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Fly Fishing PRODUCT REVIEW PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL BOOTH VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 295
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F R A N C H I S E
O P P O R T U N I T I E S
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OCTOBER 2019
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FANTASTIC FALL SAVINGS There's plenty of fish to pull in this fall season and your Suzuki Marine Dealer has exceptional deals to get you out on the water. See your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for all the details!
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Gimme Six Extended Protection promo is applicable to new Suzuki Outboard Motors from 25 to 350 HP in inventory which are sold and delivered to buyer between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19 in accordance with the promotion by a Participating Authorized Suzuki Marine dealer in the continental US and Alaska to a purchasing customer who resides in the continental US or Alaska. Customer should expect to receive an acknowledgement letter and full copy of contract including terms, conditions and wallet card from Suzuki Extended Protection within 90 days of purchase. If an acknowledgement letter is not received in time period stated, contact Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. – Marine Marketing via email: marinepromo@suz.com. The Gimme Six Promotion is available for pleasure use only, and is not redeemable for cash. Instant Savings apply to qualifying purchases of select Suzuki Outboard Motors made between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. For list of designated models, see participating Dealer or visit www.suzukimarine. com. Instant Savings must be applied against the agreed-upon selling price of the outboard motor and reflected in the bill of sale. (Suzuki will, in turn, credit Dealer’s parts account.) There are no model substitutions, benefit substitutions, rain checks, or extensions. Suzuki reserves the right to change or cancel these promotions at any time without notice or obligation. * Financing offers available through Synchrony Retail Finance. As low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new and unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors. Subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR. Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki Outboard Motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between 10/01/19 and 12/31/19. “Gimme Six”, the Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2019 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
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9/6/19 9:21 AM
NEW PRODUCT
Fly Fishing
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Abel VAYA Vaya is Spanish for “GO!” as in go outside, go on an adventure or go fishing. Crafted by avid Colorado anglers, Abel’s VAYA series of fly reels introduces an allnew technical look and feel, paired with outstanding performance. The partially-ported VAYA frame offers the unique combination of minimized weight, incredible rigidity and just enough surface area to highlight Abel’s hand-anodized finishes, which are offered in numerous awesome colors and patterns, from flat black to brown trout, dorado and many more. Available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.
Filson Rugged Twill Compact Rod Case Filson has earned its reputation for sturdy quality construction and products that are overbuilt to handle the rigors sportsmen put their gear through. The Rugged Twill Compact Rod Case holds two 9-foot, 4-piece rods in their tubes with exterior pockets to hold reels and accessories. This lightweight yet durable case is perfect for days when you’ll need two rods and want to keep them safe when not in use. It’s constructed of water-repellant and abrasion-resistant 100 percent cotton Rugged Twill with brass hardware and bridle leather straps.
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Ross Reels Animas
Rod Vault ST Why waste time threading line through the guides? The vehicle-mounted fly rod storage solution from Denver Outfitter allows recreational anglers and professionals to arrive at their fishing destination with fly rods and reels intact, fully-rigged and ready to fish. Two roof-mounted aircraft grade anodized aluminum tubes hold two, three or four fully rigged fly rods up to 10’6 in length, and a locking reel housing area easily fits most fly reels. Protective polypropylene liners inside the Rod Vault eliminate rod on metal contact protecting guides and rod tips from abrasion. The Rod Vault was specifically over-engineered to keep valuable equipment safe in almost any circumstance. Stainless steel hardware ensures the RodVault will remain rust free no matter the fishing environment and fiberglass infused nylon construction protects the reel housing, mounting hardware and aerodynamic nose cone from UV degradation. Whether storing rods to fish before or after work or traveling across the country on an epic fishing trip the Rod Vault is designed to keep gear safe. Available in three models, the Rod Vault 2 holds two fly rods, the Rod Vault Original for three fly rods and the Rod Vault 4 holding four fly rods.
Ross Reels has taken the time-proven features that made the original Animas a guide favorite and introduced new machined features to bring the new Animas fly reel into the modern era of Ross. Proudly Americanmade in Colorado and weighing just over 4 ounces, the new Animas features a compositedisc drag system and an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle, which gets tackier when wet. A new troublefree spool release yields zeromaintenance performance, allowing the Animas to be ready for any fresh or saltwater excursion. The new Animas is available in sizes 4/5, 5/6 and 7/8.
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THE BAHAMAS: BEAUTIFUL, DANGEROUS
although great variability exists between the northern and southern islands. This variability is most easily seen on Andros, the largest Bahamian island, where pine forests dominate in the north and give way to more tropical vegetation in the south. The majority of The Bahamas are low lying, with about 80 percent of the islands less than 15 feet above sea level. This, along with the fact that the islands span a great distance in warm tropical waters, make them attractive to tourists, who flock in for beautiful beaches, friendly faces and fantastic fishing. The Bahamas are heavily reliant on tourism, and for many “Family Islands,” angling tourism is vital for their survival. Unfortunately, these geographical traits also make The Bahamas susceptible to flooding and damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. The expansive nature of the islands of The Bahamas is a mixed blessing. Being large means Bahamians are more likely to be impacted somewhere in the chain by severe weather, but it also means many areas will remain untouched. This was the case with Hurricane Dorian, which devastated the two most northern islands, Abaco and Grand Bahama, but left countless others unharmed. The impact from Dorian on Abaco and Grand Bahama is catastrophic, and the outpourings of aid a blessing. One of the best ways to help The Bahamas overcome this tragedy, and future events, is to help the tourism-based economy by travelling to untouched parts of the islands. The author with a Bahamian bonefish caught from Andros Island while fishing out of the Two Boys Inn with one of the many legendary Neymour For anglers, this is a great opportunity to fish new waters. If you have family of guides. never been, try Andros, the Exumas, Long Island, Bimini, Acklins Island, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, Inagua or many other fantastic destinations By Tom Karrow throughout The Bahamas. he Bahamas are roughly 700 islands and cays with an additionIn this time of need, take the opportunity to help The Bahamas and Baal 5,000 low-lying rocks. Only about 30 of the 700 islands are hamians by simply booking a trip and getting on the water. Grab your fainhabited, leaving hundreds of tropical islands for wildlife. The vorite rods, reels, lines and leaders, tie up some Gotcha flies and give it a go. chain stretches more than 500 miles from the Island of Inagua in the Tom Karrow, PhDc, MES, BES, BED, is nearing completion of a PhD in Gesoutheast, to the northernmost island of Grand Bahama, an economic ography and Environmental Management, focused on sustainability of The Bahahub for the islands. mian bonefishing industry through ethnography. He was a research fellow at the Situated off the southeast coast of the continental United States, University of The Bahamas and is sponsored by R.L.Winston Fly Rods, Nautilus the climate is dominated by warm tropical-like air and water currents, Fly Reels, FishPond Gear, Costa Sunglasses and Simms.
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n the early 1930s watch manufacturers took a clue from Henry Ford’s favorite quote concerning his automobiles, “You can have any color as long as it is black.” Black dialed watches became the rage especially with pilots and race drivers. Of course, since the black dial went well with a black tuxedo, the adventurer’s black dial watch easily moved from the airplane hangar to dancing at the nightclub. Now, Stauer brings back the “Noire”, a design based 27 jewels and handon an elegant timepiece built in 1936. Black dialed, assembled parts drive complex automatics from the 1930s have recently hit this classic masterpiece. new heights at auction. One was sold for in excess of $600,000. We thought that you might like to have an affordable version that will be much more accurate than the original. Basic black with a twist. Not only are the dial, hands and face vintage, but we used a 27-jeweled automatic movement. This is the kind of engineering desired by fine watch collectors worldwide. But since we design this classic movement on state of the art computer-controlled Swiss built machines, the accuracy is excellent. Three interior dials display day, month and date. We have priced the luxurious Stauer Noire at a price to keep you in the black… only 3 payments of $33. So slip into the back of your black limousine, savor some rich tasting black coffee and look at your wrist knowing that you have some great times on your hands.
An offer that will make you dig out your old tux. The movement of the Stauer Noire wrist watch carries an extended two year warranty. But first enjoy this handsome timepiece risk-free for 30 days for the extraordinary price of only 3 payments of $33. If you are not thrilled with the quality and rare design, simply send it back for a full refund of the item price. But once you strap on the Noire you’ll want to stay in the black.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER COMPONENTS TORSION AXLE WITH REMOVABLE SPINDLE
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FLORIDA
NIGHTTIME
SNOOK
TAC T I C S
By John Saporito
L
ike many predatory fish, snook are more active under cover of darkness. In fact, fishing at night might be the single biggest thing you can do to increase your odds of connecting with quality snook. Night fishing is, however, a much different game than fishing under the sun. When the sun goes down, many snook leave their daytime habitat and head into shallow water to hunt. They can often be found in the shadow lines around piers and bridges, and may be holding tight to
shore in canals and bays. Many anglers are stunned to come across snook that are right at their feet as they fish shorelines at night. Snook make this move because the darkness gives them both a sense of security and a feeding advantage over their prey. It’s important, therefore, that you be cautious when stalking these fish. Move quietly and be careful not to produce any vibrations that will reach the fish and scare them away. The night is generally much quieter than the day, and clumsy movements are likely to be picked up by wary snook. In addition, you should never shine a flashlight on the water you will be fishing. This is a surefire way to doom your chances of hooking up. Although fish may be attracted to consistent light sources—such as lampposts on bridges and docks—erratic, unpredictable lights will spook them in a hurry. The lure types and colors you choose should be different from what you carry in your daytime arsenal. Snook switch from using the color-sensitive cone cells in their eyes to using their rod cells, which are honed to capture silhouette and profile rather than color and fine detail. It’s a good practice to choose your offerings accordingly. Dark lures, especially black and purple, are deadly at night. For a snook looking up from below, a dark lure will stand out well against the night sky, which is bright compared to the water beneath it. The more contrast you provide, the easier it is for these gamefish to find your lure. Baitfish and other prey items will also actively feed in the darkness, and swimming plugs are extremely effective at night as a result. Lures with rattles and those that produce enticing ultra-sonic vibrations will do well for you, as snook favor audible cues and vibration detection by both their inner ear and lateral line in the absence of color vision. A word of caution to those who choose to pursue snook at night: Although your catch numbers may increase dramatically, night fishing can be a dangerous game. Always have a fishing buddy with you and be extra careful around slick surfaces such as seawalls, jetties and rock pilings. Be sure to have your phone charged in case of emergency—and also to take photos of your trophy snook before you release it. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com and follow on Instagram @guerilla_angling
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CHEECA LODGE ALL AMERICAN BACKCOUNTRY TOURNAMENT
W
ar heroes will compete with world-class anglers at the Seventh Annual Cheeca Lodge All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament Nov. 7-9, 2019 at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Fla. In honor of Veteran’s Day, the event invites two war heroes to join the tournament inspired by 41st President George Bush, who frequented Cheeca and the Florida Keys to pursue his love of fishing. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. “The All American Backcountry Fishing Tournament is part of Cheeca Lodge’s iconic legacy,” said Paul Burke, of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. “We’re excited to partner with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and to welcome Bruce Melnick, a former American astronaut and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, who will fish the tournament.” All American anglers fish on a guided charter boat or their own boat
with a licensed guide. They compete for trophies and awards for releasing five different species of inshore fish: snook, redfish, bonefish, tarpon and permit. Individual and team trophies will be awarded for fly, general tackle/spinning/conventional and artificial lure divisions. Live bait is permitted in the general tackle division. Tournament entry fee is $1,500 per angler, offering two social events with dinner and beverages for four people, including the angler, guide and one guest each. Also included is a daily continental breakfast dockside at World Wide Sportsman, boxed lunches for anglers and guides and a gift bag per person. Social events will be held at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a sportsman paradise renowned for barefoot elegance, with fishing departing from nearby World Wide Sportsman. This first-class tournament will kick-off on Thursday, Nov. 7 with a cocktail reception, rules meeting, patriotic banquet on the beach and live auction. Competitive fishing hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. The tournament culminates on Saturday with an awards ceremony and banquet, where anglers can mingle with fishing celebrities such as world-famous fly angler, Stu Apte. Awards for Individual Grand Champion, Individual Runner-Up, Grand Champion Team, Runner-Up Grand Champion Team, Champions in the Fly, Artificial and General Tackle Divisions and Best Photo will be presented. New for 2019 is a Friday evening reception and presentation by Bruce Melnick from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Cheeca, included in the entry fee. While the tournament’s social events are included in the tournament registration, social-only tickets for the public are available in limited quantity by calling (305) 517-4512 or e-mailing lthornhill@cheeca.com to reserve. Social tickets are $70 for Thursday’s kickoff dinner and auction; $25 for the reception with Bruce Melnick and $95 for Saturday’s Awards Banquet. Cheeca will also host the 30th Annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 24-26, 2020, the second leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship.
For more information, visit www.cheeca.com/all-american, www.cheeca.com/presidential or call (305) 517-4512.
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***
Does Age Matter?
Photo by Zachary Nolan Divers swim over the deck of the Ana Cecilia.
By John Lidington pril, 1968—a time early in Palm Beach County’s history of artificial-reef-building. The Mizpah floats about a mile off of Singer Island. That’s a problem. She’s supposed to be on the bottom 200 feet below, but refuses to sink. More holes are cut in her hull, and eventually she goes under. During that prolonged descent, the Gulf Stream has intervened, pushing her into shallower water. She lands upright on the sand, less than 100 feet down. Fast forward to July, 2016. About 150 yards south of Mizpah’s position, the Ana Cecilia is set to become the next addition to Palm Beach County’s artificial reef system. Her interior has been stripped of potential snags, and doors and hatches have been removed to allow access to her interior. The goal is to attract divers and fish. Unlike Mizpah, Ana Cecilia slips swiftly beneath the waves to her resting place 85 feet below.
A
The two ships’ proximity makes it easy to explore both on a single dive. That’s my plan as I ready my gear aboard Pura Vida Divers’ boat Sirena. I want to see just what 50 years of immersion does to a wreck. Similar in size (Ana Cecilia, 170 feet; Mizpah, 185 feet), the ships were sunk with outer structures intact and rest in the same environment. The big difference? Mizpah has been submerged 48 years longer. As the current carries me swiftly along the bottom, I see the Ana Cecilia’s bow emerging from the blue. She looks like a wreck should look—a ship on a journey that was interrupted. Encrusting sponges, hydroids and bryozoans are taking hold, but paint still shows in a few spots. Swimming through her open interior, I can imagine refloating her, scrubbing her and proceeding to port. Mizpah offers a very different experience. She’s now a true bottom feature. Most of her superstructure has collapsed. Marine growth is luxurious and includes gorgonians and cup corals. While both wrecks have plenty of fish (including goliath groupers), Mizpah’s increased growth attracts greater variety. Comparing the two, it’s obvious that wrecks don’t last forever. They create homes for marine life for a long, long time. But there’s a limit to how long a wreck will offer divers safe, easy penetration. Fresh wrecks keep the dive scene vibrant. To this end, the Palm Beach County Diving Association is working with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management to sink a new wreck every year for the next three years. To help fund this program, they host an annual Artificial Reef Fundraiser, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Loggerhead Marine Life Center in Juno Beach, Fla. Tickets can be purchased at Pura Vida Divers, at any other PBCDA member, or online at https://divepbc.com/events. To check out these wrecks for yourself, give Pura Vida Divers a call (561-840-8750) or make an online reservation through their website at www.puravidadivers.com. For a well-researched history of the Mizpah, check out Walt Stearns’ article at https://xray-mag.com/blog/diving-mizpah.
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Pelagic Rockstar Ready To Rock Central America’s Richest Offshore Tourney is Jan. 10-12 out of Quepos
W
ith more than half a million bucks on the line, the Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament will descend upon Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica Jan. 10-12 in what promises to be Central America’s richest fishing tournament. The Pelagic Rockstar is a fish all day, party all night kind of affair. With 60-plus boats expected to compete for more than $500,000, it is serious offshore competition. Back at the docks, it’s a massive party featuring multiple marina-side bashes and live rock ‘n’ roll. In the world’s premier offshore waters of the Pacific, target species for the tournament are sailfish, blue marlin, black marlin, striped
marlin, tuna and dorado. During last year’s Rockstar, fishing was off the chain. The fleet released a staggering 424 sailfish and marlin, while the weigh station was kept busy with piles of big yellowfin tuna and dorado. The Pelagic Rockstar kicks off Friday, Jan. 10 with check-ins, happy hour at Marina Pez Vela’s Pura Vida Beach Club and a Captain’s Meeting followed by the Kick-Off Party Extravaganza and Concert. On Saturday, Jan. 11, the tournament procession will depart Marina Pez Vela at 6:30 a.m. to stage at the starting line for the customary 7 a.m. shotgun start. Day One weigh-ins will be from 3 to 6 p.m. The Docktail Party and music begin at 4:30 p.m. Tournament Day 2 is lines in at 7 a.m., lines out at 3 p.m. The awards ceremony and farewell bash concert begin at 7 p.m. General Entry is $3,500. All-In is $17,500. Save $500 with early bird registration before Dec. 1 and get a free Official Tournament Apparel Package. Gather your crew and head on down to Quepos for “Costa Rica’s Funnest Big Game Fishing Event.” For information and to register, go to www.pelagictournaments.com.
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2020 23 Ultra $51,595 2020 21 LS $36,995
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2020 21 LS Dual
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• Power Grip Steering Wheel • Maxiflow Recirculation Both Livewells • Console Livewell w/ LED Light • 24V Trolling Motor Plug • Ultra Leaning Post w/ Evinrude 115HP H.O • Hull Color Small Stripe - Seafoam • Continental Aluminum Tandem Trailer w/ Brakes
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w/ 90HP Suzuki
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2020 JVX18
$22,500
w/ 70HP Yamaha
2019 JVX16
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$18,795
w/ 60HP Suzuki
Jon Boats 2020 1236 2020 1436LT 2020 1542 2020 1448 2020 MV1648 NCS
2020 JV 15 Tiller
$23,295
2020 V14 15” - $3,395 2020 V16 15” - $3,695
• 25HP Suzuki PT&T • Continental Galvanized Trailer
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OCTOBER 2019
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LLEBROC UPS THE ANTE WITH THE NEW SV SERIES
L
lebroc Industries, a name synonymous with high-quality seats, has once again raised the bar for the marine industry. The SV Series will be unveiled at IBEX and The Fort Lauder-
10
FLORIDA
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OCTOBER 2019
I
dale Boat Show this fall and will quickly become the industry standard. With new stitching patterns and colors combinations, the SV Series is comparable to the cockpit of a Lamborghini. No matter the style or design of your boat, Llebroc will rise to the challenge and ensure your vessel is both stylish and comfortable. From helm chairs to bench seats and leaning posts, Llebroc is capable of designing and installing the very best seating available. Based out of Texas, Llebroc Industries has a long-standing tradition of working with any vessel big or small. From bass boats to yachts, they are equipped to handle any project no matter how big or small. One of the latest projects was outfitting the 45-Foot tender of an Ocean Alexander. “I love e ver yt hing I do, and that’s why we work on e ver yt hing no matter how big or small,” said Greg Carman of Llebroc Industries. This attitude has helped Llebroc Industries develop a brand that is a thoroughbred of design, comfort, and stability. You can see Llebroc seating and helm chairs throughout the marine industry. From Viking Yachts to Boston Whalers, every boat company is looking to have the best quality boat and that is why they turn to Llebroc for their seating. So, if you are in the market for a new seating set up on your vessel, be sure to stop by Llebroc Industries and talk to Greg Carman. You won’t be disappointed. For more information, go to www.llebroc.com.
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1/16/18 9:07 AM
LLGF Fishing Fever Tourney Oct. 18-20 Islamorada, Florida Keys
Ladies, Fish Friday & Sunday on inshore or offshore charter boats - win prizes! We will team you with others No experience or boat necessary Learn about Fishing from Pros on Sat. Only $125 incl. 2 parties, Fishing Additional
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ON THE MOVE MARK SOSIN
I
t happens every year. No one really knows whether it’s shorter days, a slight drop in water temperature, or something else that triggers baitfish and predators to gather in schools and start moving south. This annual migration in September and October provides some of the best fishing on all coasts. Whether you prefer trolling baits or casting into the schools, success depends on getting an offering in front of the fish without frightening the schools into diving for sanctuary. The problem is, when you discover a school of fish, you are seldom alone. Instead of approaching the fringes of the school, boats race toward the fish at full throttle. The perfect position is on the seaward side of the school just off the forward edge and moving slowly with the school. If you’re trolling, this puts your baits where they can be seen easily. Casters can work the edges of the school, working their offering close to the main body and in the direction the fish are moving. In real life, it seldom works this perfectly. Boats tend to continuously jockey for position, while trollers move right through the middle of the school, forcing fish into the depths. Most of the action takes place when predators find a school of baitfish and begin to feed. Often gulls and terns
FLORIDA
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OCTOBER 2019
I
squawking overhead tell anglers there is action below. When the big guys aren’t feeding, it’s much harder to find them. You just have to keep studying the water’s surface until you see signs of fish. Baitfish have a habit of moving into an inlet and holding there for a period. Most of the time, you won’t see the action of breaking fish, but where there is prey, you can bet predators are nearby. As an angler, check every inlet carefully at this time of year. It could make your day. Whether you are retrieving a cast or trolling, baits should be moving in the same direction as the predators or not much of an angle to either side. Fish are not going to leave the school and chase something in the opposite direction. They will ease out of the main body, but they are going to maintain the direction of the school. Keep in mind that predators focus on one victim at a time. By working your offering on the edges of the school, but moving it in the same direction, it becomes an easy meal for them. For the surf fisherman, if you are working an area where mobility is possible, it pays to work up and down the beach until you find a school of bait or predators. Remember that casts must allow a retrieve in the direction the school is traveling. A single fish seldom goes against the direction that the main body is moving. This is the time of the year when coastal fishing can be spectacular. Take advantage of it. For more from Mark Sosin, visit
CAMFISHING.COM
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“PEAK” SEASON REPORT FROM NOSARA, COSTA RICA
his birthday in style with Capt. William reporting multiple marlin strikes and dorados for dinner table. “Craig, just wanted to thank you and Matty for a great trip,” wrote Stephen. “Aug. 23 was my birthday, and we released two marlins… best present ever. We are booking our trip for next year this week.” By Craig Sutton Bryan Freeman also reached the mountaintop on Aug. 23 with Capt. Alex on the Harvester with another fantastic blue marlin reere’s a report from lease. the very pinnacle of The Explorer also delivered the trip of a lifetime for Jess King and the fishing season in Elizabeth Rasch on Aug. 23. Here’s how Jess told the story on social northwest Costa Rica. media: The FishingNosara team “Our last day in Costa Rica was an all-day offshore fishing trip, ran 102 trips in August, and and it was one of the best ones! Elizabeth Rasch and I both caught a I am proud to report that blue marlin! the catches came at a break“Hers was 450 pounds and the biggest catch of the day out of all neck pace. the boats. Took her an hour to get it in! Shortly after I got another These anglers defied yellowfin tuna! This has been the most amazing trip of a lifetime! I “tour-book wisdom,” which will be returning!” claims Costa Rica has bad Elsewhere, Gene Baklar and Tatyana Shekhterman joined Capt. weather and bad fishing in David on Aug. 20 and stayed busy with a nice rooster fish release August. They shattered that followed up a big dorado on ice. misconception with lots of “Gene and I had a pleasure to fish with David on the Adventurer. marlin and sailfish releases It was a beautiful fishing day, tons of new experiences, and excellent backed up by giant yellowfin captain.” tuna and dorados. We hosted several heavy-hitters this month like Capt. Charlie Aug. 23 stands out in the Phillips of the Everglades. The crew from Stoked on Fishing TV also scorebook as the best overlogged a bunch of trips, so keep your eyes peeled for these episodes. all team results of the 2019 If you have been reading our reports for a while and waiting for season. Lots of marlin and sailfish are feeding in the right time to visit, stop reading and call me ASAP so we can make On the Discoverer, Keith the waters off northwest Costa Rica. your fishing dreams a reality. November and December are already McMahon and his boys booking up, plus 2020 is looking good. Get your plans together so we knocked blue marlin off the bucket list. Capt. Carlos reports this wonderful release was backed up can secure your choice of housing and boats. by some big yellowfins. Check the FishingNosara blog for daily catch updates and keep up Meanwhile, on the Wanderer, angler Stephen Dziadul celebrated with @fishingnosara on all social media platforms.
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THE MOST INTENSE PART OF THE TRIP shouldn’t be the drive there.
We have nine convenient locations where ever the fish are biting. Chiefland: 352.493.2533 (Open 7 Days a Week) Cedar Key: 352.543.6601 Dunnellon: 352.489.3391 Newberry: 352.472.3596 Williston: 352.528.5111
Bronson: 352.486.1050 Cross City: 352.498.5546 Inglis: 352.447.6000 Trenton: 352.463.7500
100 N.E 23rd Avenue, Gainesville FL 32609 • 352-372-4900 4 NORTH FLORIDA
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COASTAL ANGLER Panama City, DESTIN & The Forgotten Coast PUBLISHER Capt. Randy Cnota
OCTOBER 2019 | www.coastalanglermag.com/panama-city
CO-PUBLISHER Dawna Cnota GRAPHIC ARTS & DESIGN Laura Kelly PHOTOGRAPHY Capt. Randy Cnota CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J.R. Mundinger Capt. Chester Reese Capt. Jason Shingler Capt. Daryl Shumate Evan Soroka Capt. James Tew Capt. Jordan Todd Paul Tyre
Tabitha haul ing in flound er aboard Ree l Screamer Charters w ith Capt Chris Nguye n
Celona & man, Landon Parker Gill e boat. y loading th Brian Beighe
Rosina R ice haulin g in grouper with Ca pt Don Rice of Fishwha cker Charte rs in PC B.
Capt. Peter Wright, Jr.
(229) 834-7880 CoastalAnglerMag.com/Panama-City
Check out our Facebook Page for fishing videos, pictures, tips and more!
uled amuelson ha Julliette S t oa b e to th this striper h it w r e iv ast R trolling in E . s le now her dad, K
Ken Morey an d his grandbaby, Aut rey, with a nice cat she hauled in on Lake Semino le.
hing of Chris Rus lay ckle can s Howell Ta ... h s the redfi
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See this section for forecasts and guide info to put you in the action!
BITEIS THIS
HOTFALL! TREASURE COAST
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 1
9/16/19 1:28 PM
Panama City Tides High
Date
AM
ft
PANAMA CITY / WEst Bay
www.USHarbors.com
Panama City, FL - Oct 2019
Low
PM
ft
AM
ft
Rise
Set
11:34
1.7
8:44
0.5
PM
ft
6:35
6:29
10:27
0.4
6:35
6:28
1
Tue
2
Wed
3
Thu
12:17
1.8
12:03
0.3
6:36
6:27
4
Fri
1:04
1.9
1:27
0.3
6:36
6:26
5
Sat
1:53
1.8
2:36
0.3
6:37
6:25
6
Sun
2:46
1.8
3:31
0.4
6:37
6:23
7
Mon
3:50
1.7
4:14
0.5
6:38
6:22
8
Tue
6:02
1.6
4:44
0.6
6:39
6:21
9
Wed
7:45
1.5
4:49
0.7
6:39
6:20
10
Thu
8:52
1.4
10:51
1.1
4:36
0.8
6:40
6:19
11
Fri
9:57
1.3
10:50
1.2
3:14
1.0
4:35
0.9
6:41
6:18
12
Sat
11:07
1.2
10:53
1.3
4:25
0.9
4:31
1.0
6:41
6:16
13
Sun
12:25 PM
1.1
10:37
1.4
5:27
0.8
3:46
1.0
6:42
6:15
14
Mon
10:22
1.5
6:25
0.7
6:42
6:14
15
Tue
10:43
1.6
7:26
0.6
6:43
6:13
16
Wed
11:16
1.7
8:31
0.5
6:44
6:12
17
Thu
11:56
1.8
9:39
0.4
6:44
6:11
18
Fri
10:49
0.3
6:45
6:10
19
Sat
12:40
1.8
11:59
0.2
6:46
6:09
20
Sun
1:28
1.8
1:10
0.2
6:46
6:08
21
Mon
2:23
1.8
2:14
0.2
6:47
6:07
22
Tue
3:26
1.7
3:05
0.2
6:48
6:06
23
Wed
4:54
1.6
3:43
0.3
6:49
6:05
24
Thu
7:34
1.5
11:08
1.0
4:05
0.5
6:49
6:04
25
Fri
9:16
1.3
10:21
1.1
1:38
1.0
4:11
0.7
6:50
6:03
26
Sat
10:56
1.2
10:14
1.2
4:05
0.8
3:58
0.9
6:51
6:02
27
Sun
9:52
1.4
5:29
0.5
6:51
6:01
28
Mon
9:46
1.6
6:49
0.3
6:52
6:00
29
Tue
10:17
1.8
8:14
0.2
6:53
5:59
30
Wed
10:59
1.8
9:34
0.1
6:54
5:58
31
Thu
11:45
1.8
10:41
0.0
6:54
5:57
Moon
Backcountry / Bay / Inshore:
The flats are in great shape this time of year. Bait fish are everywhere and are getting to be the perfect size, and even though it doesn’t feel like it yet, fall is on the way and the fish know it’s time to fatten up for the winter. On the high tide hit the grass flats in 1- to 4-feet of water for redfish and speckled trout. Use your favorite top-water lure and look for schools of reds or schools of bait fish. If you have live bait like shrimp, menhaden, pilchards, or finger mullet etc., you’ll be set. Fish your live bait with no weight and allow the fish to run for a second or two after the strike before setting the hook. Don’t neglect any docks on the grass flats either. Fish are holding tight to the docks so get your bait close. Flounder are starting move toward the pass and are being caught in the potholes, ledges, and drop offs with just about any live bait or soft plastic grubs fished on the bottom. I have seen some giant black drum caught recently around the bridges and deeper holes in North and West Bay on anything from blue crabs to cut lady fish. Fish your bait on the bottom and use heavier gear than your trout pole. One of my favorites to eat, mangrove snapper, can be found around the bridges, docks, rocks, and other structures. Use the lightest tackle you can get away with and you will have plenty for dinner.
offshore:
Capt. Phillip Wilds of Anchored Charters
in PCB with a giant red snapper. Gag grouper is still open and there are plenty being brought in. The trick is getting your bait through the trigger fish and amberjack to get to the grouper, snapper, and scamp. Some really nice king mackerel have been caught both flat-lining live bait and trolling around the buoys and wrecks. There are also a few big cobia hanging around the wrecks so have a rig set up in case one pops out from under your boat. The weather is perfect and the fishing is getting even better so take advantage of the smaller crowds and get out on the water for the day.
ds OutbOar
in stOck
nOW!
Paul’s Marine
Capt. Daryl Shumate Liquid Native Charters 850-624-6968 Liquidnativecharters.com
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408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 2
OCTOBER 2019
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Panama City / East Bay reefs slowly with large live baits for success. I like sand perch the best, but many others will produce. King mackerel, mahi mahi, and a few other pelagics will be cruising our waters one last time this month before the water temperatures drive them south in November. Keep those trolling rigs tied up because we catch a lot of big surface fish in October. I like to troll one high and one low at 3-5 mph. Mix up applications and speeds because success varies greatly from day to day.
Hello anglers! October is here and I speak for many in this area when I say it’s a month we will never forget. Most of us east of Panama City Beach experienced a life changing event on the 10th of October last year. It was months before most of us even thought about fishing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that were impacted. However, October is a great month to fish so let’s talk fishing!
Backcountry / Bay / Inshore:
I get downright excited about the flounder bite in the fall. I like to focus on drop offs, ledges and bayou mouths near structure. Working those Berkley Gulps on jig heads, bull minnows on slip sinkers and many others fished near bottom will produce fatties this month. Redfish will be everywhere! Live shrimp or crabs around structure won’t fail Patrick Horan with and you might produce a few other species as a nice 21 inch flounder fishing well. Long casts in the shallows will certainly with Capt. Jason. yield some big trout and redfish this month. Gold spoons, top-water plugs and soft plastics of many assortments will have success. If you can throw a net, live menhaden, pilchards, GULF: or finger mullet will be excellent for many Grouper will be the focus for bottom fishing applications. near shore. Rig strong and drift those inshore COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 3
OCTOBER 2019
SURF:
The redfish, whiting, and pompano bite will be there on the bottom. Live shrimp, sand fleas, and crab variations fished on bottom will produce fish. Toss spoons for the Spanish mackerel, bluefish, ladyfish and a few others. Light spinning gear is perfect, but remember they have sharp teeth. I suggest a 30-50 pound fluorocarbon leader for these fish. Thanks for reading and fish on! Capt. Jason Shingler Adrenaline On H20 Panama City, FL (850) 348-2282
panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast 3
9/16/19 1:28 PM
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Redfish on the flats too! Bay fishing techniques and tactics to land tournament quality redfish.
229-834-7880
CnoteCharters.com
Apalachicola Tides
www.USHarbors.com
Apalachicola, FL - Oct 2019 High
Date
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
7:20
1.9
12:27
1.1
12:51
0.4
7:32
7:27
1
Tue
5:29
2.0
2
Wed
5:53
2.0
8:38
1.8
12:54
1.3
1:40
0.3
7:32
7:25
3
Thu
6:20
2.0
10:12
1.7
1:18
1.5
2:34
0.3
7:33
7:24
4
Fri
6:52
2.0
11:30
1.7
1:41
1.6
3:42
0.3
7:33
7:23
5
Sat
7:30
1.9
2:12
1.6
4:59
0.3
7:34
7:22
6
Sun
12:49
1.6
8:30 AM
1.8
3:31
1.6
6:18
0.4
7:34
7:21
7
Mon
1:55
1.6
10:13 AM
1.7
6:18
1.5
7:28
0.4
7:35
7:20
8
Tue
2:32
1.7
11:54 AM
1.6
7:50
1.4
8:19
0.4
7:36
7:18
9
Wed
2:59
1.7
1:39
1.6
8:33
1.2
9:00
0.5
7:36
7:17
10
Thu
3:22
1.7
2:44
1.7
9:08
1.1
9:33
0.6
7:37
7:16
11
Fri
3:41
1.8
3:31
1.8
9:40
0.9
10:01
0.7
7:37
7:15
12
Sat
3:55
1.8
4:13
1.8
10:12
0.8
10:25
0.9
7:38
7:14
13
Sun
4:04
1.8
4:56
1.8
10:44
0.7
10:48
1.0
7:39
7:13
14
Mon
4:15
1.9
5:40
1.8
11:16
0.6
11:13
1.1
7:39
7:12
15
Tue
4:30
1.9
6:25
1.8
11:48
0.5
11:43
1.2
7:40
7:11
16
Wed
4:51
2.0
7:14
1.8
12:21
0.4
7:41
7:09
17
Thu
5:19
2.0
8:16
1.7
12:16
1.3
12:56
0.3
7:41
7:08
18
Fri
5:51
2.0
9:43
1.7
12:51
1.4
1:37
0.2
7:42
7:07
19
Sat
6:28
2.0
11:01
1.6
1:28
1.5
2:29
0.2
7:42
7:06
20
Sun
7:11
1.9
2:15
1.5
3:42
0.2
7:43
7:05
21
Mon
12:12
1.6
8:11 AM
1.8
3:32
1.5
5:08
0.2
7:44
7:04
22
Tue
1:21
1.6
9:43 AM
1.7
5:17
1.5
6:32
0.2
7:45
7:03
23
Wed
2:07
1.6
11:17 AM
1.7
6:57
1.3
7:41
0.3
7:45
7:02
24
Thu
2:37
1.7
12:54
1.7
8:00
1.1
8:34
0.3
7:46
7:01
25
Fri
2:57
1.7
2:23
1.8
8:47
0.8
9:18
0.5
7:47
7:00
26
Sat
3:13
1.7
3:33
1.9
9:30
0.6
9:59
0.7
7:47
6:59
27
Sun
3:29
1.7
4:37
1.9
10:15
0.4
10:38
1.0
7:48
6:59
28
Mon Date Tue
3:46
1.8 High5:40
1.9
11:04
0.2 Low11:17
1.2
7:49
6:58
29
4:07 AM
1.9 ft
6:41 PM
1.9 ft
11:52 AM
0.0 ft
11:52 PM
1.4 ft
7:49 Rise
6:57 Set
30
Wed
4:33
2.0
7:41
1.8
12:38
-0.1
7:50
6:56
31
Thu
5:04
2.0
8:51
1.7
1:23
-0.1
7:51
6:55
12:23
1.5
4 panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 4
Moon
APALACHICOLA RIVER Fishing on the river over the last part of the summer has been a struggle for many. It’s been hot, the bite has been slow and the flies swarming in the creeks looking for your blood have been terrible! Well relief is in sight because October will likely bring about many changes. I’m very much looking forward to the top-water action that will come with the cooler days. On days with a breeze and clouds, it will last all day. I suggest having three primary lures: a Bagley Bag-O-Lure, a buzz-bait and a Spro Bronzeye Frog. Keep color choices simple: a shad pattern for the Bag-O-Lure, white or black buzzbaits and a hollow body frog in leopard, brown or white. Cast your Bang-O-Lure very tight to shoreline wood where there’s an eddy created in the current flow. Allow it to settle for a moment and retrieve with sharp jerks and pauses. Rig this lure on a short rod for casting accuracy and use 15 lb. test mono. I prefer to cast buzzbaits with braid but mono will work and there are no secrets on how to work this lure… cast and retrieve it on the surface. The advantage of this lure is that you can Red Holland and Frank Williams with their winning drift down river bag of 14.21 lbs and their 5.84 lb lunker in last with the current, month’s Reel Money Team Trail event. quickly covering lots of water. Many strikes will come out near the end of tree tops in deep water. This has always amazed me about this river, but bass can suspend in extremely swift current by getting behind even small tree limbs. These fish are out there for one reason…to eat. They’re waiting for baitfish to wash by and the buzzbait is one of their preferred menu options. You’ll also want to seek out willow tree covered banks to cast your hollow body frog to when you’re ready to catch a bigger fish. You won’t get near as many strikes with this technique, but I’ve found that this technique will get the big one to bite. A short medium-heavy action rod spooled with 50- to 65-lb. braid works best. Your goal is to pitch the frog to the farthest reaches of the willow trees and as close to the bank as you can reach. A walk-the-dog action of this lure will get explosive strikes. Not all days will yield top-water action, so be ready to pitch and flip worms and creature baits when bass don’t want to come to the surface because this technique will get bites all year long. Good fishing and God bless.
Moon
OCTOBER 2019
Capt. Randy “C-note” Cnota C-note Charters Panama City, FL cnotecharters.com (229) 834-7880 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
9/16/19 1:28 PM
Hurricane Michael:
One Year Later
Panama City
A
s we approach the one year anniversary of Hurricane Michael’s landing on our shores, I can’t help but reflect on the ride we have been on since that day. Together, and with the help of others, we’ve put this area back together as best we can thus far. We worked endlessly on our homes and businesses. We’ve aided others with their homes and businesses. We’ve said “goodbye” to friends who, for whatever reasons, just couldn’t stay. In a way, we all said “goodbye” to a way of life we knew before the storm. Once all the repairs and fixes are complete, once all the signs of storm damage are gone and once we hit that old normal stride we called life back then, we will still never be the same. We survived through destruction that few will ever know. We witnessed the best and worst in people. We came together and made the best of everyday in the midst of great loss. There are way too many people deserving of thanks to list here, so I only hope I was able to thank them properly when I had the chance. It’s said that there’s a silver lining to every cloud. While most of us struggle to find the positive that came from this hurricane, I’ve found that searching out the good is a helpful way to cope with the aftermath. We all lost money, property and even people we cherished, but to think that no good came out of it all would be a mistake. Perhaps the best things that have come are the relationships formed with friends and
neighbors. We were bound by trauma and we rose to the challenge together. One small silver lining, perhaps meaningless to some, that I’ve come to know since last October is in East Bay. There’s a pair of very large trees that now lay on the edge of a shallow grassy flat. They’re long trunks and limbs extend well out into the bay providing cover for fish. This year I’ve gone there many mornings to try my luck. Nearly every time I go, if I can get a cast to the right spot between those trees, it’s almost a guaranteed top-water bite from a redfish. I’ll take every silver lining I can get. Kudos to all of you, and there are many, that weathered the storm, helped a neighbor, shared your fortune, fed a stranger or just managed a smile when you felt your worst. All of these things came from me and to me in many ways and I am forever grateful for the experiences that came with this…oddly enough, for the bad ones too. Resiliency is
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 5
•
not just a tag word, it’s real, and it’s alive and well in the people of this community. I’m proud to be a member of this exclusive club. On behalf of all of us from Coastal Angler Magazine, we wish you all the best in your continued recovery efforts and that you too can see your silver lining, but I’m not telling anyone where those trees are!
~ Capt. Randy “C-note” Cnota
October 2018 vs. October 2019 We’ve come a long way!
OCTOBER 2019
panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast 5
9/16/19 1:28 PM
DESTIN / Choctawhatchee BAY It’s time to get ready for the Destin Fishing Rodeo!!! The fishing here on the gulf coast has been absolutely terrific! October is by far to me the best month to fish throughout the panhandle of Florida. You name it, it’s usually biting. The cooler temperature makes it so much more enjoyable too, whether you’re trolling, bottom fishing, or poling your skiff across a grass flat. Fishing right now is too good to miss out on, so go wet a line, and be sure to enter one of the best tournaments in the world, the Destin Fishing Rodeo. Perhaps the best bite of all right now, are the redfish both in Destin Pass and along the beaches. During October we have quite a few bigger fish that hold up in the passes and bridges and school up down the beaches. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to cruise up and down the beach on a north wind. It’s usually slick calm and you can see for miles. Right now there are more Spanish mackerel,
Capt. Lionel James getting kids hooked on fishing.
Destin/Choctawhatchee Bay
www.USHarbors.com
Destin (Choctawhatchee Bay, East Pass), FL Oct 2019 High
Date
AM
ft
Low
PM
ft
AM
ft
9:24
0.1
10:51
0.1
PM
ft
Rise
Set
6:38
6:33
6:38
6:31
6:39
6:30
0.1
6:40
6:29
2:59
0.1
6:40
6:28
0.8
3:59
0.1
6:41
6:27
5:17
0.8
4:44
0.1
6:41
6:25
Tue
6:34
0.8
5:15
0.1
6:42
6:24
1
Tue
2
Wed
12:19
0.8
3
Thu
1:01
0.9
12:19
0.1
4
Fri
1:52
0.9
1:45
5
Sat
2:51
0.9
6
Sun
4:00
7
Mon
8 9
Wed
7:45
0.7
5:32
0.2
6:43
6:23
10
Thu
8:50
0.7
5:37
0.2
6:43
6:22
11
Fri
1:43
0.5
9:57 AM
0.6
11:54
0.5
2:58
0.3
5:27
0.2
12
Sat
11:14
0.5
11:21
0.6
5:22
0.3
5:00
0.3
6:45
6:20
13
Sun
1:05 PM
0.5
11:09
0.6
6:35
0.2
3:55
0.3
6:45
6:18
14
Mon
11:12
0.7
7:31
0.2
6:46
6:17
15
Tue
11:27
0.8
8:22
0.1
6:47
6:16
16
Wed
11:54
0.8
9:17
0.1
6:47
6:15
17
Thu
10:22
0.1
6:48
6:14
18
Fri
12:31
0.8
11:40
0.1
6:49
6:13
19
Sat
1:20
0.9
1:02
0.0
6:49
6:12
20
Sun
2:18
0.9
2:14
0.0
6:50
6:11
21
Mon
3:26
0.9
3:13
0.0
6:51
6:10
22
Tue
4:44
0.8
4:02
0.0
6:51
6:09
23
Wed
6:11
0.8
4:40
0.1
6:52
6:08
24
Thu
7:46
0.7
5:07
0.1
6:53
6:07
25
Fri
9:31
0.6
11:05
0.5
5:13
0.2
6:53
6:06
26
Sat
11:39
0.5
10:20
0.6
4:47
0.2
4:38
0.3
6:54
6:05
27
Sun
10:15
0.7
6:18
0.1
6:55
6:04
28
Mon
10:33
0.8
7:31
0.1
6:56
6:03
Tue Date 30 Wed
High 11:05
0.9
8:38
0.0 Low
6:56
6:02
11:44 PM
0.9 ft
9:46 AM
0.0 ft
6:57 Rise
6:01 Set
10:58
0.0
6:58
6:00
29 31
AM
ft
Thu
PM
ft
6 panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 6
Moon
6:44
Moon
bluefish, and kings than you could ever ask for, but mainly I’m looking for the big bull redfish. There are a few ways to fish for them, none are easier than trolling big Stretch Rapalas up and down the beach. My favorite is cruising along looking for them, then easing up to the school with my trolling motor and pitching either live baits, lures, or even flies at them. Generally, they are pretty hungry so get ready. If you are going to use lures, try fishing hard plastic baits or something top water, baits like that tend to get pretty cool bites. The offshore bottom fishing bite has been good, and should be even better this month. Gag grouper, scamp, red grouper, etc will all be open this month, so be sure to capitalize on it while they’re open. Be sure to check all regulations on these fish because they all too often change at a moment’s notice. The gag grouper bite has been better offshore in 250- to 300-foot of water fishing edges, rocks and similar structures. You’ll have to work a little bit to get a bite, so be ready with the right tackle when you do. Make sure and try and catch as many big live baits as
OCTOBER 2019
you can and have a tray of Boston mackerel as backup. If you’re going to make a long run to catch grouper, be prepared with bait. The offshore/blue water bite has also picked up quite a bit. I’ve heard numerous reports of people fishing between the Squiggles and the Spur finding plenty of pretty blue water. Reports indicate that almost everything they’ve seen floating has had fish on it. Make sure you go check any kind of floating debris. There have been quite a few wahoo found on and around the debris. If you do find something big enough that’s holding a bunch of bait, try pitching out a couple live baits and trolling around if for a while. If there are a bunch of big hardtails around the debris, catch a few of those and troll them…you’ll get those bigger bites you’re looking for. Out around the Edge and south to the Nipple the blackfin tuna bite has continued to be good. Look for them busting on top and troll ballyhoo or small lures, or livebait them like you would for kingfish. You can also troll up and down the edge looking for good shows of bait. Once you find them, try drifting or just hold up in the current and deploy a chum bag or start chunking. You’ll be surprised with what will come up behind the boat; it’s also gives you a chance to catch those nicer 30-35lb blackfins on real light tackle. White marlin and sailfish are starting to push in closer and closer. It should be a good fall to go and try to catch a billfish. For any more info on what’s biting, feel free to stop by the shop or give us a call. Also, if you’re looking for a guide to go with we can set you up with one of those too. Make sure you check us out on the web as well, at www.theshipschandler.com, and remember, take a kid fishing. Capt. Peter Wright Jr. The Ships Chandler 646 E. Hwy 98 Destin, FL 32541 850-837-9306 www.theshipschandler.com
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
9/16/19 1:28 PM
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Choctawhatchee BAY east We’re finally going to be getting some cooler days which means the bite should start picking up. Schools of bull reds mixed with jacks will be going after those schools of large menhaden now that they’ve come out of the bayous. Those fish will hit large paddle tail lures and top-water lures as well as live menhaden and croakers, free-lined or Carolina-rigged depending on where they are feeding in the water column. With cooler water temperatures and higher salinity levels the trout should start biting on the grass flats near Hogtown Bayou as well as around the Intracoastal Waterway using lures like Mirrodines, Vudu Mullet, and live menhaden. The best bet for putting fish in the boat will be going out after dark and fishing around dock lights. Use live shrimp, menhaden, or croakers free-lined with a circle hook and wait for the bite.
JT Miranda from Gaineville, GA bagged this trout with a free lined shrimp on a guided kayak fishing trip with Bay Bait’s Evan Soroka.
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OCTOBER 2019
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lake SEMINOLE The bass fishing has been good though September and the water temperature has been averaging in the mid-to-upper 80’s. As we move into October, the bass should start gearing up for their fall feed. If you’re coming to Lake Seminole in October, here are some lures you will want to have in your tackle box! The first is a hollow body frog. One of my favorites is a Spro Bronze Eye 65 in leopard color. This frog is equipped with a very sharp, extremely strong Gamakatsu hook that can get big bass out of the grass. When fishing a hollow body frog over matted grass, make sure to rig it on a heavyaction rod with a high speed reel, spooled with braided line. My line of choice is Cortland Master Braid in 65# test. Early fall is a great time for jerk baits. The bass are keying on shad and a jerkbait is a great baitfish imitator. Seminole guide Paul Tyre with stud bass. One of my favorites is a Spro McStick 110 in any shad color. It comes equipped with very sharp Gamakatsu hooks and has great action. I like to fish these baits on 12# fluorocarbon and a medium action rod. The hybrids are still schooling on the main lake and some nice ones can be caught on hair jigs, crankbaits and spoons. For a Lake Seminole fishing adventure, give us a call at 850-264-7534 or email us @paultyrefishing@yahoo.com and follow us on Instagram @lakeseminolefishingadventures and Facebook @paultyrefishing. Paul Tyre PaulTyreFishing@yahoo.com 850-264-7534
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330 Hwy 98 • Eastpoint, FL 32328 • (850) 670-8808 8 panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 8
OCTOBER 2019
7016 E. HWY 22 Panama City, FL 32404 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
9/16/19 1:28 PM
Gator Hunt Washington County R
ecently, gator hunters Kyle Oleen and Vern Ward set out to fill their Washington County tag and bag their first gator of the season. On a secret stretch of Choctawhatchee River, the men spent several hours on the hunt with no luck. After setting out a deer lung with a spike in it and waiting on a hungry gator, one finally took the bait. As they slowly raised the reptile to the surface, Kyle managed to get a throw hook into it and the fight was on! Once they got the gator back to the boat, Vern got the harpoon in it, but in the thrashing fight the gator not only bent, bit and broke the harpoon, it broke the 2000 lb. tensile strength hook line that Kyle had him with. Feeling defeated, they knew for sure that gator was gone. After a while, they noticed bubbles (likely from the gator) and Kyle began throwing another hook line. After several throws he caught the tag end of the original broken hook line and wrangled the gator back to the boat where Vern hit him with the bang stick. By all rights this gator should have been the one that got away, but sometimes amidst all the buffoonery of a hunt, a glimmer of hope comes through and it results in a filled tag.
Kyle (left) and Vern (above) with a 9+ foot Washington County gator that weighed approx. 350 lbs.
Kyle’s favorite way to prepare gator meat is to tenderize it, smear on the Crystal hot sauce then bread and fry. Other times he will smoke it, but either way is delicious. Kyle, once a bull rider in his younger days, is an avid outdoorsman and loves the thrill and challenge of the gator hunt.
Vern, a retired Army Veteran and school teacher, may not be a man of large stature, but make no mistake…he’s a badass! When team Kyle and Vern hit the water on a hunt, those gators best beware! ~ Capt. Randy “C-note” Cnota
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OCTOBER 2019
panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast 9
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Lara Madeline, Julie Happersett & Eric Norberg holding some nice Lake Jackson bass from their day on the water with guide JR Mundinger.
Spraying to control the massive amounts of exotic grasses in Lake Jackson began in mid-September and has started to take effect. As the boats move back and forth across sections of the lake they leave “lanes” created by where the spray stops and the next one begins. Once oxygen levels return to normal in these areas it makes for some great fishing. Not only will the lane areas create great ambush spots but you’ll now be able to throw more conventional lures such as spinner baits, rattle traps and jerk baits with multiple treble hooks…not possible pre-spray. October mornings are cooler and that should bring hungry bass to the top of the water column to feed. Early mornings you’ll see massive schools of small baitfish flickering on the surface in open water. Crappie and large brim will be feeding on these and that attracts bass. Chrome jerk baits and top-water baits like a Zara Spook worked diligently in and around the schools should catch you some nice ones. As the sun gets higher and the bait moves lower adjust with shallow running crank baits and spinner baits. If there’s mounds of grass present try a large Texas-rigged worm. Use your polarized glasses to pinpoint tops of grass and cast accordingly. Water temperatures should still be warm enough to keep bass very active in chasing moving baits. Try throwing a swimming jig with a paddle tail trailer as well.
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OCTOBER 2019
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CnoTeChArTers.Com lake TALQUIN Lake Talquin can be finicky in October. A few cool nights and cloudy days can drop water temperatures fast, creating a “turnover.” This keeps oxygen levels low and the thermocline deep. Shallow fish will bite better on windy days especially if clouds exist. Baitfish will be moving into creeks but, not all the way back. Creek channel ledges and points will be very productive. The upper part of the lake where the river is more prevalent will be a little more consistent because bass don’t have as far to move to be comfortable. Current keeps the water oxygenated which also helps to keep bass actively feeding. Schooling activity should also begin in and around the shell beds and sand bars near Coes Landing. Striped bass fishing on Lake Talquin has become pretty big with catches up to 20lbs. That’s quite a tug with light line, and with all the timber in the lake, you might have a hard time getting one in. Jerk Tyler Suddarth and Steve Young with baits, crank baits a nice Talquin bag in the recent Gambler and rattle traps are Lures no entry fee tournament. all attractive to a striped bass. Those line sided monsters do pretty much nothing but swim in schools in search of food. If you do happen to hook one there’s probably more nearby. Another great thing about October fishing on Talquin is football. Where once Saturdays were full of tournament rigs running all over, there’s now plenty of room to search main lake ledges, channels and other good off shore fishing spots, but we’ll save that information for another time. Until next month, be safe have fun and ALWAYS wear a life jacket while boating!! JR Mundinger (850) 296-4071 fishtallahassee@yahoo.com COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 11
St. George Tides
www.USHarbors.com
St. George Island, Sikes Cut, FL - Oct 2019 High
Date
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
1
Tue
4:39
2.0
6:54
1.9
11:50
0.5
11:46
1.6
7:31
7:27
2
Wed
5:03
2.0
8:40
1.9
12:41 PM
0.4
11:53
1.7
7:32
7:25
3
Thu
5:27
2.0
1:38
0.4
7:33
7:24
4
Fri
5:52
2.0
2:40
0.4
7:33
7:23
5
Sat
6:25
1.9
3:47
0.5
7:34
7:22
6
Sun
8:02
1.9
5:04
0.6
7:34
7:21
7
Mon
3:48
1.8
9:28 AM
1.8
6:35
1.7
6:15
0.6
7:35
7:20
8
Tue
2:19
1.8
10:44 AM
1.8
7:10
1.6
7:08
0.7
7:35
7:18
9
Wed
2:36
1.7
12:05
1.8
7:41
1.5
7:53
0.7
7:36
7:17
10
Thu
2:50
1.7
1:14
1.8
8:13
1.3
8:34
0.8
7:37
7:16
11
Fri
2:57
1.7
2:16
1.8
8:46
1.2
9:16
0.9
7:37
7:15
12
Sat
3:05
1.7
3:16
1.8
9:19
1.0
9:57
1.1
7:38
7:14
13
Sun
3:21
1.7
4:10
1.9
9:51
0.9
10:36
1.2
7:38
7:13
14
Mon
3:42
1.7
5:00
1.9
10:20
0.8
11:08
1.3
7:39
7:12
15
Tue
4:02
1.7
5:49
1.9
10:49
0.6
11:27
1.5
7:40
7:11
16
Wed
4:18
1.8
6:49
1.8
11:20
0.5
11:29
1.6
7:40
7:09
17
Thu
4:27
1.8
8:23
1.8
11:56
0.4
11:42
1.7
7:41
7:08
18
Fri
4:33
1.8
9:57
1.8
12:40 PM
0.4
11:59
1.8
7:42
7:07
19
Sat
4:39
1.9
1:34
0.4
7:42
7:06
20
Sun
3:58
1.9
2:36
0.4
7:43
7:05
21
Mon
4:01
1.9
3:45
0.4
7:44
7:04
22
Tue
4:16
1.8
5:16
0.5
7:44
7:03
23
Wed
1:42
1.8
10:12 AM
1.7
7:08
1.6
6:29
0.6
7:45
7:02
24
Thu
1:42
1.7
11:56 AM
1.7
7:28
1.4
7:21
0.7
7:46
7:01
25
Fri
1:44
1.7
1:24
1.7
7:57
1.1
8:06
0.9
7:46
7:00
26
Sat
1:57
1.7
2:47
1.8
8:33
0.8
8:51
1.1
7:47
7:00
27
Sun
2:18
1.8
4:06
1.8
9:16
0.5
9:37
1.3
7:48
6:59
Mon Date 29 Tue
2:43
1.8 High5:12
1.9
10:02
0.3 Low10:22
1.5
7:49
6:58
3:10 AM
1.9 ft
6:15 PM
1.8 ft
10:47 AM
0.1 ft
10:56 PM
1.6 ft
7:49 Rise
6:57 Set
30
Wed
3:39
1.9
7:38
1.8
11:31
0.0
11:08
1.7
7:50
6:56
31
Thu
4:08
2.0
9:02
1.8
12:16 PM
0.1
11:18
1.8
7:51
6:55
28
OCTOBER 2019
Moon
Moon
panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast 11
9/16/19 1:29 PM
spearfishing forecast
Fs Bay & OF hOre Fi ts, Come Fish With Us! shing a Fl
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850-653-8896 w m ww. floridaredfish.co
• Full Line of Groceries • Fresh Produce • Fresh Cut Meats • Fresh Made Pizza • Hot Wings • Full Service Deli- Sandwiches, Subs & Wraps • Liquor | Beer | Wine • Twice The Ice Vending Open 24/7 • Beachwear • Beach Supplies • Clothing • Souvenirs • Gifts • Fishing Gear & Tackle
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The water is in the mid to upper 80s with a thermocline at about 50 feet and October is traditionally the best month for water clarity. This year there has been a heavy green layer in the middle of the water column so hopefully it will clear up this October as it has in the past. With clearer water, stealth is the name of the game. A couple of tricks I use are to stay high and shot them from above, the other is not to look the fish in the eye; for some reason this scares most fish. One thing you can do to help with this is to use tinted lens in your mask. Other times I’ll stay on bottom and throw a hand full of sand up into the water column which helps hide you and creates a Capt. Tew’s crew on the ascent. feeding frenzy with smaller bait fish and porgies. With all the new activity large fish like amberjack and grouper will come in closer to investigate and give you a chance to get a shot off. I’m happy to report that the hard-bottom life and growth is starting to come back after our good friend Hurricane Michael striped most of the growth off them. The sponges and algae growth are coming back which in turn brings the fish back. All in all, things are starting to turn around for the better. Safety tip: In clear deep water you should use a reference line because disorientation and vertigo can easily set in. This could be an anchor or buoy line. The line will help you control your descent and ascent rates, especially if you are not very good with buoyancy control yet. Get out there and enjoy some warm and clear water with friends and family. As always PLAN YOUR DIVE AND DIVE YOUR PLAN. Thanks for reading Capt. JAMES TEW Kitchen Pass Dive & Fishing Charters 850-896-6476
Daily lunch, Dinner & weekenD specials!
At Cape San Blas Coffee & Ice Cream
the amous f o e HomWorld F venly Hash! Hea
804 s. tynDall pkwy. parker, Fl 32404 (850) 763-EGGS (3447) 12 panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 12
OCTOBER 2019
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
9/16/19 1:29 PM
St. Joe Bay Tides
www.USHarbors.com
Port Saint Joe, FL - Oct 2019 High
Date
St. Joe Bay / Indian Pass Daniel, here form Alabama, with a cool multi-spotted redfish he caught in St. Joe Bay fishing with Capt. Jordan Todd.
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
1
Tue
10:44
0.9
5:08
1.4
11:10
2.0
7:52
0.5
12:44
0.8
7:27
2
Wed
11:05
0.7
11:51
2.1
8:45
0.5
1:19
0.6
7:33
7:27
3
Thu
1:53
0.5
7:34
7:26
4
Fri
12:43
2.1
2:28
0.5
7:35
7:24
5
Sat
2:36
2.0
3:09
0.5
7:35
7:23
6
Sun
4:00
2.0
4:05
0.6
7:36
7:22
7
Mon
5:01
1.9
5:04
0.7
7:36
7:21
8
Tue
6:05
1.8
5:37
0.8
7:37
7:20
9
Wed
7:06
1.7
10
Thu
12:32
1.2
8:21 AM
11
Fri
1:08
1.2
12
Sat
1:41
13
Sun
14
11:59
1.3 1:53
1.2
3:57
0.9
7:38
7:19
1.6
2:51
1.1
4:27
0.9
7:38
7:17
12:48
1.5
3:56
1.0
4:55
1.0
7:39
7:16
1.3
2:02
1.4
10:34
1.4
4:53
0.9
5:22
1.0
2:57 PM
1.4
10:44
1.5
5:43
0.8
5:49
1.1
7:40
7:14
Mon
3:44 PM
1.3
10:20
1.7
6:28
0.7
6:14
1.1
7:41
7:13
15
Tue
4:32 PM
1.3
10:31
1.8
7:11
0.6
6:37
1.2
7:41
7:12
16
Wed
10:56
2.0
7:54
0.5
7:42
7:11
17
Thu
10:56
0.7
11:29
2.0
8:36
0.5
12:58
0.5
7:43
7:10
18
Fri
11:19
0.6
9:25
0.5
1:34
0.4
7:43
7:09
19
Sat
12:10
2.1
2:11
0.3
7:44
7:08
20
Sun
1:06
2.0
2:53
0.3
7:45
7:07
21
Mon
2:25
2.0
3:47
0.3
7:45
7:06
22
Tue
3:34
1.9
4:45
0.4
7:46
7:05
23
Wed
4:34
1.8
11:36
1.3
2:26
0.5
7:47
7:04
24
Thu
5:38
1.6
11:57
1.3
25
Fri
11:26
1.5
26
Sat
12:20
1.3
12:54
27
Sun
12:40
1.4
2:17
28
Mon
3:20 PM
1.3
29 DateTue
4:17 AM PM
30
Wed
31
Thu
10:46
1:46
1.1
3:04
0.6
7:47
7:03
2:54
1.0
3:45
0.7
7:48
7:02
1.4
4:07
0.8
4:24
0.9
7:49
7:01
1.3
9:12
1.6
5:11
0.5
5:02
1.0
9:49 High 1.3 10:24 ft PM
1.9
6:07
0.3
1.1
7:50
6:59
2.1 ft
6:59 AM
5:38 Low 0.2 6:12 ft PM
1.1 ft
7:51 Rise
6:58 Set
10:58
2.1
7:49
0.1
7:52
6:57
11:34
2.1
8:36
0.2
7:52
6:56
0.3
12:56
0.2
7:39
7:49
Moon
’s k Ic N I goontthme Chy oCcrtaawhbsatat Ch ee Ba y! since 1963
Fall fall fall! The time of year every inshore guide loves to see come around. Outside temperatures are cooler, there are less people around and fish are getting happier as water temps are dropping. There’s still tons of bait around as well, so typically fish will be feeding off and on all day long. Earlier mornings in shallow are great as redfish and trout will be pushed up hunting for shrimp first thing each morning. Focus in 1-2 feet of water near any bayou or creek because these areas will hold more bait. I still like throwing a top-water during this time, but mostly a 3 inch shrimp pattern soft plastic or paddle tail works great bumping along the bottom; pearl white, gumbo or molting color works well here. Redfish will also begin to school in large groups in October, on or near some of the grass flats staging for their winter run offshore. Look for large disturbances on the surface or bait balls getting blasted. Throwing top-waters like a Rapala Skitterwalk will work great but a ¼ or ½ ounce Johnson gold spoon works best. The beaches should also start to clear up this time of year and large pompano will usually start cruising the beaches as water temps cool. Try using a 1/2- to 3/8-ounce pink or yellow & pink pompano bucktail jig for these guys. Capt. Jordan Todd Saltwater Obsessions 850-227-6550 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 13
Join Us for Great Seafood & More in Our Relaxed, Friendly Atmosphere Open 11AM-8:30pM TuesdAy-sundAy
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(850) 835-2222 www.niCksseafoodrestaurant.Com
OCTOBER 2019
panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast 13
9/16/19 1:29 PM
Carrabelle, Dog Island & St. George Sound
• Full Service Deli Restaurant
DA
SPECIILAY LS
• Southern Fried Chicken & Pizza
• Groceries, Beer & Ice
• Fishing & Hunting Supplies • Gas & Diesel • Feed
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850-379-8958
facebook.com/CrowsCorner2003
Carrabelle Tides
www.USHarbors.com
Carrabelle, FL - Oct 2019 High
Date
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
1
Tue
4:04
3.1
5:55
3.1
10:38
0.6
10:41
2.1
7:30
7:25
2
Wed
4:28
3.2
7:13
2.9
11:27
0.5
11:05
2.3
7:31
7:24
3
Thu
4:55
3.3
8:47
2.8
12:21 PM
0.4
11:28
2.5
7:31
7:23
2.7
1:29 PM
0.5
4
Fri
5:27
3.2
11:59
2.5
7:32
7:22
5
Sat
6:05
3.1
10:05
2:46
0.5
7:33
7:21
6
Sun
7:05
2.8
4:05
0.6
7:33
7:19
7
Mon
12:30
2.6
8:48 AM
2.6
4:05
2.4
5:15
0.6
7:34
7:18
8
Tue
1:07
2.7
10:29 AM
2.6
5:37
2.2
6:06
0.7
7:34
7:17
9
Wed
1:34
2.7
12:14
2.6
6:20
1.9
6:47
0.8
7:35
7:16
10
Thu
1:57
2.8
1:19
2.7
6:55
1.7
7:20
1.0
7:36
7:15
11
Fri
2:16
2.8
2:06
2.8
7:27
1.5
7:48
1.2
7:36
7:14
12
Sat
2:30
2.9
2:48
2.9
7:59
1.3
8:12
1.4
7:37
7:12
13
Sun
2:39
2.9
3:31
2.9
8:31
1.2
8:35
1.6
7:37
7:11
14
Mon
2:50
3.0
4:15
2.9
9:03
1.0
9:00
1.8
7:38
7:10
15
Tue
3:05
3.1
5:00
2.9
9:35
0.8
9:30
2.0
7:39
7:09
16
Wed
3:26
3.2
5:49
2.8
10:08
0.6
10:03
2.1
7:39
7:08
17
Thu
3:54
3.2
6:51
2.7
10:43
0.4
10:38
2.2
7:40
7:07
18
Fri
4:26
3.2
8:18
2.6
11:24
0.3
11:15
2.3
7:41
7:06
19
Sat
5:03
3.2
9:36
2.6
12:16
0.3
7:41
7:05
20
Sun
5:46
3.1
10:47
2.6
12:02
2.4
1:29
0.3
7:42
7:04
21
Mon
6:46
2.9
11:56
2.6
1:19
2.4
2:55
0.3
7:43
7:03
22
Tue
8:18
2.7
3:04
2.4
4:19
0.4
7:43
7:02
23
Wed
12:42
2.6
9:52 AM
2.7
4:44
2.1
5:28
0.4
7:44
7:01
24
Thu
1:12
2.6
11:29 AM
2.7
5:47
1.7
6:21
0.5
7:45
7:00
25
Fri
1:32
2.7
12:58
2.9
6:34
1.3
7:05
0.8
7:45
6:59
26
Sat
1:48
2.7
2:08
3.0
7:17
0.9
7:46
1.2
7:46
6:58
27
Sun
2:04
2.8
3:12
3.0
8:02
0.6
8:25
1.5
7:47
6:57
Mon Date 29 Tue
2:21
2.9 High4:15
3.0
8:51
0.3 Low9:04
1.9
7:48
6:56
2:42 AM
3.0 ft
5:16 PM
3.0 ft
9:39 AM
0.0 ft
9:39 PM
2.2 ft
7:48 Rise
6:55 Set
30
Wed
3:08
3.1
6:16
2.9
10:25
-0.1
10:10
2.3
7:49
6:55
31
Thu
3:39
3.2
7:26
2.7
11:10
-0.1
10:41
2.4
7:50
6:54
28
14 panama city, DESTIN & THE forgotten coast
408_Panama_City_FINAL.indd 14
Moon
A lot of changes start to occur in October. As the water temperature cools and the sun moves to its fall intensity, fish feel the need to move. Migratory patterns for a number of species are important to understand. There is no reason to fish for tarpon in the winter because they are long gone. This month tarpon are assembling in the Sound and the passes for their yearly move south to warmer waters. When they are in this stage feeding is not their motivation. I have found hundreds of fish rolling and they will not take anything thrown at them…even a nice crab! Cobia do the same thing. The southward migration of these fish is a little different because cobia are always on the feed. It is common the find big schools of cobia hanging around structures on their way to the Keys and Mexico for the winter. Smart fish, even pin fish migrate to deeper water offshore when the water temperature falls. That must be quite a scene to have thousands of pins packed up in 500 foot depths. Redfish also migrate but in a somewhat different way. The offshore schools will move into coastal waters around Dog Island and St. George Island starting when the water cools. This is a great time to hunt the shorelines for reds. Interestingly these fish are not as red colored as the resident fish that hang around all winter. The biologists say that this group feeds on different prey then the others…perhaps those pinfish. Spanish and king mackerel are among the movers and are not comfortable in water that is below 68 degrees. However, we have taken kings in the fall and they are often bigger fish in the 30 lb. pound plus class. There may be a correlation to the size of the fish and its ability to maintain body temperature. We have a year round fishery in our area you just have to adjust like these migratory species do. The sea trout bite continues to be the best in years. They will migrate into the estuaries and river systems in the cold months. We’ll discuss how to catch them in the next article. Right now, stay on the flats around grass areas with sandy edges. The float and jig method is hard to beat, but plugs and tipped jigs are good too. Fly fisherman, throw a clouser or deceiver pattern in white or chartreuse with an eight weight and hang on, the fish have been on the large side. Dog Island Reef is still a good bet for a lot of fish that hang around to the last bit of warmer water. The shore fisherman can still work whiting and sand trout with shrimp or pieces of mullet fished on the bottom. The heat of summer will recede with time and we can stay out longer without the fear of heat stroke. There is good fishing all over the area so get out there and take advantage of it. Good luck out there and be safe. Capt. Chester Reese Natural World Charters www.naturalworldcharters.com (850) 228-9060
Moon
OCTOBER 2019
Tiger Shark caught aboard the EAGLE with Capt. Chester Reese.
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OCTOBER 2019
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CJ and his mom DeeAnna, Team Lockamy, with their limits of bass in a recent SBA tournament out of White City. CJ took 3rd this day… Mom taught him every thing he knows .
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I
OCTOBER 2019
I
NORTH FLORIDA 5
CHANGE IT UP
Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
E
ver heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it?” A few weeks ago fishing on the tides of the quarter moon, I did something we don’t do often enough as anglers. I broke it and it became better! As a lure designer, I frequently try new things, throw different colors and vary my retrieve every five or 10 cast. I want to fish the same area with different colors and lures as a true test to see what the fish react to best. I often cover the same structure with multiple lures and multiple retrieve styles. While on my kayak, I like to have two rods at my disposal. On this day, I had the exact same lure and weight, but one was white with a limetreuse tail, and the other was pumpkinseed with
a green glitter tail. The morning started with light winds and clear water. This area was 1 to 3 feet deep with areas of solid grass mixed with sand potholes and a few larger sand flats. As the day progressed, the winds kicked up, and so did the silt. I used the wind to quietly drift into a cove, where I would anchor and fish. Once the area was covered, I would drift about half a cast and anchor again, repeating this process until I covered the entire cove. I started out catching several reds from 16 to 26 inches. They were hammering the soft plastic swimbait in aggressive fashion. When fishing shallow, the reds wanted a steady fast retrieve keeping the lure just under the surface. I saw many of the strikes and even had a few swim behind the lure with their eyes above the water, see me, and turn away. Not cool! When I varied my retrieve by slowing it down and pausing, the reds had no interest. Giving equal swim time to both the white and pumpkinseed lures, the pumpkinseed caught the majority of the reds. As I observed my surroundings, I heard what I felt was a trout eating bait off the surface. Feeling confident trout were in the area, I needed to try something different to entice a bite. After covering the area with the fast-steady retrieve, catching a few more reds, I dramatically changed my retrieve, but kept the same lures and colors. I switched to a fast twitch of the rod tip, aggressively bouncing the lure off bottom. I did not use any swimming motion, just a constant bounding forward with an occasional pause. I started to catch trout where I previously caught a red or came up empty. Something else worth noting, the trout not only wanted a different retrieve than the reds in the same area, they also preferred the white limetreuse swimbait. This tactic continued to produce through my entire drift. As I switched retrieves and lure colors, I caught different fish. The takeaway here is don’t get stuck doing the same old thing. Even when it is working, a change could make it better. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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Color Choices
For Inshore Lures
By CAM Staff
E
veryone has a theory on colors when it comes to selecting lures for inshore fishing. The generally accepted rule, and this applies everywhere in freshwater and salt, is to fish dark colors in stained water and more natural colors when the water is clearer. It makes sense. Most of the time, our favorite inshore species, whether they be trout, reds, flounder or snook, are feeding on shrimp or baitfish that are pale, sometimes translucent in color. In clear water, there is more visibility and more opportunity for gamefish to inspect an offering before taking it. This explains the natural colors in clear water theory. It calls for soft plastics in clear-sparkle, bone or pearl colors and hard baits in white or light gray with some silver flash. But what about dark colors in muddy water? Color selection becomes more about visibility than natural appearance in dingy water. Without the added attraction of scent, sound and vibration—all which can be remedied by lure selection— we’re relying on fish to see the offering. Darker colors show up better in murky water, and twotone combinations of colors provide contrast. This calls for plum, purple, motor oil, pumpkinseed or combinations thereof. And then there’s chartreuse. No color in the spectrum has proven more effective at catching fish, and this is a tough one to explain. Nothing fish eat even closely resembles this ridiculous bright green. But it works. No matter when, where or the conditions, it rarely hurts to choose a bait with a little chartreuse in it. To dive a little deeper, keeping up with the seasonal patterns on your bay, marsh or flat also makes sense. When glass minnows or small mullet are thick, obviously lighter-colored baits best “match the hatch.” A silver spoon with a white bucktail can be killer when trout and reds are keying on finfish. When shrimp are on the move, everything eats them. Browns and pinks become important. You might want to break out that gold spoon or any number of soft-plastic shrimp imitations. Of course, we’ve all been in situations when one color outperforms another for no apparent reason. That’s why it’s good to fish with a buddy. Start out throwing different baits and then hone in on a pattern once one of you starts getting bites. Gamefish survive feeding on forage that is often very hard for them to see. Vibration, sound, scent and movement are key to their ability to hunt. For this reason, lure choice and the way an angler fishes it are usually more important than color. Color can be like fine-tuning the presentation. Finding the right color definitely makes a difference, but first you’ve got to check the other variables off the list. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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BASS ARE MOVING
SHALLOW
Photo courtesy of Capt. Jake Davis
feed up and put on weight to take them through the winter and into the next spring’s spawn. Fall is a time to fish quickly, covering water to find active schools of fish. Find Them: When water temperatures drop from their summer peak, bass push up into the creeks, onto tapering points and big flats. They’re following baitfish this time of year. Shad, herring, alewives, shiners… all the favored baitfish move in big schools when temperatures begin to fall. The bass will be with them as they progress shallower and farther into the creek arms. There’s no sense in fishing an area if the bait isn’t there. Sometimes, you’ll be lucky to catch fish on top, as pods of bass pound baitfish from below, but you’re better off using your electronics. Idle over a likely area, watching the graph for suspended balls of bait. Keep an eye on the banks for flickering shad. Don’t bother dropping the trolling motor until you’ve seen indications of activity. When you see it, you’ll know it. Schools of active fall bass are not hard to find.
Catch Them: This is not the time to fish on the bottom. Baitfish will be suspended somewhere in the water column, and bass will key in on them. Matching the size of the bait in the water brings consistent action. Colors can vary, but generally you’ll want to fish something more natural looking in clear water. Gold or silver flash is always a good thing when mimicking baitfish. Only resort to the garish colors if the water is dingy. It’s tough to beat a lipless crankbait for covering water and locating active fish. Keep one on the deck as a search bait, and if nothing else it will help eliminate dead water. Shallow crankbaits are a staple this time of year. If the fish are up on the banks in stumps and laydowns, squarebill crankbaits are the ticket. When they’re feeding a little deeper around boat docks and other wood cover, a good old spinnerbait can be tough for bass to resist. Go with double willowleaf blades to match the profile of the baitfish. A mid-depth crankbait By CAM Staff can serve the same purpose. If you’re trying to pull a big fish from the school all can be a wonderful time of year for bass anglers. It gives us the to anchor a tournament sack, a big soft-plastic swimbait comes in handy. chance to go back to the tactics that probably hooked most of us on Finally, you should always keep a topwater bait on the deck. If fish are the sport in the first place. While those deep ledges that held fish all crashing on top or if baitfish are active in shallow water, there’s nothing more summer will likely still produce, many fish will be moving shallow. fun than calling fish up with a walking bait or a popper. With the cool evenings and each successive cold front, bass begin to
F
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TAMPA BAY WATCH SEEKS VOLUNTEERS U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tori Long
T
ampa Bay Watch is seeking volunteers for two upcoming programs designed to restore lost habitat in Tampa Bay waters. The first, slated for Oct. 3-4, will install an oyster shell bar on the shoreline of MacDill Air Force Base from 9 a.m. to noon on each day. The goal is to prevent further erosion of the shoreline and improve water quality through natural biological filtration. Oyster bars also make excellent habitat for gamefish. The second project, being conducted on weekday mornings of October 2, 15, 21 and 23, needs hard workers to help build oyster domes at the Marine Center in Terra Verde. The project involves pouring marine-friendly concrete into a fiberglass mold to create oyster domes and taking apart the molds that were previously poured. This project is physically demanding in requiring bending, crouching, and some heavy lifting. It is entirely on land, and the domes will be installed at a later date to provide hard structure for oysters to grow. Oyster communities help stabilize shorelines, provide hard bottom habitats for fish and wildlife resources, and promote water quality improvements in the Tampa Bay ecosystem. For more information and to register for these events, go to www.tampabaywatch.org.
PERFECT FILLETS!
A
Sheri Daye
fter all the time, effort and determination it takes to land that beautiful fish, you don’t want to compromise the quality of your dinner by improper handling at the end. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years: 1) Dispatching/ bleeding: Whether you are fishing or spearfishing, try to minimize the amount of time the fish is under stress, as this can produce lactic acid which affects taste. Dispatching as soon as possible is humane and helps maintain quality. Bleeding also helps, especially for raw consumption. Spearfishermen can do it in the water, but if you don’t want to attract sharks, you Sheri Daye with a big Keys wahoo. can also do it on the boat. Cut the throat and place it in a bucket of water for a few minutes or use scissors and cut the gills. 2) Icing: Make sure you have plenty of ice, two pounds for every pound of fish. Saltwater ice is best if you can get it, and crushed
ice is optimal because it covers more surface area. Heat and air are the enemies, so ice your fish immediately. If you don’t plan to fillet soon, remove the guts and gills and fill the cavity with ice before burying it in the cooler. Drain and replace ice often to ensure fish stays cold and is not sitting in water, which will cause the fish to get mushy. 3) Filleting: When the flesh is chilled and firm, cutting is much easier, and a razor sharp knife makes quick work of filleting. After filleting, try not to rinse the meat, as water degrades the fillets and produces a breeding ground for bacteria. If you keep your knife clean, don’t puncture the gut cavity and you bled your fish beforehand, you should not have to rinse fillets. If the fillet is exposed to water, dry it promptly with paper towels. 4) Refrigeration: Fish can be stored in your refrigerator at 40 degrees for about three days. Wrap the fish in plastic-wrap and place in crushed ice. It is still best to store fish surrounded by crushed ice because the cooler you can keep it, the better. 5) Freezing: Store in the freezer at 0 degrees or lower. Lean fish (snapper or grouper) will keep for about six months. Fatty fish (salmon, tuna and mackerel) will keep for about three months. I like to vacuum-pack fillets. Vacuum packers are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and available at Target. Fill pre-cut bags with fillets and follow the directions on the vacuum packer. This keeps fillets airtight to prevent freezer burn. 6) Thawing: The safest way to thaw fish is in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Plan to cook immediately after thawing. Do not thaw fish at room temperature, and never refreeze fish. Sheri is a world-record holder, host of Speargun Hunter, and producer of “The Blue Wild Ocean Adventure Expo” in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Follow “Sheri Daye” and “The Blue Wild” on Facebook and Instagram.
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NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS FROM A KAYAK Photo courtesy of Justin Ritchey
By FWC Staff ayak fishing is a growing sport, and it’s easy to see why. Kayaks are nimble, less expensive than most motorized boats and provide access to places even the best casts from land just can’t reach. But those who love the sport1say kayak fishing is more than just Airline_Ad_CoastalAngler_8-1-14_Layout 8/1/14 1:14 PM Page 1 a quick and less expensive way to get on the water.
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“You are more in tune with what is going on,” said avid kayak angler Tony Hart, who runs YakOutlaws.com, a website dedicated to kayak and SUP angling. “The slower approach gives you an opportunity to take in more. It’s almost as though you become a part of what’s around you.” “Because you are so low in the water, there is this sense of vulnerability when you start fishing, but you also have this feeling of freedom and accomplishment, blood, sweat and tears,” said Justin Ritchey, who has been kayak fishing for more than a decade. “I’m very passionate about it, it’s a huge part of my life.” Like many kayak anglers, Hart and Ritchey got into kayak fishing for similar reasons: they loved fishing and didn’t have access to a boat. Ritchey got his start in college with two-person rental kayaks. He would ask classmates to foot the rental fee. Ritchey would provide the car, fishing gear and knowledge. Hart was fishing from a dock in Jacksonville when he noticed fish off a point too far for him to reach casting. “That’s when two young guys paddled by and I thought, that’s the smartest thing in world,” said Hart. “The next weekend I got two kayaks.” What often gets people into kayak fishing is the ability to access places they can’t reach from shore. “You can go anywhere you want with no stress of a motor breaking down or electronic failure,” Ritchey said. “And because you are quiet, you can often get closer than boat anglers can get.” Some might think kayaks are great for seatrout and redfish, but they can also be used for monster tarpon and sailfish. While what you catch within paddling distance will vary according to where in Florida you are fishing, if you can catch it, your kayak can take it. “Being able to catch every species from a kayak is personal goal of mine,” said Ritchey, who has personally caught sailfish, blackfin tuna, mutton snapper, kingfish and tarpon from his kayak. “In a boat, when a fish takes a lot of line, you have less control. In a kayak, you might be getting towed, but you are never too far away from the fish, which allows you to get the fish in much faster.”
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FLY FISHING
There are two schools of thoughts regarding bite-proof tippet. One school favors the soft, stainless-steel leader when fishing toothed game fish. The other school leans to the single-strand stainless-wire leader. Let’s compare the two.
BUILD THE PERFECT SALTWATER LEADER AND BITE TIPPET The basic fly leader is the saltwater fisherman’s most important connection between him and the fish. Tied incorrectly, it will place the angler at a distinct disadvantage when casting, especially under windy conditions. Simple in its design, the saltwater fly leader can meet the demands in almost every saltwater fly fishing situation. A leader’s length varies depending on conditions, but a 9-foot leader will work in most situations. A “4-3-2 combo” works well, as it allows the fly to roll over as it is cast. Creating this leader is fairly simple. First tie a two-turn surgeon’s loop of 40- or 50-pound soft monofilament at the fly line’s terminal. Then join the sections of your leader with blood knots, applying saliva to the knots to guarantee a solid connection. Take care to test the strength of each knot as you complete tying them. 4 feet of 40# soft mono 3 feet of 30# mono 2 feet of 20# mono Best Material for a Wire Leader When you fly fish in saltwater, there will be times when you deal with toothy critters like barracudas, sharks, needle fish, mackerel and numerous other fish sporting “ivories” capable of severing the heaviest monofilament and fluorocarbon leaders. It is the savvy saltwater fly fisherman who has learned to attach a bite-proof tippet to his fly line.
Soft Stainless Steel Wire Soft stainless wire is a good alternative to single-strand wire. It works well on smaller saltwater gamefish like Pacific barracuda, bonito and other toothy critters the fly rodder will encounter in many nearshore fisheries. The best attribute of the soft stainless wire is you can tie a loop knot in it rather than going through the time consuming process of making the haywire twist commonly used with single-strand wire. Single Strand Wire The second option, and my personal preference, is the single-strand stainless wire leader. The wire is tough, able to stand the raking teeth of a shark far better than its softer counterpart. Also, the advantage of using this type of leader is its small diameter. Like a piece of dental floss, it fits nicely between the fish’s teeth. As the battle rages, the wire does not wear against razor sharp teeth, giving the advantage to the angler in a difficult and prolonged fight. If your choice is the single-strand wire leader, the most commonly used knot is the reliable haywire twist. Although there are tools to assist you in the tying of this knot, I recommend the “old school” method you will find in numerous books and pamphlets, many currently available at your local fly shop.
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ELITE SERIES TO OPEN SEASON AT ST. JOHNS RIVER B.A.S.S. photo by James Overstreet
O
n Feb. 6-9, the Bassmaster Elite Series will begin its 2020 season with an event on the St. John’s River out of Palatka, Fla. Last year’s tournament on the St. Johns was one of the most exciting in history, with Rick Clunn weighing a 34-pounds, 14-ounce sack on Championship Sunday to complete an amazing come-frombehind win with 98-14. That final-day bag included two bass over 9 pounds. The big-fish factory is an apt location to launch a 2020 schedule that was designed for fans who love watching professional anglers catch big bass. With the St. Johns event, the world’s best professional bass
fishermen will embark on a journey that spans six states and nine events on some of the most storied fisheries in the sport’s history. “This year, we unveiled the mantra ‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.,’” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Fans will have an opportunity to see our anglers compete on some of the best big-bass lakes in America.” On Feb. 14-17, the Elite Series will shift focus to a location that has yet to be announced. The Bassmaster Classic takes the stage in March, when the Super Bowl of Bass Fishing descends upon Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, with weigh-ins and the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo taking place in nearby Birmingham. When regular season Elite competition resumes, B.A.S.S. will take a trip down memory lane with a return to Alabama’s Lake Eufaula on April 2-5. B.A.S.S. hasn’t visited Eufaula since 2006. But the lake on the Alabama/ Georgia border has been the site of 18 major B.A.S.S. events, dating back to 1968. The fourth Elite Series event will be in Manning, S.C., on the Santee Cooper Lakes. Lakes Marion and Moultrie, which have been on fire recently. A BFL event held on the Santee Cooper Lakes in March was won with five bass that weighed just over 30 pounds. The next fishery on the schedule is known for producing big crowds— the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. The 2020 event will be held May 29-June 1 and could challenge the fan attendance record of 36,200. The site for the Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest will be announced at a later time. But the dates have been tentatively set for June 5-9 — just before the Elite Series makes its New York swing. That swing begins with a trip to smallmouth fishing’s holy country, the St. Lawrence River in Waddington, N.Y., on July 23-26. The 2019 Elite Series event on the river was won by Georgia pro Micah Frazier with an average of more than 20 pounds of smallmouth each day. The pros will then head to Plattsburg, N.Y., for an event at Lake Champlain on July 30-Aug. 2, where Vermont angler Bryan Labelle won with an average of almost 20 pounds of largemouth per day in 2018. With the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title and numerous Bassmaster Classic berths hanging in the balance, the Elites will finish their season in Macomb County, Mich., at Lake St. Clair on Aug. 20-23.
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GAG GROUPER OPEN IN
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We’re Florida natives and avid boaters who have the experience necessary to dial you in. From PWC and small boats to large yachts, we have you covered. FWC Photo
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he Gulf of Mexico gag grouper recreational season opened on Sept. 1 in state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties, Fla. The season will remain open through Dec. 31. The season for all other Gulf state and federal waters is June 1 through Dec. 31. The minimum size limit for gag grouper is 24 inches total length and the daily bag limit is two fish per harvester within the four fish aggregate bag limit. Charter captains and crew have a zero bag limit. If you plan to fish for gag grouper in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler prior to your fishing trip (renew annually). To learn more, visit MyFWC. com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Learn more about grouper regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Grouper” under the “Reef Fish” tab.
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ONGOING BTT I
PERMIT PROJECTS
Photo by Tom Purves/flickr
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s Project Permit has reached a major milestone of 150 permit tagged with acoustic transmitters in south Florida since March 2016. Scientists track the movement patterns of tagged fish for up to five years, providing important information on habitat use and spawning locations. This information is essential to guide permit conservation efforts, and data from Project Permit have already influenced permit harvest regulations, such as the expansion of the permit harvest season closure in the Special Permit Zone (SPZ) to include the month of April. Recently BTT Collaborating Scientist Dr. Jake Brownscombe tagged 14 permit on the flats of Biscayne Bay with fishing guides Capt. Augie Moss and Capt. Carl Ball. Project Permit would not be possible without the help of the dozens of fishing guides who generously donate time and expertise to catch and tag fish with BTT scientists. Currently BTT is also seeking information on juvenile permit to gain a better understanding of the habitats that support the juveniles and sub-adults. For permit in the Keys, abundant newborns form 1 to 3 inches can be found on sandy beaches. Adults and larger sub-adults greater than 15 inches live on the flats or reefs and wrecks. However, fish between 4 and 14 inches are surprisingly rare. These 4- to 14-inch fish might be absent because the habitats they use are becoming degraded, and as a result, there are less of that size. Or, scientists haven’t yet looked in the right places for them. In either case, BTT seeks to identify the habitats these fish are using to restore them if they are unhealthy, or protect them so permit have a place to grow into adults. Report sightings and catches of permit in the 4- to 14-inch range to Florida Keys Initiative Manager Dr. Ross Boucek. Email Dr. Boucek at ross@bonefishtarpontrust.org.
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FLY FISHING’S
WARMWATER REVOLUTION By Nick Carter
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here’s a brutish undercurrent gaining momentum in fly fishing. Whether it’s river-run striped bass, muskie or carp, long-rodders are targeting freshwater’s most powerful fish. Here are a few destinations where you can get in on the action. James River Photo courtesy of Matt Miles Muskie, Virginia The James River is one of the few rivers in the east that supports a fishable wild muskie population. Guide Matt Miles eagerly pointed out that most of the fish they catch, the 35- to 42-inchers, were spawned wild in the upper James. He said the monster 50-inchers might have originally come from the hatchery, but they still prowl the river, ready to give anglers the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Between Iron Gate and Lynchburg, Va., more than 80 miles of the James are considered muskie water. The relatively shallow pool and riffle habitat is uniquely suited to hunting freshwater’s biggest, toothiest fish with a fly rod. But muskie fishing isn’t for everyone. Casting waterlogged, 14-inch-long streamers on sinking lines with 10- and 11-weight rods is a workout. Doing it all day in hope of a single take requires mental fortitude. Peak muskie season is October through mid-March.
Saluda & Congaree River Striper, South Carolina Each spring, South Carolina striped bass go on the move. From the Santee-Cooper Lakes between Columbia and Charleston, fish run some 60 miles up the Congaree and arrive in Columbia to spawn in April. By early May they push into the lower Saluda, where they spend the summer in the cold-water refuge of a 10-mile stretch of tailwater. Jake Howard, of Saluda Valley Guides, tapes his thumbs during the June through August heart of the striper season because they become raw from lipping fish. He told of huge numbers of stripers and said 60-fish days are possible for anglers who can lay out line with a 10-weight rod and 350-grain sinking lines. The standard fish weighs 4 to 8 pounds, but 20-, 30- and even 50-pounders are caught each season. Catawba Chain Carp, North Carolina More than 15 years ago, Capt. Paul Rose left the Texas coast with his flats skiff in tow. He settled in the North Carolina Piedmont, far from the salt marshes he loves. But he found a new passion in the clear Catawba River lakes between Asheville and Charlotte, N.C. In the shallows, he watched carp tailing like redfish. The fishing style that arose is a lot like sight casting to bonefish. Rose poles anglers over clear-water flats, searching for pods of carp rooting and feeding. Many clients hire Rose to practice before a trip to the Bahamas. They return because carp are so much fun. Fish from 3 pounds up to 20 pounds call for a 6- or 7-weight rod. The peak season on impoundments like Lake Norman and Lake James runs from May through September. Nick Carter is the author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon.com, and autographed copies are available by emailing the author at nsc8957@gmail.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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n enormous 40-pound, 6-ounce brown trout caught at Lake Taneycomo in southwest Missouri is a new state record and just a couple pounds shy of the IGFA all-tackle world record. Bill Babler, a veteran fishing guide from Blue Eye, Mo., caught the monster brown on Sept. 4 using a pink Berkley plastic worm. He caught it on 6x tippet, which equates to less than 4-pound test, making his catch 2 ounces heavier than the current IGFA 4-pound line class record. The previous state record, set just seven months, weighed 34 pounds, 10 ounces. It was also caught at Lake Taneycomo. Babler told the Springfield News-Leader he’d only been out fishing for a few minutes when he caught his new state record. “As soon as I set the hook it came to the top and I knew we had a good fish on,” Babler told the newspaper. “We positioned the boat in an unobstructed area. It was pulling drag pretty good!” Babler attempted to keep the behemoth alive in an aerated tank, but unfortunately the trout died before it could be released. Fisheries Biologist Shane Bush said the fish was eight or nine-years-old. For more information on Missouri state-record fish, visit the MDC website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3t.
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Ultimate Control For Saltwater Fishing Boats The Dometic Group Introduces New Optimus Electric Steering Actuator
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altwater anglers who fish aboard today’s large center console fishing machines and other high-performance outboard powered boats will soon be able to experience a new level of precision steering and vessel control. The Dometic Group is introducing its new Optimus Universal Electric Steering Actuator. Incorporating proprietary technology and several new components designed and manufactured by Dometic, this new actuator is built exclusively for use with its Optimus Joystick and Electric Power Steering Systems. About the same size as the Dometic Tournament Cylinder, the Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. With its powerful drive train, integrated proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for separately mounted hydraulic actuators used in the Optimus Joystick and EPS systems. This means no more Pump Control Module, no more hydraulic pump, no more hoses, hydraulic cylinders and fluid, and no more purging the system. “We are continually inventing ways to make boat building more efficient and boating more enjoyable,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “Once again, we have taken marine steering to the next level. You have my word that we will never stop innovating and solving industry problems.” In terms of performance underway, ease of installation and seasonafter-season reliability, the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator will provide substantial benefits to boat builder and skipper alike. With the present system, the signal from the Optimus electronic helm goes to the Pump Control Module, which activates an electro-hydraulic steering system. Even though it is “by-wire,” hydraulic fluid is still pumped through hoses and into the steering cylinders on the outboard(s) which act on the tiller arms of the outboards to move left or right. With the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator, the electronic helm signal goes directly to the actuator which instantly moves the outboard. The “brains” of the Pump Control Module, including ECM, rudder position circuit and CANbus communication, have been
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transplanted into the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator itself. Steering power is delivered by a proprietary high-torque high-efficiency brushless DC electric motor, designed and manufactured by Dometic, and a patented compact roller-screw drive system, also a proprietary Dometic design. Both the motor and power train reside within the steering actuator. In terms of steering performance, skippers will sense a marked improvement in handling. Steering response will be immediate, smooth and precise, thanks to this robust, industry-leading drive train that provides unparalleled performance and system rigidity when needed most. Programmable steering settings, including adjustable speed-sensitive lockto-lock turns, adjustable speed sensitive wheel effort, and speed-sensitive rudder angle limits to ensure safe steering, continue to be available, now without the need for any extra components. Installation of the new system is a snap, with just three CANbus connections plus power. Twin, triple and quad outboard installations will be set up similar to the present design, with Optimus Electric Steering Actuators controlling adjacent outboards via tie-bars. In addition, the new Electric Steering Actuator will interface with compatible autopilot systems in the same manner as the present Optimus systems. Dometic’s SeaWays Autopilot and SeaStation GPS Anchoring functionality are also built in. The Dometic Optimus Electric Steering Actuator exceeds all applicable marine standards, including NMMA, ABYC, CE and SAE electrical and environmental requirements. The actuators are maintenance free, except for regular greasing of the steering ram via installed zerk fittings. Over 100,000 hours of rigorous testing during development assures safe and reliable performance under harsh salt and freshwater conditions, all in keeping with Dometic’s proven reputation for superior quality. To learn more, visit seastarsolutions.com
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He’ll typically kick the morning off with redfish encounters in depths of 2 feet or less. As the sun grows stronger, he’ll probe docks and structure looking for summer flounder before finishing off with feisty seatrout in feeder creeks. “I’m thinking this season will be a special one if we don’t get smacked by any major storms,” said Collins. “There’s tons of bait around already, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen as many mullet as we have this year. Crabs and small menhaden are abundant, too. Plus we have tons of shrimp; everything loves shrimp.” By Tom Schlichter Collins targets early morning reds around oyster bars, oyster reefs and oyster rocks in water that is generally hip-deep or less. He’ll work shoal areas and Seatrout: Dale Collins puts a fare even dig into the grass on White Oak Sound, White Oak River and the area on a pretty Oak River area sea trout. Photo courtesy of Do or Die surrounding Swansboro with a 7-foot, 6- to 10-pound class Star Seagis rod. His Charters, Swansboro, N.C. lure of choice for the reds is a Skitter Walk SW11 in a golden mullet pattern that always seems to bring surface thrills. Backing off the edges and working near docks and structure, he’ll switch to a ¾-ounce white Spro bucktail tipped with a 4-inch Berkley Gulp! pearl-white shrimp for the flatties. “For the reds,” disclosed Collins, “I keep a second rod rigged with a Z-Man soft plastic or Gulp! Jerk Shad impaled on a weedless screw-style hook. If a redfish blows up on the topwater but misses, I immediately send the soft plastic his way. He’ll slam that as soon as it starts to sink.” For flounder, Collins hops his bucktail about a foot at a time, but it’s vital you actually feel it strike bottom on the drop. “Most hits come as the lure falls, and if you don’t feel it hit bottom it’s probably in a fish’s mouth,” he said. “Strike immediately, because those flounder spit a lure out quickly once they realize it’s a fake.” As for the specks, Collins recommends getting on them as soon as possible. “You’ll find the biggest fish arrive first,” he said. Throw a Mirrolure MR 17 or ou’ve got to love fall’s promise here in North Carolina,” said Capt. Dale 18, or try my personal favorite: a Zoom Golden Bream on a 1/16-ounce jighead. Collins, of Fish or Die Charters (www.fishordiecharters; 252-422- Man can that lure catch some fish! Just work it slow and allow time for it to get 4236) in Swansboro, North Carolina. “The water temperatures are down deep. If you think you are fishing slowly enough, slow down a little more.” starting to cool and there’s plenty of red drum, flounder and big seatrout in our bays and creeks. Indeed, it’s my favorite time of year to fish around here.” If you’d like to fish the Swansboro area on your own, Collins suggests Collins should know. He’s built a reputation putting fares on big fish in launching from Cedar Point Wildlife Ramp near Dudley’s Marina (https:// skinny water in this area west of Morehead City and separated from Pamlico www.dudleysmarinanc.com; 252-393-2204) in Swansboro. For overnight accommodations Best Western Plus (252-393-9015) is right near the launch. Sound on the southern side of Cape Lookout.
SWANSBORO, NC: FALL ROCKS WITH REDS, FLOUNDER AND SEATROUT
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SIGHT CASTING TO LOUISIANA’S BIG BULL REDS ON THE FLY
Photo courtesy of Michael Booth Jr.
I
t’s no secret that the Louisiana coast is an inshore angler’s dream. A seemingly endless tangle of interconnected waterways, with big salt lakes, canals, grass, oysters and mud flats make the bayous south of New Orleans the No. 1 destination in the world for redfish. Places like Grand Isle, Cocodrie, Venice, Delacroix and Hopedale are the destinations for redfish anglers seeking out some of the best fishing on the planet. The region is filthy with reds, and targeting big bulls with a fly rod is the ultimate thrill. Angler Michael Booth Jr. and his buddies, many who are local captains, have made a practice of sight fishing these monsters. Instead of working the grass to find individual bulls or pods of slotsized redfish, they move out deeper on the big lakes in search of
schools of big bulls, which usually hunt in the 3- to 4-foot depths 100 to 200 yards off the grass. “The weather has to be good for a couple weeks beforehand for the water to be clean enough to see them,” said Booth “When we go out looking for schools of big fish, we start about 20 yards out and pole that line until we figure out where the reds are holding that day. Then they’ll usually all be in that same area.” On certain special days, when a strong northeast wind and a low tide suck the water out of the marsh around Hopedale, those 4-foot depths become 2 feet and spotting fish is easy. “Those big bulls will all be belly crawling with their backs out of the water,” said Booth. But normally, finding fish means looking for the telltale dark triangles of tails and fins or fish pushing water as they chase bait and root for crabs. Booth said a good pair of green-mirror glasses with amber lenses makes it easier to distinguish the shadows and colors of a big redfish in tannic-stained water. Once you find them, tempting them to eat a fly is a matter of trial and error to find the fly and retrieve they want on a given day. Booth prefers fishing on top, and a size 2 Surface Seducer Double Barrel popper is the hot bait at the moment. Booth likes purple, gold, chartreuse, black and combinations of those colors. Sometimes, when the fish aren’t feeding as actively, Booth said he’s forced to fish something that sinks. A size 2 shrimp pattern with extra large dumbbell eyes becomes the bait of choice. Again, purple and chartreuse work well, as do more natural tan or olive patterns. A 10-weight rod, floating line and a 50-40-30 leader with 12 to 18 inches of 16- to 20-pound tippet are in order. Booth said he’s seen days that brought 10 fish over 20 pounds to the rail and others when a single 40-pound red was reason for rejoicing. “Any day you’re able to catch a 20-plus-pound bull red on a fly is pretty awesome,” he said.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I NATIONAL 15 was At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means thatI the OCTOBER specified comparison, 2019 which is an item with the same or similar function,
*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 2/3/20.
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advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.
9/3/19 12:37 PM
10 CIGARS +HUMIDOR
only $19
99*
160 value! $
You’ve landed in cigar heaven! Take advantage of this amazing offer from America’s biggest cigar retailer, Cigars International. Ten premium handmade cigars from industry giants like Rocky Patel, Gurkha, Toraño, and many more. That’s worth the price of admission alone, but I’m also including a gorgeous, 40-capacity desktop humidor. The whole package is worth $160, but it’s yours right now for just $1999.* That’s nearly 90% off MSRP! Accept no imitators.
Visit: www.CigarsIntl.com/SA7744 Enter the complete web address or search keyword: SA7744
1-888-244-2790
Mention code SA7744 | Item #: CA62-SP Includes 1 each of: HC • Mark Twain • 5 Vegas • Amati Ramón Bueso • Bahia • La Perla Habana • CAO • Gurkha • Toraño + 40-Capacity Desktop Humidor
FREE 16
NATIONAL
I
OCTOBER 2019
I
40-CAPACITY DESKTOP HUMIDOR
*Plus $499 s/h. Purchase may be subject to state or local sales tax where applicable. First-time purchasers only. One per customer. No sales to anyone under the age of 21. We do not ship to Utah or South Dakota. For more information see www.CigarsIntl.com/SHIP. Offer expires 11/15/19.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Field Dress For Success
The hunt for the perfect outdoorsman knife is over. There’s only one tool you need: the Whitetail™ Hunting Knife—now ONLY $49!
T
he consummate outdoorsman never goes on deep woods hunting trips without the essentials. Not just the basics for every hunting trip, but the items he’s come to depend on over the years. Our new Whitetail™ Hunting Knife will quickly become your go-to blade for every expedition. The Whitetail™ is a premium fixed-blade hunting knife that’s perfect for skinning. With the Whitetail at hand, you’ll be ready for field dressing in only seconds, and you’ll never need a separate gut hook tool ever again. The Whitetail™ boasts a mighty 420 high carbon, full tang stainless steel blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.” The comfortable handle is made from pakkawood—moisture-resistant and more durable than hardwood. If hunting is your life, then the Whitetail™ Knife was designed to make your life easier. With our limited edition Whitetail™ Hunting Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut heavy duty sheath! into your bank account. This knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the EXCLUSIVE art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today! Stauer® 8x21 Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in Compact your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. Binoculars If you don’t feel like we What customers are saying -a $99 valuecut you a fair deal, send it with purchase of about Stauer knives... Whitetail™ Hunting back within 30 days for a Knife complete refund of the êêêêê item sale price. But we “Good value. Great looking. believe that once you wrap Sufficiently sharp. Overall your fingers around the an “A” purchase and Whitetail’s handle, you’ll I ordered three.” be ready to carve your own — B. of Maryland niche into the wild frontier.
FREE
Whitetail™ Hunting Knife $79*
Offer Code Price Only $49 + S&P Save $30 PLUS Free Stauer Compact Binoculars
1-800-333-2045
TAKE 38 % OFF INST ANTLY! When you use
your
INSIDER OFFER CO DE
Your Insider Offer Code: WHK291-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.
Stauer
® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. WHK291-01
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337
www.stauer.com
Not shown actual size.
*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
Rating of A+
• 5 ¼” 420HC stainless steel blade • Full-tang design with gut hook • Pakkawood handle with brass pins • Bonus heavy duty nylon sheath
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary ®
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12/19/18 3:50 PM