The Angler Magazine | December 2021 | Okeechobee Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY ADAMS FACEBOOK: @GONEFISHINGWITHTONY VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321

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DECEMBER 2021

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WINTER CRAPPIE

ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities. Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South. Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode. “Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of

By TAM Staff

the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.” Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths. His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish. Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them. Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line. On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.

“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.” Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line. Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.

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EASY FISHING AND FAST LIMITS OUT OF

ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys. From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult. Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels. Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between. The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide. Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times. Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action. That was just fine with

By Nick Carter

my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer. “It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein. The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark. “Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.” Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-

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S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails. When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper. They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water. If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now. Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.

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Contact Ana Banana Fishing Company through their website at anabananafishing.com.

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ON THE DEERFIELD BEACH PIER By James P. Goss

s a small South Florida city, Deerfield Beach has many notable attractions. One of them is the International Fishing Pier. Depending on the season, schools of small fish cluster among the pilings, while along the ocean bottom stingrays, tarpon, turtles and moon jellyfish swim slowly by. Schools of baitfish swirl below and cloud the water. On some mornings, the outer end of the pier is crowded with fishermen, hunched over the railings with their tackle and gear. Down below, the small bodies of fish fleck the water with silver, while larger fish breach the surface in a slow curving motion. If there is a noticeable shift of energy in the air, this usually means some very large fish have arrived. This day, the excitement builds quickly when the

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bonita are running. “Vinny, can we get a line soon?” a fisherman asked one recent morning. Vinny is a large man—larger than most of the others standing nearby. A bright bandana wrapped low on his forehead, Vinnie focused on his fishing line sloping over the railing, where it sagged into the water. Nearby, the fishermen’s casts made a low whir, followed by a faint tuck, tuck as lures dropped beneath the water’s surface. The sound shifted as the mood in the air changed, from mild indifference to anticipation to high animation. A man in flip-flops ran toward the fishermen huddled near the hut. The men were gathering more closely together, their five-gallon buckets, tackle boxes, nets, buoys, rolling bait tanks, coolers, and various unused fishing rods standing at the ready nearby. On a bollard, a curious grackle pecked at a plastic bag of shrimp. “Get back! Get back! Get back!” one man shouted, his voice full of urgency, while another wheeled his cart of bucket and fishing rods toward the focal point of activity. Two fishermen had reeled in a bonita, which flopped desperately on the sun-splashed deck. A grizzled fisherman in the crowd spoke to his friend, a middle-aged woman with a towel draped over her head. “I want you to take this fish home to your mother,” he said, approaching the two anglers, offering pliers to cut the lure. Perhaps he knew the two men. Or he was somehow skilled enough to strike a quick arrangement with them: the gift of their catch. “It’s good to do things for others,” he said to the woman. When she asked what kind of fish it was, he told her, “It’s a bonita,” adding a translation: “Beautiful.” Carrying the dead fish in a plastic bag, the woman left the pier to walk into town. The mood on the pier remained energized. More fish were caught, the bonita piling up. A man yelled, “I’ve never seen so many fish on one pier!” An online fishing report said that boat catches offshore in varied depths of water were netting swordfish and mahi-mahi. And on the pier, the fishermen continued to feel the optimism that accompanies a beautiful day on the water.

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has turned into a full-on quest, in which Storin (a.k.a. Bean) designed his own micro-rod and is using it to catch some impressive fish. “We were bored during covid, and we took out a bunch of those little ice fishing rods,” he said. “We wanted to see if we could maybe catch a tarpon with them.” Viewers of Storin’s Youtube channel, Bean Screen TV, ate it up. It was entertaining, and it spurred Bean to design his own Bean Pole, which he sells on his website beansportfishing.com. “It’s so fun. No matter what, the rod just bends and it won’t break,” Bean said. “As long as you’ve got the right line on it, you can land almost any fish in the ocean with it if you’ve got enough patience and fishing skill. “No matter what you hook, it feels like a monster,” he continued. “You could hook a 12-inch mangrove snapper, and it feels like a monster.” But Bean wasn’t content with mangos. He wants to test the limits of his new rods on true monsters of the deep. Bean Poles are intentionally noodle-stick flexible. He said the key to the design process was “to make them as bendy as possible, so they don’t break.” The reel seats, however, are designed to hold some serious gear. Bean usually fishes a 4,000-size spinning reel with 20-pound braid, but he’s gone as heavy as a 6,000-size reel and 60-pound line when pursuing big tarpon and sharks. He said the rod is capable of holding a 10,000-size spinning reel for folks who might want even heavier tackle. So far, Bean has caught tarpon close to 100 pounds, an 8-foot lemon shark, keeper cobia, giant barracuda, king mackerel, a 30-plus-pound By CAM Staff African pompano, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, juvenile goliath grouper and more with the Bean Pole. “The next thing we want to do is catch a sailfish,” he said… “and a giant goliath grouper.” In case you were wondering, Bean has normal gear, and he doesn’t force charter clients to fish Bean Poles. He does, however, keep one on e’ve heard of fishing light tackle, but this seems a little board… just in case. ridiculous… ridiculously fun! Capt. Brandon Storin, who fishes out of the legendary Bud Contact Brandon “Bean” Storin through his website N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Fla. has taken light tackle fishing to the beansportfishing.com, and check out his YouTube channel, extreme. What started as a lark—toying with ice fishing rods in the Keys— Bean Screen TV, to see the Bean Pole in action.

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urf Expo is gearing up for its upcoming in-person trade show to be held Jan. 5-7, 2022 in Orlando, Fla. at the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center. Surf Expo’s January show has become known as a one-stop shop to preview and get a first-hand look at the latest and greatest apparel and accessories that will lead the industry in 2022. A few of the brands featured in the Bluewater section are AFTCO, HUK, Pure Lure, Reel Life, Jeep by Buck Wear, Fish Hard Gear, Boat Builders Trading, Saltwater Born, Habit Outdoors, Fish Hard Gear, Unsalted Coast and Marsh Wear. Other brands in the show include Salty Crew, Costa, AVID, ANETIK, REEL Skipper, Chums, SMITH Optica, Aqualung, O’Neill and many more. There are quite a few new brands you’ll find in Bluewater making their Surf Expo debut, including Bajio eyewear, Fireside Outdoor, Red Bobber Fishing Gear, Kahuna Wagons, RUMPLE and more. The Bluewater section was designed with the buyer in mind—so they can see all the key inshore and offshore apparel and accessory brands in one location. They’ll find products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses, outdoor apparel and gear and lots more.

Steven “Fish” Fisher, Surf Expo’s senior buyer relations manager works directly with buyers from marinas, outfitters, boat dealers and bait and tackle shops. “There’s a definite need for product. People from Florida and across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and all over the globe are registering and excited to come,” he said. “We staged two safe and successful shows in 2021, and we’ll continue to evolve our health and safety plan to keep those practices in place as we head into 2022 shows,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “We want our exhibiting brands and retailers to feel confident in returning to our show. Surf Expo will continue to assemble the right mix of brands, new products and events for inspiration and camaraderie that can’t be produced digitally.” Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours. Surf Expo will be announcing its full line up of special events in the coming weeks. Registration is free for qualified buyers. For more information, contact steven.fisher@surfexpo.com. For more information on the upcoming show, visit www.surfexpo.com.

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DECEMBER 2021

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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

witnessed a scenario a few weeks ago that when analyzed might help us all catch more fish. I was fishing a familiar cove, drifting my kayak across grass flats mixed in with sand potholes. This area typically holds clear water, and on low-wind days such as this, it should have been exceptionally clear. The farther I drifted across the area, the more I noticed dinginess in the water. This area of the cove had a small island perpendicular with the shoreline and a 15-yard gap in between. I saw small mullet pushing up on the edge of the island. At that point, I decided to anchor my kayak and work the area thoroughly with my rattling soft-plastic paddletail. This area was 1 to 2 feet deep and mostly carpeted with grass with just a few sand potholes. To keep from fouling my jig on the grass, I was burning the lure just under the surface. I unexpectedly hooked up with a nice redfish that came out of the water to inhale my copper and silver soft plastic! Due to the redfish mouth being on the bottom of their head, they put on a nice show while attacking a lure on or near the surface. I caught a dozen or so reds in this area using the same retrieve, and about half of them came out of the water or created a whitewater attack to strike. I was also able to sight cast to a few that swam through in groups of two or three. As the bite started to taper, I noticed the water had begun to clear up. This led me analyze the situation a little more. This area is not known for a lot of tidal movement, and typically you can’t see the water move, as was the case on this day. However, the tide was incoming, which created the silty water, and this slight movement was also pushing the small mullet against the island. Once the water cleared, I realized the tide had slowed or stopped, and as that happened the mullet began to scatter through the cove. I still managed to pick up a few more reds and some trout, but not until I started to drift other areas of the cove. Hindsight is 20/20, and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the end, but it was a great lesson I will use in the future. Even though I could not see the movement of the water, the dirty water was a clear sign of the incoming tide. The bait was reacting to the rising water, and that’s the reason the fish were feeding in that area. I hope this story helps you out in the future. I will remember what I learned that day and apply it. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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Serving Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, Desoto, Glades and Hendry Counties

Welcome

to the December issue of the Angler Magazine

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Featured in this issue

Pg 2 Let's Take it Outside Misty Wells Pg 4 Angler Profile Dave Bennington Pg 8 The True Art of Shiner Fishing Capt. Steve Daniel Pg 10 The Big Show Bass Tournaments Don Norton Pg 11 SW Florida Freshwater Report & Forecast Capt. Debbie Hanson Pg 12 Lake Okeechobee Report & Forecast Capt. Angie Douthit Pg 13 Boca Granda Pass, Charlotte Harbor and the Flats Report & Forecast Capt. Dave Stephens Pg 14 Kayak Report - Capt. Brian Nelli Pg 15 Trip for the Ages - Capt. Norman Lee Pg 18 Highlands Bass Anglers - Ly Nguyen Pg 20 Featured Article Welcome to Craw Dawg Outdoors Capt. Norman Lee Pg 25 How to keep Catching Following Cold Fronts Capt. Debbie Hanson Pg 27 Donate Your Boat to Chapman School of Seamanship Chris Norton Pg 28 WHAT IF? Don Norton Pg 36 The Florida Trail - Robert Fromhartz

staff

Don Norton Natalie Lopez Amy Norton Chris Norton

Publisher Graphics Distribution Technical Director

elcome to the December issue of the Angler Magazine – Okeechobee Edition. By now many of you probably realize we use the name Okeechobee because “everyone’s heard of Okeechobee,” but by no means is that the only area our magazine covers. Our distribution area covers a total of six counties, from North to South; Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, DeSoto, Glades and Hendry. Approximately a population of a quarter Don Norton of a million people. And guess what, a lot of them love the Publisher outdoors! This will be our fifth and final issue of The Angler for 2021, and it’s crammed full of useful how-to articles, local advertisers and plenty of pictures. Our featured article this month is all about Capt. Norman Lee, and his newest venture “Craw Dawg Outdoors.” Norman is a well-known bass fishing guide and tournament angler who has spent a great deal of time fishing all of the lakes in this area. Now he’ll be bringing it to television. Our Angler Profile this month is my old buddy Dave Bennington. Dave’s probably fished in more lakes, rivers and streams, met more celebrity fishermen and told more fishin’ tales than anyone I’ve ever known. He’s quite a character. And last but not least, my neighbor, Robert Fromhartz is continuing his series on hiking the trails of Florida, most of which I didn’t even know existed. I want to thank all of our advertisers and the talented contributing writers who have made this a great magazine! Merry Christmas to everyone and our best wishes to you and yours for a Great New Year in 2022!

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

Let's Take It

Outside with Misty Wells

old weather is here and the local’s and visiting anglers alike are setting their sites on the Kingfish migration. Kingfish are in the mackerel family; they are a migrating and schooling fish that is found off the coast of Florida this time of year. Spring and Fall/Winter are some of the best times to target these “Kings” of the Gulf. Kingfish, like many other species and humans, they like warmer waters 67 to 84 degrees, so in the colder winter months they travel South and as the waters begin to warm up, they will migrate back up North. Kingfish favorites to feed on are sardines, ladyfish, cigar minnows, or ribbon fish a.k.a. silver eels, Kingfish are constantly on the move and looking for their next meal “it’s all about the bait schools”. Some of the best locations to troll for Kingfish are wrecks, reefs, ledges, shipping channels and natural hard bottom. Kingfish however can be caught both inshore and offshore, I have seen them caught right off the beach in Clearwater and right off the John’s Pass & the Skyway Bridge. I personally have had my best luck in the mornings right as the sun is coming up and for the next few hours after that. On average Kings weight between 6 to 30 pounds but if you are looking to break a record you will have to beat over 90 lbs. for the Florida record set in 1976 or over 90 lbs. for the World IGFA record. When you hook a Kingfish it is impressive, they leap and spin out of the water, they will turn your reel into a “screamer” taking so much line so fast it’s screaming for mercy. They travel in schools searching for that bait school, so if you hook one you may get multiple hook-ups as well. If you are fishing in a location that does not have structure you can use your chum to possibly gather a school of bait to bring the Kingfish to you. A standard “stinger” rig is a great go to setup, it helps eliminate the short strikes by placing a hook at both ends of the bait you have a great chance of hooking your King. Kingfish are all about the speed, they hit your bait traveling about 30 miles per hour, so your set up must be right. If a kingfish strikes and misses, hit the free spool the odds are they will come back for a second strike. You can buy pre-made stinger rigs or there are a million YouTube Videos to show you how to do it so I will let your research that. If you want to skip the learning curve

2 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

and go with some pro’s I would book a trip with Legendary Charters out of Clearwater Beach, our Captains will put you on the Kings for sure. Mention “The Angler” magazine when you’re booking, and I will give you $100 off any charter you book. *We sell gift cards for great Christmas Presents. Another Winter favorite is Gag Grouper, as the water temperatures start to cool, they will start to move closer inshore. Let’s talk about shallow water Grouper fishing and how you can land some nice fish this Fall. It is relatively easy to get started and I am going to share a tried-and-true method for shallow water trolling for Grouper. The great thing about this type of fishing is you don’t need an Offshore boat and you aren’t going to burn a lot of fuel during your trip. Now let’s talk equipment, I like to use an open face Penn Senator 4 ot. set up with 60 lbs. test mono line, then measure out a 30-foot leader also using 60 to 80 lbs. test mono line. If you want to use a Spinning Reel, I recommend

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Why is Winter fishing in the Gulf

so awesome?

a 6 to 7 ft., medium to heavy action Penn Slammer 2 set up with 60 to 80 lbs. braid, and same set up with the leader as above. Now depending on the depth of the water you are fishing, you have to decide what size Planer to use #1-10 foot, #2-20 foot, #3-30 foot and so on. Planers run at about a 45-degree angle and achieve about 1 foot of depth for each 2 foot of Planer line. When trolling with these Planers I suggest running about 5 to 5.5 knots, as the water temps cool the fish do become more lethargic so “slow and steady wins the race”. My secret weapon on these Grouper is using a Giant Lip Lure or a “White Curly Tail Pumpkin Jig”. Using my favorite Pumpkin Jig in 1 hour my daughter and I landed a Snook, Tarpon, and keeper Gag Grouper, “it works”. This method is one of the best ways to prospect for large Grouper in an area, so keep working a location with several runs, you may not get hit the first time through. Remember, before you head out to fish fill up the live well with some lively White Bait or Pinfish. At some point you may come across a nice rock pile or structure where you can free line in a bait on a spinning rod and “see what’s for dinner”. • Misty Wells Producer & Host of “Let’s Take It Outside” TV show airing to 38 million on Bally Sports, World Fishing Network, Waypoint TV, Hunt Channel, MOTV, Discover Florida Network & Carbon TV • Bass Pro-Outdoor Pro & Outdoor & Travel Writer

Largemouth & Peacock Bass Fishing Veteran owned and operated 910 - 546 - 2688 dj_timms_fishing

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• Owner Legendary Adventures Charter Co-Clearwater, FL • Founder of “A Reel Future” non-profit devoted to teaching the passion of fishing & conservation to foster children, over 3,500 children & counting. www.mistywells.com & www.legendchartersllc.com DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 3

The Angler Profile

Dave Bennington

n my lifetime, I’ve met a lot of bass fishermen, but few that have ever fished as many lakes, rivers and streams as Dave Bennington. Teaching himself how to fish when he was seven or eight years old, Dave graduated from fishing creeks and small lakes in Jackson, Mississippi to fishing with his baseball buddy’s father, Dr. Harrington, who not only had a boat, but he owned the Plachatie Trading Post on Ross Barnett Reservoir. The good doctor would take the boys out often and teach them the art of bass fishing. By the time he reached his late twenties, in the 1970’s and 80’s, he teamed up with Reed Davis and began fishing local and regional bass tournaments. They competed in dozens of events, winning a fair share with smallmouth and largemouth bass. Eventually he left Mississippi and moved to Indiana where he fished the Railroad Bass Tournaments, the Teamsters and the TED’s Tournaments – run by the local Ranger dealer.

4 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

Dave’s love of fishing continued as he got older and eventually he fished all the lakes in the TVA system, lower Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and even a few in Canada. Back in 1966, during his stretch in the Navy, he was stationed in Port Canaveral where he did a little saltwater fishing, but it wasn’t until he moved to Jacksonville, Florida that he really got a taste of fishing for Florida strain largemouth bass. Fishing the St. Johns River, as well as all the lakes in the northern half of Florida, Dave eventually moved back to Indiana, where he still maintains a home. Retiring in 2001, he moved to Clewiston where he spent a great deal of time fishing Lake Okeechobee, as well as all the canals in the Ft. Lauderdale area. In 2004, he moved to Sebring, Florida where he continues to live today. When I asked Dave what type of fishing he likes best he chuckled and said “topwater!” “I just love to see a big bass hit a frog or a Rapala on the surface,” he said. His worst experience on the water? He and a friend, Charles Beatty, both launched their bass boats on Lake Erie, out of Presque Bay when a sudden storm hit and he and Charles were caught right in the middle of it. They narrowly escaped being sunk, and considered themselves lucky that all they lost was a tackle box in the storm. Dave recalled meeting Denny Brauer for the first time, years ago, at one of the FLW events on the Harris Chain of Lakes. He and Charles had heard it was Denny’s birthday so while they were having dinner at the Golden Corral, Dave purchased a cupcake, placed a candle on it and presented it to Denny who was sitting in his boat when they returned to the ramp. “Denny Brauer thought that was the coolest thing, and for years after that, he always remembered me.” Although Dave’s caught hundreds, if not thousands of bass, he admitted he also loves fishing for bluegill’s too. “I don’t know what it is,” he said scratching his head, “but I just love to see that bobber go under.” I couldn’t agree more.

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DECEMBER 2021

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DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 7

Steve Daniel

The Voice of Okeechobee Fishing Steve Daniel • 239.560.2704 • 863.885.2230

The True Art of Shiner Fishing

here are a lot of reasons some anglers like to use live bait for their bass fishing. The best reason is there trying to catch a trophy bass. If you are only here for a short time the chances of you catching a true trophy bass dramatically increases if you use live bait. If you are using artificial baits you must trick those bass into believing your baits are the real thing. Alto our lures have gotten much better over the past few years they are still not the real thing. If we could only find a lure that would jump and try to get away when a bass approaches the lure but we haven’t gotten there yet. That’s why we use live shiners, when they see a big bass coming up to them they will jump out of the water and fight off the bass and that is what is so exciting about shiner fishing. The shiner usually doesn’t win that battle. I’m a little old school when it comes to live bait fishing; I still like to have my baits swimming free so when a bass approaches he will jump out of the water and that explosion that you here is what makes shiner fishing so exciting. A lot of the guides on the big O like to use a sinker rig similar to a drop shot rig with their fishing but what I have found is you seldom get to witness that surface strike and to me that is the most exciting part of shiner fishing. True you don’t have to cast your bait as much because with the sinker rig the bait stays where the angler puts him for a longer time. I really think the reason I catch so many big bass is that those shiners swimming in

a more natural way and that is what a bass sees in the normal wild conditions. There are a lot of ways to fish live shiners on Okeechobee but free lining big bait with a 12in. balloon just filled up with air not blow up is by far the most exciting way to do it. The balloon is about the size of an egg tied to 65lb. braid, 5/0 weed less hook is the way to go for most of my shiner fishing. Some people ask why the balloon, for me the balloon is so light it is easier to cast and it gives me better feed back as what the shiner is doing. Most of the time I know what is about to happen long before the other anglers in my boat, I’ve watched those balloons for so long after a while you just know and you can’t explain it. I usually get my balloons from wall-mart and I try to use colors that don’t stand out, gold is a color I use a lot because it looks more like a clump of natural grass other than a bright color that might spook a trophy bass. Remember to keep things a natural as possible, turn off your electronics, stay as far from your target as you can and don’t use bright colored floats. Big bass are not intelligent but if there chasing a live shiner and a bright colored float is now chasing him some of them will know something is a little off and might just leave your shiner alone. In a interview I did many years ago with Doug Hannon the bass professor, something he said has stuck with me all these years chasing bass all over the country. He said fish are not intelligent but everything they learn has to do with their survival. Anything out of the norm whether it be a unnatural sound such as your sonar or anything out of the natural environment can spook those large trophy bass, over their life time they have seen and recorded in that small brain of theirs many things that has given them that long life and that is why they have lived to be a real trophy bass. Even if we do everything right and we use the best live shiners available those trophy bass are still hard to fool and catch and that is what makes this sport one of the most challenging sports ever. Remember bass fishing is all about the challenge, which is what make this sort so great. 8 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

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OKEECHOBEE 9

The BIG SHOW Bass Tournaments

Wieczorek Stephens - 1st Place 22 lbs - $2,800

ovember 13th, 2021 marked the beginning of the 4th season for one of the most competitive, exciting and highest attended bass tournaments ever held on Lake Istokpoga in Highlands County. The original concept for the tournament series was the brainchild of two fishing partners, me and Joe Kozic, who wanted to create a tournament series unlike others, where 100% of the tournament fees were paid back to the winning teams, (with a large percentage going to first place) along with trophies and free refreshments. After months of discussion, they finally moved forward with Don & Joe’s BIG SHOW. The first tournament was held on November 17th, 2018, and Joe had to run it by himself. I was in the hospital. But the tournament was a huge success, all to Joe’s credit. I helped Joe on the next couple of tournaments but eventually turned it all over to him due to continued problems with my health. Joe took the reins and continues to run the tournament himself with the support of a few volunteers under the name THE BIG SHOW. Going into season four, The BIG SHOW continues to evolve under Joe’s leadership and is considered to be one of the best run tournament circuits in South-Central Florida. Forty-four teams fished the November tournament where it took 5 fish weighing in at 22 pounds to win. It’s taken 30+ pounds to win some of the tournaments in the past. The competition in these tournaments is fierce, with many of the best anglers in and around south-central Florida competing. I’ve had the opportunity to fish a couple of the tournaments in the past and I plan to fish more of them in the future. One of Joe’s goals for the 2021-2022 season is to offer a $10,000.00 cash prize to the winners of the 2-day Classic.

The 2021-2022 schedule:

Zaller Hobson - Big Bass 10.1 - $440.00

Second Place - Howlett & Webb 19.9 lbs - $1300.00

10/16/2021 2/19/2022 11/13/2021 3/19/2022 12/18/2022 4/23/22 – 4/24/22 Classic 1/15/2022 Sponsors for the 2021-2022 season are BridgeMasters, Lake Placid Marine, Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters, Performance Marine, The Angler Magazine, Kula Signs, Duckett Fishing Rods, McPhail’s, and VRM Repair and Maintenance. Joe’s goal is to make the Classic payoff the best it can be, so he’s still looking for more sponsors. If you or your company would like to become a sponsor, give Joe a call at 863-381-5794. Winker Broxton - 3rd Place 17.6 lbs - $400 10 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

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Captain Debbie Hanson’s

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

reshwater fishing in Southwest Florida transitioned into a fall pattern around the end of October with the arrival of cooler temperatures and stronger winds out of the North. Daytime temperatures have been holding in the low 80’s to high 70’s, but with another front on the way, we’ll have a few days coming up in the mid 70’s with evening temperatures dropping down into the high 50’s. This dip in temperatures will mean a change in strategy. Just prior to our first major front around the full moon on October 20th, peacock bass were still fired up on topwater lures, but they’ve started heading toward drop-offs and deeper haunts now that water temperatures have dipped into the mid 70’s. This means it’ll take more work to get them biting, but live baits and subsurface lures should still bring you some success during the warmest hours of the day between 11 AM and 2 PM. Largemouth bass have been taking Texas-rigged worms and lizards in junebug and green pumpkin worked slow around isolated cover. The winds have churned things up a bit, so look for areas of clean water. Once we see another significant cold front and a further drop in water temperatures, it’ll be time to slow things down and switch to smaller profile presentations until the weather stabilizes again.

Schooley Marine 863.634.9164 Troy Schooley

Spawning activity for largemouth bass peaks with water temperatures around 65 degrees and continues as waters warm into the 70s. Spawning can last for weeks or even months. In Florida, bass generally spawn between January and March, with our southernmost lakes beginning the earliest. This means we will have good pre-spawn fishing in December and January during those periods of stable weather. Book a trip with your favorite guide and make plans to be on the water December 18th and 19th as well as on January 17th and 18th.

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.

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OKEECHOBEE 11

Capt. Angie Douthit ’s

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

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ass and Crappie fishing on the big O for November has been a good steady bite and will continue to get even better into December and on into the winter months which are the main spawn time of year for both bass and crappie. When bass fishing with customers we’ve been fishing with both live bait and artificial lures or with just lures or just live bait, all depends on what is producing more bites at the time and customer preferences of course. The lures that have been consistently producing bites are plastic worms/senkos; slow working top water lures such as Devil Horses, Zara Spooks, Bang a Lure, Chug Bug and Pop-R’s in colors shad, bluegill and crawdad. Swim jigs worked through the grass as well as swim baits are catching some great quality pre-spawners waiting to move into the shallows and on the

beds. On windy days spinner baits, chatter baits and rattle traps in gold and black/blue colors work the best to cover water and catch the ones that are actively feeding. Isolated grass clumps can offer some bigger bass, the best technique to catch those have been flipping/pitching creature-style lures such as crawdad, tubes and smaller senkos in colors black/blue, junebug, redshad, white and crawdad color patterns. When crappie fishing with my customers, I use artificial lures such as small tube jigs tipped with a small round head jig on a 10-11 ft BnM Jig pole and Bucks mini reel. The jigging technique can catch the crappie off the beds as well as the pre and post spawners coming in/out of key areas of the lake. A popular way of catching crappie for some are using small live minnows, anchored on the boat with multiple poles set up. This technique can be productive if you don’t mind sitting in one spot. To really enjoy the lake and expand your fishing knowledge jigging for crappie is a wonderful and fun experience. If you don’t know how, it’s a quick 5 minute lesson and we’re off and running catching crappie and having fun. If you want great tasting fish to eat, specks is the fish to eat and one of the main reasons why Okeechobee gets a lot of people staying during the winter months. Areas to consider next time you’re out on the lake can be: 2nd-3rd pole area of Observation Shoal; some areas in the Monkey Box and Dyess Ditch and up around the point of Horse Island and a few areas on Dupree Bar. Parts of Indian Prairie and Tin house (back inside) as well as 3rd-4th point of the Buckhead Ridge area and at the outside pole of Buckhead Ridge. A few areas in/around Kings Bar, parts of Grassy. On the East side look at Nub N Slough, Hendry Creek lock area and J & S (North side of the lock and down about 1 mile). 12 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Captain Dave Stephens

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

ts looking like this might be a rougher winter than we are familiar with here in South West Florida. We have already been having some fronts make it down to us and bringing some windier weather, and also cooler than normal. Normally when this happens it can cause our fish to move around more. You may find that areas that usually should be holding fish are not. This may be due to the fact that those fish have moved closer to areas that they are comfortable being at during the winter months. The one species of fish that will be making the biggest move will be our snook. When water temps dip below 70 degrees these guys run for cover. When the threat of a major front approaches, they will migrate to areas that have deep water access. For the anglers that don't know, snook are a tropical fish. If are water drops below the 60 degree mark for 24 hours, we could have a major fish kill. The positive is, we have a fishery that does very well when these fronts pass through. Trout is one of our fisheries that does well when our water temps dip down to the point that other fish stop feeding. They might not be in the same areas that you have had success during the warmer months. They also seek out areas that has deep water access such as creeks, and residential canals

they will hold good numbers of fish. You might have to spend some time looking for these guys, but the rewards will be worth it. Cooler weather does not necessarily mean that Charlotte Harbor shuts down. It just means that you have to change up your approach to our fishery. We have fish that I will discuss in future columns. Fish such as Sheepshead just to let the folks from the north know, these are not the same fish that swim in the great lakes. These striped guys are actually very good eating, and put up a great fight also. The cooler water should have the pompano also moving in from the beaches, it's another great winter fish that is way over looked. We are very fortunate to live in a very diverse area when it comes to our fishery. No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, we can adjust and have great fishing. As we approach winter we will discuss different species, and ways to target them. If you would like to experience some of South Florida’s best fishing give me a call or send me an email. You can also follow me on Twitter @backbayxtremes for weekly and daily updates and Instagram @capt.davestephens

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OKEECHOBEE 13

Brian Nelli’s Kayak Report & Forecast Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters 772-201-5899 www.tckayakfishing.com Brian@tckayakfishing.com

Inshore December will start to bring a few cold fronts our way. During the winter months, when water temps drop, targeting areas that warm quickly like docks, mangroves, mud flats and potholes will be the best bet. Getting out a little later in the day to allow those areas to warm will help you put more fish in the kayak. Sheephead are a favorite of mine to target during this time. These fish are easy to catch on just pieces of dead or live shrimp around docks, bridges and channels while kayak fishing the inshore waters.

Offshore Offshore Kayak fishing during the winter months are heavily weather dependent. With our usual heavy winds out of the Northeast try to find a day with a little less wind to pick catch your favorite pelagic species. Sailfish, mahi, kings and wahoo should be your targets. Frisky google eyes and blue runners will be your best options. Trolling the 90200ft depths will give you the best shot at a bite. Finally don’t neglect the nearshore bite for spanish mackerel, bluefish and others. These fish can be a lot of fun on light tackle when maybe the other big pelagics are not cooperating.

Freshwater Depending on how cold it gets the peacock bass, largemouth bass and clown knifefish bite should continue to be great. Live shiners and or shad are your best bets. All 3 of these fish will be looking for areas close to deeper water when the water temps get colder. Find the right depth and you will find the fish. See you on the water!

14 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Capt. Norman Lee

Trip for the ages

nce again, the holiday season is here. The temperature is dropping, the leaves are falling and the cold fronts are starting. While the fishing starts heating up in Florida, things tend to start getting a little bit tougher as you work your way further north. When targeting Florida bass this time of the year, there is one factor that all fisherman have to deal with, which is the dreaded cold fronts. It seems like you never know from one day to the next, what kind of weather that you're going to be dealing with the next time you hit the lake which always makes it difficult to plan a fishing trip a week in advance. I was dropping my boat in one of the lakes up here in Tennessee for a day of fishing. As I was idling out towards the channel, I started thinking back about a guide trip that I had back in December of 2017. I had just put my boat on the trailer and was saying my final good-byes to my clients I had with me that day when I met a man that would later become not only a repeat customer but a very good friend. As I was strapping the boat down, this man began talking to me about how he has been struggling to catch fish since he has been here. You see, this man was from Indiana and was on a 7-day vacation. When he asked me how we had done, I could almost see the disbelief in his eyes as I started showing him the pictures of our days catch. That day we managed to catch 2 over 8 pounds and a half a dozen over 5 plus a bunch around 3 pounds. Then he explained, I only have one more day and I really want to catch something before I have to go home, so without hesitation, I began showing the man some of my rigs, how I tie them along with some of the key baits that he will need. Then I grabbed a few hand-full’s of baits for him to use that included the Bruiser Baits Big Nasty in a couple different colors as well as a variety of colors in their 10” Curly Tail and wished him look. As I was climbing into my truck to head home, he asked if I was booked for tomorrow and if not, he would like to go out with me for it was going to be his last day before having to leave. It just so happened that it was the only day that month that I was free, so we made arrangements to meet back at the ramp at 7:30 the next day. Ok, you see, here’s where things start getting a little dicey. Typically, I usually look at my weather app each evening on what the weather has in store for the next day but for some reason that evening, I failed to do that. That night around 3:00 a.m. I was wakened to the sound of howling winds and driving rain. When my alarm went off at 6:00, I got up, looked outside and thought to myself, Holy Crap its nasty! I never did get his phone number so I had no choice but to head for the ramp just in case he shows up as I uttered to my wife as I was walking out the door, I’ll probably be back shortly. As I was on my way to the ramp, I started thinking to myself that it would not disappoint me one bit if he was not there. As I pulled in, I was stunned, there was Mr. Jim Royce sitting on his tailgate with his rain gear on in the pouring down rain. Ok, now as a professional fishing guide, there's a few things that I’m always striving to meet, one of which is my customer satisfaction,

always trying to go above and beyond to give my clients the best fishing experience they could ever imagine while doing it in a safe manner. The only thing we had going for us up to that point was that I have not heard or seen any thunder or lightening yet. I mentioned to Jim, we’ll go out, but please, don’t hesitate to let me know when you’ve had enough and want to head in, as I told him, we’ll stay out as long as you want or till, we see the first signs of lightning, whichever comes first. As we were idling out from the boat ramp, it literally looked like we were heading in to the abyss. The winds were blowing steady at around 30 with gusts over 40 along with rain and, oh yeah, did I mention the air temperature was around 60 degrees. Once I knew what conditions I was going to be dealing with, it pretty much narrowed down over 90 percent of what I was going to be able to do. It's basically trying to use the wind to your advantage and yeah, I know what you're thinking, how can you possibly do that with the wind blowing at that magnitude. Here’s something everyone needs to consider when fishing in Florida and targeting off shore fish during a major cold front. I have to laugh when I see fisherman digging around in their lockers to find a drift anchors as a way of trying to slow their presentation down as the wind picks up. When other anglers are trying to slow there drift down, I’m trying to figure out ways of speeding mine up. Here’s a tip of the day. Even though you're fishing in 20’ of water, you're still trying to get a reaction bite. A bass sitting in lock down mode on a shell bed under frontal conditions will be more eager to eat a meal swimming by at a faster pace than they would at a slower, more Suttle rate of speed. On Lake Placid, there are hundreds of shell beds ranging from small to really large in size and knowing that my drift speed was most likely going to be around 2.5 mph, I decided to target the longer beds that was marking fish. We pulled up to our first spot and I dropped the trolling motor into the water. Having to control the drift of the boat from my knees to keep from falling out using my one hand to work the foot peddle while hanging on to the fishing rod with my other hand, with every other wave washing over the deck covering my knees. It wasn’t, but about 20 minutes after we initially shut down that we put our first fish in the boat, weighing over 5 pounds. The conditions never did seem to improve throughout the day as the winds continued to blow like we were in the middle of a hurricane but every time I glanced over at Jim sitting on the edge of the deck, he had the biggest smile on his face that stretched from ear to ear. Having to deal with extreme elements that the common Joe would view as virtually impossible, we were able to catch five fish over 5 pounds, one over 6 with our big fish of the day being right at 8 pounds. We ended up fishing that day till around 2:30 when we started hearing some thunder off in the distance. After we got back to the ramp, I handed Jim some more Bruiser Baits to take back and try in Indiana and we said our goodbyes and wished him a safe trip home. Now that we’re three years remove from that one extreme day on Placid, we have kept in touch and became good friends. So, you see, that’s what I enjoy the most about doing what I do, is seeing the smiles you can put on someone's face, making memories and gaining friendship that will last a life time.

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DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 15

Istokpoga State Park on Route 98

4651 US Highway 98, Sebring, Florida 33876 16 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

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OKEECHOBEE 17

The Highlands Bass Anglers D

By Ly Nguyen

2022

Tournament Schedule For information contact tournament director Ly Nguyen (863)381-2310

100% payout Under 10 boats: 70%- 1st place 30%- 2nd place

10 boats or more: 60%- 1st place 25%- 2nd place 15%- 3rd place $100/boat entry includes big bass pot January 8th - Crooked Lake June 18th - Lake Okeechobee February 5th - Lake June August 20th - Lake Placid March 5th - Kissimmee Chain September 10th - Lake Okeechobee April 2nd - Winter Haven Chain October 1st - Lake Jackson May 21st - Lake Toho 2-day Classic - Lake Istokpoga 18 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

ecember for me generally signifies a small break in fishing to focus on the holidays and family. One thing that always does creep into my mind is the start of the next years club fishing schedule. For any anglers that have not ever participated in club fishing at any level I would highly recommend it. Club tournament fishing is great in creating new friendships, new techniques and an ability to compete. There are several clubs in the area that this publication covers. This gives anglers several options based on what experience they want. Options can vary from day of the week fished, same lake every time vs rotating lakes, cost of entry fee, or number of anglers in the boat just to name a few. I participate in a few of the local clubs in my area and also have the pleasure of acting as tournament director for one. The Highlands Bass Anglers Tournament trail is a fishing club that I actually have been a member of for Mike LaMere with big bass of the Classic over 10 years now. Next season will weighing 5.25 pounds mark my eighth as the tournament director. I can truly say that over those years I have met many anglers both young and old that have become good friends. Many enjoy the experience enough that they have very long-standing returning members. This is a good reason for anyone new to the area to seek out a local club to help get familiarized with the local waters from those that know them best. Our club covers the bodies of water large enough to hold us from Kissimmee to Okeechobee. With central Florida boasting some of the best trophy bass fishing in the world, we like to try and take advantage of as many of those bodies of water as possible. Whether deep, shallow, clear or stained water, those trophy fish come from all the different water conditions we encounter. That’s why I enjoy a schedule that rotates different lakes each month rather than fishing the same body of water each time. I also feel that the constant changing of venues allows everyone an equal opportunity to get a win. It is quite common for the limited lake schedules to be dominated by one or two anglers that frequent their same honey holes month after month. Our club just recently completed its 2021 season Classic on the Kissimmee chain of lakes. We end our season with a 2-day classic that rotates between the Kissimmee chain, Lake Istokpoga and Lake Okeechobee. We are a one hundred percent payback club. All entry fees for each tournament are paid back out at each event. Our classic generates a prize pool from all membership dues, monthly 50/50 drawings and qualified team’s entry fees into the classic. We also pay out at the classic our two annual side pots, Big Bass of the year and Team of the year. That made for over $4,000 being handed out to our members at the classic. With only 12 teams qualified to fish the classic this year and $1700 for first place, it made for nice odds for everyone. The entire weekend consisted of very heavy winds in post-cold front conditions. That made for a tough bite. Once it was all said and done only one team managed to produce the five fish limit both days and that proved to be the key to success. Congratulations to the team of Mike LaMere and Norman Riggles on catching 24.26 pounds over the 2 days to secure first place! On day 1 of the tournament, they also snagged the big bass prize for that day with a nice 5.25lb bass. The second-place team of Matt George and Timothy Mikula was unable to manage a limit each day but was able to find a little bigger fish to make up some of the difference. Their 2-day total was 15.3 pounds and also took the day 2 big bass pot with a 4.7-pound bass. The duo of John Anderson and David Ashley were edged out of second with a solid weight of 15.25 to take the third-place cash. Rounding out the podium for the weekend

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Norman Riggles and Mike LaMere with 1st place, Day#1 big bass and big bass of the year prize money

Matt George and Tim Mikula with 2nd place and day#2 big bass

was the team of Joe Conley and Jason Walkup with 11.32 lb. Also being paid out at the end of the day was the side pots for the year of Joe Conley/ Jason Walkup- team of the year with 388 points and Mike LaMere/Norm Riggles with the big bass of the year- 10 pounds 11 ounces from Lake Jackson. Besides the competition and fishing, we enjoyed some comradery. With our classic being a 2-day event we are able to hang out and relax in between fishing. This included some cornhole and sitting down to meals with each together. That provided many chances for new friendships, fish tails and forgotten wagers. In the end, the club environment helped to create a fun filled gathering, doing things everyone enjoys. It may not be for everyone but there are also clubs that

David Ashley and John Anderson with 3rd place

Jason Walkup and Joe Conley with 4th place and Team of the year money

are just fish and go home. I would suggest finding one that best fits you. Remember if you can seem to find success on only one lake then there are clubs out there like that too and only have events on only one lake! Don’t be afraid to try more than one though before settling into one. I know members in my own club that fish in multiple clubs just to have more opportunities on the water. I also have seen some anglers lost to other clubs that fit their needs better just as I have seen some join ours for the same reasons. Do not let one bad experience make you miss out and do not expect instant success. You will learn and get better each time for sure though. Look us up on Facebook if interested, www.facebook.com/ highlandsbassanglers. Check out our schedule and feel free to reach out with any questions.

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OKEECHOBEE 19

o T e om

g w a D w s r a o r o C utd c l e W

By Norman Lee

k folks, let's talk about a brand-new outdoors television adventure that will be hitting the air waves, this upcoming year. I will be hosting the show along with my partner Reg Petoskey, our producer & host teamed up with the Pursuit Channel to help bring Craw Dawg Outdoors in to your living rooms. The show, of course will be centered around Bass Fishing, but we’ll also be filming some epic Peacock, Blue Gill and Crappie shows as well as Off Shore and Inshore Salt Water not to mention some Alligator and Hog hunts. Our goal is to produce a fun filled and new entertaining adventure each week, weather you enjoy hunting or just spending the day on the pond waiting for that tug on the other end of your line. Come a long as we fish some of the best fishing lakes in the U.S. as well as some of the less known bodies of water as well. Growing up in a family that enjoyed spending time together in the great outdoors and being taught at a young age the importance of good family values, I feel it is important to have that type of atmosphere in each episode to help bring back the outdoor family outings that seems to be lacking in today's society. One of our primary goals is to entertain and educate anglers on the techniques and some of the best kept secrets used by many of the best fisherman on the water today. No matter what type of outdoor activities you enjoy, from Alligator and Hog hunting to Red Fish, Snook, Peacock Bass, Large & Small Mouth Bass as well as Blue Gill and Crappie, we’re striving to put a show together that folks can sit down and enjoy watching with their children and give everyone the incentive to get out on the water and really appreciate what nature has to offer us. I can’t talk about the show without mentioning our awesome production crew that will help bring Craw Dawg Outdoors to life. Let's start with our theme song which has become known as, Everglades to the Tennessee River. It was written, preformed and recorded exclusively for Craw Dawg Outdoors by no other than country music recording artist TOM JACKSON. Our director, videographer, editor and drone operator is CHRIS DUKE, better known as Duke. Duke has produced and filmed countless music videos for some of the best performers to ever grace the stage as well as working with the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) filming a lot of their promotional videos. He also has his own clothing line, Native Boyz Tv Apparel and operates his production company, Grand Duke Productions. Our Producer-host is REG PETOSKEY. Reg, at age 17 joined the Marine Corp. and spent two tours of duty in Vietnam. After getting out of the military, he worked as a freelance outdoors writer where he wrote a weekly fishing article for the local paper as well as hosting a weekly outdoors radio show. He also fished what was known at that time as the Redman Bass Tour as well as the FLW/BFL’s along with working as a professional bass guide. I am NORMAN LEE; I will be the host of Craw Dawg Outdoors. Growing up in Lake Placid Florida, I was right at the forefront of some of the best bass fishing in the state and have worked in the fishing industry since 1997. Joining my first bass club in the mid 90’s, I fell in love with the competitive side of the sport. Started fishing the BFL’s around 2001 and competed in the FLW Costa series, which today is known as the MLF Toyota series in 2015 & 2016. For the past 10 years, I have been working as a Professional Fishing Guide and just recently relocated to Cleveland Tennessee where I am continuing to guide fulltime. We are all working hard to produce a show that will be exciting, educational and real. You can catch us on the PURSUIT CHANNEL as we bring you a different adventure every Wednesday with a repeat of the show on Tuesdays. Our first episode of Craw Dawg Outdoors is set to air December 29th at 6:00 p.m. eastern time.

Bass Tournament Schedule

december 2021

Lake Ariana

Lake Istokpoga

■ Saturday, January 1, 2022 City Ramp 1:30 PM Happy Hookers weigh-in, with 40 Anglers

■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 Istokpoga Park 3:00 PM AMERICAN BASS ANGLERS weigh-in, with 30 Anglers

Eagle Lake ■ Saturday, December 4, 2021 Eagle Lake Public Ramp 2:00 PM lone fishing club weigh-in, with 16 Anglers ■ Sunday, December 5, 2021 Eagle Lake Public Ramp 12:00 PM Country Boy's Fishing LLC weigh-in, with 80 Anglers

Lake Fannie ■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 Lake Fannie County Ramp 1:00 PM The Fishing Misfits weigh-in, with 100 Anglers

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■ Sunday, December 12, 2021 Windy Point Boat Ramp 3:15 PM South florida Elite Team Series weigh-in, with 60 Anglers ■ Saturday, December 18, 2021 Istokpoga Park 2:00 PM The Big Show Bass Tournaments weigh-in, with 160 Anglers Istokpoga Park 3:00 PM AMERICAN BASS ANGLERS weigh-in, with 30 Anglers

Lake June in Winter, ■ Wednesday, December 8, 2021 H.L. Bishop Ramp 1:00 PM usabassin weigh-in, with 20 Anglers

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■ Saturday, December 18, 2021 H.L. Bishop Ramp 3:00 PM usabassin weigh-in, with 20 Anglers

Kissimmee Chain ■ Saturday, December 4, 2021 Camp Mack Resort 3:00 PM Bobby Lane Cup weigh-in, with 300 Anglers ■ Sunday, December 5, 2021 Camp Mack Resort 3:00 PM Bobby Lane Cup weigh-in, with 300 Anglers Camp Mack Resort 4:00 PM Xtreme Bass Series weigh-in, with 100 Anglers ■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 Camp Mack Resort 2:00 PM BHS Jackets Fishing Team weigh-in, with 20 Anglers

Kissimmee River ■ Saturday, December 25, 2021 River Bluff RV and Fishing Resort 7:00 PM FLW weigh-in, with 6 Anglers ■ Sunday, December 26, 2021 River Bluff RV and Fishing Resort 7:00 PM FLW weigh-in, with 6 Anglers

Lake Okeechobee ■ Saturday, December 4, 2021 Harney Pond Canal Boat Ramp 3:00 PM South Florida Bass Club weigh-in, with 20 Anglers Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina 3:00 PM BASS BUSTERS weigh-in, with 200 Anglers ■ Sunday, December 5, 2021 Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina 3:00 PM Gambler Lures weigh-in, with 250 Anglers ■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 Harney Pond Canal Boat Ramp 3:00 PM SMC Bass Club weigh-in, with 70 Anglers Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina 3:00 PM Roland Martin Marine Center Series weigh-in, with 400 Anglers

Saddle Creek Park Lake Okeechobee Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina 3:15 PM Old Glory Bass Anglers weigh-in, with 15 Anglers ■ Sunday, December 12, 2021 Roland & Mary Ann Martin's Marina 3:00 PM Roland Martin Marine Center Series weigh-in, with 400 Anglers

Lake Pierce ■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 Jennings Fish Camp 3:00 PM Florida Fishers of Men weigh-in, with 50 Anglers

Lake Placid ■ Sunday, December 19, 2021 Public Ramp / Placid View Drive 3:15 PM Mr B's weigh-in, with 28 Anglers ■ Wednesday, December 22, 202 Public Ramp / Placid View Drive 1:00 PM usabassin weigh-in, with 20 Anglers

Lake Rochelle ■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 N. Winter Haven Chain Public Ramp 3:00 PM Florida Bass League weigh-in, with 100 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.

■ Saturday, December 4, 2021 Saddle Creek Park - All Ramps 1:30 PM Happy Hookers weigh-in, with 40 Anglers

Lake Seminole ■ Saturday, December 11, 2021 County Park Boat Ramp-Park Avenue 5:30 PM skyline winter tour weigh-in, with 30 Anglers ■ Sunday, December 12, 2021 County Park Boat Ramp-Park Avenue 5:30 PM skyline winter tour weigh-in, with 30 Anglers

Lake Trafford ■ Sunday, December 19, 2021 County Ramp 2:30 PM LEE COUNTY BASS ANGLERS weigh-in, with 50 Anglers

Winter Haven Chain ■ Sunday, December 12, 2021 Old Lake Ship Ramp 2:00 PM Performance Bass Anglers weigh-in, with 100 Anglers

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How to Keep Catching Following Cold Fronts By Capt. Debbie Hanson

ome of the toughest fishing trips I’ve experienced have been on days immediately following a cold front when the barometric pressure is high, and skies are bluebird clear, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch fish. You just have to be patient and willing to switch up your techniques. Consider these suggestions if you plan to head out on the water following a front, particularly if you’re targeting finicky Florida-strain bass: Slow it down. Largemouth bass are usually in energy conservation mode after a front passes through and are much less likely to chase down a fast-moving lure or bait. When fishing after consecutive cold fronts, remember to fish your baits and lures slow since bass will become less active with each passing front. Use smaller presentations. Try downsizing your presentations to coax fish into biting. Smaller lures or baits take less energy for fish to pursue and strike. For example, try a 2.5 to 4-inch plastic worm or small tube jig (finesse presentations) instead of a 6 or 7-inch plastic worm or crankbait. Look for heavy cover or thick weeds. On clear days when skies are bright blue, sunlight often sends bass into

the shade of heavy cover. Use a Texas-rigged plastic worm on the outside edges of thick weed lines. Cast your line out, let the worm settle on the bottom, and then slowly lift it a few inches off the bottom and let it settle again. Look for deep pockets. If your best spots don’t produce a bite after 15 to 20 minutes, move on to another area to find fish that are actively feeding. If you have a depth finder, look for drop-offs near deep pockets of water and try fishing with a drop-shot rig. Fish often move off into deeper water to avoid more dramatic water temperature changes that occur in the shallows. Considering bringing along live bait as a back-up. If you’ve tried downsizing and slowing down your artificial presentations to no avail, switch over to live bait. Bass generally find it hard to resist a live golden shiner swimming enticingly beneath a slipbobber. Remember, while bass may have changed locations and be more reluctant to strike in post-frontal conditions, they aren’t uncatchable. Use your time on the water following a front as a time to experiment. Your ability to adapt and change up your tactics is likely to be rewarded.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 25

Something For Our Young Readers to Think About! Warren Buffet, one of the richest men in this country once spoke to a group of college students and he had this to say.

“Imagine if you could have the car or truck of your dreams, free of charge, but it would be the only car or truck you’d ever own.

How well would you take care of it!” The students all responded with comments like “I’d wash it every day,” or “it would be the most important thing in my life!” Warren then said,

“Now, imagine instead of a car or truck, we are talking about your body!” Powerful words and great advice for young and old!

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26 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

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Why You Should Donate Your Boat to the Chapman School of Seamanship By Chris Norton

About the Chapman School of Seamanship

ounded by the late Charles F. Chapman and the late Glen D. Castle, the Chapman School has trained over 20,000 students since opening its doors in 1971. Since its inception, the School has grown from a single vessel to a modern campus of classrooms, labs, dormitories, and large training fleet - both power and sail. The Chapman School is a world renowned boat school that encompasses 9 waterfront acres in South Florida, located just minutes by water from both the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and the Atlantic Ocean. The school’s location of less than 90 nautical miles from the Bahamas allowing convenient access to some of the best cruising waters in the Caribbean for our Offshore Training Programs. The Chapman School continues to focus on its mission of providing the highest quality boating education in a “Learn at the Helm” approach for both the novice and experienced, professional and recreational boater.

Why should you donate your boat?

Boat Donations are Tax Deductible. In the United States, charitable giving to qualified non-profit organizations has long been encouraged by the federal government. The IRS encourages financial support of these organizations. The Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship, Inc. qualifies as such an entity, under IRS Code 501 (c)(3) and the IRS has continued our designation of this approval since 1971 Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, FL is one of the few non-profits that can legitimately use your vessel in our training programs, i.e. boat handling, floating classroom to teach marine surveying, boat maintenance projects, as well as systems, electrical, and engines. The term “significant intervening use” is an important consideration in choosing the right nonprofit for your donation. In that regard, according to the IRS: “Section 7.01 (1) of Notice 2005-44, 20051 C.B. 1287, states that to constitute a significant intervening use, a donee organization must actually use the qualified vehicle to substantially further the organization’s regularly conducted activities, and the use must be significant. Incidental use by an organization is not a significant intervening use. Whether a use is significant intervening use depends on its nature, extent, frequency, and duration.”

How Do You Benefit?

Have the satisfaction of knowing that your tax deductible donation benefits the students and maritime programs of Chapman School. Eliminate the time, energy, expense and stress involved in trying to sell your boat. End all expenses now for dockage, insurance, maintenance, storage, repairs, financial investment and interest.Pay no sale commissions, avoid providing buyer’s marine surveys or dealing with sea trials. Complete the entire transaction in a few days.

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How Does the School Benefit? • Grant scholarships to deserving students. • Expand our training programs to meet maritime needs. • Update our technology for use in our classrooms. • Hire licensed, professional mariners as instructors. • Expand our facilities & training programs.

How to Donate My Boat 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Contact the Chapman School An Inspection is arranged Paperwork is provided for filing Delivery is arranged at no cost to you Your tax deductible donation is complete

For Donations Contact Donations at: (772) 281-1782 Donations Email: donations@chapman.org

DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 27

What If?

What if you were a bass fishing guide, and you had the opportunity to take a famous client fishing? And what if that client was

John Wayne? Ahhhhh..... what then?

Fishin’ with The Duke T

he day started like any other, me at the boat ramp early, swattin’ the skeeters off my boney legs and wishin’ I’d remembered that mosquito repellent my wife set out for me. Lightin’ up a Marlboro and sippin’ a hot cup of coffee from my old Stanley thermos, I stared whimsically up at the road leading to the boat ramp, watching for incoming headlights. It’s a funny thing, but I’ve always been early for a fishin’ trip. Guess it’s cause I can’t wait to get on the water and tear into some of those ‘great ole bigguns,’ or maybe I’m just afraid of missin’ out on somethin.’ Clients, on the other hand, are often notoriously late! Not all of em’, but lately, since I signed up with this celebrity service, seems like they have no sense of time. Guess they’re used to people waitin’ on em’. Pokin’ my finger in my coffee cup, I managed to flip a couple of dead bugs out of it as I took another swig and looked around at the lake to see a small bass chase some baitfish up to the surface. Then, suddenly I heard muffled voices in the distance, and the “clippityclop” of horses on pavement. Sure enough, looking back over my left shoulder, I could barely make out two men on horseback coming towards the boat ramp, through the woods. I couldn’t make out what they were saying, but I figured it must be my celebrity client. The big guy on the chestnut roan took a drag on his cigarette, flicked it off on the pavement and in the dim light I could see I’d be fishing with none other than the Duke, John Wayne. Stepping down from the horse and twisting his boot on the cigarette butt, I watched as he handed the reins to his partner, and waved to him as he rode off in the darkness. He turned towards me and stuck out his right hand and said “you must be Red!” Grabbing my hand and shoulder, he explained to me that one of his best friends owned a cattle ranch not far from the lake and rather than drive over in a truck, they decided to ride a couple of horses over to meet me. His friend gave a wave and rode away with the Duke’s horse in tow, as the big fella stepped cautiously off the dock and into my Ranger. I parked the truck and walked back to the ramp, only to find him standing in the bow of the boat expertly reeling a small bass back in. “I hope we’re in for some bigger fish than this little fella,” he

28 OKEECHOBEE

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said with a snort. “The last trip I was on with a bass fishin’ guide we used shiners that were bigger than this,” he chuckled as he held the tiny bass up to the morning light. I assured him we were after bigger bass as I handed him a life-jacket and suggested that he hold on to his Stetson. As I dropped the hammer, the boat rose up and leveled out at a steady 60 mph. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreamin’. Here I was, sittin’ alongside John Wayne, the Duke, my idol since I was a kid, and it was up to me to put him on a trophy fish.. After a brief, bug-eating 10 minutes, I pulled the Ranger into a small cove and handed him a Denali flippin’ stick. “You ever do any flippin’ or pitchin,” I asked, as I put a fresh blue/black trailer on a ¾ ounce Medlock Jig. “Nawww, I never have,” he replied, as he dug in his pockets for a cigarette lighter. “You got a light, Red?” he asked, as he held out his hand for my Zippo lighter. I wasn’t surprised that he’d never flipped or pitched for bass. For all I knew, he’d never spent much time chasin’ bucketmouths. But I knew he was an avid fisherman, often going out on his boat, the Wild Goose, to fish for saltwater fish that would dwarf anything we’d be lucky enough to catch on this trip. A lot of people may not know that he bought a World War II minesweeper and renovated it in 1962. The Wild Goose, as it came to be called was his home away from home, where he would take his buddies fishin’ and drinkin’ for days on the Pacific Ocean. Obviously, this trip would be different in many ways. I stepped up to the front deck and expertly demonstrated the ease in which flippin’ would allow him to put his jig in every little nook and cranny of the pads and reeds. Twenty minutes later with a little bit of practice, his bait was landing exactly where he wanted it. As he gained confidence flippin,’ I had to laugh as he missed fish after fish, forgetting to “set the hook”! Like so many anglers new to flipping, everybody is so surprised when a bass runs

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with the bait, or simply taps the jig, they forget setting up and invariably, they lose the fish. But it didn’t take him long before he landed his first bass. A healthy 3-pounder, and as I unhooked the fish, he asked about “pitchin”. Standing on the front deck again, I demonstrated the art of pitching. “It’s really just an underhand cast, allowing you to get the bait out further than you might with flippin’, I said. John tried it a few times, forgot to thumb the reel and ended up with a nightmarish birds-nest. “Sorry about that pardner, it looked a lot easier when you did it,” he said as I handed him another rod. Looking at the mess in Speed Spool, I decided to work on it later. “I gotta admit, this is a fun way of fishin’ for these little fish,” he said, as he boated another football sized bass. “But when we gonna get into somethin’ bragging size,” he said as he dropped his Medlock jig into a perfect pocket with a combination of reeds and pads. Holding his rod under one arm and lighting up another Camel, he asked me for a beer. Now I’m not much of a drinker, and I rarely allow drinking beer on one of my guide trips, but I was told by the agency that set up this trip that it was mandatory that I carry a couple of Coors Light and a bottle of Wild Turkey. As I handed him a beer, I noticed his line slowly moving away from the reed pocket. “Duke, set the hook! Set the hook,” I yelled as he dropped the beer and the cigarette and almost lost the rod overboard. Rearing back on the extra heavy rod, he let out a rebel yell. “Woooweeee, hot damn! This thing feels like a bull red,” he said as he fought what appeared to be a huge bass or a small alligator. As he held his rod high and fought the fish, I reached down on the floor to pick up his cigarette and beer. He was trying hard to land the fish, and I warned him not to “horse” it in. But the drag was set too lose on his reel and the big fish was taking line, further and further back into the jungle of pads. “I can’t turn him around,” the Duke yelled as he fiddled with the drag and fought to reel against the power of this fish.. And then it was gone. Looking over at me with a look of awe and disappointment, he smiled a crooked smile and said. “That was fun!” “Let’s go get another one!” Attempting to console him, I told him that big fish like that are famous for breaking the line or just getting off on their own. I didn’t want to mention that he probably didn’t get a good hook set. “Well, this here type of fishin’ is a lot of fun”, but I can see, it takes a little getting used to. Let’s catch another one like that one. I’d like to have a trophy like that for my den back home.” As we continued along that stretch I knew our chances of hooking into another wallhanger were pretty slim, but of course, I couldn’t share that with him. “I’ve got another spot where we’ve caught some real trophies,” I said, as I laid my rod down on the front deck and reached for his to do the same. “Well, let’s have a beer and a shot before we go,” he said as he winked and smiled. “I don’t have any shot glasses for the Tequila,” I said, thinking that might discourage him from drinking.

“No problem,” he said as he grabbed the bottle and chugged down a couple of swigs. “Ahhhhh, nothing like a little snake juice with a beer chaser,” he said to himself. “Help yourself Red, I don’t like to drink alone,” he said as he handed me the bottle. Taking a slug from the bottle and chasing it down with a beer wasn’t too bad, I thought, as I maneuvered the boat between a small bank and an old wooden dock. The spot was close by and as I idled over to it, I remembered the last time I’d fished this area and the cranky old man that thought he owned the lake came out and chased us away. “I’ve lost a couple of really big fish in this spot, but you gotta keep your eyes open. There’s a crazy old man who lives close by and he gets pretty pissed off if a boat pulls up and tries fishin’ here,” I said as I handed him his rod. Flipping the bait perfectly on the right side of the dock, the Duke popped the bait twice and set the hook on another monster fish. “Gall Dangit, I think I’m snagged up,” he said as he gave the rod a strong jerk. “Well, I’ll be damned, I think I done hooked into another big fish,” he said as he set the hook a second time not needing to be reminded again. The fish pulled and pulled as he adjusted his drag and expertly worked the fish away from the dock and back towards the boat. When the bass exploded on the surface, both our jaws dropped!

BANG! ……….BANG!

Gunshots!

In all the excitement, we hadn’t noticed the old man standing on the hillside firing both barrels of double-barreled shotgun out over our heads. “Git off my property,” he yelled, as he nervously pointed the shotgun towards us. Paying no attention to the old man, the Duke continued to work the fish back towards the boat. “Now this is what I was lookin’ for,” he shouted, “a real wallhanger!” I leaned over the stern and gasped as I stuck my thumb in the monster’s cavernous mouth. This fish was so bi g , I reached down with my other hand and double-thumbed the bass and flipped it into the boat. “That is one purty lookin’ fish,” exclaimed the Duke, as he held the 13-pound bass up for both of us to see. “I’m tellin’ you for the last time, git off my property,” the angry man shouted as he paced nervously on the small wooden dock, not 20 feet from us. Handing the fish back to me to put in the livewell, the Duke stood on the front deck and finally acknowledged the crazy old man. “Howdy pardner,” the Duke said as he smiled broadly at the stranger and reached into his carry-on bag. Slowly retrieving an ivory handled six-shooter, the Duke held the gun up where the old man could see the sun glistening off the barrel of the gun. “I’m not the sort to back away from a fight,” the Duke drawled, as he rolled the six-shooter against his sleeve.

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>> Cont'd on page 30

DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 29

>> Cont'd from Fishin' with the Duke

“Now Mister, If ’n I was you, I’d be puttin’ that scattergun away, cause the way I see it, I got six shells in Ole Betsy here, and I don’t believe you’ve had a chance to re-load. The old man looked bewildered and confused. No one had ever stood up to him before. Lowering his gun, he looked the Duke square in the eye and said, “sorry bout’ the misunderstandin’ sir,” the old man said hoarsely as he backed away and headed up the path. Seconds later he was gone. “Damn,” I said out loud. “That took a lot of courage to stare down a man with a shotgun,” I said. The Duke smiled as he put his revolver away and said “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” As we motored away, I took out my camera and got a couple pictures of the Duke, and his incredible trophy bass. Releasing the bass after the last picture was taken, I asked him why he let it go, that I thought he wanted to mount it for his trophy room. He just smiled and said “There’s right, and there’s wrong. This old bass gave me the fight of her life, and she deserves her freedom,” he said in a whisper, as he watched the bass swim off, “besides, I can get one mounted that’s even bigger,” he said with a laugh. As we idled up to the boat ramp dock, the ranch hand was waiting at the water’s edge with Duke’s horse in tow. So as the day ended with a handshake and a promise to stay in touch, I watched as they rode off in the sunset. I could have sworn I heard him say, “Hurry up Jake, we’re burnin’ daylight!”

What IF? Not every client will be as interesting or as well-known as John Wayne, but next month, I’ll be fishing Lake Istokpoga with another celebrity. Rumor has it he’s a straight-shooter and a pretty tough dude.

30 OKEECHOBEE

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Pick Up a Copy of The Angler at 100+ Local Supporting Companies Lake Placid

Highlands County Avon Park

America First ......................... 2153 SR 64W Big T Tires................................ 1109 W Main Auto Options.............................. 106 E Main Dutchers Diner........................ 1012 US 27S Huston Dodge Jeep Ram..... 1600 US 27S Turner Furniture...................... 2900 US 27S Wild Turkey Tavern................ 2751 US 27S Florida Tire Terminal............... 2400 US 27 Maryland Fried Chicken.........904 W Main Taylors Food Mart........................ 3 US 27N Hendricks Store.....................202 E Main St Market 27...............2951 US Highway 27N Pure Grit.................... 309 West Main Street Ace Hardware....................415 Main Street NAPA.......................... 126 West Main Street Walmart................................... 1041 US 27N Avon Park Pawn & Gun...........937 W Main Palmer Electric..........................415 W Main Layes Tires............................. 1092 Locke St Olympic Restaurant.................504 US 27N Mid-Florida Bank........................930 US 27 Hungry Howies....................... 1052 US 27S Sebring Boom Booms.............................330 US 27N Sebring Chamber of Commerce ..................................................... 227 US 27S Golf Hammock Restaurant ................................ 2222 Golf Hammock Dr YMCA.................................. 100 YMCA Lane Caddy Shack Restaurant..3122 Golf View Alan Jay Ford................................ 3201 27S AG Center...................... 4509 George Blvd Watering Hole Restaurant.... 6813 US 27S Flippin Out Salon.. 3605 Sebring Parkway Food for Thought...........................315 27N Glisson Feed Store................... 4525 US 27 Custom Prints................. 1085 Lakeview Dr Walmart................................... 3525 US 27N The Barber Shop...........................241 US27 The Print Shop............... 1086 Lakeview Dr Marty's Barber Shop............. 2340 US27N Captain Hawk Designs............ 6940 US27 Kubota - Ridge Equip............... 6820 US27 Mussellman's Appliances..... 4230 US27N Hammock State Park........................SR 634 Highlands Flooring Center. 2306 US 27N Alan Jay Chevy.........................441 US 27N Alan Jay Nissan.................... 1700 Flare Rd Pinch a Penny............................ 189 US 27S Marathon Gas.......................... 3504 US 27S Mobile 98/66......................SR 64S & SR 98 Matt's Barber Shop................ 5367 US 27S

34 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

Boaters World...........................730 US 27N Henderson's Fish Camp.35 Henderson Rd Lake Placid Feed...................... 417 US 27S Lake Placid Marine......................310 US27 Performance Bait & Tackle.. 1130 US 27N Performance Marine............. 1130 US 27N Smoke Shack....................... 280 E Interlake Holiday Inn Express.....608 S Lakeview Rd Tractor Supply......................... 60 Plaza Ave Anytime Fitness............ 138 Lake Ridge Dr Do it Best Hardware...........190 Plaza Ave Spring Lake Sebring Airport............ 130 Authority Lane Seven Sebring Raceway Hotel...................150 Midway Dr Spring Lake Store......................6106 SR 98 Lorida Trails End........................... 4232 Trails End Freds Bar................................. 4971 US 98 Gator Shack............................ 4651 US 98 Basinger Cracker Trail Store ...................................18084 US 98 CR 7-A

Okeechobee County Okeechobee

Chamber of Commerce...........55 S Parrott Lightseys Restaurant..........10435 SR 78W Garrards............................. 4259 S Hwy 441 Fast Break............................1505 Hwy 78W Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters................. 5286 SW16th Ave Center Mass The Gun Range................... 1934 Center St The Gun Shop....................... 2020 S Parrott Skull Hill Archery.................. 1505 S Parrott OK Corral Gun Club.............9449 NE 48 St Tire Kingdom..............................1595 SR70 Eli's Western Wear.................907 NW Park J&S Fish Camp...... 9500 SW Connors Hwy Lakeshore Marine..........2117 Hwy 441 SE Lunker Sports Bar & Grill.......................... 4825 Hwy 441 S Okeechobee Airport..2800 NW 20th Trail Pier II Motel......................2200 Hwy 441SE Quail Creek Plantation..................... 12399 NE 224th St Taylor Creek RV Resort....................2995 US Hwy 441 SE Days Inn..............................2200 US 441 SE

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Glades County

Buckhead Ridge Sunoco Sun Food..............1009 Hunter Rd Lakeport Aruba RV Resort.....1073 Old Lakeport Rd Big Water Bait and Tackle.........................1027 Martin Blvd Lakeport Bait Shop.............. 14296 E SR78 Twin Palms RV Resort..... 15259 East SR78 Duck Pub..................... 1037 Lakeport Plaza Glades RV Resort........ 1682 Indian Hills Dr Joey's Pizza ...................................699 N 27 Mickeys Bait & Tackle................401 US 27 Palmdale Gatorama.............................. 10665 N US27 Fisheating Creek Outpost...... 7555 US 27

Hendry County Clewiston

Jolly Rogers Marina................... 1095 E 27 Roland Martin Marina....................... 910 E Del Monte Ave Roland Martin Tackle Shop.............. 920 E Del Monte Ave Clewiston Lake O RV Park...... 194 CR 720 Clewiston Chamber of Commerce.....................109 Central Ave Clewiston Inn......................108 Royal Plam Kelly Tractor......................801 E Sugarland Sonny's BBQ......... 1030 W Sugarland Hwy Best Western............ 1020 West Sugarland Walmart................. 1005 W Sugarland Hwy

Labelle Labelle Ford Service Center....................850 S Bridge St Handy Neighborhood Store ..................................................378 Bridge St LaMonarca Barber & Beauty Salon......................... 200 N Main Miller Bait & Tackle.................. 303 Old Country Rd 78 White's Furniture & Appliances....................... 1060 S Main St Labelle Ranch Supplies.....281 S Bridge St Kiwana's Thrift Store.........155 S Bridge St East Coast Marine.............721 N Bridge St Walmart ...................... 1951 W Hickpochee

this month’s PHOTO CONTEST WINNER!

Hardee County Zolpho Springs Marathon Gas.............................105 SR 64E Pioneer Restaurant.................US Hwy 17 S Wauchula Thousand Trail................ 2255 US Hwy 17S Walmart Plaza................1480 US Hwy 17N Citco Stop and Shop............ 306 S 6th Ave Sunco....................................... 5121 SR 64 E

Laura person

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Dollar Tree......................... 2757 SE Hwy 70 King Buffet.......................1319 East Oak St Clock Restaurant.............1121 East Oak St Eli's Western Wear..........1011 East Oak St Stop & Shop.....................4399 SW Hwy 17 Circle K.................................. 405 N Brevard Gator Guns & Ammo.......... 715 N Brevard Smith's Ranch & Garden ........................................ 117 W Magnolia St Craig's RV Psrk & Resort ..................................... 7895 NE Cubitis Ave

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DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 35

The Florida Trail By Robert Fromhartz

Okeechobee East

ast month’s hike took us through the first two sections of the Florida trail from the start, deep in the Big Cypress Swamp, to the next section through the Big Cypress Seminole Indian reservation. The hike ended at John Stretch Park and the levee around Lake Okeechobee. The two sections completed totaled 94 miles. In Section 3 you’ll have a choice of traveling around the lake on the east side or the west side. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have closed sections of the trail on both sides. The plan is to reopen completely in early 2022. The Corps of Engineers office is in Clewiston. You may want to check with them to see where the closures will be. Their phone number is 863-983-8101. If a section of the Okeechobee trail is closed, you’ll be able to do a short road walk to reconnect with the trail. Okeechobee East….. Leaving John Stretch Park, this section takes you on the Herbert Hoover Dike along the East side of the lake. You pass close to South Bay, Belle Glade, then Pahokee on your way to the Mayaca bridge. The Port Mayaca Lock and Dam, is one of five lock and dams on the cross-state Okeechobee Waterway. Large boats use this waterway to cross Florida from Stuart on the East coast to Ft. Myers on the Gulf of Mexico. From just north of Pahokee all the way to the town of Okeechobee the trail runs parallel to US 441. The next stop after crossing the Mayaca Bridge is The Chauncey Bay Water structure. Cross-over to US 441 and you’ll find the J+S Fish camp. Cold beer, soda and snacks will help you rest your tired feet. Henry Creek in 6.2 more miles also gives you access to US 441. The town of Okeechobee is next, then you’ll walk southwest to the Okee-tantie Recreation Area and the Kissimmee River. It’s 54 miles from the start at John Stretch Park.

Okeechobee West

tarting again from the John Stretch Park on the Herbert Hoover Dike, you’ll hike northwest 9 miles to Clewiston, then 12 miles to Moore Haven. You will cross Fisheating Creek and the Harney Pond Canal on SR 78. This section will end at the Okee-tantie Recreation Area on the East side of the Kissimmee River. Total miles on the west side are 65. Scenic views of the lake and the adjoining agricultural lands are numerous along this section of the lake. For over 20 years the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Assn. hosted “The Big O Hike”. It was held every year in November and included Thanksgiving Day festivities at The Clewiston Inn on US 27 in Clewiston. The hike is 109 miles in 9 days, around the lake, beginning and ending in Pahokee. I tried it in 2009 and had to stop with blisters at 35 miles. Then in 2010, I made it 75 miles before the blisters returned. In 2011 I began using duct tape to reduce friction and I completed the 109 miles. Because of closures of the trail by the Corp of Engineers in 2019 and Covid in 2020 and 2021 there will not be a “Big O Hike” this year. Next month we will cover the Kissimmee River section of the Florida Trail. This section was rerouted a few years ago from the west side of the River to the East side.

36 OKEECHOBEE

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Highlander Tournament Trail By Don Norton

he Highlander Tournament Trail, bass-fishing tournaments, will begin it’s second season in January, 2022, on Lake Istokpoga. Tournaments are typically 2-angler teams (although you can fish alone – but the entry fee is the same) with a five-fish limit. State exemptions allow for each team to weigh-in their five largest bass, and then releasing all fish. Whichever team has the highest weight, wins. Entry fee is $100.00 per event, per team and each angler must also become a member. Memberships are for one year and are $35.00 each. The popular bass tournament trail offers a 100% payback of all entry and membership fees, as well as other sponsor related prizes.

The 2022 schedule is 1/9/2022 Lake Istokpoga – Istokpoga Park 2/13/2022 Lake Istokpoga – Istokpoga Park 3/13/2022 Lake Istokpoga – Istokpoga Park 4/10/2022 Lake Istokpoga – Istokpoga Park 5/15/2022 Lake June – Ball Field Ramp 6/4 – 6/5 Lake Istokpoga – 2 day classic

For more information, call Capt. Joe Gruny, 561-827-5668, or stop by the Marine & Tackle Warehouse at 4601 Southside Blvd, Sebring, FL 863-304-8222.

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

WWW.VISITOKEECHOBEECOUNTY.COM (863) 763-3959 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 2021

OKEECHOBEE 37

The Road to Better Hearing and Maybe Better Fishing too.

The Braggin’ Board Submit your pictures to The Angler Magazine don@theanglermagazine.com Dorothy D aniels

David Bolema

Roger Hughes

Maverick Person

John Brymer Danielle Sabatini

Laura Person (Photo Contest Winner!)

James Ford

Donald Shields

Brenda Wynn - 6.8 lbs

ith Chase Sm

Jammie Mazes

atini John Sab 40 OKEECHOBEE

DECEMBER 2021

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A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

here is no comparison to anchoring versus drifting for grouper fishing. Catching grouper and big snapper consistently requires you to set up in one location. But there is a time and place for everything. Bear with me… For grouper and big snapper fishing, you have to anchor or use a long-shank, GPS trolling motor—like a Rhodan—to keep your boat in place. I have talked about this in previous articles. You need to “set the table” for the gags, reds and scamps. While anchored with 4 or 5 anglers onboard, we send down several rounds of whole squid, regardless of what comes up. Whole squid dropped on Decoy Jigs create a chum slick on the bottom directly below the boat. After three or four rounds of these “freebie” squid offerings, we send down the live baits on Decoy Jigs. This is more than grouper and big snapper can mentally digest. They see a live bait caught by a crab or squid. It’s a Happy Meal to them. To do this effectively, your boat must remain in a fixed position. There are now a few brands of powerful, long-shank, GPSequipped electric trolling motors on the market that allow offshore anglers the same benefits enjoyed for years by inshore and freshwater anglers. These machines allow you to anchor “virtually” or set a heading, among other things. They are an absolute gamechanger. I use a Rhodan, so that’s what I’ll call it. Using the Rhodan alone is my preferred method. It will keep you in one spot, and it’s so much easier than anchoring in deep water. It is accurate, fast, effortless and time efficient. If the water is too deep or the current is running too hard, we will sometimes drift with the Rhodan. From barely in gear up to full speed, we use the trolling motor to slow the drift. This creates a good situation in which to drop baits for bottom fish while flying a kite out of the back of the boat. The Rhodan keeps the bow pointed into the wind or current, allowing you to deploy kites with live baits while also bottom fishing. It’s possible to fish for pelegics like wahoo and dolphin while catching bottom fish at the same time. The kite will work the Rhodan hard and reduce battery life, so keep this in mind. A traditional anchor allows you to fly a kite with baits out for wahoo, while also bottom fishing without taxing the Rhodan to keep the boat in a fixed position. This combo, however, can only be used with a light wind. If the wind or current are up, a slow drift with the Rhodan is the best way to drop baits while tending the kite and float baits. Like I said, there is a time and condition for one or all of the combos, but I’m sometimes old-school, and you just can’t beat an anchor for grouper fishing when the water depth and current speed are right. For more information and instructional videos, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

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By Richard Matteson

PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

LIFE IS A BEACH

December Surf Fishing Forecast

he beach is coming alive with the cooler weather, and the seasonal fish, which include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano, are showing up in numbers here on Florida’s Treasure Coast. There have been some spectacular fishing days with 20-plus mackerel and numbers of jacks, some heavier than 15 pounds. The pompano are here, and although most are small, some keeper-size have been caught in the surf and from the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon. Birds and schools of fish have been following large pods of bait swimming just outside the trough. One reason for the increased activity are higher king tides, which eliminate issues with sandbars left from previous hurricanes. The tides are a couple feet higher than they were this summer. One- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons in silver and gold with a single hook are producing great results. I usually use a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig in chartreuse color with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. Even if the mackerel aren’t schooling at the moment, there are still lots of jacks and ladyfish around the trough. I use 10- to 20-pound white braid with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. I like short leaders of 14 inches or shorter, which keeps the double uni-knot connecting the braid to leader from the first eyelet on the rod. I always use a 6 ½- or 7-foot rod with some backbone to land larger fish like tarpon and snook. The standard surf reel is a spinning reel with enough braid (100 yards over mono backing) to land bigger fish. If you are fishing in the Treasure Coast area, now is the time to take your boat out the St. Lucie Inlet and go about a mile south to the Peck’s Lake area known as Kingfish Hole to catch schooling Spanish mackerel. Use a thick leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon or a wire leader, and expect non-stop mackerel action. Use small spoons or jigs, and move them fast near the top of the water. Look for boats following the schools to locate the best fishing. Snook are still hitting in the surf on jigs and live bait with the best action near high tide. The best snook fishing is morning and evening. Remember to fish around the trough; casting out way past the trough is wasted time when fishing for snook. As always, look for birds to find the bait, and the fish will be there. The surf is rough and the tides are high. Time to go fishing. Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

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BE PREPARED For Hazards Of All Kinds

By Capt. Randy Cnota

ecently, I was enjoying a quiet morning on the boat, all by myself, catching several fish in a remote place on the lower end of the Apalachicola River system. The bass were chomping on my top-water jerkbait like they’d never seen one before, and I got complacent while dehooking one. The fish made a sudden, violent shake and suddenly I had two hooks in my hand with a flopping fish on the jerk-bait’s third hook. This is

one of the many hazards anglers should be prepared for when they occur; and hazards WILL occur, it’s just a matter of time. Being an old experienced salt, the removal of those hooks from my hand was not that big of a deal; it just took some time because I was alone and had only one hand to use. Had that happened to an angler who’s never had a hook in his hand, it might have been a different story. Imagine this happening to your child, an elderly person or a loved one… would you know what to do? Obvious hazards like foul weather, high winds and extreme cold are easy to negotiate as a recreational angler; you just don’t go that day! It’s the calm, pleasant, inviting days when you least expect some hazardous event to take place that they seem to occur. My intent is to inspire you to prepare for the unexpected as best you can. There are way too many hazardous scenarios that could play out in a day of fishing, so the following is just an overview of a strategy. People getting hooked, cut or falling in or out of a boat are likely the most common hazards anglers experience. Make sure everyone on board knows exactly where lifejackets and throw cushions are located and how and why to use them. Lifejackets are obvious, but some might not realize the importance of the throw cushion. When someone falls overboard, it’s imperative that someone keeps their eyes on him to maintain his location and get a cushion tossed to him immediately! You’d be surprised how quickly this scenario can turn bad, so make sure all aboard know the drill. A basic first-aid kit on board is a good start for tending to cuts, sprains and burns, but be sure to take the next step and keep a few extra items like duct tape, rescue tape, zip ties, super glue etc. Also, make sure you know how to remove hooks and be able to determine if a hooked situation is something that can be treated on the water or if a trip to the ER is required. As a licensed Captain and retired military, I’ve had plenty of training with first aid, CPR and other emergency matters, but many folks on the water have not. If you captain a vessel, be sure to get this kind of training. You owe it to the people who rely on you out there. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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FLORIDA 2021

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DECEMBER SEASONS UPDATE

ecember is time to shift gears for inshore anglers in Florida. Snook seasons close and flounder harvest opens up this month. New for 2021, flounder harvest was closed for 45 days this year during the fall run. Many anglers look forward to fall as peak time to catch big doormat flounder, which is why the closure occurred when flounder populations are most susceptible to recreational and commercial anglers. The Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 harvest closure was intended to combat what FWC called a statewide decline in flounder populations. Other Gulf and Atlantic states took similar measures. Starting Dec. 1, flounder harvest is allowed with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. These regulations apply in state and federal waters off Florida. The Gulf snook season closure date is Dec. 1, and snook harvest will remain closed through the end of February in Gulf state and adjacent federal waters. The Atlantic snook season is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 in state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations for different zones exist for this species, so be sure to check current regulations online at MyFWC.com. On the Gulf side, from Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022.

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291.7 POUNDS WINS BIMINI WAHOO MAYHEM

n case you’re wondering where the wahoo are in their annual migrations, the action at this year’s Bimini Wahoo Mayhem tournament might provide a clue. With fishing days on Nov. 5 and 6, a fleet of 21 boats didn’t necessarily wear them out, but they brought plenty of ’hoos to the scales. The invitationonly tournament is billed as the highest-paying wahoo tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s held during the historic peak of the season in one of the world’s most prolific wahoo destinations. There are no tournament boundaries, so teams range all over the islands in search of big wahoo. More than $192,000 was paid out after Day 2. The big first-place winner was Finnikki, which brought a very respectable 291.7 pounds to the scales. In a distant second place, Rake & Scrape weighed 148 pounds. The tournament’s Big Fish was a 58.9 pounder caught by Rake & Scrape on Day 1. For more information and complete results, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com.

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FLORIDA 2021

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

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What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

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

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

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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

FWC PHOTO

he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting. Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing. The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023. The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone. In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors. These changes must be agreed upon by

the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper. King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield. The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-

inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement. Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon. Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock. The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered. Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered. A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended. The council selected a preferred alternative that would increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch. The Council will solicit public comment before taking final action.

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For more information, visit gulfcouncil.org.

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You could spend nearly a $1,000 on a sterling silver ring set with a blue topaz stone. But, with Stauer in your corner, the sky’s the limit for affording the extraordinary. Priced at just $39, you can treat her to the Sky Blue Topaz Ring set in .925 sterling silver and save your money and your love life all at the same time. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Indulge in the Sky Blue Topaz Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.

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Your Insider Offer Code: TTR187-01 Please use this code when you order to receive your special discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

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KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

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

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

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

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DOMETIC MARINE SEASTAR STANDARD TRIM TABS

nveiled in late September, the new SeaStar Standard Trim Tabs feature an intelligent actuator system and intuitive dial controller that put precision ride control at the fingertips of today’s boaters. The dial controller at the heart of this system provides a level of control and precision not possible with tactile switches. While this controller is intelligent, it couldn’t be simpler for the boater to understand and use. The boater just turns the dial in the direction he wants to level the boat, and the actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride. There are also single-press Bow Up and Bow Down inputs for manual adjustment, and a Favorite Button that lets boaters easily save a desired tab position. This makes it easy to return to a boat’s “sweet spot” ride position with the

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touch of a finger. The s y s t e m’s Home Button quickly moves tabs to the home position. Further simplifying operation are LEDs that indicate port and starboard tab positions. The dial controller also features Auto Brightness that senses ambient light conditions and adjusts the dial brightness for optimum visibility. Dometic’s all-electric actuators reduce complexity of the system while increasing longterm reliability. For instant response, quieter operation and a better boating experience, these actuators feature a planetary gearbox, hightorque DC motor and freewheeling Ball Screw

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mechanism. For reliable performance over the long run, these actuators feature rugged housing with a simple two-piece design to minimize possible water intrusion points. They also feature dual housing seals, a rear seal in a protected bushing area, and a wiper that removes particles from the shaft and protects the rear seal. Heavy-duty 12 gauge 304 stainless steel tabs complete the system. They feature 316 stainless steel marine grade fasteners, heavy-duty 14 gauge stainless steel hinges and sturdy ¼-inchthick hinge pins for added strength.

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RED GROUPER

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49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds. Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida. Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.

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For the current list of Georgia saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.

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TOURNAMENT BASS RETURN TO THEIR CATCH LOCATION

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ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada. According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site. Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught. Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave. The smallmouths were gone within a day. One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.

For more information on this study, go to bluefishcanada.ca.. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 201667_DOA_7.14_CAL ad_Coastal Angler_3.75x5.indd 1

7/14/20 4:22 PM

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This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.

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MEET THE WELS CATFISH Europe’s Freshwater Monster By TAM Staff

n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream. It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace. Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more. The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds. Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain. Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years. In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more. From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders. They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs. However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important. Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items. In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach. That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly. For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.

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THE CHOICE IS YOURS SUZUKI’S SELECTIVE ROTATION TECHNOLOGY Suzuki has achieved what no other outboard manufacturer has done and provided a simple way to setup dual, triple, and even quad engine applications (150HP and up). This cutting-edge Selective Rotation technology provides the ability for the consumer to select regular or counter rotation into a single outboard model. This technology adds ease of use and overall resale value for the life of the motor.

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

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