get out there on the water! Captain Billy

Pale Horse FC | palehorsefishingcharters.com | 239-285-7710 FACEBOOK.COM/CAMNAPLES/ | AUGUST 2021 | NAPLES 9

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The Current Deal

By: Joe Sheaffer

WFL is definitely under the grip of summer. We are trying to stay cool and the inshore fish are trying to do the same. Most anglers will get up early to fish and head back to the ramp before the heat is on. The fish will be shallow early and look for deeper water or hide under the mangroves to escape the warmer conditions. The tides tend to be higher this time of year and larger volumes of water can create good current swings. Current is always important for fish and this time of year it can really be the difference between a successful day or a tough fishing day. Ideally, we look to the change in the tides to dictate current and how we will fish certain areas. In some situations an incoming tide can be more productive and sometimes the outgoing tide seems to be better. There are times when the tide is slack and the wind creates a current f low. The current not only moves bait but it helps the fish position themselves along structure, so they can take advantage of the current as it moves forage their way. Current also helps increase the oxygen levels which is very beneficial for the fish. Current definitely plays a major role in how I plan my fishing day. I prefer to fish into the current when possible but more importantly finding structure with current f lowing on or around it is key for a successful day. Taking the time to plan your fishing trips around tidal movements can definitely give us anglers an advantage. Using this information along with online satellite maps to identify types of structure and weather forecasts can increase our odds for success. Stay cool and keep casting.

10 NAPLES | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/NAPLES/

Doing the Opposite By: Capt. Tim Ramsey

sually in fishing you go with what feels right. The wind kicks up and you go searching for the quiet spots in the backcountry. Tide heads out and you fish toward bigger water and avoid the backcountry. Water gets colder and you avoid the beach. Ever think of doing the opposite? I always cursed the wind. It sends your casts off course, pushes the boat in unwanted directions, and often makes a day generally uncomfortable. I always paid strict attention to the tides. I didn’t want to get caught somewhere remote or run over something I couldn’t clear. I was stuck on “incoming tide means bait. Incoming tide means safe operation.” Then I challenged those beliefs. One day, as the tide was going out and wind blowing straight into the backcountry, I decided to head as far back as I could. I rounded the corner of a favorite bay I often use to escape the wind, lowered the trolling motor, and decided to skip the leeward side and fish the exposed, “getting shallower every moment” windward side. The boat caught the wind. I was constantly on the trolling motor and Power Pole remotes, but I kept the Skeeter within casting distance. The water was mere inches deep under the trees, so I didn’t have to be as accurate as possible. Result? I had a banner snook and redfish day. With this success in mind, I fished the windier points and mangrove banks in other familiar places while reminding myself I have enough experience in the backcountry to fish whatever tide I like. I had equal success. I noted that windy spots with shade are even more productive. Sure, you have to do a bunch more boat handling and retrieving a stuck jig or lure can get a bit tricky, but the payoffs can be great. As for

the beach, fish have been there all year and bluefish have been everywhere. Snook and reds appeared out front all year so the old philosophies about their location are constantly challenged. With this experience in mind, I’ve established a few new assumptions and beliefs based on observation. Fish don’t care if the tide is coming in or out. They want the water moving. Hard to be an ambush feeder in still water. Wind pushes bait against the mangroves so your calm side is vastly less productive than the windy side. Windy side means you won’t sweat as much or get eaten by mosquitoes so badly. Embrace low tide in the backcountry. The fish have to go somewhere when the roots are dry. Going back when the water is low teaches you not just about navigation, but fish movement and tidal flow. High tide isn’t always your friend. Too much water is too much water. Remember, take it easy in the backcountry. Don’t cross grass flats if you might dig them up. That ripple you see might not be fast water but the top of a barely submerged oyster bar. Respect others and don’t wake them. Not only does it rock them, but it stirs up mud along the mangroves. Be careful when on your trolling motor upwind of a mangrove bank or oyster bar. It’s surprising how fast the wind can push you into trouble. See you out there.

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