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VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 315

SATELLITE SCOUT THE BACKWATERS

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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

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

JUNE 2021

GO FROM FISH TO WAKE TO DAD OF THE YEAR IN THE SAME AFTERNOON.

Go from fishing to wakesurfing to conquering the water. The all new 25-foot FSH® Series from Yamaha is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their boating experience. With fishing-friendly features like a GPS Simrad® system and dual livewells, along with a premium layout and the patented Yamaha swim platform, the new 25-foot FSH Series guarantees you’ll be in the center of everything you love about life on the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M

©2021 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.

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Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

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Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES

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he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com

deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

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FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY

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

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$375K GJKT Slated for July 12-17

his month’s CAM cover is dedicated to the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (GJKT) and all of the die-hard kingfish anglers out there. The GJKT, from July 12-17, is a weeklong celebration of fishing in one the East Coast’s great fishing communities. With a festival featuring food, exhibitors and all things nautical, along with several different tournaments, including kids’ tournaments and a redfish tournament, the GJKT has grown into a lot more than just a spectacular kingfish tournament. With the traditional king mackerel tournament season upon us, GJKT is holding one of its richest tournaments ever. Teams will fish July 15-16 out of Jim King Park in Jacksonville, Fla. This year, teams will compete for a first-place prize package valued at more than $160,000. Catch the largest kingfish over two days of fishing, and you could be the proud new owner of a brand new 25T Contender sport fishing boat powered by twin 150hp Yamaha motors. If that’s not the biggest single prize in kingfishing, it has to be close. Fifty other places and divisions will also be paid out, including Lady and Junior Angler prizes, so anglers can still win big even if they aren’t the lucky angler to catch the largest kingfish. The weigh-ins are a sight for spectators to behold, and the total purse is valued at $375,000. The GJKT, one of the oldest kingfish tournaments around, is now in its 41st year. The tournament reached 1,000 entrants before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and it is now on the way back up. Jacksonville Marine Charities (JMC), a 501c3 corporation, is the

parent organization of the GJKT, and all proceeds from the tournament are used to promote and enhance fishing in Northeast Florida. To date, several hundred thousand dollars have been donated for such projects as reef enhancement, marine science education and boater safety issues, to name a few. For more information about the GJKT or JMC, visit kingfishtournament.com.

m COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 7

FOR GROUPER SEASON, IT’S... By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

ith the opening of gag grouper this month throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Florida grouper season is basically open across the board. The regulations for grouper vary greatly from state to state and even within specific regions of each state, so make sure to the latest legal harvest information in the location you plan to fish. With that out of the way, game-on and good luck; it sure will be nice not to have to vent and release these chubby, spotted, pre-sandwiches. Grouper fishing can be a challenge in regions that don’t have surface markings, where anglers rely primarily on coordinates of small hard-bottom patches. The numbers that aren’t completely overfished have been acquired by fishermen who’ve spent years cruising the ocean. Hiring a salty and experienced charter captain is highly recommended for targeting grouper; paying attention to what they tell you is equally as important. If you choose to go it alone, there are a few things recommended to ensure your best chances of success. As opposed to pelagic fishing, where a school of fish can move through, and it may be better to have lighter leader starting out just to entice a bite, you’ll want to gear-up for grouper.

8 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

Losing that first grouper bite can result in shutting down the entire spot. When a large grouper breaks off, especially if it takes the entire rig with the hook and lead with it, that fish will swim back down to its home—where all the other fish are—and sound the danger alarm by grunting. It’s best to start out with heavy line to avoid this, especially if you don’t have more bottom numbers nearby to bounce around to. Make sure your drags are set tight, your gear is on the heavy side, and that you are paying attention when you first arrive at a spot. Cigars can be lit, beers can be shotgunned and rod-holders may be utilized only after you have been at a spot for the second half, or immediately after losing a big fish. If you want to catch spotted sandwiches, or just not cripple your anchor-pulling deckhand, this is important information to apply to your trip. When fishing for grouper, there are many ways to rig for them. Utilizing 60-plus-pound leader, the correct lead for your current and a large circle hook, many different kinds of baits will work. Experiment with squid, shrimp, crab, sardines, live bait and pieces of fresh fish cut a number of different ways. Keep a variety going down, and pay attention to what is getting bites. Don’t forget that if you lose a big one, you are on the right tide and are still marking fish, that you

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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might have chased the bite away. This is the time to take your lunch break, light that cigar, or move spots entirely. If you come visit Marathon this grouper season, there are several restaurants that will cook your catch, but none more specialized in preparing this species for the table than Castaway Restaurant. Their Dijonnaise-style grouper, which is a heavy cream reduction sauce loaded with mushrooms, is top of the line. Remember to ask your crew to cut out the cheeks while they fillet your grouper, especially if you harvested enough of them to add up. Happy hunting, and good luck out there. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters, docked at Castaway Restaurant in Marathon, Fla. Contact Blue Magic at (504) 920-6342 and keep up with Quinlyn through her social media @CaptainQuinlyn.

Stauer Collector’s Series FREE $99 Binoculars With Knife Purchase (see details)

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Beautifully made, magnificent to look at, this knife is a work of art at only $99

t’s not often you happen upon a blade smith who has gem cutting skills. In fact, you stand a better chance finding a needle in a haystack. But finding needles in haystacks is what we do best, so when we saw this master craftsman’s handiwork, we made certain to procure some of these Southwestern masterpieces to complete our collection. The stainless steel blade, bolster and pommel are exquisitely etched and would have looked great with a less ambitious handle. But the results of overachieving are stunning here. The turquoise-blue colored handle is ablaze with assorted stones like jasper, marble, sunstone, and coral that have been hand cut and inlaid in a Southwestern motif that conjures images of intricately beaded belts and moccasins. Whether you collect blades, EXCLUSIVE interesting stones, or are a lover of the great American Southwest, the Sedona Knife is more than cut out Stauer® 8x21 to do the job. Compact Binoculars But we don’t stop there. While -a $99 valuesupplies last, we’ll include a pair with purchase of of $99, 8x21 power compact the Sedona Knife binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Sedona Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect

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What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely good-looking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington the impeccable craftsmanship of the Sedona Knife. 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. You could pay nearly $1,900 for a steel, fixed blade knife with a gemstone handle, but why would you when you can enjoy the superb craftsmanship of the Sedona Knife for only $99. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

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

• 5" etched stainless steel blade; 9 1/2" overall length • Turquoise-colored handle with accent stones including coral, marble, sandstone, tiger’s eye, jasper and sunstone • Leather pouch included

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Fish Mapping gives you 8 dedicated fishing features plus all SiriusXM Marine weather information directly on your boat’s display, relative to your boat’s location. The service is delivered via satellite and is available offshore well beyond cell range. Add SiriusXM entertainment and you’re all set for an incredible day fishing.

“Navigating around storms, locating the best fishing spots and rocking out on the water… SiriusXM Marine has me covered!” — Shane Murray, Team Total Vision, 35' Marlago Boater receives complimentary subscription.

OFFER DETAILS: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and SiriusXM All Access audio on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $21.99 on All Access), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. This offer may be modified, suspended or cancelled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately.$100 Rebate from SiriusXM available through Dec 31, 2021 with hardware and subscription purchase, see Rebate Offer Details at siriusxm.com/fishmapping. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Defender C-Hawk 23 Center Console

Marine Outfitter of Choice Since 1938

With a 14-degree deadrise hull, the 23 Center Console C-Hawk gives you a better ride in rough water. It is designed to be versatile—equally at home on bays, inlets and flats as it is graceful offshore. With plenty of room to move around, this model can be rigged out to suit whatever style of fishing you do, from fly fishing to bottom dropping. The large console offers plenty of storage space. Add a T-top, and you’ve got a boat for all seasons. The flat gunnel appeals to recreational and commercial anglers alike. A long list of options lets you set this boat up for family fishing, as well. Have one built with a leaning post, livewell and raw water wash down to further enhance your fishing experience. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHAWKBOATS.NET.

SPECIFICATIONS C-Hawk Center Console

LENGTH: 22’4” BEAM: 8’ DRAFT: 12” DRY WEIGHT: 2,430 lbs. COCKPIT DEPTH: 22” Fwd/ 20” Aft FUEL CAPACITY: 66 Gal. MAXIMUM HP: 225 DEADRISE: 14 degrees TRANSOM: 25”

FISH THE BACKWATERS BAY OR NEARSHORE CHawk 23

Center Console

Add an extra layer of sun protection with ShadeFin – a new product that easily attaches into rod holders, tops and gunnels for convenient, portable shade for almost any boat.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 11

FIND SOME

SUMMER SOLITUDE S

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

chool is out! This has always been my marker for the official beginning of summer. I know the bays will be filled with everyone getting out to enjoy Mother Nature, so finding solitude is key to catching fish. My family and I will be there too, but if I’m lucky, you won’t see me. Here are some methods to avoid the crowds and catch a lot of fish! Let’s focus on kayaks and areas only small vessels can access. Small, shallow-draft watercraft help us elude the summer crowds and find our solitude. Pushing farther back into the shallows and marsh areas requires some planning, so let’s start with some satellite scouting on the computer. The first thing to do is find areas that have tidal movement. One way to determine this via satellite is to zoom in on the openings of bayous and drains. If you notice a deeper hole at the mouth, this lets you know it has good current flow, which is what causes a washout in the mouth. If the mouth looks shallow or silted in, search for another spot.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

Once you have identified areas with sufficient current, find the structure. I like areas with scattered grass, shell, or both. Add in some depth changes around bends, and you are set. Depending how deep into the marsh you are going, and if you are new to the area, taking a GPS is a great idea. Once you get in the marsh, it looks completely different on the way out. Cell phone service might not always be reliable, and I know on my phone the bright sun really makes it hard to see the satellite imagery. Now let’s get down to the business end and talk about lures and presentation. I generally like to throw a paddle tail. If I am fishing a new area, I’ll have one rigged weedless on a weighted swimbait hook. I prefer this style of lure for a couple of reasons. One, it is a great search bait. I can simply

cast, reel and cover a lot of water. It is also my preferred soft plastic when fishing shallow water, which is what you find in the marsh. Redfish will not hesitate to hit a lure reeled in a straight line with a vibrating tail. Adding sound into the mix really grabs their attention. Like the clicking sound of a fleeing shrimp, the Knockin Tail Lure, with its built-in tail rattle is my lure of choice in this scenario. These swimbaits rattle on a steady retrieve and can make the difference between just fishing and catching. Be safe, find an out-of-the-way area, and catch some fish! I know my family and I will be tucked away in the backwaters in June. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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JUNE 2021

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Actual size is 40.6 mm

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This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Silver Eagle. It’s also the final mintage to feature the coin’s original eagle design by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. “Lasts” are always a big deal for collectors—almost as big as low populations. This Emergency Production release is both. In fact, it’s tied for the fourth lowest bullion Silver Eagle mintage ever! But how do we tell which coins are from the Emergency Production run?

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Due to the pandemic, the West Point Mint—the U.S. Mint branch that normally strikes Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Silver Eagles—temporarily locked down. Demand was skyrocking, and so the U.S. Mint turned to its other branches, ordering them to strike special “Emergency Production” runs of Silver Eagles. It was great news for silver buyers, and even better news for collectors. Here’s why:

Silver Eagles have no mint mark to tell us where they were produced. But thanks to some skilled detective work, the experts at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one of the world’s leading third-party grading services, were able to certify our coins as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during this Emergency Production run. What’s more, a number of these coins have been graded as Mint State-69 (MS69) condition—just one grade point away from perfection—and sealed with labels certifying them as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during the series’ 35th anniversary!

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ne of the most popular ways to buy silver is the Silver Eagle— legal-tender U.S. Silver Dollars struck in one ounce of 99.9% pure silver. When the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the world, demand skyrocketed. But there was a problem...

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. ESE215-01 • 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.

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IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA

t incited excited Spanish chatter from the crew when the fish’s bill slashed the surface. “Marlin blanco?” was the only phrase I could decipher. I clung to the rod as Tony Tuz and his father Lorenzo cleared lines. “Billfish! Billfish!” Tony barked so the gringos understood. Then my 10-year-old son gasped. A 7-foot sailfish went airborne and tail-walked for 20 yards off the stern. It was awesome, exactly what I envisioned while e-mailing Charter Fishing Cancun prior to a recent family vacation. My son and I were the only anglers aboard the 35-foot Bertram Xaviera III. We could have used some help cranking in all those fish. Cancun, Mexico is a great place to fish. The resorts overlook the Straits of Yucatan on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s the pinch point between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, a highway for pelagic species. In March, we were early for the headliner species. From April through July, summer is peak season for blue and white marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi—which they call Dorado. Snapper and grouper species, as well as amberjack

By Nick Carter and huge barracuda can be caught year-round. No matter. We just wanted bent rods, and Capt. Jorge Rivas steered us toward open water with baitwell full of small jacks and blue runners. The action began almost as soon as Tony and Lorenzo got lines out. We pulled a spread with bird teasers, a squid chain, skirted ballyhoo and several flat-lined live baits, which almost immediately brought up a big Dorado that came unbuttoned. Then we drove into birds. Gulls diving on flying fish were enough to get me excited. Tony was not impressed. “Bonito,” he said with a shrug. “Sea gulls mean bonito. Frigate birds mean tuna.” Sure enough, my son took the rod to catch bonito for the bait bucket until big fork-tailed frigate birds

started diving all around the boat. The boy could definitely tell the difference when a gorgeous 20-pound blackfin tuna took the bait. It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m., and we had seen a lot of action. But the captain and crew had more to show us. When the tuna bite died, we stopped over a ledge in 350 feet of water. Lorenzo worked quickly to cut bonito into baits. He sliced away the entire dorsal section and tail of each fish to leave streamlined head-and-belly baits. We jigged them deep, and in short order were tripling up on amberjacks up to 40 pounds. We battled big AJs until weary arms begged for mercy and then headed to deeper water and the sailfish. We finished the day with three big barracuda, which are a ton of fun when they’re 4 to 5 feet long. After all that activity, my son crashed in the shade for the ride back. Seeing him smile in his sleep is something I’ll never forget. To book an inshore or offshore trip out of Cancun, contact Charter Fishing Cancun at cfishingcancun@gmail.com. Check out their website www.charterfishingcancun.com.

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Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!

or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet high, it was truly a sleeping giant. Until May 18, 1980, when the beast awoke with violent force and revealed its greatest secret. Mount St. Helens erupted, sending up a 80,000-foot column of ash and smoke. From that chaos, something beautiful emerged… our spectacular Helenite Necklace.

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Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6½-carat stunner for only $149! Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pear-cut set in .925 sterling silver finished in luxurious gold. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18" luxurious gold-finished sterling silver chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire.

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Bring home the Helenite Necklace and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the rare beauty of this exceptional stone, simply return the necklace within 30 days for a full refund of your purchase price. JEWELRY SPECS: - 6 ½ ctw Helenite in gold-finished sterling silver setting - 18" gold-finished sterling silver chain

Limited to the first 2200 orders from this ad only Helenite Necklace (6 ½ ctw) ................Only $149 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) ..................... $129 +S&P

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Follow the

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JUNE 2021

n June and July, small glass minnows school together and form bait pods here on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. The pods move up and down the beach. These bait pods are easy to spot by looking for diving birds and feeding fish thrashing the surface. Sometimes the bait pods come near shore and go out, but usually they move parallel to the shore and well within casting range. What kind of fish can you catch surf casting in these bait pods? In June, tarpon move around the inlets and start cruising the beach looking for bait pods. Large female snook swim along the trough under the bait pods. Schools of large jack bust the surface, and the occasional schools of bluefish and ladyfish are there, along with mackerel that haven’t yet moved north. Around the trough, smaller table fare like whiting and croaker will be caught with regular 4-inch shad tail jigs or more easily on smaller jigs and spoons. If you let the jig hit the bottom and snap it up quickly, you’ll catch lots of these great-eating panfish. Anatomy of a Bait Pod: Most of the time, a bait pod moves north or south. On slack tide, the pod will slow down. I’ve even seen them stop for 30 minutes in one place. Croaker and whiting will be on the bottom under the pod. Or if the pod is shallow, croaker and whiting will be under the first breakers and can be caught in the wash. Jerk your jig off the bottom, letting it hit for a second each time. Jerk, reel some, let it sit. Usually the tarpon are on the outside of the pod farthest from the beach. For tarpon, cast as far out over the pod as possible and use a slow steady retrieve. Snook are almost always on the shallow side near the trough and the first breakers. Cast more parallel to shore using a steady lifting and releasing movement with the rod tip. Jack can be anywhere, and I like fishing near the surface with a brisker retrieve when targeting jacks. Also use the brisk retrieve for bluefish, ladyfish and mackerel. My favorite June lures are a 3/8-ounce chartreuse jig with a 4-inch pearl white shad tail and a shallow running Yo-Zuri crankbait in white. I also throw a Skitter-Walk (topwater plug) when the water heats up. Remember, for the best summertime surf action: Follow the bait pod. Richard Matteson writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

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n its seventh year, STAR remains the largest, family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida. The summer-long event invites anglers and non-anglers of all ages and skill levels to participate in 17 divisions and win their share of prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. For anyone who enjoys trash-free fishing and boating, the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division presented by Papa’s Pilar gives conservation enthusiasts the chance to win big just by collecting five-gallon buckets of trash. Trash Division participants can win by gathering five-gallon buckets of garbage from a coastline or while fishing and submitting photos of their collection through the dedicated STAR App. The Trash Division welcomes participants of all ages, but has become a favorite among youth registrants, as it gives students the opportunity to complete community service hours and improve coastal habitats too. For every five-gallon bucket of trash collected, disposed of and submitted through the STAR App, it not only increases opportunities for winning but equates to 30 minutes of community service time, too. “Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation, family participation and fun,” CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald

said. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day, STAR gives families the shot to win prizes, youth scholarships and more while being outdoors, conserving coastal resources and making lifelong memories.” This year, Trash Division participants can also submit entries for two special photo opportunities including the “Reel Life & Thrash Can Bucket STAR Photo” and “Reel Life & Tacklewebs Fun Fishing Photo” awards. To enter, participants must wear Reel Life apparel and use a Trash Can Bucket Topper or wear Reel Life Apparel and include a Tacklewebs product, respectively. Additionally, the Trash Division will also name three randomly drawn winners and award “Most Buckets Gathered” at the end of the competition. STAR 2021 is the 101-day event that gives registrants countless fishing memories and opportunities to win. To register or learn more, visit ccaflstar.com today.

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PLANTING CORAL, By John Christopher Fine

eath of coral reefs is a worldwide dilemma. In the Florida Keys, Richard Stanczyk has watched it happen. A fisherman for 70 years, Stanczyk has spent a lot of time on the ocean. He and his family own the fabled Bud n’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada. “I witnessed a lot of things. It took 25 years to put in sewers. I’m a bonefisherman. The bay was smothered by brown algae. It is from human waste and farming. There is acid rain,” Stanczyk said from his office at the marina, where the walls are covered with memories of great fish, major fishing tournaments and trophies. Stanczyk sees the environment married to the economy. “There has been a tremendous reduction in fish stocks due to technology and long-liners. I’d fish for swordfish at night. It didn’t take long for long-liners to wipe it out. The Gulf Stream is slowing down. It used to take 15 pounds to hold bottom.

Now only 5. Scientists say it now,” he said. “This coral restoration project is a grass roots effort. I have four grandchildren. I want them to enjoy the ocean as I have, as my children have.” The Stanczyk family contributed use of land on the ocean to a fledgling coral restoration project begun a year ago by Dr. Kylie Smith, with Clemson University and Mote Marine Laboratory, and Mike Goldberg, owner of Key Dives, Islamorada. They call the project I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education). Mote established a coral nursery at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina. Pumping equipment, an insulated water-storage tank and banks of coral nursery tanks were set up along with an office trailer for researchers. Stony corals from Mote’s nursery on Summerland Key were replanted on substrate in the open ocean under permit and with the cooperation of NOAA and Marine sanctuary officials as well as widespread support from Keys

PHOTO BY JOHN CHRISTOPHER FINE

New Hope for the Oceans Live brain coral head underwater off Islamorada.

dive operations, businesses and individuals. “The science behind it is extraordinary,” Goldberg said. “Corals are being taken from disease resistant stock gathered by micro-harvesting and grown in laboratory conditions. Temperature and PH are carefully adjusted in the nursery to simulate ocean conditions in the future, when scientists predict temperature rise and acid rain will affect corals.” Coral is an animal. It begins as free-swimming larvae that settle on substrate and grow. A plant called zooxanthellae lives in symbiosis inside the coral polyp. The plant needs sunlight for photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates and oxygen that corals

use. The plant helps dispose of the coral’s waste. When water is turbid or when temperatures rise above 70 to 85 degrees, the plants die. Coral bleaches white and also dies in most cases. Coral wasting disease and bleaching have been devastating in the Keys. Dr. Smith said the 60 to 70 percent live coral coverage of the 1970s has fallen to just 3 to 5 percent. I.CARE’s program should hopefully turn the tide. Coral reefs provide critical habitat for fish and marine organisms. “If you lose the habitat, you lose everything,” Stanczyk concluded. For more on I.CARE, visit www.icareaboutcoral.org.

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June is time to catch Red Snapper By: Capt. Philip Watson

hese tasty fish can be found on a variety of types of bottom. I like to start looking for these in no less than 140’ and deeper. You definitely can catch them shallower, but I like to bypass the small fish and get right to the numbers. On your bottom machine look for the big shows of fish especially with fish suspended in the water column. For bait, cigar minnows are by far my favorite, but sometimes they can be rather hard to come by so Pinfish and whitebaits are second best in my book. The moon phases in the summer time and really effect your success in this fishery. Both the full and new moon create very strong currents out deep that can likely make you use a ton of lead just to get to the bottom which in turn can make it harder to feel the bite, especially if the fish have been up all night on the full moon feeding. This Months highlighted trip was with the Rockstead Crew. The request was BIG fish and one they could possibly hang on the wall. My mine went straight to amberjacks and Barracuda, plus I wanted to see them

struggle a little. The seas started out with some very large swells with a bigger surface chop, but the deeper we pushed the more the chop went away. First stop was a spring in 120’ when the amberjack met us up top with there mouths wide open. Probably because they knew season didn’t start for a few days. Everyone caught multiple jacks with our biggest eaten by a shark. After the jack we pulled anchor and starting trolling our cuda lures around the spring. In short order we had the first fish on but right at the boat it pulled the hook. We started the troll again with high hopes but didn’t get anymore strikes. On the way home, I gave 15 minutes to troll around a smaller shallow wreck. Before we finished the first circle we had a 50” cuda skyrocket and hook right up. After all the drag screaming and high fiving we headed back to the dock.

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Getting started in kayak fishing! By: Eric Henson

hen you are first getting into kayak, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out what you might need on an everyday basis. The first thing to think about is what your primary goal is for the kayak, whether it be touring, racing, fishing, etc. I mostly use my kayaks for fishing, therefore here’s a few tips geared towards kayak fishing… 1) The first and most important items to have would be a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and signaling device (whistle). Not only is it required by the law but most importantly it can save your life in the event of an emergency. I know they might seem like a pain in the neck sometimes but, there are many different styles available so that you can be safe and comfortable at the same time. 2) Next I would have to go with picking out the right anchor for your needs. Without an anchor you have no way of putting the brakes on your kayak. For shallow water I generally go with a Yak Stick mud anchor. Then when it comes to deeper waters I go with a grapnel, Bruce, or mushroom anchor depending on the speed of the current and bottom that I’m trying to stay anchored to. All of these anchors will help you stay in one place when needed. 3) Rod holders are a huge necessity to kayak fishing. If you are like me, you can never have enough rod holders! There are many types but, my

favorite style would have to be the Railblaza Rod holder 2! It is extremely versatile and will hold just about every style of fishing rod from spinning rods, to bait casters, to fly rods. It has an easy to open locking mechanism that will help ensure that your rod doesn’t come out unless intended to. It also turns 360 degrees so that it is easy to turn in any direction that you prefer. For attaching them, they have all different types of mounts for any surface area on your yak. 4) Being organized is huge when it comes to kayak fishing. A crate is perfect for not only helping you keep all of your belongings (tackle, anchors, etc.) in order but you can also attach rod holders, leashes, and other gear to it! Kayaks can be all different shapes and sizes so there are many different crates to fit your needs. 5) Last but definitely not least would be leashes to attach to valuable items like rods and paddles to keep them with you if they fall out of your yak. Hope this helps you guys with the first steps to kayak fishing. Once you get all the necessities in order, you will be on your way to having a successful kayak fishing trip! Good luck and tight lines out there! Tight lines and Tight knots to everyone!

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

Red Snapper & Gag Grouper opening in June!

By: Capt. Chad Carney

n June 1 2001 the Gulfstream Natural Gas Pipeline was started in Mobile AL and by May 28 2002 it was in service, pumping natural gas across the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico to Tampa Bay. Many of us dove it fin 50 to 100 feet depths West of St Pete. Sometimes it was covered up with piles of big rocks and other sites it was just a bare 36-inch pipe in a ditch, with lots of mangrove snappers and red & gag groupers. Later in 2002 we were surprised to see America Red Snappers (ARS) northwest of the Middle Grounds, because we had never seen any in over 20 years diving out there! Then it wasn't long before we saw them on ledges west of the Tampa Bay Whistler Buoy - they had followed the pipeline! Now 20 years later the Feds are saying 3 times as many red snappers are being found on scattered structure throughout the Gulf offshore of Florida. Yeah, and on over 370 nautical miles of pipeline and rock piles! The good news is future regulations may reflect the new data instead of just a month. See all the state & federal regulations at myfwc.com & gulfcouncil.org ARS are very wily but they are also curious, so when they make that first pass, make your first shot count! Gag groupers are also very intelligent fish and very plentiful in the Gulf. I always drop out in the sand away from the structure to try not to spook them. Gags are one of the few species that will head out from a reef or wreck and lead to new hiding holes, so don't take a bad shot. Instead follow their path and keep the pressure off, looking for a good shot. Shoot straight!

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One of several sawfish on display at Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay - Credit: Tonya Wiley

A boy admires a sawfish at Dallas World Aquarium Credit: Paula Carlson

A sawfish glides through the waters of a National Aquarium exhibit Credit: Alan Henningsen

SAWFISH NEWS by Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation

To See a Sawfish in Public Aquariums: Making Conservation Connections by guest authors Paula Carlson, Stacia White, and Alan Henningsen

ince the early 1930’s when the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago displayed a smalltooth sawfish for the first time, public aquariums have created connections between people and these incredibly unique, and now critically endangered, rays. Over the years, millions of visitors to zoos and aquariums around the world have enjoyed that experience, and for many it is the only opportunity they will ever have to see a living sawfish. Because of the decline of sawfish populations worldwide, public Several sawfish are currently aquariums are in a unique viewable at Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay position to build on these Credit: Tonya Wiley connections and help to create conservation solutions. Sawfish conservation requires a multi-faceted approach to be successful, and the public aquarium community shares common concerns with researchers, field biologists, and conservation and management agencies in terms of the need for continued and increased collaboration between stakeholders at all levels. Many of the public aquariums in the United States are members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, husbandry, conservation, education, science, and recreation. With more than 183 million visitors to accredited institutions each year, AZA’s focus on connecting people and animals provides a critical link to helping animals in their native habitats. For many years, members of the AZA Marine Fishes Taxon Advisory Group have worked with governmental and non-governmental conservation agencies to find solutions to protect sawfish in their natural environment. In addition to their role in education, research, and conservation, AZA member zoos and aquariums also play an important role in the preservation of species through population management programs and AZA Species Survival Plans® (SSP). The mission of an

14 FLORIDA KEYS

JUNE 2021

SSP is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species populations within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, certified related facilities, and approved non- member participants. Smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis), and green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) are the three species most displayed in aquarium collections. A sawfish at Ripley’s Aquarium In the United States you Credit: Paula Carlson can view sawfish with amazement at Dallas World Aquarium, Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, National Aquarium, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaLife Minnesota, Sea World Orlando, Landry’s Downtown Aquarium Denver, and Landry’s Downtown Aquarium Houston. These connections with sawfish in aquariums are important to the conservation of sawfish because “In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught” ~Baba Dioum. Tonya Wiley, President • Tonya@havenworth.org 941-201-2685 • www.havenworth.org

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Its Prime-Time Tarpon By: Capt. Greg Poland Season

nd if you are not out catching the Silver Kings you are really missing the boat. The fishing has been red hot in everywhere up and down the Gulf. Whether you are standing on the bow being poled around with a hand full of chicken feathers tied to a fly rod or sitting in the shade under the bridge with a live mullet attached to a custom-built fishing rod the tarpon in my opinion is one of the best fish that swims in our waters. Tarpon can jump out of the water like an Olympic gymnast, they fight like a prize fighter and when the battle is over and the photo is posted on Instagram they can be released to fight another day. Another great fish we have been catching more and more of is the sawfish, and I have had a few caught over the last few months, however, if one jumps on your line please be extremely careful as not only are they an endangered species, but they can also inflict a lot of damage. If we are lucky enough to see one of these magnificent creatures, and it does take our bait, we are extremely careful when we unhook and release them back to go their way. Of course, a quick photo shoot is required! But Angler beware, I recently had a client out fishing on his own boat try to take a hook back from one that he had caught and he ended up meeting up with one of our local doctors at the emergency room. On the safer side of fishing, I hear the mahi mahi fishing has been heating up and I look forward to running offshore now that the weather is settling down for the summer months out so stay tuned for a Mahi report next month. Tight lines and I will see you out on the h20.

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June in SWFL By: Capt. Bart Marx

ello fellow anglers! June in SWFL tail snapper starting in 70ft. and on some 32” cobia released, unharmed. and things are hot. According to of the wrecks, there you may find some of our Governor DeSantis the State those reef donkeys/aj’s. Also, on the wrecks of Florida is giving the private sector 50+ if you bring some crabs or shrimp to toss at days to harvest American Red Snapper! the permit that you may come across too. Wow that means we can run out to the 100 The red grouper should be closer to shore ft. + to target these fine eating snapper. Do now that the water has warmed up to harnot quote me, I think it starts June 10th vest some of those. While you are traveling and runs till July 28th check the FWC and out in the depths keep your eyes open for NOAA for your own knowledge. Typicalthe birds and or schools of bait rising to the ly, this time of year the tarpon are the hot top trying to escape predictors. Yea things target species. Boca Grande being billed as should be busy inshore too. This could be the best Tarpon fishing in the world, just in your chance to catch a SWFL Grand Slam. our back yard. They are amazing creatures What is that, snook, red, trout, and a tarso unpredictable in there feeding habits as pon on the same trip. The snook should be one of the Old Timers shared with me. I doing their thing spawning and feeding asked Capt. Mark Futch of the Futch famalong the points and beaches and close ily on Boca one day what is the most prereefs out to 45ft. There is plenty to target dictable thing about tarpon fishing, they this month that is great table fare. So, if are unpredictable. I thanked him and menyou would like to come along with Capt. tioned that I was on the proper learning Bart and target some of these species, of if curve. They are great fighters, no matter you would like me to go with you on your what size, one you hook they go crazy. I like fishing the beach and up in boat for a training session give Capt. Bart Marx a call 941-979-6517 or the Harbor away from the bumper boats in the pass. I have one check e-mail me at captbart@alphaomegacharters.com And always rememin the box yet to accomplish is to stick one with my 12wt. fly rod then ber singing drags and tight lines make me smile. <*(((((>{ I feel I have completed my tarpon needs. So, let’s talk about offshore Alpha Omega Charters | alphaomegacharters.com on the way out to the 100ft. we will be passing by some good yellow

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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.

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

Even When it’s Bad, It’s Good By: Capt. Tim Ramsey

o, there I was recently, out fishing about all the boat handling in the wind in my comfort zone. Tide was with the trolling motor, the places we go, wrong. Sun was strong. Winds or all the other processes it takes to put were whipping. Air temperatures fell her on fish. She’s there to catch fish. To to the fifties. Water was dirty, my line that end, I can stand on the stern platform was getting old, my casting distance with Pepe and cast my arms off as she reels was dropping, and the trolling motor in whatever bites as she happily listens to seemed to have a mind of its own. I her music on her ear buds. That means broke the front eyelet of my favorite rod, even when it’s bad, it’s good. Who has so I was getting used to throwing a jig the biggest black drum, redfish, snook, with a rod one-class up. Pepe LePew the snapper, jack, and sheepshead on the boat? fishing skunk was firmly seated on my She does. Who has the biggest inadvertent shoulders, and to top it off, my wife was tarpon and shark? I do. Caught them on catching everything in sight! Fish were her rod with the yellow bucktail. Like I practically jumping in the boat next to said, even when it’s bad, it’s good. That too her. Frustrating. Or not. can be frustrating. Or not… You see, my favorite thing is hunting On a side note, what is frustrating for the bite using a bucktail jig with a gulp is that the jet ski tours have been slowly tail attached to the hook. She, however, winding their way east. When you’re way sticks to the same yellow Montes jig back behind some mangrove area and tipped with shrimp. No matter what eight jet skis come by, it sucks. I know if we’re fishing for, that’s what she uses. I were a tour operator, I would get a bit It catches everything. Sometimes that’s bored of the same old waters every day, even frustrating. Or not. but please, have some consideration for The interesting dynamic here those of us that want some silence, some is I appreciate the day on the water. The majesty of the mangrove calm water, some peace and quiet, and stick to the main waterways. Plus, backcountry. The search for fish in new places. Watching my wife enjoy unexpected wakes pushed me broadside into the mangroves a few weeks herself. She, on the other hand, wants to catch fish. She’s not worried ago and it wasn’t good.

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CORTEZ

June/2021 • 27°28’N 82°41’W

www.USHarbors.com

Cortez, FL - Jun 2021

High

Date

June/2021 • 27°38’N 82°34’W

Rise

Set

www.USHarbors.com

Port Manatee, FL - Jun 2021

Low

3113 1st Street, Bradenton, FL 34208 941-746-6020

PORT MANATEE

High

Date

Moon

Low PM

6:04

2.0

1:21

-0.1

Rise

Set

6:33

8:22

1.3

6:33

8:23

1.1

6:33

8:23

4:54

0.8

6:33

8:24

0.7

5:47

0.5

6:32

8:24

4:48

0.9

6:30

0.2

6:32

8:25

2.2

5:15

1.0

7:08

0.0

6:32

8:25

12:10

2.3

5:36

1.2

7:46

-0.1

6:32

8:26

12:32

2.4

5:45

1.3

8:23

-0.2

6:32

8:26

Thu

12:56

2.5

9:02

-0.2

6:32

8:26

Fri

1:24

2.6

9:42

-0.3

6:32

8:27

Sat

1:56

2.6

10:24

-0.3

6:32

8:27

6:33

8:28

Sun

2:34

2.6

11:07

-0.2

6:32

8:27

-0.2

6:33

8:28

Mon

3:17

2.5

11:52

-0.2

6:32

8:28

-0.1

6:33

8:28

Tue

4:08

2.3

6:33

8:28

6:34

8:29

Wed

7:54

1.4

5:10

2.1

12:38

-0.1

11:01A

1.3

6:33

8:28

1.2

6:34