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Snook From The Beach
PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN IZQUIERDO YOUTUBE: RYAN IZ FISHING VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 306
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4 NATIONAL
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
6/9/2020 1:45:55 PM
SLOB SNOOK By Ryan Izquierdo
T
he anticipation is over. Snook season opened Sept. 1 on Florida’s Atlantic coast, and I know a lot of anglers who are excited to get that thump, fire up the skillet and enjoy a beautiful keeper snook with friends and family. Snook, in case you didn’t know it, are pretty much the most awesome inshore gamefish around. They grow large, up into the 30- and 40-pound range. They are aggressive feeders, and the fight is definitely something to write home about. Florida anglers are lucky to live in one of the world’s best places to catch snook. For everyone else, it’s definitely worth a fall trip to the Sunshine State to do battle with these tacklebusters. Regulations allow you to keep just one fish a day in the 28- to 32-inch slot limit. One of the best ways to catch that one keeper—or a giant slob snook—is beach fishing. You don’t need a fancy boat. All you need is your own two legs, a rod and reel and the appropriate tackle. Location — When fishing for snook, tarpon
1:45:55 PM
and other gamefish, there are a few key things to look for: birds flying/diving, baitfish being ambushed, obvious structure and current flow. I always bring binoculars to the beach and scan the shoreline for birds and baitfish. If you don’t see any action, keep moving down the beach. I drive my truck to every beach access, quickly hop out and scout. This is the fastest way to cover ground and scan for what you are looking for! The more you fish the beach, the more you will learn and understand a pattern. Snook are hunters; they stage up in obvious areas ready to ambush prey. The beach may all look the same on the surface, but underwater is a different story. Be on the lookout for deep holes, rocks, grass, dropoffs, swash channels and any other structure you might find. Any time sand meets grass or rocks, that’s a great area to fish. Look past the obvious structure, and sometimes that will yield fish other anglers fail to notice. Equipment — When it comes to beach snook fishing, finesse is everything. However, the goal is to get the fish in quickly to ensure a healthy release if it’s not a keeper. Typically, you want to
downscale your line, leader, and hook when beach fishing. My go-to set up is a 4000 spinning reel; 10- to 20-lb. braid; a 7-foot medium action rod; 3 to 4 feet of 30-lb. fluorocarbon leader; a 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig-head; and 3- to 6-inch swimbaits, depending on the forage, depth and fishing conditions. Jerkbaits and plugs that dive 3 to 5 feet are also a good option. Matching the hatch is key. Use lures that look similar in size and color to what the fish are feeding on. Fishing with live bait is also a good option. I always keep a 5- or 6-foot cast net in the bed of my truck. It’s lightweight, easy, and gets the job done. Pilchards, threadfin, mullet, croaker and whiting are all great baits found on Florida’s east coast beaches. Keep an aerator and bucket with a lid to ensure the baits are alive and cool. The bigger the bait, the bigger the tackle you will need. I like to free line baits, but I carry pinchon split shot weights if I need to get baits down into the strike zone. I recommend 2/0 to 6/0 circle hooks for the best hook up ratio. Time — The best times to go fishing are at dawn and dusk. Tides are also extremely important. The best time to fish for beach snook is the first hour before and after incoming and outgoing tides. I’ve had the best results right before and after high tide. It is important to check the tides and plan ahead. I also log my catches in a small notebook, where I write down the date, tide, time, tackle/bait used. Start a logbook, and you will eventually have excellent data to use in planning. That is the best way to truly learn and master beach snook fishing. Follow Ryan Izquierdo on YouTube (RyanIzFishing) and Instagram (Instagram.com/Ryan_Izquierdo) to check out his fishing adventures.
Spider Rigging To Catch
Crappie C
By Darcie Arahill
rappie, also known as “specks,” and “sac-a-lait” and a host of other names, depending on where you live, are absolutely delicious and are easy to catch for the whole family. I grew up saltwater fishing and did not know much about crappie. However, all it took was one trip to the lake and I was hooked on these fish; on the correct light tackle crappie are just as much fun as larger fish, and more “yummy” than most! Crappie, both white and black variations, can be found in almost any body of freshwater from Michigan to Florida. I usually catch them in Lake
Okeechobee, Fla. Depending on the time of year, you will catch them in grass mats, along edges, in deep holes, and even through the ice. They generally hold tight to some type of cover like brushpiles or sunken timber, and they eat primarily smaller fish. Small minnows or baits that mimic small minnows work best. When the fish are biting, it is easy on many lakes to see where crappie are by the dozens of boats seeking to catch what I call “lake lobster!” This type of fishing is a way of life for many lake anglers. My favorite way to catch them is often called “spider rigging.” Anglers set out multiple specially designed rods, up to 20 sometimes, such as the BP Crappie Max Crappie Rod, with very light line and leader (no more than 4- to 8-lb. test), a bobber, then a split shot and a small hook. We generally use size #1, #2 or #4 Mustad Aberdeen hooks, and you can try different color hooks as well—gold, bronze or red. The easiest bait to catch crappie with is tiny live minnows from the local tackle shop. Set your rods at varying depths, and discover where they are biting! If you want to up your game, try jigging for them. Mustad crappie jigs are usually “ball head” jigs and come in a variety of colors. Drop your jig into deep holes and along grass mats or slow troll a spread of jigs around the mouths of creeks. You can attach a variety of trailers, curly tails, minnows and some even add spinners to the jig. Lastly, to really make it fun you can even fly fish for crappie. They will hit many types of flies, and be sure to focus on the size of the fly as much as anything. In conclusion, the only way to catch crappie is to GO, get out there! It’s time to bring the entire family, kids and everyone, for a wonderful day on the water and an even better dinner. This type of fishing is a great way to introduce young kids to fishing because it’s hard to not catch a crappie or other by-catch like bass, catfish, sunfish and bluegills when out the lake. Find “Darcizzle Offshore” on all the major social media platforms. Darcie has more than 850 videos of her fishing adventures on YouTube and would love to hear from you.
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hoisted and weighed when Backstabber brought in a 687.5-pound behemoth that launched them into first place. Capt. Kevin Lord (Square Footage) shuffled the deck again after lunch with a 547 pounder. Here’s the list of the top-10: 1st: Pete Speeches - Backstabber - 687.5 - $6,250 2nd: Keith Jordan - Bailey & Bella - 679.5 - $3,250 3rd: Kurt Christensen - Molly Jane - 671.5 - $1,500 4th: Keith Jordan - Bailey & Bella - 637 - $1,000 5th: Kevin Lord - 547 - $500 6th: Kurt Christensen - Molly Jane - 538 7th: Nate Bolduc - Cecelia Jean - 501.5 8th: Rusty Parmenter - Patricia Ann - 483 9th: Jeremy Loomis - Kelsey Anne - 466 10th: Shawn Moore - Katelyn A – 462
Dr. Walt Golet, adjunct professor from the University of Maine, and team members with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute collected biological samples from all fish landed for continuing work on bluefin tuna. In its second year, the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for scholarships to Maine’s community college system. In 2019, the Bonanza
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FLORIDA 5
MASSIVE FORT LAUDERDALE’S
MULLET RUN
TARPON C apt. Jeff Maggio said it’s been a great summer for tarpon in Fort Lauderdale, and he’s anxiously awaiting the fall migration of massive mullet schools through south Florida. This is the fabled mullet run down Florida’s Atlantic coast, when every predator that swims the beaches and inlets can be caught following and feeding on enormous schools of baitfish. “It’s so visual,” Maggio said. “You see the massive schools of bait, and the birds, and the fish busting on the surface. It’s really spectacular. It’s the kind of thing where even if you only catch a couple fish, you’ll think you had the best fishing of your life just because you witnessed it.” Most years, smaller finger mullet show up on the beaches and in the Intracoastal Waterway around Sept. 1, said Maggio. Everything—the bait, the schools and the fish chasing them—gets larger as the migration progresses. By October, the mullet run is usually in full effect, and big tarpon, giant snook, jack crevalle, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, spinner sharks and others will all be hounding southbound mullet. Capt. Maggio is a tarpon specialist. He spends summer evenings putting anglers on big tarpon off the beaches and using light tackle or fly rods to catch juveniles in the canals. The mullet run is a phenomenon that puts 100-plus-pound tarpon in everyone’s reach. “This time of year when there’s no wrong place to be,” he said. “We call it happy bait. It’s the time when everybody can get bait, everybody’s catching fish, and everybody’s having a good time.” The key is to encounter the massive schools of bait. Maggio said they keep a close eye on bird action off the beaches. Mullet run tight to Fort Lauderdale beaches, usually inside the swim buoys, which puts big tarpon, snook and everything else in range of shore anglers. “It depends on the tides,” he said. “On the lower tides, it’s better to be in a boat. On the higher tides, it’s better to be on the sand.” From either side of the action, a live mullet netted straight out of the school and freelined with no weight or big soft baits like a Hogy or a SpoolTek are good bets for tempting tarpon. Add some weight if you want a giant snook. They typically feed near the bottom. “If fish are feeding aggressively, you can do anything and be successful,” he said. “But you’re waiting for yours to be found among millions of others.” 6 FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 2020
By Nick Carter
Maggio said he prefers when fish are running parallel with the schools and not actively crashing them. In these conditions, a well-presented bait on the edge of a mullet school is likely to get hit. On the Intracoastal, Maggio likes to stake out a pinch point and wait as the action passes in waves. From Boca Inlet in Boca Raton south to Haulover Inlet at the north end of Biscayne Bay, the Intracoastal is squeezed down into a bottleneck. Pinch points funnel fish along the way. “Because it’s so tight, it just magnifies everything,” he said. Competent anglers might bring three or four big tarpon to Maggio’s boat on a good day, which means they’ll have jumped 10. Several big jack crevalle, some spinner sharks and often a giant 20-plus-pound snook might be considered bycatch. But Maggio, an active steward of the waters, threw in a big disclaimer. “We’re on pins and needles waiting to see what happens this year,” he said. “I’ve been fishing Fort Lauderdale since I was a kid in the 70s, and last year was the worst I’ve ever seen. We think it was the red tides, but it was the first time in my life I didn’t see the mullet run come through.” Here’s hoping, for the sake of fish and anglers, that the 2020 mullet run marks a return to the norm.
Photos courtesy of Capt. Jeff Maggio
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Contact Capt. Jeff Maggio by email at jeff@ lunkerdog.com. See his website www.lunkerdog.com, and check out his podcast “Lunker Dogs Reel Guy Show” on all the major the major platforms.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
FLORIDA 7
SAVINGS ON DECK
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FLORIDA 9
Jake Hester, nephew of the late Michael Shields for whom the tournament is named, looks on as Captain Ed Zyak catches a 240-pound tarpon during the 2017 Open.
350
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G L
JENSEN BEACH INSHORE OPEN IS SEPT. 25-26
I
t’s fitting that the Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open benefits Project LIFT. Part of the inspiration for the non-profit’s unique model came from fishing. As a psychotherapist working with mostly teenage boys, Project LIFT CEO Bob Zaccheo discovered that getting troubled teens out of a counseling office and putting a fishing rod in their hands was the catalyst he needed to get them talking. He ran with that concept, and today Project LIFT has provided mental health and substance abuse treatment to more than 4,000 kids by weaving therapy into hands-on vocational skills training like auto repair, welding, HVAC, screen printing and more. The 12th Annual Michael Shields Memorial Tournament takes place Sept. 25-26 in Jensen Beach. The Open is named after longtime Martin County resident Michael Shields, who died at the age of 23 from bone cancer, and the event has raised more than $400,000 for non-profits over the years. The tournament follows a catch-and-release format, with separate categories for snook, tarpon, trout and redfish. There are guided and unguided divisions, and iAngler is used for registration and scoring. In order to follow COVID-19 protocols, much of the event has gone virtual, including the awards ceremony, which will be streamed live on Facebook. The hosting sponsor is River Palm Cottages, but there are no restrictions as to fishing locations, and unguided anglers can fish from a boat, the shore, or anything in between. Lines in for unguided anglers is at noon on Friday, Sept. 25, while guided teams can begin fishing at 5 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. Guided teams consist of up to three anglers and an assigned guide. The guide is considered the team captain, and may fish if the team chooses. This year’s Presenting Sponsor is Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Bank of America Corporation. All fish complete with a photo must be logged into the Michael Shields Memorial iAngler Tournament Page/App by no later than 3 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2020. All proceeds benefit Project LIFT, a program that reimagines counseling for teens by disrupting traditional mental health service delivery systems. Program participants choose from one of 13 skilled trades to learn on site, using industry standard equipment. By getting the teens into a hands-on working environment, trust is built alongside work ethic, and teens gain tools for a healthy, productive future. For more information, or to register as an angler, visit fishforthekids.org, or contact Juliet@projectliftmc.com. 10 FLORIDA
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JUNE 2020
LOCATION 1
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
A
ugust was a scorcher with high humidity and September could be much of the same. Warm summer waters make fish a little lazy. Many summer anglers find nighttime fishing enjoyable and, provided the mosquitoes don’t carry you off, the fishing is relatively productive. Greenbacks tend to run a little small this time of year, but deeper grass flats and heavier chumming might still bring in some decent bait. The fish tend to eat what’s available. So, if its small baits you’re netting, guess what the fish are feeding upon? And remember, you don’t need to blackout the livewell you only need enough for fishing. With water temperatures in the high eighties to low nineties, the trick is keeping your baits alive. Here’s a tip. Buy an inexpensive swimming pool thermometer to keep in your livewell. Next, freeze several one-gallon bottles of water and keep them in your cooler. When your live well temperatures soar into the nineties, place one or more of sealed one-gallon bottles into the livewell to bring the heat down. As long as temperatures ease up. night fishing will produce good catch-
es of snook, redfish and trout around structures, especially lighted docks. Work any top-water lure through the light line and hang on. Remember, snook, redfish and trout are catch and release only. Cobia fishing should continue as they travel around the flats with large rays, sharks or manatee. Toss your bait or lure near the fish and it’s usually fish on. They’re not picky about what they eat, just get it close and make it move. They also frequent channel markers and channel buoys, especially those holding schools of greenbacks or threadfins. Hang a chum block over the side and, if they’re close, they’ll come. Tarpon anglers will find them moving into Tampa Bay and around the bridges. Bridge tarpon is always fun, and threadfins, crabs and bigger white baits tossed directly into their path should do the trick. Pick a bridge with a good light line at night and sight cast them. Mackerel offers some outstanding light tackle action. Tampa Bay is full of big mackerel. Just drift or anchor around feeding or diving birds, toss out whitebaits, threadfins or live shrimp and hang on. You can fish for snapper around almost any structure, especially around the full moon. Pick any artificial reef, rock pile, pilings or marker. Find some small greenbacks or shrimp, a # 1 hook, a 20-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, ¼ ounce egg sinker or larger (depending on the current) make a knocker rig and have fun.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
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4 TAMPA 1
ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
REDS ARE FLOODING THE FLATS
A
ugust and September are prime times to target big reds. There are some real trophy class fish of over 40 inches, if you know where to look and what to use. Let’s start with where to look. It can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be. The best flats have spotty grass and potholes that sit right along the mangroves. The trick is to reposition your boat according to the tide. If the tide is out, position yourself well away from the mangroves and cast up as close as you can to the bank and spotty grass. If the tide is up, you’d want your cast right up on the mangrove line. A lot of times, you can see the fish. If you do, chum them up to keep them near. If you can’t see them, a little chum can help draw them in. Cut bait works very well as bait and chum. Use threadfin shad, cut pinfish, cut ladyfish or cut mullet. Live white bait also works if you can find it. If I had to pick, it would be cut pinfish for the monster red. For the artificial gang, you can’t go wrong with a 1/4-ounce gold spoon. Top waters and Mission Fishin jigheads rigged with a Gulp shrimp will always do the job. Tackle should be a bump up from your usual trout gear. A 7-foot 6-inch 8 to 17-pound class rod with a 3500 to 4000 size reel loaded with 15-pound PowerPro braid will handle these brutes. A 3-foot piece of fluorocarbon tied to a #5 circle hook will complete the tackle end. We’re on the reds, snook, shark and more inshore. Deeper trips in the Bay are producing grouper, snapper, mackerel, sharks and an occasional tarpon. We can do both types of fishing on the same trip, if conditions allow. We have four boats and captains ready to put 1 to 20 anglers on the bite. Contact us today to book your action-packed trip. What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans. Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter | 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com | Check us out on Facebook 2 TAMPA
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OCTOBER 2, 3, 4 4 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2020
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 5
St. Petersburg
www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com www.USHarbors.com
St. Petersburg, FL - Sep 2020 High
Date
Old Port of Tampa
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
9:15
0.3
7:08
7:52
ezdocktampa.com www.USHarbors.com
Old Port Tampa, FL - Sep 2020 High
Date
Moon
Low PM
ft
Rise
Set
1
Tue
3:52
2.2
2:37
3.0
8:28
1.5
9:57
0.5
7:08
7:51
2
Wed
4:13
2.2
3:17
2.9
9:09
1.3
10:19
0.6
7:08
7:50
3
Thu
4:30
2.3
3:57
2.8
9:49
1.1
10:38
0.7
7:09
7:49
4
Fri
4:45
2.3
4:38
2.7
10:27
1.0
10:57
0.9
7:09
7:48
5
Sat
4:59
2.4
5:21
2.5
11:06
0.9
11:19
1.0
7:09
7:47
6
Sun
5:17
2.5
6:07
2.4
11:45
0.8
11:44
1.2
7:10
7:46
7
Mon
5:40
2.6
7:01
2.2
12:28
0.7
7:10
7:45
7:44
8
Tue
6:08
2.7
8:09
2.1
12:12
1.4
1:18
0.7
7:11
7:43
7:12
7:43
9
Wed
6:45
2.8
9:45
2.0
12:45
1.5
2:23
0.7
7:11
7:42
0.6
7:12
7:41
10
Thu
7:32
2.8
11:44
2.0
1:25
1.7
3:52
0.8
7:12
7:41
4:49
0.5
7:13
7:40
11
Fri
8:35
2.8
2:25
1.9
5:28
0.7
7:12
7:40
5:55
0.3
7:13
7:39
12
Sat
1:08
2.1
2.8
3:58
2.0
6:40
0.5
7:13
7:39
1.7
6:49
0.2
7:14
7:38
9:57 AM
13
Sun
1:54
2.2
2.9
5:25
1.9
7:33
0.3
7:13
7:38
5:38
1.6
7:34
0.1
7:14
7:37
11:19 AM
14
Mon
2:28
2.2
12:28
3.0
6:29
1.8
8:16
0.3
7:14
7:36
2.8
6:35
1.4
8:14
0.2
7:14
7:36
15
Tue
2:56
2.2
1:27
3.2
7:22
1.6
8:54
0.3
7:14
7:35
1:48
2.8
7:26
1.2
8:50
0.3
7:15
7:34
16
Wed
3:20
2.2
2:22
3.2
8:10
1.3
9:29
0.4
7:15
7:34
2.0
2:40
2.8
8:15
0.9
9:23
0.5
7:15
7:33
3:15
2.3
3:16
3.1
8:57
1.1
10:01
0.6
7:15
7:33
0.7
9:54
3:41
2.7
9:05
Thu
2.1
3:34
17
0.7
7:16
7:32
Sat
3:37
2.3
4:30
2.5
9:57
0.4
10:22
1.0
7:16
7:31
18
Fri
4:01
2.4
4:10
3.0
9:46
0.8
10:30
0.8
7:15
7:32
20
Sun
4:02
2.4
5:32
2.2
10:53
0.3
10:47
1.3
7:17
7:30
19
Sat
4:22
2.5
5:08
2.8
10:36
0.6
10:59
1.1
7:16
7:31
21
Mon
4:32
2.6
6:47
1.9
11:54
0.2
11:09
1.5
7:17
7:28
20
Sun
4:45
2.7
6:09
2.5
11:30
0.4
11:26
1.4
7:16
7:29
22
Tue
5:08
2.7
8:36
1.7
1:05 PM
0.3
11:23
1.6
7:18
7:27
21
Mon
5:13
2.9
7:20
2.3
12:28 PM
0.4
11:52
1.6
7:17
7:28
23
Wed
5:52
2.7
2:28
0.3
7:18
7:26
22
Tue
5:47
3.0
8:50
2.0
1:36
0.4
7:17
7:27
24
Thu
6:51
2.6
3:55
0.3
7:19
7:25
23
Wed
6:28
3.0
3:00
0.5
7:18
7:26
25
Fri
8:19
2.5
5:13
0.3
7:19
7:24
24
Thu
7:24
2.9
4:38
0.5
7:18
7:25
25
Fri
8:45
2.8
6:00
0.5
7:19
7:23
26
Sat
1:22
2.1
10:31 AM
2.7
4:30
2.0
7:00
0.4
7:19
7:22
1
Tue
3:26
1.8
2:06
2.7
7:45
1.3
2
Wed
3:37
1.8
2:45
2.6
8:26
1.2
9:40
0.5
7:08
7:50
3
Thu
3:47
1.9
3:22
2.5
9:05
1.0
10:02
0.6
7:09
7:49
4
Fri
3:59
2.0
4:00
2.4
9:44
0.9
10:23
0.8
7:09
7:48
5
Sat
4:14
2.1
4:41
2.2
10:25
0.8
10:45
0.9
7:10
7:47
6
Sun
4:35
2.3
5:27
2.1
11:09
0.7
11:08
1.1
7:10
7:46
7
Mon
5:00
2.4
6:21
1.9
11:58
0.6
11:31
1.3
7:11
7:45
8
Tue
5:30
2.4
7:32
1.7
12:56 PM
0.6
11:55
1.4
7:11
9
Wed
6:08
2.4
9:21
1.6
2:07
0.6
10
Thu
6:55
2.4
3:29
11
Fri
7:59
2.4
12
Sat
9:21
2.5
13
Sun
1:47
1.8
10:44 AM
2.6
4:23
14
Mon
2:05
1.8
11:54 AM
2.7
15
Tue
2:23
1.9
12:53
16
Wed
2:39
1.9
17
Thu
2:57
18
Fri
19
12:17
1.6
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
12:20
1.8
26
Sat
1:34
1.9
10:07 AM
27
Sun
1:41
1.9
11:33 AM
2.4
5:27
1.7
6:59
0.3
7:20
7:21
27
Sun
1:49
2.2
12:01
2.7
6:03
1.8
7:44
0.4
7:20
7:21
Mon Date 29 Tue
1:56
1.9 High 12:35
2.5
6:28
1.4 Low7:36
0.4
7:21
7:20
28
Mon
2:15
2.3
1:05
2.8
7:04
1.5
8:19
0.5
7:20
7:20
2:10 AM
2.0 ft
1:25 PM
2.5 ft
7:14 AM
1.2 ft
8:05 PM
0.5 ft
7:21 Rise
7:19 Set
29
Tue
2:37
2.3
1:55
2.8
7:51
1.3
8:47
0.6
7:21
7:19
30
2:22
2.0
2:08
2.4
7:53
1.0
8:30
0.7
7:21
7:18
30
Wed
2:57
2.4
2:38
2.7
8:31
1.0
9:09
0.8
7:21
7:18
28
Wed
2.4
3:44
1.8
6:13
0.3
7:20
7:23
Moon
Moon
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Tarpon Springs, Anclote River, FL - Sep 2020 River High
Date
Hernando Beach,
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
bluepelicanmarina.com www.USHarbors.com
Rocky Creek, LittleFL Pine Island Hernando Beach, - Sep 2020 High
Date
Moon
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
9:02
1.3
9:51
0.4
7:09
7:54
1
Tue
1:20
2.7
12:41
3.2
7:01
1.3
7:50
0.4
7:08
7:52
1
Tue
2:16
2.9
1:37
3.5
2
Wed
1:49
2.8
1:24
3.2
7:43
1.1
8:21
0.5
7:09
7:51
3
2:15
3.0
2:20
3.4
9:44
1.1
10:22
0.5
7:09
7:53
1.0
8:50
2:45
3.2
8:21
Wed
2.8
2:03
2
Thu
0.6
7:09
7:50
4
2:59
3.4
10:22
1.0
10:51
0.6
7:10
7:52
0.9
9:18
3.0
3.1
8:57
3:11
2.9
2:41
Thu
Fri
2:39
3
0.7
7:10
7:49
5
Sat
3:04
2.9
3:20
3.0
9:33
0.8
9:46
0.9
7:10
7:48
4
Fri
3:35
3.1
3:37
3.3
10:58
0.9
11:19
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7:10
7:51
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3:28
3.0
4:00
2.9
10:09
0.7
10:14
1.0
7:11
7:47
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Sat
4:00
3.2
4:16
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11:34
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7:11
7:50
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Mon
3:55
3.0
4:43
2.7
10:46
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1.2
7:11
7:46
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Sun
4:24
3.2
4:56
3.1
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7:11
7:48
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Tue
4:25
3.1
5:30
2.5
11:27
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7:12
7:44
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Mon
4:51
3.3
5:39
2.9
12:15
1.0
12:47
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7:12
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5:21
3.3
6:26
2.7
12:45
1.2
1:28
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7:46
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Wed
4:59
3.1
6:28
2.4
12:16 PM
8
0.7
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7:12
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5:55
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7:24
2.6
1:18
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Thu
5:41
3.0
7:46
2.3
1:18
0.7
7:13
7:42
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Thu
6:37
3.3
8:42
2.4
1:57
1.6
3:19
0.7
7:13
7:44
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6:37
3.0
9:17
2.3
12:51
1.8
2:35
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7:33
3.2
10:13
2.4
2:52
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7:52
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10:32
2.4
2:12
1.9
3:51
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7:13
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Sat
8:48
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11:28
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4:13
1.9
5:52
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7:14
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Sun
9:12
3.0
11:29
2.5
3:35
1.8
4:57
0.4
7:14
7:39
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Sun
10:08
3.3
5:36
1.8
6:58
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7:15
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Mon
10:23
3.2
4:45
1.7
5:54
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12:25
2.7
3.4
6:46
1.7
7:55
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Tue
12:13
2.7
11:26 AM
11:19 AM
3.3
5:46
1.4
6:43
0.2
7:15
7:36
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1:09
2.9
12:22
3.6
7:47
1.4
8:44
0.2
7:16
7:38
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Wed
12:50
2.8
12:24
3.5
6:39
1.1
7:28
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Wed
1:46
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1:20
3.8
8:40
1.1
9:29
0.1
7:16
7:36
17
Thu
1:23
2.9
1:16
3.5
7:27
0.8
8:09
0.2
7:16
7:34
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Thu
2:19
3.1
2:12
3.8
9:28
0.8
10:10
0.2
7:17
7:35
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Fri
1:54
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3.5
8:14
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Fri
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2:26
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Sun
3:54
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Mon
3:33
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4:49
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10:39
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Mon
4:29
3.5
5:45
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12:05
1.0
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Tue
4:11
3.3
5:48
2.6
11:32
0.2
11:22
1.5
7:18
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Tue
5:07
3.6
6:44
2.8
12:43
1.3
1:33
0.2
7:19
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23
Wed
4:53
3.2
6:57
2.4
12:30
0.3
7:19
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Wed
5:49
3.5
7:53
2.6
1:23
1.5
2:31
0.3
7:20
7:28
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Thu
5:44
3.1
8:26
2.2
12:08
1.7
1:42
0.5
7:19
7:26
24
Thu
6:40
3.4
9:22
2.4
2:09
1.7
3:43
0.5
7:20
7:27
25
Fri
6:49
2.9
9:51
2.3
1:11
1.9
3:05
0.6
7:20
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25
Fri
7:45
3.2
10:47
2.4
3:12
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5:06
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26
Sat
8:18
2.8
10:53
2.4
2:38
1.9
4:23
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26
Sat
9:14
3.0
11:49
2.6
4:39
1.9
6:24
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27
Sun
9:47
2.8
11:37
2.5
4:02
1.7
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7:21
7:22
27
Sun
10:43
3.1
6:03
1.7
7:26
0.6
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28
Mon
10:58
2.9
5:11
1.4
6:12
0.6
7:21
7:21
Mon
12:33
2.7
7:12
1.4
8:13
0.6
7:22
7:22
Tue
12:11
2.6
3.0
6:05
1.2
6:49
0.6
7:22
7:20
11:54 AM
3.1
29
11:54 AM
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Tue
1:07
2.9
12:50
3.2
8:06
1.2
8:50
0.6
7:23
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Wed
12:41
2.8
12:39
3.0
6:49
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7:21
0.7
7:22
7:19
30
Wed
1:37
3.0
1:35
3.3
8:50
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9:22
0.7
7:23
7:19
Moon
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 7
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER:
S
eptember is my changeup month. I start getting away from the normal mackerel, trout and shark fishing and start concentrating on large redfish. With luck, the weather starts to turn just enough to make fishing fun again and the sun more bearable. I do a complete changeup from my normal fishing with live bait and start using cut fresh threadfin sardines. I look for these hard-fighting fish not on the flats, but around docks, bridges or deep cuts along oyster beds. It has been a long hot summer and they are lazy fish looking for cooler, deeper water. If you look closely at a redfish, his eyes are up high and his mouth is down, clearly telling you he is a bottom feeder--which is why so many redfish are lost on top water plugs or using live baits. They lose sight of their prey just before the strike. First, start by finding docks with moving water. I prefer the start of an outgoing tide around the docks in the upper Tampa Bay area. Second, position your boat within casting distance of the shaded area of the dock and third, start chumming with small pieces of cut threadfin sardines.
I am now ready to fish using a 1/0 J hook or 2/0 circle hook. With clients that do not have much fishing experience, I use J hooks as their normal tendency is to pull to set the hook. However, for clients that have experience fishing for reds, I use circle hooks. I like 30-pound test fluorocarbon leader about 30 inches long tied to 15-pound Fins Windtamer braided line using a surgeon’s knot. There are several knots you can use but, for simplicity, surgeons work best for me. Since I am fishing anywhere from 3 to 8 feet of water, and have some current, I attach a 1/8 to 1/4-ounce split shot sinker to keep the cut bait on the bottom. When fishing docks, I prefer a 7-foot medium action rod this gives me some pulling power to turn the fish around and headed toward me. If he wraps himself around the pilling, its best to open the bail on the reel and let him run. By relieving the tension, the fish in most cases will slow down and you can slowly work him out. Braided line is very forgiving. The secret is knowing when to start reeling again and when to back off the fish until he is ready to follow your lead. Dock fishing, starting in September, is not just for redfish but many other species. I just target redfish. Snook, mangrove snapper and flounder are just bonus fish for the clients and me. I find that not all docks hold fish, and some are better than others, but you will have to learn that on your own. One thing about dock fishing is that the larger fish tend to hang around the deepest point on the dock or around any
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BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES structure around the dock. In the winter months, we have cold fronts pass through, as well as, high-pressure systems sitting on top of us. This gives us extremely low tides. This is the best time to look at the docks in your area when the tides are low and clear water exposes rocks and old pilings. I found some docks with old concrete furniture under them or rocks and other debris that was dumped when the house was being built years earlier. Look for underwater lights on some of these docks. RECAP ON TACKLE They become night time feeding stations, so there • Okuma 7-foot medium action rod. is always going to be some • Okuma Helios 30 spinning reel. fish there day or night. • Fins Windtamer Braided Line 15-pound Make a note about what test white. you found and where the • Ohero 30-pound Fluorocarbon Leader. rocks are for the spring • 1/0 or 2/0 Trident Wide Gap hooks. and fall fishing. Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube. He is also host to Aventuras De Pesca USA on national TV and Radio. Emil: atanes@msn.com | 813-973-7132 | reelfishing.com
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 9
PASCO COUNTY BY: CAPT. BOBBY CARROLL
T
he key for this time of year is shade--for the fish! With the summer heat in full swing and having heat indexes higher than 100 degrees, consistently, humans aren’t the only ones looking for cooler spots to hang out! If you aren’t getting out before the sun comes up, try to find a mangrove line that gives good shade cover, but easy enough to pitch a bait or lure under. Another thing to do this time of year is to start fishing more docks. Snook and redfish will hide in the shadows and under the docks waiting for the easy target to come into the strike zone. For snook, you can’t beat greenbacks this time of year. There are plenty on the flats to cast net or sabiki up. I like to hook them in the tail, so it makes the bait swim farther under the dock and rarely they swim back to you, if
10 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2020
rigged that way. Redfish are also found under docks. Use cut pinfish or ladyfish for a lazy bait for them to pick up off the bottom. Shrimp is also working very well under the docks for both redfish and sheepshead this time of year. You can either free line a shrimp or hook it on a lighter jighead, if there is a strong current coming through the dock. As far as the artificial side of fishing goes, the earlier the better. Get out before the sun is up and start throwing your favorite topwater plug. I like to try to work the lure across moving water where there are ambush points that will make it hard for a snook to resist. Look for finger mullet and baitfish in the area. If you find plenty of baitfish, you’ll find the snook. Remember that we are still under a catch and release for our three main inshore species of fish. Please handle snook, redfish and trout with care and release them until their seasons are opened. Learn how to stalk, approach and gain the skills needed to catch fish with artificial baits. Capt. Bobby Carroll (Florida Fishing Experience) 727-271-3257
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Last m Kid Fi Gener Salis (
BASS PRO SHOPS IN TAMPA, FLORIDA DONATES MORE THAN 400 FISHING RODS AND REELS TO LOCAL YOUTH FISHING ORGANIZATION
T
Last month, Bass Pro Shops in Tampa donated fishing equipment to Take a Kid Fishing, Inc. of Lakeland, Florida. (Pictured Left to Right) Ronnie Cheeks, General Manager; William Dunn, Founder of Take a Kid Fishing, Inc.; Liam Salis (6), Zayn Stemple(14); Robert Bogacki, Fishing General Sales Manager
AMPA, Fla. – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is proud of its mission to inspire everyone to love, enjoy and conserve the great outdoors. Recently, Bass Pro Shops in Tampa presented 209 fishing rods and 215 reels to William Dunn, Founder and CEO of Take a Kid Fishing, Inc., whose organization shares the same passion for introducing new audiences to nature. “We are all about the kids. Our organization enhances the lives of underprivileged and fatherless children through mentoring and by taking them on fishing excursions,” Dunn said. “We educate the kids by teaching them life skills and responsibility. Fishing teaches them patience, teamwork and how to support each other whether they’re the one reeling in the fish or not. We are so thankful to be chosen to receive this equipment.” The gently used rods and reels were donated by customers in exchange for discounts on new gear; each piece is refurbished to ensure they are fish-ready for kids. Nationwide, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s has donated more than 400,000 outdoor recreation items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations over the past 5 years. “We are excited that more families and kids across the country are discovering fishing. They’re putting down their phones and video games, picking up fishing poles, and enjoying making some memories together in the great outdoors,” Bass Pro General Manager Ronnie Cheeks said.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 11
SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE
THE SUMMER OF SNOOK
T
his sweltering summer and intensified pressure from the abundance of Floridians seeking the water for exercise, leisure and social distancing has our aquatic resources recently bustling with traffic of all sorts. Jet skis, wade fishermen, net throwers, piers lined with rods, boats, drones and swimmers are everywhere when we gaze upon our beaches and waters. This unusual rate of contact has many species of our favorite inshore fish privy to our presence, hence, making our favorite fisheries a bit more challenging. We’ve been working hard on the shop lately, so full-day trips have been challenging for us. We did, however, manage to find a nice snook bite in a short amount of time during the hottest part of the day. Snook are a sub-tropical species which makes them more tolerant to heat than most species. This makes them a great target for our
scorching Florida summer days. The spawn is another reason we see more snook on the end of our lines. Spawn season is April through October with the peak being July through August. Despite the dogs swimming and floating tiki bars, this doesn’t stop a snook’s insatiable appetite. Hungry males will practically jump into your boat for a meal, so many types of lures are favorable for a hungry snook. If you prefer live bait, shrimp is a great option, as well as, shrimp patterns for the fly fisherman. Soft plastics and jig heads always do the trick when pitching into the mangroves, while topwater lures are effective for covering more space and, also, provides a fantastic strike. Sneaking up to those areas with a kayak is ideal to target these wonderful sportfish. Snook are very agile, fast and acrobatic, so make sure you’re geared up for a good fight! Good vibes and tight lines always from your friends at Pure Florida Watersports! purefloridaws@gmail.com | purefloridawatersports.com | 813-602-8824
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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
MACKEREL SEASON
F
lorida’s heat wave is still in full effect, and many anglers are looking to cast their lines at fish willing to eat. Spanish mackerel have made their way into Tampa Bay in great numbers. They are well known for their dominant presence during the late summer months and, historically, peak at that time. They can be found at any of the bridges, docks, seawalls, jetties, canals and channel ledges. I always head to my favorite rock piles this time of year to find mackerel. Where there is one, there are a bunch. Spanish mackerel can put on a great show and taste amazing. These hungry predators can almost always be found stacked up anywhere that has a drop in depth. The baits I use for Spanish mackerel are scaled sardines and live shrimp. Both baits are presented on a size 1/0 circle hook with just enough weight to get baits down. I like to bring a chum block with me to entice the bite. Decent numbers of gag and red grouper have been caught on recent trips inside Tampa Bay, as well. Call ahead to book your fishing charter soon while the bite is still good.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 15
HERNANDO COUNTY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
W
ith the heat and the high water temperatures, fishing can be tough. We hope for a light breeze without strong waves or storms. Even getting out early, it is still humid. I like to start early and end after four or five hours. This way, I get out, catch fish and get back before the heat overwhelms me. As always, I take plenty of water or Gatorade drinks to stay hydrated. This is important to make sure heat stroke doesn’t set in. One way to beat the heat is to jump in the water. Scallop fever is still in full swing. From Hernando Beach to Crystal river, look in the 4 to 8-foot water depths. If you don’t have any ideas where to go, just look for the congregation of boats. With just a mask, snorkel and fins, scalloping is a great family fun day on the water. Also, remember to put up a diver down flag and bring it down when you move the boat (it’s the law). The regulations for scalloping are two gallons whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person; a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2-gallon bay scallop meat per vessel. The season ends in our area on September 24th. Offshore fishing has been challenging but, with some perseverance, you should be able to have a productive day. The gag grouper have been
in anywhere from 15 to 60 feet of water. They don’t seem to have a strong pattern right now. As the water cools in the fall, start to look for them in the shallower waters closer to 10 feet. On recent trips, fresh cut baits seem to work the best. Second choice would be frozen baits like mullet, mackerel or threadfins. Use a 7/0 hook and as light a weight as you can to keep the bait on the bottom. Also, you might want to use chum-either cut baits or a chum block. The cobia are still around. I always keep a rod ready to throw with a bait that I can grab quickly when one comes by the boat. These fish usually aren’t picky and will hit anything worked fast by them. I love cobia, because they will fight to the very end. Don’t bring a big cobia into the boat green, they can do a lot of damage to you and your boat. It’s best to gaff a keeper cobia (33 inches to the fork) and net one if you’re not sure. Capt. Joel Gant operates Fishdaddy Charters out of Hernando Beach. Coast guard licensed, insured and Federal permitted. He knows the local waters like the back of his hand, and works both inshore and offshore trips. Check him out on facebook or you can reach him at (352) 279-1615. Visit his website, www.fishdaddycharter.com
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RIVERS TO BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
A
ugust was brutally hot, but not to worry. I have good news, only a few more weeks and fall will be here. These past few weeks, the temps have been in the 90’s and water temps are very similar on the flats. It will be a nice change for the somewhat cooler temps, which will drop the water temperature and so, in turn, the bite will pick up and that’s a good thing for sure. What’s biting? The mangrove snapper, that’s what. August and September are typically great months for these tasty fish. And, since they are open year-round, if you want to take home some fillets for dinner, go right ahead. You are allowed five per person with the smallest being 10 inches. See the FWC website for up-todate regulations. www.myfwc.com. So, if the tide is ripping too fast at the start of our trip, I’ll target snook and reds first, wait ‘till the tide slows down and then we’ll go after the mangos. September can be a slightly tough month to fish the back country in Tampa Bay--either due to hot water temps or slow tidal flow.
That’s why I target mangrove snapper a lot in September--they are typically deeper where the water is cooler. When I target snook, I’ll make sure I have good water movement and water as clean as I can find. Red fishing for me again has been hit and miss, more than likely because red fish move around more than other fish do. The last three weeks of September, large schools of redfish start to show up in Tampa Bay--which can make the last few weeks very productive on light tackle. So, even though it’s a little hot out still, bring some Gatorade, your favorite rod and reel, and go fishing. It’s more preferable in the morning when it’s a little cooler and, also, if you have moving water, you’re going to keep that rod bent. Tight lines, have a great September and catch ‘em up. Captain John Riverswww.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com | 727-313-1781
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 17
DRIFT FISHING THE TAMPA BAY FLATS BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
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COME FISH THE WORLD’S LARGEST & RICHEST KINGFISH TOURNAMENT 18 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2020
n excellent method of targeting various inshore game fish is drifting. Like other techniques, there are strategies veteran anglers use to increase their catch ratio success. Conversely, drift fishing isn’t a challenging fishing method. It only involves a location that looks fishy, some long-distance casting and sufficient patience. With gusty winds and fast currents, drifting in front of a sea-anchor can be a reliable method for adjusting boat speed and its angle of drift. Sea anchors were initially designed as safety devices to keep a vessel’s bow to the wind should it loose power. A simple, relatively inexpensive tool that, when deployed, unfolds like an underwater parachute, thereby creating pull or drag on the bow, stern or side of a boat. With relation to size and outstanding boat control, sea anchors also fold or roll up nicely for secure storage. When purchasing a sea anchor, be sure and match it with your boat length and weight. I have never regretted buying the next larger size for my 24-foot Action Craft. Sea anchors, often referred to as drift socks, play a vital role in safety, recreational, and tournament angling. Since boats are unique to their manufacturer, they come in various shapes and sizes. Since most boats drift stern to bow, it is essential to ascertain how it behaves under different conditions. Occasionally, by altering the position of the outboard motor (starboard or port), you can optimize the angle of drift. How it affects your perspective depends on where you place it. For example, if the desired direction is your bow to the wind, set the anchor on the windward front quarter of the boat. For drifting stern to the wind, place it on the stern or windward quarter. For a more sideways drift, put it somewhere close to amidships. When drift fishing, your boat becomes as essential as your rod and reel. Theoretically, it develops into part of your total fishing package. Ideally, you want to drift slowly sideways to the wind direction. Even if the vessel drifts ideally to the wind and current, a sea anchor is helpful to slow the speed of your drift. It can be crucial if strong winds or current is pushing the boat too rapidly. Everything on or attached to the boat reacts to the wind like a sail. However, provided the winds are calm, remove them and this may be all that’s required. Remember, the two things that control a drift are wind, and/or current. Being able to understand and forecast how the boat behaves in these conditions should help you achieve better positioning and a productive drift. However, when it comes to actual fishing, it’s a good idea to cast away from the wind or toward the direction you’re drifting. Try not to throw into wind, especially with braided line. Fishing in the path of the drift allows you to cover areas undisturbed by the boat. Then again, it requires your attention to keeping your fishing line taught as you drift towards it. Failure to keep your line tight usually results in a missed strike. Here is a drift sock forward trolling tip. Using two smaller drift socks, one on either side of the bow keeps your boat straight. Use your forward bow cleats or, if you have two forward quarter bow cleats, one on each side. Captain Woody Gore’s Guide Service: The area’s top-notch outdoor fishing guide service. He’s guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton and Sarasota areas for over fifty years and offers first-class customer service, outstanding fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single Boat, Multi-Boat and Group Charters: With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any size group, outing or tournament. Give Him a Call, Go Fishing & Catch Some Memories: 813-477-3814 www.captainwoodygore.com, fishing@captainwoodygore.com
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THE INSHORE SERIES BY: PAUL PRESSON
THE GOLD STANDARD OF THE SEA
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a child with their first ”Scooby-Doo” rod and reel. The tricks to catching red drum are no big secret; look for channel outlets, potholes, oyster beds and sandbars. During high tide, they will chase bait cruising the flats in search of their next meal. When the tide recedes, red drum will seek out deeper troughs and holes. A red drum bite is very distinctive. Depending on the size of the fish, they can really make your drag scream. Holding to the bottom, the shoulder-to-shoulder pull makes for an exciting battle. When they spot an angler, or realize they have been hooked, hang on for that second run. There is nothing like seeing that beautiful tail sticking out of the water at a 45-degree angle while they are foraging for food. During spawn migration, it is a sight to behold--hundreds of these magnificent fish “belly rolling” and moving on to their next destination. Red drum are fairly easy to catch, visually beautiful, a fight that won’t be forgotten and a taste that is out of this world. The red drum is truly, “The Gold Standard of the Sea.”
ciaenops ocellatus; or, you may know them by other names; the red drum, redfish or channel bass. I can think of no better description for them other than, “beautiful bruisPaul Presson, outdoor writer and published cartoonist. He has fished the ers”! It is unimaginable that years ago these fish were al- coastlines of Tampa Bay for 28 years, land based, wade, kayak and by flats most on the “trash fish” list. boat. If he is not writing, he is out on the water! With their magnificent colors, unyielding fight and a culinary delight, red drum spawn some serious fishing. The red drums’ bodies are sturdy--built for hunting and migrating. Their amazing coloration depends on water salinity, temperature and environment. They are adorned with beautiful skin and protective scales that range from a deep copper gold to an almost iridescent silver. The meaty underside is a pearl white color. They bear unique markings, from having no spots (which is very rare) to over 500 spots located forward of their tails. This is mother nature’s camouflage to fight against predators. The spot resemRed drum (redfish) are catch and bles an eye, in the hopes that it does not become prey to a release in many areas of Western larger fish. Florida. Check with FWC to see These hearty creatures live in the Atlantic Ocean and the restricted locations. Gulf of Mexico. Their territory ranges as far north as the Chesapeake Bay area, all the way down to Mexico. After a red drum hits approximately the four-year mark, it’s time for them “to fly.” They are on their • 250 Wet Slips • 100 Dry Slips way to deeper waters. Wrecks and drilling rigs are their dwellings of choice. A • Marina Web Cam • Launching Ramp 40-year-old, 40-pound fish is not an uncommon occurrence. Any red over 27 • Floating Transient Dock inches is referred to as a “bull,” with the smaller juvenile fish called “runts/rats.” • Monthly & Daily Rentals Annually, red drum migrate from deep waters back to the flats and estu• Marine Supplies • Free Internet Access aries. Male reds are “players,” they whisper sweet nothings to Mrs. Right Now • Free Public Pump-Out • Fishing Tackle by using a muscle attached to their air bladders. They also use the sound as a • Floating Fuel Dock - Gas & Diesel defense mechanism--hence the name drum fish. The female, in turn, can lay • Charter Boat Center • Ice, Beer, Snacks millions of eggs. These eggs flow with currents through the mangroves and • Live & Frozen Bait • Prop Recondition the cycle begins again. • Monitoring VHF CH 16 FM The red’s diet consists of crustaceans, fish and mollusks. These eating habits make for delicious table fare. The huge bonus is that they are relatively easy to catch. You can “dead stick” these adversaries with chunks of lady fish, 727-893-1071 • www.mygulfport.us/marina live pinfish, shrimp or crabs. They will also chew on spoons, topwater or soft 4630 29th. Ave. S. Gulfport, FL. 33711 plastics. An angler’s skill level can range from a seasoned fly fishing angler to COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 19
WOMEN WHO KAYAK
BY: NATALIE MANRIQUE
ESSENTIALS, ACCESSORIES, STORAGE, PLANNING AND CREATURE COMFORTS
L
adies who enjoy kayaking face many challenges. There are a myriad of things to consider; like choosing the proper kayak to suit our individual needs, experience level, planning, loading and transporting, safety (including skin protection), proper outfitting and accessories. I feel choosing the right kayak is very important for us ladies. Seating is a major thing to consider. Some prefer to have seating position options, such as high, low, forward, etc. Some of us like to sit low and feel cradled. Either way, make sure your back is comfortable when choosing your kayak. We may also face challenges of loading, transporting and launching. To assist with this, there are plenty of accessories like truck bed extenders, trailers, carts, boat rollers and wheelin-keel features. Practice safe judgement, especially Then, we have the age-old in high winds and busy channels. issue of using the restroom. As a female kayaker and avid Be aware of boats and make sure angler, I’ve found and discovered several tips, tricks, op- you’re visible to them. It gives us a tions and accessories to make great excuse to dress brightly. a paddling trip much more pleasurable and a lot less stressful or frustrating. For example, I have found when paddling my Feelfree Lure, Moken 2 or BigFish, I can remove the sonar pod/prop pod and have the stability of the kayak to turn around, cover myself with a towel or meander to a secluded area and use the open space within the kayak that houses the box and utilize it as the restroom without having to get in the water. It has literally saved me from busted toes and sinking in mud. But, for those who don’t paddle one of these crafts, make sure you have the proper footwear. (Oh darn, another pair of shoes!). Proper paddling technique is very important. This can lead to discomfort and even pain if not done correctly. Proper paddling technique involves your core and even your legs. It’s also an excellent work out. After all, we are in this to enjoy our beautiful aquatic gems. Here at Pure Florida Watersports we offer an intro to kayaking classes and safety. This includes what to do if you fall in. Knowing what to do and how to do it can prove to be a true life saver. Self-rescue varies from kayak to kayak. So, if you have one and are a novice or plan to get one, it’s important to know how to maneuver yourself with your kayak in order to get back in safely. Fortunately, the Kayaks we sell are incredibly stable. Many times, you’ll go in before the kayak flips. However, anything can happen, and you must be prepared and confident with your capabilities. In the event the kayak does flip, I certainly urge you to utilize rod tethers to strap down your milk crate, tackleboxes and dry bags. A PFD (personal flotation device) is a must when kayaking. I have found 20 TAMPA
AUGUST 2020
a couple of incredible options that are especially tailored to a woman’s physique. The Astral line of women’s PFDs are my absolute favorite. They have a flat back for comfort, vented back, plenty of pockets and good support. Also, NRS carries a great alternative. There are so many styles, brands, materials and options for us now, we just simply have to use them--no excuses. One of the most essential accessories that I utilize while kayak angling is a milk crate equipped with rod holders. This allows me to keep everything at an arm’s reach, and even my boxes of lures are safe and organized. I arrange my rods in the rod holders where the opposite side of my casting arm has my spare rod, the middle has my net and the casting side is open. This allows me to side cast in tight areas without hitting my own gear. I also keep in the crate, additional line, leader, etc., that I don’t want to have in my way, but may need to use in a special circumstance. YakGear makes a very useful new product called the Yaksak. It can be hung on the inner side of your kayak next to you, or even hung from your seat if it is in a higher position. There’s a water-resistant pocket where you can store your keys, phone, etc., as well as, outer pouches where I like to keep my tools, such as pliers, extra lures and tackle. So, in the event of a tip, your gear and personal belongings are safe. Even though there are all kinds of gizmos to attach to your kayak, I find that “less is more” when it comes to accessorizing your kayak. You definitely don’t want all your stuff to get entangled in the line when you hook into that big fish that wants to do laps around your kayak. Finding the right place to mount a cup holder and a good place to set up your fish finder is certainly ideal. On a kayak, your shoulders, top of your legs, feet and hands are the first to get burned. I always wear a hat, polarized sunglasses, a good SPF shirt, a neck gaiter, gloves, leggings with an SPF, as well as, some good quality water shoes. Also, don’t forget about lip protection--many brands of chap stick offer SPF. Unfortunately, things happen all too often when people just simply aren’t informed of the laws, regulations, as well as, the multitude of products to keep us safe while paddling. It’s a good idea to have a buddy system (when possible) and a float plan. Let someone know when and where you’re going and when you should be back. Keep a safety kit with you, including a radio and GPS. Practice safe judgement, especially in high winds and busy channels. Be aware of boats and make sure you’re visible to them. It gives us a great excuse to dress brightly. All in all, it seems like a lot of things to consider when planning an aquatic excursion. But honestly, it becomes second nature once you’ve done it a couple of times. Planning becomes easier, paddling becomes more of an adventure and, in turn, you start to find your inner peace. No more fretting, worrying, forgetting something or any of that. Just breathe and take in all the wonders that surround us. Good vibes and tight lines--always!
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SEPTEMBER 2020
TAMPA 21
TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER
W
elcome back Yak fans. This month’s offering is a little special (no my writing hasn’t improved!) It’s my 11th anniversary. That’s right, way back in August of 2009 I joined the Coastal Angler Magazine family. So, on this momentous occasion I want to share that bane of fisherfolk. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, some say it goes back to not being able to catch fish on a banana boat. Whatever the origin, many anglers absolutely refuse to have the accursed yellow fruit anywhere near a fishing trip. I’ve even heard captains have gone as far as throwing Banana Boat products over the side and cutting Banana Republic logos off shirts. I will admit, that might be taking it a bit far. To the true believers, better safe than sorry. Coast to coast, fresh or salt, this insidious yellow peril has ruined many a fishing trip. Now, for those of you who scoff, or perhaps you take one for a snack all the time and it hasn’t bothered you--congratulations! You must have anti banana bodies that protect you from infection. For myself, (despite repeated exposure) I can’t seem to build up an immunity--here are some of my stories. The first time I was exposed was with my old friend Karsen. We were fishing a small creek (I mean less than six feet wide) and casting into a tidal basin. I’m pulling out mangrove snapper, redfish and black No Bananas On Board drum one after another, Repentance Prayer and he can’t catch a cold. Feeling guilty, I switch Oh great Konpira spots with him--same replease, hear my plea sults! He gets frustrated I am sorry for my mistake and says “Hey, I brought some snacks. You want A banana I brought to sea some crackers?” He It was an honest gesture reached behind him and, a noble means of nutrition you guessed it, pulled out I had no ill intent a banana! As I back paddled away from him with I brought fruit of my own volition a what have you done Please forgive my idiocy look, he took a bite and I meant my friends no harm sealed his fate. This made We just want to go fishing me begin to believe. Story two. Some years and go home with a sore arm ago, I was featured on a We beg of you to release the curse fishing show called The upon which I have brought Average Angler AdvenIn your honor, I consume these bananas tures. The very first time we met, I had pre-fished, a sacrifice all for naught… set up chum bags with my buddy Lew and felt that I had done everything humanly possible to put us on some fish. Glen, the host, arrived with the camera crew and an underwater camera to view the spring, and off we went. We started at the spring, dropped the camera down 40 or 50 feet, and no fish. I’m thinking, what the heck, it was loaded yesterday. The no fish scenario repeated itself at spot after spot for the rest of the day. As I rather dejectedly said goodbye at the end of the day, I saw (you guessed it) a banana peel on the front seat! I looked at him, shook my head and thought, I’d never see him again. Surprisingly, I went on to do ten shows with him, and the banana was a running joke between us. Story three. And so, the story begins. Jim (did I mention his name was Jim?) you know, from Colorado. I mean, how many of them can there be? Anyway, we put in at Indian Bay in Aripeka and paddled north. I placed him on spot after spot with both bait and lures and nothing! Now, I’m not saying that the bite was hot, but I caught nice mangrove snapper, redfish and trout and he came up empty. I’m dumbfounded! Finally, at the lower end of 22 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2020
the tide sitting inside of Indian key with bait and mullet schools everywhere around a quarter-mile radius, (I mean that Bay was lit up), he reached into his backpack and pulled it out! I screamed, “what’s that!” “Oh, my dad gave me this as I was leaving--I didn’t think they could affect kayaks.” Yes, dear reader, that was the Cardinal Sin. He (Jim from Colorado) knew of the curse, and set his fate. But, it gets worse. “Let me get rid of it,” he said, as he ate it and threw the peel to the tides and said, “there it’s gone.” We both turned our heads back to the Bay (you know, that Bay that was alive with fish) and there was nothing—nada, zilch. Every fish within a half-mile radius was gone. We looked at each other and he said, “Where did everything go?” I replied, “Only one thing changed,” looking at that yellow peel floating away. Oh, I’m not saying the banana was the cause--maybe 5000 fish just decided to leave at the same time. Maybe it was recess and they had to get back to school. Oh, and Jim (remember Jim), I couldn’t put him on anything. I doubt he will ever bring a banana with him again. PS: he still had a great time So, humming that old Monkees’ tune I’m a Believer, as I sign off, may you have tight lines and no bananas. Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear are provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude, and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. Bruce Butler “The Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com | Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com
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BIG BULL REDS BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
I
t’s mid-September, it’s starting to cool off and that means one thing to me--big bull reds. My heart is already beating a bit faster just thinking about how powerful these bronze bullies are. The reds have an attitude of, “Don’t mess with me, or I’ll plow right through you.” I think bull reds would make good linemen, or maybe I just really miss football. At least we can still enjoy fishing. The boat is loaded with a few of my favorite Bull Bay Rods, which are matched up with my new Shimano Stradics. I’m greeted at the ramp by a few pelicans and a couple of little snowy white egrets. It’s off to the bait grounds to land a well full of pilchards. The sun is peeking over the Bay letting me know that I’ve got about 30 minutes to get to the bait and get staged up before the outgoing tide starts. Very quickly, I have loaded the well with hundreds of frisky baits that will hopefully help me have a productive day on the water. The deck of my boat is littered with grass, small baits and a couple of egrets eager to help clean up the mess. After rinsing the deck of the Triton, I make my way across Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest estuary extending over 400 square miles. With miles and miles of mangrove shoreline and with four major rivers; the Hillsborough, Alafia, Manatee, and Little Manatee, the area is abundant with a vast variety of fish and a prolific amount of honey holes. It is such a huge fishery, that one could spend years fishing Tampa Bay and almost fish a new area every time they splashed the boat. So, now the boat’s clean, my feathered stowaways are full, and it’s time to head to one of my honey holes that I know is very good for redfish on 24 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2020
an outgoing tide. As I enter the no motor zone, all I hear is the low hum of my trolling motor and the occasional call of an ibis and pelicans roosting in the mangroves. As I glide across the flats, I spot a large stingray cruising along and then, I spot what I was looking for--the dark silhouette of a redfish. Was he a lone fish or was he a scout ahead of his platoon? My answer comes soon enough as, suddenly, a large 100 fish school glides through the grass flats with the stealth of a well-trained recon troop. I ...the rod is bent pretty good, and deploy my power poles and grab my chum bat. I net 10 the bronze bruiser is almost in the or so baits and toss them out. mangroves and so, with one last Within seconds, I hear music to my ears. The loud crashing heave, I manage to turn his head water of a big red crushing and I know I’ve got him. a pilchard. I grab my 7-foot 2-inch Bull Bay Rod and a bait, rig it up and toss it out. Eager with anticipation, my palms holding tight to my fishing rod ready for the familiar hard tug the red gives as he takes a bait. As I stand ready, eyes not wavering, keeping a close lookout for any line movement, the rest of the world seems insignificant. All of a sudden, the line comes tight, the rod is almost snatched out of my hands and the drag is peeling off like the drag is not even working. I give it a couple of clicks to slow down the bully at the other end of my line and it doesn’t even faze him. Hands tight around the reel handle, I start to pull with everything I’ve got; the rod is bent pretty good, and the bronze bruiser is almost in the mangroves and so, with one last heave, I manage to turn his head and I know I’ve got him. A nice battle ensues and then I have him in the net. It’s time to get a few quick pictures and release him back to his troops. I stay in that spot for a couple of hours and pluck a few more from the ranks. Another grand day on Tampa Bay where every day is an adventure. .
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Captain John Riverswww.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com | 727-313-1781
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SEPTEMBER 2020
RATTLING UP EVERGLADES SNOOK By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
A
s with any saltwater fish, tide is of extreme importance when it comes to catching snook. Not only does the tide need to be moving, but with the large tidal swings in the Everglades, there needs to be ample water in the area you choose to fish. During stronger tidal movement, it is to your advantage to retrieve your lure with the current or at a slight angle crossing it. A lure worked upstream will most likely go untouched. When it comes to structure in the Everglades, you will find as many options as you will opinions and approaches to fish them. The most popular, and what comes to mind first are the vast picturesque mangrove shorelines. These are the areas where fishing shows are made, but I’m not convinced they are the best for catching mature snook. The Glades have an abundance of shell bottoms and islands, points littered with dead mangroves that mark the underwater jungle lying beneath. Then you have the less obvious, but productive, submerged sand flats that were once their own island before Mother Nature dwindled them down to what they are today, fish magnets! Granted, I’m no expert in fishing the Everglades. But in the 20-plus years I have been fishing there, I have noticed a few things on how larger snook relate to specific structure, water depth and the presence of different baits. The mangroves are the most obvious structure, and they are also the most heavily fished. Although popular, I don’t feel they are the most productive for the larger snook. All the large snook I have caught are 20 to 30 yards away from the shoreline in 4 to 7 feet of water. For me, currentswept points with a shell bottom have been the most consistent producer of big snook. Submerged sandbar points are also productive as long as there is current and bait. Surprisingly, small 1- to 2-inch minnows appear to be the best signal that large snook are in the area. For whatever reason, these tiny fish are followed by some monsters. When I see these small baitfish schooling around, I thoroughly cover that area with my Knockin Tail swimbaits. Snook rely heavily on their distinctive lateral line to feed, and I believe the rattle embedded in these paddletails draws them in for the strike. The next time you target snook in an area of mangroves, do not pitch into the roots and lose your lure. Fish the deeper water off the points, and be ready for that sudden thump from a heavy snook.
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Fall Fishing The IRL and Treasure Coast Beaches
S
By Richard L. Matteson Jr.
eptember is an exciting month for surf fishing the beaches of the Treasure Coast and the Indian River Lagoon. It’s the beginning of the mullet run, which begins around mid-September and will stretch into October as shorter days and cooling weather bring mullet to their spawning grounds. Mullet and other baitfish are fodder for tarpon, snook, sharks and schooling bluefish, jacks, blue runners and mackerel. Fishing on the ocean shoreline, the St. Lucie River and in the lagoon will begin to pick up. The easiest way to follow baitfish is to watch for birds, as flocks of pelicans chase bait. Sometimes there are so many birds you can’t cast. Bring extra spoons and jigs, because bluefish and mackerel will cut your line. Tarpon: Silver kings are one of the prize gamefish of the world, and fall is a great time to hook and land one. Hooking a tarpon is one thing; landing one is another. Heavy 60-pound braid with an 80-pound clear leader is standard. Your reel should hold 250 to 300 yards of line. I have a Shimano Baitrunner with 40-pound power pro. I caught and landed a 40-pound tarpon a few weeks ago on a topwater plug. Tarpon like a slow and steady retrieve. I use standard jigs, shallow-diving plugs, porgies, silver spoons, 1- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons, rootbeer-color TerrorEyz and topwater plugs. Live bait works well, as do fresh cut ladyfish.
Make sure your hooks are strong enough to handle a tarpon. I use single hooks instead of treble hooks on my plugs. Setting the hook is important, as tarpon have hard mouths. When a tarpon jumps, give them a little slack while keeping in contact with the lure. Snook: In the lagoon, snook like structure (piers, bridges, mangroves). In the ocean, they cruise beaches and inlets following bait. Snook are rarely far from shore and can be caught in the first cut around the trough in early mornings and evenings. I recommend 20-pound braid with a 40-pound leader, although lighter tackle will also work. My favorite lure is a 3/8-ounce DOA jig with a 4-inch paddletail. I prefer pearl white or silver sparkle DOA baits. Bigger lures catch bigger fish, and I sometimes use a 1-ounce Tomahawk Jig in chartreuse with a curly white plastic trailer. Snook make a powerful first run, so don’t set your drag too tight. They’ll hit almost any type of lure from topwaters and jigs to crankbaits and jerkbaits. They also eat live bait like pilchards, greenies and sardines. Schooling Predators: Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are all schooling predators that like fast retrieves and shiny lures like silver or gold spoons. They provide lots of action during the mullet run. Bluefish and mackerel have sharp teeth, so expect your line to be cut, and be careful getting them off the hook. For more information about the Stuart Rod and Reel Club, call (336) -414-3440 or visit www.stuartrodandreel.com.
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atience. Any serious underwater photographer has to develop it, but mine was wearing thin. For 10 minutes I had been out-waiting a flamefish I discovered while poking around the Blue Heron Bridge snorkel trail in Palm Beach County. Slowly, the fish inched toward where I wanted him to be. Finally, he was sitting in the right spot. I snapped one picture, then a second. He seemed willing to pose. “Great!” I thought. “Now I can concentrate on getting something good.” Then suddenly my viewfinder was just showing haze. I looked up. Visibility had just been 20 feet. Now, parts of the reef structure were disappearing in murk. Photos were suddenly out of the question. Moving back from the reef, I looked around. About 5 yards up-current, five divers were treading water to converse at the surface. The flow from their fins was creating a silt storm on the bottom, destroying visibility. Seething, I swam off to find a new shooting locale. Although I’ve had time to cool off, I still think about that incident because it was unnecessary. If they had inflated their BCs while talking, there would have been no problem. But the Blue Heron Bridge is considered suitable for divers of all skill levels, and silting up your surroundings is rarely covered outside of cave or wreck diving courses. There’s no reason to expect every diver to have learned anti-silting techniques. Although it’s a relatively straightforward dive, BHB diving involves quite a bit of specialized knowledge. The more you know about tide windows, finding and identifying interesting critters, locating attractions like the shark statues or sunken boats, and, of course, perfecting buoyancy control, the more comfortable and enjoyable your dive will be. None of this is difficult, but acquiring that knowledge typically takes many dives. However, there is a shortcut to gaining this knowledge over time: Pura Vida Divers’ exclusive PADI Blue Heron Bridge course, a PADI Distinctive Specialty. Their course aims “to produce better divers at this unique dive site.” During the class, students are introduced to a broad cross-section of useful information pertinent to diving “the Bridge.” Andrea Whitaker, who frequently teaches the course, had some comments about the problem I encountered. “One of the most common mistakes I have seen over the years is overkicking at the dive site,” she said. “This will undoubtedly decrease the visibility for you and others around you, as well as disturb the incredibly interesting critters we are all there to see. As one key topic in the Blue Heron Bridge Specialty course, we discuss proper kick techniques and good buoyancy skills to truly enhance your dive experience there. By adjusting how you maneuver at this impressive dive site, you give yourself the opportunity to slow down and increase your luck at finding the incredible critters hiding there.” Give Pura Vida Divers a call at 561-840-8750, or check out their website www.puravidadivers.com to get started on your Blue Heron Bridge Diver course.
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saw my first large striped bass near Eureka on the Ocklawaha River in the 1960s. I was a kid watching a boat return from a day of fishing, and being unfamiliar with stripers, I was amazed at the size of fish that came from my river. I had a talk with Dad about upgrading my Zebco 404! In 1983, we started the first pontoon charter offering family fishing on central Florida’s Ocklawaha River. By then, catching a striper was rare. You knew immediately you had hooked something more than just a largemouth. With a striper on the run, you’re left praying your gear is heavy enough and that the drag is set right. The captain must be ready to up-anchor and chase a big fish! “Have you seen any stripers running?” used to be a topic of conversation between anglers, but it’s been a long time since this question was asked on the Ocklawaha. Striped bass are anadromous by nature, meaning they live in saltwater and run up rivers to spawn. Florida was once home to the southernmost native populations of Atlantic striped bass; however, due to loss of river habitat and water quality, natural reproduction ceased in the St. Johns River by the early 1970s. Stripers in Florida today are stocked and considered riverine. Stocked stripers spend their lives in rivers and lakes, and the long stretches of cool swift water necessary for them to reproduce no longer exist. Rodman Dam, completed in 1968, cut off migratory species from the Ocklawaha River. The Ocklawaha’s full length of swift cool current was the only river on Florida’s east coast that could support successful spawning. Rodman’s construction was part of a plan for the Cross Florida Barge Canal, which has pitted environmentalists against industry since the 1930s. An ongoing effort to restore the river continues today. For striped bass, Rodman Dam was devastating. Historic reports tell of fish weighing up to 30 pounds near the confluence of the Silver and Ocklawaha rivers. These fish, which came from the Atlantic through the St. Johns, utilized the 64-mile-long, spring-fed Ocklawaha to spawn. Progressively, stripers disappeared from the Ocklawaha along with the eels they loved to eat. You can still catch stocked stripers in the St. Johns. In summer, they can be found in cool spring runs like Silver Glenn, Salt Springs and Croaker Hole, near Welaka. In winter, stripers are caught in the St. Johns up to Jacksonville. Farther north, the St. Marys River is an option. Stripers in winter have been caught below Rodman Dam on the Ocklawaha River. Various lures and live bait are options. Stripers like shad, eels and shiners, and anything silver catches their attention. Due to the warm water, stocked stripers in Florida don’t grow as large as those up north, but you will need to bump-up your bass tackle. Contact Capt. Erika Ritter, of A Cruising Down The River, at (352) 299-0282 and check out www.captainerikasfloridaboatcharters.com.
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f you have been in the offshore game long enough, you know pelagics don’t always cooperate. Luckily, in south Florida, you can almost always score some tasty bottom dwellers for dinner before you head back to the dock. Blackbelly rosefish make for some incredible table fare and are very easy to catch with the right equipment and a little local knowledge. Most important is a good bottom machine that gives you accurate depths to over 1,000 feet. Though you can hand crank with a pound or two of lead, you won’t ever want to do it again if you come up empty on the first drop. Electric reels are a must. It’s nice to have a modern, high-speed electric reel, but a 9/0 Penn Senator with a Fish Winch or Electra-Mate will get the job done. Rosies can be caught in depths between 650 and 1,100 feet, but I believe the sweet spot is around 850 feet. They like hard rocky bottom, but can also be caught on muddy bottom as long as there is some structure close by. The go-to rig is a chicken rig with five or six hooks. You can get away with 9/0 circle hooks, but some of the best in the game go as big at 12/0 or 13/0 because a snowy grouper or big golden tilefish may come calling. Depending on the amount of current, you will need 3 to 8 pounds of lead to keep your baits on the bottom. The best bait is squid, but chunks of bonito, barracuda or even dolphin bellies will work just fine. Don’t forget to add a light source to your rig. The small, water activated strobe lights in green or blue work best. Rosies have big yellow eyes, but it’s pretty dark on the bottom in 800 feet. Don’t skimp on the light. You can locate potential honey holes by watching your bottom machine while you are on the troll for dolphin. Pay close attention when you are between 700 and 900 feet. Mark any spots where you see a 5 to 10 foot depth change. Name those marks as prospective spots and try them out. Once you find a productive spot, don’t think that you have to go back to that same spot for each drop. Many times, the bite gets better a bit north of the starting point. Keep in mind that when you hit bottom, you will have to make adjustments to keep your baits on the bottom. When you get the first bite, don’t start coming up. Leave your rig on the bottom so you can get a few more bites and bring up 3 or 4 fish at a time. Be mindful to release the smaller fish, as they don’t yield enough meat to warrant dulling your fillet knife and don’t ever keep more than you need. The next time you get skunked offshore, try a little deep droppin’ for groceries! Gene Dyer is editor/publisher of Coastal Angler Magazine—Fort Lauderdale.
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QUARTERS By Peter Cammann
I
’ve fished the Shinnecock Inlet in Hampton Bays, N.Y. for many years and have usually found plenty of striped bass and bluefish to keep me occupied. One afternoon last September, I pulled into the parking lot on the inlet’s west side, took a look at the water and smiled as I saw a large school of bait flashing on the surface. Something, or a lot of somethings were feeding on them. There was a flotilla of maybe 15 boats chasing the school, including a party boat, which was crammed with weekend anglers. The school moved quickly and as I worked my way along the jetty, I could just make out larger predator fish thrashing about on the surface. It was a real blitz! On the shore with me were 20 or so anglers, all trying to keep up as fish zipped north to south and back north again. At times, they were too far away to cast to, and all we could do was watch as the boats tried to corral the school. The fish repeatedly slid through the gaps and veered off in another direction. Even though there were close to 100 anglers involved in this melee, all of whom at one point or another were able to cast into the midst of the feeding frenzy, no one got so much as a strike. Except for the guy standing just off to my left. He had driven from in Montauk, where he had spent a fruitless morning looking for stripers. He was tired when he got to the inlet, so he parked his vehicle and settled in for a nap. When he opened his eyes, the school was right in front of him. Maybe because he was more rested than anyone else, or perhaps because he was simply a better angler, he hooked into two different fish on a pencil popper. The first spat the hook quickly, but the second stayed on. It didn’t take long for him to realize what he’d laced into. It was a false albacore. Albies are not huge, but they fight like a fish of much greater size. The runs this guy’s fish made were extraordinary, both for their length and speed. It never jumped, as the other blitzing albies had while gorging on the baitfish, but his fish did come within view a couple of times. It looked to be close to 10 pounds, which the guy confirmed once he’d landed and released it. “That was my first albie!” he shouted. It was the first time I’d even seen one, so I walked over to offer congratulations and we chatted for a bit. The other anglers were too busy trying to get their lures back into the water to join us. Peter Cammann has been writing fishing stories for magazines and newspapers for over 30 years. He is the author of three books: Fishing Vermont’s Streams and Lakes, Ultralight Spin Fishing, and a novel titled SlipNot, all of which are available on amazon.com.
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Two North Carolina Catfish Records Fall NCWRC Photos
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ummertime means catfish to a lot of anglers, and it was one heck of a summer for catfish in North Carolina. In July, two state catfish records were broken. The first, an enormous Lake Gaston blue cat, weighed more than 120 pounds. The second, a 78-pound, 14-ounce Neuse River flathead broke a record that has stood for 15 years. Joey Baird, of Lawrenceville, Va., caught his state record 121-pound, 9-ounce blue catfish out of Six Pound Creek at Lake Gaston on July 5. The
monster fish, which ate a chunk of cut bait, was more than 5 feet long, with a girth of 40.5 inches. It broke a 117-pound, 8-ounce record that has stood since June 2016. Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre reservoir of the Roanoke River up on North Carolina’s northern border with Virginia. It has a history of producing giant blue catfish, as this is the fourth North Carolina record blue to come from its waters. The Roanoke River system also lays claim to the world record blue catfish. The largest blue catfish ever certified came from Kerr Lake, Virginia, which is one dam upstream of Lake Gaston on the Roanoke. That fish, which weighed 143 pounds, was caught in June 2011. The new North Carolina record flathead was caught by Pikeville angler Tyler Barns. The 78-pound, 14-ounce beast ate a live bream fished in the Neuse River on July 20. Barns’ monster fish was more than 4 feet long and had a girth of more than 3 feet. It bested the 78-pound record flathead caught from the Cape Fear River in 2005. The Neuse River runs from Falls Lake north of Raleigh all the way to the coast to feed the Atlantic Ocean at Pamlico Sound.
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SEPTEMBER 2020
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J.O. SPICE COMPANY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS AND 4 GENERATIONS
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teamed blue crabs seasoned with J.O. No.2 or a custom blend that J.O. manufactures is the flavor people experience at crab establishments all over. Most people credit this crab house seasoning to another product but J.O. has been the crab houses’ seasoning of choice since 1945. J.O. Spice, started by J.O. (James Ozzle) Strigle and his wife Dot in Baltimore City in 1945, is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. A native of Tangier Island, Va., J.O. Strigle brought the seafood spice blend he created in his kitchen on the island to Maryland. Jane McPhaul, J.O.’s daughter took over operations of the family business in the late eighties while her son, Don Ports, was serving in the Marine Corps. In 1990 Don joined his mother in the family business with a vision to expand. In the summer of 1991 Don met his spice girl, Ginger, with the pick up line, “you’re destined to be mine; you’re named for a spice,” said J.O. Spice Company president Don Ports to wife Ginger Ports the moment they met. Twenty eight years later, Don and Ginger- alongside their children Brittany, Tyler and Bethany, are continuing the family traditions of quality seasonings, spices, and more at reasonable prices at their Halethorpe based J.O. Spice Company. “We can provide crab houses everything they need for the crab eating experience, minus the crabs”, Don says. The company added crab boxes, crab paper, bushel baskets, crab knives, crab mallets and a variety of other items to their offerings. “We purchased our first laser engraver and that opened the door to the retail gift world and personalized options,” Don says. J.O. specializes in custom blended seasonings for pizza companies, pit beef stands, butchers, potato chip companies and more. We are more than seafood seasonings. “My children, the fourth generation, and our amazing team work side-by-side to make all of this happen,” Ginger says. “At J.O., we are all family who enjoy working with so many other family businesses. We are blessed.” Please visit us at jospices.com.
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8/6/20 3:32 PM
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Pendants enlarged to show exquisite color. Chain sold separately.
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