Coastal Angler Magazine | December 2021 | Tidewater,VA/Outer Banks, NC Edition by Coastal Angler Magazine

TIDEWATER, VA/OUTER BANKS, NC EDITION

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PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321

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DECEMBER 2021

W O R L D W I D E

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WINTER CRAPPIE

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

By TAM Staff

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

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

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

By Nick Carter

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

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

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TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

DECEMBER 2021

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. JIM JIM AARON JOHN SCOTT JAKE

ANDRE BAUGH DAVISON KELLY TIGER REPPERT WORTHINGTON

GRAPHIC DESIGN JENNY DIAZ

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

BRENDA RIGGS brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com

757.409.7518 MIKE RIGGS mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com

757.681.5001

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DEC 2021

TIDEWATER & THE OUTER BANKS 1

Jake’s Outdoor Adventures By Jake Worthington

an you believe it is already December? What a year we have had this year fishing out of the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center on the Seaducer! First, we started off catching some nice bluefins when they were here early in the year. In the late spring, we had big eye and yellowfin tunas in great numbers and size. Not just any yellowfins either, but a class of fish that an experienced Captain told me he had not seen for decades. These fish were coming to the docks with weights ranging from 85 to over 100 pounds. They were big fish and they gave the customers a fight to remember. They were such nice fish that I even got an opportunity to sell some Gray Taxidermy fish mounts to our customers so they can hang a reproduction of that fish on the wall at their home or office to enjoy that memory every day. Since we are in the Christmas season, a fish mount makes an excellent gift to give the fisherman or fisherwoman in your life. The taxidermy industry has changed over the years where you don’t even have to use the fish anymore to reproduce what you caught. All you need is a measurement of the fish from several points and if you want, a picture can also be sent. Check Gray Taxidermy’s internet site if you have any questions.

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Since we are in the holiday season, I am sure you have noticed supply chain disruption in some products. The fishing industry is no stranger to this disruption which has occurred over the last few years. If this is causing problems filling out your Christmas list, then consider going to a local tackle shop and see if they have what you are looking for. If they don’t, then buy a gift card or certificate so you can give your person a gift and help a local business at the same time. Having a custom rod made makes an excellent gift, as well. Many tackle shops on the Outer Banks from the northern beaches all the way down to Hatteras can help you make the proper selection. I highly urge you to support your local tackle stores during this holiday season. Your local tackle shops are there year around to serve your needs and if you want them here in the future, you have to make sure you support them. Yes, I am sure their prices may be just a tad higher than the big box stores or online, but they stock their stores with what you need here on the Outer Banks. As a matter of fact, I have seen that most of their prices are the same as the big box stores. They hire people who fish and they know when and where the fish are biting. You cannot put a price on the expertise they have from their years of fishing. So do your Christmas shopping on the Outer Banks this Holiday Season. Have Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Jake Worthington First Mate on The Seaducer Charter Fishing Boat out of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center 800-272-5199.

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THE FLYING FISHERMAN By J. Andre

Fishing Checklist

I’m currently rigging up for another trip to the Intracoastal Waterway, searching for a 40 to 50-pound blue cat. While doing this, I go through my “Going Fishing Check-List.” Number 1 is - Put the plug in the boat. Of course, we never forget that one. Then, load the rods, tackle boxes, net, bait, electronics, etc. Yep, I must have a checklist. There is nothing worse than pulling up to your sweet spot and not seeing the bait cooler you left on the kitchen counter. Well, maybe forgetting the nightcrawlers in the refrigerator tops that. I use check-list flying, so why not on the boat. Well, earlier this week, I learned that you need a “Leaving the Fishing Hole Check-list.” I had not stored my rigs back in the tacklebox properly to keep them from turning into a tangled ball of mono and hooks at the end of the day. I brought home a nine-pounder eater on this trip, but I forgot to load the fish into the cooler after leaving the fishing hole. He was still on the stringer tethered to the boat getting a wild ride as the boat got underway. There is always something to check. The other day I got back from a trip to the mountains. When we returned home, the house had a hint of a foul odor to it. After finding nothing odd in the kitchen or bathrooms, I went into the garage, and it was clear I had entered the offending location. I had set some mouse traps earlier, and sure enough, a mole had found his last bite of peanut butter on the first trap that I checked. Still, upon careful analysis, it was decided he was not the odiferous offender, and we performed a proper sea (flushed). Upon burial at returning to the garage, I decided to rig up some new Santee Bottom Rigs for the anticipated trophy fish targeted on this next trip. As I bent down to pick up my catfishing tackle box, I noticed the smell of death again. When I opened the box, it hit me that Number One on the “Departing the Fishing Hole Check-List” - Return all cut bait to the resident waters before departure had not been completed. As soon as the lid cracked open, the stench of a quite putrefied three-ounce white perch bait overwhelmed my senses. The liquids had run into all those little compartments that separate hooks from swivels, sinkers, floats, lures, and so forth. It took hours to clean up this mess. I should have just trashed the whole box and gone to Bass Pro Shops to get another one with a couple of hundred dollars of new gear. I still feel like taking an oxy-acetylene torch and cauterizing my nostrils and sinuses. They say smell is your strongest sense for memory recall. This memory shall curse me for a long time. Considering the timing, I missed a perfect opportunity. We could have taken a couple of drops of that Zombie Juice and sprinkled it on the driveway, sidewalk, and porch for the little kiddies to appreciate on Halloween. Get Slimed (sorry)

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DEC DEC 2021 2021

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OBX By Aaron Kelly

INSHORE

Well in between all the running around we do this month save some time for some for fishing! Evenings can be a lot of fun catching striped bass. Folks seem to get out there around the Mann’s harbor bridge for a few hours to see what the bite is like. Sometimes they are chewing and fish are caught trolling and casting. I love watching the old school Guys out there in there small boats. They fish one pole with a 3-5 ounce weight and a short shot of leader and a fuzzy Hubert. (3/4-1 once chartreuse or white local buck tail with a curly tail) This combo is deadly and probably has landed more stripers than most anything else. Other anglers like a swimmy shad pulled across the bottom casting or trolling. Right now it’s one a person 18 “ inches or longer. Keeper season may close down this season early. That’s ok honestly it’s about just getting out there with friends and family and catching a few fish and making some memories! Swing in to one of our many local tackle shops and get that stocking stuffed! The local fishing knowledge and best gear is right at you fingertips! I hope you you and your families have a great and safe holiday. See you out there!!! Capt. Aaron Kellyrocksolidfishing.com 252-441-657

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DEC 2021

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TIDEWATER & OUTERBANKS

NEW OR USED? By Capt. Jim Davison, Miss Disturbed Sportfising

ow many people spend hours on the forums looking for deals? I’m one of those people. I’m on Facebook, the hull truth, Craig’s list and many more watching for a good deal on equipment. I have found some really good deals and on the other side I have bought some straight junk. What I have learned over the years is to ask questions, get pictures of the actual item and buy in person or PayPal (I never use friends and family). Also you need to be ready to buy. Most of these guys that list items at a steel don’t hold items, it’s whoever has the money gets the item. Make sure you know it’s a deal before you spend the money. I see so many times guys selling a reel with line and they want to charge for the line. I don’t know about you, but I never trust my fish to someone else’s line so why pay for it? I know some of these reels can be very expensive putting 500 yards of braid backing and 200 yards of mono top shot but I’m just going to take it off and put my own on. I’ve seen used reels listed for more than a new just because they wanted to charge for the line that was on the reel. Also ask when was the last time the reel was serviced by a shop. If you are looking at a reel that is 10 years old and never serviced that might throw a red flag for me. The same goes for lures that come rigged. Why pay for the rigging? I always ask how much without rigging because I’m just going to re-rig.

Things I stay away from are items with no pictures, Friends and Family only pay, price is frim, and unresponsive sellers. I also really don’t like buying used rods without seeing them in person. It is way too easy to hide frozen rollers, stress cracks, fading, cracked guides, etc. If you decide to buy a rod off pictures, please be careful. Make sure you have good photos, a trusted seller, or recommended by a friend that has purchased from the seller before. Also make sure you buy with PayPal or something that you can get your money back if the item isn’t what was stated by the seller. With all this said, there is still some good trusted sellers out there listing some good deals. On the other side there are some out there selling junk and asking retail for it. Just know what you are buying, who you are buying from and protect your purchase with buying in person or an online source you can file a claim and get your money back. I hope this helps someone out and you are able to get a nice piece of equipment at a great price.

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DEC DEC 2021 2021

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YOUR BOAT’S TRAILER

By John Tiger

t’s nearing winter as this is published, when even most Hampton Roads and OBX boaters are either thinking about putting away the boat for a few months, or it’s already tucked away awaiting spring. Either way, if your trailer’s seen better days, now’s the time to think about repairing, upgrading or even replacing it. Your trailer is your boat’s home when it’s not in the water. If you don’t live on the water and keep your boat at your dock, or pay to keep your boat at a marina in the water, then like most boats, yours likely spends most of it’s time on the trailer. In addition, your trailer is your key to the water…without it, if it breaks down, you’re not going to the water. You’re stuck where you are, until you fix or replace it. Then there’s the legal and moral aspect to maintenance…you can’t legally tow the trailer unless it meets local and state requirements, and you are legally required to keep it in compliance. Heaven forbid your trailer would cause an accident; that would really be terrible. Finally, launching and retrieving should be considered. Often in the heat of the season, the launch ramps are crowded and it’s imperative that you launch or retrieve your boat quickly so others can too. If your trailer makes it hard to do this, it will slow you down and cause extra anxiety. First, it’s important that your trailer is correctly sized for your boat. If it’s too small, it won’t properly support the boat, it may become fatigued and break, and it may be dangerous to tow, not to mention launch and retrieve. If it’s too big, it may provide too harsh of a ride for the boat and make launching and retrieving difficult. Second, it must be maintained in good running condition. In Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks, a lot of our environment is tough on trailers—brackish and salt water are the main issues. Therefore, it’s important to periodically inspect the frame, bunk supports, rollers and roller supports, axles and suspension, hubs and wheels, jack, tongue and coupler, and winch for excessive corrosion and deterioration. The lights deserve special mention. Trailer lights are a necessity for lawful operation, and of course to help other motorists understand your intentions while towing. The brake lights, turn signals and running lights must all work properly. Trailer lights fail so often, they’re a running joke among trailer boaters. Complete trailer light replacement kits are relatively cheap; $50 to $75 will buy a complete kit online or at auto parts stores and trailer stores. There’s really no excuse for non-working trailer lights. If your trailer is just too far gone, it’s best to stop dumping money into it; just replace with a new trailer. Your boat will be happier, and you will be too. There are plenty of excellent trailer dealers in our area who keep loads of boat trailers in stock. Hint: if you must go new, buy an aluminum trailer and save yourself headaches years down the road. Painted steel trailers are a no-go in our environment, and while galvanized steel trailers are “ok”, they pale in comparison to the longevity and attractiveness of a shiny new aluminum trailer. Hopefully this story will help with decisions when it comes time to maintain or fix your existing trailer, or consider a replacement trailer for your boat. Until then, we’ll wait for spring… John Tiger, 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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TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

CATCHIN’& COOKIN’

JIM’S HOLIDAY OLIVE SALAD I always look forward to making this! Here is the olive salad recipe and once done, top off your favorite deli meat sandwich, leftover turkey, ham, with a generous heap of olive salad! It is the best! 2 can Green Olives, (no pitts), 2 can Calamatta Olives Pitted, 1 can black olives, 1 cup chopped Cauliflower, 2 carrots sliced, 2 stalked chopped celery, 20 Pepperoncini \ thinly chopped, 2 tbls Capers, 4 Garlic cloves chopped, chopped Italian Parsley, 2 tbls Fresh oregano, 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes, Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground pepper To Taste (salt may not be necessary) 1 cup Sweet peppers, Green Olive Brine 1\2 cup, Olive oil 1\2 cup. Mix all ingredients and take off the stems of the pepperoncini. Try to leave some of the Pepperoncini whole and not diced up. You also don’t want all of your olives smashed. This should be a chunky salad, put in a ball jar and set in fridge overnight. Serve on top your favorite deli or serve as a side with any holiday dish. It’s awesome! Hope everyone has a happy and blessed Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS ROCK ON! by Jim Baugh reporting from Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, Cape Charles VA

December is a busy time for all and a great time to get away to the Shore and do a little rockfishing. By the time this article comes out, we will be knee deep into the Mid Atlantic Rockfish Tournament that is based at the Oyster Farm on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV will be there filming the event and will post updates, photos and videos on our social media and web sites. To check out some of our past tourney features just check out our JBOTV You Tube Channel. Also look out for our new Speckled Trout Show featuring Captain Ken Eshleman, great show! For more info and to book marina slips and accommodations just visit www.theoysterfarmatkingscreek.com If you are looking for a very unique gift for Christmas, check out our new Nightscape Gallery at jimbaughnightscapes.blogspot.com you can also scan the QR Code below. These metal prints look amazing and were filmed from the Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, and Roanoke Virginia. Please order early. Each print is mastered for metal print media and quality approved by Jim Baugh. Usually, we can get out the prints delivered within a few days to a week. If you are on the Eastern Shore stop in to the Lemon Tree Gallery in Cape Charles and see our Nightscapes on display. Free delivery to the Eastern Shore and Virginia Beach. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV will be in production with the 2021 Shootout immediately following the tourney and will get it up on Amazo Prime Video and our You Tube channel in time for the Christmas holiday. Just check our social media for announcements. The feature will also be streamed on Facebook. Jim Baugh, Jimbaugh.net, Jim Baugh Outdoors TV For more updates on our fishing trips and latest shows log on to: https://jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com/ for updates on everything, digital prints gallery, etc. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV Amazon Prime Video https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/ B07Z9S825F/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r JBOTV Online Hubb: https:// jimbaugh.blogspot.com/ 8 TIDEWATER TIDEWATER&&THE THEOUTER OUTERBANKS BANKS

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A FLYFISHING OUTFIT By Scott Reppert Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers

o you want a new fly fishing outfit. A friend recently suggested that you could try buying the one you really want for your spouse and then borrow it occasionally like every time you fish, no more than every day. Seriously, you may already own a fly rod that is in your attic or, in your parent’s attic. You may go to look for it and be told that a beloved pet used it as a chew toy. A little news is in order. Technology is your friend with the development fly rods particularly since bamboo and fiberglass. Modern rods are amazing. I cannot and will not endorse any particular products in this column. I will however suggest that cheap is not a good idea nor are products that approach or exceed $1000 really needed here. Let’s start with fly rods. If you will recall, fly rods are usual designated by line weight needed to bend them and length. They also usually come in 2 or 4 pieces. Please be aware that I am going to suggest that this is a very personal decision, not unlike buying vehicle only hopefully not needing any payment plan. If you are reading this you likely are closer to a body of saltwater than a trout stream. This will lead you toward rods in the 6-10 weight range rather than the 3-5 weight range. Casting takes practice and lighter rod will not wear you out quite as fast. Having said that fighting a fish on a rod that is too light will likely kill the fish and not help you land it, not break the rod or hurt yourself. Just saying. What do you want to fish for? How often are you going to go fishing? Where are you going to fish? All these questions matter. If your fish of choice is speckled trout or maybe a largemouth in heavy cover (Yep, I snuck in freshwater) you want to stay in the 6-8 weight range. If you like stripers or false albacore a 9-10 weight may soon be your best friend. If you can cheat and put your hands on a rod or two or 6, you will see the difference the line weight and natural flex of the rod makes. Speaking of flex. Here on the breezy (windy) coast you may be encouraged to get the fastest (stiffest) rod available. While I like a fast rod, being a less than perfect caster I will tend to like rods that will flex a little. If on the other hand you are going to hunt tiny trout and want to sneak up on them with tiny flies you may want to get a very flexible rod that presents the fly ever so gently. Not me, not here, but this could be your choice. You will not hear me getting all judgey. Visit a retailer or friends with fly rods and get some idea of what feels right. As for line I primarily use a floating line even when using a Clouser minnow or other weighted fly as the line is easier to pick up and recast. To hold the line you will need a reel with backing. Ninety percent of the time you will not even see the backing. If however, you hook THAT FISH, you may want to have a well-built reel with an easily adjusted drag system to keep reel smoking and disintegration to a minimum. Again, I would urge handling and feeling/using a drag system prior to purchase. Surprise!!!! You have a new outfit. I may be cold and windy but go out and practice. If you need to talk to someone not in retail consider attending the monthly meeting of the Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers. Find us on Facebook or at VCFA.org. Be blessed and Merry Christmas.

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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

FWC PHOTO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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DECEMBER 2021

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

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

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. WRD145-01, 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.

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HOOKED ON™ SUZUKI TECHNOLOGY

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

SUZUKI’S SELECTIVE ROTATION

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

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