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PELAGICS From Little Plastic Boats

PATTERN SPRING SPECKS PHOTO BY JORGE BUSTAMANTE, COURTESY OF BRIAN NELLI - WWW.TCKAYAKFISHING.COM VOLUME 25 â€¢ ISSUE 301

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A V A I L A B L E

APRIL 2020

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Photo courtesy of Knockin Tail Lures

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

or those who want to catch a heavy speckled trout, April is perhaps your best opportunity. April trout are still heavy from their lowered metabolism of winter. They are heavy with eggs and about to spawn. This makes April a prime month for heavy fish. The warmer water also makes them extremely aggressive and more willing to strike artificial lures of all styles. Let’s go over the how, when and where to target trophy trout in the spring. How: When water temp reaches the low to mid 70s, topwater action can be some of the best of the year. Aggressive trout are attracted by the rattling sound and erratic sway of the cigarshaped lures. You can’t go wrong with bone/white/ silver or a combination of these colors. I like to match the size to the conditions and forage in the immediate area. Required casting distance and surface conditions also play a vital role in my decision making. In rougher conditions, I typically use a large lure. The rattles of various lures also have different pitch. I prefer to use the higher pitch over a muddy bottom and a lower tone over sand, grass or shell. Slow-sinking, rattling, shad-style twitch baits

are also a good choice when trout don’t want to “rise” to the occasion. I prefer these lures with near-mirror reflective finishes. They do an excellent job of impersonating a wounded baitfish, and no large spawning trout in its right mind will pass up an injured baitfish. I can’t leave out the most versatile trout lure of all, the soft plastic. There are many styles, sizes and colors, but I prefer those that give more bang for the buck. When the fish are aggressive, I steer toward a soft plastic with a larger paddle that vibrates, creates a great swimming motion even on the pause, and one that rattles. These three components stimulate a fish’s lateral line, and they can’t resist the need to feed. When: I plan trips according to the solunar tables. I make every effort to be at my spot fishing during peak feeding times so that I’m not traveling from spot to spot when the fish are eating. Where: In spring, I direct my attention to grass flats. Wading is the superior method to consistently catch large trout, but you can still target flats from a boat. I prefer a flat with broken grass patches, potholes, channels, the dreaded prop scar or anything else that breaks up the grass to create ambush points for trout. Try to cover each transition from multiple angles, as trout will

stage on the edge of the sand against the grass. Pay attention to the where, when and how on your next trip. It will increase your odds of landing a trophy trout. It never hurts to practice catch and release on these beautiful fish. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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ew for 2020, Outcast Sporting Gear released a sweet little inflatable kayak with the performance, portability and comfort to take you wherever the fish are. The OSG IK Angler 11 was recently awarded Best of Show for boats/ personal watercraft at the American Fly Fishing Trade Association show in Denver. It was designed specifically for avid anglers seeking to access more open water. Weighing just 32 pounds, the IK Angler 11 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you on those trips to out-of-the way places that are difficult to access with bigger boats. And it will haul a load, too. With a 350-pound capacity, it’ll carry even the largest anglers and all their gear. This kayak was built for all-day fishing in comfort, with an adjustable seat that sits high off the water for easy casting. It is a stable platform to fish from, and a removable fin provides straight tracking on long paddles as well as a shallow draft for skinny water. Other features include a quick, one-handed paddle holder; a self-baling floor; interior cargo loops for lashing gear; and an innovative Integrated Gear System, which incorporates a moveable base in a sleeve that accepts cargo pockets, rod holders and anchor mounts. At just under 11 feet in length and 37 inches wide, the OSG IK Angler 11 is a compact boat that delivers on the water. It comes with a www.outcastboats.com 5-year warranty. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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atching big pelagics is one of those “someday” goals for many kayak anglers. Venturing into the open ocean under paddle power after species like kingfish, mahi, sailfish and tuna can seem daunting to anglers accustomed to inshore waters or freshwater lakes and rivers. The first question you might have is: “Where am I going to find them?” Inshore, there are grass flats, mangroves and channels drop-offs that offer kayak anglers good places to start. Offshore waters don’t always give up information quite as easily, but the clues are out there. You just have to know what you’re looking for. The ocean is a big place, but I believe 10 percent of the water holds 90 percent of the fish. Narrowing it down to that 10 percent is the first step. Start your research off the water by locating a beach or other launch point that is close to hard bottom, wrecks or a reef line. This can be done with a little online research and a good mapping chip for your GPS. When the day comes to venture into the pelagic zone, take some time on the beach before heading out. Know the current, wind and water conditions. Is it calm? Is it rough? Are there a lot of weeds on the beach? Is there bait close to shore? Which way is the wind blowing? Answering these questions helps you decide what baits to use and at what depths to fish them. In general, calm days call for running baits deeper in the water column. With some surface chop or visible action on top—like bait jumping or fish breaking the water—run baits closer to the surface. Other things to look for are rips, color changes, birds and weed lines. A rip is an area where two currents meet. The water will look more turbulent than surrounding areas. A defined color change will have strong current running along its edge. Usually these color breaks and rips consolidate debris and weeds, and often birds will hover over these areas. The weeds and current attract bait, which in turn attract the pelagics. When you’re offshore, you have to take what the ocean gives you. Anything that looks different than the surrounding water is a place to put baits out. If you find yourself on the water with no wind, surface activity or weeds, look to your GPS to show you the way to hard bottom, structure, rock piles or reefs. There will always be some type of baitfish around these areas to attract pelagics. Find the bait, and you will find the fish. If you are new to offshore kayak fishing or are thinking about trying it, this information should give you a start on your quest to land a pelagic from your kayak.

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Coastal Angler April 2020 half vertical.indd 1

By Brian Nelli

Brian Nelli operates south Florida’s Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters. Check them out at www.tckayakfishing.com and email Brian at brian@tckayakfishing.com.

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he sun rises and sets at peak travel periods, during the early morning and afternoon rush hours and many drivers find themselves temporarily blinded while driving directly into the glare of the sun. Deadly accidents are regularly caused by such blinding glare with danger arising from reflected light off another vehicle, the pavement, or even from waxed and oily windshields that can make matters worse. Early morning dew can exacerbate this situation. Yet, motorists struggle on despite being blinded by the sun’s glare that can cause countless accidents every year. Not all sunglasses are created equal. Protecting your eyes is serious business. With all the fancy fashion frames out there it can be easy to overlook what really matters––the lenses. So we did our research and looked to the very best in optic innovation and technology. Sometimes it does take a rocket scientist. A NASA rocket scientist. Some ordinary sunglasses can obscure your vision by exposing your eyes to harmful UV rays, blue light, and reflective glare. They can also darken useful vision-enhancing light. But now, independent research conducted by scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has brought forth ground-breaking technology to help protect human eyesight from the harmful effects of solar radiation

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ennessee’s Lake Chickamauga has garnered a lot of press in recent years for giant largemouth bass. The introduction of Florida-strain largemouths certainly paid off for this 60-mile-long Tennessee River impoundment. The thing is, all the hype over bucketmouths has overshadowed world-class fisheries that already existed on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga down through Chattanooga. Flowing between high ridges of The Scenic City, the big river pumps out some pretty spectacular action for catfish and smallmouth bass. Richard Simms, of Scenic City Charters, said the fishing heats up with water temperatures this time of year. Whether you’re looking for bigshouldered river smallies, giant blue cats—or a little bit of both—right now is the time to be on the water. Smallmouth Bass: The Chickamauga tailrace lights up with aggressive smallies in spring. They feed up in a 10-mile stretch below the dam. Simms said fishing jigs and soft plastics around rip-rap, current seams and edges is productive. But drifting live threadfin shad or shiners with the current leads to faster action. With light 6-poundtest line enticing the most bites, any smallmouth is a handful. They typically run from 2 to 4 pounds on the river, and a decent day will produce 10 to 15 of

these scrappy bronzebacks. Simms said to expect a mixed bag on live bait. Everything eats shiners, so anglers will also catch white bass, spotted bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow bass, catfish and maybe a striped bass. Catfish: Big blue catfish are abundant on the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Dam all the way down through Chattanooga. When flows are right, the tailrace can be very good. When too much water is being released from the dam, Simms heads up to the reservoir. Either side of the dam, the prespawn bite peaks in April. “Both fisheries hold great big catfish,” said Simms, “and pre-spawn is a great time for catching trophy fish.” On the reservoir, deep drop-offs and river channel holes with structure are the places to vertical drop cut skipjack herring, bluegill or chicken breast. Below the dam, Simms drift fishes those same baits on light 10-pound tackle. In 2009, Simms’ client, Jerry Uhrine, caught a 52-inch-long, 75-pound blue catfish on 10-poundtest line. It is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame line-class record. “That light tackle technique is really fun because the average catfish we catch is 5 to 10 pounds,” said Simms. “Those 10 to 20 pounders aren’t unusual,

Photos courtesy of Scenic City Charters.

and every now and then we get one of those really big fish.” An average half-day trip from April through October typically yields 50 to 100 pounds of catfish. “It’s real easy to stock a freezer,” said Simms. Check out Scenic City Fishing Charters at www.sceniccityfishing.com.

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APRIL 2020

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Photos courtesy of Tuna Duck Charters, Hatteras, NC.

April action can be fast and furious off the Outer Banks. Here’s one on deck and another on the line.

By Tom Schlichter

he Outer Banks of North Carolina needs little introduction to fishing fans. A true angling Mecca, it boasts super action with striped bass, red drum, cobia, sea trout and a host of inshore species while also offering tremendous offshore action for tuna, billfish, wahoo, mahi and additional pelagic favorites. These ocean predators really get your blood boiling in April, when the action comes alive 25 to 30 miles offshore. “We really do see a great mix of blue water species in April,” said charter Capt. Dan Rooks of the 51-foot custom Carolina Sportfisher, Tuna Duck (252-216-6160; http://tunaduck.com) which sails out of Hatteras Harbor Marina (252-986-2166; https://www.hatterasharbor.com.) “Typical action this month sees yellowfins in the 40- to 70-pound class, blackfin tuna weighing 20 to 25 pounds, and wahoo to 60 pounds. Early in the month, you might also deck a bluefin while the end of the month sees white marlin, blue marlin and sailfish arrive on the scene. Many of the big blues will top 400 pounds.” It’s the combination of bottom structure and a meeting of offshore currents that draws big game species to these waters, explained Rooks. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream flowing up from the south and cool waters of the Labrador Current dropping down from the north meet along the edge of the continental shelf, providing sharp temperature breaks that stack squid, ballyhoo, flying fish and other baitfish. Match a Anglers aboard Capt. Dan Rook’s Tuna Duck Charters celebrate a break over some structure, and you have a great spot to start hefty tuna that slammed a popper off North Carolina’s Outer Banks. your search. “It’s not as important that the temperature break be large as that it be well-defined,” noted Rooks. “I’ve seen breaks here as small as half-a- said. “A storm might push the cool water farther out or bring warmer water degree and as large as 20 degrees. Any break can produce if the surrounding closer in, so you constantly need to make adjustments. Expect to spend some conditions are right. Look for clean water, active baitfish and plenty of life. time searching out the fish even if they were stacked up just a day before. That’s one plus for heading out with a charter skipper; we’re on the water daily, Those are tip-offs that you are in the right area.” Although he’ll sometimes jig or work poppers for tuna, Rooks spends which helps us keep track of shifting currents, temperature breaks and baitfish most of his time trolling. His favorite setup is a natural dead-bait spread, with schools. Some days you find the predators sooner than others – but never give eight ballyhoo trolled in a V-pattern at 7 knots. He works hard to drag his up hope because once you dial ’em in, the fishing here is as good as it gets.” Anglers looking to trailer to this area can find transient dockage, fuel, hotel offerings across structure points, where temperature breaks are discovered accommodations and a boat launch ($10) all at Village Marina (252-986-2522; using on-board temperature gauges and satellite imagery. “The breaks move, of course, and you need to be aware of that,” Rooks www.villagemarinahatteras.com) in Hatteras. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

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A BUCKET-LIST FISH WORTH CROWING ABOUT Photo courtesy of Crocodile Bay

By Todd Staley

hen anglers think of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, they usually think about billfish. Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world to chase these pointy-nose acrobats. Many folks travel to Costa Rica with billfish fever and are not even aware of the great inshore fishery available. A fish many anglers have never even heard about before their arrival in Costa Rica is the roosterfish. This unique-looking fish with seven combs as a dorsal fin is only found in the Eastern Tropical Pacific between southern Mexico and Ecuador. In its most northern and southern ranges, the fish move as the seasonal drop in water temperature arrives. Costa Rica, being in the smack-dab middle of Roosterfish’s range, enjoys a fairly constant water temperature and a year-round fishery. In many places, roosterfish are only available by fishing the surf break. Not in Costa Rica. Of course they cruise the beaches looking for an easy meal, but they also roam the many volcanic reefs. One area that is extremely productive is the Golfo Dulce on the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, a 32-mile-long tropical fjord. Here you find roosters almost everywhere, along the beaches and even over reefs in 200 feet of water. This allows anglers to target them using several different fishing styles. The locals also catch them with dead bait using handlines off the beach. Roosterfish in the Golfo Dulce average 15 pounds, and fish over 50 pounds are taken weekly. The resort record at Crocodile Bay is 106 pounds. Live bait is most always a sure bet. Blue runners, goggle-eyes, sardines and lookdowns are the favorite choices and are readily available. If you are looking for a monster and have the patience to wait it out, bridle up a 3- to 5-pound live bonito and hang on. The best method to fish live bait is to either slow troll behind the surf line or drift fish over volcanic structure. In the deeper areas, a 2- to 6-ounce weight is added to send the bait closer to the top of the reef. In Costa Rica, circle hooks are required by law when using bait, so it is best to have the “crank don’t yank,” mentality firmly planted in one’s brain. Popper fishing is also popular. Fish will often rise to a lure that is really ripped through the water. This is not a walk-the-dog fishing. The faster you work the popper, with lots of splash, the more hits you will get. At times, you will be surprised by a big orange flash as a hefty cubera snapper comes up from 80 feet to smash a popper. If a fish misses its target, don’t stop. They will often come back and strike again. A long stiff rod and six weeks of dumbbell curls are required to cast poppers any length of time.

Photos by Capt. Allan Smith Jigging will also get you your first rooster, but they are a little shyer to a jig than live bait or poppers. White or chartreuse bucktails produce in the shallow water and mental jigs work in the deep areas. Just about any brand of jig will work as long as it is worked fast. No one I know has found the “Holy Grail” for taking roosterfish on a fly. If you are looking for a real challenge, it’s game on. If you are looking for big numbers on a fly, roosterfish is probably not a good choice of adversary. There has been some success by teasing up roosters, much like you would a sailfish. They can be teased with a lure or live bait or by casting a popper with the hooks removed. To get a fly in front of charged-up rooster though, you have to have the speed of a Western gunslinger and the accuracy of William Tell. If you happen to be lucky enough to be on top of a school of bait and a herd of roosterfish charge in on them, you can get your fly in the middle of that action and have a good chance of hooking up. Some have had success trolling the fly, but that is taboo in many a fly guys’ book. To sum it up, if someone tells me they regularly catch roosterfish on a fly, I certainly wouldn’t leave my wife alone with them. Surely they can’t be trusted. Anyone thinking about a Costa Rica billfish vacation should really book at least one day inshore. Roosterfish are a strong and beautiful fish with an iridescent hue. Their unique dorsal cuts the surface as it hones in on its target. When hooked, they make powerful runs and sometimes clear the water in an aerial display. They make for an exciting sporting challenge and a replica makes for a great conversation piece on the wall. They really are a fish to crow about. More information can be found at www.crocodilebay.com or by calling (800) 733 1115.

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MATCH YOUR TACKLE TO THE FISH

By Robert Wiggers

or fish that are released, their survival often depends on the rod and reel used to catch them. Fish naturally don’t want to have a hook in their mouth, attached to a line, being pulled in a direction they don’t want to go. So, like any animal, they resist in an attempt to free themselves. The longer they fight, the more exhausted they become, and in some instances they deplete every amount of available energy in an effort to escape. The battle is over and the angler has won. Unfortunately, when it comes time to release the fish, it’s too exhausted to swim away on its own. Even if it is able to swim away, it certainly doesn’t have the energy to avoid predators that may be lurking around waiting for an easy meal.

Hooking and fighting a fish is an exhilarating experience. There was a time when it was considered to be more “sporting” to catch a large fish on very light tackle. A long fight requires a degree of skill and finesse in order to successfully bring a large fish to the boat. Anglers are recognized for such achievements through acknowledgement in the record books. However, the majority of recreational anglers don’t go fishing with the sole intent of trying to break a line-class record for a specific species. We go fishing simply to catch fish. Some anglers want something for the table, while others just want the satisfaction of catch and release. Regardless of reason, we usually choose a rod and reel that gives us the best chance of successfully landing the species we are targeting. Most anglers wouldn’t use freshwater bass tackle if they were trying to catch a billfish. The rod and reel you choose to use when fishing for a particular species should be carefully considered when practicing catch and release. Nowadays, the options for rod and reels are endless. Rods come in all lengths and are designed with different actions ranging from ultra light to heavy. Reels also range in size to match the rod, but have different gear ratios that allow an angler to retrieve the bait at a faster pace with less effort. Each combination performs differently. For this reason, many anglers carry a number of rods with them on any given trip. While it may be more fun to use a light rod and reel for catching a big fish, it’s simply not good for the fish or its chances of survival after being released. Studies have even shown that mortality of released fish can happen several hours after being released. There are always instances when anglers unexpectedly hook an exceptionally large fish on light tackle. But if you know beforehand that you are going to fish specifically for large fish, be sure to use appropriate tackle that reduces the fight time. I don’t know of any conservationminded angler that wouldn’t be heartbroken to see a large fish float away knowing the fish was potentially older than they were or that they just killed a spawning fish that could contribute more to the population.

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Fish Tales & Other Exaggerations

APRIL 2020

By Jolly Roger

his is the season that all spouses of boaters hate. It is the BOAT SHOW season. This is no longer a male time, but rather a time that all genders come to see what the newest technology looks like. Saltwater, freshwater, lakes, bays and rivers all have their preferred vessels. Show participants wander around the display floors, awash in the aroma of fresh fiberglass and vinyl. The boats are in an array of configurations: Deep – Vs, Catamarans, Skiffs, outboards, inboards, and inboard/ outboards. Each has a new, shiny exterior and various amenities in the cockpit and below. One year our family was not spared the boat show bug. We had so many adventures in our aluminum rowboat and our garvey. Both craft had exhibited good fishing characteristics, in their own way, but my Pop wanted to check out what else was out there. He mentioned to Mom that it would be fun for him and his only son and part time rowboat captain to go to the show. He said he wasn’t intending on buying anything, but it was the time of year when discounts were numerous and deep. He told Mom that he wouldn’t think of making a boat purchase, without consulting her first. I noticed that when he made a statement, like this, he had a certain look/grin. Mom had her own look, that indicated her desire to put on boots. I learned from Pop and tried to adopt his verbal procedure for future purchases. My wife, unfortunately, also noted Pop’s technique and when I offer a similar innocent offering, she simply says no. However, I view this simply as an opportunity to deepen our relationship. Off we go to my first boat show! In those days the admission was only $2 for adults and free for sailors my age. We passed through the gate and we saw a huge arena, filled with boats, tackle, rain gear and the up to date technology. The best technology at the time were things like lighted compasses, radios and gauges. Glass cockpits and GPS were not even on the radar. In fact, I don’t remember seeing recreational radar, though I image it was there, somewhere. So, up and down the isles we marched, occasionally stopping to climb into a boat and chat with the friendly salesmen. Towards the end of our hike, Pop saw a Larsen 18’ Inboard/Outboard at the end of the aisle. It was as if the boat had some special aura. He said that was a “yar” looking craft. Larsen boats were manufactured in Michigan and were mainly used in lakes. As the salesman went through all the features, my Pop was looking very serious, as if trying to visualize our boating future. I sat looking at this really cool and comfortable vessel, that was almost too pretty to get fish slime and squid juice smeared on. Soon, we climbed down out of the boat, after assuring the salesman that we were really interested. I know that I was. While I enjoyed fishing in our current fleet, this was a comfortable, fast fishing machine.

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. JIM MIKE AARON JOLLY JOHN JAKE

ANDRE BAUGH BUSS KELLY ROGER TIGER WORTHINGTON

GRAPHIC DESIGN JENNY DIAZ

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

BRENDA RIGGS brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com

MIKE RIGGS mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com

As we rode home, I asked Pop if he thought we would be getting a new boat to add to our fleet. He said that it was very important to get Mom’s approval. I understood this sentiment, as I remembered Mom “forgetting” to pack Pop’s lunch on one of our fishing excursions. This was because he couldn’t refrain from taking Mom’s picture, while she was bent over the gunnel, crabbing. When we got home, Mom asked him if we had a new boat. Pop said, “absolutely not”, although he said that he did see one that was very reasonable priced, that was heavily discounted for the show. He emphasized the fact that the plush, genuine, vinyl seats folded down. This would allow Mom to work on her tan, while her men continued to fish. It was a well-built vessel with a strong warranty. Life preservers, a fire extinguisher and even lines were included. Then came the twinkle in his eye and the look of a 10-year-old on Christmas Eve, waiting for Christmas Morning. Mom asked to look at the brochure and Pop gave me a little wink. I knew at that moment; we were going to have a new boat and my already large respect for my Father was increased even more. So many memories, so little time.

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APR. 2020

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PUPPY DRUM By Mike Buss

pril has arrived and with it some warmer weather and that has had a positive affect on the waters in our sloughs and back waters. Once the waters start to warm, the inshore species we all like to go after can’t be far behind! One of those is the Red Drum, the smaller version of which we call the Puppy Drum. The big brutes also show, but normally don’t venture into the back waters. If you want to catch 40 and 50 pounders and up, you need to be fishing the ocean side of Eastern Shore. The best times to fish for puppy drum are from mid-April to mid-June and then again in the fall from September through October. Puppy drum will stay in the inlets and back waters throughout the winter and can be caught almost year-round if the water temperature is not too cold. Look for sloughs, holes, deep water breaks, marsh bars, channels, cuts and oyster beds. The puppy drum will chase bait up into the grass on a rising tide and then fall back into holes on an outgoing tide. Explore the area you want to try when there is a low tide and it will help you read the cuts and holes, then fish the incoming tide while you are there, and then fish the outgoing tide the next trip. Some of the more popular areas to fish include: Lynnhaven Inlet, Rudee Inlet, Owls Creek, Poquoson Flats, Eastern Shore creeks both bayside and seaside, Elizabeth River, and Mobjack Bay. They can also be found around the piers at the ocean front and Sandbridge when there is a northeast wind in the fall and along the surf from Sandbridge to False Cape. As for tackle recommendations, I would recommend a 9’ or 10’ fly rod capable of handling a 6-9 weight line. You want to be using weight forward lines and I personally like an intermediate sinking line. You will normally be fishing in shallow water and that type of line will let you fish from the surface to the bottom. Another advantage is it will sink beneath the surface and will not be affected by wave action and your fly at the end of the line won’t be either. Sometimes you will be fishing heavy tide flows and then you might want to try a sinking line like a 250, 350 or 450 sinking line. The reel should be matched to the rod and capable of holding 150 to 250 yards of backing. It should have a good disc type drag system. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but you can get by with a 3’ to 8’ section of 10-pound test leader line. There are numerous flies that can be used to catch puppy drum and you will want to experiment with them until you find the pattern that is working that day. I know the following work: deceivers in sizes 4, 2, 1, and 1/0 and colors of red/white, black, chartreuse, chartreuse/white, red/ yellow, black/pink/white, black/orange and blue/pink/white. Bend backs in sizes 2, 1, and 1/0 and colors of red/white, chartreuse, yellow, black, pink/ chartreuse, and black/orange. Clousers in sizes 4, 2, 1, and 1/0 and colors of red/white, chartreuse/white, chartreuse/yellow, brown/yellow, black black/white, tan/white, and black/orange. The “Golden Gladiator” with the black spot is invading our waters. It is time for all good men and women to take up rods and do battle!

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APR. 2020

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The Flying Fisherman By J. Andre

BAIT How has your fishing been? We discussed a bit about bait last month. My catfishing buddy and I started out using Gudgeon saltwater minnows and shiners decades ago. We caught some nice Channel Cats and an occasional Blue. After accidentally catching a Blue Crab in our tidal river it struck us that we should try a crab. OMG! Our success tripled and the fish caught were getting larger – upwards to 10 pounds. We also learned that casting a shelled frozen crab quarter was a lot easier than a fresh piece in order to keep it on the hook. Either way, we broke the legs off and used them for chum and threaded the hook through a leg socket on the bait piece. We caught these 5 to 10-pound cats in the same waters I fish today. We were overjoyed catching these fish, not knowing they were the little ones. Then, one day we were fishing in our favorite spot and here comes this old beat up wooden skiff piloted by an even older fisherman that drops anchor within fifty yards of us. He casted a bottom rig using an old stout rod and round bait casting reel. I sort of giggled to my buddy, “What’s he expecting to catch, Moby Dick?” Within minutes he was doing mortal battle with the largest freshwater fish I’d ever seen. This fish had to go 30+ pounds. “Hey Mister,” I called over, “what type of fish is that?” Nonchalantly, he proclaimed, “Just another catfish. I’m still looking for the big one.” That was the beginning of my catfishing education. There were large blue cats to be caught on these local waters and if you went up on the James – MONSTERS existed. “Can you imagine!” I thought to myself. This was about the time my interests in offshore fishing and larger boats turned on and I went off on that tangent for a dozen years or so. This was followed by flying pursuits and hunting. The fishing had to wait.

Once retired, the catfishing bug bit again. Having lived in Virginia over 40 years I figured any self-respecting Southerner had better know something about catfishing. Thanks to the internet and YouTube, anyone can gain knowledge of this skill overnight. Instead of doing it like we did, back in the day, I got some new gear. We moved up from a tiny aluminum rowboat powered by a 5 HP Gamefisher air-cooled outboard and a pair of general-purpose rods that caught every fish from brookies to striped bass. I rebuilt and rigged out a 16-foot jon boat from bow to stern with every type of widget that makes catfishing fun. Mind you, all the gear we used back in the 80’s will continue to work just fine today, but after reaching this stage of life it is fun to have more new toys. We’ll get back to gear later – now, let’s talk bait. At the start of this Catfishing Renaissance I went to the tackle shop and ran into an old timer who asked the man behind the counter for a dozen night crawlers. Making small talk, I asked him what he was fishing for. He indicated simply, “Catfish.” I asked him if he’d been having any luck lately. He responded to this with a picture of a 40-pound Blue Cat. “YOU CAUGHT THAT FISH ON NIGHT CRAWLERS!?” He calmly replied back, “ I didn’t say that…I caught the bait on the night crawlers….Bluegill, White Perch, Bullheads, whatever I caught in his home.” That was the secret. Whatever they are been feeding on. Blue Cats aren’t the unsophisticated bottom feeders most people think. While they can be caught on just about anything, targeting the largest fish requires knowledge of their diet where they live. Just like a trout fisherman matching a fly to the hatch, a quality catfish bait must match Mr. Whisker’s regular or preferred diet. Fresh caught cut bait sized for the fish you want to catch will do the job. I have successfully used freshly frozen bait that might be 2 days old, but I prefer catching fresh bait that morning. That freezer burnt mush sold at the bait shops should be left for the crabs. But a freshly frozen cut bait will get you started until fresher bait is caught. A hand size white perch can make 3 or 4 nice baits. The head piece cut off just behind the gills is like a Fillet Mignon to Mr. Whiskers. The rest of the fish is usually cut up in vertical slices about an inch wide. Personally, I cut off the fins, so the cat has no problems ingesting the bait. I may also slash the skin a few times to help the oils escape. On moderate size baits targeting fish around 30 pounds, I’ll use an 8/0 Octopus Circle hook to secure the bait diagonally across the upper back of the bait keeping the hook point and barb exposed. The diagonal attachment keeps the bait from rolling on the hook and fouling the point. Cats aren’t hook shy - keep that hook exposed. Ensure the hook point is clean of any scales that can spoil a good hook set. That’s it! Be careful to follow local state regulations. Sometimes it feels like you need a lawyer in the boat to interpret what a legal bait is, how to catch it, and use it. Generally, any non-game fish can be used as bait. While Bluegills are considered a Game Fish, if they are caught on rod and reel, they can be used as cut bait. Don’t use a cast net on Bluegills! Fresh Gizzard Shad are preferred on the James for those monsters, but they require nets to collect. Don’t use herring in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Be sure you are following the net regulations for any bait collection. Confused yet? It can be complicated until you have studied and understand the fishing and net regs. My preference is White Perch, Bluegills, Blue Crabs, and Shad where they are native and abundant to the local water. Give it a try and hang on tightly to that fishing pole. Get Slimed

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APR. 2020

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Jake’s Outdoor Adventures By Jake Worthington

or those of you who follow me on Facebook or through my monthly article in Coastal Angler most of you know that I am a senior at NC State in Raleigh. I am very happy to report to you that I will be graduating next month on May 9, 2020, with a BS Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. I have had a great time at State and I have learned a great deal and met many great people during this journey. I will only get one short day of celebration because on May 11, I will begin my new job bright and early as the First Mate on the charter boat The Marauder based out of Wanchese Marina. Captain Troy Crane is the Owner/Captain of Marauder Sportfishing. I am very fortunate to be able to start my career under such an experienced and well respected Recreational Charter Captain. I am lucky to be based on a boat that offers all of the different types of fishing the Outer Banks has to offer. I will get the opportunity to fish near-shore and offshore. I look forward to making sure families and guests get to experience what a great fishery we have here on the Outer Banks. If you are headed to the OBX for spring and summer come and book a fishing trip with The Marauder and make some memories with your family and friends. For information the website link is https://www.maraudersportfishing.com/ Next month is May and that means Cobia fishing comes in full swing here on the OBX. Because the weather is such a large variable when you Cobia fish you will need some items to help you gain an advantage. I tell people all the time one of the most important tools you can have is a good quality pair of sunglasses. All sunglasses are not created equal and it is very important that you not only get a great quality lens but you have to have the correct color to be able to spot Cobia free swimming near the surface. For the last five years I have depended on my Salt Life Optics Sunglasses to give me an edge over other anglers targeting Cobia. Salt Life Optics are made with Zeiss Lenses that set them apart from the competition. I prefer a copper polarized lens that is custom made with my eyeglass prescription in sunglasses. Checkout the Salt Life Webpage and see what lenses best suit you. Two more tools you can use is a wide brimmed hat with the bottom of the brim blacked out to cut down the glare of the sun hitting the ocean. This will increase your visibility and allow you to see more clearly. The last thing I can share with you is lure selection. I use Bowed Up Cobia Jigs for sight casting for Cobia. Each one of these lures is handmade and created to give you an advantage by using different materials such as colored feathers, bucktails, and colored fish hair to give you an attractive jig that will attract the Cobia’s attention and tempt them to strike it. Check your local tackle shop for Bowed Up Cobia Jigs and don’t settle for anything but the best!

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APR. 2020

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Defensive Driving - Trailering Style By John Tiger

here are many thousands of experienced “towers”—including yours truly—who have towed for decades, and over hundreds of thousands of road miles---with little if any incident. Reassuring, right? But what about the newbies, those who are just getting behind the wheel and beginning their towing resume? PREPARATION: The key is to minimize this stress so you’re able to handle extraordinary situations more capably. Start with the tow vehicle and trailer. Here are the key checkpoints that should be “right” before you embark: 1. Your tow vehicle and trailer should be matched properly; no overloading or towing a load that’s too much for your vehicle. 2. Your tow vehicle’s hitch should be bolted securely to the frame, and should not be rusty or otherwise compromised. 3. Your trailer’s weight should be balanced fore-to-aft and side-toside. The trailer’s tongue weight (TW) should be between 5% and 10% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). If in doubt, measure it on a scale. The cargo in your tow vehicle should be similarly balanced. If the rear of the vehicle and tongue of the trailer are sagging, the package will handle poorly, steer badly, and sway dramatically. 4. Your trailer’s running gear should be prepped, ready and working properly. This means: a. The tires should have good tread, not weather checked and cracking, and inflated to the correct pressure. Tire pressure is extremely important. Low tire pressure causes overheating of the tire sidewall, and leads to failure. Check them before and during your trip. b. The wheel bearings and grease should be fresh and ready for the trip. c. The axle and springs should be in good shape and support your boat adequately. d. The trailer frame, bunk supports and bunks should be solid and support the boat properly. e. The trailer lights should all work properly, with a solid ground connection (NOT using the hitch ball as the ground!). f. The trailer brakes (if equipped) should be in operating condition. If your boat and trailer’s total load dictate the need for brakes and you don’t have them—don’t tow. g. The winch, winch strap, tongue jack and coupler should all be in working order. h. The boat should be properly tied down with straps of adequate breaking strength. i. The boat should be retained with an emergency chain at the bow eye, should the winch and tiedown straps break. j. The safety chains should be in good condition, and of adequate size to hold the trailer should the coupler become detached. They should be crossed under the tongue and connected securely to the tow hitch’s safety chain loops. k. Last—but definitely not least—have side mirrors, either factory or added on, that are large enough for you to see your boat and trailer and still see traffic around you. Adjust them for best all-round visibility before you drive.

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APR 2020

PRACTICE: You’ll be far more confident if you spend time practicing before heading for the highway. Start in a large empty parking lot, with an experienced trailer tower as co-pilot and instructor. You’ll need plenty of wide open space with few obstructions in order to feel comfortable. When practicing, focus on these areas: 1. Acceleration: You can feel that the rig will take a lot longer to accelerate to speed than it will without the trailer. 2. Braking: Similarly, it will take a lot longer to slow down, with a lot heavier pedal pressure, than it does when not towing. 3. Turning: Turns must be made more slowly and deliberately with the trailer attached, at any speed. 4. Stability: The truck will feel heavier and “tippier” with the trailer attached. As a result, sudden maneuvers should be avoided if possible. 5. Length: The length of the trailer behind the truck must be constantly in your awareness, especially when overtaking slower traffic, turning, backing, maneuvering in tight spaces (such as gas stations) and selecting parking spaces. 6. Turn signals must be applied earlier to warn others of your intent. ON THE ROAD: After several parking-lot practice sessions, try some back roads. Choose roads less traveled so the pressure will be less. If your local roads are less heavily populated at certain times of the day (midday, for example) then try to practice then, as opposed to rush hour.

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Practice merging into traffic by accelerating deliberately but firmly up the on ramp, and signaling early to move into traffic. Learn to keep a larger distance between you and traffic up ahead, as it will take your rig longer to slow down. Lastly, learn to drive slower with the trailer attached; if you normally drive at the speed limit or slightly over, then slow by 5 mph or so when towing. REACTING: No sudden movements allowed! Typical reactions won’t work when towing. For example: • Sudden lane change or braking directly in front of you: When towing, lay off the gas immediately and if possible, gently tap the brakes to induce a slowdown without swerving or causing instability. • Flat tire on tow vehicle or trailer, or broken suspension/spring: If possible, avoid stomping the brakes suddenly. Deliberately steer to the shoulder and apply the brakes gently if at all. Use your hazard flashers to warn other drivers. • Tongue/coupler failure: Again, no sudden braking. Steer firmly but slowly to the shoulder. • Trailer swaying/instability: Apply very little steering input while letting off the gas; do not apply heavy braking, as this will make the condition worse. In some cases applying light throttle pressure will help alleviate the sway. • High winds/passing vehicles: These conditions can induce or worsen trailer sway. Again, apply very little steering input, and slow down gradually without applying the brakes. • Steep uphill grades: As noted, move to the right lane to allow faster vehicles to pass. Use the “trailer tow” gear to keep engine RPM steady and engine/transmission temps in check. • Steep downhill grades (especially those that end in a “T”intersection): These can be tricky and nerve-wracking. Start by approaching the hill slowly; decrease speed before descending. Drop the transmission gear to “trailer tow” or a lower gear. Do not apply constant brake pressure until absolutely needed (usually at the bottom of the hill), as this will only prematurely heat up the brakes, rendering them less effective. Rather, apply the brakes periodically but firmly, releasing them every few seconds to allow some cooling. If the hill is extremely steep,

drop the transmission to low gear to keep speed in check. TRAVEL PLANNING, AND YOUR TRIP: Plan your route ahead of time, if possible, so fuel and rest stops are less stressful and less time is spent worrying about where your rig will “fit” when you stop. Remember to keep farther back when following traffic. Don’t hog the passing lane; stay in the slower lanes unless you’re overtaking traffic. Of course, it should go without saying—no texting, no internet surfing, and if possible, no talking on the cell phone when towing. Keep radio noise minimized, so you can hear any potential trailer noises and can focus more clearly on driving, towing and the road around you. Pay attention to the drivers around you; take frequent looks at them in case they may try to signal you regarding your trailer (smoking tire, light out, swaying, etc.). On uphill grades, use the “trailer tow” mode so you don’t overload your transmission and overheat the engine. On downhill grades, use the tow mode, and apply brakes evenly but firmly—early—so the brakes can cool periodically as you descend. SIDEBAR: PARKING TIPS; Parking with a trailer can be challenging. In parking lots, gas stations, rest stops, etc. be careful to leave enough room to maneuver and pull out, without taking up so much space that you make a nuisance of yourself. Pull over to the side, well out of the way of the traffic moving in and out. If you have to park on an incline, be sure to angle the rig and the front wheels such that if the transmission and/or parking brake fail and the rig moves, it hits the curb and can’t move further. John Tiger has published columns and articles about boating and towing for over 25 years. A recognized expert in high performance boat setup, rigging and driving, outboard repair and trailer towing, John’s boating and racing experience has helped him write popular columns such as Outboard Tech and Seat Time as well as many hundreds of feature stories.

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APR. 2020

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CATCHIN’& COOKIN’ EASTER TUNA WITH A KICK!

JIM BAUGH’S RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Here is a fav and a great way to work some seafood into your Easter. It may be an easy dish but it is simply delicious. First, cook up some Spanish rice and black beans then set aside on a warm stovetop. Mix up a basic picante using chopped fresh red onion, 2 spring onions, two tomatoes, ½ cup parsley, 4 cloves chopped garlic, juice of three limes. Stir and chill. Mixed Veggie Stir Fry: Cut your fav veggies, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, onions, and peppers sauté lightly in a skillet with ½ cup white wine and three pats of butter. Do NOT overcook. Season with salt and pepper. Blackened Tuna: Blacken your thick Tuna filets traditionally by first coating the filet with some butter and let it chill. Then add the seasoning to one side. I like to mix a little Caribbean jerk seasoning onto the filet. Heat up your cast iron skillet and put the filet season side down and let her go! Only about two minutes. Then season the back side, add more butter to the skillet and flip. Do not over cool the tuna! Plate up and serve, Happy Easter!!!

SHOWTIME by Jim Baugh reporting from Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, Cape Charles VA And what a show it was! Just back from the Ocean City Film Festival where our award-winning short film “The Milky Way Galaxy Our Home as seen from the Eastern Shore” played to a packed house at the Flagship theater for the Friday night showing. The Q &A afterwards showed me just how much people are fascinated with astrophotography. It was a great crowd and fantastic festival. You can check out our film on the Jim Baugh Outdoors Youtube Channel. Also be sure to check out our 32nd season now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. JBOTV will continue this Milky Way season filming various segments to air as a part of our celestial navigation series. This year we will not be producing as many timelapse, but more so featuring star trackers that will enable us to film 5 minute + exposures for wide and mid field astrophotography. The results should be interesting for sure. Let the drum beat roll! Folks last season we were finally able to complete our Black Drum Show and man it was fantastic. A great day on the water fishing the Barrier Islands and look forward to heading back. This season coming up now we will be doing our best to film a Red Drum show especially during the migration. Check out our Black Drum Show on our Youtube Channel as well as Amazon Prime. We got a big season coming at the Oyster Farm and don’t forget upcoming Mother’s Day. Treat her right with a dinner at the Seafood Eatery, the best tableside view of the Chesapeake Bay! It is also a good time to call and book your slips for the season. Drum, Cobia, Flounder, Rockfish, C-Pier… just a click away. www.theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com If you have never been to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, check out the new Virginia is for Lovers/Eastern Shore Tourism film. We were honored to have been chosen to film this and the production lasted over 6 months. It was a pleasure to work with so many people and meet some new friends along the way. I am not sure of the release date of the film, it may be out by the time this goes to press. Just keep an eye out on social media and our Youtube page. One thing is for sure when you see it, you will want to book your trip to the Shore asap. Stop by and say hey when ya do! If your company needs any film produced whether for promotional, commercial or educational just contact us below. https://jimbaugh.blogspot. com/ or jbotv@outlook.com Jim Baugh, Jimbaugh.net, Jim Baugh Outdoors TV For more updates on our fishing trips and latest shows check out our blogspot at https://jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com or all our new shows at JBOTV - https://www.youtube.com/c/JimBaughOutdoors

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AO Coolers Releases New Insulated Fish and Fillet Mylar Bags

O Coolers is pleased to announce the release of their new line of marine products – Insulated Fish Bags and Fillet Mylar Bags. While AO Coolers already has a great line up with their ultimate soft sided coolers, these new insulated AO Insulated Fish Bags are sure to be a hit! AO Coolers Insulated Fish Bags are designed and made to keep your catch fresh. The interior liner is a tear and mildew resistant, reflective, 18 oz vinyl. It is insulated with 1” closed cell foam to keep your catch cold and fresh. The exterior is a heavy duty 18 oz vinyl material that is both UV and mildew resistant with full wrap graphics and a reinforced bottom. The AO Insulated Fish Bags also feature rugged, non-corrosive YKK zippers, and an exterior zippered pocket for additional dry storage. Two padded grab handles make transport easy when loaded. The AO Insulated Fish Bag is available in two sizes: 4’x26” and 6’x30”. AO Coolers Fillet Mylar bags are designed to keep your catch fresh. The AO Fillet Mylar bags are made from 5 MIL thick foil lined mylar which blocks moisture, air and light (they are not transparent). These one gallon bags are odor proof and waterproof which feature a ziplock seal, and lines for catch location and date. Each Insulated Fish Bag kit includes with six AO Fillet Mylar bags. Additional fillet bags may be purchased from aomarineproducts. com. The AO Fillet Mylar bags are available in packs of 12 or 24. Dimensions: 9” x 13.75” About AO Coolers: AO Coolers has been making soft-sided coolers in the market for over 25 years. AO Coolers were the first to introduce the soft-sided cooler and have the “best in industry” limited lifetime warranty for the inside liner and top main zipper. “Go with the Original AO Coolers!” The customers keep coming back because they know AO Coolers offers excellent service. AO Coolers delivers orders on time, on budget, and with exceptional quality – every time! For more information, please visit www.aocoolers.com or Facebook www.facebook. com/aocoolers. You may also email us at info@aocoolers.com or speak with our Customer Service Representatives directly at 800-336-5208.

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CHERRY DOMINATES THE CLASSIC

here was no denying Elite Series veteran Hank Cherry. Riding a first-day sack of nearly 30 pounds, he led wireto-wire during the 50th anniversary Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville to capture the most coveted title in tournament bass fishing. The 46-year-old B.A.S.S. photo by Gary Tramontina from Lincolnton, N.C. hoisted the trophy on championship Sunday March 8 and accepted his winnings of $307,500 as the Classic champion. It was sweet redemption for a man who’s fished the Classic five times and came heartbreakingly close to winning the whole enchilada back in 2013. During the 2013 Classic at Grand Lake, Oklahoma, a lost jerkbait fish dropped Cherry into third place. It’s safe to say his luck held on Guntersville, where limits of 29-3, 16-10 and 19-8 gave him a three-day total of 65 pounds, 5 ounces. He did most of his damage during Friday’s first round with a Z-Man Jack Hammer. The pattern led to a tournamentbest bag that featured a pair of 7-2 largemouths. On Days 2 and 3, he relied on his own Hank Cherry Signature Series Jig from Picasso in green pumpkin with a matching Berkley MaxScent Chunk trailer and a jerkbait—a Megabass 110+1 in the French pearl OB color. He spent practically the whole event fishing one causeway and one grass flat after a Day 1 arm injury limited his travel in windy conditions. “I never put gas in the boat all week,” Cherry said. “Y’all know me. If it’s windy, I’m not going to be making a lot of long runs—and anyway, I just didn’t need to.” South Carolina pro Todd Auten finished second with 58-10. Arkansas angler Stetson Blaylock took third with 58-1. The Berkley Big Bass award went to Auten for a 7-9 he caught on Day 1.

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APRIL 2020

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SCADDEN DRAGONFLY XT2

nglers looking for a two-man raft as versatile as it is portable and functional will have a hard time finding anything that tops Dave Scadden’s Dragonfly XT2. At 10 feet long, 54 inches wide and weighing just 100 pounds, the Dragonfly XT2 can be thrown in the back of a pickup truck, yet it fishes and handles as well as a much bigger boat. It can be set up one person frameless, two-person frameless or decked out to the moon with Dave’s Dragonfly travel frame. It is super lightweight and portable yet offers performance levels never before achieved in the inflatable world. The Dragonfly XT2 is so outrageously tricked out that there are just too many cool gadgets to list. Go to www. davescaddenpaddlesports.com and watch the videos. You’ll see why professional guides around the country are choosing this boat for their river trips. All Dragonfly models are bladderless, miterless and fully rockered with rigid dropstitch technology and removable self-bailing floor systems. They are rated for Class V whitewater, have a 1,500-pound weight capacity and are backed by an exclusive unconditional lifetime warranty.

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ound is critical to a fish’s survival beneath the surface of the water. They rely on sound to signal the presence of prey or warn them of impending danger. Since sound travels five times faster in water than it does in air, it becomes a critical factor in a fish’s daily life. If you have watched fish for any period of time, you know they instinctively become alert to unfamiliar sounds or noise and tend to move away from the source. I watched a scientific experiment with trout in a clear water stream from a concealed tower. As an associate approached the edge of the stream from wooded concealment on the opposite bank, the trout became instantly alert. A few slipped back into protective cover, while the rest became motionless and waited to see what would happen. Every fish within view stopped feeding. Large predators sometimes invade a chum slick simply because they respond to the sound of smaller fish feeding. They can actually hear potential prey as the little guys devour the chum. The sound of other fish feeding will often trigger additional fish to begin feeding. Game fish are intensely aware of the distress vibrations given off by injured or impaired fish and usually are attracted to move in closer. These distress vibrations telegraph the

presence of an easy meal. That’s why a larger predator often attacks a hooked fish as you struggle to land it. Unique in the animal kingdom, the lateral line on either side of a fish is an extremely precise sound-detecting organ. It responds to low frequency sound within relatively short range in a system known as near-field displacement. Anything moving through the water disturbs the molecules and this is detected by neuromasts in the fish’s body. The accuracy of the system is nothing less than amazing. A fish can strike prey it cannot see with incredible accuracy. Negative sounds or noises are equally important. Too many anglers ignore the damage that noises can cause. Once a fish is alerted that something is not right, it seldom will risk striking a bait or lure. A plug landing too close to an oversized shark or a 100-pound tarpon can send that critter scurrying for safety. The noise of an outboard can eliminate fish in a given spot. Racing to reach a spot or to get to breaking Photo by Nick Carter fish as quickly as possible can shut down the activity. And making noise aboard a boat, particularly when it is easily transmitted through the hull has negative effects. The shallower the water, the more damaging noise can be. All it takes is dropping a pair of pliers, sliding a tackle box so it scrapes or making heavy sounds of any type. It pays to live by the rule that silence is golden. If you do, you’ll catch more fish.

For more from Mark Sosin, visit

CAMFISHING.COM

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APRIL 2020

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NOAA CLAMPS DOWN

ON ATLANTIC SNAPPER

n early March, NOAA Fisheries announced that red snapper season in the South Atlantic, from the Carolinas to Florida, will be a scant three days long with a one-fish per person daily limit… if there is to be a snapper season at all. It’s frustrating news for anglers, who are experiencing a similar situation to what occurred in the Gulf of Mexico prior to states taking control of red snapper management. While anglers and charter captains report plentiful and increasing red snapper catches, federal managers continue clamping down on regulations. And even the three-day season is contingent on a change to regulatory framework, which currently does not allow a season at all if NOAA determines it will be three days or less. According to a release from the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC), the change that would allow a three-day season is expected to be in place before the 2020 season. Since 2010, recreational anglers have been allowed just 37 days total to harvest red snapper in the South Atlantic. NOAA’s decision on the 2020 season is based on landing estimates from 2019, when a five-day recreational season produced an estimated 49,674 fish and exceeded the annual catch limit. The current annual catch limit is set at 29,656 fish.

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APRIL 2020

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER PATRIOT SERIES

-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. provides a solid, reliable, easy-to-use solution for anchoring. As a leading drum anchor winch manufacturer, our products are a safe, consistent launch and retrieval system for vessels in calm or rough seas. No more trips toward the front of your boat to untangle line and chain: we have a drum anchor winch that provides years of dependability and safety for you and your anchor, from 18-foot all the way up to 55-foot vessels! The Patriot series is especially developed for fiberglass fishing boats in shallow coastal waters. Before purchasing his E-Z Anchor Puller unit, Jarrett Sanchez pulled up a 22-pound anchor and 230 feet of rope and chain onto his 1977, 25’ Mako Center Console all by himself, by hand. Now, he can simply press a button to drop his anchor to the bottom, then simply push “up” for three seconds to ensure his line is nice and tight. Manufactured completely from 316 stainless steel and rated IP68 waterproof submersible, the Patriot series is immune to saltwater environments, whether it’s exposed on the deck or hidden away in the rope locker while you’re out on the water. With three sizes (EZ-1, EZ-2 and EZ-3) in the series, the Patriot is the winch of choice for Florida boaters who own vessels 18 to 35 feet, and can hold between 175 and 325 feet of ⅜-inch line, or 150 to 200 feet of ½-ich line depending on preference and need. The power-up, power-down direct drive button gives boaters more control over deployment and retrieval with an average of 100 feet per minute for deployment and retrieval. Sanchez’s particular unit, the Patriot EZ-2, holds 150 feet of ½-inch line where he boats off of the coast of Treasure Island, Fla. Even though his decision to buy our unit was, “99.9 percent his wife and family,” we think Sanchez is one happy customer, too! No drifting, no tangled lines and one less thing to worry about on the open water. To check out the Patriot series in its entirety, visit our website at ezanchorpuller.com/collections/anchor-winch

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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APRIL 2020

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FOULFREE TRANSDUCER COATING

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APRIL 2020

arine growth on the transducer inhibits the performance your sonar. A fouled transducer reduces sensitivity, bottom-echo returns and positive fish targets. In other words, when the transducer is dirty, you’re not seeing what’s down there. Also, transducers perform best when there’s minimal turbulence over their surface during operation. Consider this next time you’re idling over structure looking for bait and fish. With streamlined water flow over your equipment, you’ll get a better image of what’s below. To solve these performance issues, Propspeed, a leading innovator of underwater coatings, developed a revolutionary foul-release coating designed specifically for transducers. Foulfree is a biocide-free coating that when cured creates a super-slippery surface over the transducer. It prevents marine growth without poisons to keep your transducer clean, streamlined and performing at its peak. One application lasts through an entire year of service and even longer in cooler climates. “Foulfree is an exciting new coating specifically made to enhance the performance of transducers,” said Chris Baird, CEO of Propspeed. “Bringing together our revolutionary product design and working with the experts in transducer functionality from Airmar, we are able to offer boaters around the world a new solution to an age-old problem and improve sonar performance for anglers and cruisers alike.” Foulfree joins Propspeed’s award-winning product line which includes Propspeed an industry-leading foul-release system for propellers and running gear and the groundbreaking transparent foulrelease coating specifically formulated www.oceanmax.com for underwater lights, Lightspeed.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

he dawning of the new year has been good to West Virginia anglers who are setting new state records. A monster blue catfish and a big grass carp were certified as state length records by the West Virginia Division of Naturaral Resources, and then the grass carp record was broken again. On Jan. 3, Zachary Adkins, of Cabins, W.Va., caught a 53.1-inch, 59-pound grass carp from Warden Lake, a 44-acre state-managed reservoir in the northeastern corner of the state. Adkins used a large swimbait to catch the fish, which broke the previous length record of 50.75 inches. Then, on Feb. 18, John Miller, of Lost City, W.Va., bested Adkins’ mark with a 54.75-inch, 67.4-pound grass carp, also from Warden Lake. Warden Lake is apparently a hotbed for big carp. The state weight record of 71.69 pounds also came from Warden. It was caught by William Tucker in 2005. On Jan. 11, Justin Conner, of Culloden, W.Va., caught his 49.84-inch, 58.38-pound blue catfish on the Ohio River over on the Ohio border. Conner’s big blue ate a chunk of cut shad. It broke the previous length record of 47.75 inches. Mark Blauvelt still holds the weight record with a 59.74-pound blue catfish caught on the Ohio River in 2016. The IGFA alltackle world record blue catfish weighed 143 pounds. It was caught out of Kerr Lake, Va. in 2011. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2020

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Airline_CoastalAnglerAd_3-2016_Layout 1 3/18/16 1:07 PM Page 1

RIDE THE BULL In Grand Isle Louisiana

he maze of bayous around the mouth of the Mississippi River south of New Orleans holds the best redfish fishing in the world. This unique system of waterways on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast also lays out perfectly for anglers fishing from kayaks. It’s fitting that the world’s largest kayak fishing tournament should be held out of Grand Isle, Louisiana. On Aug. 28-29, Ride the Bull will flood Caminada Pass with hundreds of kayak anglers chasing the event’s heaviest single redfish. It will be the 11th edition of this catch-and-release bull redfish tournament hosted by CCA Louisiana. And whether you’re a competitor or one of the hundreds of spectators, it’s an event you need to see. Because of the tournament’s boundaries within Caminada pass, it is suitable for anglers of all ages and experience levels. The fishing, however, can be pretty serious, with a leaderboard filled by redfish approaching 30 pounds. In addition to the fishing on Saturday, Aug. 29, vendors will be there displaying their wares, and usually there’s live music on Friday night after the captains meeting. Registration opens June 1 and hotel rooms on Grand Isle fill up quickly, so make reservations early. For more information, go to ccalouisiana.com.

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

3/6/20 4:13 PM

Time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Buy during our Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Time to get to your local for the Ultimate Outboard Motors. Extended Protection at noSuzuki extra Marine charge.Dealer There are Instant Savings on select models,Buy and during ourFinancing Spring Sales Event and get Suzuki’s 3-Year Limited Warranty plus 3 years of Low-Rate is also available. Extended Protection atSuzuki no extra charge. There are Instant Savings on select models, and See your participating Marine Low-Rate is also available. dealer for Financing all the details. See your participating Suzuki Marine dealer for all the details.

INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS INSTANT SAVINGS Instant Savings on select models when SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

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

SAVE RIGHT NOW ON

REPOWER FINANCE REPOWER Rates as lowFINANCE as 5.99%

SELECT SUZUKI OUTBOARDS

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

on new Suzuki outboards on Rates credit.* as low as approved [605.99% Months] on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

™ ™

Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with the 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 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Gimme Six Extended Protection promotion applies to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20 in accordance with 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 the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. The Gimme Six Promotion is available substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings applies to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. For list of designated models, Synchrony Retail 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 see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine.com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. There are no model terms provided, are 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 substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through based on 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 Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and authorized Suzuki dealer between 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and 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 read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. 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 04/01/20 and 06/30/20. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2020 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. NATIONAL APRIL 2020 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Limited Collector’s Edition

Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79

or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington Damascus Curva Knife, you’ll be ready to throw a curve of your own. Limited Reserves. Damascus steel blades are a lost art form that only a handful of artisan bladesmiths have mastered. These legendary blades take time to forge and only a few are crafted each month. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

The Damascus Curva Knife celebrates those legendary blades. It uses modern Damascus steel, with the same rippled texture pattern on the blade, to create a curved folding knife that’s 7 ½" in total length. With a liner lock mechanism, which allows the knife to be opened and closed using just one hand, and a ergonomic handle made of buffalo horn and colored bone, this $79 knife is a trophy for any hunter or collector.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. 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. But we believe that once you hold the

“The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high performance.” –– Knife Informer

Damascus Curva Folding Knife $179*

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1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: CFK280-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CFK280-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

www.stauer.com

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

• Damascus steel blade & bolster • Buffalo horn & colored bone handle • Liner lock • Overall length, open : 7 ½" • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

Rating of A+