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PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321
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F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
A V A I L A B L E
DECEMBER 2021
W O R L D W I D E
INTRODUCING MEGA JACKPLATE
ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.
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deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.
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LOAD THE BOAT WITH
WINTER CRAPPIE
T
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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DECEMBER 2021
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EASY FISHING AND FAST LIMITS OUT OF
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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
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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
A
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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For information, go to www.deerfield-beach.com.
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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.
FISH RIDICULOUSLY LIGHT TACKLE
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FLORIDA 2021
LOCATION 7
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Coming to Orlando Jan. 5-7
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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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JANUARY 5-7, 2022 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER WEST CONCOURSE ORLANDO, FL
Discover the newest fishing and marine apparel and accessory products for 2022 within Bluewater at Surf Expo
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REGISTER AT SURFEXPO.COM. A Trade-only event. Qualified Retailers Attend for Free.
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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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Schedule Schedule Schedule of of of Events Events Events Friday Friday Friday Jan. Jan. Jan. 7th 7th 7th 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm – –8:00pm –8:00pm 8:00pm Captains Captains Captains Meeting Meeting Meeting All All All fishing fishing fishing teams teams teams must must must come come come toto to register register register for for for the the the tournament tournament tournament atatat the the the captains captains meeting meetingtotobe beable abletotofish fishininthe thetournament tournamenton onSaturday. Saturday.Anglers Anglersare are required requiredtotostay stayfor forthe theentire entirecaptains captainsmeeting. meeting.An Anoverview overviewofofthe the contest contestand andrules ruleswill willbe begiven givenby bythe thetournament tournamentdirector directorfollowed followed b by by QQ&&AAfor foranyone anyonewith withquestions. questions.Registered RegisteredAnglers Anglerswill willreceive receiveaafree free White WhiteClaw Clawatatthe thecaptains captainsmeeting meetingand andwill willreceive receiveall allthe therules rulesand and regulations regulations regulations and and and tournament tournament tournament ruler. ruler. ruler. Saturday Saturday Saturday Jan. Jan. Jan. 8th 8th 8th 7:00am 7:00am 7:00am – –1:00pm –1:00pm 1:00pm - -Fishing -Fishing Fishing Tournament Tournament Tournament Both Boththe theBass Bassand andCrappie Crappietournament tournamentwill willstart startatat7am. 7am.Weigh-ins Weigh-inswill will start startatat1:00pm 1:00pmand andwill willbe beseparated separatedout outininflights flightsofof25 25teams teamsper per every every every 30 30 30 minutes. minutes. minutes. 1:00pm 1:00pm 1:00pm – –4:00pm –4:00pm 4:00pm - -Tournament -Tournament Tournament Weigh-in Weigh-in Weigh-in All Allanglers anglerswill willbe beassigned assignedaatime timeslot slottotofor forweigh-in weigh-inatatregistration registration atatat the the the captains captains captains meeting. meeting. meeting. Slots Slots Slots will will will be be be pulled pulled pulled lottery lottery lottery style. style. style. AAA one-pound one-pound penalty penaltyper perminute minutelate latefor forarriving arrivinglate latetotoweigh weighin. in.Angler Anglerwill willbe be disqualified disqualifiedafter after15 15min, min,no noexceptions. exceptions.Anglers Anglersmust mustcheck checkout outififnot not weighing weighing weighing fish. fish. fish. Noon Noon Noon – –6:00pm –6:00pm 6:00pm - -Seafood -Seafood Seafood Festival Festival Festival All Allthe thefestivities festivitiesfor forfriends, friends,family familyand andspectators spectatorsstart startatatnoon. noon.There There will willbe beover over30+ 30+food foodvendors vendorsas aswell wellas asmany manyother othervendors vendorsand and product productdemos demosgoing goingon onfrom fromnoon noonuntil until6pm. 6pm.AAlarge largeoutside outsidestage stage will willhost hostBands, Bands,DJ’s DJ’sand andthe thetournament tournamentAward AwardCeremony. Ceremony.Seafood Seafood festival festivalwill willalso alsoinclude includeKids KidsZones Zonesand andConservation/Education Conservation/EducationZones. Zones. 5:00pm 5:00pm 5:00pm – –6:00pm –6:00pm 6:00pm - -Tournament -Tournament Tournament Award Award Award Ceremony Ceremony Ceremony Winners Winnerswill willbe beannounced, announced,and andprizes prizeswill willbe beawarded. awarded.Following Followingthe the ceremony ceremonythere therewill willbe beaaperformance performanceby byThe TheSupervillains SupervillainsatatThe TheWest West End End End Trading Trading Trading Co. Co. Co. Sunday Sunday Sunday Jan. Jan. Jan. 12th 12th 12th 9:00am 9:00am– –10:00am 10:00amConservation Conservationand andFishing Fishingeducation educationseminar seminar We Wewill willhave havespace spacefor for150 150kids kidstotoparticipate participateininthe theconservation conservationclass. class. All Allkids kidsthat thatparticipate participatewill willreceive receiveaafree freefishing fishingpole. pole.Parents Parentsmust mustbe be present presentfor forkids kidstotoparticipate. participate.Sign-ups Sign-upswill willbegin beginSaturday Saturdayatatthe theSea Sea Food FoodFestival, Festival,but butkids kidswill willbe beable abletotosign signup upmorning morningofofas aswell wellas as long longas asthere thereare arestill stillspots spotsavailable. available.The Theclass classwill willconsist consistofof55stages stages including including including Safety, Safety, Safety, Conservation, Conservation, Conservation, Knot Knot Knot tying, tying, tying, Tackle, Tackle, Tackle, and and and Casting. Casting. Casting. 10:00am 10:00am 10:00am – –Noon –Noon Noon - -Kids -Kids Kids Fishing Fishing Fishing Rodeo Rodeo Rodeo All Allkids kidswill willfish fishthe thesmall smallpond pondbehind behindthe theSanford SanfordMuseum. Museum.All Allparents parents must must mustbe be bepresent present presentwhile while whiletheir their theirkids kids kidsare are arefishing. fishing. fishing. There There Therewill will willbe be bevolunteers volunteers totoassist assistchildren. children.Small Smallprizes prizeswill willbe beawarded awardedtotokids kidsduring duringthe the tournament. tournament. tournament. Noon Noon Noon – –2:00pm –2:00pm 2:00pm - -Fish -Fish Fish Fry Fry Fry and and and Wrap Wrap Wrap Party Party Party The Theweekend weekendwraps wrapsup upwith withaafree freefish fishfry fryatatCelery CeleryCity CityCraft. Craft.Celery Celery Citys Citys Citys outside outside outside stage stage stage will will will host host host live live live music music music Tournament Tournament Tournament Pay-out Pay-out Pay-out Bass BassDivision Division 1st 1stPlace: Place:$2,500 $2,500 2nd 2ndPlace: Place:$1,000 $1,000 3rd 3rdPlace: Place:$500 $500 4th 4thPlace: Place:$250 $250 5th 5thPlace: Place:$125 $125 6th 6thPlace: Place:$100 $100 7th 7thPlace: Place:$75 $75 8th 8thPlace: Place:$50 $50 9th 9thPlace: Place:$25 $25
Crappie Division Crappie Crappie Division Division 1st 1st 1st Place: Place: Place: $2,500 $2,500 $2,500 2nd 2nd 2nd Place: Place: Place: $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 3rd 3rd 3rd Place: Place: Place: $500 $500 $500 4th 4th 4th Place: Place: Place: $250 $250 $250 5th 5th 5th Place: Place: Place: $150 $150 $150 6th 6th 6th Place: Place: Place: $125 $125 $125 7th 7th 7th Place: Place: Place: $75 $75 $75 8th 8th 8th Place: Place: Place: $50 $50 $50 9th 9th 9th Place: Place: Place: $25 $25 $25
Biggest Biggest Biggest Trash Trash Trash Fish Fish Fish (Gar, (Gar, (Gar, Catfish, Catfish, Catfish, ext.) ext.) ext.) $250 $250 $250 Raffle Raffle Raffle (all (all (all anglers anglers anglers are are are entered) entered) entered) $500 $500 $500 222ORLANDO ORLANDO ORLANDO
DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER 2021 2021 2021
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• Academy Sports, 621 Centerview Blvd. Kissimmee, 34741• Academy Sports + Outdoors, East Colonial 11955 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL • Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lee Vista 6640 Eagle Watch Drive Orlando, FL • Academy Sports + Outdoors, Millenia 3557 Gardens Ridge Way Orlando, FL • Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lake Mary 3641 Lake Emaa Road Lake Mary FL Bagg’s Produce, Sanford, 2485 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 • Boat Tree Marina, 4370 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771,(407) 322-1610, boattreemarina. com • Noble’s Marine Leesburg,Highway 441& Palmetto,Leesburg, FL 34748, noblesmarine.com • Noble’s Marine Crystal River, 1931 NW Highway 19, Crystal River, FL 34428, noblesmarine.com • Mudhole Custom Tackle, 2133 Componet Loop St. 1001, Oviedo, FL 32765, mudhole.com Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort, 488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713, campresort.com • Thomas Lumber Company – Orlando, 231 West Gore Street, Orlando, FL 32806, thomaslumber.com • Orlando Outfitters, 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 • Bitters Bait & Tackle, Longwood, 165 N. US HWY. 17-92, Longwood, 32750 • Gibson’s Truck World, 3455 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, Fl.32773 • Owens Fishing & Marine, 935 N. Bay St. Eustis, Fl. 32726 • Avalon Ace Hardware, 14807 E. Colonial Dr., Orlando Fl., 32826 • Richardson’s Fish Camp, Kissimmee, 1550 Scottys Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744 • Wojo’s Bait & Tackle, St. Cloud, Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769 • West End Trading Co. 202 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 • Lakeside Bait & Tackle, Tavares, 1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778 • Halls Feed Store, Apopka, 15 E. 5th Street, Apopka, Fl. 32703 • Lk. Pointsett Lodge, 5665 Lake Pointsett Rd, Cocoa, 32926 • Strike Zone Fishing, 2771 W. New Heaven Ave./US 192, Melbourne, 32904
Big largemouth bass, speckled perch (crappie), and American shad are the three fish species that come to mind when thinking about fishing on the St Johns River in December. The spawn is on! Rains have slowed and the fast river current has too. Water levels are normal; depths are plenty for navigating the mouths of the lakes, even the south end of Harney. With the cooler water temperatures, the larger female bass will begin moving out of the main river into their shallow spawning areas. Target lily pad fields and backwater areas off of the main river and fish large wild shiners under a cork or a Texas rigged large plastic worm very slowly to entice one of these trophies. Also remember handle and release these large females with care. Crappie spawn before bass, now is the time to go speck fishing. 4 4 ORLANDO ORLANDO 4 ORLANDO
DECEMBER DECEMBER 2021 2021 DECEMBER 2021
As the water temperatures cool, crappie females will begin staging along the deeper edges adjacent to shallow spawning areas as the males prep the beds. When the moon is full and the water temperatures are right, 55-65 degrees, the specks will move up into the creeks and shallows and spawn. Try slow trolling small jigs tipped with a live minnow or drift fishing with minnows under a cork for best results. Lastly, look for the American shad to begin showing up around Christmas, with their spawning run lasts through February into March. Be sure to sign up for the 13th Annual Central Florida Shad and Crappie Derby presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. The four month derby is a FREE online catch-photo-release fishing tournament. Visit https:// coastalanglermag.com/orlando/ for complete information and to upload your tournament catches! Note: January 8th Hook’d on Fishing Lake Monroe – Captain Meeting January 7th at Celery City Beer Garden in Sanford – FREE 3rd annual tournament and seafood festival – block party at West End Trading Sanford, FL.
With the cooler temperatures coming into the area with the recent passing cold fronts that means that the lakes will see more activity in terns of fish movement. The month of December has most of the bass are in pre-spawn mode. Covering lots of water with moving baits will be your best bet. Once you find fish slow down and then catch them! Power fishing with bladed jigs can cover vast amounts of water in search of that giant tournament limit or just nice, quality fish that make for a great day of fishing even better. Lipless crankbaits (Rattle Trap or imitations) can be the ticket to catching good numbers but also some goodsized ones. Look for deeper water close to the shallow water flats or canals and those are the areas that you should hang around and watch your fish finders. If you have side imaging, even better. Any
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areas with clean water that holds nice looking grass is a winner. Hard jerk baits are another bait to try. The suspending action or a floating bait can really make for some explosive bites. Remember to twitch, twitch pause! On a windy cloudy day try throwing a spinnerbait. Many giant bass have been caught fishing with them. As the New and Full moon phases get close the early spawners will be moving to the shallows. Once you start getting bites from the smaller male bass look for the heavier cover in that area. That is where the big females will be waiting for the right time and temp. to move up and spawn. The Crappie bite has been getting better all over the chain of lakes. Similar to bass, crappie will be up shallow around the moon phases near the Kissimmee grass, lily pads and staging near structure like wood or docks. Jigs tipped with a minnow or a minnow under a cork will be the best bait of choice. Be sure to register for the Shad and Crappie Derby for a chance at great prizes when you catch that big fish.
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Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Bass Winter is here, the migrating birds have arrived. The State has been busy working on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes removing sandbars, 1st one is at the mouth of Shingle creek. Hopefully it should be done by the beginning of December. West Lake Toho bass fishing is turning on! They are going into spawn mode and feeding heavily to gain weight; the best place to fish will be in the Kissimmee grass. The males have been moving into shallow, sandy areas to compete for spawning ground. The bait of choice will be plastic baits, flukes, trick worms and vibe worms. The best colors to use are watermelon seed,
watermelon red and June bug. Another good location for catching big bass will be in open water in the hydrilla patches. Bait of choice will be rattle traps, chrome with blue back. Another spot to fish is Goblet’s cove. There’s less hydrilla to navigate through with a boat and should hold some really big bass. Crappie, Alligator Chain of Lakes for Crappie fishing is turning on! Fish the flow at the mouth of the canals. Also, crappies are still in open water and will remain there until the end of December. Best methods for catching crappie this time of the year will be trolling multiple rods with jig heads tipped with minnows. If you cannot find the crappie in open water, move to the outside edge of the Kissimmee grass.
I think it is fair to say that our Florida Winter has arrived. The water temps are cooling off nicely and the first cold fronts have moved into the state. Those northeast winds make the fishing a little tough. Our F-7 FL Strain bass do not like cold weather, and it makes them tuck into cover. But after these colder periods, the sun normally comes out and it gets warm again. If it can be avoided, don’t fish the day after a front when the sun shines and there is not a cloud in the sky. It may be nice out on the water, but I promise you it will be tougher than normal. Our SJA teams just returned from Lake Seminole and boy it was tough. The Xtreme Two man was also up there at the same time and these pros also experienced a very challenging fishery. Normally Seminole produces big bags...sometimes you need a 30 lb. sack to win. Trust me, this weekend with the wind, rain, and cold - a 5 fish limit at 10 pounds or more was quite an achievement. Our high school team of MacKenzie and Dalton Bailey came in 4th place in the Regional Tournament on Saturday with more than 12 pounds for 3 fish. And our top team on Sunday’s State qualifier on Lake Seminole was Justin Lawrence and Bryce DiMauro with 17.97 pounds, 5 fish and a big fish of over 7 pounds and was good enough for 2nd place. Congrats to them! Right now, our SJA Team is in first place for ‘Club of the Year’ and we are also in the hunt with several teams qualifying for Nationals through the Fall series. We need to finish the last tournament this year on Lake Okeechobee, December 4 and 5, very strong.
Bass and Crappie fishing will continue to get even better into December and winter months which are the main spawning time of year for these species. When bass fishing we’ve been fishing with live bait and artificial lures or just lures or just live bait, depends on what is producing more bites and customer preferences. The lures that have been consistently producing bass bites are plastic worms/senkos; slow working top water lures like Devil Horses, Zara Spooks, Bang a Lure, Chug Bug and Pop-R’s in colors shad, bluegill and crawdad. Swim jigs and swim baits worked through the grass are catching some great quality pre-spawners waiting to move into the shallows to prepare beds. 6 ORLANDO
DECEMBER 2021
When crappie fishing, we 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 to catch crappie is using small live minnows. Crappie is one of the best tasting freshwater fish, and one of the main reasons why Okeechobee gets a lot of people staying during the winter months.
Please save the date for our Annual Fundraiser on February 19th on the St. John’s River. We have more teams this year and it takes a lot of money to send these teams to the National Championship in Alabama with a Captain for a week trip fuel, logging, food and tackle is expensive. Hoping for more than 50 teams for the February 19, 2022 tournament. Hope to see everyone soon. Thank you again to all our sponsors and friends who help keep these student anglers on the water. Dave DiMauro- Director SJA
Areas to consider next time you’re out on the lake: Observation Shoal; 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) and Buckhead Ridge. 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). Call Capt. Angie directly - she will put you on fish! (863) 228-7263 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Saturday, February 19th 2022 5:30AM-Safe Light : Registration / Launch
1st Place Guaranteed $1500*
St. John's River Lake Monroe Wayside Park * $125/boat (includes Big Bass) *
2:30PM : Weigh In 3:30PM : Raffle Drawing & Trophy Presentation at Boat Tree Marina
RA FFLE PRIZES
Open to the Public!!
Oakley Sunglasses Coolers Tackle Gift Baskets Rods Fishing Apparel Reels ...And much more! Boat Cleaning Kits
Come out for a day of fun for the whole family! Eat, Drink, and check out the local vendor booths Enter the raffle for a chance to win awesome prizes! Cheer on the anglers as they weigh-in big St. John's River Bass! Contact Dave DiMauro 407-353-4575
Proceeds Benefit Seminole Junior Anglers High School Fishing Organization Tournament and Travel Costs for the 2022-2023 Season *Based on 30+ boats (if under 30 boats, 1st place guarantee will be $1,000)
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DECEMBER 2021
ORLANDO 7
Boat Dealers New & Consignment Sales 1 - Astor Marine (352) 759-3655
24535 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102 www.astormarine.com
18 - Monroe Harbor Marina (407) 322-2910
31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499
6 - Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes
34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250
9 - Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL 32776 www.instantinsuranceagency.com
49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766 www.martintreeserviceinc.com
31 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.moroneharbor.com
(877) 800-1492 12307 Wedgefield Drive , Grand Island, FL 32735
2 - Nobles Marine (352) 787-5792
437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River www.noblesmarine.com
3 - Craig Catamaran (407) 290-8778 4333 Silver Star Rd. #100 Orlando, FL 32808
Bait & Tackle Shops / Outfitters / Apparel
4 - Triangle Marine (352) 343-6146
15 - American Tackle Co. (800) 516-1750
30 - Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311
5 - Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336 1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778
2133 Component Loop, Suite 1031, Oveido, 32765 www.americantackle.us
11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz
6304 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32807 Full Service Mechanics
25 - Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262
1021 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 www.centralfloridamarine.com
7 - Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030 935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726
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37 - Southeast Marine (407) 851-1965
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26 - DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717 6344 All American Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810
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41 - Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing (407) 376-9526 490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL 32732 www.jmwaterworksinc.com
19 - Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373 511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771 www.superpages.com 8 ORLANDO
DECEMBER 2021
Areas Best Picks for Restaurants 47 - Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill (407) 349-5554 4650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.thejollygator.com
39 - Fish on Fire (407) 812-6881
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40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422
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(407) 878-0980 550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771
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20 - Team Marine Services (407) 260-8326 1350 28th Street, Orlando FL 32805 www.teammarineservices.com
51 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397 3621 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773 SR 436 Altamonte Springs East SR 50 Orlando www.vaporandco.com
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50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com
22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004
Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers
35 - All Star Marine (407) 423-9953
231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com
(407) 447-7637 2133 Componet Loop Suite 1001, Oveido, FL 32765 www.mudhole.com 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 www.orlandooutfitters.com
36 - All American Marine (407) 855-9988
451 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808 www.codepyramid.com
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52 - The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365
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55 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com
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DECEMBER 2021
ORLANDO 9
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10 ORLANDO
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Merry New out fr Fishin it usu Bunk shad up an aroun Work for g speci a 50lb oz we You c weigh hook, rig it swive
Take some the n
year, all the commercial guys are out there doing circles just give them the space they need to fish. There’s plenty of reef in the ocean out there. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! If you haven’t been out front lately you need to Fishing has been awesome as it usually is this time of year. Bunker pods (a.k.a. Menhaden shad or Pogies) have shown up and should continue to stay around a little while longer. Work the pods close to shore for giant red drum and other species feeding on them. Use a 50lb. mono leader with a 1-2 oz weight and a 7/0 circle hook. You can knocker rig it with the weight sliding all the way to the hook, or fish finder Carolinarig it with the weight above a swivel and 30” or longer leader.
Mahi fishing has also been picking up. This is the time of year they migrate south. It’s not as good as the spring run but can definitely pay off! We have been very successful using the regular king rods and king gear for mahi. But you can always use typical skirted dolphin rigs. Ballyhoo and strip baits work just fine. Every trip we are catching a few cobia keep a jig handy. The Fishing and Diving Center in Cape Canaveral has all the jigs you need. Talk to Nick, He will help you out. Hope you all have an awesome holiday and enjoy your families.
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East Coast Tide Charts Tide Charts brought to you by these businesses
December 2021 Time
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2Th
Take the bunker offshore for some great kingfish action in all the normal areas. This time of
3F
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5Su
It is hard to fathom how quickly the holiday season has arrived. It is once again time to reflect on our many blessings, and to look forward to what December has to offer. In the St Johns River and connecting lakes, look for the speckled perch (crappie) bite to continue strong with anglers using both slow trolling long lines and vertical jigging TTI Blakemore Road Runners tipped with live minnows. The speckled perch bite should improve on both the new and full moon phases, with the American shad starting to arrive around Christmas.
Inshore saltwater, both redfish and sea trout will remain in the skinny water as long as the water temperatures stay in the 70-degree range. Inshore fishing is best once the sun warms the water a bit, so sleep in and enjoy a good cup of coffee before heading to the ramp. Fish in protected areas and sunny spots and look for fish to be holding in sand pockets until the sun gets overhead. Around and in the inlet passes of Ponce De Leon, Port Canaveral, and Sebastian, concentrations of breeder redfish will remain, steadily feeding during periods of slack and falling tide. Along the beaches, look for pompano to begin moving off the inshore flats to the deeper troughs along the beach in search of sand fleas (mole crabs) their favorite winter food.
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Miami, Government Cut
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5:41 AM 2.8 11:26 AM 0.3 5:50 PM 2.7 11:46 PM -0.2 6:36 AM 3.0 12:18 PM 0.2 6:42 PM 2.8 12:36 AM -0.4 7:28 AM 3.1 1:09 PM 0.1 7:34 PM 2.9 1:27 AM -0.5 8:20 AM 3.2 2:00 PM 0.1 8:26 PM 2.9 2:19 AM -0.5 9:12 AM 3.2 2:52 PM 0.1 9:19 PM 2.9 3:12 AM -0.5 10:04 AM 3.1 3:45 PM 0.1 10:13 PM 2.8 4:06 AM -0.3 10:57 AM 3.0 4:41 PM 0.2 11:09 PM 2.7 5:04 AM -0.2 11:51 AM 2.8 5:41 PM 0.3 12:08 AM 2.6 6:05 AM 0.0 12:46 PM 2.7 6:44 PM 0.3
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1:09 AM 7:09 AM 1:43 PM 7:48 PM 2:13 AM 8:13 AM 2:40 PM 8:48 PM 3:17 AM 9:14 AM 3:36 PM 9:43 PM 4:18 AM 10:10 AM 4:29 PM 10:33 PM 5:12 AM 11:01 AM 5:17 PM 11:18 PM 6:00 AM 11:46 AM 6:02 PM 12:00 AM 6:43 AM 12:29 PM 6:43 PM 12:40 AM 7:23 AM 1:08 PM 7:23 PM 1:19 AM 8:02 AM 1:46 PM 8:02 PM
2.5 0.2 2.5 0.3 2.4 0.4 2.4 0.3 2.3 0.4 2.3 0.2 2.3 0.5 2.3 0.2 2.4 0.5 2.3 0.1 2.4 0.5 2.3 0.1 2.5 0.4 2.3 0.0 2.5 0.4 2.3 0.0 2.5 0.4 2.3
Po nce de Leo n Inlet Hig h Ti de -11 m in ute s Lo w Ti de +19 m in ute s
(Approximate Times)
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22W
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25Sa
26Su
27M
Time
Height
1:56 AM 8:40 AM 2:24 PM 8:41 PM 2:32 AM 9:19 AM 3:00 PM 9:20 PM 3:08 AM 9:58 AM 3:37 PM 10:00 PM 3:45 AM 10:37 AM 4:15 PM 10:41 PM 4:24 AM 11:17 AM 4:56 PM 11:26 PM 5:07 AM 11:59 AM 5:42 PM 12:14 AM 5:56 AM 12:43 PM 6:33 PM 1:09 AM 6:53 AM 1:31 PM 7:30 PM 2:08 AM 7:55 AM 2:23 PM 8:29 PM
0.0 2.5 0.4 2.3 0.0 2.5 0.4 2.2 0.0 2.4 0.4 2.2 0.0 2.4 0.4 2.1 0.1 2.3 0.4 2.1 0.2 2.3 0.4 2.1 0.2 2.2 0.3 2.1 0.3 2.2 0.2 2.1 0.3 2.2 0.0
Time
Height
28Tu 3:12 AM 2.2 9:00 AM 0.3 3:21 PM 2.2 9:29 PM -0.1 29W 4:16 AM 2.3 10:02 AM 0.2 4:22 PM 2.2 10:27 PM -0.3 30Th 5:19 AM 2.5 11:01 AM 0.1 5:22 PM 2.3 11:23 PM -0.5 31F 6:17 AM 2.6 11:58 AM 0.0 6:21 PM 2.4 1Sa 12:19 AM -0.6 7:14 AM 2.7 12:52 PM 0.0 7:18 PM 2.5 2Su 1:13 AM -0.7 8:07 AM 2.8 1:46 PM -0.1 8:13 PM 2.6 3M 2:06 AM -0.7 8:58 AM 2.8 2:38 PM -0.2 9:07 PM 2.6 4Tu 2:59 AM -0.7 9:48 AM 2.8 3:31 PM -0.2 10:00 PM 2.6 5W 3:52 AM -0.6 10:37 AM 2.7 4:25 PM -0.2 10:53 PM 2.5
Ft. Pie rce Inlet, S. Jetty Hig h Ti de -31 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -18 m in utes
Po nce Inlet, Halifax Rive r Hig h Ti de +5 m in ute s Lo w Ti de +33 m in ute s
Jensen Beach Hig h Ti de +2 ho u r s, 17 m in ute s Lo w Ti de +3 ho u r s, 4 m in ute s
Po rt Canave ral (Tr i dent Pie r) Daily Pre dictio ns
Sewell Pt Hig h Ti de Lo w Ti de
Patr ick Air Fo rce Base Hig h Ti de -1 ho u r, 4 m in ute Lo w Ti de -38 m in ute s
Ju pite r Inlet, S.Jetty Hig h Ti de -10 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -9 m in ute s
Sebastian Inlet Br i dg e Hig h Ti de -48 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -24 m in ute s
Po rt Eve rgla de s - Tu r n in g Basin Hig h Ti de -31 m in ute s Lo w Ti de -13 m in ute s
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
DECEMBER 2021
+1 ho u r s, 13 m in ute s +2 ho u r s, 9 m in ute s
ORLANDO 11
Catching for the Right Cause
I have been a life-long Central Florida resident and a competitive bass angler since the mid 1970’s. My kids and their friends all laugh at me when I mentioned that I have been fishing the Kissimmee Chain of lakes since before it had Hydrilla – a true statement. In all that time I have fished as a co-angler in the back of the boat with many of the best anglers and have also competed as a boater for more than 40 plus years. Meeting and fishing with other anglers have taught me plenty, mostly that anglers are “Big Hearted”!
Recently one of our angling brothers has had a tragedy in his life. At the young age of 75 angler Wayne Yohn’s home caught fire and burned to the ground losing all of his lifelong belongings and the roof he lives under. Upon hearing the news via social media while at an event on Lake Okeechobee, Tournament Director Charlie Wynperle and the owner of Toho Marine Joe Clements made a quick decision to put on a benefit Bass Tournament to raise funds for angler Wayne Yohn. If you have been around the tournament trail on the Kissimmee Chain, it is likely that you have seen Wayne. At 75 yrs. young he still competes and catches giant bags of bass week after week. Wayne has been fishing the Kissimmee Chain for over 50 years. Tournament Director Charlie Wynperle has been a weighmaster at Camp Mack for over 40 years
By Phil Wolf
and said that Wayne has weighed in more 5 bass limits over 30 lbs. than any other angler around. Recently he and his partner weighed in 5 bass for over 44lbs, yes over an 8 lb. per bass average. If you have competed in any of those events Wayne has surely taken some of your money before! He is a true living legend on the Kissimmee Chain. With the Fundraiser event scheduled for Sunday November 14th the group of volunteers had to go to work quickly to get the word out about the event. Tournament Director Charlie vowed that he could get 50 plus boats signed up and fishing for event. The group put out flyers everywhere, posts on all social media platforms as well as word of mouth from the local bass fishing community. I was asked to fish with my youngest son Josh and quickly responded yes. I first meet Wayne when I was 16 yrs. old in the mid 1970’s, Wayne was in his late 20’s and already catching huge bags all over Central Florida, but he loved fishing Lake Kissimmee. Local business and sponsor’s put up all the tournament prize money for the top 3 teams as well as 1st and 2nd big bass prizes for a total of $4,500 bucks. Other business donated items for raffle prizes that covered 3- 8 ft. long tables and too many items to list. Josh and I went down early on Saturday to check some areas for the next days’ event. There was a weigh-in going on at Camp Mack for an annual Rotary Event. After speaking with several of the anglers many mentioned that they were planning on fishing the event the next morning to help support the cause. We arrived about 5am at Camp Mack to get an early boat number only to find a long line of boats in front of us, great! We got registered with boat 26, first boat in the 2nd flight. Charlie’s hopes of getting 50 plus boats to fish on short notice was looking good, a total of 64 boats registered to fish. With a 3:15 check-in time we idled out for take-off at first light hoping of catching a decent 5 bass limit. Our first stop did not produce any bites, so we moved to another spot about 7:45 am. Within a few casts on the new area, we started catching bass. By 8:30 we had small 5 bass limit of about 6.5lbs. We caught a good one weighing 6.8 lbs. about 9:15 culling our smallest fish, then another about an hour later at 5.75 lbs., and eventually culled the rest of our fish with the smallest at just over 3 lbs. On the very last cast before we had to leave to return to the weigh-in Josh caught a 4.5 lb. fish culling the 3-pound fish. Thinking we had 20 lbs. plus we were pretty happy thinking our bag might make the top 3. As luck would have it that last fish put us in the top spot with 21.67 lbs. for 1st place. God is Good! All the winning anglers donated our prize funds back to Wayne and the event, when all funds were counted over $20,000 bucks were raised to help a fellow angler in need. A good start towards getting Wayne a new place to call home. If you are reading this and would like to donate and help a brother angler out please contact Phil Wolf at Phillip@coastalanglermagazine. com or 407-790-9515 or Toho Marine Outdoors at 407-892-3200, be sure to tell them you want to donate to the Wayne Yohn Fund. Happy Holidays.
12 ORLANDO
DECEMBER 2021
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ORLANDO 13
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ORLANDO 15
Wolf winners of the recent CAM owner Phil Wolf and son Josh out of Camp Mack with n Yoh ne Fund Raiser Event for Way 00 winnings to the event! 22lbs, the pair donated their $20
Conner Herrman with a nice Snook caught at Port Canaveral Jetty
Gavin Nowack with a huge Tilapia in private pond in Oviedo t size snook at tailWally Cheslock with and over-slo rne Beach bou Mel in run end of mullet
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ORLANDO 16
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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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By Richard Matteson
PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS
LIFE IS A BEACH
December Surf Fishing Forecast
T
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
R
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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DECEMBER SEASONS UPDATE
D
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
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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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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS
FWC PHOTO
T
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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DOMETIC MARINE SEASTAR STANDARD TRIM TABS
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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
12 NATIONAL
DECEMBER 2021
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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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.
3 AM
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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
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DECEMBER 2021
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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
I
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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Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability, even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal tender value. 2021 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the single most popular coin in the world and it’s about to change forever. This 2021 Silver Eagle features the final appearance of the Heraldic Eagle reverse design by the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, John Mercanti. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint. 2021 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint.
2021 Canada Maple Leaf: Making its first appearance in 1984, the Silver Maple Leaf’s elegant design has made it a highly sought-after bullion coin ever since. Struck in 99.99% fine silver at the Royal Canadian Mint.
Exquisite Designs Struck in Precious Silver
These coins, with stunningly detailed designs and gorgeous finishes that speak to their country of origin, are sure to hold a revered place in your collection. Plus, they provide you with a unique way to stock up on precious fine silver. Here’s a legacy you and your family will enjoy, and cherish, for a lifetime. Secure yours now!
SAVE with this World Coin Set
You’ll save $14 off the individual coin prices with this Set, plus get a presentation case.
2021 World Silver 5-Coin Set $199 + FREE SHIPPING FREE SHIPPING: Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.
2021 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue in 1983, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, offering a new design every year. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint. 2021 Australia Wedge Tailed Eagle: Introduced in 2014, the Wedge Tailed Eagle is the world’s first collaboration between Designer/Engraver John Mercanti and a foreign mint. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the Perth Mint.
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