Issuu

TIDEWATER, VA/OUTER BANKS, NC EDITION

@CAMTAMagazine

FREE view online at issuu.com

TUNA FISHING

SLOW PITCH

For

Grouper

PHOTO BY CAPT. BLAKE RIGBY COURTESY OF TRIPLETAIL CHARTERS WWW.TRIPLETAILCHARTERS.COM VOLUME 25 â€¢ ISSUE 302

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

0520_CAM_CVR.indd 10

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

A V A I L A B L E

MAY 2020

W O R L D W I D E

4/20/20 10:29 PM

Time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Buy Time our to get to your local Suzuki Dealer3-Year for theLimited Ultimate Outboardplus Motors. Buy during Spring Sales Event andMarine get Suzuki’s Warranty 3 years of Time to our get to yourSales local Suzuki Marine Dealer the Ultimate Outboard Motors. during Spring Event get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3models, yearsBuy ofand Extended Protection at no extraand charge. There for are Instant Savings on select during our Spring Sales Event andcharge. get Suzuki’s Limited Warranty plus 3models, years of Extended Protection noavailable. extra There3-Year are Instant Savings on select and Low-Rate Financing is at also Extended Protection no extra charge. There are Instant Savings on select models, and Low-Rate Financing at isSuzuki also available. See your participating Marine Low-Rate Financing is also available. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details. See yourfor participating Suzuki Marine dealer all the details. dealer for all the details.

INSTANT INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SAVINGS

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION SIX YEARS OF PROTECTION 3 Years Limited Warranty + 3 Years Limited Protection, Warranty + 3 Years Extended Years Extended Limited Warranty + 33 Years Protection, No extra charge. 3 YearsNo Extended Protection, extra charge. No extra charge.

SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT Instant Savings on SAVINGS select models when

Instant Savings onSuzuki select Outboard. models when you buy a new Instant Savings on select models you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.when youSee buy a new Suzuki your dealer forOutboard. details. See your dealer for details.

REPOWER FINANCE REPOWER FINANCE REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99%

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

™ ™

™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with the Gimme promotion a Participating Authorized the continental and customer who and resides in thetocontinental US or04/01/20 Alaska. The SixinPromotion is available Six by Extended Protection promotionSuzuki appliesMarine to newdealer SuzukiinOutboard Motors US from 25Alaska to 350 to HPa inpurchasing inventory which are sold delivered buyer between andGimme 06/30/20 accordance with for pleasure use only, is not redeemable cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motorsinmade between 04/01/20 andThe 06/30/20. list of designated models, the promotion by a and Participating Authorized for Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides the continental US or Alaska. Gimme For Six Promotion is available Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with seefor participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings musttobe applied purchases against the price of the outboard motor and reflected in theFor billlist of of sale. There are no model pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies qualifying of agreed-upon select Suzuki selling Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. designated models, the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Synchrony Retail benefit Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 Suzuki monthsreserves on newthe andright unregistered Outboard Motors. Subject credit approval. buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and substitutions, substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. to changeSuzuki or cancel these promotions at anytotime without noticeNot or all obligation. * Financing offers available through see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model terms provided, are Finance. based onAscreditworthiness. $19.99/month permonths $1,000on financed 60 monthsSuzuki is based on 5.99% APR.Subject Hypothetical figures usedNot in all calculation; actual monthly may Synchrony Retail low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 new andfor unregistered Outboard Motors. to credit approval. buyers willyour qualify. Approval, andpayment any rates anddiffer substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through based on provided, financing are terms, credit tier qualification,$19.99/month accessories orper other factors such for as down payment and fees. OfferAPR. effective on new,figures unregistered Outboard purchased from may a participating terms based on creditworthiness. $1,000 financed 60 months is based on 5.99% Hypothetical used inSuzuki calculation; your Motors actual monthly payment differ Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and authorized dealer between and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”,factors the Suzuki “S”down and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drinkSuzuki and drive. Always wearpurchased a USCG-approved life jacket and based onSuzuki financing terms, credit04/01/20 tier qualification, accessories or other such as payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Outboard Motors from a participating 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 readauthorized your owner’s manual. 2020 Suzuki Motor America,“Gimme Inc. Suzuki dealer© between 04/01/20 andof06/30/20. Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and 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 read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1 SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1

SZ Q2 PROMO 1PG CSTL ANGLR 3-3-20.indd 1

3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM 3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM

3/3/2020 1:11:30 PM

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM

3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

SEE THE REAL PICTURE

FOULED Maintain Clarity from your Transducer Fouling on the face of transducers greatly diminishes the performance. Foulfree™ is the industry’s first AIRMAR certified transducer coating, offering a solution to an age-old problem that boaties have faced for years. A fouled transducer results in poor fish finder detail.

Enhancing the Performance of your Underwater Assets for 21 years With the Propspeed® promise of proven performance, Foulfree™ harnesses our specialised coating technology to provide a long-lasting solution to fouling, while also being transducer safe. Our foul-release coatings form a super slick surface preventing marine growth from sticking to it instead of poisoning it. * AIRMAR certifies that the application of FoulfreeTM coating on its transducers results in no loss in transducer performance.

Want to learn more? Connect with us online:

@propspeed | www.propspeed.com

INTELLIGENT DESIGN ON EVERY HORIZON

JOYSTICK CONTROL SYSTEM Optimus 360 gives your boat a whole new dimension of control. By developing the joystick function to be intuitive, Optimus 360 allows you to move your boat not only forward and back, but also sideways, by pushing the joystick to the left, or to the right, and even, rotate on a dime, all with a simple twist of the joystick.

Take command at dometic.com

C P

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

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

Huntsman Blade $249*

genuine leather sheath!

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

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

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

êêêêê

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

êêêêê

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

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

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: HUK163-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. HUK163-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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

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

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

By CAM Staff

Catch

BIG BASS

From The Bank

f you grew up fishing, you might remember riding your bicycle to a local pond giddy with anticipation of what the day might bring. With a spinning rod held across the handlebars and a pocket full of plastic worms, the tactics were simple but the potential was huge. Would today be the day a monster largemouth tested the strength of your 8-pound line? For most of us, the joy and simplicity of bass fishing from the bank has

been lost to glitter boats and sophisticated electronics. But the truth is, all you need to catch bass—and some good ones—is a pocket full of tackle and a willingness to explore. Here are a few tips that’ll take you back to the good ol’ days. • Find a Pond: Bigger waters do not always hold bigger fish. Find a farm pond or a subdivision drainage lake with the right forage and habitat, and there’s a good chance it holds some bass pushing double digits. The key is access, so look respectful and be polite when asking, and always leave the place looking better than you found it. Google Maps is a great way to seek out small waters, and state or municipal public fishing areas can also be very good. • Keep it Simple: Only take what you’ll need. A small backpack or tackle pack should hold necessities like an extra spool of line, some needle-nose pliers and a small selection of your confidence lures. A few packs of plastic worms in proven colors and styles allow you to probe all depths depending on the rig. Spinnerbaits, bladed jigs and lipless crankbaits allow long casts to cover open water. Take just one rod. A 7-foot, medium-light action spooled with light line will handle most lures and allow for long casts you might need to reach fish. • Fish The Structure: Fish obvious visible cover like fallen trees and docks, but don’t forget the bottom contours. Depth changes attract ambush predators, and in smaller waters even a drop of couple feet will hold fish. Most ponds are deepest at the dam, and there is usually a wide shallow flat with a channel where a creek comes in. Spillways where water runs from a pipe are hotspots, and so are sunken boulders you can find by searching with a Texas rig or jig. Study the banks. Underwater topography often reflects what is visible above the waterline. Features like steep banks and ditches typically continue into a pond. One of the main considerations when prospecting small waters is that familiarity breeds success just like it does on large rivers and reservoirs. The same cover and structure will hold fish consistently. Also, a willingness to explore areas others won’t leads to unpressured fish. Wear long pants and boots, scramble through the high grass, woods and muck. Wade into the water where bank brush doesn’t allow for a cast. Remember, the world record largemouth bass was caught in 1932 from a small and swampy oxbow lake in south Georgia. Big fish live in small waters. That should be enough to make you giddy on the way to your next bank fishing excursion… even if you’re not riding a bike.

FORCE ISC™ 10K B2

6 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

THE

BEST PUSH POLE on the PLANET

MUDHOLE.COM/PUSH-POLE

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2020

NATIONAL 7

he tuna fishing is on fire,” said Capt. Blake Rigby. “This year has been absolutely phenomenal.”

That was the April report from a Venice, Louisiana charter captain who was sitting at home in the midst of a global pandemic. Meanwhile, some of the best yellowfin action in decades was occurring in the Gulf of Mexico. The fish are out there, but no one is travelling to catch them. Charter captains are suffering, despite the fact that fisheries are still open for business. “It sucks,” Rigby said. “I fished 20-something days in March. I haven’t fished any this month.” In March, near the end of what Rigby called “lump season,” the numbers and size of yellowfin tuna being caught at the famous salt domes about 30 miles out of Venice Marina were astounding. Even in decent years, it’s one of the best winter and early spring tuna fisheries in the world. Plankton-rich currents from deep in the Gulf swirl around vertical domes that top out at 200 to 300 feet deep. It consolidates baitfish and the big fish that eat them. “It’s the best I’ve ever seen in my life,” said the young captain. At 26, he’s been running charters for six years, and said the old timers are

Gulf

Yellowfin are

expressing the same enthusiasm. “I think it’s safe to say it’s the best anyone has seen in 20 years.” The silver lining to the situation is there aren’t many people messing with the fish. When the coronavirus frenzy dies down, Rigby predicts the action will continue right through the summer, as the bite transitions to the massive floating oil and gas rigs of the Mississippi Canyon. More than 70 miles long and 5 miles wide, the Mississippi Canyon is a huge cut in the edge of the continental shelf. The rigs, called “floaters,” sit over depths from 2,000 to 7,000 feet. Every living thing gravitates to these floaters. Yellowfin might be the primary target, but blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, the occasional blue marlin and others are in the mix. Rigby said a good summer trip might include five or six tuna, weighing from 35 to more than 100 pounds. The bigger fish, those heavier than 200 pounds,

Photos courtesy of Blake Rigby/ Tripletail Charters. 8 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

By Nick Carter

typically show up in the cooler months. “I don’t want to raise expectations too high, because every day is different. Sometimes you can really get them, sometimes you can’t,” Rigby said. “But typically, when you find them, you’re really going to be in them.” Out of Venice, the floaters are spread 30 to 70 miles out. There’s an hour and a half run aboard Rigby’s 38-foot Empire Boatworks before it’s time put out the trolling spread. Once fish are located, Rigby slows to drift live or cut baits. Night fishing is a great option in the heat of summer. Usually, night trips depart after lunch and return when anglers have caught their fill. “Sometimes the fishing is so good, I come back that night,” Rigby said. “Sometimes we’ll stay through the next morning’s bite.” For more information, visit www.tripletailcharters.com, email Rigby at blake@tripletailcharters.com or call (409) 651-7639.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

V6-GetH

Go on a power trip with

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

igh, can aid. ally

o 70 oard ime ted,

t of nch

ome stay

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

Target Analyzerâ„˘ alerts you to hazardous targets

NXT Bird Mode finds birds faster and farther

Simultaneous dual-range capability

Rain Mode provides precise detection in any weather

Get the whole story at NavNet.com

V6-GetHooked-CoastalAngler.indd 1

4/2/20 4:11 PM

America’s #1 Cast Net Choice, Year After Year

Insist on Only the Best Cast Net for Grabbing Your Bait America’s Best

www.castnets.com | sales@castnets.com | 1-800-332-6387 ext. 110 | 10 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Photo by Nick Carter.

Defender

THE BRANDS YOU WANT AND TRUST IN STOCK

Caring FOR YOUR Bait

By CAM Staff

he way fish react to live bait is interesting. Predatory fish view struggling or dying prey as an easy meal, right? So why does a half-dead shrimp on the end of the line get ignored? It would seem to represent an easy meal hanging there limp and twitching. Meanwhile, the bait pulling your popping cork across the marsh is going to get absolutely hammered. This runs counter to the theory that fish innately weigh the expenditure versus reward of chasing down prey. Seatrout are always looking for something lively. But what about redfish or any of the other inshore species that are as likely to eat a piece of dead bait as they are a live one? They’ll happily pick up a piece of frozen squid off the bottom, so why would they refuse a sluggish mud minnow on a freeline? It stands to reason that fish, when they are feeding by sight, sound and vibration—rather than smell—don’t even notice a live bait hanging out in the water doing next to nothing. Or maybe it looks unnatural, as if a shrimp that bad off should be bumping along the bottom instead of hanging in the current? Meanwhile, the bait that’s frantically trying to escape the hook it’s impaled on is drawing attention to itself. Active live bait plays on the predatory instincts of fish just like artificial lures. It works for the same reason your dog would rather you throw a tennis ball than hand it to him. The lesson here is to keep your live bait alive. Baitwells that circulate and aerate by pumping water from outside the boat are the best way to keep live bait happy. The water you’re keeping your bait in is the same water you’re fishing. This is important because sudden changes in temperature or water conditions stuns baits. With a baitwell, when you impale and cast that pinfish, it lands in the same water conditions it just came from. It’s likely to freak out when the world suddenly grows a lot bigger and full of predators, and that’s exactly what you want. If you don’t have a baitwell, a bait tank that circulates and aerates water is almost as good. You’ll have to watch the temperature, though. Cooler water makes for livelier bait in the tank, but be careful how much ice you dump in. You don’t want your finger mullet going into shock when it hits the bay. Finally, smaller coolers or 5-gallon buckets benefit from the addition of a bubbler to add oxygen to the water. These systems are very portable and perfect for kayaks and shore anglers. Remember to change the water every few hours, and don’t overload them with bait to begin with. With any of these systems, the idea is to keep the bait fresh long enough to fish it. Because if your shrimp are lethargic, you’re better off peeling and fishing chunks of them on the bottom than you are presenting them to fish as live baits.

HDS LIVE Series with Active Imaging™

With HDS LIVE, we took the most popular fishfinder series on the professional fishing circuit and made it even better for all anglers with a sleek, new design, faster processor, best-ever built-in suite of HDS navigation tools and support for a wide array of new fishfinding technology, unmatched by any other fishfinder.

Cape May

Cape May Helm Seat with Cushions

Angler’s

• Removable Cushions and Arm Rests • Slider and Pedestal Sold Separately • Ladderback with Rich Mahogany Slats Item 401229

Only $479.99

Deluxe Angler’s Swingback Cooler / Livewell Boat Seat with Rod Holders • Upholstered Seat & Backrest • 70-Quart Insulated Cooler Base • (4) Rod Holders in Seatback Item 401228

Only $669.99

Defender.com 800-628-8225

• Knowledgeable & Experienced Sales Staff • • Same Day Shipping on Most Orders •

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Coastal Angler May 2020 half vertical.indd 1

MAY 2020

NATIONAL 11

3/31/20 12:16 PM

R Get a GEICO quote for your boat and, in just 15 minutes, youâ€™ll know how much you could be saving. If you like what you hear, you can buy your policy right on the spot. Then let us do the rest while you enjoy your free time with peace of mind. geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2020 GEICO

WWW.COASTAL ANGLERMAGAZINE.COM

TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

Fish Tales & Other Exaggerations

MAY 2020

By Jolly Roger

ast month, I discussed the relationship between Boat Shows and marital relations. My Pop assured Mom that despite going to look at the latest maritime offerings, he wouldn’t buy a new boat without her blessing. As an adult, I recognize the strategy of getting all shareholders to feel like they had input in a decision. Good business strategy and even better spousal -inclusion strategy. So, after returning from the most recent man - toy exhibition, Pop felt the need to seriously discuss a boat, that represented an excellent value and especially would provide a more comfortable boating experience for Mom. I noticed during the next few days that Pop was very attentive to Mom, including the purchase of some flowers. Mom, being British, enjoyed flowers, especially carnations and roses. Soon one day, after school, Pop told me that we needed to decide what color our new 18’ Larson should be. Wow!! This was a completely new type of boating, as compared to the Garvey and our 12’ aluminum boat. This also had the potential for me to move up from part time rowboat captain to Garvey captain. Pop found a dealer in New Jersey that had two boats at the “Boat Show” price. The next Saturday, we were off to go see our new boat. He brought his checkbook and I brought a Coke and snacks, in an effort to maintain my husky figure. It seemed to take forever to get to the dealership, but finally we were there. We walked in and immediately I saw our new fishing chariot. Both Pop and I were partial to blue, so there was no discussion regarding which boat we would get, since the other was gold. It was still winter, so servicing and commissioning were not a time issue. We loaded up the included PFDs, lines, anchor and assorted other accessories and headed home. We were now required to develop a new set of fishing strategies to commensurate with our new fish slayer. With the other boats, we just moored off the house and put out an extra anchor if a storm approached. However, the new boat was a much more expensive fishing machine and Pop thought it important to safely harbor at a marina. This was a new experience for us. The Larson was delivered and now we had to rig spring lines and mains, but first we had to get the boat in the slip. In theory this sounds easy, but with a 15-knot wind and outgoing tide, it was not. I noticed that the owner of the marina and bait shop was looking out the window to watch his newest tenants slip into the slip. Nice to have a cheerleader watching. Pop got us lined up and put the engine into reverse. Simultaneously, the wind caught us and almost immediately we were backing into the adjoining slip and boat. Pop immediately pulled forward and readjusted. I noticed that now there were two faces watching out of the window. Another try and we got some of the stern in the slip, but the wind pushed the bow around and now we were parallel to the slips. Now there was a crowd at the window. We tried a couple of more times. The new guy and his kid were providing entertainment that was a cross between the two stooges and Keystone Cops. Finally, a fellow boater called out and asked if he could help. We picked him up and he and Pop rigged lines and soon we were tied up. I was exhausted and Pop thanked the gentleman, profusely. He said the first time, especially in those conditions was tough, but it did provide some fun for the locals. He also noted that none of them were taking their boats out. Once we finished loading our equipment onto the boat, we headed up to the store to get a drink. We entered the store and the owner greeted us with a smile. We got our drinks and went up to the counter. I don’t remember his name, but he was a thin, grumpy man with a raspy voice and a cigarette in his mouth. He looked at Pop and said that it was a pretty new boat and that these were not the best conditions. However, he said that we won a free box of squid for providing he and his friends so much entertainment. Turned out that this grumpy guy was a funny, nice guy and not the former pirate as I had originally thought. Over the next several years, we would always check in, get some bait and hear where the fish were running. Aside from our docking issues, this boat was really something. It had a 120hp inboard/ outboard. This meant that we could fly on the water which increased the radius of our seafood harvest. Mom was happy, as she could fold down the passenger seat to create a lounge chair and thus became a new subject for Pop’s photography. What I found difficult was to not drip any bait juice on the new boat. Bait was cut on the gunnel and hooked over the side. Fish caught were placed directly into a cooler for dehooking. This lasted for the first year, but gradually the requirements were eased. However, what did last was Mom’s ban on any camera or recording devices. Any deviation resulted in the offender going hungry and thirsty whilst on the water. So many memories, so little time. • THE ANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

PUBLISHER & EDITOR BRENDA RIGGS MIKE RIGGS Co-publishers & Editors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. JIM MIKE AARON GLEN WARREN JOLLY JOHN JAKE

ANDRE BAUGH BUSS KELLY PIZZANELLO II REESE ROGER TIGER WORTHINGTON

GRAPHIC DESIGN JENNY DIAZ

CONTACT INFORMATION For editorial comments, articles, photography, artwork and all other inquiries please contact:

BRENDA RIGGS brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com

MIKE RIGGS mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 1

COBIA By Mike Buss

would like to wish everyone well during this trying time facing this pandemic and hope that we are able to defeat it and get back to normal and fishing again. Many of us have been stuck at home trying to find something to pass the time. I am an avid fly tier and have spent a lot of time at my tying desk. I probably have enough flies to last years! I have been able to experiment with many new patterns. Now we just need the go ahead to get out to test them. One of my favorite fish is the Cobia. It goes by lots of names, Cobia, Ling, Lemonfish, Cabio, Bonita or Crabeater are just some of them. Virginia has been blessed with a large population of Cobia. In fact, 2019 was one of the best years for taking them. They seemed to be everywhere all summer long. This cunning, tough fighting fish can be readily taken on a fly. Once hooked, long powerful runs and an occasional leap make the Cobia a favorite for saltwater fly fishermen. Cobia usually arrive in the Chesapeake Bay in late May to early June, with the smaller males showing up first. The shallows off Grandview and Buckrow Beach would be a good place to look for early arrivals in the first part of June. They like shallow water with deep water access nearby. Later, they hang around structure, wrecks, towers, buoys, and pilings. You will also find Cobia under schools of rays, large sea turtles, or floating debris. These areas provide cover for the fish as well as food. A strange habit of Cobia when found around marker buoys later in the summer, is that they almost always circle the buoy in a counter clockwise direction, so you will know where and when to present your fly. Select tackle that is heavy enough to lift a 40 to 60-pound fish up from 10 to 20 feet of water. Rods should be at least 10 weight or greater, 9 feet Randy Wong - Compliments in length with a fast tip. Reels should be anti-corrosive with a smooth drag of Capt. Aaron Kelly system capable of holding at least 300 Rock Solid Fishing yards of 30-pound test backing. I like to use an intermediate sinking line matched to the rod weight. My leader is at least 25-pound test. I like to use a heavier leader for easier handling of the fish at boat side. The fish are not leader shy. I like to use a Leftyâ€™s Deceiver 6 to 8 inches long on 2/0 to 5/0 stainless hooks in colors white, white over chartreuse, and red over yellow, Other flies may include Magnum Clousers, Whistlers, Menhaden patterns, crab flies, and chum flies. Locate known haunts and anchor up current at least 200 feet from the structure. Cast hookless plugs to tease up the fish or try using a live bait as a teaser. When the fish comes to the teaser pull it away quickly and present the fly to either side of the fish. Many anglers travel around looking for Cobia to sight fish for them and after finding them use a teaser or live bait before pulling it away and making a cast. Use extreme caution when landing big Cobia. I recommend using a large net instead of a gaff. Often larger female fish will hook up first and the smaller males will follow them. Sometimes you may have a school of fish follow the hooked one, so be prepared for multiple fish. Good luck & tight lines. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€˘ THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 2

The Flying Fisherman By J. Andre

EQUIPMENT My last three trips in #8 have brought plenty of action. We typically fish 4 to 6 cat rods on the boat. When fishing solo, the potential exists to spend more time unknitting 30-pound mono sweaters when the cats go on a feeding binge. It is also a tremendous help to have the boat rigged properly to reduce the workload and avoid upsets. When folks see my rods at the boat ramp, they usually smirk at their size, but I’m fishing for 20 to 40-pound Blue Cats, not some 4-pound Green Ditch Pickle Bass. Four fixed “Monster Cat” steel rod holders and four Cannon adjustable rod holders are mounted on #8’s gunnels about the four quarters. They may look like over-kill, but they keep a $250.00 rod combo from going over the side like a Mk-46 torpedo at the speed of light. They also ensure a good spread and keep the rods from being trip hazards. When the rods are not in the rod holders fishing, they are stored vertically in rod racks that are bolted to plastic milk crates that also serve to store my buckets, anchors, lines. The crates are secured to the deck so they can’t get underway on their own.

#8’s port bow is equipped with a Minn Kota Riptide Powerdrive iPilot trolling motor. Sure, you can get by with less, or none at all, but the integrated GPS and remote control features are like having a mate on the tiller. I run from point to point on a Yamaha F25 four stroke outboard until I get within a couple hundred yards of where I want to catch bait. From there, it is just a matter of deploying the trolling motor and engaging the iPilot to take me down a predefined route while I rig up the terminal tackle on the cat rods. Then it’s time to get the two ultralight bait rods ready. A nightcrawler is cut in two and each piece is skewered onto a small #6 bait hook that is placed two feet below a float/bobber. By this time, the trolling motor has employed its stealth and automatically taken the boat to the bait fishing waypoint. Not only that, but the iPilot Spot Lock feature takes over holding the boat into the wind precisely over the waypoint with no need to actually anchor. All you need to do is catch bait. If the bait doesn’t show, I may need to pay more attention to the Humminbird HELIX SI G2 CHIRP Sonar. While this is an older unit, it can be configured with a split-screens for side imaging, down imaging, 2-D Sonar, Chart Plotter/Nav screen, and several other features. It is like cheating when it comes to finding the fish. #8 is also configured with two f i s h i n g anchors, and a drift sock to accommodate that kind of fishing. Of course, all the necessary Coast Guard Safety Equipment is onboard and fishing gear. There’s even a couple of cup holders rigged onto the Ve r s a - Tr a c k gunnels to hold your coffee while you’re fighting Mr. Big. As for actual fishing gear, we’ll review those specifics at some point in the future. At 16 feet, #8 is relatively small for large expanses of open water, but I find this boat the perfect size for the rivers and lakes to fish two people on a nice day with my typical spread of cat rods. She is rigged to make maximum use of her limited space. The Yamaha F25 gets me where I need to go usually in less than 15-20 minutes, and it sips fuel making a day on the water tangling with catfish one of the best values going. We’re in that pre-spawn time and the kitties are beefing up. Good luck finding a monster. Get Slimed

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 3

OBX By Aaron Kelly

INSHORE

Mother May I Fish the OBX!

Established in 1976

• Always a family owned business. • We work hard to deliver top quality service & products. • VA Eastern Shore’s largest marine dealership! • Carolina Skiff Boats (Largest Selection Around!) • Seachaser Boats by Carolina Skiff • Bentley Pontoons • Load Rite trailers • Expert Service and Repair

Sandpiper Marine 21530 Taylor Rd. Accomac, VA 23301 757-787-7783

www.sandpipermarine.net

Days and water temps are warming and things are happening out in the brine! As of mid-April big drum have been landed around Cape Point and Hatteras Inlet. Fish have been on cut bait and also sight casting from boats. Drum are powerful fighters and can eclipse the 50lb (50inches) benchmark. These big girls got to go back to spawn but a puppy drum 18-27 is fair game for the table! Good numbers of bluefish have been spotted busting under gulls. Spanish mackerel, bonito mackerel and false albacore will show as well. In the backwaters piggy speckled trout, flounder and small striped bass haunt current edged marsh points. Tossing soft plastic zaman on a light jig head seem to be the preferred method. Surf fisherman will be landing bluefish, sea mullet, the wiley blowtoad, trout, and stripers. Fishing fresh bait or light spinning with a jig work well here as well! Offshore yellowfin and dolphin out there in good numbers. Hopefully the sharks are not keyed in on the yellowfin yet. The dolphin will have some of the best sizes of the year with plenty of nice gaffers in the mix! I have never landed one over 40lbs but I have seen em at the docks into the 50- 70lb range this time of year. A 50lb gaffer is truly a stud of a dolphin and an epic catch! Why not more giant Mahi landed on the Rock solid? Funny you should ask just happens to coincide with my favorite fishery of the year and its peaking in late May. Cobia! Cobia! There he is! Weeds Or Whatever one says when a cobia is spotted it is a mini surge of adrenaline that keeps a saltwater fisherman going for long hours on end to get their shot at hooking one! Cobia will make the annual northern migration passing along the beaches. It really puts a little something extra in the air! Many folks live for and anticipate their arrival. They will start up early May and can hang around thru third week of June. Majority of us will cruise the beaches in tower boats and look for surface cruising fish. If the approach of the boat or intersecting angle is agreeable to the fish (meaning it does not spook off startled) then you can get into range for a cast. We cast ornately colored feather jigs made by Meat hog fishing on stout spinning gear with 50lb braided line. Some days the jig they prefer is the creamsicle colors (orange n white) pinky tuscasdera (pink n white), emu flash (brown) , or hogzilla (orange n green) just to name a few. Heck there are over hundred different color combinations and weights seem to be from 1-3 ounces. That’s half the fun tossing out crazy cool looking jigs just knowing cobia are going to go out of their way to bite em! Which leads us to confidence. You got one that is hot stay with it sometimes a certain jig will carry you for weeks! Our local tackle shops hope to be opened by this time and can give expert guidance on lures, lines, locations, knots and more. Gear can also be purchased online as well. Ocean social distancing seems healthy and safe to me! I hope and pray we can all get out there to enjoy the outdoors sometime in May. God Bless us and stay healthy and safe! Captain Aaron Kelly www.rocksolidfishing.com • 252-441-6575

Hey! As you visit or patronize any of our advertisers…

please mention that you saw them in their local

4 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Jake’s Outdoor Adventures By Jake Worthington

ere on the Outer Banks, we are still waiting for the 2020 fishing season to get underway because of the effects of the COVID-19 virus. The fish are starting to migrate back with water temperatures starting to rise. Here on the Marauder we are ready to target Cobia as they make their way back up the coast. The Cobia fishery is very important to NC and VA because of its economic impact to Dare County and the towns along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Several years ago, this fishery was under attack from federal agencies but a grassroots effort by a host of Cobia fishermen saved the fishery from being closed for that year. The fight continues and if it were not for a few dedicated anglers who sacrificed their time and money to travel up and down the coast to attend and make public comments, we would be facing extreme regulatory restrictions. This brings me to the point that on the OBX and the Hampton Roads areas, we have numerous anglers clubs that were formed to promote fishing and share experiences in fishing. What we lack; however, is a dedicated fishing organization in the state of NC that truly represents Recreational Anglers and to lobby for this user group. What the Recreational Charter Industry and the Recreational Anglers need is an organization to be a watchdog in the legislature in Raleigh, as well as South Atlantic Marine Fisheries and NOAA meetings to make sure we are truly being represented. I know many of you reading this now are saying, “I want to fish and not have to deal with politics.” This really doesn’t mean you have to spend a great deal of time accomplishing this. It may be as simple as writing a letter or email to your elected officials. It may mean you need to attend a meeting and make a public comment. If we take a laissez faire attitude as an angling group and don’t fight for our rights to open access to these fisheries based on sound science, then regulatory agencies and special interest groups will push through their own agendas. There is no better example of fisheries inequality than the NC Marine FIsheries Board. Here in Dare County, we sell more recreational licenses than any other county in the state. Add to that a large recreational charter boat fleet, five fishing piers and miles and miles of beaches for surf fishing. However on the NCDMF Board which has three recreational seats, none of them is from Dare County! All three seats are filled by recreational fishermen who reside in Kinston, Atlantic Beach and Wilmington. Not only is Dare County not being represented, but the board recently eliminated Dare County as a board meeting site. This means if we want to give public comments and attend these meetings, we will have to take the trek to southeastern NC. This is totally unfair, and we are being geographically discriminated against by not having representation from our area. You can rest assured the board is truly looking out for the stakeholders in the Morehead City and Wilmington areas, but not ours. The Governor and the Legislature needs to step in and make these seats not only industry and science designated, but also geographical so our county is truly being represented.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 5

SPRING IS HERE - Is your rig ready? By John Tiger

t’s April already as I write, and with April comes spring boating and fishing! Is your rig ready? without some spring tune tips, your rig won’t start the season right. Here’s what to check:

YOUR BOAT: 1. Make a general check over of the hull and deck. Check for gelcoat and fiberglass cracks, and have them repaired. Look for water leaks and/ or rust stains, especially around bow and stern eyes, outboard mounting bolts, swim platforms, and the drain plug tube. Leaks and stains in these locations must be addressed. 2. Check the integrity and mounting of the seats and other items in the interior and on the deck. Often, rotting floors and similar problems go unnoticed until you’re on the water. 3. Check your boat’s systems, particularly electrical and plumbing. Make sure the navigation lights work, the bilge pump operates properly, the VHF works, the horn blows and all other accessories turn on and off and work as they should. Make repairs now before the season begins. 4. Charge the battery and reinstall it, making sure the electrolyte levels are full and the terminals are clean. 5. Check the steering system and ensure it steers lock to lock with no binding or looseness. 6. Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. 7. Check the seats and other upholstery for mildew, dirt and rot. Repair or replace any upholstery that has missing staples, rotted wood backing, or water-soaked foam. 8. Check the top and canvas accessories (side curtains, aft curtain, bimini, and cover if applicable) and repair any rips, tears, broken zippers or rotted canvas. 9. Do a thorough cleaning, compound if necessary, and apply marine wax to preserve the finish.

10. On that note, renew your Boat US or Sea Tow membership, so you can catch a tow if needed! YOUR TRAILER: 1. Check the frame, suspension, coupler, winch stand and axle for rust, rot or damage. 2. Check the lights for proper operation. 3. Check the trailer bunks for rot and torn carpet/covering. 4. Wheel bearings should be repacked with fresh grease, replacing the bearings and rear seals if necessary. 5. Tires should be checked for dry rot and uneven or excessive tread wear, and replaced if necessary. 6. Lug nuts should be checked for proper torque. 7. Tiedowns must be checked and replaced if torn or worn. 8. Trailer brakes should be checked and repairs made if necessary. 9. Winch and strap should be checked. Ready for boating now? If not, spend a few weekends now, and make ‘er ready. You’ll be glad you did. John Tiger has published columns and articles about boating and towing for over 25 years. A recognized expert in high performance boat setup, rigging and driving, outboard repair and trailer towing, John’s boating and racing experience has helped him write popular columns such as Outboard Tech and Seat Time as well as many hundreds of feature stories.

YOUR ENGINE: 1. Re install any water plugs removed for winterization. 2. Check any belts and hoses for cracks and deterioration. 3. Check all bolts, screws and other fasteners for tightness. 4. Check the oil (should have been changed last fall). For oil injected two-stroke outboards, check the oil reservoir and fill if necessary. 5. Check the drive/gearcase lubricant (again, should have been changed last fall). 6. Check trim and tilt fluid and run the drive all the way up and down, checking for fluid leaks and any other problems. 7. Fire it up on a hose and flush muffs. Let it idle. Check the throttle response, but don’t rev the engine over 2000 rpm. Check shifting forward and reverse. 8. Check the propeller, and make any repairs necessary. 9. Most important: Choose a time when the ramp won’t be crowded (a weekday morning works best if you can swing it); take the rig to the water and do a shakedown cruise. Be sure it runs on the flush adapter first, and make sure someone knows you’re going, in case you get stranded.

6 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Pungo offroad Virginia Beach’s Premier Truck, Off Road and 4x4 Accessories & Service

Custom & Factory Tires &Rims for Any Vehicle -Cars, Trucks & Trailers Brake Service on Any Vehicle // Lift Kits & 4x4 Accessories Trailer Hitch Installation

We'll beat any Written Price... guaranteed! 1800 Princess Anne Rd, VA Beach, VA 23456 757-721-6004 • 757-721-6468 www.pungotireandoffroad.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 7

TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

CATCHIN’& COOKIN’ OLDIE BUT GOODIE – DRUM RIBS!

JIM BAUGH’S RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Black Drum is delicious! Lots of folks may not be aware but Drum Ribs are meaty and taste fantastic. There are many ways to cook them, smoked with BBQ sauce, Fried or baked. My fav is fried. Take the rib portion of the filet and trim the ribs out clean. Then I soak them in milk for about an hour then rinse. Next place the ribs in an egg wash with a little Texas pete. Then dredge the ribs in your favorite seafood breader mix. My fav is House Aurty mildly hot breader mix. For the oil I use butter and olive oil and pan sear each side of the rib. It is fun to serve with a variety of dipping sauces. We usually get creative with this and include tarter, a wasabi sauce, BBQ sauce, and a sriracha sauce. Whatever you like!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE… NO, MAKE THAT A RIB! by Jim Baugh reporting from Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, Cape Charles VA Hey first up, sure hope everyone made it through April ok. A global pandemic is not something we go through everyday, but we have been for the last month. Things seem to be getting better and at the time of writing this column, looks like things will be opening up again soon. I hope! On the bright side of things, the Drum are HERE! And so are a lot of other of our finned friends. I know a commercial fisherman who has been fishing for Drum and they really have been on fire. Interesting thing is due to the lock down, restaurants/wholesalers etc, are not buying seafood at the moment. This is when the creative captain has his own customer list, catches and filets the fish, then sells them himself and sells out doing so. We have planned on doing a feature on this commercial harvest and airing on our show. Look for it on Amazon Prime 2021 and on Youtube Summer 2020. If you are into boating and fishing, then you are someone who is used to planning things. Plan now on coming to the Eastern Shore of Virginia for the spring bite. After everyone has been on lock down, people are going to crazy to get out and go fishing, boating etc. I highly suggest booking your reservations now for the Spring Summer because things are going to be busy. Along with the great fishing, don’t forget the awesome stargazing opportunities here on the Eastern Shore. Your darkest sky will be around Wachapreague but most places on the Shore you will get a good shot of the Milky Way. Look for our new 2020 Astro page on the jimbaughoutdoorsblogspot. We already have gotten some nice shots of the Orion Nebula, The Supermoon and the Milky Way. Don’t forget upcoming mother’s day! If things are open treat her right with a dinner at the Seafood Eatery at the Oyster Farm, the best tableside view of the Chesapeake Bay! It is also a good time to call and book your slips for the season. Drum, Cobia, Flounder, Rockfish, C-Pier… just a click away. www.theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com Yall enjoy, stay safe, be well, and go catch some Drum! Jim Baugh, Jimbaugh.net, Jim Baugh Outdoors TV For more updates on our fishing trips and latest shows check out our blogspot at https://jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com or all our new shows at JBOTV - https://www.youtube.com/c/JimBaughOutdoors

8 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

M&J Tops Canvas and boat upholstery M&J Tops LLC, specializes in marine upholstery. Boat tops, enclosures, cushions, seats, headliners, storage covers, bow rails, bolster pads, dodgers and much more! We also make custom awnings or commercial and residential buildings.

757-722-3069 www.petestopshop.weebly.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 9

NORTH CAROLINA KILL DEVIL HILLS Bill’s Marine LLC 252-982-6595

VIRGINIA ACCOMAC Sandpiper Marine Inc. 757-787-7783

10 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

VIRGINIA VIRGINIA SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE EXMORE CHESAPEAKE NEWPORT NEWS Smith Mountain Seaworthy Marine Centerville Waterway Sports Marine, Inc. Boat & Tackle Services Marina 757-595-9333 540-576-2755 757-442-3666 757-547-4498 MAY 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

NORTH CHESTERFIELD Nautical Marine 804-271-3198

[ 1]

TIDEWATER & OUTER BANKSBRAG BOARD SEND YOUR GREAT FISHING & HUNTING PHOTOS TO BRENDA@COASTALANGLERMAGAZINE.COM

[] 2

[ 3]

#1 Raigen #2 Westin & #3 Chris Aboard “Reel Nice” out of Rudee Inlet #4 Ken Neill, III #5 Clinton Kegley & Lynwood Evans #6 Summer Bracher

[ 5]

[ 6]

[ 4]

Contact me today for your auto and boat insurance.

Jarrod Arnder PUNGO AGENT

(757) 426-6115 jarrod.arnder@vafb.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 11

From locally-built gear to greensticks, commercial reels, terminal tackle, and bait • Specializing in commercial hook and line gear • Your one-stop tuna shop 2991 NC Hwy 345, Wanchese, NC https://www.facebook.com/Sea&soundtackle/

Fishing Capitol of

A Fishin’ Tradition Known the World Over

the

Wo r l d

• Full or half day charters • Book with our Head Boat or a private charter with one of our great Captains • For those with their own boats: launch ramp w/parking for trailers--gas and oil available

Fully stocked store: • Bait, tackle, boating and camping equipment, North Carolina maps equipment, and fishing/boating regulations and • Groceries, snacks, beverages, ice Groceries,

Head boat—M

iss Oregon In

let

• T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hats T-Shirts, • Everything you need for a great Everything day on the water! day

(800) 272-5199 (800) www.oregon-inlet.com

12 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

AREA ANGLER CLUBS The Great Bridge Fisherman’s Association is a family-oriented fishing club located in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, Virginia. Our charter is to introduce new anglers to the sport of recreational fishing while promoting the conservation of our resources. The diversity of its membership covers all aspects of recreational fishing from freshwater to saltwater, surf to pier, and inshore to offshore fishing. The club is active in the community, sponsoring various events including Wish a Fish, an Annual Scholarship to high school seniors pursuing higher education and inshore party boat fishing for both our senior and disabled residents. Our Tournament Director also ensures that the membership sponsors and participates in various inter and intra club tournaments throughout the year. Some of our annual activities include a banquet, lead pouring, oyster roast and fishing flea market. Monthly meetings are held the first Monday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There is always a guest speaker talking on a wide range of topics and there are plenty of door prizes, raffles and snacks to round off the night. We meet at the Great Bridge Baptist Church located at 640 Battlefield Blvd South, Chesapeake, Virginia across the street from the YMCA. Guests are always welcome. Feel free to contact us with any questions at www. fishgbfa.com.

The Tidewater Anglers Club (TAC) was founded in February of 1941 at a meeting at the Monticello Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. The objectives of the TAC were the same then as they are today—to promote legislation and fishing practices that effectively provide protection of the environment and our resources. TAC is an organization that influences the customs and practices for the conservation and propagation of fish and kindred creatures. The TAC organization is committed to the promotion of true sportsmanship among all fishermen along with providing entertainment and education for its members. The club has grown into a truly multidisciplined angling organization with almost equal individual and family memberships. Each year there are 11 monthly membership meetings and an Annual Awards Banquet. There are also club activities such as tournaments, family fishing days, a fish fry and other events which allow members to gather for fun and fellowship. The monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Road, Virginia Beach, VA. (Intersection of Independence Blvd. and Ewell Rd.) Guests are always welcome and we usually serve light refreshments. Monthly meetings always include an educational talk or presentation on some aspect of fishing. Also members submit fishing contest forms and this information is used to select the winners of our annual trophies. The club maintains a record of all fish reported to determine club records. Special events bring everyone together for some fun and relaxation. These include hot dog and chili nights, our annual fish fry and our annual awards banquet for the awarding of the fish trophies. We welcome you to join the Tidewater Anglers Club. We are a group of about 100 members, of various levels of fishing experience, ranging from those of us who have not purchased their first fishing rod or tackle box or own a boat to those of us who have been fishing for over 60 years. For more information, please call Mr. Leslie Parr at 757-593-8853 or go to our website at www.tidewateranglersclub.org. In 2008, a group of men gathered on the Outer Banks with the purpose of organizing a club for fishing and called themselves the Outer Banks Anglers Club (OBXAC). The OBXAC meets the last Monday of every month at the Kern-Pitts Center located behind the Southern Shores Town Hall at 7:00 pm. The meetings are open to anyone, whether they are an experienced fisherman or those who are just starting out. At each meeting, the club has a monthly guest speaker that may be a member, a local fishing captain, biologists, state or local marine agencies, or has a connection with fishermen. Also, members will discuss their fishing trips and share information and sometimes pictures from the trips. Every month, members will submit their exemplary catches for the Fish of the Month contest. During the break, refreshments are served and members and guests can network. After the break, a short business meeting is conducted and ends with a raffle for a $50 gift certificate from TW’s Bait and Tackle, as well as a 50/50 raffle. Check out the club’s webpage http://www.outerbanksanglersclub.com for more information about the club.

Come visit the Virginia Beach Anglers Club. We meet thefirst Thursday of each month at 7:30pm at the Foundry United Methodist Church located at 2801 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach. For more information go to virginiabeachanglersclub.org - Check out our monthly newsletter TIGHT LINES there or email vbanglersclub@gmail.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 13

TARGETING WHITE PERCH: A STAPLE OF VIRGINIA’S TIDAL RIVERS By Run the Marsh VA - Glen Pizzanello II & Warren Reese

ow that spring is here, targeting white perch is a great choice for anglers throughout the tidal rivers of Virginia. The influx of grass shrimp, fiddler crabs and small bait fish are signs that the white perch are soon to follow. White perch are members of the Percichthyidae family, or the temperate bass family. Another commonly known species found in this family include striped bass, which are often a bycatch when targeting white perch. An ideal time to target white perch is during their spawning season, typically occurring throughout each spring. The white perch spawning season occurs from about late March to early May, depending on the weather conditions of the spring season. The spawn takes place in tidal, brackish areas that consistently hold about two to five feet of water with rocky or textured riverbeds. Ideal water temperatures for the spawn range from 50 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. A single white perch female may lay anywhere from 50,000 to 300,000 adhesive eggs over these riverbeds throughout a three-week span. During this time, males remain close to the females in order to fertilize the eggs once they have been laid. Once fertilized, the eggs can begin to hatch in as little as 30 hours, or within six days. White perch typically feed on small bait fish, insect larvae, fiddler crabs and grass shrimp. As the sun rises and moves into the day, the white perch tend to congregate in deeper waters. As the sun begins to set and evening approaches, the fish move towards grass lines and structure to feed. During the time from late May through August, the perch spread out more along the flats, making large groups of the fish difficult to come by. Therefore, the ideal times to fish for white perch generally tend to be during the months of April through June, and again from September through November. Understanding the distinct habits of white perch can assist in targeting the species. White perch can typically be found in locations such as sloping drop offs, gravel riverbeds, large mud flats, and around structure just outside of flats or ledges. After establishing a location, it is important to keep in mind that the best perch fishing is done in the evening. During the ideal white perch season, the fish are most often found in shallow water ranging from 2-5 feet. This makes wading typically the best technique for catching the fish. Lures imitating small bait fish tend to work best when catching white perch. Examples of these lures include lightweight spinner baits typically 1/16 ounce or 1/8 ounce in weight. These lures are thrown best on ultralight spinning gear, as these rods have greater flexibility allowing for a deeper hook set. The addition of a small piece of cut shrimp onto the spinner baits can greatly increase success as well. While wading is generally the best option when targeting white perch, trolling may also prove to be successful if the location and lures are well chosen and consistent with white perch habits. White perch fishing is an excellent choice for anglers looking for large quantities of delicate white meat fish. The use of ultralight gear, the opportunity to catch large quantities of fish, and the likelihood of quality bycatch such as red drum, speckled trout, and striper makes the white perch fishing experience often an exciting one. For more insight into fishing Virginia’s intracoastal waterways, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @run_the_marsh_va.

14 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Fishing Charters 252.473.9991

Dry Storage Wet Slips

252.473.5344

Paradise Dolphin Cruises 252.573.0547

708 Harbor Road Wanchese, NC 27981 www.obxmarina.com

paradisedolphincruise.com

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 5 years in a row. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THE ANGLERMAG.COM

MAY. 2020

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 15

16 TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THE ANGLERMAG.COM

m O

2GU2AR,0AN0TE0ED

UT PAYO

JUNE 5TH - 6TH, 2020

GUARANTEED

14 ,000 GENERAL AWARDS $

GUARANTEED

5BIG,000 FISH

GUARANTEED

3 ,000 GENERAL SLAM $

Harris Miller & Bernhardt PA

Team misTress

SHOW THEM SOMETHING NEW

David Delph caught this red grouper off Key West.

Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.

DiscoverMartin.com 14 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

By CAM Staff

ith grouper seasons opening in federal waters and Gulf red snapper fishing not too far away, now is a good time to start tinkering with a jigging technique that’s created a bit of a buzz in the charter industry. Slow pitch jigging has been around for well over a decade, but its effectiveness in U.S. waters is only now being realized. As more captains adopt and adapt the technique to different species and conditions, it has gained traction as a proven fish-catcher. In the Gulf of Mexico as well as in the Atlantic from South Florida, through the Carolinas and up into the Northeast, it’s being used to catch anything that eats crippled baitfish. Groupers and snappers, amberjack, mackerel and tuna, they’ll all take jigs slow pitched over hard bottom, and so will rockfish and cod. The technique evolved in Japan and was popularized in a series of Japanese-language videos by Norihiro Sato. Sato promoted it as a way to catch fish even when they’re not actively feeding. With conventional jigging techniques, the idea is to rip a lure off the bottom and let it flutter down, enticing reaction strikes from aggressive gamefish. Slow pitch is slower, more seductive, a finesse tactic to present what looks like an easy meal. Anyone who has ever fished a jig knows the bite almost always comes on the fall. The idea behind slow pitch is to maximize the time a jig spends in freefall. With specialized gear and a cadenced technique, the jig remains in the strike zone and presents both vertical and horizontal action. A slow pitch jig is supposed to dance like an injured baitfish struggling to stay off the bottom. The technique requires a specialized rod. Slow pitch rods look like buggy whips when compared to conventional short and beefy jigging rods. They are 6 to 7 feet long with a slow action. With a quarter or half turn of the reel, the weight of the jig loads the rod, and as the rod straightens the jig accelerates smoothly upward before hesitating and kicking to the side. The angler then begins the process again, with a rhythm that keeps the jig moving. By varying rod action and cadence, the angler can impart varied presentations. All of them are physically easier than the grueling labor of conventional deep jigging with heavy tackle. The drawback to the technique—which might be attractive to folks who love shopping for new gear— is you’ll need a whole new arsenal. The rods are thin and designed to bend evenly from handle to tip. The reels are small but geared-up to take the brunt of the fight off that bendy rod. The jigs are specially shaped and weighted to impart the right action. You’ll even need new spools of braid and new terminal tackle. Like any new technique, slow pitch jigging requires some research and practice to execute effectively. Take some time to figure it out, and you’ll be showing wary fish something they’ve likely never seen before.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

WHEN SEEING RED IS A GOOD THING

UNLIMITED TOWING $85/$159* Don’t get mad, get an Unlimited Towing Membership from BoatU.S. That way breakdowns, running out of fuel and soft ungroundings won’t throw you for a loop. For a year of worry-free boating, get towing before you get going.

JOIN TODAY! BoatUS.com/Towing | 800-395-2628 *One year Freshwater/Saltwater Membership pricing. Details of services provided can be found online at BoatUS.com/Agree. TowBoatU.S. is not a rescue service. In an emergency situation, you must contact the Coast Guard or a government agency immediately.

NEED CUSTOM HEADWEAR?

RETAIL, WHOLESALERS & DISTRIBUTORS WELCOME • SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM MADE & PRIVATE LABEL

SALES@CAPSMITH.COM | 1-800-228-3889 OVERSEAS & DOMESTIC PROGRAMS LOW MINIMUMS

SHOP IN STOCK

STYLES AT

CAPSMITH.COM All original artwork is the copyrighted work of Capsmith, INC. and is protected under the Copyright Act of 1976, 17 U.S.C. 101 et. seq., All Rights Reserved. Any unauthorized use or reproduction, including derivative works, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

FREE SHIPPING IHATEHATS.COM HHEEAADDWWE EAARR D DI S TT RR I BI B UU T ITOI O NN IS Masks & Gloves

OVER

25 PURCHASE

USE CODE: COASTAL

Caps & More

Arm Sleeves

COAST GUARD APPROVED COURSE & EXAM

www.adamsmarine.com To Reserve a Spot Call: Toll Free 877-447-1950 Email: info@adamsmarine.com

GREAT SUN PROTECTION! COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2020

NATIONAL 15

2020 GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT July 13-18, 2020 MID ENTRY FEE $345

1st PRIZE

CONTENDER 24 SPORT LOADED WITH EXTRAS!!! VALUED AT OVER $141,000

MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW! LARGE FISH - AGGREGATE SINGLE ENGINE DIVISION EXPANDED LADY ANGLER JR ANGLER OFFSHORE PAST CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT HIGH ROLLER TOURNAMENT

www.kingfishtournament.com

VE MER ! Old Florida Waterfront Charm Re-Discovered R E RES R SUMY NOW The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts U YO -AWA GET Accommodations are nestled on 6 lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon. As you make your way down the one lane road you will truly be stepping back in time. Your hosts Kim and Robert Pruitt have re-captured the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.

• Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet • Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power • 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet • 12 miles to the Gulf Stream • Water Taxi Service Available

• Fully Furnished 3 Room Cottages w/ Fully Equipped Kitchens • 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Guest Area • Laundry, BBQ Grilles • FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage • FREE use of our Kayaks

ALL RESERVATIONS OF 28 DAYS OR LONGER RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT ON ACCOMMODATIONS Offer valid through August 31, 2020. Rates subject to change. Limited availability.

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946 www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206 Nightly • Weekly • Monthly • Seasonal Rates Available 16 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Some Thoughts On

Crappie

C-HAWK 23 CUSTOM

By Dan Saknini

he comfort zone for crappie is generally 35 feet or shallower. The depth fish are found is directly related to water temperature. Baitfish location is the best indicator of crappie habitat. Where I do most of my fishing, crappie generally feed on threadfins and blueback herring. The average lifespan of a crappie is five years. An average female will lay 5,500 eggs per season. Less than 5 percent of the eggs will hatch, and only a small number of hatchlings survive predators. That sounds bad, but it is Mother Nature at work. There are two species of crappie, black crappie and white crappie. It’s pretty rare where I fish most, on Georgia’s Lake Lanier, but there is also a group called blacknose crappie. These are black crappie with a naturally occurring genetic variance that gives them unique markings. They look like you took a black Sharpie and drew a line from the tip of the mouth to the dorsal fin. I caught two this year. Black crappie have variations in color. In the winter, when they go deeper to escape the colder surface temps, they become much more pale. However, once you put them in your livewell, they quickly regain much of their color. The same thing happens if you catch them in shallow, muddy water. In spring, when surface temps reach the upper 50s to mid-60s, female crappie begin to spawn. This does not happen all at once, but over about a month, with some spawning earlier than others. Females hit spawning grounds in the backs of the creeks, lay their eggs and pull out. Males fertilize and guard the eggs. That’s when you see fishermen catching dark black-purple crappie on the banks. There’s an old Southern myth that “when the dogwoods bloom, it’s time to go crappie fishing.” I actually have my best luck when the daffodils are blooming, which can precede dogwoods by a month. But like any other species, fish have to eat. If you know where to look, you can catch them all year long. If you’ve ever been to Bass Pro and seen the fish tank, you’ll notice most of the species roam the tank, with the exception of the crappie, which are almost always in the corner hiding by a log. That is the perfect example of how crappie relate to structure. They roam in pursuit of food, but always come back to the brushpile they call home. Many homeowners live on lakes because they enjoy fishing, and many sink Christmas trees under or near their docks. It is important to find those submerged trees or brushpiles that have bait nearby. That is where you will find crappie. In winter, some crappie move from docks to seek shelter in standalone brushpiles. Electronics play a key role in locating those brushpiles. Many fishermen prefer live bait, which is very effective in spring, but I prefer jigs. Bobby Garland soft-body grubs and Jiffy Jig hair jigs are my “go-to” baits. If you are fishing stained water, always go to darker jigs.

Color Matched Hard Top Outboard Bracket w/Platform Bow Casting Platform Leaning Post w/Live Well Trim Tabs Pop Up Cleats TH Marine Jack Plate Raw Water Washdown SS Wheel w/Knob Even More...

CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER

252-235-2461 WWW.CHAWKBOATS.NET

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2020

NATIONAL 17

WAHOO “COWBELLS’’ & ‘’SNAGGER’’ DOLPHIN LURES

44 TOURNAMENT WINS

TROLLS 6-10 OR UP TO 20 KNOTS — NO WEIGHTS NEEDED

$79.95 ea. or 3-pak for $199

“BALLYHOOD” SALTWATER TROLLING LURES

(714) 545-0196

FREE SHIPPING!

6-pak Special $69.00 w/ FREE Case

www.BALLYHOOD.com 18 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

ow’s this for the proverbial bad apple? In a time when lawabiding anglers are saddled with strict regulations in attempts to bolster flagging Atlantic striped bass populations, a pair of yahoos were recently caught in New Jersey with 66 undersized rockfish. The two men face a variety of charges after being caught by New Jersey conservation officers when they returned to a private Atlantic City dock on March 30. They had been night fishing, and drew attention to themselves by “running their vessel at high rates of speed from various fishing locations under the cover of darkness and fog without any navigation lights,” according to a press release. The harvest allowance at the time was one fish with a 28- to 43-inch slot limit and one fish longer than 43 inches per person. On the boat, the officers found 66 stripers between 13- and 24-inches. The men face a penalty of $100 per fish, or potentially $12,800 for each angler. They were also charged with unsafe operation of a vessel, operating a power vessel without valid registration and failing to have appropriate vessel safety gear. Authorities seized the anglers’ fishing gear for evidence and will seek forfeiture due to the severity of the violations, the release said. The seized fish were given to the Atlantic City Recuse Mission. The current recreational limit is one fish per day, within the 28- to 38inch slot.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

IT’S DRY FLY TIME On North Carolina’s

TUCKASEGEE

By Nick Carter

he delayed harvest sections of the Tuckasegee River, at Sylva and Bryson City, N.C., are some of the most famous trout fisheries in the Southeast. With regular stockings and catch-and-release regulations through the cool months, the Tuck holds incredible numbers of healthy rainbow, brown and brook trout. Because it fishes so well, it sees a ton of fishing pressure, but Shannon Messer, of Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, has noticed an interesting pattern from the anglers. “In April and May, almost every day from about 5 p.m. until dark, fish are rising all over the river. Most people miss the best part of it because they’re off getting a burger and a beer,” he said. “For people who want to experience dry fly fishing and casting to rising fish, that’s the place to be and

the time to be there.” The Tuckasegee is a tailwater, wide and flat, with bedrock ledges and shoals that channel water into obvious holding water. The caddis hatches can be huge, and trout line up in lanes to feed on the surface. Casting to individual rising fish is a challenge dry fly anglers relish on the Tuck. Early spring brings on enormous black caddis hatches, which give way to tan and then olive caddis as the season progresses. Messer likes a beefy Corn Fed Caddis or a simple Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 12 to 16 to match what he sees on the river. There will also be mayflies and midges mixed in, so a double dry fly rig is a good idea. Try trailing a Blue Dun, size 14 or 16, or a size 18 Griffith’s Gnat behind the caddis. One thing about having so many bugs on

the water is fish become finicky. The trick is to make them choose your fly over all the real ones. Good presentation is paramount, and Messer recommends long 9- to 12-foot leaders to cut down on micro drag that leads to refusals. Another trick if you notice your caddis being snubbed is to trim the hackle so it floats lower in the water. For information, see Tuckaseegee Fly Shop’s website at www.tuckflyshop.com, call (828) 4883333 or e-mail info@tuckflyshop.com. For maps, GPS coordinates and tactics for the Tuckasegee and all of the area’s best trout waters, get a copy of Nick Carter’s book “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It’s available on Amazon, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

The Return of a

Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MAY 2020

NATIONAL 19

Import HUNDREDS of Waypoints

in SECONDS! Americagofishing®

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

.com/chips

Easy Accurate Affordable

Enter To Win! CARBON SERIES Holds 12 Cans & 5 Lbs Of Ice! 5 Layers to keep your ice frozen!

ENTER HERE: coastalanglermag.com/contest 20 NATIONAL

MAY 2020

everal weeks ago, my 6-year-old son asked me to take him fishing. To say I was excited was an understatement, since he typically doesn’t ask to go. Now the pressure was on for me to make sure this was more of a catching trip than a fishing one. His request piqued my curiosity as to why he had the sudden interest, so I ask him. His response: “I want to catch a redfish and have my picture in a magazine!” Ok, now the pressure just went off the chart! Not only do I need to make this a great catching day, but we have a specific fish and a great photo to capture. The day began at 3 a.m., and we made the three and half-hour drive to one of my favorite redfish spots. We were on the backside of a full moon, so I knew I had my work cut out for me. We made two quick stops to pick up some fresh dead shrimp and some donuts, and then launched the kayak. My son was extremely excited and full of questions, which I was pleased to answer. The 30-minute kayak ride felt like hours for my little man, and he wanted to cast a line. When we finally arrived, the tide was higher than I had anticipated. This area doesn’t generally produce well under these conditions, but we were already there and needed to figure it out. The plan was to bait him up for pan fish, while I get my fish fix with lures. As soon as his cork settled, he was hooked up! He had nonstop action on a variety of fish, but no reds. My rod stayed in the holder because I was busy being the happiest deckhand around. He had his heart set on catching a big red and started to ask where they were. We drifted to a shallow bar where the reds typically hang out. We switched to a larger hook and shrimp while we drifted. We fished the bar from different angles, moved to an area with wind-driven current between two small patches of land, and to the area where his older brother smoked the reds on our previous trip. Nothing! At this point, I was contemplating heading home. However, he was determined to stay until he caught a red, so we fished on! We started to fish our way back to the truck and the wind drifted us to an island that I’ve wanted to try but just never have. Since we already used all of the shrimp, I decided to make long cast with a soft plastic rattling tail swimbait and then hand my reel to my son to work the lure back on a steady retrieve. BAM! Redfish on! The look on his face when that red hit was priceless! He ended up catching two reds before we headed home. Mission accomplished! Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS Lowest Prices When You Need Them Most

Shop When You Need To In-Store & Online

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY Customer3Rating

11499

Customer Rating

14999

Adjustable pressure relief valve equalizes pressure for easy opening

Save $155

BLACK

Item 64520

COUPON GOOD THRUCustomer JULY 3 Rating

.50 Cal Metal Ammo Can

Compare to Blue Hawk CH6X8-L $6.98 Case contents not included.

Pre-drilled for two padlocks (locks sold separately)

Use Online & In-Store

TAN

Item 56862

Item 953/69128 69136/69248 63110/69210 shown

COUPON GOODCustomer THRU RatingJULY 3 (3,573)

Use Online & In-Store Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

(1,666)

97¢

* 52850448* 52850448

* 52849917* 52849917

$ 99 $999

Save 56%

99 $1399

Save 83%

Use Online & In-Store

*52850948*

Item 63750 56810/63181 shown 5 2 8 5 0 9 4 8

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOODCustomer THRU JULY 3 Rating (1,250)

Compare to Schumacher Electric SC1 $30.41

Use Online & In-Store

*52853443*

Item 69594/69955 64284/42292 shown 5 2 8 5 3 4 4 3

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOODCustomer THRURating JULY 3

Foldable Ear Muffs

(236)

Compare to Frontier XTB4602B $299

Use Online & In-Store

* 52854852* 52854852

Item 64023 64012 shown

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Compare to HDX 1004213991 $18.97

Save 73%

Item 70040

COUPON GOOD THRU CustomerJULY Rating 3

10 Gun Electronic Security Safe

AVAIL. IN SM, MED, LG, XL, XXL

27999329

$ 99 $549

Use Online & In-Store

* 52860674* 52860674

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

(247)

Click-Type Torque Wrenches

*21218554*

$ 99 $1999

Save 88%

Compare to Husky H2DTWA $89.97

Use Online & In-Store

Save $360

36999

* 52887158* 52887158

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating (2,329)

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

(362)

Save 90% Use Online & In-Store

* 52869300* 52869300

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOODCustomer THRU JULY 3 Rating (2,701)

Item 6377

Compare to Powerbuilt 647593 $135.27

Use Online & In-Store

Item 56621 56622/56623 56624 shown

* 52879023* 52879023

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3

20-60 x 60mm Spotting Scope Customer Rating (356) with Tripod

3999

4799

* 52898387* 52898387

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Compare to HUSKY H4840GHVSG $49.98

Item 67181 62300/47016 shown

hft_coastalangler_0520_spread_M-REG171029.indd 2

Save 45%

$ 99

Compare to Professional Woodworker 51832 $22.76

Save 69%

Compare to Celestron 14593491 $72.99

Use Online & In-Store

* 52888014* 52888014

Item 63235/63292 97626 shown

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3

Solar Rope Light Customer Rating

Use Online & In-Store

* 52899885* 52899885

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Compare to Hampton Bay 84130 $32.97

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3

Heavy Duty Foldable Aluminum Sports Chairs Customer Rating

Item 63941/62533 64625/68353 shown

Compare to Coleman 635394 $39.99

Blue

Use Online & In-Store

* 52903720* 52903720 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Item 6238

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Item 56719

Green

Item 63066 62314 shown

17 Pre

199929

Save 75%

Com Husk 1467 $29.

Use Online & In-Store

Save 80%

* 52897818* 52897818

Item 62774

(4,471)

$ 99 $1249

Com War 9682 $720

Your Choice of Color

Use Online & In-Store

12 wi Au

1 SELLING JACKS IN AMERICA

(3,958)

$ 99 $1599

Save $61

Save $45

Item 69457/63733 66560 shown

20 oz. Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun

Item 63471 44836/60237 shown

* 52854335* 52854335

899999

¢ $199

32999 $6999

Item 60349/60340 shown Item 69736 CALIFORNIA ONLY Use Online & In-Store

(506)

Compare to Wen 4212 $161.97

Compare to Coghlan's 7870 $9.99

Compare to Honda GX390UT2QAA2 $689.99

COUPON GOOD JULY 3 CustomerTHRU Rating

99 $13999

Ult We Lo

Contents not included.

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

10", 12 Speed Benchtop Drill Press

Item

Item 6351

COUPON GOOD THRUCustomer JULY 3 Rating

(1,210)

Me gu

Com Stac IK-23 $29.

Use Online & In-Store

Item 64008 64011 shown

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY Customer Rating3

Magnesium Fire Starter

13 HP (420 CC) OHV 80 Piece Rotary Tool Kit Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine

* 52883774* 52883774

Compare to Stack-on SS-16-MB-E $564.57

Com Pelic 1150 $39.

Save $284

Item 62434, 62426, Use Online & In-Store 62433, 62432, 62429, 64179, 62428, 64178 shown 2 1 2 1 8 5 5 4 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

S 7

Item 239 shown

Your Choice

ITEM 61277/63881/2696 61276/63880/807 62431/63882/239

Save 66%

Compare to Valeo 25521 $14.99

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY Customer Rating 3

(3,274)

DRIVE 1/4" 3/8" 1/2"

(136)

$ 99 $699

Save $59

COUPON GOOD Customer Rating THRU JULY 3

(2,621)

Pe Sec

Rapid Pump® 3 Ton Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack

*52849568 * 52849568

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/3/20.

COUPON GOODCustomer THRURating JULY 3

46" Mobile Storage Cabinet with Solid Wood Top

23999269

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

WOW

$ 99

LIMIT 3

Automatic Battery Float Charger Mechanics Gloves

20% OFF

(6,325)

5 ft. 6" x 7 ft. 6" All Purpose/ Weather Resistant Tarp

NOW AVAILABLE IN TAN

Compare to Game Winner FSGWHE1030 $24.99

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3

SAVE 86%

Super strong reinforced polypropylene construction

Compare to Pelican DOUBLE RIFLE $269.99

Pick and pull foam insert for impact-absorbing protection

2" Heavy duty ball bearing wheels

Weatherproof Protective Rifle Cases Model 9800 Your Choice of Color

Strong, secure, easy-open latches

(550)

Com Brig Stra 2060 $174

Save 50% Use Online & In-Store

* 52906253* 52906253

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Item 6325

E *

nnot be e Track Parking binets, hinery, Icon, n prior 7/3/20.

7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(950)

1499

900W Max. Starting 2 Cycle Gas Powered Generator

Meets TSA guidelines.

Contents not included.

Compare to Stack-on IK-233131 $29.97

Use Online & In-Store

* 52916803* 52916803

Item 64079

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Model 1800

12499

$ 99 $999

Compare to Titan Tools 22017 $9.18

* 52917574* 52917574

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

3 Gallon, 100 PSI Oil-Free Air Compressors

Hot Dog

Case contents and locks not included.

Use Online & In-Store

Item 69269 97080 shown

Item 61615/60637 95275 shown

Use Online & In-Store

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

e to ron 491 .99

299

99 $38999

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Use Online & In-Store

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

*52935824*

99 $11999

40 Piece, 1/4" and 3/8" Drive SAE and METRIC Socket Set

8999109 $

Compare to Reese Towpower 74554700 $141.08

Use Online & In-Store

COUPON GOOD THRU Customer Rating JULY 3

* 52941960* 52941960

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU Customer RatingJULY 3

(1,273)

(582)

Compare to Craftsman CMMT12018 $49.98

Item 47902 975/61328 63015/62843 shown

90% $ 99 Save $599

Use Online & In-Store

* 52942810* 52942810

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(4,484)

500 lb. Capacity Steel 3/8" x 75 ft. Camouflage Cargo Carrier Polypropylene Rope

Includes two 1.5v SR44 button cell batteries.

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

(1,449)

Save $51

Item 69595/60334 90018 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 52932263* 52932263

Item 63054 62858 shown

45" x 69" Tri-Fold Aluminum Loading Ramp

Compare to Shelter Logic 23522 $199

Save $104

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(597)

Use Online & In-Store Item 90984/63056 63057/63150 56668/63094 shown 5 2 9 3 5 8 2 4 LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

6" Digital Caliper

* 52932175* 52932175

Item 40462/60658 97711 shown

Compare to Keeper 5505 $22.80

(831)

1999 $

Use Online & In-Store

$ 99 $1239

Save $421

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

18" Working Platform Step Stool

1999

$ 99 $1799 Compare to Husky 1467H $29.97

Save 66%

Item 63711/61585 62387/47257 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 52945063* 52945063

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Item 63255 63254 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 52945236* 52945236

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

$ 99 $499

Compare to Everbuilt 72304 $8.97

Item 61674 62761/47835 shown

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

2999

Save 66%

Use Online & In-Store

* 52946978* 52946978

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating (4062)

(174)

30" x 18" Hardwood Dolly

2" Extended Anvil

Item 63385 Not available in AZ, OH, OK and VA.

$ Use Online & In-Store

* 52956371* 52956371

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Compare to Aircat 1460-XL-2 $19.97

99 Save $9999 60 Use Online & In-Store $

* 52958143* 52958143

1,000+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

Compare to Neocraft 60635 $39.99

Item 62515 66911 shown

Save 50% Use Online & In-Store

* 52949807* 52949807

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating (2,376)

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 7/3/20.

Compare to Milwaukee 33700 $19.97

99 $1599

Item 38970/92486 39757/60496 62398/61897 shown

4" x 36" Belt/ 6" Disc Sander

647977

1/2" Anvil

Item 62835

Save $94

Compare to Briggs & Stratton 20600 $174.44

Save

99 50%

1/2" Composite Pro Air Impact Wrenches

799999 $

Item 69623 66983 shown

(4,810)

1750 PSI Electric Pressure Washer

399959

Compare to Highland 1394500 $79.99

COUPON GOOD Customer THRURating JULY 3

7/3/20*

Compare to Mibro 426920 $64.99

(4,764)

4 Piece, 1" x 15 ft. Ratcheting Tie Downs

* 52935542* 52935542

7/3/20*

10 ft. x 20 ft. Portable Car Canope

Save 69%

Item 64045/64046 63770 shown

(1,129)

3/8" x 14 ft., Grade 43 Towing Chain

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(502)

12,000 lb. Truck/SUV Winch with Remote Control and Auto Brake

Compare to Porter-Cable PCFP02003 $98.62

* 52931099* 52931099

COUPON GOODCustomer THRU JULY 3 Rating

7/3/20*

ve %

3999

Pancake

* 52922541* 52922541

Compare to Warn 96820 $720.99

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(1,125)

Save 59%

LIMIT 1 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

5499

Save 74%

Use Online & In-Store

* 52919714* 52919714

62)

900 starting watts and 700 running watts

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

63cc air-cooled 2 cycle gas engine

Item 63024/63025 shown

(3,650)

$ 99 $1299

Item 64550 63518 shown

Compare to Powersmart PS50 $126.10

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(1,189)

Ultra-Light, Crush-Proof, Weather-Resistant Lockable Case

120v grounded receptacle

Save $11

Save 12% Use Online & In-Store

Item 69508 66044 shown

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

Compare to Pelican 1150 $39.95

11499

Save 49%

1799

5 hour run time

(1111)

72" x 80" Camouflage Utility Cover

Personal Portable Security Safe

COUPON GOOD THRU JULY 3 Customer Rating

(319)

Save $84 Save 39% Use Online & In-Store

* 52965945* 52965945 LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

Compare to Ryobi BD4601G $149

Item 5154 64778/97181 shown

Use Online & In-Store

* 54050673* 54050673

LIMIT 2 - Coupon valid through 7/3/20*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

4/15/20 5:49 PM

1782-20C Coastal Angler.indd 1

4/2/20 11:10 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

êêêêê

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

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

— Vivian, Cabool, MO

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

Stauer

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DPP279-01 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DPP279-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

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

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

You didn’t see it coming. Neither did the fish. Discover the unique FISH PRO™. The world’s first personal watercraft designed for fishing will bring you closer to the action for an experience like never before.

Discover yours at Sea-Doo.com

© 2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. , TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a personal flotation device and wetsuit bottoms.

PS17434A-SEA-MY20-Ad-Fish-Pro-CoastalAngler-Print-FP-ENUS-03.indd 1

3/25/20 8:32 AM