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

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Live Bait Snook on South Florida Beaches

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

8 NATIONAL

SEPTEMBER 2021

By Richard L. Matteson

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

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The Mullet Run Is On! By CAM Staff

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

2 FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 2021

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

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

Fall

Transition Pay Attention to Detail By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

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

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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Welcome

to the September issue of the Angler Magazine

Featured in this issue

Pg 2-3 Memorial for Jeremy Penton Pg 5 The Gambler - Capt. Steve Daniel Pg 6-7 Fishing Points - Capt. Debbie Hanson Pg 8 Angling on the Hoof - Louie Echols Pg 9 Tall Tales - Don Norton Pg 10 Lake Okeechobee Report & Forecast Capt. Angie Douthits

Pg 12 Kayak Report & Forecast Pg 13 Pg 15

Pg 16-18 Pg 19 Pg 23 Pg 26

Pg 28 Pg 29

Capt. Brian Nelli Boca Granda Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and the Flats Report and Forecast Capt. Dave Stephens Southwest Florida Report and Forecast Capt. Debbie Hanson Feature Story - Mike Meisenheimer Water Lettuce - Dr. Jason Ferrell Angler Profile - Matt Thompson So, You want to be a Captain? Chris Norton Hooked on Fishing - Robert Fromhartz A Great Name

staff

Don Norton Natalie Lopez Amy Norton Louie Echols Chris Norton

Publisher Graphics Distribution Sales Technical Director

elcome to the September issue of The Angler Magazine - Okeechobee Edition. We're very excited about this issue, as we head into the fall season and some of the best fishing of the year. The center-piece of this month's magazine is a featured article on Mike Meisenheimer, or as many know him, Mikeybalzz, who has quickly become a YouTube sensation with his teaching videos and wry wit. His ability to catch giant bass is becoming legendary.

Don Norton Co-Publisher

And there's Matt Thompson, a local bass fisherman, featured in our Angler Profile, who's teaching himself how to fish offshore, with much success and passing on his passion for fishing to his 13-year-old son, Grady. Welcome to our newest contributing writer, Capt. Angie Doughit, who will be a great addition to our Okeechobee team. How-to articles, fishing reports and lots of treasures in this month’s magazine. Sit back, relax and enjoy the best of our world

We want to hear from our readers! Reach out to us with your feedback, fishing adventures, and pictures!

Don Norton (863) 273-4998

Advertising opportunities available!

don@theanglermagazine.com

May 25, 2000 – August 6, 2017

Jeremy Penton An Angler Through and Through

By Don Norton

stopped by the Jolly Rogers Marina in Clewiston, Florida, to drop off some August Angler magazines. As I was leaving the marina, I noticed a young woman standing in front of a wall display of plastic worms. She was holding a pack of worms in her hands, looking down at it and I assumed she was reading the label. As I walked by her, in an attempt to be funny, I said, they all catch fish - the bass don't care what color they are. She turned and with tears in her eyes she said, My son loved to fish more than anything else in this world. I'm buying these worms to put on my son's grave. Today is the 4th anniversary since he died. I buy a package of his favorite worms each year and place them on his grave. All I could say was I'm so sorry, and as I walked back to my truck I felt terrible. She followed me out a few minutes later and I went up to her and told her that I'd be honored to put a memorial in our September magazine. She thanked me and a few days later, I received this brief eulogy and pictures of her son. May he rest in peace!

eremy Penton was born and raised in Clewiston, Florida, where his passion for fishing developed into a most impressive talent. He first started fishing at local community canals. One of his favorite spots was the "White Bridge" located at the end of Royal Palm Avenue, within walking distance from home. A hot summer day at the bridge always called for a break with plenty of McDonalds' hamburgers and ice-cold tea for Jeremy, his younger brother (Joshua) and his other fishing buddies. Whenever he visited the Galley Grill at Mary Ann Martina’s Marina, Jeremy’s special order inevitably called for gator tail, a menu that reflected his taste for the wild cuisine of Florida. In addition, he loved to browse the local marinas, Roland Martin Marine Center and Jolly Roger Marina for fishing bait, rod and reels, and tackle. As Jeremy grew into his teens, his fishing exploits included kayak, canoe and boat trips on Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. His love of fishing would expand to coastal salt water bays on both the east and west coasts. Spectators and admirers, which included his sister, Alyssa, were amazed at Jeremy’s angler abilities, as they watched him tirelessly catch fish. His family will always treasure the photos that captured those distinct moments with Jeremy's big smile and trophysized fish. Jeremy Penton has left a lasting impression on the lives of family and friends. His love of the water forever brings Jeremy’s fishing silhouette to their hearts whenever they visit rivers, lakes and oceans. Sadly, his fishing excursions on this earth were cut short by Jeremy’s untimely passing on August 6, 2017. The monument on his resting place, which is decked with fishing décor, so appropriately reads, “Fishin’ with the Master of the Sea.”

Send your pictures to us!

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You could win $25! on an American express gift card We will be picking a photo winner every month. It could be you! Just email your photo along with your name and a little bit of info about the photo.

Email Don at don@theanglermagazine.com

Time On The Lake Is Never Wasted! VISIT OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA

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September 2021

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Steve Daniel

The Voice of Okeechobee Fishing Steve Daniel • 239.560.2704 • 863.885.2230

the Gambler Knowing where the strike zone is, is very important to a tournament angler because if your bait is not there just how much time did you waste in an eight-hour event. It could be hours wasted, not that you can’t catch a bass not near the strike zone but targeting the strike zone dramatically improves your odds. Sometimes the angler that is the most efficient is the winner at the end of the day. Knowing the strike zone and keeping my bait there was the biggest reason I won the Wal-Mart FLW tournament here on Okeechobee way back 21 years in 2000. I made long casts with my jerk bait to get down to the depth I wanted. I knew the fish were in there and when my bait got to the strike zone, I stopped it, and really worked that small area. The bottom line is every bass you catch is trying to tell you something so pay attention to every bite and the fish will let you know where the strike zone is. Remember tournament fishing is a game of odds, play your best hand. Go to YouTube, FLW 2000 Okeechobee, and you can see the magic of the jerk bait when it’s in the strike zone on the Big O. The last time I was out on the Big O the strike zone was definitely the open water, along the outside grass lines, from Buzzard Roost to Uncle Joes along the west side of the lake. Hunt them with a rattle trap and catch them with your favorite worm. When you catch one on the “trap” back off, power-pole down and throw your favorite worm. Don’t be in a hurry, slowly catch them with the worm and try to keep the school in one spot.

hen you hear a tournament angler say the words I gambled, what in most cases he is saying, is that he gave up on what he was doing, and just went out to fish only for the bigger bass with the hopes he can have a tremendous day on the water. With hopes it will be enough to take home the top prize. In most cases tournament fishing is a gamble, you have to play your best hand to get the win. Here is my opinion on gambling as a tournament angler myself. I’ve said many times that tournament fishing is an odds game. What I mean is that to be the most efficient you have to establish the strike zone. I was the boat driver in a college event here on the big O several years ago where I had the pleasure of watching two anglers from the University of Augusta Ga. These two kids had a great time and did well in the event, at the end of the day they ask me if I was in the event what if anything would I have done different. The first thing I said was where was the strike zone, it was pretty obvious to me after watching them catch a lot of bass and most of them were on the inside of the outside grass line. Then I said if you make a long cast into the grass just how much time was your bait not in the strike zone.

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september 2021

OKEECHOBEE 5

Fishing Points for Largemouth Bass By Captain Debbie Hanson

ishing points can be one of the most productive freshwater fishing strategies regardless of the time of year or the body of water. Points are important structures that largemouth bass will almost always relate to because they provide key opportunities for feeding and serve as a highway between shorelines and open water. 6 OKEECHOBEE

September 2021

Although, in order to have a successful day of fishing points for bass, you need to have an understanding of the different types of points and an idea about how to fish each type. Primary points are the type of points you are probably most familiar with. These points are generally found on the main portion of a waterway, are highly visible, and are basically peninsulas that extend out into the water from the shoreline. These points create shallow areas that jut out into deeper water. Start by locating the side of the point that has the most dramatic variance in depth. You can try fishing the shallow areas around a primary point using spinnerbaits or lipless crankbaits, and then fish the deeper spots using a Carolina rig or a Rat-L-Trap.

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Secondary points are found in lake arms, bays or coves. These types of points can be easy to miss since they aren't as prominent as primary points. You may have to use a fishing map or graph to find secondary points. If you're fishing from a kayak or small boat that doesn’t have electronics, just download the Navionics Boating app and view the bottom contour details using the Sonar Charts. Try spoons, crankbaits, or soft plastic lures rigged Texas and Carolina style when fishing secondary points. Cover points are concentrations of aquatic vegetation, submerged wood, or rock piles that extend out into open water. During the spring, try flipping a football jig around hydrilla or bulrush points. When fishing points for bass in Florida, cover points are key areas to focus on since Florida lakes tend to be shallower with more vegetation.

Tasting is believing.

Channel points drop off dramatically into deep water as they intersect a creek channel or river. They generally extend out just a short distance from the shoreline, and the portion of the point that is above the waterline often appears blunt at the tip. During the winter and early spring months, try suspending baits such as jerkbaits or swimbaits. Flat points can be classified as either primary or secondary, but have a much more gradual taper than channel points. Try a topwater "walk the dog" lure, such as a Zara Spook or a Rapala Skitter Walk, when fishing flat points during the morning hours. Once you get a few bites while fishing a particular type of point, you can look for similar areas and put together a successful pattern.

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer and freshwater fishing guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Salt Water Sportsman Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish Magazine. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.

Choose Your Speed in Sebring Just 60 miles south of Orlando is a natural park system that wows with outdoor wonders. Visitors fall in love with our nature trails great for hiking and biking, nearly 100 freshwater lakes, fishing piers, cycling paths and picturesque picnic areas. Home to Highlands Hammock State Park and Archbold Biological Station. Request a FREE Visitor Guide: VisitSebring.com or call (800) 545-6021.

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september 2021

1/20/20 11:54 AM

OKEECHOBEE 7

Adrian “Lunker Louie” Echols

Angling on the Hoof Adrian “Lunker Louie” Echols facebook.com/FishingTheHighlands 863-651-4068

wore jeans. While shorts are a lot cooler, you will most likely encounter thorns, bees, mosquitos, horseflies and who knows what other kinds of bugs that can bite or sting you. (After all this is Florida). A hat and a good pair of polarized sunglasses are a must. Your choice of course, but I like a good medium-heavy bait caster with a reel loaded up with 15 pound fluorocarbon. You'll want a pair of needle nose pliers, a pocket knife, a small pack containing your phone (camera), and a zip lock bag with a small selection of soft baits, and a small tackle tray with a few hooks, weights, a crank bait or two, and of course a couple of topwater lures for first thing in the morning.

ot everyone owns a nice boat with all the bells and whistles or a nice truck to pull it with. But, if you love to fish as much as I do, that shouldn't stop you. It never stopped me. There are still a lot of good places you can hoof it to have a great time and catch some good fish in the process right off the bank. Growing up in Highlands County, I caught a lot of my biggest fish from the bank. As a matter of fact, I caught my (PB) 14 pound bass from the bank. Before you set out on your bank fishing trip, if you don't already have some places in mind, you can go on Google Earth and get a bird's eye view of the ponds, lakes, creeks and rivers near you and how to access places such as boat ramps, public piers and parks in these areas. Make sure you're not trespassing. Ask permission especially around ponds. You'll find that most people will let you fish their private ponds if you just ask permission first. Bank fishing can be a most rewarding experience. It is however, a somewhat specialized form of fishing and you should have a checklist of things to carry with you depending on how involved you want to get. The information below is for the serious bank fishing angler. Since you will be on foot, you'll want to travel as light as possible while still carrying the necessary equipment. Here are a few things to consider. The best times to bank fish are early morning or late afternoon. If you like the early morning like I do, a good comfortable pair of rubber boots will serve you well. The grass will still be wet with dew and any other type of shoes (along with your feet) will get soaking we in no time. I always 8 OKEECHOBEE

September 2021

All of these items can be carried on your belt along with a canteen full of water or a bottle. One optional piece of equipment would be a stringer if you're planning a fish fry when you get back. This sounds like a lot but really isn't. Now you should be good to go.

A couple of very important things to remember as you begin. In addition to the ever present alligators which often lay on or very near the bank, Florida has several types of venomous snakes. Cottonmouths, Copperheads, Coral and Rattlesnakes are numerous and commonly found near water. Familiarize yourself with these and

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always be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert. If you see any of these Florida critters, give them their space. After all, you will be in their house. I have always compared bank fishing to hunting. It's a bit of a mindset. You must be stealthy. Fish have very good eyesight and are very sensitive to any movement on the bank. They are always on guard as they are constantly attacked from above by predators such as herons, eagles and ospreys. The bigger fish are usually closet to shore waiting to ambush their prey, so always cast ahead of you down the bank as far as you can. Don't forget to cast behind you as well. As you move along you will scare the bait out of their hiding places and you'll often see the bigger fish striking along the shoreline behind you after you've passed through an area. Once you get started, you'll quickly see how productive and fun bank fishing can be. With the proper equipment and the right mindset you can actually catch more and bigger fish than a lot of the guys out there with those big fancy boats. So give it a try. Get out there, get some exercise, experience some nature, and catch some fish. And oh yea… don't forget your sunscreen and if you're 16 years old or older, your fishing license. Those FWC Officers are always out there doing their job (thank goodness) and they can be very stealthy too. You can go to my facebook page (Fishing the Highlands with Louie) and see a lot of the trophy bass that I've caught right off the bank over the years. Tight lines and good luck.

Good luck and happy hunting!

y alert. e them ouse. ng to ust be nd are bank. stantly erons, usually rey, so far as s well. out of bigger u after

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Tall Tales I

By Don Norton

n May, 2004, I was offered the opportunity to write a fishing column for the Highlands Today Newspaper, following Bill Alley, better known as “Spinnerbait Bill,” who had written the popular column for a number of years. I continued writing that column through 2006, when I was transferred to Ohio for my job. At that time, I gave my column to Dave Douglas, an avid fisherman and bass fishing guide who continues to write that column today. Six years later, I retired and moved back to Sebring in 2012. I was offered another opportunity to write a fishing column for another newspaper, The NEWS SUN. I wrote one or two columns weekly for the next six years. Writing a weekly fishing column isn’t hard, but after a few years you begin to feel like you’re repeating yourself and I eventually stopped writing my column in 2017. Fast forward to 2021, and here I am again, writing for The Highlands NEWS SUN, a combination of both newspapers that I had written for in the past. I love to write. For me, its an incredible expression of how I feel, and it often feels more like I’m talking to other fishermen than writing a column. I have no special training, or professional background in writing, but it has always felt very natural to me. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to write for the local newspapers, as well as a couple of different magazines, and I have now ventured into writing my first book. Tall Tales 2004, from Highlands County Florida is a culmination of the articles I wrote for The Highlands Today Newspaper, 17 years ago, and it’s a combination of fishing trips, bass tournaments and a few “tall tales.” The paperback book will be available for sale in September, 2021, for $14.95. If you’d like to reserve a copy, give me a call at 863-273-4998 or email to donorton13@gmail.com.

writer don norton shares his fish tales After years

of writing for the Highlands Today Newspaper and the News Sun, Don Norton ventured into writing his first book.

Tall Tales 2004,

from Highlands County Florida is a culmination of the articles I wrote for The Highlands Today Newspaper, 17 years ago, and it’s a combination of fishing trips, bass tournaments and a few “tall tales.”

pre-order

your copy today! Only $14.95

ContaCt Don norton (863) 273-4998 don@theanglermagazine.com

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september 2021

OKEECHOBEE 9

Capt. Angie Douthit ’s

Lake Okeechobee Report & Forecast Capt. Angie Douthit • 863-228-7263 • www.southfloridabassfishing.com

he Lake Okeechobee lake level has been around the 13 ½-14 ft mark due to summertime rain showers, natural evaporation and tropical weather systems. The bass fishing has been best at the crack of daylight until about 11:00 am then again late afternoon until about dark. Fishing out on the lake and deeper water areas such as the Kissimmee River and Canals have been producing some great quality bass. Lures to try are: hard top water lures such as Devil Horses and Spooks in colors white, bream and shad work very well along edges of the grass line, edges of the River and Canals. I always keep a worm or senko tied on for the slower more methodical bite especially when the sun gets higher and temps start to warm up. Worm colors to try are junebug, pumpkin seed, watermelon/ red, red shad and black/blue. Summertime is a great time to keep your deep cranking skills fine-tuned around River ledges/drop-offs/turns/deep hole areas. I actually keep a shallow crank bait handy that dives to about 4 ft and a deeper crankbait that runs around 12ft. My color choice is a bream pattern, shad and crawdad pattern tipped on 12lb. mono line….yep, old school but mono line has never let me down. A good choice that is reasonably priced is Trilene big game, color green and most Walmart’s carry it in the fishing department. Summertime can be a good time to tie on a jig and concentrate on isolated grass clumps especially around bluegill/shellcracker beds. Your typical black/blue or brown colors are about all you need, tipped with a small plastic craw sized right for the size jig your using. I use braid line for flipping/pitching/frogs/swimbaits, rattle traps and spinnerbaits. I typically

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10 OKEECHOBEE

order your copy today!

BoB FromHartz 954-802-8173 twohartz1@gmail.com

September 2021

Dan Healy healydanny@att.net 954-825-5495

use Samuri 50-60 lb test. The line is very thin diameter and offers superb casting capabilities. Also on the deck of my boat tied on, ready to go is a lizard. Summer is a great time to throw these around bream beds, deep/ shallow water as well. I typically stick with basic colors like junebug, red shad, watermelon/red and sometimes white. If you have 5-6 rods on the deck rigged with the above mentioned lures, you’re pretty set to go. Once you find an area that the bass are eating well and are cooperative it provides a lot of fun for my customers to enjoy their time fishing on the big O. As a Professional fishing guide, not only catching fish is important but also my customers learn newer techniques, tips and pointers, history of the lake and some other pertinent information about the big O, not to mention all the beautiful wildlife. If you would like information on how to book your next fun-filled day fishing Okeechobee check out my website: www. southfloridabassfishing.com or 863-228-7263. Have a group of people that all want to go ? I can arrange for multiple boats if needed. If you’re wanting to try your hand at catching crappie you may want to think about booking your trip very soon for the upcoming season which kicks off in November which is the same timeframe as for big bass fishing. I offer both live bait and artificial lures…whatever the bite is best at that time and customer-based oriented as well. My sponsors include: Toho Marine; Mercury Marine; Power-Pole; Gene Larew; Gill; Maui Jim; Bullet Weights; Real Magic; TruTurn; G-Loomis; Lews; Pradco Brands.

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Local Area Guides Capt. Mark King Reel Dreams Guide Service Lake Okeechobee Fishing: Bass Live bait and Artificial Lures Airboat Tours 863-677-0983 www.markkingfishing.com Capt. Debbie Hanson Shefishes2 Southwest Florida Fishing: Bass, Peacock Bass Artificial and Fly Ph: (239) 233-4930 www.Shefishes2.com

“You dream it, I can build it”

Capt. Dave Stephens Back Bay Extreme Fishing Charlotte Harbor – Punta Gorda Fishing: Snook, Tarpon, Redfish Ph: 941-916-5769 www.backbayextremes.com

About Us I started building rods over 60 years ago, and unlike most rodbuilders of today, I still build my custom rods by hand. Regarding Repairs, let’s face it, everybody breaks off a tip or has an eye go bad. When that happens, the rod, regardless of it’s cost, ends up sitting in the corner of the garage.

Capt. Steve Daniel The Voice of Lake Okeechobee Fishing Okeechobee, FL Fishing: Bass Ph: 239-560-2704 Ph: 863-885-2230 www.OkeechobeeProSteveDaniel.com

“Why let a broken tip or a broken guide stop you from fishing?”

Capt. Brian Nelli TC Kayak Fishing Peace River – Port Charlotte Fishing: Snook, Tarpon, Redfish Ph: 772-201-5899 www.TCKayakFishing.com Capt. Joe Gruny Bass On-Line Headwaters, South and Central Florida Fishing: Bass, Peacock Bass Ph: 561-827-5668 www.bassonline.com/fl/fishing-guides/capt-joe-gruny.com Capt. Corky Neff Corky and Tangies Bass Fishing Tours Fishing: Lake Istokpoga, Lake June, Lake Placid Ph: 606-584-0144 www.corkyandtangiebassfishingtours.com Capt. Don Hatcher Don Hatcher Fishing Fishing: Lake Istokpoga, Lake June, Lake Placid Ph: 863-655-0265 www.donhatcherfishing.com Capt. Remo Beaver & Capt. Mark Beaver Remo and Mark Beaver Fishing Lake June, Lake Placid Headwaters Lake, Lake Istokpoga Ph: 863-655-0820 www.visitsebring.com/partners/remo-and-markbeaver-fishing Capt. Angie Douthit South Florida Bass Fishing Fishing: Bass, Crappie, Bream, Fingerling Catfish Live-bait and Artificial Lures Ph: 863-228-7263 www.southfloridabassfishing.com

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september 2021

OKEECHOBEE 11

Brian Nelli’s

Kayak Report & Forecast Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters www.tckayakfishing.com Brian@tckayakfishing.com

Inshore

Offshore

nook should start to push back into the rivers and lagoon this month. Look to fish bridges along their path as they will use them as stopping points. Topwater plugs like a spook early in the day and then try a DOA terror Eyz later on. The mullet run should kick off mid month. Working those same lures along the edges of the schools should get you a bite. Pods of bait will be on the beach as well as getting pushed into the rivers and lagoon.

Kingfish and sailfish will be the most common catches for September. Live bait like goggle eyes and blue runners will work well. Slow troll these baits from 80-180 foot using a standard wire kingfish rig or 6/0 circle hook. There may be a few tuna around if looking to vertical jig. Keep moving to different depths to find which seems to be holding them. Start in 200 foot and don’t be afraid to search to 500 foot.

12 OKEECHOBEE

September 2021

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Captain Dave Stephens

Boca Granda Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and the Flats Report & Forecast Capt. Dave Stephens • www.backbayxtremes.com • 941-916-5769

s we move further along into the hot summer, we get into the heart of hurricane season. With a little luck from Mother Nature, we will not see any major storms. For the new residents that are not as familiar with Florida weather, summer-time is our wet, rainy season. We don’t necessarily need a named storm to have serious weather conditions. We frequently have severe thunderstorms that can pop up and catch a boater off guard, especially in the afternoon. Keeping an eye on the sky can help avoid these situations. Also do not let a forming storm get in between you and the boat ramp. As for our late summer fishery, we have a lot of good things that are going on. For one this is the time of year when we start seeing schools of red fish showing up on the flats. Locating these fish during low tides can be easy, but catching them can be more of a challenge. On lower tides, schools of redfish can give their location away by making pushes in the water. The hard part is these fish also become

spookier under these conditions. The further you stay away, and make less disturbances on the water, the greater your success. On higher tides these same schools are not nearly as spooky, but can be harder to locate. Often these schools will hang around large schools of large mullet. Mullet are a vegetarian fish that stir up the bottom, causing the little crustaceans and baitfish to be exposed, and then they feed on them. Another place to look is large potholes on the flats, close to mangrove islands with deep water access. Another fish that is also over-looked at this time of year is tarpon. The late summer and early fall fishery for these guys can be very good. Unlike the East Coast we don’t have a mullet run on Charlotte Harbor. However, we do have a socalled ladyfish bonanza. During the late summer, large schools of ladyfish feed on glass minnows and smaller baitfish. This attracts schools of tarpon that in turn feed on the ladyfish. If you run across this in the harbor it can be very exciting. I highly

recommend keeping a rod on the boat that can handle a tarpon over 100 pounds. Plus, if you have any junior anglers that you would like to introduce into the world of fishing, these large schools of ladyfish will give you hours of endless bites. They are willing to eat anything that moves. They put up a good fight on light tackle, and jump like crazy when they’re hooked. Did I mention they poop everywhere when you get them in the boat? What kid wouldn’t love that? It also gives you a chance to maybe hook up with a monster tarpon. Toss a ladyfish out on a big rod behind the boat, you might find yourself in the fight of a life time. Our summer fishery should stay strong as long as we don’t have any major storms and clean water. Just remember to keep an eye on the sky! If you would like to enjoy some of South West Florida’s finest fishing, give us a call or send us an email. All of our trips are private and customized to fit you and your party’s needs.

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Captain Debbie Hanson’s

Southwest Florida Freshwater Report & Forecast Capt. Debbie Hanson • shefishes2.com • @shefishes2

ith summer temperatures up in the 90’s and increased rainfall over the past few weeks, it’s feeling a lot like the Amazon here in Southwest Florida. This means good opportunities for those clients who want to scratch a peacock bass off of their bucket list. You’ll want to be sure your casting accuracy is up to par though since the focus has been on working topwater lures or flies around rocky shorelines, riprap, culverts, and concrete bridge pilings. Like other ambush-predators, peacock bass absolutely love hanging around structure. While the largemouth bass bite slows down as the sun climbs higher in the sky on these mid-summer days, the peacocks get even more fired up to feed. Avoid missed strikes by making sure you work your topwater lure or fly at a steady cadence and don’t break your rhythm if you see a wake coming up behind it. More importantly, resist the urge to pull the lure or fly away from the fish by setting the hook prematurely. If your first cast is rejected, make another and try working your lure or fly a little faster to get the peacock’s predatory instincts to kick in. Once you do get a take, my biggest piece of advice is to make extra sure you keep steady pressure on that fish. Slack is not your friend. The moment you give a peacock bass slack, he or she will shoot up out of the water and give you a furious lure or fly tossing headshake. When you get the fish up near the boat, be anticipating his or her every move and be ready to dip the rod tip down into the water if the fish takes a deep dive in a last-ditch attempt to escape. Some of my favorite topwater lures for peacock bass are the Rapala X-Rap Pop Topwater Lure in Yellow Perch (similar to peacock bass colors), the Rebel Pop-R in Foxy Momma, and the Rapala Ultra Lite Pop in Lime Frog. When fishing with fly clients, I primarily use size 4 foam poppers in orange or fire tiger colors. Get out and experience the fun of peacock bass on topwater this month, you’ll be glad you did!

september 2021

OKEECHOBEE 15

ike Meisenheimer, better known to thousands of his fans as Mikeyballz, is truly an inspiration to many anglers who make up the 68,900 subscribers, and the 10,847,012 views of his epic videos on YouTube. Whether you tune in to watch him catch gigantic bass, or how to fish a hot new lure, he will capture your attention with his experience, knowledge and dry wit.

Many local fishermen have known Mike for years. Some have fished with him and some, like myself, have fished against him in bass tournaments on a few of our local lakes. He is an incredible bass fisherman, and, perhaps even more importantly, he’s incredibly passionate about the sport! I met Mike years ago when he and his partner Blaze Napier won a Lake Placid Team Trail bass tournament on Lake June with five fish weighing 27.10 pounds. Their biggest, a 9.68-pound bass easily took the big bass pot as well. I fished the tournament with my partner, Nick DeSanta, and like many other teams, we had five bass that weighed less than 12 pounds. We thought it was a pretty tough day on the water. I’ve also had the opportunity to watch many of his video’s, and like many other anglers, I have learned a few things from this fishing phenom. In fact, the last bass I caught over eight pounds can be credited to Mike and one of his video’s on how to fish the deep-diving crankbait, the Strike King 10XD, with 10-pound test line. I’d fished with the 10XD many times before watching his video, but I’d never had much success with the lure. But Mike emphasized the importance of using lighter line to get the crankbait down, and he was right. I not only

caught a trophy bass, but I could feel the difference along the bottom as my lure bounced along. For a brief period of time, Mike dominated many of the local tournaments, often winning against tournament anglers who had been competing in events long before he was even born, with flashier boats, better equipment and expensive electronics. And then he was gone. Mike enrolled in the local community college, eventually transferred to Gainesville and the University of Florida where he received his Bachelor’s Degree. A few years later, Mike earned his Master’s Degree from Florida State University. He currently lives in Alabama but he’s no stranger to our lakes in Highlands County, spending time with his parents who live in Lake Placid, he continues to fish many of our lakes, particularly Lake June and Lake Placid. For Mike, his fishing career really started while he was in Gainesville, going to school. He started filming some of his fishing trips, sometimes filming all day with little to show for his efforts, other than hours of casting and reeling. But he soon realized that the real value to the videos was his ability to edit, to cut and splice, in order to capture the best of the day’s events.

Early on, after setting up his cameras and fishing in the shallow water grass at Lake Kissimmee he caught and landed a 10-pound bass, capturing the entire episode on film. The video was extremely well received and is still one of his most popular videos on his YouTube channel. Having watched many of his YouTube videos, I became intrigued with learning how to fish deep water. Like so many other bass fishermen, I’ve spent most of my life beating the shoreline for bass. Today, with modern electronics, more and more anglers are fishing off-shore in deep water, using rigs and lures that are essentially new to them. In a number of his videos, Mike lists the equipment he uses in the video, specifically the lures and he attaches a direct link to Tackle Warehouse. I can personally attest to the fact that I’ve spent hundreds of dollars buying and fishing with the lures he’s recommended. Without his recommendations, I probably would never have tried fishing many of these lures. But recommending lures is one thing. What makes his videos so interesting is that he walks you through the proper way to rig the lure (including the right rod, reel and line), and then how to “work” it properly. Like I mentioned previously, I had been using the Strike King 10XD for quite some time and having little success until I watched his video and

Continued on the next page >>

>> Continued from Mikey Balzz learned the secret to getting the crankbait deeper was to use lighter line. Fishing offshore is challenging. A big part of the reason for fishing shallow water is the ability to select a target and attempt to cast to it. Fishing deep water, there are no visible targets (at least there are none above the water line), with the exception of marker buoys. So, my conversation with Mike centered on fishing offshore. We talked about Lake Placid and Lake June, two lakes he felt were probably the best deep-water choices in Highlands County. “I’ve fished all the deep-water lakes in Highlands County, and there are plenty of them, but in my opinion, none of them have the potential of Lake Placid and Lake June,” Mike stated. I asked him the most basic of questions, “how do you know where to fish in these deep-water lakes”. “Obviously, using a depthfinder with sonar and side-imaging makes the task much easier,” Mike said, “but even through trial and error, bottom bumping lures can tell you a lot about the bottom conditions.” He then went on to explain what to look for. “Bass will spend a great deal of time in deep water, holding near, under, or in some cases, suspended above some type of structure. It might be a bush or a tree that someone sank into the lake, or a sunken boat or in some cases, maybe a pile of rocks. But there will always be something to give them reason to hold in that particular spot.” He went on to say, it might also be a rise or a fall in the depth, a ridge, or a hump or a drop-off. It might be grass, or other vegetation coming up off the bottom, or a bare spot, like a shell bed. Anything different from just the flat bottom may hold fish. Bass may also hold on bait balls, massive schools of fish, positioning themselves for an easy meal. I have the same Lowrance chartplotter unit that Mike has, an HDS 12 Live, but it wasn’t until I watched a couple of Mikes video’s that I had a better understanding of what I was looking for. Like anything else, Mike reminded me that it takes time and patience to learn how to use these devices. Mike will often spend hours just idling along the surface, intently watching the multiple screens displaying sonar, side-imaging and down imaging, looking for areas that show bottom structures, as well as fish. Not everyone has the latest, most expensive units manufactured by Garmin, Humminbird or Lowrance to rely on, but even the smallest of depthfinders will provide much of this information if you take the time to learn how to read the screen. Back when I was a kid, I can remember a few of the older fishermen using Daredevil spoons and other flashy spoon-shaped lures to fish for bass. As I got older, I learned how to fish with Johnson Spoons, but other than occasionally trolling with spoonplugs, I hadn’t fished with spoons in 30 years. It wasn’t until I watched a couple of Mikes videos on summer-time fishing with Magnum Spoons from Nichols Lures that I started fishing deep water and catching bass on these remarkable lures. Not only did I learn how to fish the spoons correctly, but that same video helped me to better understand and interpret what I was seeing on my Lowrance Sonar and Side-Imaging.

I had a number of really deep-diving crankbaits like the Strike King 10XD, but I could never get them to the advertised depth until I watched another of Mike’s video’s where he used 10 - 12 lb. test line to get the lure down to the depth where the big fish were. (Mike has used 8 lb. test line when fishing a Ned Rig). Most anglers here in Florida get so used to fishing in the heavy vegetation with 50-80 lb. test braid fishing line that we often forget or seldom use lighter lines. An experience angler can land a large bass on light line when the fish is caught in open water, provided you set your drag correctly and don’t try to horse it in. Whether I’m tournament fishing or just out for a day on the water to enjoy the sport, I keep track of the weight of my five biggest bass. I may not actually weight the fish when I’m just out fishing, but mentally, I kind of keep track of my five biggest. Another of Mike’s videos captures him and a friend fishing deep water and putting together an unheard of five fish total topping 49 pounds and 3 ounces. An incredible average of almost 10 pounds each! And they all came out of deep water. As we continued our conversation about fishing deep water, I asked Mike what he thought about the possibility of catching a state or even a world record largemouth bass in this area. I mentioned to him what Doug Hannon, the Bass Professor had said years ago about the right place to catch a record bass. Hannon believed a record sized bass could come from a 150-mile radius of Tampa, Florida. He reasoned that north of that area the temperature got too cold and the fish had a shorter growing season. South, of course would take in Lake Okeechobee, where he felt the growing season was a full 12 months, but the water gets too warm and increases the fish metabolism resulting in a shorter life-span. 150-mile radius, which would include most of Highlands County, Hannon reasoned, was just right. Offering a full 11-12 month feeding season with water that was neither too hot or too cold. Mike disagreed. His feeling was that a big fish could come from Highlands County, but that it would more likely come from central to north Florida. I mentioned to him that the current Florida State record is only 17.3 and he was surprised. Like many fishermen in Florida, he thought the state record was 20 pounds or more. I read recently a book entitled ‘Florida’s Monster Bass,’ written by Dustin Catrett. In chapter 5 of the book, he refers to Mike as the “YouTube Sensation” as he writes about Mike’s ability to crack the deep-water code. The book is a quick read, but the information he details about Mike’s ability to utilize offshore electronics is critical information if you’re interested in becoming a better off-shore fisherman. Buck Perry, the Father of Structure Fishing once said “there are no experts when it comes to fishing, it’s all about knowledge.” I think he’s right! And even at my age I continue to learn from guys like Mike Meisenheimer. Check out his YouTube video’s and visit his website. You’ll quickly become a follower. ■

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WATER LETTUCE Pistia stratiotes: By Dr. Jason Ferrell, UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Director

ater lettuce is one of the usual sus-pects, a common va-grant, targeted for management on just about every lake and stream in Flori-da every year. This floating plant re-produces quickly and forms large mats that can block boat ramps and be a serious nuisance. However, man-aging this plant has become rather contentious in recent years. Some will point to the fact that water lettuce was clearly documented by both John and William Bartram as they surveyed Florida in the 1700s. They explain these references indicate wa-ter lettuce is a native plant and should be left to thrive. Next, they point out that water lettuce grew unchecked for hundreds of years and Florida’s natural ecosystems was healthy and vibrant. Why, then, has this plant been targeted as a public enemy for the past 40 years? If nature managed this plant with little issue for hundreds of years, why not let it do the same now? Honestly, this is a great question that uses both sound logic and reason. To answer the question, we have to ask ourselves another, equally important, question: what is different now vs 300 years ago? Is water lettuce different? Is it more aggressive, more reproductive, more troublesome than in the past? Science suggests water lettuce has not changed and behaves strikingly similar to how it did centuries ago. The next question is naturally, is Flor-ida different now than it was 300 years ago. I believe that even the casual observer would agree Florida has undergone radical changes in the past 50 years, not to mention the last 300. Simply put, water lettuce has not changed, but Florida has. Florida lakes, as a rule, are rather shallow – often with an average depth of 4-6 feet. How-ever, the subtropical climate of Florida brings near 60” of rainfall annually, with 2/3 of this total occurring between June and September. Historically, these summer rains resulted in dramatic increases in water depth, with some lakes documented to raise 5-8 feet in the summer months. This massive fluctuation would flood large areas and force floating plants and muck sediments to be flushed out and stranded when the water receded in fall/winter. For centuries, this was how shallow lakes in Florida cleaned and reset themselves. This routine and dramatic flooding was anticipated by the 34,000 residents that called Florida home in the 1830’s (this seems to be the first reliable Census record). There was plenty of land per person and avoiding floodplains was rather easy. However, as the population of Florida steadily grew, avoiding flooding became more difficult. In 1947, just 19 years after the Okeechobee Hurricane caused massive destruction and loss of life, the Cape Sable Hurricane crossed the state and caused considerable flooding. It is reported that approximately 5,000,000 acres of peninsular Florida was covered with 6 inches to 10 feet of water. This inevitably led to the formation of Flood Control districts in 1949, which ultimately became the Water Management Districts in 1972. As a result, many of our lakes now have water control structures that prevent flooding by preventing wild fluctuations in depth. Meanwhile miles of canals and hundreds of pump stations were installed across the state to move water quickly and efficiently to maintain safe water lev-els.

MANAGE IT, OR LET NATURE TAKE ITS COURSE? So, what does all this have to do with water lettuce? Well, let us return to Bartram. “...pistia, which send down very long fibrous roots deep into the water by which they are nourished, growing all matted together in such a manner as to stop up the mouth of a large creek...” These tangled roots slow water flow, not to mention the floating plants can lodge against flood structures. Rafts of plants alter the functionality of the structure, or even cause dam-age if the populations are high enough. Water lettuce is a proper threat to flood control. In Bartram’s day, with only a few thousand people in Florida, flood prevention was not a pressing issue. But today, with over 21 million residents, flood control is essential for Florida and managing plants like water lettuce is of primary importance. A second consideration is legislative. Bartram would have never thought plant man-agement laws would become necessary, but today they are a reality. Florida statute, under the Florida Aquatic Weed Control Act, now requires the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to: “…direct the control, eradication, and regulation of noxious aquatic weeds and di-rect the research and planning related to these activities…so as to protect human health, safety, and recreation and, to the greatest degree practicable, prevent injury to plant and animal life and property.” Why should water lettuce be controlled when for hundreds of years it was not nec-essary? The simple answer is that the plants have not changed, but Florida has. Our massive state population requires protection from flooding and simply managing floating plants is key step toward making this happen. Dr. Jason Ferrell, UF/IFAS CAIP Director, wrote this piece. Any questions should be directed to Shelby Oesterreicher at soesterreicher@ufl.edu. For more information about the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, please visit http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu. Be sure to follow us on social @UFIFASCAIP. UF/IFAS CAIP, Turning Science Into Solutions. 1. https://web.archive.org/web/20141121134738/http://www.census.gov/ population/www/documentation/twps0056/tabs15-65.pdf 2. https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-states-fl 3. John Bartram and Francis Harper. Diary of a Journey through the Carolinas, Georgia, and Flori-da from July 1, 1765, to April 10, 1766. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1005551.pdf P. 39 4. http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/369.20

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Friends Of Istokpoga Lake Association

Get out there!

Whether you’re looking to relax, make memories with those you love or reel in the big one, we’re here to help you enjoy your summer. Unless you are exempt, the first thing you’ll need is a fishing license. Make sure your account is up to date in case you need to renew.

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ighlands County, Florida, is rich with lakes, but the jewel of all of these is Lake Istokpoga. The fifth largest lake in Florida, this natural lake is one of the best in the country. With its great bass and speckled perch fishing, hunting and air boating, this lake deserves to remain as good or better than it is today for our children and grandchildren. To help insure this happens, a group of concerned people that live around The Friends of Istokpoga the lake, use the lake, or simply care about Lake Association, Inc., the lake, banded together and formed received the the Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association, Conservation Inc. Organization Friends of Istokpoga Lake Association is of the Year Award a nonprofit corporation, formed in August, for 2001 from the 1998, duly chartered by the State of Florida. Florida Wildlife Our goal is to preserve the quality of Lake Federation. Istokpoga for future generations so they can experience all its natural beauty, both the lake and the wildlife that lives in or around it. We have a dedicated group of officers and directors who represent the association in all its business. Additionally, we conduct regular meetings for the membership, publish a newsletter, the Istokpoga Newswire, that will keep you up-to-date on the lake and events effecting it. We work with various government agencies to insure they are aware of our members concerns and desires regarding the lake. Furthermore, we are all volunteers, doing this because we love Lake Istokpoga and want to preserve it. If you feel the same about Lake Istokpoga, please consider joining us by submitting a Membership Application. Applications can be found on our website at www.istokpoga.org.

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lorida LAKEWATCH is a citizen volunteer lake monitoring program that facilitates “hands-on” citizen participation in the management of Florida lakes, estuaries, rivers and springs through monthly monitoring activities. Coordinated through the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/FFGS Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, the program has been in existence since 1986. In 1991, the Florida Legislature recognized the importance of the program and established Florida LAKEWATCH in the state statutes (Florida Statute 1004.49.). LAKEWATCH is now one of the largest lake monitoring programs in the nation with over 1800 trained citizens currently monitoring 525 lakes, 175 estuary stations, 125 river stations, 20 coastal dune lakes and 10 spring runs in 57 counties.

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The Angler Profile

Matt Thompson

native Floridian, Matt Thompson doesn’t just like to fish…he loves to fish! As far back as he can remember, he’s always been fascinated with the sport of fishing. Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, Matt moved to Sebring about 14 years ago. Although he enjoyed fishing in and around the Lakeland area, Highlands County offered a much greater diversification of water types, specifically, deep water. Unlike most bass fishermen, Matt enjoys trying to figure out the strategies needed to fish deep, offshore haunts for big bass, and over the years, he’s gotten pretty good at it. Thanks in part, at least to his friend, partner and mentor, Brian Underwood. “I’ve learned so much about off-shore fishing, and how to read my depthfinder from Bryan, that I’m actually able to decipher between a hard bottom and soft bottom, various types of vegetation and brush, as well as rockpiles, drop-offs and shell beds, as well as fish. I’m particularly excited about shell beds and I’ve caught some really nice fish off of them. Matt often fishes with his 13-year-old son, Grady, who shares his passion for fishing. The two of them try to get out as often as they can in Matt’s 2006, 20’ Nitro Intercoastal, with a 200 hp Mercury Optimax outboard motor. Matt also fishes with Joe Longoria, another local angler who Matt’s quick to credit for his own angling skills. “Joe’s a great fisherman and a great guy to partner up with. He definitely knows what he’s doing,” Matt said. Learning how to read and effectively fish deep water didn’t come easy to Matt, taking him 3 or 4 years to really feel like he knew what he was doing. I ran into Matt a couple of Matt with his friend Joe Longoria. times on Lake Glenada, and of course, he was fishing an off-shore shell bed. I’ve been fishing Lake Glenada for the last 30 years and I’ve been fortunate to catch a few giants in this small, 182-acre lake. Matt agreed that the lake holds some real monsters, saying that he too had caught some good fish in this deep-water lake. Contrary to what many anglers believe, particularly anglers from up north, catching 10 pound plus bass is not something that happens every day. Many anglers in Florida are still searching for that “bucket-list” trophy fish. Matt is no exception. Although he’s caught a fair share of 7s, 8s and even a 9.12, a 10-pounder has managed to elude him so far. But I have a feeling, that will change soon. Matt has a number of sponsors; Trophy Technology; Castaic, Kitana Hooks, Reaction Strike and Ridgeline Boating Center. I asked him about the craziest thing that’s ever happened to him while he was fishing and he told me the following story. “Back in April of 2019, my son had just gotten back from the beach when we joined up with Brian Underwood who had found a shell bed that was just stacked up with four- and five-pound bass. We were catching them like crazy when I got ahold of one and I set my phone down on the front of the boat. Working the fish in, I forgot about my phone and I kicked it overboard. I quickly handed the rod off to my son and dove in hoping to retrieve the phone. But as I felt around and finally touched the phone, all I was able to do was push it further away from me towards the bottom. By the time I came up for air, I’m sure the phone was on the bottom of the lake. My son landed the fish, but the lost phone cost me $500.00 bucks.” Matt is also a follower of Mike Meisenheimer, or Mikeybalzz as he is known on YouTube. “I’ve watched a lot of Mike’s videos and I especially like the ones he’s done on Lake Placid and Lake June. His techniques for fishing deep water actually work!’ Fishing off shore is becoming more and more popular as anglers of all ages are beginning to realize “the home of the fish is deep water,” -Thank you Buck Perry-. And modern electronics are continuing to evolve. Maybe someday I’ll even be able to read them properly. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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OKEECHOBEE 23

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Nick Kefalides

Jessie Allen Altman

Species: Largemouth Weight: 10 lbs 15 oz County: Okeechobee Location: Lake Okeechobee

Species: Largemouth Weight: 10 lbs 6 oz County: Okeechobee Location: Lake Okeechobee

Brad Len Ballard

Species: Largemouth Weight: 10 lbs 13 oz. County: Okeechobee Location: Lake Okeechobee

Joe Teagarden

Species: Largemouth Weight: 10 lbs County: Okeechobee Location: Lake Okeechobee

So, you want to be a Captain? By Chris Norton

Whether you are looking for a new career in the marine industry, expanding your power boating skills or learning to sail for the first time, Chapman School of seamanship can provide you with world class training.

H ABOVE & BELOW: Capt. Corky Neff with clients

ow often have you daydreamed about being a licensed captain and having your own bass fishing guide service? If you answered multiple times, you’re not alone. Every bass fisherman at one time or another has thought about starting a bass fishing guide service, being their own boss and spending every day on the water, doing what they love to do. Well, it doesn’t have to be a dream. You can make it become a reality with the Chapman School of Seamanship. Being a captain in charge of a vessel, with paying passengers does require a USCG license, better known as the OUPV NC (Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel Near Coastal less than 100 GRT) also known as the six-pack, especially if you will be taking out paying passengers. The OUPV NC allows you to take up to 6 passengers 100 miles off US waters in any vessel up to 100 GRT. The OUPV NC sea time requirement is 360 documented sea days with 90 days in the last 3 years and 90 days of the 360 days Near Coastal (not more than 100 miles offshore from the US and its possessions). The minimum age is 18 years old. If you are not a US citizen, then you must hold a Permanent Resident Alien card (Green Card). There are four exams you must pass for the OUPV NC credential:

• Rules of the Road • Deck General/Safety • Navigation General: Near Coastal • Navigation Problems: Chart Plotting Chapman School of Seamanship offers a license prep and test class for OUPV NC less than 100 GRT which is eight-days (64 hours) and USCG approved. Once the exams are passed, you have 365 days to submit your application to the USCG for your Merchant Mariner Credential before they expire. A completed, signed, and notarized application must be completed along with a medical, physical and drug test. You must also obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Workers Identification Credential) and Adult First Aid/CPR. These also go with the application and your certificates to the USCG for review for the issuance of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Once you receive your MMC, it is valid for five years. So, you can make your dream a reality at Chapman School of Seamanship. Check it out.

Phone: 772-283-8130 @ChapmanSchool on Facebook www.chapman.org 26 OKEECHOBEE

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bass TournamenT schedule (with exemption)

Lake Okeechobee ■ saturDay, september 4, 2021 clewiston city Park 1:00 PM South Florida Bass Club weigh-in, with 25 Anglers ■ saturDay, september 11, 2021 clewiston city Park 3:00 PM REFUSE TO SINK MEMORIAL BASS TOURNAMENT weigh-in, with 300 Anglers roland & Mary ann Martin's Marina 2:00 PM West Coast Couples Bass Club weigh-in, with 30 Anglers ■ sunDay, september 12, 2021 harney Pond canal boat ramp 3:30 PM South Florida Elite Team Series weigh-in, with 60 Anglers ■ saturDay, september 18, 2021 roland & Mary ann Martin's Marina 3:00 PM BASS BUSTERS weigh-in, with 200 Anglers ■ sunDay, september 19, 2021 roland & Mary ann Martin's Marina 3:00 PM BASS BUSTERS weigh-in, with 200 Anglers tournament directors have until the day before their tournament to schedule or make changes to their tournament exemption. this exemption allows the tournament participants to have an exemption from fish length limits, but not bag limits, while participating in the tournament. all fish are required to be handled as stipulated in the permit, while doing everything possible to ensure a live release. any dead fish are normally provided to a charity, such as a homeless shelter. More information about black (largemouth) bass fishing tournament exemptions can be found here: https://myfwc.com/license/freshwater/bass-tournament/ Many of the bass tournaments are coordinated through local fishing clubs. reach out to the group specified for additional information. Weigh-ins are typically open to the public. 27 OKEECHOBEE

SEptEmBEr 2021

sepTember 2021 (863) 763-2248

5286 SW 16th Ave. Okeechobee, FL

Lake Istokpoga ■ sunDay - september 5, 2021 istokpoga Park 2:00 PM Xtreme bass series weigh-in, with 50 Anglers ■ saturDay - september 18, 2021 istokpoga Park 2:15 PM Indian River Bass Anglers weigh-in, with 60 Anglers ■ saturDay - september 25, 2021 istokpoga Park 2:00 PM Cracker Boys Bass Club weigh-in, with 140 Anglers

Loxahatchee NWR ■ sunDay - september 19, 2021 lox road ramp 3:00 PM biG reel bassMasters weigh-in, with 30 anglers

(863) 763-0973

1505 FL-78 Okeechobee, FL

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 27

hooked on fishing By Robert Fromhartz

know firsthand that fishing is more of a “sickness”, or “obsession” than a sport. My infection began when I was growing up very close to Lake Saltonstall in East Haven, Connecticut. My friends and I would spend hours on end fishing in that lake. One Saturday there was a fishing contest for kids and we all lined up on the shore trying to catch a fish big enough to win a prize. My 5-year-old cousin Diane wanted to win, but she had never fished before. My brothers and I weren’t catching anything “prize winning”, so we put the biggest fish we had on Diane’s line, threw it in and showed her how to reel it in. The fish was just big enough, as Diane won a prize for her age group. That was 65 years ago, so I don’t remember what she won, but I know Diane was a very happy little girl. To me, nothing is better than the smile on a child’s face when they catch their first fish. Diane and I both laugh about this now and for the record, neither of us have continued on a life of misdeeds. My next infection was about 30 years later. I would walk from my house in Plantation, Florida to a small canal that led to a large canal, West of the Florida Turnpike. I would fish the large canal once or twice a week for bluegill or largemouth bass. As I fished for bass one day, something very big hit the bait and took off with it. I tried to set the hook, but the fish came straight up out of the water and seemed to look right at me, as it spit the hook back toward me. I knew I had just hooked a tarpon. I now had the obsession once again. For the next year I fished that canal almost every day. When I’d come home from work, I’d get my gear from the carport and head straight to the canal. I would hook tarpon many times over the next year but because they have a boney mouth, it is very hard to “set the hook”. Then one day I got lucky. I hauled in the biggest fish I’d ever caught. I was so excited, I grabbed the fish, ran home, took pictures and raced back to the canal to release my catch. A week later I landed another tarpon and I was cured. I lost my obsession that day and was healed. Recently my grandsons came to visit for the day with their aunt. I took them across the street to my neighbors (Don Norton) to fish in the small lake behind his house. My grandsons, like a lot of kids today, don’t have much of an interest in anything that doesn’t have batteries and flashing lights. I thought it would be good if they used their opposable thumbs to operate a rod and reel, instead of a game or a phone. It was 95 degrees with a bright sun and after about a half hour without a nibble, they begged me to take them back to the air conditioning. They were done, but I wasn’t. A couple hours later my daughter wanted to go fishing. We went back and my daughter caught 7 or 8 bluegills. You really never know when the fish will bite. My neighbor, Don has been infected with this malady for his whole life. He has written fishing columns in the Highlands News Sun for years. His

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SEptEmBEr 2021

latest is a column called “Just Add Water”. He also has a monthly magazine called The Coastal Angler (Okeechobee edition). Don is a bass guide and a tournament angler and has probably fished every lake in Central Florida. So, if you’re ready to be infected with this so-called fishing sickness, grab a rod and reel and head out to the nearest water. Better yet, bring your children or grandchildren or your neighbors’ kids and let them catch this “fun” obsession. After I wrote this, another neighbor (Nick) and I took his granddaughter, “Keleana” back to the lake and 5 minutes later she hauled in her first fish. Honest….. I didn’t put it on the hook for her.

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29 O

a great name and a great fishing rod!

gazine de and orida. kness, g your ch this ok his hauled

29 OKEECHOBEE

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TournamenT

Winners

send your tournament results and pictures to

don@theanglermagazine.com 2021

Brandon Medlock

Matthew Wieteha

30 OKEECHOBEE

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Chris Crow

Trevor Hamlin

31 OK

Gary Milicevic

Cody Davis

Justin Morgan

Niel Nix

Dillon McMillin

31 OKEECHOBEE

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Don Ellerbee

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OKEECHOBEE 31

15 Fisheating Creek Free - Boat ramp, bank fishing 9 Hooker Hooker Highway Highway Access Access Point Point Free Free -- Bank Bank fishing, fishing, scenic scenic viewpoint viewpoint scant parking parking 9 scant 10 John John Stretch Stretch Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters with tables tables & grills, grills, water, restrooms, scenic viewpoint, play area, area, dump station 16 Harney Pond Canal Recreation Area Freeviewpoint, - Boat ramps, bankdump fishing, picnic shelters with tables & grills, water, restrooms, raised scenic viewing platform 10 with & water, restrooms, scenic play station 11 Clewiston Clewiston City City Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramps, ramps, bank bank fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters withDitch tablesCanal & grills, grills,(Bare scenic viewpoint 17 Dyess Beach) Free - Boat ramps, bank fishing 11 with tables & scenic viewpoint

12 Alvin Alvin Ward Ward Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank & & pier pier fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters with with tables tables & & grills, grills, water, water, restrooms, restrooms, play play area 12 18 Indian Prairie Canal Free - Boat ramp, bank area fishing 13 Moore Moore Haven Haven Lock Lock & & Dam Dam Free Free -- Bank Bank & & pier pier fishing fishing (south (south side side of of river) river) 13 19 Okee-Tantie Recreation Area - C. Scott Driver Park - Boat ramp, marina, bank fishing, bait, fishing license, guide service, ice, picnic shelters with tables & grills, water, showers, camping 14 Old Sportsmans Village Free Boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic tables 14 Old Sportsmans Village Free - Boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic tables 15 Fisheating Fisheating Creek Creek Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing fishing 15 16 Harney Harney Pond Pond Canal Canal Recreation Recreation Area Area Free Free -- Boat Boat ramps, ramps, bank bank fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters with with tables tables & & grills, grills, water, water, restrooms, restrooms, raised raised scenic scenic viewing viewing platform platform 16 17 Dyess Dyess Ditch Ditch Canal Canal (Bare (Bare Beach) Beach) Free Free -- Boat Boat ramps, ramps, bank bank fishing fishing 17 18 Indian Indian Prairie Prairie Canal Canal Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing fishing 18 19 Okee-Tantie Okee-Tantie Recreation Recreation Area Area -- C. C. Scott Scott Driver Driver Park Park -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, marina, marina, bank bank fishing, fishing, bait, bait, fishing fishing license, license, guide guide service, service, ice, ice, picnic picnic shelters shelters with with tables tables & & grills, grills, water, water, showers, showers, camping camping 19

L A K E O K E E C HH OI B GE HE LANDS LAKE MAP

44 55

ADELAIDE CHILTON to Arcadia Arcadia to OLIVIA LILLIAN EAGLE POND

98 98

70 70

441 441

Taylor Creek Creek

710 710

BYRD

15A 15A

Eagle IslandBay Island

alal anan CC ieie aiar ir Pr r nn P diaia InInd

2nd Point 2nd Point

GLENADA King’s

King’s Bar Bar Shoal

3rd Point 3rd Point Tin House Tin House Cove Cove

GRANADA

721 721

710 710

LITTLE LAKE BONNET

Chancy Chancy BONNET Bay Bay 44 RED WATER LITTLE

rm ar ormve Bear Wo ove Bech W CCo l Dyess Ditch Canal Big each Dyess Ditch Cana BigBBea Area Harney Pond Canal Recreation Area Harney Pond Canal Recreation

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14 14

Monkey Monkey Box Box

Iron Stake Iron Stake Hole Hole

Dynamite Dynamite Pass Pass va ev ne n CC a na an a l l

Moonshine Moonshine Bay Bay

to to Sebring Sebring

13 12 Moore Haven Haven 12 Moore

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27/80 27/80

Pahokee Marina/Campground Marina/Campground -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, boat boat rentals, rentals, marina, marina, Pahokee camping, bank bank && pier pier fishing, fishing, cabin cabin rentals, rentals, water, water, restrooms, restrooms, pool pool camping, Paul Rardin Park Free Boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic shelters with Paul Rardin Park Free - Boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic shelters with tables & grills, water, restrooms, scenic viewpoint tables & grills, water, restrooms, scenic viewpoint Slim’ss Fish Fish Camp Camp -- Guide Guide services, services, bait bait && tackle, tackle, RV RV && camping, camping, marina marina Slim’ John Stretch Stretch Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing, fishing, John picnic shelters shelters with with tables tables && grills, grills, water, water, restrooms, restrooms, picnic scenic viewpoint, play area, dump station scenic viewpoint, play area, dump station Clewiston City City Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramps, ramps, Clewiston bank fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters with with tables tables bank && grills, grills, scenic scenic viewpoint viewpoint Alvin Ward Ward Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank Alvin pier fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters with with tables tables && pier grills, water, water, restrooms, restrooms, play play area area && grills,

Coot Coot Bay Bay

11 11

Clewiston Clewiston

HILL

14 14 15 15 16 16

Moore Haven Haven Lock Lock && Dam Dam Free Free -Moore Bank && pier pier fishing fishing (south (south side side ofof river) river) Bank Old Sportsmans Village Free Old Sportsmans Village Free Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing, fishing, picnic picnic tables tables Boat Fisheating Creek Creek Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, Fisheating bank fishing fishing bank Harney Pond Canal Canal Recreation Recreation Area Area Free Free -Harney Pond Boat ramps, ramps, bank bank fishing, fishing, picnic picnic shelters shelters with with Boat tables && grills, grills, water, water, restrooms, restrooms, raised raised scenic scenic tables viewing platform platform viewing

Morgan

CARRIE

Pass The Pass The

621 South South Bay Bay

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441 441

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18 18 19 19

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27 27

17 17

APRHORPE

80 80

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LAKE PLACID 27/80 27/80

441 441

715 715

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Lake Lake Harbor Harbor

NELLIE

Road

Kreamer Pelican Kreamer Bay Island Bay Island

10 10

13 13

West

Ritta Ritta Island Island

HARRY

717

Pahokee Pahokee

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PERSIMMON Glades REDWATER Glades Airport Airport FRANCIS Pelican

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720 720

80 80

W We e ss t t PP a a ll m m B 98 B e e aa c 98 c hh C C an an a a ll 717

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27 27

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441 441

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11 11

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Joe Moore Joe Moore Hole Mayaca Cut Hole Mayaca Cut

823

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27 27

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78 78

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Horse Horse Island Island

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15 15

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L50 L50

to to West Palm Palm West Beach Beach

BASKET

SEBRING

DINNER 17 16 17 16

GRASSY POND

MUD

COUNTERFEIT

LETTA

DENTON

Shoal

15B 15B

ANGELO

LOTELA

1st Point Trail 1st Point Trail

ARBUCKLE CREEK

AVON PARK

441 441

Hog Hog Island Island

AV BO

DUCK DEER

ISIS VIOLA 22 FOX VERONA Eagle Bay

SILVER 1st Point Point LELIA1st

18 18

to Ft Ft Pierce Pierce to

PIONEER

Buckhead Buckhead Ridge Ridge

78 78

PYTHIAS

Okeechobee Okeechobee Taylor

TULANE 19 19 ANOKA

Brighton Brighton Indian Indian Reservation Reservation

H Haarn rn ey ey P Poon ndd C Caan naal l

Junction TROUTJunction DAMON

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22 33

Jaycee Park Park Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank && pier pier fishing, fishing, water, water, scenic scenic Jaycee viewpoint, picnic picnic tables tables viewpoint, Nubbin Slough Slough Free Free -- Bank Bank fishing, fishing, scenic scenic viewpoint viewpoint Nubbin Henry Creek Creek Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing fishing Henry Chancy Bay Bay Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing, fishing, equestrian equestrian access access Chancy Port Mayaca Mayaca North North Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing, fishing, scenic scenic viewpoint viewpoint Port Port Mayaca Mayaca South South Free Free -- Bank Bank fishing, fishing, scenic scenic viewpoint viewpoint Port Canal Point Point Picnic Picnic Area Area Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing, fishing, Canal picnic shelters with tables & grills picnic shelters with tables & grills

Go G ve ov rn ern m m en e t Cnt ut Cu t

RA AM MP PS S R

NuN u Slo Slobbbin b ugug in hh

BO OA AT T B

BLUE CLAY

LACHARD SIRENA

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LOST MIRRIR

PEARL PLACID

Dyess Ditch Ditch Canal Canal (Bare (Bare Beach) Beach) Free Free -- Boat Boat ramps, ramps, Dyess LITTLE bank fishing fishing DIANE bank GRASSY Indian Prairie Prairie Canal Canal Free Free -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, bank bank fishing fishing Indian Okee-Tantie Recreation Recreation Area Area -- C.C. Scott Scott Driver Driver Park Park -- Boat Boat ramp, ramp, BUCK Okee-Tantie marina, bank bank fishing, fishing, bait, bait, fishing fishing license, license, guide guide service, service, ice, ice, picnic picnic marina, ANNIE shelters with with tables tables && grills, grills, water, water, showers, showers, camping camping shelters

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32 OKEECHOBEE

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WWW.COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/okeechobee THEANGLERMAG.COM JANUARY 2017 2017 OKEECHOBEE 5 September 2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM WWW.COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/okeechobee •• THEANGLERMAG.COM JANUARY OKEECHOBEE 5 WWW.COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/okeechobee • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAM_OKEE_0117.indd 7

12/15/16 11:41 11:41 AM AM 12/15/16

JAN

downsize ky fish to shot. My th a hook

them is a Thin 4.5’ gemouth, a little bit orm on a Tungsten

imitator. find fish allmouth Hayabusa as well. nicky fish, ors to the ite colors ng dawn. pkin and

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The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.

Drop Shot Gear A drop shot is a finesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with.

TIPS FROM A PRO

to warm h tend to

DROP SHOT WHEN THE BITE IS TOUGH

TYLER WOOLCOTT

he end of summer is here, and the fishing is a little tough. From fishing pressure through the summer to warm water temps, this time of year can be a grind at times. Fish tend to get a little lock-jawed, and this can be really frustrating. When this scenario presents itself, I pull out a spinning rod, downsize my line and bait, and slow down my presentation to get finicky fish to eat. One of my favorite techniques this time of year is a drop shot. My drop shot rig consists of a weight tied to the end of the line with a hook and soft plastic tied in about 12 to 18 inches above the weight. There are two styles of baits I like to drop shot. One of them is a finesse-style worm like the 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Ultra Thin 4.5’ worm. I like a worm on my drop shot when I’m targeting largemouth, especially in Southern states. These fish are usually feeding on a little bit larger forage, and the finesse worm is a perfect fit. Rig this worm on a 1/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight hook with a 1/4or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight for the perfect presentation. The other soft plastic I like on a drop shot is a small baitfish imitator. The 13 Fishing Vertigo Minnow gets a ton of bites. When you find fish chasing small baitfish or you’re up north where there are smallmouth bass, this style of soft plastic gets the job done. Rig it on a Hayabusa DSR132 #1 hook with a ¼ or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight, as well.

Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. R E S E RV E Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.Y

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I like to keep things simple when it comes to colors. With finicky fish, you want your bait to look as natural as possible. I match colors to the forage in the lake. When throwing the finesse worm, my favorite colors are the green pumpkins and even pinkish colors like a morning dawn. With the baitfish, I stick to white and pearl or your green pumpkin and brown. A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP Tim Barefoot

T H E

P E R F E C T

I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. Check out videos on rigging and using doublecircle-hook tackle at barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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es, everyone wants to catch a grouper, or three, but you should be prepared—tackle-wise—to come home with “the groceries.” One way to accomplish this is to keep a beeliner/triggerfish rig ready on a rod and to have someone willing to use it when you get on the right mark. Not all big stacks of bait on the recorder are beeliners and triggerfish, but get accustomed to it and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at. The bigger species of the reef complex tend hang out under a big stack of bait, like cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. But the truth of the matter is, what you might be looking for is near the top of the stack. For example, the larger beeliners might sometimes be the first taps you get on your jig as it drops toward the bottom. When I’m grouper fishing, I fish a revolving spool reel rather than a spinning reel for several reasons. The main reason is so I can feel the bait as it drops. If you feel the bait on the jig getting tapped on the way down, understand that you’re in beeliners, triggers and/or American reds. At that point, it’s up to you to capitalize or just continue to grouper fish for grouper only. If you choose to do it, you can load up on some pretty tasty groceries by sizing down your tackle. I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. Check out videos on rigging and using doublecircle-hook tackle at barefootcatsandtackle.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COMSEPTEMBER JUNE 2020 2021

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he recreational harvest of greater amberjack and gray triggerfish opened in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters in August. Greater amberjack is scheduled to remain open through Oct. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters. Gray triggerfish is scheduled to remain open through Dec. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, but an early quota closure is possible for either species. The bag limit for amberjack is one per person, per day, with a minimum length of 34 inches fork length. The bag limit for triggerfish is one per person, per day, with a minimum length of 15 inches fork length. If you plan to fish for amberjack or gray triggerfish anywhere in Florida state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

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“A

iyeeeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeee!” The shout sounded Cajun, or perhaps like the intro to a mariachi tune. Either way, it amplified the chaos on deck. Three rods were bent. Two anglers scrambled to uncross lines screaming off reels. A third angler dove to wrap an arm around the 10-year-old who held a death grip on rod number three. It was a tossup as to whether the kid would lose the rod or be yanked overboard into a very active chum slick. The whole scene unraveled when a 10-foot tiger shark rose to the surface. It smashed the boy’s cobia straight through the surface, blowing up close enough to drench us, maybe 15 feet off the stern. There was stunned silence, then... “Ayeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeeee!” our captain hollered. “I love chaos!” Man, what a trip. It was a lot more than my two brothers and I expected upon reconnecting with a childhood friend in Bluffton, South Carolina. Our captain, Keene Reese, is a successful real estate agent with Ussery Group, Charter One Realty in the Lowcountry. He is also a very fishy dude. In mid-June, he invited us—along with my 10-year-old son— on a 20-mile ride offshore, where cobia were thick on a well-known wreck. With a beautiful chum slick snaking off the stern of Reese’s 25’ Regulator “Copacetic,” it didn’t take 10 minutes for “brownies” to start showing on the surface. There was no need for down-lines that day. All the action was on top, visible and simple. Pitch a live menhaden on a freeline, and a cobia would take it before you reached the rod holder. Over the course of a few hours, we boated well over a dozen cobia,

although the action came in such crazy spurts that no one could keep count. The thing is, we only landed four fish longer than the 36-inch minimum. That’s good news, according to Mel Bell, the director of Fisheries Management with South Carolina DNR. For decades, South Carolina was famous for its inshore cobia runs. May is the peak of a spawning run that once saw scads of cobia pushing into Port Royal Sound, Calibogue Sound, St. Helena Sound and the Broad River. Bell said boats lined up to target big eggbearing females before they could reproduce. The fishery collapsed. “We were in a bad place in 2016,” Bell said. “The numbers were scary. Even the anglers were telling us we had to do something.” While overall Atlantic cobia stocks are in good shape, according to the latest assessment, Bell said sound-spawners in South Carolina are a distinct “sub-population.” The Southern Cobia Management Zone was formed in 2016 to protect these inshore-spawning fish. The zone stretches from Jeremy Inlet on Edisto Island, S.C. south to the Georgia border. It extends three miles offshore, and within this zone there is a one fish per person, three per boat daily limit—except in May, when cobia harvest is closed. The limit in federal waters is one per person, six per boat. The minimum length is 36 inches, which brings us back to all the short fish. Bell said South Carolina DNR isn’t ready to release hard data. However, he’s heard fishermen reporting lots of smaller fish, which are likely the age classes protected since 2016. If anecdotes translate into survey data, it would mean the restrictions are working. Bell said next year might be time to take a close look and see just how well cobia are returning to the sounds. PHOTO BY GILBERT CARTER

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ave the parking headaches—oneshot your boat into position every time with one of Parkit360’s Electric Trailer Dollies. The Force and Transformer models are compatible with almost every trailer thanks to ball-mounted Stablelock technology. Just connect to the hitch and steer your trailer into place. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses handle the most difficult parking challenges with ease. The user faces the trailer, allowing complete visibility and control while parking. Park in ways that are impossible with a truck, with the flexibility to move around the trailer to check its position. The dolly’s compact design also allows the user to park hitch-end forward as a theft deterrent. All models include Intelligent Speed Control to move through open areas quickly and more precisely in tight spaces. Have a unique trailer hitch? Easily move any ball-mounted, fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer with standard adapters, or try the Telescopic Hitch Adapter. It’s a non-invasive, alternative connection point that bolts around your existing trailer frame. Built strong and secure to safely move on firm grass, packed gravel, and 4- to 6-percent inclines. Move your trailer with ease, and get PARKIT360.CA in and out of storage faster than ever!

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SEPTEMBER 2021

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THREE WAYS TO TARGET

BIG CATS

f you like the feel of really big fish on the end of a line, catfish are a good option. There are several different types, but trophy hunters set their sights on blue and flathead catfish. Both species grow large and can weigh in excess of 100 pounds. For bait, catfish have been caught on just about everything you can think of. But generally, big flatheads are predators and like whole, live, hand-sized bream. Blues like large cut bait like bream, skipjack or carp. Once you’ve got your bait, here are some ideas for how to fish it. Fish a Fan: My favorite technique is to anchor up in a good spot near rocky bottom or structure such as a ledge, river channel or creek bed. I have 14 Driftmaster 255 H Pro Duo rod holders, which I use to put out a fan of baits on Penn Fathom reels and medium to heavy rods. These are spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid. The terminal end is a weight slide on the main line then a swivel and a 3- to 5-foot leader, with a Gamakatsu 8/0 circle hook on the end. These are the rigs I use to fish Cabela’s King Kat tournaments. They are heavy duty because you never know when a 100-pound monster will show up. Back-Trolling: On big rivers, back-trolling can be very effective. Use your trolling motor in reverse to slow

the boat’s drift in the current and present baits to catfish holding on the bottom. Bottom bouncing is Bill Dance’s preferred method on the Mississippi River. It’s also very popular on the Tennessee River. It allows you to keep your bait about a foot off the bottom and bounce it to fish facing upstream. Tie a three-way swivel to a mainline of 40- to 80-lb. braid. On the bottom eye of the swivel, tie in 12 inches of 20-lb. mono drop line and attach a bank sinker. The drop line should be lighter than your main line so you can save the rest of the rig when your sinker gets caught. On the third eye, use a 2- to 3-foot piece of the same line as your main line and attach a 6/0 to 12/0 circle hook, depending on the size of your bait. Drift Fishing: Drift fishing is very popular on big lakes like Santee Cooper in South Carolina. On windy days, set all your rods on one side of the boat with weights that will slide along the bottom. Pencil, Lindy and slinky sinkers all work well for this. If the wind pushes the boat too fast, deploy driftsocks to slow the boat. If you don’t have driftsocks, 5-gallon buckets work in a pinch. Gary Turner is a long-time contributor to The Angler and Coastal Angler Magazine. Contact him at gary@purgeright.com.

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nsetta Boatworks has always aimed to “continuously challenge the standards of an average catamaran” by setting the bar high for performance, stability and safety. Insetta’s IFC system (Internal Foil Catamaran) not only increases cruising speed and handling and stability, it also provides the boat with better acceleration and better fuel efficiency by 20 to 40 percent, meaning “20 to 40 percent farther cruise range.” Last spring, their commitment to being “the best-performing center console sportfish boat in its class by way of the hull design, cruise speed and best miles per gallon” expanded to the anchoring system on the new 35’ Internal Foil Catamaran. They installed an E-Z Anchor Puller Patriot EZ-3 drum anchor winch. The Georgia-based, fiberglass original equipment manufacturer excitedly announced in an April 23 Facebook post that they were “extremely impressed with the performance and reliability” of the installation, posting the maiden voyage of their demo boat on social media as well as writing about it on their official blog. “We kept it simple on Hull #2 with the Patriot by E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. and have really enjoyed using it,” they wrote. In another Facebook post from July, they wrote: “[It] takes up [approximately] 3 cubic feet and holds 560’ of chain, rope and dyneema.” Utilizing the Patriot series, Insetta’s boats are equipped with a complete 316 stainless steel unit, much like their commitment to use this corrosionresistant, marine-grade metal wherever applicable during the construction of their own vessels. Insetta has instilled a standard of transparency in their day-to-day processes as well, encouraging factory visits and taking a sales-

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About the Patriot Series The Patriot series is the perfect shallow coastal saltwater anchoring solution for center consoles and sportfishing boats. With three sizes, the Patriot spools rope capacities from 1/2” nylon down to 1/4” dyneema. Completely 316 stainless steel components make the Patriot the ultimate saltwater anchoring solution. Engineered to evenly spool anchor rope, these units deploy and retrieve at an average 100-feet-per-minute. Call 1.800.800.1640 or visit ezanchorpuller.com for more information.

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