Issuu

GREATER ORLANDO EDITION

FREE

@CAMTAMagazine

SIGHT FISHING

TRIPLETAIL

CAPE COD BLITZES

RECORD BREAKING SWORDFISH VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 312

PHOTO CREDIT: TOMMY LADO COURTESY OF CHEYANNE SINGLETARY

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

MARCH 2021

Order Your Passport Today!

800.828.4244 C h e e r s T r ai l.or g

Protect your baby (and their toys) with coverage for fishing gear and personal property too. 1- 8 0 0 -PROG RE S S IVE / PROG RE S S IVE .COM

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

Shhhhh. No wake zone.

Explore your world

M U

A at

n t to he we thr Pr the ch cam Th by th ge ele fre it de pe ad

[

Navigate to a cleaner future Micron Navigator is a unique and revolutionary antifouling that combines both water-based and copper-free technologies enabling optimum fouling control for all waters and boats. This technology delivers multi-seasonal protection via a lower concentration of active ingredients, achieving a more environmentally responsible antifouling without compromising premium protection as you explore your world. Interlux.com

W mo ma go ca pr Ca hi we ma eve Yo wi co 30 tim

*D co

Meet the Watch That Shook Up Switzerland A watch that revolutionized timekeeping at a price equally as radical.

Wear it today for only

$29

n the history of timepieces, few moments are more important than the creation of the world’s first Piezo timepiece. First released to the public in 1969, the watch turned the entire industry on its head, ushering in a new era of timekeeping. It’s this legacy that we’re honoring with the Timemaster Watch, available only through Stauer at a price only we can offer. Prior to Piezo watches, gravity-driven Swiss watches were the standard bearer of precision timekeeping. But all that changed when the first commercially available Piezo watch came onto the market. The result of ten years of research and development by some of the world’s top engineers, they discovered that when you squeeze a certain type of crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. And, if you pass electricity through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency–exactly 32,768 times each second. When it came on the market, the Piezo watch was the most dependable timepiece available, accurate to 0.2 seconds per day. Today, it’s still considered a spectacular advance in electrical engineering. “[Piezo timepieces]...it would shake the Swiss watch industry to its very foundations.” —Foundation For Economic Education With the Timemaster we’ve set one of the world’s most important mechanical advances inside a decidedly masculine case. A handsome prodigy in rich leather and gold-finished stainless steel. The simplicity of the watch’s case belies an ornately detailed dial, which reflects the prestige of this timepiece. Call today to secure your own marvel of timekeeping history. Because we work directly with our own craftsman we’re able to offer the Timemaster at a fraction of the price that many Piezo watches cost. But a watch like this doesn’t come along every day. Call today before time runs out and they’re gone. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Spend some time with this engineering masterpiece for one month. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. But we’re betting this timekeeping pioneer is a keeper.

[

Timemaster Piezo Watch $299*

TAKE 9

Offer Code Price Only $29 + S&P Save $270 OFF IN 0% STA

NTLY!

1-800-333-2045

When you use

Your Insider Offer Code: TPW253-04 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPW253-04 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Rating of A+

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

your

INSIDER OFFER CO DE

• Precision Piezo electric movement • Stainless steel caseback and crown • Cotswold® mineral crystal • Crocodile embossed leather strap fits wrists 6 ½"–8 ½" • Date window display • Water resistant to 3 ATM

G T IN FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY

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

Corporate Headquarters 126-C N. Atlantic Ave. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 info@coastalanglermagazine.com • 321.777.2773 FRANCHISE DIRECTORY LINK

www.coastalanglermag.com/directory

Franchise Opportunities Now Available

Help Starts Here.

Local knowledge, expert service.

Your insurance policy does not include a Sea Tow membership and all the benefits that come with it.

If you love the outdoors and have dreamed of being in business for yourself, now is the time to choose a Coastal Angler or The Angler Magazine Franchise. Established Brand • Proven Systems Training & Ongoing Support Work From Home • Be Your Own Boss

25% of our service calls are resolved without towing and Sea Tow members are always served first. Join today and save.

• • • •

Arkansas Connecticut/Rhode Island Destin, FL (Panhandle) Georgia (Coastline, Savannah) • Lake Okeechobee, FL • Long Island, NY • Miami, FL

• New Hampshire • New Orleans, LA • North Carolina (Raleigh, Wilmington) • South Carolina (Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach) • Texas (Coastal, Houston) • ...YOUR HOMETOWN!

Don’t see your location? Ask one of our specialists about franchise availability in your area.

seatow.com/angler 800-4-SEATOW

321.777.2773

info@coastalanglermagazine.com

franchise.coastalanglermag.com

4 NATIONAL

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

GO FROM FISH TO WAKE TO DAD OF THE YEAR IN THE SAME AFTERNOON.

Go from fishing to wakesurfing to conquering the water. The all new 25-foot FSH® Series from Yamaha is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their boating experience. With fishing-friendly features like a GPS Simrad® system and dual livewells, along with a premium layout and the patented Yamaha swim platform, the new 25-foot FSH Series guarantees you’ll be in the center of everything you love about life on the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

SLOW DANCING WITH

Th fo

By Nick Carter

URTE PHOTOS CO

SY OF SOUT

HERN SALIN

IT Y

ripletail are some of the most exciting gamefish that visit inshore waters. Their peculiar tendency to hang near the surface around floating debris makes them perfect for sight fishing, and on top of that they are absolutely delicious. Capt. Jeremy Davidson is an angler devoted to these oddball fish. His charter service, Southern Salinity, is based out of St. George Island, where he specializes in inshore tripletail on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. “They start to migrate to shallower water when that water temperature starts rising,” he said “It’s wind and water temperature dependent, but everything starts to move in March or April—the bait, the pelagics, everything.” Throughout the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast, tripletail move shallower in waves. Davidson said the timing is different by location, but the patterns are similar. First, scads of smaller

fish move in from offshore through the passes to find homes on floating debris. The early spring bite is characterized by plentiful opportunities at smaller fish. By May or June, larger 8- to 12-pounders settle in on trap buoys, floating vegetation and tide lines. Big fish in the 20-pound range arrive in deep summer. They’re there to feed and procreate, said Davidson, which means they are primed to pick up a bait. However, catching tripletail consistently is more difficult than it might appear. THE SETUP: To spot tripletail, you must train your eyes to look beneath the surface. Fish will stay with a piece of floating cover as long as it harbors the small crabs, shrimp and glass minnows tripletail feed on. Cover could be anything, and Davidson recommends checking out everything floating on the surface. You might spot the fish itself, but the first indication is usually the sub-surface flash of a turning fish. When Davidson spots fish, he leaves the boat in gear and noses into the current to point the bow at the fish within casting range. THE CAST: “Do not hit that fish,” Davidson warned. “Pick a spot out past it. I don’t care if it’s the treeline. Just make sure to pitch past that fish.” Casting past the fish with an underhand pitch allows the angler to retrieve the bait slowly through the strike zone. If the tripletail doesn’t take the bait on the initial retrieve, it’s time to flip the bail and allow the tide to carry the bait back past the fish. “It’s a slow dance,” Davidson said. “Retrieve it slow and easy.”

THE TAKE: Don’t set the hook! Tripletail feed delicately. They ease up and pluck their prey from near the surface. Then, to avoid spooking their next meal, they move away before engulfing it. “Let that fish roll down or go the other way,” Davidson said. “Give it 5 or 10 seconds, then lift up and he’s on. Then he turns into a wild man!” THE FIGHT: The harder you pull on a tripletail, the harder and wilder it fights back. This is important because, along with brute strength, these prehistoric fish have a sharp, line-slicing gill plate. Davidson reiterated his slow dance metaphor, saying you can sometimes lead a fish right to the boat by taking it slow and easy. “Square up with him. Keep your rod tip up, and let him run if he wants to dig,” said Davidson “Walk him around the boat. Stay square with him, and pump him in slow and easy.” THE RIG: Tripletail eat shrimp, pogies and artificials, but Davidson prefers to make a fresh-shrimp lure. He pops the heads off large restaurant-quality shrimp and pinches the flappers off their tails. Then he runs a 2/0 or 3/0 3X Strong VMC circle hook up the tail and out the second notch before turning the point back into the bait. This hides the hook and allows the shrimp to swim like a lure. To make pitching the rig easier, he ties an elongated float, like Boat Monkey’s Cigar Slip Float, between braided 30-lb. main line and a 2- to 3-foot leader of 30-lb. fluorocarbon. More advanced anglers might go bobberless for better control while working the bait. To do this, tie the braid directly to the leader with a double uni knot. Capt. Jeremy Davidson owns Southern Salinity, which runs charters on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. See their website at www.southernsalinity.com.

kn Au kn th O Fo im m un Se an Th ou bl W m tu Bu las co sh Un Yo th in do ba th Li lon Kn th yo

*D list

C Pr

• ha

il feed y from g their g it. r way,” en lift an!” on a k. This ength, slicing dance a fish

ip up, vidson h him,

pogies make a large s the or 3/0 nd out t back ws the

ies an r Slip and a More better tie the i knot.

inity, Coast. com.

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

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

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

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

with purchase of Down Under Knife

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

êêêêê

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

êêêêê

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

Down Under Bowie Knife $249*

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

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DUK132-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

Rating of A+

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DUK132-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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

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

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

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

NATIONAL 7

STINGER HOOK MADE EASY

ver the last few months, I’ve shared some techniques in these pages that people seem to be trying with some success. When you think about it, incorporating squid into your offshore spreads really is a nobrainer when you can find and purchase good whole squid. One of the best ways to rig those squid, and ballyhoo for that matter, is with a Chin Weight coupled with a “stiff-rig” stinger hook assembly. Recently, I’ve received quite a few calls and e-mails from folks all over the country asking for a simpler way to achieve the end result of a stiff-rig stinger hook. I had to go to the barn, have a few cocktails and dig deep, but here it is: The simple way to keep a stinger hook in a rigid “stiff ” position without snelling it or making a cat’s paw connection. If the terminology is throwing you off at this point, stay tuned, this actually is a very simple solution that anyone can achieve with a limited amount of materials and know how. The key to this rig is inexpensive heatshrink tubing over a standard crimped-wire connection. Granted, you might only get a bite or two out of this rig before teeth shred the heatshrink tubing and it’s no longer rigid. However, it’s so easy to make this rig that you can churn

Step two: Make a second crimp at 90 degrees to the first crimp. This is a (small) diameter in the cable to fit over a 7/0 or 11/0 Tim Barefoot Chin Weight (as shown in photo). Step Three: Slide a ¾-inch length section out dozens in different lengths of heat-shrink tubing over the crimped for different sized baits and keep them at the ready. Cut your cable to the connection of the hook and heat with a lighter correct length and make a few crimps… that’s in the vertical position. That’s it! all there is to it. Step One: Make a standard crimped connection using the High Seas 1.0 crimp and the American Fishing Wire 175# (7x7) or 49 strand cable.

Now, if you’re a visual learner like I am, go watch the video I made on the process. See it once, and it will be like a light bulb going off in your head. It really is that easy. For more information and to watch the video, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com. Click on “Heat Shrink Tubing Stiff Rig Stinger Hook.”

LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO

hav Go of o No onl but Pou

BUILD YOUR OWN RODS MUDHOLE.COM/SALT-KIT

Eve vin GU OF cho • 1 • 1 • M • A C • F

GET A FREE CATALOG! MUDHOLE.cOM/CATALOG

Eve be Plu you Nic clas

Gov

GovM right purc com’

8 NATIONAL

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

LOW AS

at 90 small) r 11/0

$ Historic 1920-1938 “Buffalos” by the Pound

ection imped ighter

visual ch the rocess. be like n your y.

plus shipping & handling

FREE

Stone Arrowhead with every bag

and o to com. ubing k.”

Released to the Public: Bags of Vintage Buffalo Nickels

ne of the most beloved coins in history is a true American Classic: The Buffalo Nickel. Although they have not been issued for over 75 years, GovMint.com is releasing to the public bags of original U.S. government Buffalo Nickels. Now they can be acquired for a limited time only—not as individual collector coins, but by weight—just $49 for a full QuarterPound Bag.

100% Valuable Collector Coins—GUARANTEED! Every bag will be filled with collectible vintage Buffalos from over 75 years ago, GUARANTEED ONE COIN FROM EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SERIES (dates our choice): • 1920-1929—“Roaring ’20s” Buffalo • 1930-1938—The Buffalo’s Last Decade • Mint Marks (P,D, and S) • ALL Collector Grade Very Good Condition • FREE Stone Arrowhead with each bag Every vintage Buffalo Nickel you receive will be a coveted collector coin—GUARANTEED! Plus, order a gigantic full Pound bag and you’ll also receive a vintage Liberty Head Nickel (1883-1912), a valuable collector classic!

Long-Vanished Buffalos Highly Coveted by Collectors Millions of these vintage Buffalo Nickels have worn out in circulation or been recalled and destroyed by the government. Today, significant quantities can often only be found in private hoards and estate collections. As a result, these coins are becoming more sought-after each day.

Order More and SAVE QUARTER POUND Buffalo Nickels (23 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead $49 + s/h

Supplies Limited— Order Now! Supplies of vintage Buffalo Nickels are limited as the availability of these classic American coins continues to shrink each and every year. They make a precious gift for your children, family and friends—a gift that will be appreciated for a lifetime.

ONE FULL POUND Bag (91 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead and Liberty Head Nickel $149 + FREE SHIPPING SAVE $47

NOTICE: Due to recent changes in the demand for vintage U.S. coins, this advertised price may change without notice. Call today to avoid disappointment.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee You must be 100% satisfied with your bag of Buffalo Nickels or return it within 30 days of receipt for a prompt refund (less s/h).

HALF POUND Bag (46 coins) Plus FREE Stone Arrowhead $79 + s/h SAVE $19

FREE Liberty Head Nickel with One Full Pound

FREE SHIPPING over $149! Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

For fastest service call today toll-free

1-877-566-6468 Offer Code VBB512-07 Please mention this code when you call.

GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. VBB512-07 • Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint. com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

THE BEST SOURCE FOR COINS WORLDWIDE™

INSHORE STRATEGIES FOR THE

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.

Most fish are still in transition between the deep mud and the shallow sand or grass flats, which keeps them spread out through the bays. Add high winds, cool fronts and the small size of the forage, and you have a tougher puzzle to put together than the other three seasons. Here are a few tips to help you sort though this maze and hopefully land a few more fish this spring. First and foremost, baitfish are extremely small this time of year, and it is not uncommon to find dozens of small glass minnows in the bellies of trout and redfish in the spring. This makes my first tip obvious, so I won’t waste a lot of space here, but downsize your lure presentation if you can. Obviously, this can impact one’s casting abilities, so rigging small lures in tandem can be By Capt. Michael Okruhlik a plus and assist in casting distance. Something else I like to use in the spring is a clear or transparent lure with some glitter, or maybe one with a light translucent color. I choose these because it’s more difficult for the fish to see the lure’s actual size, which gives the appearance that it’s smaller than it actually is. I’ve found this to be a productive alternative to downsizing. While choosing a typical-size trout and redfish lure for this application, I look for one with subtle movements. I like either a darting-style bait or a paddle lure with a very subtle vibration. Strong, big-vibrating tails have their time, but early spring is not one of them. One thing I notice about schools of small baitfish is their movement. When displaced, they seldom dart deeper, and most of their movement is side-to-side or upward. Due to this characteristic, I also like a lightweight lure with a slow sink rate. I feel this better imitates spring forage movements and increases strikes. I like a lure that twitches side to side that doesn’t sink very fast on the pause. In early spring while the fish are in transition, they will start to congregate on sandy shores with grass. This will be the main cover for the small fry. While employing these techniques and lure choices, concentrate efforts on broken grass flats with potholes and distinct edges. These areas are best when they are close to deeper water. I hope you find these tactics helpful and as the weather warms and you pring is around the corner, and a lot of fishermen who hang up their gear enjoy the outdoors, don’t forget to take a kid fishing! for winter can’t wait for the temps to rise. Although the enthusiasm is high to wet a line, spring can be the most difficult season to successfully Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled pattern and to consistently catch inshore fish. Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

SPRING

Transition

WITH COUPON CODE

10 NATIONAL

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

“K ‘th be lo

—

w sand winds, zzle to ou sort

Over 2 carats of Verdant Peridot in precious .925 sterling silver

nd it is f trout waste a iously, can be

Save $260!

ONLY $39

nt lure e these h gives o be a ut and . I like trong,

ement. ment is weight ments ’t sink

regate all fry. rts on when

nd you

lled

“Known as ‘the Evening Emerald’ because its sparkling green hue looks brilliant any time of day.” — The American Gem Society (AGS)

Ooh and Ahh Without the Ouch Spoil her (and your wallet) with sparkling Verdant Peridot for just $39

oing over the top on jewelry doesn’t have to mean going overboard on the cost. We’re in the business of oohs and ahhs without the ouch, which is why we can bring you an effervescent verdant peridot ring for a price that simply can’t be beat. Its vivid and unique color makes verdant peridot unlike any other green gemstone. If you are looking to mark a milestone or make any occasion special, the Verdant Peridot Ring is all you need.

This elegant ring features 2 1/3 carats of captivating verdant peridotA. in three perfectly-faceted cushion cut gemstones. And, the .925 sterling silver setting is finished in tarnish-resistant rhodium for added durability and superior shine.

“Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem” — Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia

PRAISE FOR STAUER PERIDOT JEWELRY You could easily “...absolutely beautiful. The picture spend $400 on a sterling silver ring set does not do it justice. It is a real with peridot stones. stunner.” – S. C., Berkeley, CA 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 Verdant Peridot 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 Verdant Peridot Ring for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. Don’t let this gorgeous ring slip through your fingers. Call today! Verdant Peridot Ring (2 ¹⁄2 ctw) $299†

$39 +S&P Save $260

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

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: TPR189-02 Please use this code when you order to receive your discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPR189-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

• 2 ¹⁄3 ctw Verdant Peridot • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on boat insurance. Simply visit geico.com/boat to get started.

geico.com/boat | 1-877-434-2678 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO. 21_5507299281

1782-20F C

THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT

Suzuki RePower Centers are stationed around the southeast to help with your Suzuki service and repower needs.

Performance Bulletin Available

Lou’s Marine, Inc. Gulf Breeze

57 YEARS OF REPOWER EXPERIENCE!

Custom Marine Service

St. Augustine Marine Center

Panama City

St. Augustine

Mastry Engine Center has received the Suzuki Marine Super Service Award and has been ranked #1 in Suzuki Marine US Sales! Repower packages designed to best fit your needs and not stretch your budget. Financing available.

Oyster City Suzuki Apalachicola

COMING SOON Volsuia County

On-Site Marine

Mastry Engine Center

Ruskin

St. Petersburg

Innovation Marine Corp.

Bayfront Yacht Works

Sarasota

Siesta Key

Calusa Certified Marine Cape Coral

Marina One Deerfield Beach

Twin Screws Marine Service

All Suzuki repowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme Six!” 6-year protection.

Fort Myers

Atlantic Marine Store

Hialeah

Boat Services Group Key West

Request a quote! • suzukirepower.com • 1-800-545-4574

Go on a power trip with

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

B B

C • • • •

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

2 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

V6-GetHooked-CoastalAngler.indd 1

Target Analyzer™ alerts you to hazardous targets

NXT Bird Mode finds birds faster and farther

Simultaneous dual-range capability

Rain Mode provides precise detection in any weather

Get the whole story at NavNet.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4/2/20 4:11 PM

BUILD BUILD YOUR FLEET FLEET W36M W36M

652R 652R

Z930M Z930M

• • 36-inch 36-inch(91-cm) (91-cm)floating floatingmower mower deck deck • • Smooth-running, Smooth-running,14.5 14.5hp hp(10.8 (10.8 kW) kW)V-twin V-twinengine engine • • Self-propelled Self-propelledhydrostatic hydrostaticdrive drive system system • • Easy-to-use Easy-to-usecontrols controlsfor for operator operatorcomfort comfortand and convenience convenience

•• Compact Compact design for for easy easy hauling hauling •• Hydrostatic Hydrostatic drive system system •• Commercial-quality Commercial-quality engine engine •• Easy Easy to maintain

•• •• •• •• ••

Commercial CommercialWalk-Behind Walk-BehindMower Mower

4:11 PM

QuikTrak™ QuikTrak™ Stand-On Mower Mower

ZTrak™ ZTrak™Zero-Turn Zero-TurnMower Mower 7-Iron™ 7-Iron™PRO PROdeck deck Mulch MulchOn OnDemand™ Demand™Available Available Gasoline GasolineEngine Engine Propane PropaneOption OptionAvailable Available Rear RearDischarge DischargeDeck Deck

MICHAEL JORDAN’S BOAT WINS BUCCANEER CUP

SAILFISH TOURNEY Re-Discover Old Florida

Waterfront Charm

The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Michael Jordan’s 80-foot Viking, Catch 23, took top honors in this year’s Buccaneer Cup.

W R E S E RV E YOUR ST A FOR 28 D Y AYS OR LONG E & RECEIV R E 50% OFF

Nestled on six lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon, take a step back in time to experience the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable. • FULLY FURNISHED 3 ROOM COTTAGES WITH FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS • • • • • • •

Kingfish Lodge includes a wide screen TV and bar for small gatherings Sailfish House features a wide covered wrap-around porch for larger groups Boat Trailer Parking on site w/ Water and Power 250 Foot Dock w/ Covered Area FREE Ice / FREE Guest Dockage TRAVEL Cable TV, Hi-Speed Internet Cover Your Vacation 2 miles to the Ft. Pierce Inlet with Travel Insurance 12 miles to the Gulf Stream Laundry, BBQ Grilles and FREE use of our Kayaks P R O T E C T I O N

NIGHTLY • WEEKLY • MONTHLY • SEASONAL RATES

3011 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, FL 34946

www.indianriverlagoonwaterfrontcottages.com

Reservations and Information: (772) 349-2206

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE OUR UTMOST CONCERN COVID-19 CDC GUIDELINES ARE IN FULL EFFECT

All accommodations are completely cleaned and sanitized prior to guest arrival 4 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAULOVER INLET.COM.

By CAM Staff

ith a five-release first day, Michael Jordan’s boat, Catch 23, held on to win the 58th annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament Jan. 20-23. This year’s event featured a fleet of 38 boats and a total of 63 sailfish caught. It was a big win for Catch 23. The big, beautiful boat has been making national headlines in tournament circuits the last few years, primarily because of the star power Jordan brings to the deck. But now Catch 23 has a big win to hang its hat on. The Buccaneer Cup is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious sailfish release tournaments. It was held this year out of Palm Beach and Jupiter, Florida during the traditional heart of the area’s sailfish season. The name Catch 23 pays homage to the jersey number Jordan wore through six NBA championships with Chicago Bulls. The custom 80-foot Viking is wrapped with the elephant print that first adorned Air Jordan 3 sneakers and now also appears on Jordan’s jet. Since 2019, Catch 23 has competed in several high-stakes marlin tournaments in mid-Atlantic. It also saw duty in the last two Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Sailfish tournaments, and placed third in 2019. At this year’s Buccaneer Cup, Capt. Stetson Turney led Catch 23 to five releases on the first day of fishing, Thursday Jan. 21. The action came in spurts. Catch 23 called in its first two releases at 9:11 and 9:31 a.m. Jordan was on the reel for the first one, and angler Jimmy David cranked in the second. The team hung two more release flags just before 2 p.m., when Danny Young fought a sailfish to the boat at 1:47 p.m. and David got his second at 1:53. At 3:28 p.m., Jordan reeled in the fifth release of the day to earn the boat 1,000 points and a solid Day One lead. The tournament awards 200 points for each sailfish release using live bait and 300 points for each release caught on dead bait. Catch 23 did not call in another release until just before noon on the final day of fishing Saturday, Jan. 23. This allowed the eventual secondplace boat, De-Bait-Able, to climb into contention. De-Bait-Able, a 60-foot Viking, captained by KJ Zeher, called in two releases on the morning of Friday’s Day Two. Both fish were handled by angler Cameron Walsh. Saturday saw De-Bait-Able make a big push with four releases between 8:27 a.m. and lines out. Anglers Jay Lanigan, Mike Lanigan, Laura Rassel and Tom Walsh battled in their catches to give De-Bait-Able 1,200 points at the end of Day Three. They were one fish shy of catching Catch 23, which called in releases for anglers Annibal Moya and Danny Young on the final day of fishing. For more information on the Buccaneer Cup, go to www.buccaneercup.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

S o e a

W C

•

Consider A Mastry Suzuki RePower

It Simply Makes Sense

Repowering your boat with Mastry Suzuki outboards gives you an effective

blend of pure power and rugged durability.

Suzuki’s extensive lineup of four-stroke outboards are built for long life, reliable performance, fuel efﬁciency, quiet operation, ease of access to major parts, and simpliﬁed integration. Plus, with Mastry Suzuki’s reputation for high-quality, customer service and extensive marine dealer network — including genuine Suzuki parts and service — we are prepared to support you wherever your adventures lead.

When Considering A Repower, Consider These Factors: • Mastry Suzuki RePower exclusive Owner’s Edge Program* • Mastry Suzuki RePower Centers are located throughout the southeast • Mastry has over 5-decades of repower experience for proper rigging, controls, propeller matching and in water testing • With Mastry Suzuki RePower owners gain improved performance, less noise and greater reliability • Options that will ﬁt most any budget • Financing available • All Suzuki RePowers come with Suzuki’s “Gimme 6” 6-years of protection

Get with the Program! *When you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Marstry RePower Center you qualify to become a member of the Mastry Suzuki Owner’s Edge. Owners receive an identiﬁcation card that provides them with important information about their Suzuki outboard motor as well as a passport to additional beneﬁts during ownership. Members enjoy a detailed engine maintenance schedule, Mastry Suzuki RePower Trade Program and special pricing from Mastry Suzuki Partners. suzukirepower.com

1-800-545-4574

PHOTO @RYAN CLAPPER

Tom Brady celebrating in Tampa’s Super Bowl Boat Parade Feb. 10 in downtown Tampa.

om Brady made a big purchase when he moved to Tampa for the 2020 NFL season. No, not just a new house, but a $2 million yacht. His custom Wajer 55 is a perfect choice for Tampa Bay area waters. He named her ‘Viva A Vida’ after Gisele Bündchen’s charity. With a top speed of 38 knots and a range of 450 nautical miles, it can get far offshore in the Gulf of Mexico quickly. But he didn’t need all that horsepower to show his boat off during the Super Bowl Boat Parade on Feb. 10. Following a 31-9 beat-down of the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady, the rest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quite a few fans took to the water to celebrate. Brady’s yacht is comfortable and spacious with seating for plenty of guests, whether it’s the sun pads on the bow and aft or the U-shaped couch behind the cockpit. Underneath are two beds for guests, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a full bathroom with a shower, and a master suite. One of the coolest features Tom Brady’s boat has in store is its extendable swim platform that can be raised to also act as a gangway.

6 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH MADNESS REPOWER PROMO

REPOWER REBATES UP TO $1500

PLUS EVERY ENGINE COMES WITH +2 YEARS OF EXTENDED WARRANTY PROTECTION (Oﬀer Expires March 15, 2021)

2.5 HP – 600 HP

SALES• SERVICE• PARTS• REPOWER• PRE-OWNED• INVENTORY SELECTION

15881 Chief Court, Ft. Myers - 239.489.0884 - offshoreperformance.com

FLORIDIAN MARCH

lorida is home to one of the most incredibly diverse fisheries on the planet, and every change in season brings entirely new fishing opportunities to our doorstep. With long summers and short winters, temperature changes in autumn and spring bring the most dramatic shifts to our fisheries. Changes are unpredictable this time of year, and the month of March can be absolutely incredible or a total bust. It only takes a few degrees of water temperature rise to bring on full-on spring fishing. This is a wonderful time of year to be an avid fisherman. The delicate and seemingly minuscule weather changes are extremely impactful to the mysterious behavior of fish. We are on the precipice of the next fishing season, but it is based on many factors, none of which are your calendar. Florida is an annoyingly perfect place to be a boater and angler. It may seem like there are always too many boats out there competing for the bite, but, unlike places like Louisiana, where the fishing spots are marked by giant oil rigs, every venture is an opportunity to find a new honey-hole. One of the super-secret offshore coordinates found by the company I work for has been reliably fascinating throughout the year, or even throughout a week. This fishing spot is a unique little ecosystem. The bottom finder is usually marked up like a child’s crayon drawing, yet the species landed can vary greatly from day to day, or season to season. I was fishing this location recently and we caught 53 lane snapper in a few hours. We returned a few days later, and the bottom finder looked the same. We expected to catch lane snapper again, yet it was all mangroves. Then, all of a sudden the screen showed no fish. It was completely blank. This was just as interesting as any other change that had happened there. The fish would reappear on the screen, and disappear, and the bites and lack thereof, followed instantly. All of this happened back and forth within two to five minute intervals. Everyone on board began watching the screen to know when to expect a bite, and then we saw what we had all surmised. Big marks appeared on the screen zipping along solo. There were predatory fish down there. Luckily, we were able to land these predators visiting our honey-hole, and confirm that they were not just sharks. They were giant bull redfish, one of which came up double hooked. Likely not residents of this area, they had stopped by for a snack on their springtime journey through our area. This time of year is unpredictable, and I would never dare claim to understand all the mysterious behaviors of fish, so I will refrain from giving a fishing report. I will, however, say it is a great time of year to be surprised. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Reel Lucky Fishing Charters out of St Petersburg, Fla. Give them a call at (504) 929-6342 and check out Capt. Haddon’s social media @CaptainQuinlyn.

8 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL

Depressions and sinkholes along the wall are signs of seawall erosion.

FAILING SEAWALL? WE CAN HELP! SIGNS OF SEAWALL EROSION 1. Cracks in the seawall vertical panels or seawall cap 2. Depressions in your yard 3. Water bubbling up from the ground 4. Small sinkholes along the wall 5. Leaning or bowing of a seawall

• Free Estimates • Free 2nd Opinions

• Fully Licensed

• Competitive Pricing

• Family Owned

• Environmentally Friendly

• Experienced and Reputable

• Guaranteed Work

• Serving All of Florida

813.377.2462

www.FloridaSeawallSolutions.com

#CBC1255391

Come See Us At The Palm Bay Boat Show Booth 362

Young Anglers Haul In

STATE RECORD

SWORDFISH

The Pompano Beach fishing scene was buzzing in mid-January. Fish were really chewing out on the swordfish grounds, and it seemed everyone with a boat was running 15 miles out to the trench to get in on the action. That buzz rose to near hysteria the evening of Jan. 20, when four anglers between the ages of 17 and 21 returned to the docks at Lighthouse Point Marina. In their boat was an enormous 767.8-pound swordfish. It was a new state record. Here’s the story as told by 21-year-old Timmy Maddock, the new record holder:

had just returned from fishing in Costa Rica when I heard the swords were biting. I asked my buddy Hunter Irvine to go swordfishing, and he was ready! That evening, I swung by Big Dog Tackle in Pompano Beach where my girlfriend, Jaime Johanson, is the store manager. I bought fresh baits to rig for the next day’s trip. Hunter and I were up at 5:30 a.m. to load his 31-foot center console. Jaime and our other buddy Jeremy Rafferty met us there. At the sword grounds, we got a good bite on our first drop but were confused when the fish didn’t come back. After making three more drops, we heard on the radio there were bites to the south. We picked up and ran a couple miles south to find five boats stacked up in the area. Out of courtesy, we moved south of the other boats and dropped. The rod went slack the second the lead hit bottom. The four of us kind of looked around at each other, wondering if we had gotten cut off. I engaged the electric reel and started bringing in line to check. After a couple minutes, there was weight on the rod tip. “We got one on!” I yelled. The line was slack because the fish had shot straight to the surface. With the rod loaded and the darts ready for battle, the fish came straight up and jumped out of the water! We were all excited, thinking we might have a 400- or 500-pounder on the line. The lead was off within the first 15 minutes, and that fish raced all over the surface for 30 or 45 minutes before going back to the bottom. While she was up, we couldn’t get a dart in her because she was hauling ass all over the place. After two hours of hard fighting on the bottom, there was a nervous silence. We had begun to speculate how big she really was. She came halfway up and back down four or five times. The last time she dove, she was at 2000 revolutions off the LP electric reel. That’s when we think she died. We tightened the drag to gain line. Every time the boat rocked on a wave, we gained a foot. After an hour and a half of rocking, we finally got the wind-on leader back on the reel. Her head popped out of the water and we all freaked out, knowing she was dead and the fight was over. Jaime grabbed the gaff, holding her phone in the other hand to record this epic moment. Jeremy backed the boat to the fish on the surface, and Hunter put a dart in her to close the deal after more than five hours. When we got her tied off, happiness and adrenalin filled us all as we jumped around and celebrated. We spent 20 minutes trying to get the fish in the boat before radioing for help. Rob Doda was out swordfishing by himself, and he left his spot to come to our aid. He left his boat floating and jumped aboard to explain what needed to be done. After 30 minutes of all five of us pulling, we got her through the tuna door. The boat was taking on a lot of water from the weight on the back corner. We dropped Rob off at his boat and drove as fast as we could to the dock. 12 FLORIDA 1 LOCATION

MARCH 2021 JUNE 2020

• Word got out quickly as soon as we reached communication range. The folks at Big Dog Tackle led the search to find an IGFA certified scale. Shaughn Miller of Offshore Anglers of Pompano Beach agreed to meet us with a scale at the Lighthouse Point Marina fuel docks. There was a small crowd on hand. The girth of the fish’s tail was bigger than most men’s waist. As she was hoisted from the boat, the scale climbed 400… 500… 600! Everyone was cheering. When she was finally vertical, the scale stopped at 767.8 pounds. It was insane, to say the least. The fish yielded more than 400 pounds of meat that was given away to family, friends and Filet for Friends charity. Some of it was eaten during a celebration barbecue for the community, where many got a taste of the official Florida state record swordfish.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

•SU •EN •99

*LIF 16 BREVARD

Boat Show Super Sale: March 5-7 AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER - WEST HALL C

Crack-The-Code & Win a $30,000

YAHAMA SX 190 from BMC Boats

Activities for the WHOLE

FAMILY

See Twiggy the

WATERSKIING SQUIRREL 2 SEMINAR STAGES

with Informative Fishing, Boating & Watersports Seminars

HUGE BLOWOUT CLEARANCE PRICES on 2020 & 2021 Models

For more information visit

ORLANDOBOATSHOW.COM

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S PREMIER BOAT SHOW With OVER 500 BOATS shown by 26 of the BEST LOCAL DEALERS

NEW IN 2021: FISHING

ZONE

DEVOTED TO FISHING TACKLE, LURES & GEAR COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021 Comprehensive Covid Safety Protocols in Place

CENTRAL FLORIDA 1

Join us for Awards Night Thursday March 18th at Celery City Craft-Sanford 6:30pm

OVERALL DIVISION

KIDS DIVISION

12TH ANNUAL SHAD & CRAPPIE FISHING DERBY NOVEMBER 1, 2020 THRU FEBRUARY 28, 2021 Special THANKS to these Event Sponsors

Le 43

Special THANKS to these Event Sponsors

OVER $5,000.00 in PRIZES

Visit coastalanglermag.com/orlando/shad-crappie-derby

The now and t Ever Marc Gard is the Mon

This final Dece 15.5 2 2 CENTRAL CENTRAL FLORIDA FLORIDA

MARCH MARCH 2021 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM •• THEANGLERMAG.COM THEANGLERMAG.COM

www.NoblesMarine.com Family Owned & Operated for 45 Years

Largest Ship Store in Lake & Sumter Counties

Leesburg 352787-5792 437 N Palmetto St. Leesburg

Crystal River 352795-1119 1931 NW Hwy 19 Crystal River

UPDATE The final days of fishing for the Derby winning fish are now behind us. Big thank you goes out to all our sponsors and the 1300 plus anglers who registered to fish with us! Everyone is invited to the Awards Ceremony Thursday March 18th at 6: 30 pm hosted by Celery City Craft Beer Garden, 114 S. Palmetto Ave, Downtown Sanford. This is the same location for the recent “Get Hooked on Lake Monroe” tournament registration.

December big crappie with another 15.5 inch slab. December big shad goes to Jennifer Sampson with a 16.5 inch entry. Our January Big Crappie was caught by Alan Johnson with 15.75 inch fatty. If you didn’t know, Alan and his partner also won the crappie division at the Hooked on Lake Monroe Tournament. Big Shad for January was 17.5 inch entered by Mario Gallo. All the winning anglers will be contacted by email in early March and posted on the Derby website - https:// coastalanglermag.com/orlando/. Anyone who entered a crappie 15” or longer will be awarded a 15” Crappie Club Certificate at the awards ceremony. This is an informal event and the angling public is welcome to join us to see this season’s monthly winners and the Youth and Adult Champs! Join Phil and Charlie from Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine for an evening of family fun. Thanks again to our anglers and their continued support for the longest running FREE community event in our Central Florida area!

This update was written a couple weeks before the Derby finale. Here are the monthly winners for November, December, and January: No Shad in November but a 15.5 inch crappie won for Rick Hacker. Rick also won COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021 CENTRALORLANDO FLORIDA 3 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021

Look for schools of live bait getting crushed by sunshine bass and schooling largemouth bass at the mouths of the lakes and in the deep river bends at first light or late evening. Topwater is the name of the game! Nothing beats that explosive topwater strike - these hungry fish will destroy a Heddon Spook Jr. in bone color, or you can also try your favorite saltwater topwater baits if they are small sized. Second best are rattling crank baits – Rattle Traps and their look-alikes (no rattle works great too). If the bass are finicky, tie on a white jerkbait – first try unweighted and use a walk the dog style retrieve just beneath the surface to get you some fish. Carolina rigged lizzards working a bass on the bed – lizzards eat eggs, momma bass cannot tolerate. March means trophy bass in the St Johns River. Large wild shiners

are the best bait if you can find some. For giant largemouth, remember these female fish are the breeders for the future – lift them out of the water supporting their belly and hold them out of the water only as long as you can hold your breath. Avoid holding vertically by the lower jaw. Take measurements of length and girth, take pictures to save and share the memory. Fish measuring boards are the way to go for photo proof - why ride around with a giant in your baitwell? Practicing catch and release for trophy bass is honorable! Panfish will readily eat minnows. They love red worms, night crawlers, and crickets. Look for bedding areas in shallow waters. Bluegill and Shellcrackers will take over beds used earlier by bass and crappie, look in those same areas and concentrate efforts where there is a shell bottom near dropoffs, and nearby cover (lily pads). Crappie will be found in the pads during full and new moons, other times try longline trolling or spider rigging the drop-offs along the river.

and black back, plastic baits in Okeechobee candy color has been hot!

March is the best time all year for a trophy largemouth bass. Spawning is occurring with many species and fishing in the Kissimmee Chain is red hot! Bass: The bass are spawning just like they should. As the water temps warm, the bass are spawning out in deeper water up to 5 feet deep. Look for sandy spawning areas – look for sand holes in the grass along the banks. Put the trolling motor down and start hunting for beds. The key is to go right back to where you were catching bass in early February and just move out until you see the beds. Polarized glasses are a must. Open water hydrilla patches are holding good numbers of bass that have already spawned. Bait of choice is large live wild shiners for big bass. Artificial baits of choice will be Rattle Traps chrome

Panfish: Crappie are still inside finishing up their spawn in shallow then making their way out to open water. Fish the pads and reeds that are clean with no hydrilla, minnow on a gold hook works best in about 3 feet of water. At the end of March start looking for shell cracker beds in 2 feet of water. Sandy areas are where they congregate. The bluegill will also start spawning on the full moons when the water temps are warming. Another good place to look will be the canals where there is running water. Walk along the banks and look down to find beds on the edges. Check back every couple days, sometimes the bedding fish might be there only for a few days then disappear. A good pair of polarized sunglasses - are as important as the fishing rods you use.

The 2021 Seminole Junior Anglers’ St Johns River Bass Bash is in the books. It was a huge success - 31 teams launched at 6:45 am Saturday February 13, with light SW winds and overcast skies. Temperatures were in the upper 70’s but rain was lurking. By 10:00 am many anglers waited out the heavy rain bands under the I-4 Bridge. The rains lasted about hour or so and then the anglers got back to work. Some fished right through the showers. The bite seemed to be a bit slow in the morning hours but after the rains ceased the fishing turned on. The fish seemed to be moving up to the shallows to spawn and quite a few monster bass were brought to the scales. The St Johns River and Lake Monroe have dropped nearly two feet in about the last month meaning the fish have less places to hide since the pastures are now dry. Some of our anglers said it was like shooting fish in a barrel. Once you found a productive area, you just camped out there and caught bass. We had 20 teams out of 31 bring in a 5 fish limit. Many others had 4 fish to their bag, fishing was excellent. After the weigh in, our anglers ate some incredible Huey Magoos chicken tenders and some got lucky with raffle tickets and 50/50 chances. The day was filled with great support from our volunteers, friends, and supporters of Seminole Junior Anglers. We could not do this event without important sponsors. A big thank you to Boat Tree Marina for allowing us to use their facility for the last 8 years! Coastal Angler Magazine is another great partner to SJA. Their support and partnership is invaluable. $7,000 has been raised for the 2021 SJA teams who qualify and travel for state and national tournaments. Thanks Sponsors! Kysek Coolers, Huey Magoos, Power Pole, Onyx Life Jackets, Bitter’s Bait and Tackle, Steve “The Scrap Guy”, The Wooten Family, DBG Promotions, Vexan Rods, Airport Chrysler Jeep Dodge, all our SJA Parents, and Volunteers, and Captains!

4 CENTRAL ORLANDOFLORIDA MARCH 2021 MARCH 2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ash ed nd ain avy our ght the on. nd St t in de was ea, ms eir ate got

ess

cc Su er is ra nd Fu rs le ng A or ni Ju e ol in m Se

Partly cloudy skies and a slight breeze greeted our 30 plus boats as the sun peeked out on Lake Monroe the morning of February 13th. With a 5 day plus warming trend and a new moon on the 11th the St Johns River Bass Bash was setting up perfect for huge bags of spawning bass to be brought to the scales. While helping folks get ready at Boat Tree Marina just after the front blew through, reports of teams really catching them started coming in. The reports brought a big smile to the face of Dave DiMauro, SJA Coach and tournament event coordinator for the Seminole Junior Anglers. Dave knows how to teach young anglers about bass fishing. His oldest son Conner fishes for Bryan College in Tennessee, he and his partner recently won the College Bass Nation Championship on Lake Harris Chain, their final day catch set a new record for a 3-day event at over 80 lbs. and was more than 25 pounds ahead of second place. His son Davis and Bryce are the reigning High School Bass Nation Champs, 2 years running. Their whole family were busy setting up tables, raffle items, etc. as Phil Wolf’s Orlando Coastal Angler was preparing the weigh-station. Only a few of the 30 plus teams were short of the 5 fish limits. Big smiles were on the faces of all the teams as the huge bags started coming to the scales. The seventh year for this event is surely a lucky 7 - 7 bags at over 20 pounds came to the scales with several monster included. In the end it was the team of Devin Been an SJA Alumni and Chad Coutant with 25.62 pounds on top, Team Wooten and Eastman 2nd with 23.99 lbs. and Rene and Myers 3rd with 23.39 lbs. Big bass was caught by local Pro John Kramer at 8.40 pounds and second big bass was 7.85 lbs. by John Tony. The event is the annual fundraiser for the Seminole Junior Angler teams that qualify to go the High School National BASS Nation Finals in Alabama next fall. Over $7,000 dollars was raised from the tournament proceeds and sponsor donations. Join in next year on the 2nd Saturday in February 2022. If you missed the tournament and would like to donate to the Seminole Junior Anglers High School teams, please contact Phil Wolf or Dave DiMauro.

rs, uld ou he ner has for

wer he an nd

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

CENTRAL FLORIDA 5

First Meeting: Tuesday, March 9th 6:30pm Events: Tuesdays March 16 Tuesday March 23 Tuesday March 30

On th return draw skinn redfis focus and j in wa inche to ho potho sea t the w baitfis Hosted by:

Near incre progr (men the nearthe p cond

Orlando

s e i r e S s s Ba r o t a G y l l 1 Jo

! k c a B e Welcom

202

After a shortened season for Covid-19, and taking 2 months off last year, our angling teams are ready to get back on the water competing for largemouth bass along the south St Johns River. March starts our new season! - on the first Tuesday after Daylight Savings time begins - March 16th this year. Jolly Gator bass tournaments have been running for so many years that we’ve lost track. What a great place to hold the events, after fishing all the anglers gather around to trade stories and congratulate the champs that day. Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine staff has been involved for 7 years with Co-publisher Phil Wolf as the official weighmaster. March 9th at 6:30 pm, Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar & Grill will be the host for our annual Team registration meeting. These events are open to 2 angler teams, $40 fee per event. Events are every Tuesday evening and one Saturday per month until the end of season Classic in mid-August. Pay-out is one place per 7 boats and $10 per boat for

Big-Bass of the event. Teams that finish in the top 10 in points or win an event and fish at least 21 events all qualify for the end of season Classic. The team with the most points at the end of the season and the team with the largest bass caught will win big bucks for their efforts. Some of the best anglers fish this tourney so if you think you want to give it a shot come join us and fish in one of the events. All Tuesday evenings start at 5:00 pm and launch at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gators just east of Sanford on SR 46 at the St Johns River Bridge. Saturday events start at safelight until 3pm. The public is welcome at our events to watch anglers bring their daily catches to the scales. Jolly Gator has great food and some of the coldest beer in town. The 2021 Jolly Gator Bass Series will be dedicated to longtime volunteer statistician Heather Wolf who passed away suddenly October 20th, 2020. From Angler to Angel she will be watching over our events keeping our anglers safe. Come join us for our events and become a fan! See you at the weigh-ins and Welcome Back!

6 CENTRAL ORLANDOFLORIDA MARCH 2021 MARCH 2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

March in the time a when well a The w the 7 sunny see in try to

A hun nor a bait o a who gives There baits a Live work

16 23 30

sh st 21 with th s.

the at R 46 -

at y r tober

or nd

On the lagoons silver mullet return from their winter hunts drawing redfish up into the skinny water. For the slot redfish 18 to 27 inches, focus on areas of flipping and jumping baitfish (mullet) in water depths of 12 to 18 inches. Sea trout will continue to hold in the skinny water potholes, and the top-water sea trout bite will improve as the warmer water draws the baitfish up on the flats. Near-shore temperature increases will facilitate the progression of bait pods (menhaden or pogies) from the deeper water into the near-shore waters bringing the predators with them. Sea conditions will determine

the number of fishable days we will experience in March. Also, look for tripletail hanging on floating structure and weeds and large redfish and sharks shadowing bait pods along the beaches and inlets around mid month. When site fishing for cobia and tripletail, consider fishing in the latter part of the day when the sun is high as the water is warmer and visibility is better. On the freshwater scene, spring rains increase water levels on the St Johns River. These rising waters and increased current trigger feeding frenzies at first light and dusk in the deeper river bends. Look for schooling largemouth and sunshine bass busting on surface schools of threadfin shad and large catfish working the schools from underneath.

When it comes to on-water assistance, response time is everything. Sea Tow® has been the most trusted brand on the water since 1983.

Who’s coming to get you? SEA TOW CENTRAL FLORIDA LAKES 877-800-1492 \ seatow.com

a cobia go nuts trying to eat a livey. Sometimes there are days that you will see 30 fish and maybe only 2 actually eat or get Fired-Up on a jig. It is few and far between to have cobes turn down a live fish. Some say they will never turn down a live choice shrimp or their magic swim bait etc. Fishing is just what it says, fishing. Some days they’re FiredUp others they swim away from whatever you throw.

March Madness is here bringing in the cobia! This is the historic time along the central east coast when migrating cobia swim by, well at least they’re supposed to. The water is warming back up to the 70-degree mark. Look for sunny skies, you must be able to Gear of choice is a 7-foot medium see into the water a little bit and action rod with a light tip to jig the lure and enough backbone try to get as high as possible. to stick the hook. Line is 50lb A hungry cobia is not a picky fish braid and a 50lb leader. If using nor are they the smartest. My live bait, try an 8/0 circle hook bait of choice is a buck tail with and hook the live fish through a whole squid hooked on it. This the back of the head, then cast gives a natural look and smell. forward and past the fish. There are many different types of baits and lures people use.

We Have Moved to 9700 E. Colonial Dr. We have moved to a more convenient location and to better serve our clients and allow for more inventory!!

Live bait - bunker and pinfish work great. It’s fun to watch COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021 CENTRALORLANDO FLORIDA 7 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021

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 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.moroneharbor.com

42 - Central Florida Airboat Tours (407) 32107534650 E State Rd 46, Geneva, FL 32732 www.centralfloridaairboattours.com

6 - Sea Tow of Central Florida Lakes

31 - Pyramid Cabinets (407) 947-8499

9 - Instant Insurance Agency (352) 735-5560 25833 State Road 46, Sorrento, FL 32776 www.instantinsuranceagency.com

34 - Thomas Lumber Company (407) 841-1250

51 - A & D Custom Canvas (407) 331-8184 725 Montana St. Orlando 32803

49 - Martin Tree Service, Inc. (407) 359-1119 1215 Bob White Trail, Chuluota, FL 32766 www.martintreeserviceinc.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

451 Fairvilla Road, Orlando, FL 32808 www.codepyramid.com

231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, www.thomaslumber.com

15 - The Florida Angler (352) 708-8290

50 - Campbell Renovations Inc. (407) 947-0016 285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

5 - Lakeside Bait & Tackle (352) 742-3336

1000 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778

55 - Vapor and Company (407) 878-7397 3621 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773 www.vaporandco.com

1021 N Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 www.centralfloridamarine.com

7 - Owens Fishing & Marine (352) 357-3030

59 - Celery City Craft (407) 915-5541

38 - Orlando Boat Sales (407) 253-7111

11 - Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

786 Montose St., Clermont, Fl 34711 www.thefloridaangler.com

30 - Aamco East Orlando (407) 277-3311 6304 E. Colonial Dr. Orlando FL 32807 Full Service Mechanics

25 - Central Florida Marine (407) 647-6262

935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726

(386) 668-4491 488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713 www.campresort.com

3165 N John Young Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32804 www.orlandoboatsales.com

37 - Southeast Marine (407) 851-1965 7576 S Orange Ave, Pine Castle, FL 32809 www.southeastmarinesales.com

14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

24 - Boat Max USA (321) 866-0306

21 - Bitters Bait & Tackle (407) 699-6619

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 www.boatmaxusa.com

65 N US Hwy 17 92, Longwood, FL 32750 www.bittersbaitandtackle.com

46 - Gibson Truck World (407) 321-0660

43 - Bithlo Bait & Tackle (321) 355-0591

3455 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford, FL 32773 www.gibsontruckworld.com 14 - Boat Tree Marina (407) 322-1610 4370 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771 www.boattree.com

17162 Old Cheney Hwy, Orlando, FL 32833

10 - Get Hooked Bait & Tackle (407) 704-8755 670 Kissimmee Ave, Ocoee, FL 34761

60 - Next Level Inc. “Florida Marine Customs”

(407) 704-5676 • 87 W. Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32806 info@floridamarinecustoms.com

Boat improvement / Service & Repair Centers / Replacement Parts 36 - All American Marine (407) 855-9988 7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando FL 32809 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

35 - All Star Marine (407) 423-9953 28 W Jersey St, Orlando, FL 32806 www.manta.com

29 - Lake Fairview Marina (407) 295-0117 4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

44 - Big Toho Marina (407) 846-2124 69 Lakeview Dr., Kissimmee, FL 34741

114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford FL 32771 celerycitycraft.com

54 -West End Trading Co. (407) 322-7475 202 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 www.drinkatwestend.com

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

7937 Daetwyler Dr, Orlando, FL 32812 www.fishonfireorlando.com

40 - High Tide Harry’s (407) 273-4422 4645 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822 www.hightideharrys.com

45 - Wojo’s Bait & Tackle (407) 891-1003

Oak Park Center, 4245 13th St, St Cloud, FL 34769

33 - Boston’s Fish House (407) 678-2107 Aloma Square Shopping Center, 6860 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 www.bostonsfishhouse.com

48 - Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.

17 - St. Johns River Steak & Seafood

56 - Orlando Outfitters (407) 896-8220

37 - The Steer (407) 286-6802 8015 S. Orange Ave., Orlando FL

(407) 447-7637 2133 Componet Loop Suite 1001, Oveido, FL 32765 www.mudhole.com 2814 Corrine Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 www.orlandooutfitters.com

Home Improvement Contractors & Service Providers

(407) 878-0980 550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

22 - Huey Magoo’s (407) 706-6004

www.hueymagoos.com 10 Locations – See our ad on Restaurant Page

26 - DWR Plumbing LLC. (407) 293-3717

6344 All American Blvd, Orlando, FL 32810

13 - Camp House Restaurant (407) 915-5401 100 S White Cedar Rd, Sanford, FL 32771 www.camphousebarandgrill.com

32 - Portside Marine (407) 249-1124 2730 Forsyth Rd, Orlando, FL 32792 www.portsideorlando.com

27 - Orlando Painting Service (407) 896-0839 65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789

52 - The Deli (407) 332-8800 4360 Carraway Pl, Sanford, FL 32771

23 - Talon Marine Services (407) 542-7600

28 - Millennium Electric (407) 420-2001

www.orlandopaintingservice.com

53 - T J’s Seafood Shack (407) 365-3365

439 Aulin Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765 www.talonmarineservices.com

4340 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 www.millennium-electric.com

197 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765 12231 E Colonial Dr. #230, Orlando(407) 250-4191 www.tjsseafoodshack.com

20 - Team Marine Services (407) 260-8326 1350 28th Street, Orlando FL 32805 www.teammarineservices.com

41 - Water Works Pressure Cleaning & Sealing

54 - Otters On The River (407) 636-6300

19 - Ahoy Marine (407) 323-8373 511 E 25th St, Sanford, FL 32771 www.superpages.com

8 CENTRAL FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

(407) 376-9526 490 Buck Lake Lane, Geneva, FL 32732 www.jmwaterworksinc.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

4380 Carraway Place, Sanford, FL 32771

W C

We Support Our Community Businesses!!

57 1

1-1250

119

7-0016 2

7 2

52 14 17 12

19 5546

53 49 23 48

ts 20

21 27

31 34

29 28

a Ave,

32 60 35 36

47 42

37 39

401

44 45

2765 50-4191

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

CENTRAL FLORIDA 9

Community Service Providers Astor Marine

Triangle Marine

Sylvan – Oasis - Sun Chaser Pontoon Boats Honda – Mercury – Suzuki - Yamaha

Bennington Pontoons – TideWater Johnson – Evinrude – Yamaha

All American Marine

Boat Max USA

Service All Outboard Brands – Stern Drives – Canvas – Interiors – Trailer Repair

Pioneer Boats – Consignment Sales Authorized dealer for Yamaha and Suzuki Glasstream Boats - Mobil Service - Outboard Motor Part Sales

Lake Fairview Marina

Thomas Lumber Company

Consignment Sales – Outboard Service – Storage – Ship Store – Sailing Classes

Old Fashion Lumber Yard – Lumber – Trim – Custom Doors – Hardware – Delivery – Customer Service

Nobles Marine

Campbell Renovations Inc.

Mako – Tracker – Nitro – Tahoe - Mercury Regency - Sun Tracker

State Certified Contractor CBC 1255779 Residential & Commercial New Construction – Renovations – Kitchens – Bathrooms – Additions – Tenant Build Out

Owens Fishing & Marine

Vapor and Company

24535 FL-40, Astor, FL 32102 Phone:(352) 759-3655 www.astormarine.com

7024 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809 Phone: (407) 855-9988 www.allamericanmarineorlando.com

4503 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: (407) 295-0117 www. Lakefairviewmarina.com

437 N Palmetto St, Leesburg, FL 34748 or 1931 N. Hwy 19, Crystal River Phone: (352) 787-5792 www.noblesmarine.com

935 N Bay St, Eustis, FL 32726 Phone: (352) 357-3030 Saltwater Tackle & Bait - Ballyhoo, Freshwater Tackle - Live Bait - Wild Shiners Costa - Shimano Top Shelf Dealer Outboard Service & Boat Parts Hunting & Snorkeling Accessories Bow Fishing

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood

550 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771 Phone: (407) 878-0980 On Water Location – Special Events – Full Bar – Steaks – Fresh Seafoodel

10 CENTRAL FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

11415 US-441, Tavares, FL 32778 Phone:(352) 343-6146 www.trianglemarinecenter.biz

9700 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL 32817 Phone: (321) 866-0306 www.boatmaxusa.com

231 W Gore St, Orlando, FL 32806, Phone: (407) 841-1250 www.thomaslumber.com

285 Campbell Ranch Run, Geneva, FL 32732 Phone:(407) 349-0016 Cell: 407-947-5460 www.campbellrenovationsinc.com

3621 S. Orlando Dr. Sanford FL 32773 Phone:(407) 878-7397 www.vaporandco.com Electronic Cigarettes and E-Liquid Experts in Smoking Cessation Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine Approved! Altamonte Springs Location Too

Orlando Painting Service

65 Harold Ave, suite B, Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: 407) 896-0839 www.orlandopaintingservice.com Commercial – Residential Custom Homes – Re-Paint Specialist – Pressure Washing

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

ard

732 0

s–

A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKETS WILL BE SOLD SO BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY AT WWW.CCAFLORIDA.ORG/CHAPTER/ORLANDO COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021 CENTRALORLANDO FLORIDA 11 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM MARCH 2021

March Magic – Big Bass By Phil Wolf, Co-Publisher Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine

A very accomplished angler once told me the best time to go fishing is when you can. March has been magical for catching huge bass during my 50-plus years as an angler in Florida. Early Springtime produces the largest females all year! Their weight is naturally increased by Mother Nature. Now is the best chance for catching a trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. Egg laying females begin their annual migration to the shallows following smaller, younger males when moon phases change. The thinner, super aggressive males move into the shallows first. They find protected places to prep the bed for the female to lay her eggs. Central Florida’s frontal conditions are constantly changing with fronts blowing through every 7 to 10 days - March is usually the windiest. If we get a short warming trend incurring a spike in water temperature between 62 to 66 degrees, combined with a full-moon or new-moon phase, the egg filled females bolt to the shallows from their nearby staging spots. The females will search out the buck bass who has already prepped a bed by fanning a roundish area of lake bottom with his tail until it is free and clear of sediment or debris. These beds are usually about three feet in diameter with clean sandy bottom you can see from several yards. The females will arrive to the bedding areas, seek out a bed that suits them, lay several thousand eggs, and return to the staging areas all within a few days, most times relating to a new or full moon phase. The aggressive bucks are left behind in the bedding areas to protect the beds from the natural predators like bluegill, shiners and even other bass who will eat the fry the young, hatched eggs. The bucks protect these small schools of fry until there are large enough to move off to grow up on their own. Spawning season lasts several months here in Central Florida. The month of March is the peak of the season. The aggressive bites you get from these buck bass will be the years’ best. In clear shallow water maybe four to five feet deep or less, sight fishing for aggressive males and large females can be the best fishing for any angler no doubt. The aggressive young bucks will protect the prepared beds with their life. Buck bass on the beds can pick-up your bait by the tail, remove it from the bed and spit the bait out without ever feeling a nibble – while you are watching! A buck bass may remove the same bait multiple times off his bed before he gets mad enough to eat your presentation and you are able to set the hook. Days prior to or just following the changing moon phases is when bass move to the deeper water staging locations close to bedding areas. They bite just about anything harder than any other time of year because they’re feeding heavily getting ready for the chore of spawning. In between the moon phases search baits like large 4” - 5” swim baits, plastic frog baits, top water poppers and fast-moving chatter baits will get super aggressive strikes. As multiple bucks will be in the same areas, these bucks will compete with one another trying to get a meal before another bass does. Look for these aggressive fish pushing a wake when they zoom-in on a slow rolled swim bait, plastic frog or speed worm. It is very hard not to set the hook before they crush your presentation. Search your local lakes looking for the best bedding locations. Look for areas most protected from the northeastern winds. The places most protected from the wind will warm up the fastest. Look for hard, sandy and shell covered bottoms with the cleanest water you can find in the shallows of 4’ or less. Find scattered vegetation like Kissimmee grass, cattails, hard reeds or buggy whips, thin lily pads both large and small with deeper water and heavy vegetation nearby. Having a good pair of polarized sunglasses is a must. When you see existing beds in the shallows or smaller buck bass moving about, you can bet the larger females are close. On days between the moon phases fish the thicker cover adjacent to the beds you find. The larger females will be just waiting for Mother Natures’ time clock to move into the bedding area. Flipping or pitching heavy weighted creature baits in the holes and pockets of the densest grass or mats will produce some rod jarring bites. The egg bearing females are heavyweights. A normal female 8lb. bass will be two to three pounds heavier due to increased feeding and the weight of the eggs they are carrying. To help protect these giant female largemouth bass, please take great care when handling your catch. Make sure to remove the hook quickly and return the fish to the water; only keep the fish out of the water as long as you can hold your own breath. Let them breathe in your baitwell while the camera is readied. Position the boat for a good photo and only then take photos, measure the fish and return it to finish its spawning cycle and a chance for her to fight another day. Large female spawning bass are more vulnerable to death for mis-handling fish. Please practice catch-photo-release and pass on good fish handling behavior to your kids and other anglers. Your best chance at catching a lifetime biggest bass is during the spring-time spawn. Tight lines and good luck bassing!

12 CENTRAL FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Fr Ma Sh Co bo Ce dis Sp of wit Sq “Fi bo fro ind on fro bu ex Or

Tu Jo Gr Te for To se 16 an wil an Co are ev

Tu Ba ev on the is pe in an ev of be fis of Ma ma se for Tu du mo La ne on St. qu Jim 43 An 95

13 CE 13 CE

n. r in ally nds

ve ay wing g with ir pped of andy seek all bucks dators

e large

nth these o five es can

heir ove ble ait our just he ite se ng. im atter be in ng to sh astic crush

ok for st sandy n mee rge ving a sting

on e ock to ted

males ree he

ke e sh hem the fish o fight to e and lers. e

Friday, Saturday, Sunday March 5, 6, 7 – Orlando Boat Show hosted at the Orlando Convention Center. Over 500 boats and 27 dealers from the Central Florida area will be on display with their best vessels. Special Boat-show pricing, lots of family activities, kids’ zone with Twiggy the “Water Skiing Squirrel” and new this year the “Fishing Zone” More than 40 booths with loads of products from the fishing and boating industry on display. Seminars on boating and fishing from local area Captains, business owners and local experts. For more info visit OrlandoBoatShow.com Tuesday March 9 – 6:30 pm., Jolly Gator Fish Camp Bar and Grill will be hosting the Annual Team registration and meeting for the 2021 Jolly Gator Bass Tournament Series. This years’ season starts Tuesday March 16th. All rules, entry fees and any changes for the season will be discussed. Join the anglers and staff of Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine who are tournament officials for all events. Tuesday March 16, 23, 30 - 5pm till dusk, Jolly Gator Bass Tournament Series, every Tuesday evening plus one Saturday per month until the Classic in August. Cost is $40 per event, 2 anglers per team. Teams that finish in the Top 10 in points or win an event and fish at least 21 events will qualify for the end of year Classic. Some of the best river anglers in the area fish this Bass Series. The staff of Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine is the official weigh masters for this fun tournament series. Come out and join us for the weekly weigh-ins. All Tuesday events start at 5pm till dusk, Saturday events (1 per month) are safe-light till 3pm. Launch ramp at CS Lee Park next to Jolly Gator Fish Camp on SR 46 east of Sanford at St. Johns River Bridge. For questions or more info contact Jim “Squirt” Chaudoin at 407432-2822 or Phil Wolf, Coastal Angler Magazine 407-7909515.

13 CENTRAL FLORIDA 13 CENTRAL FLORIDA

Thursday March 18 – 6:30 pm, 12th Annual Shad and Crappie Derby Awards ceremony hosted by Celery City Craft Beer Garden 114 Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 32771. Come join Orlando Coastal Angler Magazine to see this years’ winners and the great prizes provided by our product sponsors. Awards for the longest Shad and Crappie for both Youth and Adult divisions. Prizes for the largest fish of the month for both species and special certificates for those anglers who caught a Crappie that is 15” or longer! This is the longest running, awesome community event. Join Phil and Charlie and come out to see the smiles on the faces of our winning anglers! For a preview of this seasons’ entries visit www.coastalanglermag.com/ Orlando/shad-crappie-derby. Saturday March 27 – 1pm till 6pm, 10th Annual Pints and Paws Craft Beer Festival, Hosted by Celery City Craft Beer Garden and West End Trading Co. at 202. S. Sanford Ave. 32771. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Pet Rescue, Judy and Dolly’s Foundation. For more info visit www.pintandpaws.com come and join the fun and help an animal out! Thursday April 9 – 6 pm till 10:30 pm, CCA Orlando 22nd Annual BBQ & Auction to be hosted at “The Hangar Orlando”, 3024 E. Amelia St. Orlando, 32803. Join the CCA members and guests for an evening to celebrate and support Florida’s Marine Resources and conservation projects. Open Bar, dinner, raffle prizes and a great live Auction - For info and tickets to the event visit www.ccaflorida. org. If you have an event or meeting you would like included in the “What’s Hitting Around Town” column, send your details to: Phil Wolf phillip@ coastalanglermagazine.com. Deadline for inclusion is the 10th of the preceding month.

MARCH 2021 MARCH 2021

401 Commerce Way, Unit 101, Longwood FL 32750 www.respitecmedical.com • 407-834-2266 and 1-800-945-6685 Specializing in meeting rhe needs of the home respiratory and sleep therapy patients.

East Coast Tide Charts Tide Charts brought to you by these businesses

MARCH 2021 Time

2Tu

4Th

6Sa

7Su

9Tu

Miami, Government Cut

Height

3:26 AM -0.5 10:04 AM 2.6 3:49 PM -0.6 10:31 PM 2.6 4:14 AM -0.4 10:48 AM 2.5 4:37 PM -0.6 11:22 PM 2.6 5:04 AM -0.2 11:34 AM 2.4 5:28 PM -0.5 12:15 AM 2.5 5:59 AM -0.1 12:25 PM 2.3 6:25 PM -0.4 1:13 AM 2.3 6:59 AM 0.1 1:22 PM 2.2 7:28 PM -0.3 2:18 AM 2.2 8:06 AM 0.2 2:28 PM 2.1 8:37 PM -0.2 3:28 AM 2.1 9:16 AM 0.3 3:39 PM 2.0 9:46 PM -0.2 4:38 AM 2.2 10:23 AM 0.2 4:50 PM 2.1 10:50 PM -0.2 5:41 AM 2.2 11:23 AM 0.1 5:53 PM 2.2 11:47 PM -0.2

10W

11Th

12F

13Sa

14Su

15M

16Tu

17W

18Th

Time

Height

6:35 AM 2.3 12:17 PM 0.0 6:47 PM 2.3 12:38 AM -0.3 7:21 AM 2.4 1:04 PM -0.1 7:35 PM 2.4 1:24 AM -0.3 8:02 AM 2.4 1:47 PM -0.2 8:18 PM 2.4 2:06 AM -0.3 8:39 AM 2.4 2:26 PM -0.2 8:57 PM 2.4 3:45 AM -0.2 10:14 AM 2.4 4:04 PM -0.2 10:35 PM 2.4 4:23 AM -0.1 10:48 AM 2.3 4:39 PM -0.2 11:11 PM 2.4 4:59 AM 0.0 11:21 AM 2.3 5:14 PM -0.2 11:48 PM 2.3 5:35 AM 0.1 11:54 AM 2.2 5:49 PM -0.1 12:25 AM 2.2 6:11 AM 0.3 12:29 PM 2.0 6:26 PM 0.0

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)

Time

19F

20Sa

21Su

22M

23Tu

24W

25Th

26F

27Sa

Height

1:05 AM 2.1 6:50 AM 0.4 1:07 PM 1.9 7:08 PM 0.1 1:51 AM 2.0 7:36 AM 0.5 1:51 PM 1.9 7:57 PM 0.2 2:44 AM 1.9 8:32 AM 0.6 2:45 PM 1.8 8:58 PM 0.3 3:46 AM 1.9 9:38 AM 0.6 3:50 PM 1.8 10:04 PM 0.3 4:53 AM 1.9 10:44 AM 0.6 5:01 PM 1.9 11:07 PM 0.2 5:55 AM 2.0 11:43 AM 0.4 6:07 PM 2.0 12:04 AM 0.0 6:50 AM 2.2 12:35 PM 0.2 7:05 PM 2.2 12:56 AM -0.1 7:39 AM 2.4 1:22 PM 0.0 7:58 PM 2.4 1:45 AM -0.3 8:25 AM 2.5 2:08 PM -0.3 8:48 PM 2.7

Time

Height

28Su 2:33 AM -0.4 9:09 AM 2.7 2:54 PM -0.5 9:36 PM 2.8 29M 3:20 AM -0.4 9:54 AM 2.7 3:40 PM -0.6 10:25 PM 2.9 30Tu 4:07 AM -0.4 10:39 AM 2.7 4:27 PM -0.7 11:14 PM 2.9 31W 4:56 AM -0.3 11:25 AM 2.7 5:16 PM -0.6 1Th 12:05 AM 2.8 5:48 AM -0.1 12:14 PM 2.6 6:09 PM -0.5 2F 12:58 AM 2.7 6:43 AM 0.1 1:08 PM 2.4 7:08 PM -0.3 3Sa 1:57 AM 2.5 7:44 AM 0.2 2:08 PM 2.3 8:12 PM -0.2 4Su 3:01 AM 2.3 8:52 AM 0.3 3:14 PM 2.2 9:22 PM 0.0 5M 4:09 AM 2.2 10:02 AM 0.4 4:26 PM 2.1 10:31 PM 0.1

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 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

+1 ho u r s, 13 m in ute s +2 ho u r s, 9 m in ute s

ORLANDO 13

By Capt. Alex Locallinescharters.com

Spring is finally upon us. Consistent cold fronts give way to warming temperatures and many times a bit of a breeze. March is traditionally a very windy month, but March has also become one of our only consistent chances at our traditional sight fishing in the lagoons around our Space Coast. The lack of rain runoff and still, cooler temps allow the lagoons to clear almost to the point of our classic winter clear water pattern. This will afford kayak bound anglers a chance to enjoy the opportunity of seeing your target before you make a presentation with your lure or natural baits. Redfish and large sea trout are the main targets for this fishing, but don’t ever count out the chance to run across a snook looking to shake the winter cold and pounce on a well-placed cast. Typically, we want a little sun to make this tactic a winner and it never hurts to find a little calmer water to aid in the ability to see into the water. Of course, a good pair of polarized sunglasses are a must. I live and die by my copper-colored lens from RCI Optics in these situations. The way a good pair of shades cut the glare and allow you to look thru the water. Good sunglasses cannot be understated and being able to pick out those subtle clues to a fish’s position will make you a significantly more productive sight fisher. For this fishing I prefer to stay with an artificial lure tied onto my lite river setup. I will always have some fresh dead or live shrimp to entice any reds or trout that have lockjaw, or to be sure I have a better than good chance if we happen across some shallow water black drum. For the shrimp I like to have a jig head at the ready with that shrimp threaded on the jig tail first. It makes for a great little package that can be cast accurately and at a distance. For my artificial it is hard to beat a soft plastic paddle tail predominantly rigged on a weedless style keeper hook. With the still cooler water and lesser number of baits around I will step that paddle tail down from the bigger summer baits to a 3-inch size.

Bass and Crappie fishing has remained. The month of March typically is a time that the bream start moving into the shallows for the spawn but depends on the weather, cold fronts, and water temperature. The bass spawn will remain active throughout the Spring months, typically March and April can produce some fun, fast action days of fishing. Do not rule out the Crappie bite being over until late March, perhaps into midApril (like two years ago). Fishing Lake Okeechobee on your bucket list? Now is a good time to book your bream, crappie and bass trip of a lifetime. Areas to search for bass: Westside on the Shoal area around Whidden’s Pass; 2nd-3rd pole; some spots in the Monkey Box; Dyess Ditch and point of Horse Island; some spots around Indian Prairie and back inside at Tin

The ability for you to stand is great if you have the balance and a kayak that will allow it, but it is not a necessity. Lack of vision can be overcome by proper working of an area. You must go slow and by slow, I mean painfully slow. This will allow you to react to a sighted fish and present your bait correctly. This is also a great way to find those groups of large trout that will be transitioning to their shallow water haunts from their winter warmer deep holes. This intel will become especially useful as we get into late spring/early summer and want to be getting those same fish to smash topwater plugs in the early morning light. For my kayak fishing charter clients this sight fishing game is one of the favorites, and it’s not as common of an Bait is moving around in search of shallow water and cover. With opportunity these days, so don’t miss out.

that brings largemouth bass, black crappie and other panfish to the dinner bell. A white bladed jig or a spinnerbait is hard for a largemouth bass to ignore. You can cast these baits near heavy cover as well as open water conditions or along grass edges. Soft plastic creature baits flipped and pitched around spawning areas can produce giant spawning bass. Look for places with hard bottom near some type of cover. Boat docks and seawalls are another key area to look for beds. Isolated lilly pads are another area that you will find fish nearby staging for their spawn. Long casts with a lipless crankbait can find active fish. You can fish it in a multitude of ways with letting it flutter down and ripping the bait up known as a yo-yo technique.

14 CENTRAL ORLANDOFLORIDA MARCH 2021 MARCH 2021 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

House. Also, the pass around Buckhead Ridge always holds bass but gets a lot of pressure and could make for a tough bite. Lures for bass: senkos; top water Devils Horse or Zara Spook worked methodically and slow; frogs and swim baits around thicker vegetation areas where pre-spawn bream are moving into the shallow areas; Lure colors for bass are June bug; red bug; black/blue; white and shad/crawdad patterns. Crappie fishing has been the Kissimmee River; Government Cut; some areas on Kings Bar; 2nd point; some spots around Indian Prairie and Dupree Bar and a few areas on the Shoal. For the Crappie bite, live small minnows have been a staple especially when the bite gets a little tough. Along with minnows, small hair jigs have been working well if you want to cover water and work the jig. Big thank you for all of Angie’s Sponsors: Mercury Marine; BnM Poles; Maui Jim Sunglasses; Gill clothing; Bullet Weights; Mega Strike; G-Loomis rods; Lews Fishing; Real Magic; Mid-South Tackle and Gene Larew.

Alta L Ove

A Carolina rigged soft plastic worm can cover lots of water and let you feel for structure such as grass, brush piles and shell bottom areas. Remember to use a long sweeping hookset to the side. Colors to try out are a watermelon red, pearl white or a junebug. With the cold fronts coming in you can also work hard jerkbaits with a long pause between twitches. When the water is warmer you can try using shorter pauses for some really good strikes. This time of the year you will find excellent fishing near shallow water say around 6-foot-deep give or take. You can also catch crappie in lily pad fields on minnows and small jigs in a 1/8 oz. or 1/16 oz. size. Now is the time to get yourself on the books and schedule that fishing charter you have been waiting for. Visit cprbasscharters. com for lots of fishing content and social media links.

15 CE

round holds e and Lures Devils orked frogs hicker spawn hallow s are k/blue; erns.

n the nment r; 2nd Indian and a or the nnows ecially ough. air jigs u want ig.

ngie’s BnM s; Gill Mega Lews South

STOP BY A LOCATION NEAR YOU OR ORDER ONLINE

lastic water cture s and mber okset ut are white cold also long When an try some me of ellent r say take. in lily small size. urself e that been rters. ntent

15 CENTRAL FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

ORLANDO 15

Robin Graves a 30” plus Redfish caught in Haulover Canal caught on Fischer Hricko with a huge Bass k Par ter Win e, Lak y Gull Bear

Birthday with Jase Adkins and Buds on his 8th m Dru k Blac a nice

16 CENTRAL FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

9 yr old Ryder Koos and his Dad with a nice Tuna

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

BOATHOUSE BOATHOUSE Discount Marine Supplies

Marine Supplies

Jacksonville West

Locations Same Low Prices

Jacksonville Beach

Locations Same Low Price

OEM Marine Parts

Melbourne

Certified Service Department

Authorized Marine EngineAuthorized & Parts Dealer OEM

Marine Engine & Parts Dealer

Trailer Parts

Trailer Sales

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

• AUTOMOTIVE • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

nge. ale. t us mall

was was nds.

CTX NANO-CERAMIC TINT

Three Locations To Serve •SUPERIOR HEAT REJECTION •ENHANCED STYLE Melbourne Jacksonville Beach 557 N. Harbor City Blvd 8587 Beach Blvd •99% UV PROTECTION Melbourne, FL 32935

y to ring the

(321) 254-2535

Jacksonville, FL 32216

(904) 564-9669

Jacksonville

5615 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244

(904) 778-7775

BoathouseDiscountMarine.com

*LIFETIME WARRANTY 16 BREVARD

You

JANUARY 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THE ANGLERMAG.COM

Just A Little Overboard.

West Palm Beach waterfront along Flagler Drive pbboatshow.com MARCH 25 - 28 PROUDLY FOLLOWING ALL

STANDARDS

LIFE IS A BEACH I

’m expecting awesome spring action at the beach. Longer days and warmer weather will start bringing snook from the deeper water around the inlets to feed in the surf early in the morning and late in the evening. Tarpon will start navigating the inlets and going along the beach. Pods of bait will have snook, tarpon, large jacks, mackerel and bluefish feeding on them. Even though the pompano bite and mackerel bite will start to end, the whiting and croaker bite will improve, and they will be hitting live bait, small jigs and spoons where you find bait. Follow the Bait: Fish will be following pods of glass minnows, greenies and other bait as they start heading north. Look for pelicans in the water and gulls and terns that dive at the tops of waves, picking off bait. When you go to the beach, look for birds that have located schooling bait or bait pods. The general rule is: No birds, no bait. Find a beach where you can see birds and/or bait. If you walk down to the water, you will see activity around the trough behind the closest breaking waves. You will see splashing or small fish jumping if there’s going to be fishing action. Birds will usually be concentrated on large schools of bait and big pods. The Early Bite is Best: My experience is 15 minutes before daybreak until early morning is the best time to fish the beach. It’s the best snook bite, and the fish will be around the trough because the bait will be in the wash. Usually the bait will start moving out after daybreak. Reels and Tackle: I use a medium to light spinning reel (400 series) with 10to 20-pound white braid on a 7-foot rod. A long rod gives you longer casts. I use a 30- to 40-pound fluorocarbon leader attached to the braid with a uni knot and attach the lure with a loop knot for better movement. Lures: My favorite search bait is a 3/8- to ½-ounce chartreuse jig with a pearl white paddletail, which gives the lure more movement and even works with a steady retrieve. That steady retrieve is useful in rough, windy weather. I use a variety of retrieves depending on whether the fish are hitting near top or off bottom. Usually, I try and fish near the top by holding my rod tip high, twitching the lure, and using a fast retrieve. For bottom feeders like whiting and croaker, I let the jig sit on the bottom and give it an exaggerated jerk, which brings it to the top. I also like shallow-running crankbaits and spoons in gold or silver. For long casts in wind and bigger fish, try 2-ounce silver crocodile spoon.

Your Spring Surf Fishing Forecast By Richard L. Matteson

Richard Matteson writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440. • CUSTOM RED IRON BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

IT’S YOUR LUCKY DAY! WE HAVE GREAT SAVINGS FOR YOU.

• DOWN FINANCING • NO CREDIT CHECK • EVERYONE GETS APPROVED • GREAT FINANCING OPTIONS • FREE DELIVERY AND FREE SETUP

20X21 DOUBLE CARPORT

/Month + Tax

AS-LOW-AS $35.19/MO +TAX

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

$87.45

$39.88

$30.68

/Month + Tax

12X30 PORCH MODEL

18X31 BOAT PORT AS-LOW-AS $42.02/MO +TAX

AS-LOW-AS $92.32/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

START YOUR OWN GARDEN!

$159.31

$198.30

/Month + Tax

28X30X12 CUSTOM WORK GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $189.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

Financing Disclaimer:

30X40X14 CUSTOM STEEL GARAGE AS-LOW-AS $245.60/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

LIVE OAK (Corporate Office) P: 386-364-7995

620 W. Howard St. (Hwy 90 W.)

LIVE OAK SUPER CENTER P: 386-364-1548 211 72nd Trace

CHIEFLAND P: 352-490-5028 2495 Young Blvd.

PERRY

P: 850-223-1939 2320 Hwy. 19 S. Byron Butler Pwky

Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 3.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $3.33 followed by 79 amortized payments of $14.41. Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 11.99% for 84 months. For each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $9.99 followed by 79 amortized payments of $18.36.

$259.00

$29.98

/Month + Tax

IT’S GREENHOUSE SEASON

STARTING AT $35.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

WAYCROSS

P: 850-223-1939 2203 Memorial Drive Waycross, GA 31501

KEEN’S 2 STORY BARN

AS-LOW-AS $275.00/MO +TAX With Approved Credit. Restrictions May Apply.

MASARYKTOWN P: 352-797-2291 568 S. Broad St.

KEENSBUILDINGS.COM View our inventory online.

Subject to qualifying credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full within 12 months. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status.

• STEEL BUILDING • SALE • PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS • SAVE • CUSTOM RED IRON BUILDINGS • SALE • CARPORTS • SAVE • CALL NOW • SPECIALS • SALE • STEEL BUILDING • SALE •

16 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Reel in the thrills. From deep-sea fishing to fly fishing, novice and experienced anglers cast with dreams of a prized catch. Use our exclusive credit to venture across crystal-clear waters to hotels and fishing lodges where you can fish on, all day long.

$300 FUEL CREDIT Discover how at OutIslands Anglers.com ACKLINS ELEUTHERA

ANDROS THE EXUMAS

THE ABACOS

BERRY ISLANDS

HARBOUR ISLAND

BIMINI

LONG ISLAND

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CAT ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

MARCH 2021

FLORIDA 17

YOUR WIFE CALLED, SHE HAS JUST GONE INTO LABOR…. 3 ½ WEEKS EARLY

‘NOW’ WHO DOESN’T CARE ABOUT SPEED?*

18’ HYDRASTEPP WITH MERCURY 115 HP, 2 PEOPLE, LOADED FOR FISHING, 60 MPH *ALL HYDRASTEPPS COME WITH AN ADJUSTABLE THROTTLE AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT

www.HYDRASTEPP.com • (407) 718-6695 “FOR THE HULL OF IT”

Latest & Greatest! New Penn® International® VI Series Available for the 30, 50, 70, 80, & 130 Models

Fastest Retrieval Rate on the Market!

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334-4917 showroom: sales@hookerelectric.com 18 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

No angling library would be complete without stories of battles won and lost in The Keys. From marlin and tuna to wahoo, grouper and kingfish, our waters are teeming with the most eulogized game fish in the world. Moral of the story? Time to come down and write your own epic tale. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys For the latest protocols on health & safety in The Florida Keys, please visit our website. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MCTG-4937 Coastal Angler LO1

MARCH 2021

FLORIDA 19

KLUCH CONTENDER KITES

rand your boat over the top of an epic bite with two types of Contender kites from Kluch. The All Purpose Kite, which measures 34” x 34”, is ideal for winds of 10 to 15 mph. The Light Wind Kite, which measures 38” x 38”, is built for winds of 5 to 10 mph. Both kites are well built and fun for your crew. They are made with carbon graphite spars and polyester fabric, and they’re rigged with 200lb. hollow-core braid. There are five Contender designs to choose from, allowing you many opportunities to brand your favorite boat. Bank one left and one right and get ready. The bridle makes for easy adjustments as wind conditions change. You can tie a small or large balloon to the kite as needed. When you’re done, rinse the kite with fresh water, dry it and store in the clear plastic tube it was shipped in. Don’t forget to use the free Contender decal included with purchase to spread the word. Kluch Clothing Company is the premier source for promoting businesses and organizations all over the country. Check out kluch.com for all your boating www.kluch.com and outdoor apparel.

20 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

FLORIDA 21

YOUR

REPOWERSALE

AWAITS By Rex Hannon

Parts • Sales • Service • Trailers

PortsideOrlando.com Powered By:

I ORLANDO’S

REPOWER CENTER

407-249-1124

2730 Forsyth Road Winter Park, Florida 32792 SALES DEPARTMENT IS OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 8am -5pm | SATURDAY 9am-2pm 22 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

f you’re looking for a fishing adventure that’s just a short flight away, where the fishery is as good as any on the planet, and you won’t have to mortgage your home to afford it, don’t overlook Mexico and Belize. Flights to Cancun are available from almost every airport, and if you shop around, very inexpensive flights can be found. Once you get there, accommodations are very reasonably priced, and meals are cheaper than here in The States. I have fished the “Mayan Riveria” from Cozumel to Tulum, with results that are pretty awesome. What’s more, I had most of the areas I fished entirely to myself. I am a fly fisherman, and I spent days wading turtle grass flats for species like tarpon, bonefish, snook, a variety of snapper species, pompano and even the elusive Permit. I recently returned from a trip when the weather was marginal, at best, with high winds and rough seas. Still, I was able to produce several different species, along with some world-class triggerfish. These odd-looking warriors can be found hanging out on shallow coral reefs, and they are a ton of fun on the fly. I also spent a day fly fishing with my friend Will Robins, who owns and operates Fly Fish Costa Maya, in Chetumal, Mexico, near the Belize Border. In one morning, we hooked and broke off four trophy-sized triggers and had legitimate shots at three permit in the 10- to 15-pound range. If you know how difficult permit are to catch on the fly, you’ll understand that just having a few opportunities to cast to them is exciting. The highlight of the trip was a triggerfish we landed that would have been a monster anywhere. If Belize has been on your bucket list, the waters of Ambergris Caye are as good as their reputation. I’ve fished the caye several times with personal friend, Hilian Martinez. Most consider this man among the best in the country. Belize is also very easy to travel to, and reasonably priced. With a little homework, the waters of the Yucatan Peninsula and the waters of Belize can also produce good numbers for those who desire DIY fishing, without a guide. These are just a few examples of opportunities that await just a few hours away in a place that’s as beautiful as it is productive. A world-class fishery awaits, and it’s a lot closer and more attainable that you ever thought possible.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

TS Unforgettable Adventures. Feel-Good Savings. Get boat insurance serviced by the experts. Contact me today. 305-914-9220 13631 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami geico.com/northmiami

Some discounts, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO

RANGER BAY BOAT For Sale $56,999

2014 - 2310 Bay Ranger, 300 HP Yamaha recently serviced, 8ft Bimini Top, 36 volt -112 thrust Rip-Tide Trolling Motor, 12 ft Talon Shallow Water Anchor, 12” Lorance Gen 2 GPS/ Sonar, 4 bank on-board charger, 12 gal fresh water shower, matching custom Ranger-Trail Dual Axel Trailer with new tires & spare, always garage Kept Contact Phil Wolf @ 407-790-9515 replacement cost over 90K

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

FLORIDA 23

BOAT INSURANCE SINKING YOU?

SAVE

50%Insurance

up to

COAST GUARD APPROVED COURSE & EXAM

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

on Boat

Get the

LOWEST Rates!

BOATS & $37,000 $75,000 JETSKI From: $264/yr $474/yr

$100,000 $250,000 $500,000 $586/yr $2,975/yr $5,985/yr

GET A QUOTE! (888) 977-4500 (954) 785-5000

BoatInsuranceFlorida.com Bradley Insurance Group

Covering Boaters throughout the south since 1988

Your #1 Source for Boat Insurance

24 FLORIDA

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

1782-20F Coastal Angler_march.indd 1

MARCH 2021

NATIONAL 13

1/29/21 11:15 AM

ENTER TO WIN! MARCH 2021 APPAREL GIVEAWAY!

coastalanglermag.com/contest GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 5TH

GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 19TH

GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 26TH

ENTER TO WIN THROUGH MARCH BY VISITING:

coastalanglermag.com/contest MARCH 2021

SPRING TROUT IN THE SMOKIES

GIVEAWAY FRIDAY MARCH 12TH

14 NATIONAL

STAY LOW FOR

By TAM Staff

uide Ian Rutter is fired up about spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ample rains and a mild winter bode well for the wild trout that inhabit more than 800 miles of trout streams in the park. This time of year, fish are perking up to feed on an abundance of aquatic insects. But there’s another reason the Smokies are inviting to anglers in spring. The summertime crowds, with their campers and inner tubes, haven’t yet invaded the larger rivers. Ian and his wife, Charity, run R&R Fly Fishing out of Townsend, Tennessee. They have guided anglers in the park for a quarter century and live a stone’s throw from Little River, one of the largest and most popular streams in the Smokies. From high-elevation brook trout rills to roadside rivers, they fish it all, but Ian said it’s wise to stick to the larger flows in lower elevations this time of year. In March, and even into April, it’s likely there will still be snow on the ground up in the hills. Trout thrive in cold water, but their metabolisms slow, and they feed less readily in icy temperatures. Also, the bugs they feed on are mostly dormant at higher altitudes, which can make things slow for fly fishing. Meanwhile, down in the valleys, larger rivers like Little River, Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee will be waking up. In afternoons, even on cold days, fish should be looking to the surface for hatches of mayflies like Quill Gordons, blue-winged olives and blue quills. Throw in a few early brown stoneflies, and you’ll see why the Smokies are known for great dry fly fishing. “Oftentimes you’ll have some combination of those bugs all at the same time,” Ian said. “They’re not too particular. And even the one’s that are particular aren’t as particular as some folks think they are.” Being sneaky is more important than fly selection, Ian said. Trout in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are wild, stream-born and extremely wary of predators. So wading very carefully and making short accurate casts are important to success. Another thing about trout in the Smokies is they grow slowly. Fishing is less about catching big fish and more about the overall experience. “I like to say, ‘your results may vary,’” said Ian when asked about angler expectations. “We do catch some 16-inchers, but the important thing to remember is it’s a wild trout fishery. There aren’t any stocked trout that were put in last week at 14 inches. A 16-incher might be 10 years old. It’s survived every type of predator out there, so it’s super-smart and difficult to catch.” A proficient angler can expect to catch good numbers of brightly colored 8- to 10-inch wild trout. Any angler can expect to wade through some of the most gorgeous mountain trout water in the East. For information on fishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, contact R&R Fly Fishing through their website at randrflyfishing.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Going the Extra Mile for Members UNLIMITED TOWING MEMBERSHIP

$90/$165

The red boats of TowBoatU.S. and the captains that man them, go above and beyond when it comes to helping boaters. These experienced and professional towers will rush to your aid to save the day when you need assistance. For worry-free boating, join today!

BoatUS.com/Towing 800-395-2628

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

BREATHE IN THE MOMENT WITH

ILLZ Technical Fishing Apparel takes you to new levels of performance and comfort. Designed in Florida, built by anglers, for anglers, and tested on the water—in every imaginable condition—GILLZ is innovative gear, with performance in every stitch, designed so you can fish better, longer and harder—in unheard-of comfort! Innovation runs deep in the GILLZ DNA.

From proprietary fabrics that breathe to superior functionality and bold graphics and colors, GILLZ is in a class of its own. It starts with revolutionary, chemicalfree GillzTec fabric. It’s engineered to quickly distribute moisture 360 degrees across the garment, so the moisture evaporates much faster, keeping you cooler. The cross-breeze ventilation system channels cooling air under the shirt. In

fact, you’ll find GILLZ shirts breathe like nothing you’ve ever worn. And of course, all of their shirts provide UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can fish from sunup to sundown safely. GILLZ masks feature “gills” that channel air down your neck and mesh mouth openings that prevent your sunglasses from fogging. Plus, their masks can also be worn in a variety of ways to suit your particular needs. Functional hybrid shorts with pockets where you need them also feature four-way stretch fabric, an expandable waistband and a vented, gusseted crotch that lets cool air in. And who couldn’t use some cool air down there? And you’ve got to check out the epic designs and styles. Each color and print is inspired by and pays homage to nature and marine life. You’ll find bold, confident styles for anglers like you. Whatever your destination – the Bahamas, Florida Keys, Outer Banks or the Gulf of Mexico… whether you’re fishing offshore, the flats, lake, or river, only GILLZ Technical Fishing Apparel brings this level of durability, comfort, and performance to the table. That’s why it’s the choice of many pros. Rest assured, GILLZ will continue to push innovation and performance to the limit with elite new products. So, breathe in that moment out on the water when your muscles are working overtime and the sun is beating down. You’ll know that GILLZ apparel breathes with you so you can be at your absolute best. See the latest GILLZ collections by checking out their website: www.gillz-gear.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

NATIONAL 15

LOCAL ANGLER CRUSHES VIRGINIA SWORDFISH RECORD A daytime deep drop expedition yielded spectacular results for a Virginia angler this past September. It took four months for the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament to officially announce it, but a 597-pound swordfish caught by Nicholas Kontodiakos on Sept. 25, 2020 absolutely crushed the existing state record. Kontodiakos, of Norfolk, Va., was drifting in 1,000 feet of water off Virginia Beach when the massive swordfish hit a bait suspended at 800 feet. Caught along the southern edge of Norfolk Canyon, Kontodiako’s fish topped the existing record by more than 130 pounds. The previous record of 466 pounds was caught in August 2019 by Tony Gower Jr., of Virginia Beach. Kontodiakos and fishing buddy Trey Wallace left Rudee Inlet at 4:30 a.m. aboard the angler’s 2007, 29-foot SeeVee. After arriving at their location, they made several long drifts and had a couple of bites that did not come tight. The lines were set for “one more drift” before they planned to head in for the day. At 3:30 p.m. the deep “buoy rod,” with a rigged dolphin belly on a blue and white skirt, came tight. After wrestling the fish for nearly five hours, it was clear it was a large swordfish, and when the fish was finally secured at the transom, they began to relax. But securing the fish to the transom was

just round one. Round two consisted of couple hours of inching the fish onto the deck. Kontodiakos’ passion for swordfish began a decade ago while living on the east coast of Florida. “I had no idea how to go about catching them,” he admitted. After moving to Virginia Beach and realizing there were swordfish 60-plus miles off the Virginia coast, he decided he needed a bigger boat. Unfortunately, even with a bigger boat, his lack of success in Florida tagged along to Virginia. “No one wanted to fish with me because I never came back with any fish,” he said. Relentlessly perusing information on the Internet and talking to successful anglers eventually began to payoff, and his success improved in recent years. He said he’s caught a swordfish in every month of the year except January. It was nearly midnight when the pair pulled inside Rudee Inlet on Sept. 25. A call had already been made to alert the Virginia Beach Fishing Center of the catch, and the boat’s bow was pointed straight to the Fishing Center’s main dock. Representatives from the Fishing Center were dockside to assist, and a small crowd of onlookers had assembled, despite the late hour. The fish measured 180 inches total length,

M Y

with a lower jaw fork length of 111 inches. It sported a hefty girth of 69 inches. Kontodiakos used a custom Joe Leffler 80-pound class rod, teamed with a Shimano Tiagra 50 reel, spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid and topped off with a 25-foot, 250-pound Moni mono leader with a Mustad 7691, 11/0 hook, attached to the business end.

Fis fea on Th we for

Insist on Only the Best Cast Net for Grabbing Your Bait America’s #1 Cast Net Choice, Year After Year America’s Best

www.castnets.com | sales@castnets.com | 1-800-332-6387 ext. 116 | 16 NATIONAL

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

OFF add card auto at s This from

MAXIMIZE Your Time On The Water

Fish Mapping from SiriusXM gives you 8 dedicated fishing features plus all SiriusXM Marine weather information directly on your boat’s display, relative to your boat’s location. The service is delivered via satellite and is available offshore well beyond cell range. Add SiriusXM Radio and you’re all set for an incredible day on the water.

1-MONTH TRIAL + $100 REBATE

AVAILABLE ON

“Whether I’m near the dock or 60 miles offshore, with SiriusXM Marine I’m able to see up-to-date data on the storms building, allowing me to maximize fishing time and beat the bad weather in just the nick of time.” — Captain Moe, Journey South Outfitters, Venice, LA

FISH MAPPING AVAILABLE EARLY 2021 ON

Learn more at siriusxm.com/fishmapping OFFER DETAILS: Activate a new subscription to SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and receive your first month free (a $99.99 savings), plus get free activation (an additional $25 savings), for a combined savings of $124.99. Add SiriusXM Select radio package at the discount rate of $11.99/mo. Fees and taxes apply. A credit card is required on this offer. You must cancel during your free month to avoid being charged. At the beginning of your second month service will automatically renew thereafter every month and you will be charged at the then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. Please see our Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content, and features are subject to change. This offer may not be combined with any other trial offers and may be modified or terminated at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately. $100 Rebate from SiriusXM available through Dec 31, 2021 with hardware and subscription purchase, see Rebate Offer Details at siriusxm.com/fishmapping. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

C S

p b sh It’s the fry can Bu catchin vetera tips to 1) crappi hold o times shallow “Th for the the spa mid-5 As Then seek o of cree back o Th targets spawn could have m Sa the 10 discard

pringtime is crappie time. When water temps begin to climb, the crappie schools move shallow to stage on structure before the spawn. It’s the time of year when loading coolers for a fish fry can be quick and easy. But the thing with crappie is you’re either catching them or you’re not. With that in mind, veteran crappie angler Dan Saknini offered some tips to consistently catch slab crappie. 1) Know The Cycles: The comfort zone for crappie is 35 feet and shallower, said Saknini. They hold on deep brush during the coldest and hottest times of year, but in milder weather they move shallower in search of optimal water temperatures. “This time of year, the crappie are fattening up for the spawn,” he said. “Their comfort zone for the spawn is when water temperatures rise into the mid-50s, preferably closer to 60.” As the spawn begins, fish stage up on structure. Then they’ll move extremely shallow in waves to seek out spawning areas on the banks and backs of creeks. The females move in, lay eggs and move back out. The males stay shallow to guard the beds. Through the stages of the spawn, Saknini targets brush in 15 feet or shallower. With the spawning season lasting about a month, these could be pre-spawn fish or post-spawn fish that have moved back out. Saknini shoots jigs in and around docks in the 10- to 15-foot range. Many lake homeowners discard Christmas trees off their docks. These are

the docks you need to find. 2) Locate Structure: Regardless of the season, black crappie school up on some type of structure. They change depths, and move off structure momentarily to feed, so catching them consistently means knowing the locations of brushpiles at all different depths. Saknini said good electronics and prospecting are key to being a good crappie angler. If you fish a lake that allows it, you can build your own honey holes. “I probably sink 50 or 60 brushpiles a year,” Saknini said. “Then I go back and fish them. There might be fish there, or there might not, but I always have another one to go to.” 3) Ditch the Minnows: Fishing a minnow under a bobber is traditional, and it can be effective. However, Saknini said fishing jigs is a far more efficient. “Once you get used to jig fishing, it’s always more productive,” he said. “If you’re fishing a minnow, it’s either under a bobber or on a downline, and it’s stationary. With a jig, you’re moving and covering water.” Crappie are lazy and won’t chase a bait more than a few feet, Saknini said. There could be fish all over a piece of structure, but you wouldn’t know it if your minnow is just a foot out of the strike zone. With a jig, you can cover water vertically and horizontally for a better chance of passing through that zone.

PHOTO BY NICK CARTER

Catch More Crappie

Dan Saknini is a member of Lanier Crappie Anglers Club. Check them out at www.laniercrappieanglers.net.

FREEDIVER SPEARS WORLD RECORD SNAPPER

reediver Stephanie Schuldt broke a world record in late November when she speared a 19.3-pound (8.8 kg) dog snapper in the Bahamas. At a depth of 45 feet, Schuldt stuck the big snapper with 9-foot Headhunter Nomad roller polespear while wreck diving off Nassau. The fish qualified her for the International Underwater Spearfishing Association’s women’s world record for the species in the sling/polespear division. It also outweighed the men’s record of 19.1 pounds, which was caught by JonMichael Degidio off Grand Cay in 2016. “At the end of my breath hold I saw the dog snapper swimming in and out of the wreckage,” wrote Schuldt in a description of the event. “I came back up to the surface and told my boyfriend, Matt, ‘There is a world record dog snapper down there.’ I took some time to get a good breathe-up, dropped back down into the wreck and got a solid holding shot on the fish. It fought for a bit on the way up, but I was able to clear it from the wreck and get it to the surface. Once at the surface, it tried to bite me and tangled up my float line, but I was able to grab it by the gills and swim it back to my boat.” Even on a rod and reel, Schuldt’s fish would have been impressive. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 24 pounds. It was caught back in 1994 by Capt. Wayne Barder off Abaco. Check Stephanie Schuldt’s adventures at www.saillaviecharters.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

NATIONAL 19

SPRINGTIME FISHING... Fiberglass Center Consoles and Pilothouses Embrace LET’S GO! www.

.com

E-Z ANCHORING By E-Z Anchor President Aaron Knopp

25’ C-Hawk CC

www.MitziSkiffs.com www.CHawkBoats.net CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER

252-235-2461

STURGEON SEASON LASTS JUST TWO HOURS

here should be a betting pool for just how quickly the Black Lake, Michigan sturgeon season will end each year. In 2020, the season lasted just six hours. This year, the scheduled Feb. 6-10 season was shut down after two hours of fishing when the harvest limit was met. Imagine getting all geared up to go spear fishing through a hole in the ice for these big prehistoric fish. The season opens at 8 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., your hopes are dashed when Michigan DNR knocks on the door of your ice shanty. Apparently, that’s the way Black Lake sturgeon season goes for a vast majority of anglers. More than 500 anglers registered to jockey for a harvest quota of just six fish this year. It’s a credit to Michigan DNR that they even hold the event at the 10,000-acre lake, which is connected to Lake Huron by the Black and Cheboygan rivers. Rehabilitation of the lake sturgeon population in the watershed is an ongoing effort, and this limited harvest creates excitement around the effort. There are reports of anglers who have fished the season for decades without getting a single sturgeon. The six fish caught ranged from 50 to 63 inches and 25 to 61 pounds. Three of the fish had been tagged before during studies of the spawning run up the Black River. A 61-inch-long female, estimated to be about 20 years old, was tagged during the 2006 spawning run. Male sturgeon have a lifespan of about 55 years. Females can live longer than 100 years. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/Fishing. 20 NATIONAL

MARCH 2021

ooking through Facebook and reminiscing on traveling for boat-show season, one conversation starter I remember most fondly is, “That’s too big for my rope locker.” In spite of American fiberglass OEMs like Sea Chaser and Sea Pro factory-installing the Rebel EZ-4 on specific series, there’s still a popular myth that drum anchor winches are built predominantly for aluminum boats. One too many boaters have told me this when they stopped at our company’s booth during the 2020 season, and while we’re officially homebound due to the pandemic, we’re as busy as ever answering questions and informing customers about our product. We want to help them achieve the best anchoring results for them. From newbies who have recently embraced boating, to longtime hobbyists who have extra time to add new features on their boats, there is usually an anchoring solution, whether it’s a Patriot direct drive unit or a Rebel free-fall unit. “You can click the ‘Products’ tab on the website and select the winch that interests you,” Sara Hitchins, E-Z Anchor Puller’s office and trade show manager said. “Select the unit you’d like to view and the link to the dimensional drawings are on the product page. One way to measure is to make a cardboard cutout at home to measure against your boat.” If you’re one of the new boaters looking for a new fiberglass model or researching that windlass upgrade on your family boat, these center consoles from customers and builders prove that a drum winch looks sexy on center consoles, too! SEA PRO: Sea Pro Boats introduced the world to their 320 Deep V Center Console at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, joining Carolina Skiff to become another American fiberglass OEM to factory-install E-Z Anchor Puller’s Rebel EZ-4 free-fall unit, adapting the innovative technology one year after Georgia-based OEM Carolina Skiff began installing. SEA CHASER: “I liked it so much I installed a Patriot on my own personal boat,” Ed Johnston, engineer at Carolina Skiff told us when we saw him at the Miami International Boat Show. The 35’ Sea Chaser also uses the free-fall Rebel EZ-4 and hides it in the rope locker. PARKER: “I know this is an old post, but I love my EZ on my 2820,” one writer on Classicparker.com posted to a company thread, “I have 600’ of dyneema, 75 of nylon and 50’ of chain. With lots of extra room still.” Live2fish posted several pictures depicting the Rebel EZ-4 unit resting on a bow pulpit. ARIMA: Mark Fitch was an avid poster of his installation process on ArimaOwners.com, documenting his journey with various “beer breaks” in between. Mark’s 1987 Arima Sea Pacer was sized for the Patriot EZ-1, a smaller complete 316 stainless steel unit. He still tags #ezanchorpuller in his fishing posts.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

s ce

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

MARCH 2021

NATIONAL 21

HUGE SWORDFISH SETS NEW FLORIDA RECORD

n Jan. 20, four young anglers from Pompano Beach, Fla. set out early from Hillsboro Inlet to get in on the fast action being reported from the swordfish grounds, some 15 miles off the coast. They returned to the docks that evening with a 767.8-pound swordfish that set a new Florida state record. The official record holder and the man who manned the LP electric reel was 21-yearold Timmy Maddock. The 31-foot center console they fished from belongs to 17-yearold Hunter Irvine, who put the final dart in the enormous fish. Lady angler, Jaime Johanson, 20, videoed the landing and got in with the gaff, while Jeremy Rafferty, 21, manned the helm as they subdued the new record. It took five and a half hours to fight the fish into submission. It took almost another hour and a radio call for help to get the swordfish through the tuna door and safely in the boat. Rob Doda, who was fishing solo nearby left his boat floating and boarded Irvine’s boat to help haul the giant fish onboard. It was an epic catch for the group of young anglers, and the 400 pounds of meat their fish yielded was shared with friends and family, with the charity organization Filet for Friends, and at a celebratory barbecue for the whole Pompano Beach fishing community. To read Timmy Maddock’s account of the catch, see the Florida section of this magazine or online at www.coastalanglermagazine.com. 22 NATIONAL

MARCH 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

NEW ENGLAND AWAITS

warm water, and they’re looking for that constant bait source. That’s what the rivers provide.” Action is fast in tidal rivers like the Weweantic on the north side of Buzzards Bay. Murphy walks the dog with topwater baits like a 7-inch Lil’ Doc to draw explosive strikes from good numbers of stripers in the rivers. They’ll also eat By Nick Carter soft-plastic eel or herring imitations like those made by Hogy, and although these river fish aren’t the monsters Murphy pursues later in the season, there aren’t many anglers who’d turn their nose up to consistent topwater activity from fish up to 20 inches. As the season progresses, the bite moves to the mouths of the rivers, where stripers ambush herring moving out. This is where some of the bigger fish come into play, and they also can be taken on topwater. By mid-May, Murphy said he’ll be chasing the classic New England bass blitzes, when schoolie-sized fish ball up bait and crash the surface. At this point, fish will have spread up around Cape Cod or through the Cape Cod Canal into Massachusetts Bay. Action ou can almost feel the excitement building on the coast of can be intense for fish in the 2- to New England. Winter is ebbing, and soon warming water 10-pound range. conditions will spark the migration of striped bass up the “You can go out early in the Atlantic coast. Jack Murphy will be waiting when they arrive. morning any day and find blitzing Murphy and his partner, Jack Loveday, co-founded Lucky Jacks schoolies,” Murphy said. “You can Fishing in Marblehead, Massachusetts. For them, April begins the catch 30 or 40 fish in just a couple busy striper season off Rhode Island and Massachusetts. hours.” As you read this, striped bass are spawning in tributaries of By the first part of June, anglers Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay and the Hudson River. When in search of big fish will head 5 to water temperatures rise into the 50s, these fish push north with 10 miles offshore to find big pogy huge schools of menhaden to feed ravenous post-spawn appetites. PHOTOS BY SEAN MAIORANO PHOTOGRAPHY (menhaden) schools. This is a Murphy said the first fish collect on the south side of Cape Cod WWW.SEANMAIORANOPHOTOGRAPHY.COM short-lived first-light bite. in Buzzards Bay. Timing is dependent on weather and water temperatures, so “When you come on one of these schools that’s getting harassed, you’re in Lucky Jacks spends spring studying winds and water temps to try and intercept the first waves of migrating fish. They normally show up in the second or third for a heck of a day.” Murphy said. “We’ve had a few days when our smallest fish were 37 pounds, and 40- to 50-pound fish are very possible.” week of April. “When river herring (alewife) push into the rivers to spawn, the first waves of stripes will be right on their tails,” Murphy said. “They’re looking for that Check out Lucky Jacks Fishing at www.luckyjacksfishing.com.

BLITZING BASS

The Return of a

Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989

Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers

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

MARCH 2021

NATIONAL 23

P360-COAS-FP-JAN-2021-OUTLINED.indd 1

1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

ls n e a i c ari e p S iM Make it a r e k t Super Cool White Winter Win S u z u with some amazing deals f ro m from Suzuki Marine

a le in Pe b a l i a so Av

rl Nebular Black

INSTANT

SAVINGS SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings on select models when you buy a new Suzuki Outboard. See your dealer for details.

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

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

™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 01/01/21 and 03/31/21. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.