Issuu

PANAMA CITY/DESTIN & FORGOTTEN COAST EDITION

@CAMTAMagazine

FREE view online at issuu.com

Winter's

Best Bites

Switch It Up Offshore

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARYN ANDREW WHITE VOLUME 25 â€¢ ISSUE 298

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

C1_CAM.indd 13

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

A V A I L A B L E

JANUARY 2020

W O R L D W I D E

12/11/19 4:16 PM

3 6 0 - D E G R E E AC C E S S TO AN OCE AN OF POSSIBILITIES The engineless design of the FSH Series gives owners a spacious stern area, as well as 360-degree uninterrupted access to the water. With enhanced saltwater corrosion protection and a host of fishing and family-friendly features, Yamaha’s 2020 FSH Series is the best way to experience everything the coast has to offer. YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with options that won’t depreciate your watercraft and accessories*. 1.800.PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I JANUARY 2020

NATIONAL

Photo courtesy of Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service, bigolfish.com

hether saltwater or fresh, good striper fishing awaits those hearty enough to brave winter on the water. So layer-up, zip into that parka and go. Some of the biggest fish of the year are feeding right now. On the southern end of their fall migration, striped bass are holed up for the winter off North Carolina. They’ll be chowing down and following schools of bait up and down the coast from Wilmington to the Outer Banks. Many years, Oregon Inlet sets up as the epicenter for the bite, but striped bass can be found in most area inlets. The key is to follow the birds and find bass blowing up on menhaden, glass minnows or eels. The action can sometimes come in close enough that surf casters can catch stripers from the beaches of the Outer Banks, but the best bet is to hire a local captain with recent intel and a fast boat. A little farther south, Wilmington offers another option, as stripers pile into the Cape Fear River, where they hold around structure, drop-offs and creekmouths and can be caught on artificials or even flies. These resident fish are a separate group from the highly migratory fish that winter off the Outer Banks. Cape Fear stripers are catch-and-release only, and must be returned to the water immediately. Keep an eye out for tagged stripers swimming these waters. Finally, on freshwater reservoirs across the Southern states and up through the Mid-Atlantic, fisheries stocked with striped bass produce pretty well for anglers this time of year. While smaller schoolie-sized stripers tend to get tough during the coldest temperatures of the year, the larger fish will still feed. The action won’t be as fast as dropping downlines to massive summertime schools, but the fish that do eat tend to be larger. Tactics will vary depending on the fishery, but when water temperatures stabilize or during a warming trend of a few days, the biggest fish in the lake tend to move up shallow—sometimes very shallow— behind schools of small shad. Find the flickering shad, and you’ll find the stripers. Sometimes you’ll see them plucking bait near the surface. Stealth is imperative in catching them, and a soft plastic such as a Fluke will usually out-produce live baits in such situations. It’s easier to cast and slowly retrieve an artificial. Another popular tactic is to cover a lot of water trolling wide spreads of small live baits or pulling an umbrella rig loaded with swimbaits, or both. When prospecting like this, it’s wise to seek out good information on where the stripers are holding. On many lakes they spend winters down by the dam. On others, you might find them way up in the creeks.

NATIONAL

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

U4-Deep

deep water 3D vision Where "fishing" and "Catching" intersect

When most 3D Imaging Sonar targets disappear as you approach 200 feet, Furuno’s DFF3D Multi-Beam Sonar is just getting started. Take the guesswork out of fish location by seeing underwater 120-degrees port to starboard at depths close to 1,000 feet, with Side Scanning to over 650 feet. Utilizing four intuitive display modes, you will be able to survey the seafloor structure and simply tap the screen to save fish targets under & at the side of your boat. The result is unparalleled clarity of where the fish are hiding, so you know exactly where to drop and reel them in… Fish On!

MULTI-BEAM SONAR

DFF3D compatible with NavNet TZTouch/TZTouch2 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

U4-Deep Water 3D Vision - Coastal Angler - R3.indd 1

www.furunousa.com I

JANUARY 2020

NATIONAL

12/10/19 9:01 AM

It’s boat show time! And the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which produces 18 boat and sportshows across the country, is investing in more experiences and education than ever to meet the desires of attendees and inspire the next generation of the boating workforce. Attendee favorites will return, too, from fishing ponds to Super Thursdays. Here are some 2020 show season highlights. • With a need for skilled workers in the marine industry (more than 31K open jobs), NMMA boat shows are expanding Boating Career Days, offering the chance for students and job seekers to learn more about opportunities in the boating industry, get career advice from marine professionals and check out job openings. Last year the program attracted more than 550 students across eight shows. In 2020, the program is expanding to 14 markets: New York, Baltimore, St. Louis, Kansas City, Nashville, Louisville, Atlanta, New England, Atlantic City, Minneapolis, Northwest, Miami, Norwalk and Tampa. • New for 2020, NMMA is introducing The Discover Boating Experience (DBX), the “Hub for Boaters,” an educational marketplace that provides space to mingle, enjoy expert seminars, explore new products, learn boat care, discover new technologies, learn to navigate a boat show and more. DBX offers a place to relax and have a drink while enjoying a variety of topics, inspirational stories and live music. • The Progressive Boat House features an Occulus Rift Virtual Reality boat race game, the Annapolis School of Seamanship’s expert seminars and a docking pool with a remote-control boat and helm station to master docking skills. • Returning favorites include free fishing for kids and special deals, like $5 tickets after 5 p.m. and Super Thursday, offering deeper discounts, exclusive pricing and incentives. • Ongoing education for boaters and anglers of all skill levels is a hallmark of NMMA boat shows with free daily seminars.

The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show, Presented by West Marine cruises into the docks at Miami Marine Stadium Feb. 13-17. Great deals and hands-on experience with hundreds of boats and the associated gear are the big annual draw. Highlights of the 2020 boat show include:

• Costa Conservation Village will showcase the work of some of Florida’s leading environmental organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy, Captains for Clean Water, and Costa’s Kick Plastic program.

• Presentations on sustainable seafood from esteemed Chef Allen Susser and an opportunity to get a signed copy of his new cookbook, “Green Fig and Lionfish: Sustainable Caribbean Cooking.”

• Junior Captains Program, where kids ages 13-17 can learn to operate a boat with Annapolis School of Seamanship.

• Boat US on-water training with Intro To Boating, Women on the Water and Precision Docking.

•

The Progressive Boathouse, offering boating seminars, a remote-control docking pond and an Oculus Rift Virtual Reality boat race game.

• Wining and dining at three full-service, sit down restaurants at

the Show including: Latin Café, V&E Restaurant Group Showcasing menu items from Havana 1957 & La Cerveceria De Barrio and SuViche featuring select menu items from Novecento.

• For more information, visit www.MiamiBoatShow.com.

For more information and the schedule of 2020 NMMA boat shows, visit to www.boatshows.com. 4

NATIONAL

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

IT’S BOAT SHOW TIME! COME SEE WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020 AT A SHOW NEAR YOU. PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

ATLANTA BOAT SHOW® JANUARY 16–19, 2020 AtlantaBoatShow.com

ATLANTIC CITY BOAT SHOW® FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 1, 2020 ACBoatShow.com

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

NEW YORK BOAT SHOW® JANUARY 22–26, 2020 NYBoatShow.com

WORLD FISHING & OUTDOOR EXPO® FEBRUARY 27–MARCH 1, 2020 Sportshows.com/Suffern

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

NEW ENGLAND BOAT SHOW® FEBRUARY 8–16, 2020 NewEnglandBoatShow.com

SALTWATER FISHING EXPO® MARCH 13-15, 2020 Sportshows.com/Saltwater

PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW® FEBRUARY 13–17, 2020 MiamiBoatShow.com

TICKETS ON SALE!

BUY NOW AND SAVE 15% WITH PROMO CODE ANGLER20

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2020

NATIONAL

The easiest way to find bait when you’re ready to go fishing is by using the new Baitfinder App, available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Bait shops are the best possible resource for local information on what’s biting, and on what bait, to ensure you have the right equipment and knowledge before you head out to target a specific species of fish. Everything about Baitfinder is designed for anglers, by anglers, allowing all bait shops in your area to advertise their bait availability in real-time. There’s no more last-minute anxiety about locating bait or driving all over to locate the bait you’re looking for. Anglers can reserve their bait of choice prior to getting to their favorite bait shop to pick it up, and it’s all easily done on the app! Let your friends know of this free app, and encourage all your local bait shops to enroll at: WWW.BAITFINDER.COM

Take a

ROD BUILDING CLASS

Houston, TX

Clark, NJ

Mobile, AL

Baltimore, MD

Oviedo, FL

Louisville, KY

San Antonio, TX

San Diego, CA

WWW.MUDHOLE.COM/CLASSES

MUDHOLE.COM/TURNKEY 6

NATIONAL

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

By Nick Carter

otivating yourself can be tough when daytime temperatures fall into the low 20s and ice forms on the edges of Southern tailwater trout fisheries. Even on these dam-fed systems, where water temperatures remain relatively consistent, trout become difficult when tiny midges are the primary food source. But there’s a phenomenon that occurs on some tailwaters that makes fishing the cold snaps worth sucking ice out of your guides. It’s called a shad kill. When it happens every fish in the river takes part in the feast. Shad kills are caused by extended cold weather. When air temperatures drop into the teens or lower for several days in a row, baitfish in reservoirs that feed our tailwaters suffer from plummeting water

temps. Either stunned and dying or just diving deep to find more comfortable conditions, shad and blueback herring get sucked into dam turbines. What’s washed out into the tailwater is a mix of chopped up, whole dead, and quivering stunned baitfish. “All of a sudden, they get flushed out into the tailrace. It’s like chumming the river in that upper mile or so below the dam,” said Bill Stranahan, who guides with Southeastern Anglers on Tennessee’s Hiwassee River. “Good browns and rainbows will key in on it. The ones you catch are so stuffed they look like they’re about to pop.” Fed by high-mountain winters on Appalachia Lake, the Hiwassee shad kill is a good one. In the Arkansas Ozarks, the White River sees shad kills almost every year. The Cumberland River in Kentucky and Georgia’s Chattahoochee River below Lake Lanier are two other tailwaters where trout put on the feedbag for these events. But shad kills are not like a hatch you can follow by calendar. It takes rapidly cooling water temps to disorient the numbers of baitfish necessary to be noticeable in the tailrace. During the winter’s hardest freeze, intrepid anglers should hit the water near the dam and watch for activity. “You’ll see them floating down the river stunned or dead,” said Stranahan. “Sometimes you’ll see fish coming up to the surface to swipe at them.” White and flashy are the keys to catching fish during a shad kill. White Zonkers or other bunny flies, white Woolly Buggers, anything that looks like a dead or dying baitfish will work. Stranahan said to match the size of the baitfish you see in the water and to experiment with depth and presentation. Sometimes a jerky retrieve is preferred, while other times a dead drift is the ticket. At times trout will feed on the surface, and some days call for a sinking line to get the fly down. Shad kills can be ephemeral or they can last a couple weeks when conditions are perfect. It’s the kind of thing you have to be on the water to encounter, and when it happens it brings out the biggest fish in the river.

Contact Southeastern Anglers through their website at www.southeasternanglers.com.

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

Fastest Retrieval Rate on the Market!

FEB 13-17, 2020

MIAMI MARINE CENTER CONTENDER BOOTH B TENT - BOOTH #B121

855.HOOK.ONE

YOUR SOURCE FOR

LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

BOATING APPAREL

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334-4917 showroom: sales@hookerelectric.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2020

NATIONAL

after wrestling it from between the pilings, it turned toward open water. As I felt the battle shift in my favor, the line parted, likely from earlier contact with the pilings. “That can happen when you’re fishing up tight like this,” said our skipper, “but some days you have to dig in to get the big ones. Other times we’ll find them in more open water around oyster bars or in the surf.” Captiva Island, on Florida’s southwest coast, is prime territory for snook, redfish, sea trout, tarpon and a variety of other inshore species. “Our waters produce so well because we have a ton of bait, structure and opportunity here,” said Fischer, proprietor of Tarpon Fischer Charters (http:// www.tarponfischercharters.com). “Pine Island Sound, on the backside of the island, for example, has several passes that allow water and bait to flow in and out. The Peace, Myakka and Caloosahatchee rivers also empty into here. I run a lot of my charters out of South Seas Island Resorts (https://www.southseas. com) at the north end of Captiva, and from there you can be fishing in the sound or the open Gulf in a matter of minutes.” Snook and redfish top 40 inches, tarpon range from chickens to 200 pounds and sea trout are abundant. Those species are resident, noted Fischer, but come December and January, offshore action also kicks in with snapper, sheepshead, grouper, kingfish and cobia, among others. For anglers, these waters call for medium-light spinning tackle. Rig a size 3/0 J-hook or a light jighead on a 2 1/2-foot leader of 30-pound mono to freeline live baits around structure, mangroves or the surf edge. Add a 1/2-ounce splitshot two feet above the hook to get down in deeper water or stronger currents, or add a float two feet above this rig to fish the flats. If you prefer to throw lures, toss a 4-inch paddletail, Rapala Skitter Walk or Zara Spook. Fischer favors a 7 1/2-foot, 8- to 17-pound class Bull Bay rod and Shimano 4000 spinning reels for his inshore fishing. Keep in mind this area occasionally suffers from red tide blooms. “It can be here one week and gone the next.” Fischer said. “If it occurs during your visit, simply head for the cleanest water you can find.”

By Tom Schlichter

A s

apt. Nick Fischer nodded at a boat dock ahead. “There should be a Launching is available at South Seas Resorts (if you are staying there) or good one under there,” he said. “We had a couple there this morning from the Sanibel Island Public Boat Ramp ($5/hr. parking fee: 239-472-6397; but saw a real solid fish just before we left.” 888 Sextant Dr., Sanibel.) Nearby, the ‘Tween Waters Inn is another good spot It didn’t take long to confirm a nice snook was home. I hooked it and, to spend the night. More info at www.fortMyers-Sanibel.com.

B y g

NATIONAL

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Steel Yourself

Limited Collector’s Edition

At $59, this blade of legendary Damascus steel is a real steal

amascus steel is the stuff of legend. Using a technique first mastered in the ancient city, swords made from Damascus steel were known to slice gun barrels in half and separate single strands of hair in two, even if the hair simply floated down onto the blade.

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

Now, you can be a part of the legend. The 7 ½" August Knife features a blade of modern Damascus steel, inspired by the production techniques and legends of history. Damascus steel blade knives can cost thousands. So, at $59, the price itself is also legendary.

êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.”

Once a lost art, we sought out a knifemaker who — R., Lacey, Washington has resurrected the craftsmanship of Damascus steel to create the August Knife. The elusive, ancient production technique mixes different steel alloys to form a super steel–– the outcome is a beautiful one-of-a-kind pattern of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. With the August Knife you’re getting the best blade money can buy. What you won’t get is the inflated price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account. Limited availability. Only a handful of artisans make these blades, with each handcrafted knife taking months to perfect. We currently can get less than 1500 this year, so we can’t promise they’ll stick around for long–– especially at this price. Call today! Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. 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 once you wrap your fingers around the August’s handle and experience the BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this beauty of its Damascus steel blade, you’ll be ready genuine leather sheath! to carve out your own legend.

August Knife non oﬀer code price $149*

Oﬀer Code Price Only $59 + S&P Save $90

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Oﬀer Code: AGK286-01

TAKE 60 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use

Not shown actual size.

your

INSIDER OFFER CO DE

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

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. AGK286-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Rating of A+

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

• 7 ½" overall length • Genuine Damascus steel blade • Stainless steel guard • Leather handle • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.™

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2020

NATIONAL

t’s prime time for wahoo in the sparsely populated southeastern Bahamas, where a fleet of boats shows up each winter specifically to target some of the biggest wahoo in the world. Just off San Salvador and Cat Island, precipitous ledge drops within a 15- or 20-minute boat ride from shore are a magnet for wintering wahoo. The prime wahoo season runs from November to about April, when fish are densely congregated. Triple-digit weights are not uncommon, and the average wahoo will tip the scales between 50 and 60 pounds this time of year. High-speed trolling is the name of the game. Pulling lures at 14 knots and zig-zagging along the ledge over depths from 400 to 600 feet is the kind of fishing that produces world records. Five current IGFA line-class record wahoo came from the waters off San Salvador and Cat Island. Two of those weighed more than 150 pounds. When that reel goes off, screaming from the pull of a big fish moving at 60 mph, it’s important to crank down on the drag and power it to the boat as quickly as possible. Oceanic whitetips are thick in the area, and they’re known to show up and rip a trophy fish to shreds.

For information on lodging and charters in the southern Bahamas, go to www.bahamas.com.

Boat Show Season -See You at Your Local Boat Show www.

CALL FOR YOUR LOCAL DEALER

252-235-2461 10

NATIONAL

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

boats.net

Winter can be brutal, but to the saltwater fly fisherman it can be the greatest time of year to catch some quality fish on the fly. The beaches, flats and bays are practically deserted, the “sunshine” fishermen having retreated to their firesides at the appearance of the first raindrop or snowflake. It’s time for the serious fly flingers to put on thermals, grab a fly rod, and head for the water. Two of my favorite wintertime saltwater fish are the speckled trout (or spotted seatrout) and the redfish, two game fish that thrive in cooler water and make for some great fly rod action even “when the frost is on the pumpkin.” The speckled trout is a coastal fish found on the shallow mud flats and sand flats from North Carolina to Texas. A fish generally traveling in large schools, the “speck” is capable of providing fast action on the fly whether you’re wading or fishing from a skiff, kayak or boat.

A proven way to locate the “speck” is to look for depressions, channels, holes or cuts on or along these areas. Once located, cast into them with a floating or intermediate line, a 9-foot leader and a baitfish pattern. A weedless fly like a Bent Back works well. The key to catching speckled trout in cold water is to retrieve the fly sl-o-o-o-wly using short, jerky strips. The strike is often as light as an aunt’s peck on the cheek, so keep close eye contact with your fly. Another worthy wintertime adversary is the redfish, a fish found in the same areas as the speckled trout. Redfish (red drum), can tip the scales from 5-pounds to a heavyweight of 40 pounds. These members of the croaker family take up residence near breakwaters, pier pilings, channels, estuaries and marshes. They are a great match for the fly rod. Redfish can be finicky eaters and sometimes the fly needs to be placed close to their noses, especially in colder water. An accurate cast is essential in fishing for these rascals. Come prepared with a 9- or 10-weight rod, a floating line (weight forward), a 9-foot leader and a pocket full of crab patterns, as reds favor crustaceans. Don’t hang up your fly gear at the first signs of the winter solstice. Winterize yourself and go fly fishing; it beats sitting in a chair and dreaming of warmer weather.

For more Bowman, go to

CAMFLYFISHING.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JANUARY 2020

NATIONAL

By CAM Staff

veryone seems to gets excited about those spring runs, when cobia push north in their migration and can be targeted by sight while cruising the beaches. With the run-and-gun nature of these tactics, it’s arguably the most exciting way to catch them. But it’s not the most efficient. Die-hard cobia fans know that wintertime, before the big move, provides some of the best fishing of the year. Consolidated is a good way to describe cobia populations during the winter. On the Atlantic coast as well as in the Gulf of Mexico, fish have moved southward and offshore in search of comfortable water conditions.

At no other time are cobia populations so dense around the Florida Keys, but they can also be found grouped up on deeper wrecks and reefs along both Florida coasts. In the warmer waters of the Keys, deep jigging the ocean-side reefs with butterfly jigs or 1-ounce bucktails will haul up a mixed bag, which will likely include cobia, and chumming them up to the surface is also tried-and-true tactic. Out on the reef line, anchor up and drop a chum bag of chopped-up frozen baitfish and wait for the action to come to you. Cobia will show up with sharks, as well as various mackerel and snapper species. Whether it’s pinfish or shrimp, present your bait weightless, and you might want to add a wire leader for the toothy critters in the melee. Farther north on both coasts, resident cobia are schooled up and easier to locate than they are at any other time of year. Find a good winter day, with warm sunshine and calm seas, and make the run to offshore wrecks or reefs. The key to this is water temperature, so look for temperature bands with surface temps around 70 degrees, and find some good structure with bait present on the sonar. Again, chumming can bring cobia right up to the surface, which leads to fast action on live baits, but jigging is a tactic that is both fun and effective for targeting fish you actually spot on the screen more than 100 feet down. It’s quicker, cleaner and more efficient than live bait. The key to this technique is finding the magic depth where the cobia are schooled up. Drop a 2- to 6-ounce jig, depending on the current and depth, vertically to the depth you’re marking fish. Experiment with the action until they eat. Some pump a jig up with fast, short jerks, others prefer to swing it up high and let it flutter back down. Both techniques will work, and the jig should be sweetened with either a 7-inch soft-plastic trailer or a natural bait like cuttlefish. Some of the biggest cobia of the year come off wrecks and reefs in winter. So head down to the Keys or make the run offshore and catch them before they scatter with the spring run.

Cust

PRED 20

SAV $ 55

72" UTI

Cust

SA 20

WEA PRO

• 50 13 5-1

COMP

PELI

POW NIT PAC

• 5m

SAV

COM

VEN $

MODE

ITEM 6441 6135

COM

COG $ 9

MODE

NATIONAL

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

hft_coa

On 115, 150, 350, 400hp

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 2

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

12/14/19 12:53 PM

THE ULTIMATE BACK BAY SYSTEM ™

Tested and built specifically for the Florida back bay angler, Daiwa’s Back Bay spinning reels are loaded with features. The anodized aluminum body houses our patented MAGSEALED ® main shaft to prevent water from entering the gear-set. An advanced oversized aluminum DIGIGEAR ™ means more strength and durability, while creating a smoother rotation. Matches perfectly with our Saltist Back Bay rods- which feature Fuji® components and light weight HVF graphite construction.

NEW J-FLUORO LEADER 100% Fluorocarbon leader material. Featuring Daiwa Parallel Line System spooling (DPLS). Matches J-Braid lines.

www.JBraid.com

AVAILABLE AT THESE FINE DAIWA DEALERS TAMPA FISHING OUTFITTERS 3916 West Osborne Avenue Tampa, FL 33614 813-870-1234 www.tampafishingoutfitters.com TARPON FISHING OUTFITTERS 1500 U.S. Hwy 19 Holiday ,FL 34691 727-935-7258 www.tarponfishingoutfitters.us ST PETE FISHING OUTFITTERS 3450 34th St N St Petersburg, FL 33713 727 317-4949 www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com

BETT’S FISHING CENTER 8926 126th Ave. Largo, FL 33773 727-518-7637 www.customfishing.com SOUTHEASTERN FISHING TACKLE 2907 N Florida Ave. Tampa, FL 33602 813-223-3775 www.fishsoutheastern.com DOGFISH TACKLE 8750 Park Blvd. Seminole, FL 33777 727-393-2102 www.dogfishtacklecompany.com

GATOR JIM’S TACKLE 3301 Pinellas Point Dr. St Petersburg, FL 33712 727-363-0900 www.gatorjims.com BOAT AND MOTOR SUPERSTORES 36851 US HWY 19 N Palm Harbor, FL 34684 727-942-7767 www.boatandmotorsuperstores.com DISCOUNT TACKLE 3113 First Street US 41 Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-6020 www.discounttackleonline.com

ECONOMY TACKLE SUNSHINE ACE HARDWARE 6018 S. Tamiami Trail NAPLES Sarasota, FL 34231 141 9th Street N 941-922-9671 Naples, FL 34102 www.floridakayak.com 239-262-2940 www.sunshineace.com SODIUM FISHING GEAR 7763 West Gulf To Lake HWY SUNSHINE ACE HARDWARE Crystal River, FL 34429 MARCO ISLAND 352-794-6199 1720 San Marco Rd. www.sodiumusa.com Marco Island, FL 34145 239-642-7444 SUNSHINE ACE HARDWARE www.sunshineace.com BONITA 9100 Bonita Beach Rd. Bonita Springs, FL 34135 www.Daiwa.com/us 239-992-0169 www.sunshineace.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 3

JANUARY 2020

FLORIDA

12/14/19 12:53 PM

By CAM Staﬀ

ahamian waters did not disappoint for the more than 70 anglers competing Nov. 7-10 in Bimini’s Wahoo Smackdown IX. Hosted by the historic Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, more than 1,500 pounds of fish were landed during the event. A fleet of 14 boats fished, with 11 teams making it to the leaderboard. Over the two days, 108 fish were caught, the largest weighing

52.7 pounds. Team Blitzsea, out of Pompano Beach, Fla., took top team honors with their six largest of 16 fish weighing a total of 251.4 pounds. It earned them $8,200 in cash winnings. Second place Team Remain Calm, also out of Pompano Beach, Fla., earned $4,500 in cash winnings with 13 fish for a total catch weight of 238.3 pounds for their six largest. Another Pompano Beach team, Team Mi Novia, finished third, taking home $2,500 in cash winnings for a total catch of 13 fish and a total catch weight of 190.7 pounds for their six largest. Team 4 Play caught the largest fish of the tournament, at 52.7 pounds. Outstanding catch went to Indecisive for a 23.5-pound king mackerel. Top Lady Angler went to Lisa aboard Blitzsea. Top Junior Angler went to Luke Pinder aboard Bad Habit. Tournament coordinator Beth Watson said the weekend “went flawlessly,” despite some rough seas and rain with squalls up to 40 knots on Day 2. “The teams that did attend were amongst the most competitive we have seen in all of our years of hosting fishing tournaments,” she said. Tournament festivities included live local entertainment nightly, a cocktail reception for the Captains’ Meeting, a barbeque at Sharkies Bar & Grill on day one of the tournament, and a closing awards party in the Hemmingway lounge, featuring a buffet, live entertainment and a full open bar. Sponsors included David Dunleavy Performance Fishing Apparel, Juno Bait, Carey Chen Marine Artist, Morita Custom Gaffs, CS Custom Lures, Starbright, Paul Cuffaro Brand, Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Mermaid Vodka, Tropic Ocean Airways and Piper’s Angels. With more than 50 record-setting catches in the waters around the island, Bimini has often been referred to as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Plans are already underway to make Wahoo Smackdown 2020 the biggest best one yet!

CAN YOUR SKIFF GET YOU ACROSS THE BAY TODAY?

 Smooth ride and greatest comfort  Longest lasting boat on the market  Most Stable, Best Finish, Best Value

ACTION CRAFT CAN

B B

G G

FEAR NO CHOP

Tr T re re

GEN III 1720

Fo Fo Ce Ce Th Th imp im clo clo

GEN III 1720

IMPROVED FOR ANGLERS 239-574-7800 www.ActionCraft.com

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 4

JANUARY 2020

Cl C

Don't just buy a name, get a great boat facebook.com/ActionCraftHighPerformanceFishingBoats

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

12/14/19 12:53 PM

SAW WHEN WHENA WAS WAS 2-STROKE THETHE LAST LAST TIMETIME YOU SAW YOUABMW SAW 2-STROKE A 2-STROKE BMW B

suzukirepower.com

1-80 -545-4574 Clean Clean 4-Stroke 4-Stroke Technology Technology is All is WeAll Do We Do

Be Be Socially Socially Responsible Responsible

er GO GO GREEN GREEN - Suzuki - Suzuki Repower Repower

nmentally Trade-in Trade-in your your dirty, dirty, uncivilized, uncivilized, oil-burner oil-burner for an environmentally for an environmentally responsible, responsible, clean, clean, quiet, quiet, efﬁcient efﬁSuzuki cient Suzuki 4-stroke!4-stroke!

ry RePower For For a limited limitedtime, time, when when you purchase you purchase a new Suzuki a newoutboard Suzukifrom outboard an authorized from an Mastry authorized RePower Mastry RePower e outboard. Center Center you youwill will receive receive a Special a Special Trade Trade Allowance Allowance for your dirty forand your outdated dirty and 2-stroke outdated outboard. 2-stroke outboard. sier for This Thisyou is is Mastry’ Mastry’ sto commitment s commitment to helptokeep helpour keep waterways our waterways clean as wellclean as making as well it easier as making for you toit easier for you to Contact improve improve your your your boating boating experience experience with anwith up-to-date an up-to-date quiet, efﬁcient quiet, 4-stroke efﬁcient outboard. 4-stroke Contact outboard. your Contact your ter Offer. closest closest Mastry Mastry RePower RePower Center Center for thefor details the ofdetails this Exclusive of this Exclusive Mastry RePower Mastry Center RePower Offer. Center Offer.

Get civil zed with a new Suzuki 4-stroke outboard!

suzukirepower.com suzukirepower.com

1-800-545-4574 1-800-545-4574

ke outboard!

Get civilized Get with civilized a new with Suzuki a 4-stroke new Suzuki outboard! 4-stroke outboard!

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 5

JANUARY 2020

FLORIDA

12/14/19 12:53 PM

he following fees will be applied to boats staying in The Bahamas for up to 3 months: • Boats up to 34 feet: $150 (no change) • Boats 35-99 feet: $300 (no change) • Boats 100-149 feet: $500 • Boats 150-200 feet: $800 • Boats over 200 feet: $1,000 The fees cover both a cruising permit and fishing permit, as well as the departure tax for up to three people. Each additional person will be charged a $20 departure tax. The fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period. For stays longer than 3 months: • Boats up to 34 feet: $300 annually • Boats 35-99 feet: $600 annually • Boats 100-149 feet: $1,000 annually • Boats over 150 feet: $2,000 annually For a stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Concurrent to the fee structure announcement, the government plans to launch an on-line entry portal (Click2Clear) this spring to streamline the process for boating entry permits and fishing licences. Attendance Fees, Fishing Permit, Transportation and Overtime fees are all included in the price of the cruising permit. The only additional fees would be for additional departure tax if there are more than three people at a cost of $20 per additional person. It is illegal to tip government employees. Boaters are asked to report if they are ever asked for these types of payments to the local marina manger or dockmaster.

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 6

JANUARY 2020

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

12/14/19 12:53 PM

Reel in the thrills on an epic fly fishing expedition in The Out Islands. Use our exclusive credit to venture across gin-clear waters to hotels and fishing lodges where you can stalk after the slivery-flash of elusive bonefish, all day long.

B A HAMAS

$300

FUEL CREDIT Fly Free

from Nassau

Discover our latest specials at OutIslandsAnglers.com ACKLINS ELEUTHERA

ANDROS THE EXUMAS

THE ABACOS

BERRY ISLANDS

HARBOUR ISLAND

BIMINI

LONG ISLAND

CAT ISLAND

SAN SALVADOR

*One instant $300 fuel credit per stay at a certified and participating marina combined with a 4-night minimum consecutive stay at a participating BOIPB member hotel. Not combinable with any other credit promotions.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 7

JANUARY 2020

FLORIDA

12/14/19 12:53 PM

Trackers ORIGINAL 1st dealer!

G l

**5 **5 Ins Inst

787-5792

795-1119

Leesburg 352 437 N Palmetto St. Leesburg

Crystal River 352 1931 NW Hwy 19 Crystal River Since 1976

FLORIDA

CANGL_FL1-FL16.indd 8

JANUARY 2020

www.NoblesMarine.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM â€¢ THEANGLERMAG.COM

12/14/19 12:53 PM

FISHING & FUN! WE’VE GOT THE RIGHT BOAT FOR YOU!

VIEW INVE OUR E NT NT AT B ORY ON IRE LI BMS .COM NE

B B M S . CI O M

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

CANGL_NFL1-NFL4.indd 1

JANUARY 2020

NORTH FLORIDA 1

12/13/19 4:32 PM

CA_HMY_NFLJAX 12_19 submission.qxp_Layout 1 12/2/19 10:42 PM Page 1

ANNOUNCING VALHALLA BOATWORKS! V-37

V-41

V-33

Developed to fulfill a strong desire for high-end center consoles built by the Viking Yacht Company!

The V-33, V-37 and V-41 are powered by four-stroke outboards with horsepower ratings from 300 to 425 in twin, triple or quad configurations depending on the model. The eﬃciency of the stepped hulls and these direct-fuel-injected engines deliver best-in-class fuel economy and range. Power-assist hydraulic steering will be standard and joystick helm control systems will be optional for all three models.

CALL 904.476.7831 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON VALHALLA BOATWORKS!

SLIPS AVAILABLE IN JACKSONVILLE! Call 904.476.7831 for info. SELECT PRE-OWNED YACHTS

“SAND BAR” 29’ 2017 MONTEREY

“NEVER SAY NEVER” 33’ 1990 BERTRAM

“SALTY PRINCESS” 39’ 2016 PRINCESS

“SALTY DOG” 46’ 2006 BENETEAU

“AS YOU WISH” 56’ 2005 NEPTUNUS

UNDER CONTRACT!

“SEA HAWK II” 43’ 1984 HATTERAS

CONTACT GEORGE IVEY: 904.476.7831 | GIVEY@HMY.COM 2 NORTH FLORIDA

CANGL_NFL1-NFL4.indd 2

JANUARY 2020

HMY.COM

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

12/13/19 4:32 PM

TRES NIÑAS TOURS CENTRAL-PACIFIC

COSTA RICA

Sportfishing • Adverture Tours • Accommodations Let Us Plan Your Costa Rica Dream Getaway!

Take Your Pick!

Marina Pez Vela in Quepos or Los Suenos Resort and Marina LOS SUENOS

36 foot Customized Luhrs Express

DREAM II

32 Foot Customized Luhrs Express

25 and 27 ft. Dusky Center Console Boats

“One of the Oldest Established Professional Charter Operations in Costa Rica” Professional Crews • Professional Rods Reels And Gear

WWW .TRESNINASTOURS.COM

Cell: (506) 8305-0041 Office: (506) 4700-3384 U.S: (561) 427-1306 • U.S: (561) 427-2137

info@tresninastours.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tresninastours Instagram: www.instagram.com/tresninastours Twitter: www.twitter.com/tresninastours Visit Tres Ninas Tours on TripAdvisor

2 COSTA RICA I NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 I COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

CAM Costa Rica - Nov/Dec 2019.indd 2

11/12/19 3:17 PM

By Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

awfish are shark-like rays named for their saw-shaped snouts. Smalltooth sawfish were once found in coastal waters from Texas to North Carolina; however, fishing mortality and habitat loss led to dramatic reductions in both their numbers and range. Now they are regularly found only in southwest Florida, especially around Everglades National Park. NOAA Fisheries listed the smalltooth sawfish as “Endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2003. Because of the protections afforded by the ESA, it is illegal to target, harm, harass or handle sawfish in any way. While it is technically illegal to catch a sawfish except with a research permit or in a fishery where incidental take has been authorized, captures do occur while fishing for other species. Mortality from incidental captures in both commercial and recreational fisheries is an ongoing threat to this endangered species. It’s the responsibility of all fishers to follow guidance to quickly and safely release, without harm, all sawfish caught while fishing. Sawfish are powerful animals that can whip their saws very quickly, which can cause serious injury to the angler and the sawfish. The number one rule to remember when releasing a sawfish is to leave it in the water at all times. Because of the ESA protections, it is illegal to possess a sawfish. Removing it from the water is considered possession and is a clear violation of the law. Do not lift a sawfish out of the water onto your boat or a pier, and do not drag it onto shore. Simply cut the line as close to the hook as is safely possible. Never remove the snout, called a rostrum, as sawfish use it for detecting and catching food. In addition to being illegal, removal of the rostrum severely limits the ability of the sawfish to find enough food to survive, and could result in death from starvation. Mishandling and

By Will Schmidt

magine slowly stripping a shrimp fly, with prey in pursuit, when your guide says, “Quick… pick it up before the bonefish gets it.” It seems nonsensical, but it happens more than you think while casting at permit in Ascension Bay, Mexico. Known to many fly fishermen as one of the most permit populated places on earth, the waters of the southern Yucatan hold much more than world class permit.

the purposeful injury or killing of captured sawfish is both illegal and detrimental to the recovery of the population. These guidelines ensure the safety of both the sawfish and the angler. If you catch or see a sawfish, take a quick photograph of it, estimate its size, note your location, and share the details with scientists. The details of your sightings or catches of sawfish help to monitor the population and track the recovery progress. Share your information by calling 844-4-SAWFISH (844-472-9347) or visiting www.SawfishRecovery.org. For more information about sawfish research, conservation, and management in the United States visit www.SawfishRecovery.org.

The journey starts with an easy flight to Cancun. From there, a two-hour van ride to Tulum might still have you wondering how to get away from all the tourists. However, once you board your panga and start the hour ride through the pristine waters of the lagoon system of Ascension Bay, you will realize you are truly on the path less traveled. Once back on land at the Grand Slam Lodge just north of Punta Allen, you’ll be greeted with margaritas and shown to first class accommodations in your beachfront villa. You will also notice there is nothing else around, and you are actually at the end of the road in the middle of nowhere. This fishery is nothing short of amazing. Home to a lobstering community, there is no other commercial fishing. All the recreational fishing is catch and release. These waters hold more permit than anywhere else I know, but be forewarned they are still permit and not easily fooled. Additionally, the number of bonefish here is staggering, and although not typically as large as the fish you’ll encounter in the Bahamas, they average a respectable 3 to 4 pounds in quantities that are astounding. There are also large numbers of tarpon, snook (which the guides seem to get particularly giddy about), jacks and barracudas to keep you busy all day. One of the other unique aspects of fishing here is each boat has two guides, the head guide and a junior guide. The second guide is extremely helpful to the angler as an extra set of eyes as well as for quickly changing outfits for the variety of species encountered and to help manage tangle-prone fly line. If you want to be spoiled, two guides does it. Ascension Bay is one of the greatest fisheries I have experienced. This is a renowned destination for fly fishermen seeking permit and a wonderful intro for anglers new to saltwater fly fishing. To see the quantity and quality of fish here, you would expect to travel much farther and stay in far more rustic accommodations. I recently returned from a trip in the “off season,” which is in reference to the number of tourists not fish. In three days of fishing, I never saw another angler while fishing. It provided us with abundant, pressure-free, happy fish to target. Will Schmidt is an experienced tournament angler who has been writing about fishing for more than two decades. For more information, check out grandslamfishinglodge.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS!!!

COASTAL ANGLER

PANAMA CITY, THE FORGOTTEN COAST & BEYOND PUBLISHER Capt. Randy Cnota

JANUARY 2020 | www.coastalanglermag.com/panama-city

CO-PUBLISHER Dawna Cnota GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN Laura Kelly PHOTOGRAPHY Capt. Randy Cnota

The kids are all smiles when fishing with Capt. Garrison and Reel Rosie Charters.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J.R. Mundinger Capt. Chester Reese Capt. Jason Shingler Capt. Daryl Shumate Evan Soroka Capt. James Tew Capt. Jordan Todd Paul Tyre

s of Jake William with a y it C Panama per fishing nice bay grou aryl, Liquid with Capt D ers Native Chart

Eric Nelson, owner of S outhern Cleaning S upply, convin ced this red to inhale a crab patt ern at 40 feet with C apt. Steve Bachman of Panama City Inshor e.

Capt. Peter Wright, Jr.

(229) 834-7880 CoastalAnglerMag.com/Panama-City

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR FISHING VIDEOS, PICTURES, TIPS AND MORE!

Deerpoint Lake resident C hris Sabo caught this bass on his home la ke.

Tyler Gingritch with a 10 pounder caught during a club tournament on Hammock Lake. What a whopper!

Randy Cnota Kyle Pridgen & the Deerpoint with the win at mpionship. Team Trail Cha

@CoastalAnglerMagazinePanamaCityForgottenCoast Scan the code to follow us on Facebook and to see the latest news, Brag Board photos, shing reports, contest oï¬€erings and more! No QR code scanner? No problem! Hook up with us on Facebook at TreasureCoastCoastalAngler.

Get Your New Year Started Right...

GO FISHING! TREASURE COAST

PANAMA CITY / WEST BAY

Now op

Monday - Sa eN turday 7aM-5pM

BACKCOUNTRY / BAY / INSHORE:

we Have It all!

a Huge Selection of Both Fresh & Saltwater Rods, Reels & Tackle panama City’s Largest Selection of “ZooM” “Zoo “Z ooM” oo M” and “Strike King” Baits!

7431 e. Hwy 22

OFFSHORE:

paNaMa CITy, FL 32404 Located Just East of Hwy 98 on Hwy 22

850-871-3431 Email: anglerstackle@gmail.com

Panama City Tides

www.USHarbors.com

Panama City, FL - Jan 2020 High

Date

Rise

Set

9:59

-0.2

6:37