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

TIDEWATER, VA/OUTER BANKS, NC EDITION

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INSHORE TACTICS

TRANSITION TO SPRING

A FISHING KAYAK!

PHOTO CREDIT: PATRICK “TUPAT” EICHSTAEDTO IG: @THEREALTUPAT / YOUTUBE: TUPAT'S FISHING ADVENTURES

VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 313

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I T B Y N H T A O S A A

IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.

The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation. The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

FISHING FROM A PADDLEBOARD:

TUPAT’S TIPS By Nick Carter

THINK AHEAD: Unless your board is staked out or tied off, it is going to move. It blows with the wind and drifts with the tide. Even small fish will tow a board during a fight. Tupat constantly considers these factors and comes up with a plan before making a cast. Sometimes, finding wind-shade in the lee of landscape is necessary to fish. Other times, the wind or tide can be used to set up drifts. When you do hook up, you must adapt to the situation. “It’s spur of the moment to decide what you have to do to land the fish.” Tupat said. “You have to use your common sense.” If you’re in open water, it’s possible to play a fish out. The board serves as a secondary drag system in this situation. In shallow water and tight confines, it sometimes makes sense to step off the board and battle a fish on foot. In other situations, it can be necessary to hold the rod in one hand and paddle with the other to find a more advantageous place to land large fish.

F TUPAT.

Check out Tupat’s Hawaiian Poke Sauce at www. tupats.com, his Youtube fishing show Tupat’s Fishing Adventures and his Instagram feeds @therealtupat and @tupatshawaiian.

URTESY O

board that will float your weight. From there: “You’ve got to develop a core balance and become one with the motions of paddling and fishing and how the board reacts to your movements,” said Tupat. He fishes an 11-foot-long, 36-inch-wide, 5-inch-thick Pau Hana Big EZ Angler. He said it’s stable, yet maneuverable, and called it the ultimate fishing board. Rigging is a matter of preference, but generally “less is more on a paddleboard,” said Tupat. A cooler placed on the middle of the board is a seat and fishbox. Aft of that, a milk crate with zip-tied sections of PVC pipe serves as a rod holder and carry-all. Tupat keeps a softsided, rectangular wet/dry bag in front of him on the deck. This is where he keeps tackle, tools and anything he’ll need quick access to. “I’ve tried attachments and all that crap, and all it’s done is get in my way,” he said. “I need it to be as simple as possible to put me in the best position to catch fish.” STEALTH: The ability to sneak up on fish in shallow water is the primary advantage of a paddleboard. A paddle or any other gear banging on the deck alerts fish to your presence. Tupat said knowing where your paddle is and having a secure place to put it quickly is imperative. You should have a plan for your paddle. Tupat sets his on that soft-sided wet/dry bag, where it is secure and will not bang on the deck.

PHOTOS CO

atrick “Tupat” Eichstaedt has been mucking around in backwater creeks as long as he can remember. He grew up just north of Florida’s famous Mosquito Lagoon, in Bethune Beach, where the Indian River is a labyrinth of saltwater creeks and channels that snake between mangrove islands. Tupat is a surfer, angler and an entrepreneur, and recently life brought him home to Bethune Beach, where his passion for fishing from a standup paddleboard (SUP) re-ignited in a big way. “The things a board allows me to see and do is incomparable to being in a boat,” he said. “It puts me as close to Mother Nature and the fish as I can get. I can get to places you wouldn’t dream of in a boat, and the stealth lets me observe fish at a much deeper level.” Casting from an SUP for big snook, trout and redfish is not, however, something you just pick up and go do well. It’s a melding of sports, and Tupat’s surfing background gifted him with an awareness of how a board handles in the water. Anyone can spend the day SUP fishing and catch some fish. Getting good at it requires time on the water to learn the intricacies of the sport. Here are some tips from Tupat: SETUP: Fishing from an SUP requires confidence in the board and competence on it. Before you hit the water, it’s wise to research and find a stable

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APRIL 2021

NATIONAL 7

IGFA Tweaks Electric Reel Rules W ith the skyrocketing popularity of daytime swordfishing and following on the heels of some spectacularly large swordfish caught in the last few years, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has tweaked its rules on electric reels. Effective immediately, anglers will be allowed limited use of power-driven reels and remain eligible for IGFA records. According to an IGFA press release, new language in its rules clarify accepted and nonaccepted uses of electric reels. New rules do not allow for fighting fish with the aid electric reels. Of note is a requirement that power accessories must be removable and may not be attached to a reel during deployment of baits or at any time during fishing, except to retrieve baits all the way to the boat. This function is almost necessary in daytime swordfishing, which requires anglers to commonly drop and retrieve baits deeper, sometimes much deeper than 1,000 feet. The old and new language read as follows: IGFA International Angling Rules: Section E. Reel PREVIOUS RULE: 2. Power-driven reels of any kind are prohibited. This includes motor, hydraulic, or electrically driven reels, and any device that gives the angler an unfair advantage in fighting the fish.

NEW RULE: 2. Power- driven reels are acceptable under the following situation and configuration. a) Reels that have power accessories (e.g., electric drill attachments, motors or other power accessories specifically designed for a reel) that can be physically removed from the reel may be used strictly for the purpose of retrieving a deployed bait or lure at depth all the way to the boat. b) Power accessories may only be used to retrieve a bait or lure completely to the boat and are not permitted for adjusting the position of a bait or lure in the water column. Once a power accessory is attached to the reel, the bait or lure may no longer be legally used to catch a fish and the bait or lure must be retrieved all the way to the boat for manual redeployment before it may be legally used to hook or catch a fish. Power accessories may not be attached to the reel during the deployment of a bait or lure. c) Power accessories must be physically removed from the reel before the act of hooking and/or fighting a fish. Any fish that strikes a bait or lure being fished with a reel with power accessories still attached—whether or not under electric operation—will not be eligible for record consideration. d) Electric reels that do not have removable electronic components that allow them to be completely manually driven are prohibited.

“Changes to the IGFA’s International Angling Rules are always something we handle with the utmost care,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “This rule in particular has been a point of contention for years, and we are pleased to announce this new language that we strongly feel adapts IGFA rules to the technology of our time, while not jeopardizing the core principles of IGFA ethics.” For more information, see igfa.org.

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APRIL 2021

NATIONAL 9

2/25/21 12:17 PM

By TAM Staff

LIFE ON THE TRAIL WITH

KRISTINE FISCHER

hose familiar with kayak bass tournaments have likely heard the name Kristine Fischer. She’s a driven angler from Weeping Water, Nebraska, who dropped out of the rat race a few years ago to hit the road and fish kayak tournaments. Since 2017, she’s proven she’s a lot more than just a breath of fresh air in a male-dominated sport. Fischer has amassed a strong resume from top national tournament trails like KBF, Hobie B.O.S. and B.A.S.S. In 81 tournaments, she’s tallied five firstplace victories and fished her way to top-10 finishes 27 times. Along the way, she’s picked up major sponsors like Tincup Whiskey, Hobie Fishing, Z-Man, PLANO, Hobie Eyewear, AFTCO, Omnia, CalCoast Fishing, Dakota Lithium batteries and Torqeedo. These sponsorships allow her to make a living as a professional kayak angler. And while she doesn’t deny her blonde hair and big smile have helped, the 33-year-old said it also drives her to build on her reputation as one of the fiercest competitors on the circuit. Here’s a little Q&A with Kristine Fischer:

Q: What led you to become a professional kayak angler? KF: My biggest fear has always been leading a life that lacked purpose and didn’t allow me to grow as a person. I’ve always craved adventure in some capacity and fully believe in the importance of submersing yourself in the wilderness as often as possible. To me, routines and having everything planned out can become mundane and almost robs us of spontaneity and ability to live in the moment. Being a full-time angler was a natural fit, given my love for fishing and my competitive nature. 10 NATIONAL

APRIL 2021

I mean, the family camping trips etched on your mind are the ones when gale-force winds destroyed the camp and raccoons stole the last bag of marshmallows. Life is what you make of it, whether it is on the road or at the end of a cul-de-sac. It’s all about your disposition.

Q: What’s the lifestyle on the road? KF: The Internet has a funny way of romanticizing road life. In reality, it’s hardly romantic. Replace sunsets wrapped in fuzzy blankets and barefoot nights by the fire with lights strung in the trees and drone shots of the RV rolling down a picturesque Route 66 with flat tires. Living on the road is 10-second cold showers, eating cans of gas-station beef ravioli with your fingers and praying you get to the next gas station before the truck runs out of fuel. It’s wrapping up a tournament in the Carolinas, knowing you’ve got one day to make it to west Texas. It’s utter chaos. Something always seems to go wrong at the most inconvenient time. It’s little sleep, a gas-station diet and pushing yourself to the limits in every capacity. Despite all that, there’s something about the road that lights my soul. I’ve always found the most joy in those moments of chaos. The best memories are made when everything goes south.

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Q: Tell us about being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry. KF: Successful women in fishing are a rarity, and therefore it’s much easier to get noticed. That fact has never sat well with me. I’m the type of person who needs to know I’m absolutely earning opportunities and that they aren’t coming to me simply because I’m a female with a big smile and blonde hair. I wanted to be recognized as a talented angler who is capable of winning any tournament on any given day. I set my sights on that. The sport is inundated with people who pose as anglers to take advantage of the industry. I’ve had to work to overcome negative stereotypes associated with women in the sport. Over the years, it’s gotten easier. The ability to record my tournaments has helped prove that I’m the “real deal.” Q: What are your goals for the 2021 season and into the future? KF: I’m gunning for AOY in the Hobie series, and I want to make “The TEN” for KBF. Future goals: qualifying for the Bassmaster Elites certainly has lingered on my mind. It’s a lofty goal, but I always appreciate a good challenge. Keep up with Kristine Fischer and her life on the tournament trail at her YouTube channel and through Facebook @kristinefischerfishing and Instagram @midwestfishergal.

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TIDEWATER / OUTER BANKS

APRIL 2021 By Chris McCoy

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. JIM AARON CHRIS JOHN JAKE

ANDRE BAUGH KELLY MCCOY TIGER WORTHINGTON

Our mission here at Hook Line and Heroes is based around the love and compassion we share for our servicemen and women who defend our freedom. In February, we had the pleasure of taking two separate Veterans out in the Charleston, SC backcountry. Troy and Bobby, pictured here, both had fun filled days catching a variety of fish. Bobby is a Purple Heart recipient from his time served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and he snagged over 15 fish during his trip. Troy is a Veteran of Operation Desert Storm and the day was filled with sunshine and many laughs. He pulled in around 20 fish that day compromised of red fish, black drum and trout. Each fish species was a first time catch for him which just added to the fun!

brenda@coastalanglermagazine.com

We give nominated Veterans with service-connected disabilities the opportunity to spend a day in the beauty of God’s creation and relax while fishing. As we can all agree, the outdoors is a great place to bring peace of mind, calming, reflection, and a chance to put aside the typical day-to-day stresses.

mriggs@coastalanglermagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN JENNY DIAZ

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

BRENDA RIGGS

757.409.7518 MIKE RIGGS

757.681.5001

Our trips are targeted to be a relaxing experience between a representative of Hook Line and Heroes and the Veteran. No matter where the trip is located throughout the Carolinas or Virginia, we always provide a licensed fishing guide as well to ensure the Veteran has the best experience catching fish that day. We highly recommend Captain Shane of The Reel Deal Charters if you are ever looking for a day out in the South Carolina backcountry! He has never let us down. After each trip, our Veteran walks away with a fishing rod, fishing tackle, Hook Line and Heroes apparel, a Bible and daily devotional book. Our trips are no cost to the Veteran, so each dollar raised helps bring another one of these trips to life. If you like what you see and read, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our info is located at the conclusion of our article. Everyone has a Veteran they know in their family, their neighborhood, or their workplace so let’s give them the experience and healing they deserve and nominate them for a trip! For more information about Hook Line and Heroes or to nominate a Veteran for a trip, please visit our website at www.hooklineandheroes.org. Our website also details the many ways you can support us through one time, monthly, or corporate giving donations. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram @hooklineandhero to keep up with our events, fundraisers and most importantly see highlights from every trip we complete!

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APR 2021

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THE FLYING FISHERMAN

By J. Andre

SPRING CLEANING

As you sit down with your coffee reading this in April you have probably just had a fantastic fishing trip in the last week or so. The cats are feeding heavily and the fish are huge in the James. Those horrible memories of the winter fishing season that didn’t amount to much have long been forgotten. You probably already have the boat loaded, ready to hit the water again. Unfortunately, I’m writing this in February. It is one of those cold wet windy days when even the squirrels don’t want to come out. I have terminal cabin fever, so I got in the truck and rode down to the boat ramp in the rain to check out what I was missing. Then, I went to Ocean’s East Bait & Tackle Shop to stock up on fishing line, swivels, some floats, and you can always use more hooks. Some folks maintain their fishing gear in the winter and some cat fishermen wait for those steamy blazing hot days in August. Either way, don’t overlook your gear. Fishing line takes a beating just sitting in a hot garage (or hangar). If sunlight shines through a window and onto your reels, you have UV damage. Stretching that line on big fish and snags is another killer. By now it is as stiff as a coil spring and ready to backlash as soon as you take your thumb off of the spool. There is nothing like new soft limp line. You’ll be able to cast 6 miles like Catfish Dave! Take care of those reels! Besides new line, line guide pawls take a beating when casting heavy lead sinkers and reeling in giant kitties, not to mention hauling on that rig while trying to get it free from the tree branch. They’re cheap and easy to replace. Lube the gears and bearings. How are the drag washers? Don’t forget to back off those drags after every fishing trip. I used to fish for bass with a friend that didn’t use any drag. I asked him how he set his drags. He said, “With pliers,” in a heavy North Carolina accent. You can do that with Green Ditch Pickles, but don’t try it with 40-pound Mrs. Whiskers. Make sure those drags are smooth. How about the terminal tackle? You did check your leaders, right? It may be time to toss those old, frayed lines and dull hooks. It would be criminal to lose a potential personal best fish at the boat because you didn’t check the leader after catching that monster Bowfin last Fall. Those beasts have some nasty teeth! Knots can get brittle due to exposure and won’t hold anywhere near their specified strength. The old Styrofoam floats on your Santee Rigs could likely use replacement after big mama cats hugged them tight and the line cut slots into the floats that almost broke them in half. You did see that? How is the water pump on the outboard? Sure, you didn’t use the boat much last year, but the rubber impellor can rot and deteriorate in that hot garage. Don’t cook your motor. Speaking of motors, how is that 4-stroke motor oil? Leroy may only change his every 5 years because his fishing hole is just a half mile from the boat ramp and he rarely puts 10-hours on the motor a year. It’s the dirt, acids, moisture, and corrosion in a motor that isn’t used much that eats it to death from the inside out. Work on that gear! I needed to get this article out early because I’m going to be tied up for the next couple of weeks. No, not going to jail. I hope to report citation size Blue Cats and hot action next month. The Winter Bite, or what happened to it is history, but Spring never fails. Freshen up that gear and get out there amongst them. Get Slimed!

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OBX By Aaron Kelly

INSHORE

Yes sir, April is the month of transformation. Similar to how a chrysalis becomes a beautiful butterfly. The start of the month the cold waters warm and by the months end fishing well in fact gets pretty. Real pretty! We get out of the cold water pattern of winter and waters are warming. Puppy drum surfing the flats. Sunning themselves in the shin deep water. Jigs and gold spoons seem to work well with a slower retrieve. They can be spooky but just be patient they will settle back down and forget about you being there. Speckled trout will be lurking and from what reports I have been getting there are some real mondos, big fat piggies around. I am excited and hope to see someone nipping at the new state record! Gotta be hopeful that’s what fisherman do. Surf casters will enjoy seamullet, speckled trout, blues, and drum. Big drum eclipsing 50 lbs will be landed in the surf. Folks with long heavers will see if they can cast the distance to get that bait out into the zone. Inshore we will be sightcasting to drum red and black. Early cobia will start poking around too. The drum and cobia are released. Cobia season opens in May. If you want some “meat” for all you meat hogs then hitch a ride to the gulf stream. Wahoo, black fin tuna, and yellowfin tuna will be out in the blue water! Feel free to check out this areas professional grade tackle shops and charter captains to get you rigged up! Thank you and Happy Easter!

Captain Aaron Kelly rocksolidfishing.com 252-441-6575

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BEFORE YOU TOW: PRE-TRIP SAFETY CHECKUP

Is your towing system and trailer safe to tow? When was the last time you performed a full-on safety checkup before towing? UNDER THE TRUCK Begin by looking closely at the hitch, its attachment points to the truck frame, and the frame itself. Look for loose bolts attaching the hitch to the frame. Every once in awhile, it wouldn’t hurt to grab a torque wrench and re-check the tightness of all the hitch attachment hardware. Look for cracks in the hitch side brackets. Look for similar cracks or breaks in the vehicle frame; these can occur near bends or welds. You may have to clean the area to be inspected to get a good look. It’s worthwhile to blow off the area with a pressure washer or compressed air. Sometimes, rusty surfaces can hide structurally weakened components. Use a sharp tool such as an awl to probe rusted surfaces for porosity. Take an extra minute to wire brush any surface rust and spray a quick coat of black paint on all bare surfaces to keep any rust from spreading further. Check the rating on your hitch and compare it to the GTW (gross trailer weight) of the trailer you are towing. Does it measure up? Hitches are rated for GTW and TW (tongue weight). Take the time to weigh your trailer and check it against your hitch ratings. If your hitch is too small, it would be smart to upgrade to a higher-capacity receiver. THE TRUCK-TRAILER CONNECTION Check your ball mount it for cracks, bending and rust. Check the tightness of the hitch ball retaining nut. Check to see that the ball mount fits securely into the receiver’s tube, and that there’s not too much end play between the mount and the receiver tube. More than 1/8” of movement side-to-side or up and down might indicate receiver tube wear, which would mean you need a new hitch. Finally, check the retaining pin and clip (or lock, if you’re using one) for excess play in the receiver tube pin hole. Don’t forget the safety chains. Too many rely on inadequate chain thickness and connectors. Make sure your chains can handle the load of your trailer should the coupler or ball fail, and that they’re connected securely to the hitch’s chain loops with closed-end connectors that can’t drop off during the trip. Cross them under the coupler as you connect them so that should the trailer come loose, it will drop into the cradle formed by the crossed chains and not dig into the road as you try to stop. Check the trailer coupler carefully; this is the most abused part of any trailer, as it’s often run over, jackknifed or otherwise bent and broken. Be sure the latching mechanism is secure and that the coupler is the right size for the ball. Make sure the welds or bolts holding it to the trailer tongue are secure. LET THERE BE LIGHTS Electrical problems are rampant on towed trailers, particularly those that are used hard. Begin by checking the lights for proper operation. Once all the lights (brake, turn signal and parking) are working correctly, check the connectors at the tow vehicle for corrosion, looseness, or broken, bare or exposed wires. Electrical tape-wrapped wiring harnesses retain water and corrode from the inside out. Coat all connectors with dielectric grease to keep out grime, protect from corrosion, and maintain a good connection. Check all light lenses carefully, as broken light covers invite moisture and corrosion. Remember what your Dad likely taught you about trailer wiring; if there’s a problem, look at the ground circuit first. Don’t rely on the hitch ball and coupler connection for the trailer’s ground. Wire a separate ground circuit and make sure it’s connected cleanly and securely to the trailer frame.

BRAKES If your boat trailer has brakes, typically they’re the surge type. A quick check over includes: • Check fluid level in the coupler master cylinder reservoir and top off if necessary • Be sure to use the correct type of fluid for your system (check with your dealer) • Ensure they’re no water in the reservoir (if so, the system must be drained, cleaned and refilled with fresh fluid) • Check the brake lines and fittings for excess rust, rust-through or kinks, cuts and breaks • Tow a short distance and stop forcibly, ensuring that the surge brakes are doing their job • Check the safety breakaway cable and make sure it’s not kinked, frayed or broken—and connect it to the hitch when towing! FRAME, SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES While you’re checking the brakes, the tires and wheels should be given the once-over. Check for correct tire pressure, and give the tires a visual check for sidewall cracking or abnormal tread wear. Look underneath at the axle, suspension and mounting hardware as you check for cracks, rust and loose fasteners. Make sure the fenders aren’t so close to the tires that they’ll cut into them. Check the lug nuts for proper tightness. Take a look at the wheel bearings to make sure they have enough grease; grease them or change the grease if necessary. Finally, lie on a creeper and roll around under the trailer as you visually inspect the frame for cracks, rust or broken frame members. GET LOADED AND GONE With the car, tires and tools loaded, check the trailer’s ride attitude — is it level, or tilted to one side? Make sure your load is distributed evenly both side-to-side and fore-to-aft. Lastly, make sure your load is secured with adequate tie downs, and that all the tie downs are in good condition; no frayed webbing or loose ratcheting mechanisms. While a complete checkup like this can delay your departure for a half-hour, you’ll be surprised at how much more confident you are while trailering to the lake — and that can translate to a more-rested attitude out on the water— and that’s what it’s all about, right?

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CATCHIN’& COOKIN’

FASTER RIBS!

JIM BAUGH’S RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Black drum is a wonderful tasty seafood treat that can by prepared a variety of ways. Fish cakes, broiled, baked, or simply fried into nuggets. Drum is just a great tasting hearty meaty fish. One of the best parts of the drum to fix up are the drum ribs. Be sure to cut the ribs out of the carcus, wash, clean up and take home to the kitchen for some delicious drum ribs. To prepare, I soak the ribs in buttermilk for about an hour and then rinse thoroughly with water. Next, get a couple of farm fresh eggs and whisk them up. I will put a little Cajun spice in with the eggs. Now coat the ribs then dredge in your favorite breader mix. House Autry Mildly Hot is an excellent choice or make your own. Now fry up the drum ribs in a cast iron skillet on both sides in a hot oil bath until golden brown. We also will serve up a variety of sauces to dip the ribs in from a buffalo sauce to blue cheese, as well as, an Asian dipping sauce with ginger and garlic. Fantastic! Plate up and serve. Happy Easter and we will see y’all at the Oyster Farm in Cape Charles!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE! by Jim Baugh reporting from Oyster Farm at Kings Creek, Cape Charles VA April is an exciting time of the year here on the Chesapeake for several reasons. Kicking off with Easter is a great way to start the month and what better way to celebrate than doing a little black drum fishing! Talk about having a blast, black drum is it! One of my favorite times filming Jim Baugh Outdoors TV was a black drum show we produced with Sam Sellard and his lovely wife Gene on the ocean side of the Eastern Shore around the shallows of the Barrier Islands. WHAT FUN!! We were fishing in the surf, or suds as they like to call it, in only about three feet of water. Let me tell ya, just positioning the boat and anchoring to fish was about exciting enough. However, landing 40 pound monster black drum in the surf is a lifetime experience. Most of the bait we were using were large clams and the bite seem to happen as soon as the lines were in the water. Call your local captains now and start booking trips because you will need some drum for this months Easter Recipe! Be sure to check current fishing regulations pertaining to the catch of black drum in Virginia Waters for 2021. Now if you are not into cooking for either Easter or upcoming Mother’s Day, contact the Seafood Eatery at the Oyster Farm. Awesome food, fantastic service, and best view of the Chesapeake Bay. 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 enjoy a little stargazing, Milky Way Season is here! JBOTV has already launched the season with a really cool shoot at Cushman’s Landing and filmed the Milky Way during the new moon phase of March 2021. You can view the image and all our nightscapes on our JBOTV blog below, digital prints are available https://jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com/2020/04/milkyway-nightscapes-2020-jim-baugh.html Hey, If your company needs any film produced or drone work whether for promotional, commercial or educational, just contact at https://jimbaugh. blogspot.com/ or jbotv@outlook.com For more updates on our fishing trips and latest shows log on to our blogspot at https://jimbaughoutdoors.blogspot.com/ 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/

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Jake’s Outdoor Adventures

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By Jake Worthington

he COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused us to change the way we interact publicly, but how we even enjoy our love of fishing. The National Park Service has announced that they will require the wearing of masks where social distancing cannot be achieved due to close proximity of other people. This is sure to cause the ruffling of some people’s feathers when we get out on the surf and begin to fish for Red Drum at The Point. Drum fishing at The Point is an elbow-to-elbow fishing event that will not allow for social distancing, so it looks like we will be wearing a mask or buff to avoid getting one of those Park Service citations that could set you back over $300. We are also having to deal with mask wearing on Recreational Charter Fishing trips. The USCG has said they will be looking to enforce this law and once again, not doing so will cost you some money out of your wallet for noncompliance. I am not going to turn this story into a political post, so in order to ensure we can still have access to The Point, just wear your buff or mask. Let’s not make the Park Rangers do their job and/or cause access to be restricted due to noncompliance. Hopefully in a month or two, these restrictions will be lifted and we can get back to living our normal lives again. COVID-19 has not only caused changing in our fishing procedures and chain of supply issues, it has also taken some people we may all know. One of these people the fishing industry has lost this year is Jerry Markham, the owner of the Causeway Marina in Camden. Jerry Markham was an avid fisherman and a friend to many of us in the fishing and marine industry. He owned the Causeway Marina for many years, and he has sold and serviced many boats and outboard engines for people in Northeastern NC. Jerry was not only a business owner, but he was a good friend to me and my father. Jerry made it possible for me to get on the Evinrude Pro-Staff and he helped over the years by getting me back on the water if I needed a repair. Our area will surely miss Jerry Markham, but the good news is his son, Scott Brothers, is going to keep the family business going. So, if you are in need of Evinrude or Yamaha parts or service, help keep this business going as the next generation steps up to run this small business. Jake Worthington First Mate on The Seaducer Charter Fishing Boat out of Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

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Ready for your next adventure? So is Reel Life. Performance shirts, tees, shorts, and hoodies that are awesome on or off the water. Ultra-soft comfort, UV protection, and moisture-wicking – just what you need for hookin’ a hard-fighting Cobia or just chillin’ dockside with a cold one.

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Yamaha's New 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E The Most Capable and Versatile Center Console Boats in Their Class

ew for 2021 is the exciting 25-foot Yamaha 252 FSH Sport and 255 FSH Sport E center console boats that are the most capable and versatile boats in their class. These larger models of Yamaha’s popular FSH Series are designed with the size, power, and fuel range for serious offshore adventures. The 252 FSH Sport features twin, Yamaha 1.8L High Output engines. These normally-aspirated engines are powerful, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. Acceleration is instant, bow rise is minimal, and more deck space is available for fishing and fun. For buyers who want the most performance available, and the premium features that come with Yamaha's E-Series drive-by-wire features, the 255 FSH Sport E gets twin 1.8L supercharged Yamaha SVHO® marine engines for a combined 500-horsepower. Zero to 30 mph acceleration is a blistering five seconds with a top speed of 55 mph. In addition, the 255 FSH Sport E feature push-button start, dual throttle lever syncing, and more. Both models come with 111-gallon fuel tanks, the highest capacity fuel tanks Yamaha offers in a jet boat. Paired with Yamaha's fuelefficient engines, there is plenty of cruising range for boaters who want to explore beyond the harbor surf break.

Under the water line is an all-new deep-V hull design that responds immediately to steering input at all speeds and comes on plane instantly. The bow seating area is wide and long, providing ample space for taller passengers to stretch out. And of course, there is plenty of storage available under the hinged bow seats, stainless steel beverage holders in all the right places, and an expansive anchor and bow ladder locker for easy access. Moving into the spacious cockpit interior, there is a transparent live well located portside and a large storage pod topped with padded marine mat adjacent on the starboard side. There is a comfortable bench seat in the front of the center console that lifts up to reveal an extra deep, large storage area that can also serve as a changing room or a head compartment thanks to the curtain enclosure that is standard on all models. Both models are fitted with finished fiberglass hard tops with LED lighting and integrated audio speakers. Completing the tower are five rocket launcher rod holders mounted to the T-Top frame, and there are eight additional rod holders located under the port and starboard gunnels.

The helm is thoughtfully designed with a glass windshield, stainless steel sports steering wheel, locking glove box, and 12-inch Simrad® marine electronics. Also included is Yamaha's Connext® 3.0 helm control system with a 7-inch touchscreen that controls the entertainment and vital system functions of the boat, a mobile phone holder, and USB/AUX ports. Behind the helm is beam width bench seating, a starboard side live bait well, and a low walkthrough transom for easy access to Yamaha's signature stern lounge area. This is the place to be when hanging out at your favorite cove, and a great open access place to cast from. Completing the stern area are stainless steel beverage holders, high-quality padded flooring, a stainless-steel tow eye, and a telescopic reboarding ladder. They also feature underwater lights. From bow to stern, there is nothing cookiecutter about Yamaha's new 25-foot center console boats. From their striking good looks to industry-first innovations, Yamaha's 252/255 FSH Series models let you do it all on the water, in style and with peace of mind. Learn more at YamahaBoats.com

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GILL FISHING OVERTON SHIRT

hen the heat of summer arrives, Gill Fishing’s Overton shirt will keep you dry, cool and clean thanks to its lightweight, breathable fabric treated with Gill’s exclusive XPEL water and stain resistance technology. New for Spring 2021, the Overton is capable of repelling water, blood, and other filth you may encounter while fishing. Gill loaded the Overton with smart fishing features, including dual chest pockets, concealed, snag-proof press stud fasteners, a micro-fiber panel to wipe sunglasses, a self-fabric strip to hang sunglasses or a small tool, and roll-up sleeves with a retainer loop and button. Gill has been trusted on the water for more than 40 years, and they’ve delivered yet another dependable piece for hardcore anglers. The Overton’s stylish design makes its just as capable off the water, providing anglers a shirt they can wear anywhere. It’s available in two colors, white and blue check, and sizes XS through 4XL. www.gillfishing.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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EZ ANCHOR: Must-Have Solution for Fiberglass Boat Builders is the Charter Captain’s Best-Kept Secret

s charter captains, the time-consuming task of dropping and retrieving anchors not only becomes tedious, it cuts into valuable manpower, time and profits. Capt. Phillip Ridge, a Florida native, couldn’t settle for a typical windlass to anchor his fleet. “I have had [an E-Z Anchor Puller] unit on the bow of three different boats,” the founder of Blue Runner Charters said. “I was one of the very first captains in the area to install them... [they are] the best by far.” Charter fishermen across the United States have depended on the speed of E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winch for more than 30 years. Now, the value of owning an E-Z Anchor Puller for commercial fishing is recognized as the windlass upgrade customers want on their boats straight from the factory. Among the first fiberglass boat builders to embrace these true, freefall winches for center consoles is SeaVee, which had already been a familiar, customer-driven installer of the Classic series. Shurhold CEO Barry Berhoff, who personally installed the Rebel EZ-4 on his 40’ SeaVee, gave praise to the quality of the “strong, marinegrade piece of equipment” in a Youtube testimonial. Following in SeaVee’s footsteps, Georgia boat builder Carolina Skiff began factory-installing the Rebel EZ-4 on their Sea Chaser 35’ HFC Center Console after a company representative praised the brand from personal experience. “It works so great on our 35, I decided I needed to have one on my own personal boat.” Ed Johnston, Manufacturing Representative for Carolina Skiff, said of his E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winch. Sea Pro Boats recently debuted the 320 Deep-V series at the Miami

International Boat Show in 2020 with the Rebel EZ-4 as the factoryinstallation. The Rebel series appeals to boat owners and boat builders who need a versatile, no-jam solution that can hold ½” nylon rope or ¼” dyneema. What further sets Rebel anchor winches apart from the competition is its true, free-fall capabilities. Unlike other anchoring solutions, which manufacture “free-fall” mechanisms for emergency use only, E-Z Anchor Puller units are created to free-fall for regular, everyday use. Activating free-fall is simple. Press the “down” button for a quick 2-second push, the drum winch disengages the clutch plate and releases it to free-spool as fast as gravity allows. To quickly and neatly retract the line back onto the spool, press the “power up” side. Other notable fiberglass boat brands with E-Z Anchor Puller installations include Albemarle, Insetta Boatworks and Southport, with a plethora of customer and E-Z Anchor Puller authorized installers fitting Patriot EZ-3 and Rebel EZ-4 and EZ-5 units below deck.

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DEXTER BRAKERITE AND DISC BRAKES

exter’s BrakeRite electronic/hydraulic actuator features rapid response for improved braking distance, an electronic proportional pressure valve for consistent braking, dual fill caps for easy maintenance, and is compatible with most in-cab electronic brake controllers. BrakeRite offers two models to easily match your disc or drum brake application. The BrakeRite Plug & Play model simplifies field installation by offering a plug-in wiring harness; whereas, the standard BrakeRite EHB model has a hard-wire configuration. Both models feature a large reservoir designed for single, tandem and triple axle applications. Dexter knows corrosion resistance is important on all types of marine trailers in freshwater and saltwater environments. Dexter disc brakes are designed using brass fittings, stainless steel guide bolts and sleeves, and stainless steel pistons. Rotors are offered in GAL-DEX premium marine coating and stainless steel. When combined with Dexter’s Eliminator axles with removable spindles or Dexter’s Versa~Flex adjustable arm axles, they provide a proven record of performance and reliability, superior braking, in-cab control and www.dexteraxle.com corrosion resistance.

20 NATIONAL

APRIL 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Th Ridge, but no variati Th in the Di he wo stonefl Aft issue. W up wit “It trying He los I mean held.”

MONSTER TOCCOA RIVER BROWN TROUT

Flats Fishing? www.

.com

Can Take You There!

n Feb. 28, veteran Georgia trout guide Joe DiPietro caught a 32-inchlong brown trout that weighed 18 pounds, 2.4 ounces. It absolutely crushed the 9-year-old Toccoa River record of 12-pounds, 3.4 ounces. The fish was a long time coming. DiPietro has guided and fished this Blue Ridge, Ga. tailrace for more than two decades. He’s seen and caught monsters, but nothing close to the beast that picked up one of his own Pat’s Rubber Leg’s variations during a guides’ day off with his fishing buddy Colby White. The fish was not a stranger. Georgia WRD staff have reported a huge brown in the area that feasts on catchable-sized trout as they are stocked in the river. DiPietro, however, was not specifically targeting the fish. If he had been, he would have geared up. He was fishing a 10-foot, 5-weight rod. The size 6 stonefly anchoring his two-nymph rig was secured with 2-pound-test tippet. After the first couple runs, DiPietro knew light line was going to be an issue. White pulled anchor on the driftboat and rowed like a madman to keep up with the fish, which carried them several holes upstream. “It’s the biggest trout I’ve ever seen in my life,” DiPietro said. “Colby fell in trying to net him. I just threw Colby the net and told him to go get that fish. He lost a shoe, flooded his waders and went up to his neck in 42-degree water. I mean… the line was wrapped around his head. It really is amazing the tippet held.” For more on trout fishing Georgia’s Toccoa River, visit www.blueridgetroutfishing.com.

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APRIL 2021

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22 NATIONAL

APRIL 2021

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1/12/2021 12:00:28 PM

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DOMETIC PRO-PEDAL

ometic’s Pro-Pedal foot throttle offers significant advantages in terms of customization and comfort to meet the individual requirements of the boat driver. Its compact design keeps the deck uncluttered and allows for more room around the pedal, and an integrated slide makes it easy to adjust the pedal position for different drivers. In use, the Pro-Pedal starts off at a comfortable but adjustable 12.5-degree forward angle, as opposed to a nearly vertical idle position found on other units, so the driver can place his foot in a more natural position at slower speeds or when idling. An innovative patent-pending design allows the driver to set idleto-WOT travel on the Pro-Pedal to match his individual ergonomics. Whatever travel length is set, the Pro-Pedal will always provide optimal idle-to-WOT throttle control based on engine type. This improves driver comfort and assures maximum performance. A robust torsion spring built into the footplate has proven extremely reliable in returning the Pro-Pedal to idle speed position, inspiring added confidence and practically eliminating the potential of a broken spring. In addition, the Pro-Pedal uses self-locking fasteners, which hold a tight fit and decrease the tendency of other fasteners to loosen when subjected to extreme vibration. The Pro-Pedal has been engineered for easy installation and can accept the throttle cable from the back, the front or up to the console. The Pro-Pedal is made of cast aluminum and is compatible with a wide range of OEM and aftermarket cables, but performs optimally www.dometic.com with Dometic’s own Xtreme control cables.

DOA 2.75 Shrimp

totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp. The weighted super sharp hook slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. It has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.

Made in USA

12” Sna-Koil pro-style snake

is so close to the real thing it’s scary. A true snake shape, the lifelike profile slithers through weed lines and over matted vegetation.

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3/3/21 9:54 AM

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

APRIL 2021

NATIONAL 23

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Order Your Passport Today!

800.828.4244 CheersTrail.org