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SARASOTA/BRADENTON/VENICE EDITION

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HARDCORE

TUNA

MYSTERIOUS

SAILFISH Sept. 9-11 • Orlando PHOTO CREDIT: DARCIZZLE OFFSHORE COURTESY OF HAIRCLUB / WWW.HAIRCLUB.COM VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 317

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM

F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

AUGUST 2021

Upper Class Just Got Lower Priced Finally, luxury built for value— not for false status

ntil Stauer came along, you needed an inheritance to buy a timepiece with class and refinement. Not any more. The Stauer Magnificat II embodies the impeccable quality and engineering once found only in the watch collections of the idle rich. Today, it can be on your wrist. The Magnificat II has the kind of thoughtful design that harkens back to those rare, 150-year-old moon phases that once could only be found under glass in a collector’s trophy room. Powered by 27 jewels, the Magnificat II is wound by the movement of your body. An exhibition back reveals the genius of the engineering and lets you witness the automatic rotor that enables you to wind the watch with a simple flick of your wrist. It took three years of development and $26 million in advanced Swiss-built watch-making machinery to create the Magnificat II. When we took the watch to renowned watchmaker and watch historian George Thomas, he disassembled it and studied the escapement, balance wheel and the rotor. He remarked on the detailed guilloche face, gilt winding crown, and the crocodile-embossed leather band. He was intrigued by the three interior dials for day, date, and 24-hour moon phases. He estimated that this fine timepiece would cost over $2,500. We all smiled and told him that the Stauer price was less than $100. A truly magnificent watch at a truly magnificent price! Try the Magnificat II for 30 days and if you are not receiving compliments, please return the watch for a full refund of the purchase price. The precision-built movement carries a 2 year warranty against defect. If you trust your own good taste, the Magnificat II is built for you.

Stauer Magnificat II Timepiece $399* Offer Code Price

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The Stauer Magnificat II is powered by your own movement

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14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. MAG571-08 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337

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† Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

• Luxurious gold-finished case with exposition back • 27-jeweled automatic movement • Croc-embossed band fits wrists 6¾"–8½" • Water-resistant to 3 ATM

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

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Now, THIS is a Knife! This 16" full tang stainless steel blade is not for the faint of heart —now ONLY $99!

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n the blockbuster film, when a strapping Australian crocodile hunter and a lovely American journalist were getting robbed at knife point by a couple of young thugs in New York, the tough Aussie pulls out his dagger and says “That’s not a knife, THIS is a knife!” Of course, the thugs scattered and he continued on to win the reporter’s heart. Our Aussie friend would approve of our rendition of his “knife.” Forged of high grade 420 surgical stainless steel, this knife is an impressive 16" from pommel to point. And, the blade is full tang, meaning it runs the entirety of the knife, even though part of it is under wraps in the natural bone and wood handle. Secured in a tooled leather sheath, this is one impressive knife, with an equally impressive price. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99, 8x21 power compact binoculars, and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Down Under Bowie Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Down Under Bowie Knifes for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip BONUS! Call today and through your fingers at a price that won’t drag you’ll also receive this you under. Call today! genuine leather sheath!

Stauer® 8x21 Compact Binoculars -a $99 value-

with purchase of Down Under Knife

What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

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“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN

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“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO

Down Under Bowie Knife $249*

Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $150

1-800-333-2045

Your Insider Offer Code: DUK212-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price. Rating of A+

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DUK212-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who useNot the offer code versus the shown listed original Stauer.com price. actual size.

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

• Etched stainless steel full tang blade ; 16” overall • Painted natural bone and wood handle • Brass hand guards, spacers & end cap • Includes genuine tooled leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

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EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:

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4 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

Sizzling Hot Deals From Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event Suzuki’s Summer Sales Event is finally here! It’s time to get to your local Suzuki Marine Dealer for a sizzling hot deal on the Ultimate Outboard Motor. You can get Low-Rate Financing on the all new DF140BG with Drive by Wire Technology, or our Flagship DF350. Get all the details at your participating Suzuki Marine Dealer.

REPOWER FINANCE

YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†

REPOWER FINANCE Rates as low as 5.99% on new Suzuki outboards on approved credit.* [60 Months]

*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ 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 from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. 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. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.

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ISTIOPHORUS: THE MYSTERIOUS SAILFISH

By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

he sailfish is one of the most commonly caught billfish. Due to its proclivity for shallower coastal waters and frequency of ascension to the surface, the odds of catching one of these beauties can be much greater than for other billfish. There is little scientific certainty about the mysterious behavior of sailfish. They exhibit a general migratory pattern throughout the year, but they often break their own rules and show up unexpectedly. Summer sailfish catches are generally more associated with the Gulf of Mexico, yet they do appear on the Atlantic coast this time of year, as well. Sailfishing in the Florida Keys is usually a late autumn and early spring

bite. It can be an absolute catching frenzy. However, in July, following the passage of tropical storm Elsa, sailfish were seen tailing at the surface, cruising the waves along a strong current line off of Marathon Key. It was a bizarre and welcomed phenomenon. The conditions that followed the storm created a concise current line, with greener nearshore waters touching the blue water, and a milky powder-blue highway running down the center. Sailfish were spotted swimming east to west at the top of the waves, and seemed to dive deeper to circle back. The locals are no strangers to this phenomenon that occurs in the Keys. Though the time of year may be unpredictable, anglers are always ready to make the most of it. This type of fishing requires polarized sunglasses and a tower boat. Slowly creeping through the powder blue highway, scan the waves for black torpedo shapes or blobs that resemble black garbage bags. Hunt for the opportunity to sight cast live baits. Without the visual vantage of a tower, trolling lures or bump trolling live bait may be more productive than trying to spot them from deck level. Sailfish truly are an incredible and unpredictable species. Very few have been successfully tagged, and few have held a tag long enough to transmit much information. Of those tagged for up to a year, their patterns were generally erratic. They seem to be extremely transient, foraging and spawning in many different coastal regions, predictably unpredictable, like majestic aquatic gypsies. Commonalities in their behavior are that they primarily stay within a water temperature of approximately 80 degrees; they mostly stay near the surface, rarely diving below 300 feet; and they exhibit extremely curious evening routines. All of the transmissions showed sailfish spending the evening within 30 feet of the surface, descending briefly before sunrise and sunset. They were also observed to be active nightly, seemingly unaffected by lunar phases. Help uncover the mysteries of sailfish by reporting tagged fish or by visiting billfish.org to purchase a tagging kit. Remember to handle sailfish with care and revive them before release when necessary. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon fishes with Blue Magic Charters out of Marathon, Fla. Check her out her Instagram @CaptainQuinlyn, her website CaptainQuinlyn.com, or call (504) 920-6342.

MFD

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

AUGUST 2021

NATIONAL 7

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W N E IG S N DE

The Biggest Event In Silver Dollar History!

he American Silver Eagle has been the most popular silver coin on the planet since its introduction in 1986. Its beautiful, iconic design inspires collectors, and investors love it because it’s struck in one full ounce of 99.9% fine silver, and guaranteed for weight and fineness by the U.S. Government. Now in 2021, for the first time ever, the coin’s design is changing.

The Most Important Coins in the Modern Era

When President Ronald Reagan signed the Liberty Coin Act into law, he didn’t know American Eagles would have the impact they’ve had, year after year. The coins were so popular that between 1986 and 2020, over 535 million were struck. That’s more than HALF A BILLION coins, easily making Silver Eagles the most bought coins in the world. Hugely popular now, Silver Eagles may soon become even more popular!

Collectors Crave Firsts

Collectors covet coins with Key Dates. Key Dates mark significance in a coin’s history...firsts, lasts, lowest mintage,

new finishes and new designs. Now, for the first time in over three-and-a-half decades, the Silver Eagle is getting a new design, leading to a historic “first” unlike anything we’ve seen. The iconic Heraldic Eagle reverse is being replaced by a beautiful new “Eagle Landing” design. This is arguably a bigger deal than even the actual introduction of the coin because there’s so much more interest now than in 1986, with investors and collectors!

If You Knew Then What You Know Now...

If you’d had a crystal ball in 1986, you undoubtedly would have grabbed every Silver Eagle you could get. Those coins in uncirculated condition continue to be sought-after. Now you’re getting another chance to land a big Silver Eagle first, a Key Date. Additionally, since these newly designed Silver Eagles are only being released during the second half of 2021, it’s quite possible this will be one of the lowest mintages we’ve seen. That’s significant because it could make 2021 a DOUBLE Key Date, with both a new design and a low mintage. Demand for these coins is already sky-high, but if that

happens, watch out! No one can predict the future value of silver, but many Americans are rushing to stock up, for themselves, and their loved ones.

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. NRE155-02 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

DADDYghter u a DOFF DAYS VIRGINIA BEACH

By Nick Carter

or Matt Metelsky, daddy-daughter time with his 17-year-old is a little more involved than a trip to the ice cream parlor. Matt’s daughter Lily is a rising high school senior. She loves nothing more than waking up at 2 a.m. to run 85 miles off Virginia Beach and troll the edge of the Continental Shelf with her dad. In late June, the duo fished the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, where Lily placed second in the Lady Angler division with a yellowfin that weighed 39.9 pounds. But that’s not her biggest tuna to-date. Her heaviest yellowfin weighed 44 pounds. She caught it last summer, and at 5-foot-4 and 115 pounds, it took her about 15 minutes to haul it in stand-up with a belt. “I don’t know. We do wood work on the side, so we load wood, and I guess that gives you some back strength,” Lily offered as explanation for feats of fishing strength. “We always stay active. With Dad, it’s work hard, play harder.” Lily’s strength and stamina are a given considering she qualified and is working as an oceanfront lifeguard at Virginia Beach this summer. Matt, however, has another explanation for his daughter’s skill, as well as her love for this hard-core style of fishing. Lily was 5 years old when Matt purchased his Contender 25 with twin 150s. At a tender age, Lily cut her teeth going toe-to-toe with hard-pulling spadefish in 50 feet of water, 20 miles offshore. “I’m thinking the technique she picked up with those spades when she was little just kind of morphed over into the tuna,” Matt said. “It really amazes

me she is able to battle those things stand-up.” Lily began joining Matt for long days offshore when she turned 13. She was 15 the summer of 2019 when she was first physically able to handle a yellowfin—a 26-pounder—by herself. But pumping and reeling aren’t Lily’s only deck duties. She helps rig and bait and steers the boat while her dad deploys an eight-rod spread on the Gulf Stream. Last Jan. 11, she manned the helm while Matt battled a 550-pound bluefin. When the handle on the 50w reel broke under the stress, it was Lily’s idea to improvise with a screwdriver and electrical tape to eventually land that fish. The peak yellowfin season is June and July out of Rudee Inlet. Matt and Lily make five or six trips a summer, often with friends. Normal days consist of two or three tuna, some bonita and mahi, and occasionally a white marlin. Two or three times a year, January and February bluefin trips are just for the two of them. There aren’t many people interested in waiting on one big bite in brutal mid-winter conditions, anyway. “She’s just tough as nails,” Matt said of his daughter. “I don’t know how else to describe it. She’s just tough.” Lily doesn’t seem to perceive any hardship. She considers herself lucky to be able to spend time with her dad on the water. “When we’re out there on the boat, it’s just so peaceful,” she said. “I pretty much sleep the whole time. When that reel goes off, that’s my alarm.” For more action from Virginia Beach, visit coastalanglermag.com/tidewater-obx/.

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W r C g e o Y w f s B w h H a o M s a c Q

10 NATIONAL

AUGUST 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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A gemstone 10,000 times rarer than diamonds

So rare, you can only find it one place on earth. Two, if you count Stauer! Over 7 carats of ethereal Larimar— From a remote Caribbean mountain

he rarity of larimar is legendary. Its exquisite beauty, unique color and scarcity make it a truly treasured gem. Found in only one square kilometer of the world, the ONLY source of larimar lies in the relatively inaccessible Bahoruco’s mountains in the Caribbean. Formed by unique combination of volcanic minerals and geological conditions, larimar is very dangerous to get to and therefore is only mined 5 months out of the year. Because of its rarity, few people have ever seen larimar, and it is only recently that the Caribbean yielded its secret to us. But luckily, the prices are not controlled by a syndicate so this rare stone is still affordable, as long as you know where to look. And, you’ve come to the right place, we are your ticket to paradise. We’ve crafted rare larimar into remarkable jewelry that’s also remarkably affordable. Each stone in our Sea of Love Larimar Collection is a picture of perfect swirling blue. Nature guarantees that no two larimar gemstones will be exactly alike, each has a wispy white swirl that looks like the highest clouds on a sun-filled day. You could spend PRAISE FOR STAUER LARIMAR RINGS well over $1,000 “There are not enough adjectives in for a larimar ring the dictionary to describe the beauty set in sterling silver. and excellence of this ring. Buy it, do But why would you not wait.” — C., Longwood, FL when you can bring her this gorgeous stone for an exclusive Stauer price. Her Satisfaction is 100% Guaranteed. If she’s not swept away within 30 days, simply return your purchase for a refund of the item price. Mother Nature has given us such a small quantity of this beautiful stone and there is no way to replenish the few carats that are available. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own this captivating gemstone that’s 10,000 times rarer than diamonds. Quantities are extremely limited, so please act quickly!

Add the entire collection to your jewelry ensemble C.

Jewelry shown is not exact size

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A. Ring (7 ¹⁄2 carat) ............................... $299 $99* Save $200 B. Earrings (5 ctw) ..............................$299 $99* Save $200 C. Pendant (7 ¹⁄2 carat) ..........................$299 $149* Save $150 18" Sterling Silver Cable Chain ........... $59 D. 7 ¹⁄2" Bracelet (7 ³⁄4 ctw) .....................$299 $149* Save $150 Pendant, Chain, Earrings & Bracelet $956 $299 Save $657 Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

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By Nick Carter

BAY COUNTY’S

t the mid-point of the Florida Panhandle, St. Andrew Bay dominates the map of Bay County, flanking Panama City on three sides. It’s a 107-square-mile inshore playground that bustles with all sorts of watersports during the heavy tourism months. But there’s a quieter side to St. Andrew. With access points spread throughout Bay County, skinny water is where it’s at for redfish anglers. The water is clear and maintains predictably high salinity thanks to limited freshwater inflow. There are vast prairies of spartina grass, cut through with channels, as well as acres of sand, mud and grass flats. Much of it is accessible only to shallow-draft vessels, and therein is the allure for folks seeking respite 2 FLORIDA

AUGUST 2021

from party pontoons and jet skis. When you’re in less than 2 feet of water, the only other boats you’ll see are kayaks, paddleboards and flats skiffs. “I fell in love with inshore fishing and kayaking here because of the ease and lower expense,” said Josh Damon, who hails from Fountain, Fla., about 25 miles north of Panama City. “I enjoy the tranquility and access to areas big boats can’t reach.” The fishing is good, too. Damon is a passionate angler who enjoys inshore tournaments, so he specializes in redfish on artificials. He said a good day might results in five or six reds from 18 to 24 inches, with a few trout or flounder thrown into a mixed bag. He fishes from a paddle-powered kayak, which is perfectly at home in the one-and-a-half-foot depths he prefers. Redfish are comfortable and free from predatory threats in extreme shallows, and it’s also where the food is. St. Andrew reds grow fat on mullet, mud minnows, pinfish and a variety of other little baitfish. With good visibility, sight fishing is a good tactic. This time of year, there’s usually a good topwater bite in the mornings and evenings, and walking baits are a favorite of many anglers. Damon, however, fishes soft plastics almost exclusively. With tackle modifications, they can be worked across the top, bounced on the bottom or fished anywhere in between. They’re delicate enough for sight casting and also make great chunk-and-wind search baits. “Aside from the versatility of a soft-plastic bait, I don’t want a fish flopping around in the kayak with six hooks,” Damon said. At St. Andrew, Damon’s go-to lure is a 4-inch D.O.A. C.A.L. Shad Tail rigged on a 1/8-ounce 4/0 Screw Lock jig head. He likes the Houdini color and dresses it with Kings Stank Stick, a scent product he said increases hookups. He fishes variations of this set-up, but this basic rig gets the job done. For safety reasons as well effective fishing, planning is key. Damon studies wind and tide before selecting a put-in on a given day. With the whole bay to choose from, he’s looking for a location that will provide long drifts over productive water. Follow Josh Damon’s adventures on his Facebook page Josh Damon’s Inshore Fishing. For information on kayaking the Panama City area, check out Sunjammers at www.sunjammers.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PHAMILY CUSTOM 360 KAYAK LIGHTS

IN THE

STILL OF THE NIGHT By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

ith the dog days upon us, night fishing can be productive and much more comfortable than slogging it out during the heat of the day. Many fish feed aggressively in the still of the night. They can be

targeted by anglers in multiple ways in different locations. Here are a few options to try. I’ve utilized all three methods and found success with each. • Perhaps the coolest strategy is wade fishing in the dark. Large trout and redfish move unbelievably shallow under the cover of the night sky, and tossing a topwater plug on the flats can result in exciting explosions. I typically wade in the dark without lights, other than a headlamp for changing lures or unhooking fish. With vision impaired, your sense of hearing is on high alert. Nighttime is quiet on the water, which makes the commotion of a topwater take startling. It can give the impression that a fish is larger than it really is. That’s part of the excitement of a topwater bite! For safety reasons, I only wade at night in areas I know well and have fished many times. • Another way to beat the heat is to focus on dock lights. This can be done from the dock, a kayak or a boat. Many canal homes have lights, both under water and above the surface. Lights attract baitfish, which in-turn attract the gamefish we target. Trout, reds and snook are all drawn to baitfish around lights at night. I like to target these areas with smaller lures. In this situation, I’ve had a lot of success throwing my Knockin Tail Lures, which are soft-plastic paddletails with a built-in rattle. Small, lipped hard baits can also be very productive around canal lights. I prefer natural colors, with some shade of white or clear and some silver mixed in. • Fish also feed around rock jetties at night. The setup for this bite requires a little more work, but it can yield terrific results. When jetty fishing, I bring a generator and two 1,500 watt stage lights. These areas typically have more current, so I fish slightly larger lipped hard lures, but I still go with the smallest lure I can work properly in the current. I stick with the same color pattern as mentioned earlier. The channel and surf side of the rocks can both be productive depending on the tide, water clarity and bait presence. I recommend pointing one light in each direction until you determine which areas have the best conditions. Night fishing definitely brings new challenges, but it can offer some of the best catching of the summer. Remember, safety first and don’t fish alone. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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SCALLOPING

Reports Look Mighty Good

By CAM Staff

eports from a few of the historic scalloping hotspots indicated a very good beginning to the season. Capt. Katie Jo Davis, of KD Outdoors Fishing Charters, said scalloping out of Crystal River and Homosassa has been great. “It’s been fantastic. It’s been a lot better year than the last few to be sure,” she said. “They have also been larger than in recent years. The quantity and quality are very good, and I expect it to continue into August and September.” Davis said they are finding scallops six and seven at a time in 2 to 6 feet of water. She took her 6-year-old out, and it took them about an hour to get their 2-gallon limit. Up in Steinhatchee, there are reports of plentiful scallops. Headed north out of the river, scallopers are seeing tons of scallops in 6- to 7-foot depths. The bottom is loaded with them, but they are on the small side. Headed south, scallops are running larger, but there are not as many. Either way, quick limits are being reported. With the bulk of the season still ahead for most of the scalloping zones and Gulf County opening up this month, it’s shaping up to be a mighty good year for scallops. For regulations and information, go to myfwc.com.

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August is here and it is HOT By: Capt. Philip Watson

he thought of fall is coming into frame. August is right in the peak of the shallower red grouper fishing. The bulk of these fish will hold in 85’-115’ of water getting fat for their spawn when the water cools down. Big dead baits usually do the trick but

quick if they are there. This month’s trip high light was with Shayne and his boys. I’ve fished this family for a number of years now and each trip gets better and better. We set out on our 6-hour charter with a stiff east wind which made the ride out a little bumpier than we would like, but lets face it this summer has been just plain windy out there. After the bumpy battle we finally settled in 90’ of water, where we met with some hungry Mangrove and Lane snapper. Shayne mentioned how some keeper grouper would really make his wife happy, so we pulled anchor and cruised about a mile to some hard bottom and picked up 6 health fish with 2 scratching 30 inches! Withing the grouper madness Charlie hooks and lands a 6-7’ nurse shark, by him self mainly. What an awesome catch for a 12-year-old. don’t shy away from live baits like your pinfish, pigfish, and white Fishing has been great and season is starting to wind down and we baits. Most of these fish will be under bait stacks, with some stacks do have some openings, for the last half of august and all of Septemholding many fish. Don’t be surprised to catch 5-10 fish on a spot but ber we will only be running 4- and 6-hour fishing trips. be sure to move if you’re not seeing grouper, they will eat your bait

Just Kickin Back Charters | justfishfl.com | 941-226-1100

FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINESARASOTA/ | AUGUST 2021 | SARASOTA / BRADENTON 1

HOT! HOT! HOT! By: Eric Henson

ugust is most certainly a few giant females hanging with one of the hottest months them. Trout- Look for them to of the year but it can be be a little bit deeper than usual. quite productive if you follow the They will be hanging out on drop summer patterns with extremeoffs and deeper grass-flats where ly high water temps this time of the water temps are a little cooler. year, getting out on the water Redfish- This is one of my favorbefore day break can really make ite months of the year for redfish. a difference in having an ok day These fish will be joining forces of fishing to having an outstandin huge schools scouring the flats ing day! At daybreak I always for their next meal. A lot of the start out throwing a search bait redfish will be upper to over-slot like a Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Pencil fish but tons of fun to catch! With “top-water lure”. Search bait such water temps as hot as they are… If as these will help you locate the the fish are acting too sluggish to fish when it is still pretty difficult chase down a lure, don’t be afraid to see outside. Also, it doesn’t to slow things down a bit. Maybe get much better than hearing or even save one or two of those pesseeing the explosion of a feedky pinfish or lady fish to use for a ing fish. Then as the sun starts to little cut bait. Sometimes a piece creep up, I start to mix in some of chunk bait on a circle hook can soft-plastics like the Monster3X be the golden ticket! Make sure Paddle-X or the X-Tail. Snookto be safe, stay hydrated, and reMost of these fish will generally spect your fellow anglers on the be stacked up in the passes and on the beaches for their annual spawn. waters at all times! There is plenty of water out there for everyone. Tight Keep your eyes open for pods of them to be hanging close together lines and Tight knots to all! and don’t be surprised to run into larger schools as well. You will genCasting Kayaks | CastingKayaks.com | 941-504-1349 erally find a bunch of smaller males up to about 20 inches and then

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2 SARASOTA / BRADENTON | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/SARASOTA/

Freedive Spearfishing in SWFl

By: Capt. Chad Carney

ant to learn to freedive and 1994 Kirk Krack and I both joined Technical spearfish? Soon to be spearos Diving International (TDI) and then Scuba think about the Keys or SE Diving International (SDI). Kirk made Florida where the water is clear in shallow history in 2000 founding Performance depths and they overlook the SW & W FL Freediving International (PFI), the first Gulf coast, where I grew up. In the early agency in BC Canada & the US. Also, in 70’s I started skin diving (much later named 2000 I started my company Florida Skin freediving) and because there was no Diver, took PFI’s Advanced Course in 2003 training, I listened to senior skin divers and and made my deepest freedive to 114-ft. soon could hit 60 feet. Many of these seniors Kirk has trained 23 World Record holders, built their own boats & found dive sites including his wife Mandy-Rae Cruickshank, in 45’ to 60’ with just a compass and a red Martin Stepanek, Brett Lemaster and Tanya flashing bottom finder! No GPS or Loran. Streeter. He taught celebrities Tiger Woods, Many took up scuba and hated donning all Tom Cruise & Margo Robbie, Lindsey that gear to find poor quality fish on their Vonn, Woody Harrelson, and is working drops. I became their human fish finder! with James Cameron’s actors for Avatar 2. With 20’ to 25’ visibility, I could spot gags PFI has certified over 10,000 free divers and hogfish quickly without spooking’em, and as of July 2019, Krack brought PFI into but my mentors made me leave my gun in International Training, joining TDI, SDI, & the boat while scouting. Then we slayed’em! ERDI. So, I think it’s time for me to become With today’s electronics SW FL captains a PFI Instructor. can return to secret wrecks, sinks, towers and short ledges and potholes SW FL is a great place to freedive, with abundant quality fish to with great spearfishing spread all over 100-nautical miles. spear! Capt. Chad Scuba training took off in the western hemisphere, but freediving chad.carney@yahoo.com took a lot longer. My 1977 National Association of Skin-Diving Schools https://www.facebook.com/floridaskindiver/ (NASDS) instructor certification allowed me to teach Skin Diving but https://www.deeperblue.com/beginners-guide-spearfishing/ not deeper than 30-ft. Later they renamed NASDS from Skin to Scuba. In

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FACEBOOK.COM/COASTALANGLERMAGAZINESARASOTA/ | AUGUST 2021 | SARASOTA / BRADENTON 3

A 12-foot female smalltooth sawfish collected by Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office near Marvin Key. Credit: Monroe County Sheriff ’s Office.

A 16-foot female smalltooth sawfish collected by FWC in the Florida Keys. Credit: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

SAWFISH NEWS by Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

Investigating death – what we can learn from recent sawfish mortalities.

everal institutions conduct research activities on the biology, distribution, and ecology of endangered smalltooth sawfish in the United States. These partners include state and federal governments, universities, nonprofits, museums, and international organizations. Results of these research projects inform management decisions and enhance recovery efforts for this endangered species. In this Sawfish News we are going to focus on the information we gather from necropsies, the thorough examination and dissection of sawfish carcasses. The purpose of necropsies is to collect samples for gaining insight into the biology of the species and to attempt to determine the cause of death. Necropsies of sawfish which have died in the wild provide the opportunity to collect data necessary for understanding age, growth, maturity, and reproduction. In the case of other, non-endangered species this type of biological data is typically gathered by sacrificing some individuals within the population. But sacrificing any endangered sawfish is not an option given their reduced population size, so carcass recoveries provide scientists with these valuable opportunities. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sawfish biologists recently responded to collect several large smalltooth sawfish which had died in the Florida Keys. Curiously all were large females; one a mature 16-foot female, https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/photos/a.611845082164895/4713223488693680 and another an immature female measuring 12 feet, 4 inches long https://www. facebook.com/floridakeyssheriff/posts/10157727440136816. The 16foot sawfish was particularly interesting as it was the longest measured by scientists in the United States since research began on the species. There were no obvious causes of death for any of the sawfish recovered from the Keys this spring (whether natural or environmental); however, a number of samples were collected from each. At the very least though, valuable life history information will continue be collected from each carcass due to the swift response from Keys-based FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute staff and Monroe County Sheriff’s Office personnel to secure the carcasses for study. Sawfish biologists are working to learn as much as possible from all samples they collect from necropsies. The vertebrae will be used to

determine the age of each sawfish. Reproductive tissues will be used to assess the reproductive status (mature or immature) of each dead sawfish. and used in combination with age and length to fine tune both age and length at maturity for females in the wild population. DNA collected from tissue samples will be sequenced to compare to other sawfish throughout Florida, which is useful in understanding population structure, diversity within the population, and both the size and health of the current population in comparison to the historical one. Stable isotopic analyses can be run on tissue samples and compared to a variety of potential prey items in the environment to determine the diet and trophic position of smalltooth sawfish within the food web. Blood samples are collected from sawfish to investigate reproductive status as hormones within the blood can be used to assess reproductive maturity and timing. Samples are preserved for further analysis in the future which may provide insight into environmental conditions at their time of death. Collection of the sawfish and necropsy activities were conducted pursuant to NMFS ESA Permit No. 21043. If you catch or see a sawfish (living or dead), take a quick photograph of the sawfish, estimate its size, note your location, and please share the details with scientists. The details of your sightings or catches of sawfish help scientists collect valuable information to help monitor the population and track the recovery progress. You can share your information by visiting www.SawfishRecovery.org, calling 1-844-4SAWFISH, emailing sawfish@myfwc.com, or submitting the information through the FWC Reporter app.

4 SARASOTA / BRADENTON | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/SARASOTA/

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“You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know” By: Capt. Sue Nerud

y passion for boats on the water started at a young age. Growing up in Minnesota, my father was a big-time fisherman. We boated the Great Lakes and the lakes around our home town. He was also an avid Larson boat lover, which I am assuming is where my love for Larsons' started! I met "Alpha Mare" for the first time in Minnesota. I was hanging by the lake and saw this gorgeous 22-foot cabin cruiser fly by. She was for sale AND she was a Larson cuddy cabin. I hailed the owner over, discussed the boat and asked to drive her. I got behind the helm, and I knew within five minutes she was mine. She had everything I was looking for: The deep V, the big 260 HP Merc Cruiser, and the cabin, including a closed in head. My connection with her was immediate, however, I was in the middle of selling my farm and I didn’t have cash. Hmmm..... So, after further discussions with the owner, I did my first and only barter. I swapped my skid steer tractor for the boat. He needed the skid steer, I needed the boat, it was a match made in heaven. Done deal. I spent the next weekend with her at my local lake and that fall my life's journey finally took me to Florida - that was 20 years ago. Everyone said “you can’t move to Florida, "you can’t take that boat to Florida, that's a fresh water boat". But I will tell you, this little boat has given me more enjoyment, more pleasure, and more fun than I ever thought possible. I believe getting up close and personal with your boat, means spending as much time on the water as possible, so I found a marina on the river, packed my stuff in storage, and lived on her for six months. Yes, that was another thing that everybody said I couldn’t do! Needless to say, I was a bit unprepared for some of my new adventures in Florida. To begin, no one told me that a single screw boat has a

lot less maneuverability. Especially in the wind. My very first weekend at the marina, I was out and a storm came in quick, as they do down here. It was late, really windy and I needed to get her back. The wind had picked up big time and I simply could not get her into the slip, stern first. I tried several times, in a very enclosed, very full marina and in a tight spot. So, I had to go bow first and then hunker down for the storm. At that time, I did not know what a spring line was, nor do I think I tied her correctly. But, I was safe .... or so I thought. In the middle of the night, I wake up to spewing water over my bow. During the night, my bow-pulpit had gotten underneath the dock and underneath the water spicket for my slip. Dang, not only did it break the water spicket off but my pulpit was severely damaged. It was at that point, I understood why everyone told me to go stern first into the slip. Lightbulb moment! So, what's a girl to do? I did the famous “walk of shame “ down the dock and tried to call the dockmaster. Quickly, my neighbors realize they have no water. Ultimately, the damage I did before forced them to shut off all the water at the marina, including the pool, showers and bathroom. News flew through the marina like wildfire, the whole marina was looking for the newbie women from MN who caused the issue. To this day, 20 years later, when I go to that marina, people remember that day and still laugh about it and now so do I. It was a very expensive learning experience. My hope is you find my coming columns entertaining, funny and maybe, just maybe, you might learn something along the way. I leave you with my quote: "If you don’t have tattoos on your boat, you’re not boating enough." To clean water, good seas, and blue skies! Captain Sue and "Alpha Mare"

6 SARASOTA / BRADENTON | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/SARASOTA/

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8 SARASOTA / BRADENTON | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/SARASOTA/

Summer Snapper By: Capt. Bart Marx

Tyler caught this 29” Red in Charlotte Harbor w/ Capt. Bart.

ello fellow anglers, things in Florida are open for business and it is good. Spending some time on the waters can be a little warm this time of year. The fishing can be hot too. The mangrove snapper should be schooled up on the artificial reefs and hard bottom ledges. If you have never chummed for snapper this could be your chance. Anchor just on the edge of the reef and start your chum and draw them to you, this method works well. When things go as planned you can see the snapper on the surface eating the chum. Oh, this is when you would work on your quiet skills, don’t drop anything on the deck or slam any bait tank lids etc. So, when you have the snapper up to the surface you can just use a hook and a small chunk or silverside, or a small sardine. Be sure of what waters you are in as they have different size and bag limits, State or Federal. As you are doing this, if you are out in Federal waters, you may also encounter some yellowtail snapper too, doing this same technique. Use the FWC Fish Rules app for gray/mangrove snapper; State waters 9 miles from the coast bag limit 5 with a 10” length limit, Federal waters beyond 9 miles bag limit 10 with a minimum length of 12”. Yellowtail bag limit 10 and 12” with

a 10 aggregate. The snook should be thinking about going back to their normal homes soon. Spiny lobster season opens this month. There are a few in SWFL waters if you dive and know where there are no goliath in the area. I like to go to the east coast for lobster, from Ft. Lauderdale south to Key Largo. I usually SCUBA dive for them with friends. This could be the time of year to get a hogfish in SWFL. You need to use crustaceans for bait; shrimp, or small crabs in waters from 40 to 80 feet. On my charters I only fish State waters I have a 25’ Parker with a 225 Yamaha 4 stroke that works very well for that. On my inshore trips I have an old school 22’2 Aquasport center console with a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke. So, if you would like to come along and learn some of these techniques on one of my boats or I can come along on yours for a training session to shorten your learning curve give Capt. Bart Marx a call or you could e-mail me (a phone call will get a quicker response). And always remember singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{

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Doing the Opposite By: Capt. Tim Ramsey

sually in fishing you go with what feels right. The wind kicks up and you go searching for the quiet spots in the backcountry. Tide heads out and you fish toward bigger water and avoid the backcountry. Water gets colder and you avoid the beach. Ever think of doing the opposite? I always cursed the wind. It sends your casts off course, pushes the boat in unwanted directions, and often makes a day generally uncomfortable. I always paid strict attention to the tides. I didn’t want to get caught somewhere remote or run over something I couldn’t clear. I was stuck on “incoming tide means bait. Incoming tide means safe operation.” Then I challenged those beliefs. One day, as the tide was going out and wind blowing straight into the backcountry, I decided to head as far back as I could. I rounded the corner of a favorite bay I often use to escape the wind, lowered the trolling motor, and decided to skip the leeward side and fish the exposed, “getting shallower every moment” windward side. The boat caught the wind. I was constantly on the trolling motor and Power Pole remotes, but I kept the Skeeter within casting distance. The water was mere inches deep under the trees, so I didn’t have to be as accurate as possible. Result? I had a banner snook and redfish day. With this success in mind, I fished the windier points and mangrove banks in other familiar places while reminding myself I have enough experience in the backcountry to fish whatever tide I like. I had equal success. I noted that windy spots with shade are even more productive. Sure, you have to do a bunch more boat handling and retrieving a stuck jig or lure can get a bit tricky, but the payoffs can be great. As for

the beach, fish have been there all year and bluefish have been everywhere. Snook and reds appeared out front all year so the old philosophies about their location are constantly challenged. With this experience in mind, I’ve established a few new assumptions and beliefs based on observation. Fish don’t care if the tide is coming in or out. They want the water moving. Hard to be an ambush feeder in still water. Wind pushes bait against the mangroves so your calm side is vastly less productive than the windy side. Windy side means you won’t sweat as much or get eaten by mosquitoes so badly. Embrace low tide in the backcountry. The fish have to go somewhere when the roots are dry. Going back when the water is low teaches you not just about navigation, but fish movement and tidal flow. High tide isn’t always your friend. Too much water is too much water. Remember, take it easy in the backcountry. Don’t cross grass flats if you might dig them up. That ripple you see might not be fast water but the top of a barely submerged oyster bar. Respect others and don’t wake them. Not only does it rock them, but it stirs up mud along the mangroves. Be careful when on your trolling motor upwind of a mangrove bank or oyster bar. It’s surprising how fast the wind can push you into trouble. See you out there.

Friends of the Pelicans

ven if you take precautionary steps to avoid it, sometimes you might hook a bird by accident. That’s when it’s important to remember—don’t cut the line and let the bird fly away with it attached. This will lead to entanglement, resulting in death of that bird and possibly others as well. Instead, follow these simple steps to unhook the bird: Reel. Remove. Release. 1. Wear safety glasses and enlist a partner for help. 2. Reel the bird in slowly and lift it from the water using a hoop net. Even a large pelican weighs only 4-8 pounds 3. Grasp the bird by the head just behind the eyes and fold the wings against the body. For pelicans, hold the beak, keeping the mouth slightly open so it can breathe. Cover the bird’s head with a cloth to keep it calm. 4. Never pull the hook out but carefully push the end through the skin, cut off the barb and back the hook out using pliers or clippers. If the bird is entangled, remove all line. 5. Release the bird (if healthy) by placing it on the ground near the water and allowing it to take off. 6. If the bird has swallowed the hook or is severely injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator from the list at MyFWC.com/unhook.

How else can you help a seabird or wading bird? 1. Don’t feed the birds, which teaches them to approach where they are more likely to be hooked. 2. Dispose of filleted bones where birds can’t get them—in a trash can with lid or at home. Bones of a filleted fish will become lodged in or tear throats, stomachs and intestines leading to the death of that bird . 3. Cover bait buckets and take unused bait home. 4. Dispose of fishing line in a monofilament recycling bin or cut into small pieces and place in the trash. 5. Don’t leave your line unattended. 6. Cast carefully to avoid hooking a bird in flight or being snared on trees, bridge pilings etc. 7. Help others learn what to do when they accidentally hook a bird. It’s pretty easy, once you know how. 8. Sponsored by Friends of the Pelicans, Inc. More detailed information can be found at facebook.com/ friendsofthepelicans. — Photos by Carol Cassels

10 SARASOTA / BRADENTON | AUGUST 2021 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM/SARASOTA/

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Cortez, FL - Aug 2021

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8:20