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ICAST's Hottest New Gear + Hooked On Snook • Fall Feed-Up

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPTAIN JIMMY NELSON VOLUME 24 • ISSUE 294

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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

SEPTEMBER 2019

W O R L D W I D E

SeaStar Solutions is introducing a new foot throttle, the Pro-Pedal, that provides a more comfortable operating experience for the driver and incorporates components that will greatly improve durability and reliability.

seastarsolutions.com

Part No.

Description

FT7000P

Foot throttle with adjustable slider base plate

FT7050P

Foot Throttle

FT7051P

Slider base plate

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy.

There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year and options with On-Water Towing. | PROGRESSIVE.COM 1.800.PROGRESSIVE COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM I SEPTEMBER 2019

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BEST OF ICAST 2019

EDITOR PICKS: Every year at the ICAST show, dozens of lucky winners are chosen the Best Of ICAST for their respective categories. There are dozens of other companies whose products might not have won Best Of, but their innovative gear certainly deserves some recognition. Join us as we celebrate our selections for the Best Of ICAST 2019.

Vibe Shearwater 125

ach year, ICAST showcases the latest and greatest in fishing gear at the world’s largest fishing trade show. A highlight of the show is the “Best Of ” awards, which are selected from the massive New Product Showcase, as voted on by buyers and media. Garmin’s new Force Trolling Motor won overall “Best of Show” at ICAST 2019, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando in July. It won top honors out of more than 1,000 new products showcased.

“Best of Category” Award Winners • Boating Accessories: Garmin Force Trolling Motor • Boats and Watercraft: Hobie Mirage ProAngler 14 with 360 Drive Technology • Eyewear: Costa Del Mar WaterWoman • Footwear: Frogg Toggs Skipper • Giftware: 13 Fishing Fillet Table Beverage Management System • Lifestyle Apparel: AFTCO Yurei Air-O-Mesh Performance Shirt • Technical Apparel (Cold Weather): Simms M’s G4Z Stockingfoot Wader • Technical Apparel (Warm Weather): AFTCO Overboard Submersible Shorts • Ice Fishing: Johnson Outdoors Ice Helix 7 Chirp GPS G3N All-Season • Cooler and Bait/Storage: Plano Synergy Frabill Magnum Bait Station 30 • Cutlery, Hand Pliers or Tools: Bubba 110V Electric Fillet Knife • Electronics: Johnson Outdoors MEGA 360 Imaging • Fly Fishing Accessory: Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack • Fishing Accessory – American Tackle Company MW20 Finesse Set • Fishing Line: PowerPro Moon Shine Braid • Kids’ Tackle – Anything Possible Brands The Bumblebee by ProFISHiency • Tackle Management: Plano Synergy Plano EDGE • Terminal Tackle: Rapala VMC Bladed Hybrid Treble Short • Freshwater Soft Lure: Lunkerhunt Phantom Spider • Saltwater Soft Lure: LIVETARGET Slow-Roll Shiner • Freshwater Hard Lure: LIVETARGET Erratic Shiner • Saltwater Hard Lure: LIVETARGET Flutter Sardine • Freshwater Reel: Shimano SLX DC Baitcasting Reels • Saltwater Reel: Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel • Fly Reel: SEiGLER Reels SF (Small Fly) • Freshwater Rod: St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass MGC72HM Rip N’ Chatter Rod • Saltwater Rod: St. Croix Avid Surf VSS80MMF • Fly Fishing Rod: St. Croix Imperial Salt IS908.4 • Rod & Reel Combo: Lew’s Fishing Lew’s Mach Smash Baitcast Combo 6

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Vibe obviously put a lot of thought into their new fishing kayak. By combining features kayak anglers customarily had to choose one over the other, the Shearwater 125 is the most versatile fishing kayak on the water. This streamlined fishing vessel has an open deck as well as center-console storage. It’s comfortable and stable with a high-low seat, a standing perch and ample floor standing room. Rudder steering is pedal and hand controlled. It can be rigged for paddle, pedal and motor power with Power Pole mounts. There is open bow storage for easy access as well as hull rigging access. Four flush rod holders are complemented by four horizontal rod holders. It’s got a tunnel hull and a keel for maximum stability and speed. And all of that is just the beginning of a long list of well-designed features. With innovation that provides all of the functionality anglers look for in a kayak, Vibe’s Shearwater 125 begs the question, “Why choose when you can have it all?”

Vibekayaks.com

Bixpy Kayak Outboard Kit Looking to extend your range and save energy for fishing? The Bixpy Thruster is an electric outboard motor designed to fit any kayak or other small boat. It reaches speeds of up to 7 mph, opening up a whole world of opportunity for folks who fish from small boats. This extremely powerful, efficient, light and portable propulsion system helps you fight wind and current, explore new places and extend trips. A single charge allows for up to 10 hours at trolling speed, and at full speed it will push a kayak to about 7 mph for up to 75 minutes of continuous use. The Bixpy Outboard Kit, which includes a thruster and an outboard Power Pack is emission-free, weighs only 9 pounds and is easy to mount, operate and transport. All components are waterproof and safe for fresh and saltwater use. This little outboard turns your kayak into a micro-skiff, allowing you to go farther and faster, wherever the fish are.

Bixpy.com

My Coast Outdoors Knockin Tail My Coast Outdoors, the Houston-based lure maker that brought us its innovative Controlled Descent line of soft plastics, has released another one-of-a-kind lure to the industry. The Knockin Tail paddletail swimbait made its debut at ICAST 2019, and it raised eyebrows with a unique design that’s proven to stimulate feeding behavior in fresh and saltwater fish.

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2019 HOTTEST NEW FISHING GEAR Every angler knows the benefits of sound and vibration paired with visual stimulation to convince fish to feed. With the Knockin Tail, there’s a rattle built into the tail. Not only does this eliminate the need to purchase or insert rattles, it outperforms traditional noisemakers, which only produce sound when the rod is twitched. This lure puts out a continuous fish-attracting sound with every flutter of the tail. Whether it’s twitched, bounced, on the fall or with a steady retrieve, the Knockin Tail rattles to stimulate the lateral line. Beneath that innovation, Knockin Tail is also a carefully designed soft plastic that’s as durable as it is action packed.

Rod Vault ST

Mycoastoutdoors.com

Nauticus EZ BOARD

With its EZ BOARD removable boat boarding assist handle, Nauticus designed a simple solution for those of us not blessed with the agility of a spider monkey. Made of strong and durable, corrosion and UV resistant PVC, the EZ BOARD is the handhold you need to safely and easily board the boat. It slides right into most flush-mounted rod holders, which makes it as convenient as it is helpful. When it’s time to board, insert the EZ BOARD into the rod holder and twist to lock it. When everyone is safely aboard, slide it back out of the rod holder and stow it. It can be oriented while on the water to provide a handhold for boarding or disembarking from either a dock or the swim platform, depending on where it’s needed. Made in the USA, the EZ BOARD is lightweight, requires no special tools and comes with a five-year replacement warranty. It is available in 36” and 48” models, and there’s even a 24” model to help with getting in or out of a kayak.

www.nauticusinc.com

LIVETARGET Flutter Sardine With its new Injected Core Technology, LIVETARGET hauled in the hardware at ICAST 2019, winning three best of category awards. The idea behind these lures is to show a realistic baitfish profile to fish, while hiding the unnatural mechanical elements that give lures their action. The ICT Flutter Sardine has the enticing twitch and falling action of a standard jigging spoon, but its exceptionally realistic profile sets it apart from everything else on the market. Injected Core Technology enables a lifelike sardine profile, while the Exo-Skin gives the lure its signature flutter action. Perfect for a host of saltwater fishing applications with a saltwater-grade hook, it’s available in five weights and six colors.

Livetargetlures.com

This vehicle-mounted rod storage solution allows anyone from recreational anglers to professionals to arrive at their fishing destination with baitcast, spinning and spincast rods and reels intact, fully-rigged and ready to fish. Two aircraft grade anodized aluminum tubes hold up to six fully rigged casting or spinning rods up to eight feet in length, and a locking reel housing area easily fits most baitcasting and small to medium spinning reels. Protective polypropylene liners inside the Rod Vault eliminate rod on metal contact, protecting guides and rod tips from abrasion. A large entry tube accommodates initial line guides up to 2.5 inches out to 40 inches from the base of the rod. It’s perfect for rigs deisgned for bass, inshore and other warmwater fishing. Included mounting brackets secure the Rod Vault ST to the top of any vehicle with rooftop crossbars and are built to accommodate almost any factory or aftermarket crossbar design, including aero and square tubes up to 3.5 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick. An innovative t-slot mounting design and movable tube clamps provide flexible options to fit most vehicles. The Rod Vault ST was specifically over-engineered to keep valuable equipment safe in almost any circumstance. Stainless steel hardware ensures the Rod Vault ST will remain rust free no matter the fishing environment, and fiberglass-infused nylon construction protects the reel housing, mounting hardware and aerodynamic nose cone from UV degradation. Whether storing rods to fish before or after work or traveling across the country on an epic fishing trip, the Rod Vault ST is deisgned to keep gear safe.

rodvaultst.com

Soft Steel USA Fluoro-Stretch Line Soft Steel USA has come up with a fishing line that might finally end the perennial debate over monofilament vs. fluorocarbon. With its new stretchable fluorocarbon, Soft Steel USA found the meeting point that provides the benefits of both fluoro and mono. It’s a real game changer. Soft Steel’s new Fluoro-Stretch line is a 100 percent fluorocarbon line with the stretchable properties of monofilament. It has the abrasion resistance, low visibility, sensitivity and toughness of fluoro as well as the tighter knots and shock absorption of monofilament. Tight knots have always been an issue with fluorocarbon, especially when it comes to line-to-line knots. The new Fluoro-Stretch allows for a tighter cinch, which elevates knot strength to 95%, which is much stronger than standard fluorocarbon lines. Available in breaking strengths of 10 to 150 pounds, the new FluoroStretch will be available in 25-yard spools and coils as well as 5-yard single-shot lengths.

www.softsteelusa.com

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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Go Get Your Fall Florida Snook

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t’s snook season in Florida, and despite a closure to harvest for much of the state’s west coast, the next couple months offer great action in the world’s best location to target the state’s most iconic inshore/ nearshore gamefish. Snook strike aggressively, fight hard and grow large—into the 20and 30-pound range of true slob snook. The Florida state record weighed 45.75 pounds. It was caught by Heather Lynn Conners near Sebastian in 2015. But even the slot fish—those in the 28- to 33-inch range you’re allowed to keep one of—will test your gear. It’s one of the most explosive and exciting gamefish on the planet. Snook are extremely temperature sensitive, and tactics vary according to the season. From the beaches and nearshore, where they spend their summers, they will move over the next few months seeking warmer water in sheltered winter haunts. First, you’ll find them in deep water adjacent to the shallow flats. Then, driven by cooling sea temps, they’ll push all the way up into the creeks and rivers, residential canals, warm water discharge from power plants, upper estuaries, and anywhere they can find suitable water conditions. The harsher the winter, the more pronounced the move. Fall through winter is the time when big, line-snapping snook will hunker down in areas that might seem highly unlikely to the uninformed. With the mild winters of the last decade, much has been made of the northward spread of snook. A tropical species, they historically thrived only on the southern coasts of Florida, up to about to about Sebastian in the Atlantic and Tampa in the Gulf. However, in recent years, snook have set up shop farther north, in areas that would have been unheard of a decade ago. These days, it’s possible to target snook at Homosassa and farther north along the Nature Coast of the Gulf and up toward Jacksonville in the Atlantic. They have also shown up much farther north. This summer, Coastal Angler Magazine reported on a juvenile snook caught in a cast net way up in Winyah Bay, South Carolina. First timers seeking to do battle with snook should hire a captain. Along with being big and strong, large female snook are notoriously smart and usually require specialized tackle, techniques and a good deal of patience. Their tendency to hole up in the structure of mangroves, rocks and bridge and pier pilings makes break-offs common, and the expertise of a good guide increases your chances of actually landing one. The good news is, snook have been relatively unmolested by anglers during the closed season of the last three months. Now is as good a time as any to fool a big cow nosed into the current under some residential canal dock. They feed best in low light of the early mornings and late evenings when there’s a rising or falling tide. The stronger tides around the new and full moons are optimal for catching them. Keep that in mind when booking your trip to Florida’s snook fisheries, and you could find yourself experiencing the fishing trip of a lifetime.

For information on snook in Florida, go to myfwc.com.

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FLORIDA

FLY BY NIGHT

By Will Schmidt

made my cast; the fly dropped just on the edge of the light shining into snook-filled water. I could see my fly tracking nearly perfectly as it passed in front of several nice fish waiting for unsuspecting prey. Then the fly swam into darkness without a glance from the linesiders. I continued stripping so as to pick the fly up and cast again. Suddenly my line came tight. I made the strip-set to an explosion, as a 3-foot tarpon erupted from the water, crashing into the dock and throwing my fly amidst a shower of scales and water. That night changed my thoughts on fly fishing forever.

When it comes down to it, sight fishing is the way to go for me. Unfortunately, I don’t have the luxury of a guide to pole me around the flats of Marco Island, but I have found that at night the docks hold all kinds of fish from snook to tarpon, snapper to trout, and they usually are open to feeding on a fly. Of course there are some things to keep in mind. First, stealth is everything. I like to approach using my electric motor and make sure I keep my distance. Many fish will hang at the edge of the light in the shadows, as was the case of that tarpon. In fact, I’ve caught many just out of the shadows at night. Boat position is also critical. You need to be far enough away to not spook any of the fish, seen or unseen. You also need a good casting angle to the fish. That means getting your fly in front of them and having it work past them in a natural way. I’ll use the electric motor to keep me in position. This also gives me the advantage of moving away from the dock when a large fish is hooked and trying to pull me into barnacle-covered pilings. When there are a lot of fish present, I often anchor or stake up to let things settle. It also gives me time to retie leaders between fish. Now that you are in position, what do you use? A majority of my fish have been caught on a white Clouser. All-black Clousers create a highly visible silhouette and are deadly, as well. Either emulates the ever-present glass minnows. Of late, I’ve upped the size of my flies and have found that larger baitfish patterns with bigger profile often get seen easier and thus get more takers. Above all, be respectful. When you find someone kind enough to leave those fish-attracting lights on, always do the right thing. Never go on the dock, and keep quite. Much of this fishing is done late at night, and dock owners who turn their lights off will tell you it’s because of noisy fishermen. Will Schmidt is a seasoned tournament angler and has been writing about fishing for more than two decades.

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FLORIDA

FLORIDA SCALLOP REPORT: PASCO COUNTY DOMINATES

By CAM Staff. Pictured Charles Cassino

calloping season is a big deal on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Every year during short and carefully managed seasons, divers and snorklers are set free to harvest these tasty little morsels along a nearly 800mile stretch of coastline in state waters from Gulf County to Pasco County. Beginning in July and stretching through September, the open season dates vary across five regions determined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Some years, picking up a limit of bay scallops out of grassy shallows is as easy as an Easter egg hunt. This summer many scallopers were asking, “Where are the scallops?”

FLORIDA

SEPTEMBER 2019

The normally predictable Crystal River and Homosassa scallop grounds weren’t as predictable or productive this year as in years past. Some reports indicate the bulk of productive scallop grounds in those areas were in exceptionally deep waters this year. Experts explain that the normal west to easterly storms that drive scallops into easily accessible shallow waters did not occur this year. But wait; News Flash, scallops certainly showed up on the southern end of the state’s scalloping waters. In Pasco County, Fla.—the region aptly known as Florida’s Sports Coast—our editors quickly limited out in 3 feet of water and found these waters to be exceptionally productive at every drop. Whether it was the 25-year harvest closure or favorable currents, Pasco County’s limited open season was a must-dive on Florida’s west coast this year. The 2019 season marked the second year in a row that FWC opened the scallop season for Pasco County, and nature certainly supported the decision. Proving to be an unbeatable destination for bay scallops—as evidenced in fistfuls—Florida’s Sports Coast’s rich scallop beds turned out to be the perfect place to score the tasty saltwater bivalves. It is very exciting to see what Pasco County’s continued seasons have in store. In anticipation of continued growth in popularity with the returned underwater adventure, Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is concentrating efforts to expand and improve county boat ramps to provide more trailer parking and better launch experiences for both local and out-of-town scallopers. Moving forward, Pasco County’s annual scallop season will start the third Friday in July and last for 10 days. Coastal Angler Magazine offers special thanks to Experience Florida’s Sports Coast along with local charter captains, Mermaid Slayers, Captain Mark Dillingham and Florida Backwater Charters for their gracious invitation and superb hospitality in helping us experience all that Pasco County has to offer the saltwater enthusiast. For more information on Florida’s Sports Coast, or to plan your 2020 scalloping adventure visit www.flsportscoast.com.

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Do the sun-damaged gauges on your boat make it difficult to see how much fuel is left? Restore those LCD gauges instead of shelling out hundreds of bucks to replace them. COST: If you’re a budget boater, repairing versus replacing is a no-brainer. Gauges can be restored to like-new condition for a quarter of the price of replacement. AVAILABILITY: Suzuki/ iCommand/LMF 400 gauges are really hard, if not impossible, to find. Have an early Mercury Optimax and wonder how you’ll find replacements for those SmartCraft gauges? Just need a new lens for your later SmartCraft MultiGauges? We’re the only company that has them, and at great effort we’ve reproduced and improved them.

Maybe you have a VHF, chart plotter, radar, autopilot or another device in your console that would require a redesign to make something new fit? ECO FRIENDLY: Keeping plastic, lead and copper out of our landfills is a responsible thing to do. GaugeSaver has refurbished over 10,000 gauges from around the world, and we are proud to continue to do our part contributing to the health of our environment. So, if you just bought an old boat that’s been sitting out in the sun for years, want to spruce up your boat for selling it, or have grown tired of not being able to see if you have fuel, we’d appreciate the opportunity to try and save your gauges and other sun-baked devices.

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n mid-August, FWC released an update on its 2019 Lionfish Challenge, and the numbers are pretty impressive. Since the event opened with Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day on May 18, 304 people had registered for the challenge and 127 had submitted harvested lionfish (113 recreational, 14 commercial). A total of 15,367 lionfish had been removed from Florida waters. The Lionfish Challenge rewards lionfish harvesters with prizes for their lionfish removals. This year, participants who submit the largest and smallest lionfish may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 in cash prizes thanks to support from sponsors: American Sportfishing Association, Yamaha Motor Company, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and National Marine Manufacturers Association. All qualified participants (submission of 25 lionfish or 25 pounds for commercial) will be entered in drawings. Prizes include pole spear from Florida Underwater Sports, Lion Lift Kit from Toothless Life, Lionator pole spear prize pack, Neritic Nexus Gloves, $50 SCUBA air fill gift cards, HP 100 SCUBA cylinder, Reef Sentinel Kit from Stream2Sea, ZooKeeper Lionfish Containment Unit, Color-Dive Lenses from Customatic Optics and YETI tumblers. The Lionfish Challenge runs through Labor Day, Sept. 2. Find more details on how to get rewarded for your harvest at FWCReefRangers.com.

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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

s fall approaches, fish patterns will change. By understanding their habits, you can target them with confidence. The spring fry have matured in the marsh and are ready to make their journey out to deeper water. Knowing the timing, tides and location of this migration can lead to great coastal action. I recently tried a new area I hadn’t really heard anything about. I planned to target reds, since satellite imagery suggested it should be favorable. This area had a long meandering bayou that emptied into a small

lake, which ranged in depth from 1 to 3 feet. I was at the top of a chain of lakes and marsh, so this particular drain would see the first of the baitfish and shrimp that decide to exit their summer home. Targeting the inland-most bayous early in the fall season will be the most productive, and you can follow the bait and schools of fish out as the season grows old. Although the reds were there, they were only about a foot long, and the trout were even smaller. They were gorging themselves on shad and shrimp as the tide poured out of the bayou into the lake. Once I noticed the flounder busting completely out of the water attacking the schools of shad, I quickly changed my retrieve. I had been working my soft plastic swimbait high in the water column keeping it in the bait balls. I immediately lowered my rod tip, vigorously twitching my rod down and to the side, making my jighead hit the mud bottom hard to kick up that cloud of silt that attracts flatfish. I landed flounder immediately with the new retrieve. With flounder going airborne to feed on shad, I knew they would be aggressive. This is why I worked the lure hard and fast, unlike the traditional flounder retrieve. I’m not sure how many I caught, released and lost, but it was well into double digits. The most productive color was white or pearl to mimic shad. Since they were attacking schools of bait, I tied on a tandem rig using the same lures. It appeared to increase my strikes, as it looked more like the schools they were targeting. I rigged my second lure so it would float the hook and look more natural staying off the bottom. Paying attention to the details of the location, season and tide, and then adapting to what was happening on the water all played a huge part of my success on this trip. These tips can be applied in any situation any time of the year. Just when you think this story couldn’t get any better, I had the entire area to myself! I didn’t see another soul until the end of the day when I was about to leave. It was not what I expected when I headed out, but I will take a limit of flounder any day. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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WEST COAST FLORIDA

HOW TO PICK A HOOK

By John Saporito

oday’s anglers are the beneficiaries of great strides made in hook manufacturing over the last few decades. Besides being sharper and stronger than they were in generations past, hooks are now available in a wider range of styles than ever before. But with variety comes the need to choose, and many fishermen are unable to comb through the multitudes of hooks to find the one that best suits their needs. If you are one of those anglers who could use a little guidance when it comes to hook selection, this primer will help you sort through the hook hoopla to find the right hook for the job.

WEST COAST FLORIDA

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The first decision is whether you should be using circle hooks or J-hooks. Circle hooks don’t need the manual hookset that J-hooks require, but they also aren’t very effective on fish that tend to nibble at bait. If you fish for nibblers such as sheepshead, blackfish or bluegills, then circles aren’t for you. There is also the reality that circle hooks tend not to set if the fish sits still after swallowing the bait, so don’t use them unless you are fishing in a current or the fish are in an active mood. J-hooks do a better job on fish that move around less. Shank length is an underrated but critical factor in hook selection. Fish with cavernous mouths—such as largemouth bass and snook—should never be pursued using short-shank hooks. With hook eye and point being nearly in the same plane, the two parts can interfere with each other on the hookset, making them a poor choice for fish that have a gentle curvature to their mouth. These hooks do well on fish with narrow, beak-like mouths, such as tuna and wahoo, but they should be avoided when targeting anything with a wide mouth. Many of these hooks are marketed simply as “live-bait hooks,” but if your target has a big mouth, your hook should not have a short shank. Your hook size should match the bait you are using in a way that is conducive to natural presentation. A giant 10/0 hook won’t get many strikes if your bait is a three-inch shrimp; a 2/0 beak or octopus hook is probably a better match. The hook should be big and strong enough to hook and hold your target fish, but not so big that it inhibits the movement of your bait. Many specialty hooks have features made for specific baits and methods of fishing. Hooks with baitholder barbs are great for holding softer baits such as clams and worms. Hooks with up-turned or down-turned eyes are great if you prefer to snell hooks rather than attach them via a knot above the eye. Pay attention to the design of the hooks you select, because each style was made with a precise goal in mind. Whatever hook you choose, always make sure it is razor sharp before you begin fishing. John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. Visit him online at www.guerillaangling.com.

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TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE

ishing can be tough through the summer, especially as water temperatures top out in the nineties. The fish still eat, but it seems you never catch the numbers as in the spring and fall. Anglers able to stand the heat are doing better on stronger tides. Folks have decent catches during summer months in the deeper, cooler waters. Greenbacks, threadfins, small pinfish, sardines and shrimp always catch fish. For some real excitement, try tossing an artificial lure during the early morning before the water heats up. Snook (catch and release only): As water temperatures rise later in the day, expect to find snook in deeper passes, washes, docks and holes close to structure. Greenbacks are the bait of choice around the Bay. However, those who prefer artificial action should try topwater lures early in the morning on shallow broken bottom flats. Night snook fishing always proves successful around docks and bridges. Redfish (catch and release only): Redfish seem on the schedule this year. The bite should continue into September with plenty of action

as larger schools begin showing up. Good grass flats with sandy potholes and mangrove shorelines hold redfish. Greenbacks and dollar size pinfish always tempt hungry redfish. However, something stinky on the bottom is hard to resist. For this, try pieces of cut mullet, crab, threadfins, pinfish or ladyfish. Using dead baits often requires something most anglers never carry in the tackle box--patience. Spotted Sea Trout (catch and release only): Trout action on the deepwater flats is booming. They’re eating shrimp, pinfish and greenbacks along deeper flats with good moving water. Bigger fish seem to cruise early morning flats looking for an easy meal. Tossing a 7M MirrOlure or Top Dog Jr. often produces some real topwater excitement. Cobia seem to be reasonably plentiful this summer. They usually show up on the back of rays or manatees or just cruising the open water. Cobia are attracted to structure, especially those holding bait. Always check the buoys and keep an eye out when mackerel fishing. They tend to show up at the most inopportune time. Mackerel and bluefish action is still active with giants chasing any shinny artificial lure or spoon, and they always take live baits. Just look for schools of live bait--net some to fish

with, and hang a chum bag over the side. Now, just cast out a live bait and hold onto your rod and reel. If for some reason, they seem to shy away from wire leaders try using 60 lb. Seaguar fluorocarbon leader and tie on a Daiichi long shank #2 or #3 hook. Then, free line your baits in the current with a #3 split-shot weight. Snapper and sheepshead are showing up throughout Tampa Bay. All the usual places are holding plenty of nice sized fish. Try fishing markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, rock piles, oyster bars or any type structure. Shrimp, rock crabs, mud minnows and small greenbacks work well for snapper. Of course, fiddler crabs, rock crabs, oysters, mussels and shrimp always catch sheepshead. “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or multi-boat charters are available. WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM wgore@ix.netcom.com 813-477-3814

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SAWFISH NEWS: INTERNATIONAL SAWFISH DAY IS OCTOBER 17 BY: TONYA WILEY, HAVENWORTH COASTAL CONSERVATION

A smalltooth sawfish swims in an outdoor exhibit at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Credit: Tonya Wiley

The International Sawfish Day Logo. Credit: Sawfish Conservation Society.

awfishes are considered one of the world’s most threatened elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) and yet few people know about these amazingly unique animals. There are five species of sawfish in the world and all are assessed as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. International Sawfish Day is an annual event held on October 17 to raise awareness for these spectacular rays and to highlight the threats they face in order to safeguard their future. Founded by the European and American Associations of Zoos and Aquariums and the Sawfish Conservation Society, the first International Sawfish Day was celebrated in 2017. To celebrate International Sawfish Day participating organizations from around the world including public aquaria, conservation agencies, and research facilities hold celebrations and events, share messages and images on social media, and help spread the word about sawfish. Social media posts using the official hashtag #IntlSawfishDay and interactive events at public aquaria and zoos reach hundreds of thousands of people in the days leading up to, including, and following International Sawfish Day. In addition to the awareness generated for sawfish, International Sawfish Day raises funds for sawfish

field research programs and helps strengthen the collaborative relationships between the public aquarium community and research and field conservation organizations. On October 17, 2019 the third International Sawfish Day will be celebrated online and at events at aquariums, museums, zoos, schools, and other institutions and organizations around the world. The American Association of Zoos and Aquariums will coordinate a fundraiser to contribute to sawfish research. Information about events and the fundraiser can be found at www. InternationalSawfishDay.org. Want to get involved? Resources are available from the Sawfish Conservation Society to help you celebrate in style or host your own event and increase your knowledge about all five species of sawfish. You can print posters and handouts and discover fun sawfish craft ideas. You can also buy an official International Sawfish Day t-shirt to proudly wear on October 17, and any day, to promote the conservation of sawfishes. Information about scheduled events and other International Sawfish Day resources can be found at www.SawfishConservationSociety. org and the Sawfish Conservation Society Facebook public group at www.facebook.com/ groups/91335002341.

“Sawfish Swag” has become a popular novelty, with thousands of keychains, buttons, pens, magnets, and stickers given away each year at International Sawfish Day events across the globe. Credit: Tonya Wiley

Tonya Wiley, President Tonya@havenworth.org 941-201-2685 www.havenworth.org Tax-deductible donations to help us continue our mission to promote the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources through research, outreach, and education can be made at https:// www.oceanfdn.org/donate/havenworth-coastalconservation

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OLD SALT 26TH ANNUAL FALL KING OF THE BEACH TOURNAMENT & FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 7-9, 2019

ave you ever tournament fished? If you have then you know what the “King of the Beach” is and if you haven’t and always wanted to, it is the best tournament in town. This fall we are celebrating our 26th Annual and we are keeping it exciting with over 60 places to win an estimated $225,000 in prize monies with first place guaranteed at $60,000.

Why fish the King? • LEVEL PLAYING FIELD: The Old Salts have made the competition one of the most fair to ALL levels of fisherman. They implement a 30-mile boundary to ensure any size boat can compete. They also offer extra places to single engine vessels. There are also no intimidating check outs or shotgun starts. • OVER 60 PLACES TO WIN: The tournament has 6 divisions: Overall, Single Engine, Spanish Mackerel, Traveling Angler, Ladies and Youth. Each division has cash and/or prizes with approximately $225,000 up for grabs. • LOW ENTRY FEES: You can enter the tournament for as little as $225 which is almost half the cost of most Kingfish tournaments. So the risk is smaller and at the same time the rewards are bigger. 1st place overall wins $60,000 guaranteed. The event is so much more than just fishing. It is a 3-day festival with all types of marine related art & craft vendors, a food festival with local flavor, Friday night is Community Night with live music.

“Combining a community food festival and live music into our tournament seamed natural to us. Fishing is part of our community, so we welcome all to join us,” says Old Salt President Tom Verdensky. The event will be held at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex at 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. We have ample FREE parking with a FREE Water Ferry shuttle to the event, with a special thanks to Hubbard’s Marina. The Old Salt Fishing Foundation hosts this semi-annual event to benefit our Youth Fishing Program and several local charities – This fall we will be presenting checks to: P.A.R.C., Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and Pediatric Cancer Foundation. To find out more information or to register for the tournament, go to www.OldSaltFishing.org, email amy@OldSaltFishing.org or call 727-216-6601.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2019 | TAMPA 3

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THE SKYWAY STATE PARK FISHING PIERS BY: PAUL PRESSON

he original Sunshine Skyway Bridge opened in 1954, replacing a ferry system that ran from Southern Hillsborough County to Pinellas County. The bridge was built to support two lanes of traffic. Years later, another bridge was constructed parallel to the existing bridge, expanding the thoroughfare to four lanes. On a stormy day, May 9th 1980, the freighter Summit Venture collided into the bridge. A portion of the structure collapsed, killing 35 people. The new Skyway Bridge was open for business in 1987. It is a four-mile-long cable stayed bridge, spanning the mouth

of Tampa Bay. In 1994, the Skyway piers opened to the public. Using portions of the old bridge, piers were constructed on both the north and south ends of Tampa Bay. The southern pier is the longest fishing pier in the world. Ruble from the collapsed portion of the bridge was used to create reefs under and around the piers. Water depths range from 15 to 25 feet, making for a perfect fishing environment. Today, these piers are a wonderful resource for anglers, photographers and spectators. Each side boasts bait and tackle stores,

restroom facilities and plenty of room to fish. The piers are ideal for disabled anglers and parking is just steps away from the fishing areas. Snook, tarpon, grouper and mangrove snapper are just a few of the species that can be landed from either pier. Zachary Johns has fished the Tampa Bay area for over 15 years. He frequents the Skyway Piers weekly and has learned how to fish the piers through trial and error. Zachary uses satellite imaging to find structure, knowing he will find fish in these areas. On a typical evening, he will start catching bait a few hours before sundown. He uses a sabiki rig, tipped with shrimp, pinfish or greenbacks which are plentiful. Zachary fishes the shallows for snook, using a 5000 to 8000 series reel, medium heavy to heavy rod, 30 to 40-pound braid and 60 to 130-pound leader. When fishing for grouper, he uses heavier gear in deeper water. After sundown, Zachary uses his smaller setups, as it is time to target mangrove snapper. He has a true passion for the Skyway Piers. It reminds him of all the great times he has had there with his friends. The Skyway Piers are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cost for entrance is $4.00 per vehicle and

$4.00 per person, children under 12 are $2.00. This price is hard to beat, considering it is a 24-hour entrance fee. One huge advantage to fishing the piers, no fishing license is required. Whether you are a hardcore angler, photographer or just want to enjoy a beautiful sunset, the Skyway Piers are truly an amazing resource you won’t want to miss. Photo Credit: Zachary Johns, Charles Andrew Braat and Shannon Sutter, Drone Photo: Jeff Malino Special thanks to Chris Cadenhead CEO of Pier Associates, Inc. Paul Presson, outdoor writer and published cartoonist. He has fished the coastlines of Tampa Bay for 28 years, land based, wade, kayak and by flats boat. If he is not writing, he is out on the water!

4 TAMPA | SEPTEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER

elcome back yak fans. I know I promised a goliath grouper story, but my deadline got in the way! So, to celebrate the rich history of Florida’s Nature Coast, I’ll share this. Located off US 19, at the southern end of Hernando County, Aripeka is a refreshing step back into time. Aripeka was founded around 1873 and is named after a Miccosukee Warrior. “Abiaka”, meaning medicine Chief He led his people for over 100 years. He most likely wasn’t a Chief at birth, but still had a pretty good lifespan for back then. He was also known as Sam Jones, and his camp was said to be about seven miles south of Aripeka.

Other notables to have passed through the area were Ponce de Leon around 1513 and Hernando DeSoto around 1539. As I wasn’t on shore to greet them, this writer cannot verify the validity of these claims. I can verify that the legendary Babe Ruth was a regular visitor from 1919 through the mid 1930’s, and probably helped to start the belief that Aripeka is a quaint little drinking village with a fishing problem. The Babe was a cane pole fisherman that was introduced to a casting rod by Billy Conner. It is said that he had to learn to control his powerful right arm because his cast was stronger than the line that was available at the time--many a plug was lost. Other notables to visit Aripeka were Jack Dempsey who came there to train and play poker with the Babe and his teammates in 1921. Also, Wilber and Orville Wright were said to have visited there as well. Part of the reason for some of the visitors is that Aripeka lies on a section of the Old Dixie Highway, which from its inception in 1915 thru 1927 was the route our northern brethren took to get to such places as St. Pete and Miami. A section of the old road still exists off Aripeka Road running toward Hudson.

In 1976, renowned artist James Rosenquist moved to Aripeka and sadly saw his home and studio destroyed by fire on April 26, 2008. And, “OH MY GOD,” how did I miss this? Date line 1988, singer Anita Bryant returned from seclusion to sing at the Aripeka Elks Lodge. After hitting that pinnacle in her career, I’m told she never sang again--that maybe a rumor. OK, enough history. Let’s move forward to present day. Aripeka sits at the mouth of Hammock Creek. Between the North and South forks is Norfleet’s Fish Camp, the most popular store in Aripeka. Then again, it’s the only store in Aripeka. Norfleet’s has been there since the 1940’s and is a must see when you go. With memorabilia all over the walls, it’s a kick and worth the trip all by its self. Overseen in the past by Carl Norfleet, purveyor of sage advice and a joke or two, Carl is the unofficial Mayor of Aripeka and a man I call my friend. Carl retired, so now he can spend all his time busting my chops. Not really--Carl’s a great guy and if you’re lucky enough to run into him-tell him I said “hey.” I first started fishing around Aripeka in the mid 1980’s and have found for the fisherman, or for those looking for a scenic view and a slice of Old Florida, that Aripeka is it. Going under the North bridge, you have springs and some beautiful scenery. On the outside to the south, you have Fillman’s Bayou, a well-known local fishing spot home to several nice (Cont. pg. 9)

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springs and great snook and red fishing. To the North, you have my namesake, Indian Bay. Indian Bay is one of my favorite fishing spots. It’s teaming with reds, trout, snook, sheepshead and cobia. If you can’t catch a fish there, you should take up golf. There is usually a manatee or two on the paddle out and Aripeka has several resident pods of dolphin. I have some great photos of them and other wildlife on my website, www. IndianBayOutfitters.com. I also offer charters to there and other locations on the Nature Coast. So, if you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at (352) 428-5347. Well, it’s about time to hit the

water for this month. Bye for now and happy paddling. Bruce Butler of Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier kayak fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. Bruce Butler “Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@IndianBayOutfitters.com www.IndianBayOutfitters.com

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HERNANDO COUNTY

PICKING THE RIGHT GUIDE BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT

icking the right fishing guide can be challenging. Every captain does the same thing, but each a little different. On a recent trip to Islamorida in the Keys, I hired a well-known captain to take three of us offshore fishing. Right from the start, I noticed the captain being very belligerent to his mate. As the day progressed, we were catching mahi, or should I say the mate was hooking then handing the rod for us to hold. So, here we have three of us trying to keep

these fish from crossing each others line while the mate continues hooking and handing the next one to us. While all this is happening, the captain is up top yelling and cursing at the mate on what to do. He then starts yelling at us what we are doing wrong. I believe in talking to a man, not down to him. This did not work for me and we had some very harsh words. We had him bring us back in and cut the trip short. I believe this captain was more interested in putting fish on the boat and being able to hang them when back at the dock. In the Keys, it’s very competitive back at the dock seeing who did the best. This captain never asked or gave us the chance to actually catch the fish on our own. On my charters, I would rather loose a few fish and have the client experience as much fishing fun as they can. I believe the fishing experience should be fun. So, the moral of this story is, when looking for a guide, do your research, read their reviews and call to ask questions (as in, “Do I get to fish?”). Offshore, we are still getting red and gag groupers. The water temps are high, so fishing has been challenging. Try to find some good structure and try different depths to see if you can find a pattern. Also, chum the area and start fishing for grunts. I find if there are grunts, there is a

good chance there are grouper around. Hog and mangrove snapper are also around--shrimp is the best bait for enticing them. Scallop season is in full swing. The start of the season has been a little slow. You may need to check a few spots until you find some. Start your search from Bayport north. Daily bag limit is 2 gallons whole per person or 10 gallons per boat. Anytime you have people in the water, please keep safety in mind and use a dive flag. Make it a fun day, and you and the kids will remember it for a long time. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! 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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SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS

igh temperatures and the quickly building daily thunderstorms have been making Tampa Bay a bit of a challenge to enjoy a day of inshore fishing. But don’t fret, these tips, tricks and ideas will help you land multiple species of fish that are still abundant in our Bay. The water may get a bit cloudy due to the rain, but getting out early is key in this situation. Our favorite sport fish are relaxing under mangrove trees, and even in plain sight! For starters, check out the flow zones of the tides and where the baitfish are congregating. Redfish, snook, flounder, trout, cobia and tarpon are all opportunist feeders. They also hit hard with reaction strikes. So, definitely start working the

mangrove nooks and crannies first. If the water is a bit colder from a downpour, check out the grassy areas that are abundant with sandy potholes. Your favorite fish could be sunning themselves and feeding in these areas. Since our Bay is not very deep, always keep one topwater lure rigged and one rod with a jig head with a soft plastic ready to be thrown at all times. Once you see a pop from a snook, a roll from a tarpon or even a push from a redfish, be ready to toss one or the other accordingly. Good vibes and tight lines always!

Florida watersports in Tampa Bay. He has called the area waters his home for over 20 years. He specializes in Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and more on artificial lyres, live bait or fly. purefloridaws@gmail.com purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824

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SEPTEMBER IS ALL ABOUT THE TRANSITION BY: CAPT. MIKE ANDERSON

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s we roll into September, water temps start to slowly cool down which is badly needed. The fish start to transition into their early fall and winter haunts. You can actually spend a whole day on the water without suffering from heat exhaustion. For me, one of my favorite things to do is work dock lines and deep-water mangrove shorelines with artificial baits targeting snook, redfish and big speckled trout. This is normally the month when I can start to do that again with early mornings and late evenings producing the best bite. Soft plastic paddle tails like the Marsh Minnow from MirroLure and the Rage Swimmer from Strike King Lures will both get the job done this time of year. Snook will start their push toward the rivers and deepwater canals, feeding on almost anything along the way. This is one of my favorite times of the year to catch that 40-inch snook of a lifetime. As they push toward their winter haunts, they feed heavily in anticipation of winter cold

fronts and depleting food supplies. The Redfish, which have been tough to find all year, will hopefully show up and feed heavily on the flats this fall as the summer bait hatch finally grows up. We usually start to see new schools on the flats this month. Big Gator Trout return to slightly shallower waters to feed and the flounder bite picks up significantly on areas of hard bottom. Toward the end of the month, we may start to see some kingfish off the beaches. The gag grouper will start to push into shallower water and feed more aggressively in the cooler waters. September is still a little warm on the front end, but normally by the end of the month things will be quite fishy. Take advantage of the changing conditions and pay close attention to transitional areas, and this can be an incredible month on Florida’s west coast! Catch Capt. Michael Anderson every Saturday morning for Reel Animals Saturday on 970WFLA from 6:00am to 8:00am and Sunday mornings on AM620 for the TA Mahoney Co. Reel Animals Radio Show from 7am to 9am or to book a trip call 1-866-Gamefish. Check local listings for Reel Animals TV.

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CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER SEPTEMBER’S BEST BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES

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’s 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. This tells you he is a bottom feeder, which is the reason 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 of all, 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 braided line using a surgeon’s knot. There are a number of knots you can use, but for simplicity, the surgeon’s knot works 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 ¼ ounce split shot sinker to keep the cut bait on the bottom. I find that not all docks hold fish. 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 structure around the dock. In the winter months, we have cold fronts pass through and highpressure systems sitting on top of us. This gives us extremely low tides. That 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 furniture under them or rocks and other debris that was dumped when the house was being built years earlier. Make a note about what you found and where the rocks are for the spring and fall fishing. The big reds are waiting in the shade--give them a try. Captain 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. Capt. Sergio Atanes can be reached at (813) 973-7132 or www.reelfishy.com

16 TAMPA | SEPTEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Preheat oil to 350°F. Combine dry ingredients. Beat egg. Add the egg to the dry mixture with most of the milk adding more milk as needed to create a dough that is moist but not runny. Do not over mix. Drop the mixture by teaspoon in hot oil. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until golden, turning once during cook time. Place on paper towel to cool. Serve with Tatar sauce. And a wedge of lemon. Enjoy.

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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT SNAPPER SEASON

BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR

lorida’s heat wave is still in full effect, and many anglers are looking to cast their lines at fish willing to eat. Mangrove snapper 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 in numbers August through September. 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 them. Where there is one, there are a bunch. Mangrove snapper 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. Baits I use for mangrove snapper 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 a little sooner. 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. Captain Christopher Taylor Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com (813) 220-6135

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM | SEPTEMBER 2019 | TAMPA 19

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ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA

he fishing and the weather have been heating up! The bite in the Bay has been hot both inshore and in the channel. We’ve been catching everything from redfish to hammerheads. While the mornings have been best, fish are biting all day if you know where to look and what to use. Inshore, we have been using the High-Water lures popping corks with both jigs and live bait. It’s been deadly on the redfish. Attach 2 to 3 feet of fluorocarbon leader and a #3 to 5 circle hook for live bait or a 1/4-ounce jig rigged with a High-Water lures Get’Em Shad. A silver-dollar-sized pinfish is my preferred live bait. Hook them through the back right behind the head. Top Get’Em Shad colors for the Bay are JB Golden, Pocket Change and the KB Special. The technique for using the popping cork is similar for live bait or lure. Cast it out and give it a few good pops. Wait, and then wait some more--then, two more pops and repeat. This works especially well in cloudy or muddy water. I prefer the High-Water lures popping cork because of the quality. The main thing in a good popper is the wire used. High-Water uses premium surgical titanium wire that will not

kink or spiral after catching big fish. The beads and clackers are loud fish-calling magnets. They come in colors and sizes to fit any situation. When picking leader length, try to keep live bait right above the grass. Use the same method for fishing a jig above the grass. If fishing over sand, let it hit bottom. The best depth for using a popping cork is between two and five feet. Locally, you can find a complete selection of High-Water lures, poppers and Get’Em Shads at St. Pete Fishing Outfitters. They are a one-stop-shop for all your fishing needs and desires. St. Pete Fishing Outfitters is one of the most wellstocked tackle shops in town. They also have a 24-hour ice machine on premise. Check out our Facebook page to see the latest reports and videos. Pocket Change inshore fishing charters. 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 we give back to our veterans. Capt. Anthony Corcella Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter 727-432-6446 www.fishtampacharters.com Check us out on Facebook

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(727) 317-4949 | www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com 20 TAMPA | SEPTEMBER 2019 | COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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A STORM IS COMING

Photo by Barbara Hodax

By Art Hodax

ou’ve been tracking the forecast of a tropical storm. It’s going to be serious, but not a hurricane. You head to the marina to check your dock lines and make sure things are secure. The storm hits and the marina takes it on the nose. As predicted, it never became a hurricane, but wind gusts were reported of almost 100 mph. When the storm passes and the sun comes out, you head to the marina and are glad to see your boat bobbing in the slip. But as you get closer you start to notice the damage. Your swim platform was mangled even though your spring still has it three feet off the dock. Your gunnel is crushed at a spot that looks to be about even with the breast piling, yet your lines are holding. You’re about to get an education on nylon dock lines from the insurance adjuster. The thing that makes nylon lines so nice is that little bit of stretch that keeps them from abruptly coming taught every time you get rocked while in your slip. But how much stretch do they have? Typical dock lines are made from twisted three-strand nylon. Under stress, three-strand lines stretch by as much as 30 percent before they break. With enough pressure, a 25-foot spring line will become a 30-foot spring line, and that can be more than the difference between safely bobbing in your slip and slamming into the dock. “Wind load” is the pressure wind applies on an object. A 100 mph gust creates a pressure of about 25 pounds per square foot of exposed surface. A boat 35 feet long and 10 feet above the water line exposes a surface of 350 square feet. Multiply 350 square feet times 25 pounds of wind load and you get 8,750 pounds of pressure. Even if your boat is somewhat protected or the wind is off your bow, there’s still going to be a lot of pressure on your lines. The frequent dockline suggestion for a 35-foot boat is half-inch three-strand nylon, which has a breaking strength of about 5,600 pounds. That’s well below the load a 100 mph wind will create on many boats. Also remember that with even 20 percent stretch, that 25 foot spring line will grow by 5 feet unless you hit the dock first. Moving from half-inch to three quarter-inch diameter threestrand jumps you from 5,600 to 12,780 pounds of breaking strength. In addition, had you given more thought to storm preparation, you might have upgraded your three strand to “double-braid,” which has less stretch. The smooth outer sleeve on double-braid makes it easy to coil, easy on your hands and about 15 percent stronger for its diameter than three-strand. So, if a storm is coming, give some thought to upgrading your lines and “doubling up.” Replace worn or old lines, go a quarter inch higher in diameter than “suggested” and use double-braid to limit stretch. Better safe than sorry. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 2019

WEST COAST FLORIDA

NEW RAMP COMING FOR HEADWATERS LAKE

new boat ramp is in the works for Headwaters Lake at Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA) in western Indian River County. The long-awaited facilities will provide greater access to the 10,000-acre reservoir Photo courtesy that has already become a of Paul MacInnis favorite big-bass fishery for kayakers. The St. Johns River Water Management District recently awarded a construction contract for the ramp and other visitor amenities. This comes following the award of a 50-percent funding match for the $842,000 project from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “The Headwaters Lake boat ramp will be the final piece that elevates this area to a premiere recreation destination for the entire region,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board Member Doug Bournique. “FWC has been a tremendous partner in helping make this possible for the benefit of our residents and visitors for years to come.” The project includes construction of an improved parking area, restrooms and a floating dock along with the boat ramp. The Fellsmere Water Management Area and its multi-function reservoirs serve water supply and flood control purposes and help improve the water quality of agricultural and surface water drainage. Additionally, the area offers opportunities for public recreation. Already kayakers are taking advantage of the north reservoir, and because of FWC’s habitat improvement work, the FWMA is quickly becoming an attractive destination for anglers.

REDFISH RELEASES CONTINUE IN RED TIDE RECOVERY

n an effort to boost population numbers in areas hammered by red tide, 34,000 juvenile and adult redfish have been released this year, including 10,000 in Port Charlotte in mid-August. CCA Photo The effort is a partnership between CCA-Florida, Duke Energy and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. All the redfish are hatchery reared and donated by the Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River. In March, at one of several county releases, First Lady Casey DeSantis, Secretary Noah Valenstein of the Department of Environmental Protection and State Representative Bob Rommel joined with CCA to release redfish in Collier County. The releases have continued ever since, with stops along the coast where members, families and local dignitaries joined in to support the recovery of the fishery. In May, 8,000 juvenile redfish were releases in the panhandle, and another 10,000 in Port Charlotte in early August. Each of the first eight releases included approximately 2,000 juvenile fish and 25 to 30 adult redfish. Locations were chosen specifically by the Duke Energy Mariculture Center biologists and releases began when waters were determined safe. CCA Florida hopes to conduct similar releases in the future and is constantly working for recreational anglers, fighting for clean water, defending access and supporting fisheries. Become engaged by joining CCA Florida at JoinCCA.org.

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DEXTER: THE PERFECT KNIFE;

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In October, Dexter will release its new EDGE GUARD blade guard, which is specifically designed to protect the blades of Dexter knives.

ext time you’re on a charter boat, notice the knife the captain uses to cut bait. When you’re on the docks, stop at the cleaning table to see what the mates use to fillet fish. Chances are you’ll see the pros using Dexter knives. The iconic white handle is a dead giveaway. Dexter has been making purpose-built knives for more than 200 years. Steeped in the traditions of New England and its historic fisheries, the Southbridge, Massachusetts company produces American-made quality that is legendary among those who rely on Capt. Steve Nagy, who guides their equipment to make a living. For more than two centuries, Dex- out of Bonita Springs, Fla., uses Dexter knives daily and ter has created solid tools that perform considers them the perfect their intended functions better than knives for the job. anything else on the market. There’s no need to rely on flashy looks or gimmicks when the knife you offer is simply the best. “Dexter might not be glitzy like some products out there on the market today,” said Dexter National Sales Manager Carl Abissi. “Dexter knives are designed to perform. They have stood the test of time. They are the choice of charter captains and commercial fishermen. If you want a knife that performs like a charter captain’s, you choose a Dexter.” DEXSTEEL, the proprietary steel used in Dexter knife blades is high-carbon, high-alloy, stain-resistant steel. Dexter helped create the formula for a blade that stays sharp with extensive use and sharpens easily. Each blade is individually ground to the perfect angle with the perfect amount of flex to glide through meat and over bones. “They’re made in the U.S.A., and they’re always sharp,” said Steve Nagy, of Bonita Springs Fishing (bonitaspringsfishing.com), who runs inshore, offshore and Keys tarpon trips. “I grew up with Dexter. I worked in a grocery store as a kid. Dexter knives were the only knives we used in the meat market, and it’s still the only knife I use today. They feel good in your hand, and they’re always sharp.” The handle is as important as the blade when it comes to performance. Years ago, Dexter found perfection in ergonomics with its SOFGRIP white handle. It is soft to the grip and provides exceptional nonslip comfort and precise control, even with wet hands. More recently, they developed an orange Ur-Cut handle that custom molds to your hand for an exact fit, and that’s about as gimmicky as Dexter is likely to get. In October, Dexter will release the new SOFGRIP with EDGE GUARD, a new and improved blade guard that protects the edge and provides airflow to protect the blade. The product will feature the iconic SOFGRIP white handle and a DEXSTEEL blade. For more information, go to dexteroutdoors.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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Tim Barefoot

n case you don’t already know and do this, here’s a trick that can save a day in the absence of live bait. If you’re going bottom fishing and pinfish, sardines, pogies or the others are hard to find with a cast net or sabiki, hedge your bets by keeping a couple dozen fresh or frozen baits about the diameter of a softball, or larger, in the cooler. Even in freshwater, when live gizzard shad or skipjacks are nowhere to be found, a box of frozen baits can still entice catfish, striped bass and others. Dropping a whole dead bait down will get bites, but if you take a minute to “butterfly” them, these once dead baitfish come back to life in the current. No grouper or big snapper can resist them when presented properly. Grunts pinkies and seabass will hammer at it, and eventually get the hook, but grouper or anything else with a large enough mouth will simply inhale it. I’ve seen times when the bite would shut down, even with live bait, and a fresh butterflied beeliner (vermillion snapper) would get bit instantly. The two fillets of any given baitfish attached to the head, without the backbone and dorsal fins are just a little too much to resist for the big meat-eaters. Granted, it’s also big shark candy, but as Popeye would say, “You pays your money, you takes your chances.” Butterflying a bait is very simple. Anyone can go out and catch a pile of grunts, pinkies and seabass with small cut bait, but it’s no coincidence that the people who specifically go fishing for grouper are the ones that come home with the “brown fish” in the box. Don’t hesitate to butterfly a snapper or anything else you thought was once too large for bait. On the bottom, the smaller fish will hammer away at the two larger fillets, and out of nowhere a big gag

or red grouper will finish it off. A 1 ½-pound beeliner, pinkie or Spanish mackerel is the perfect candidate for this job. When you feel the little ones banging on it, sit tight and don’t set the hook. Wait for the big bite; there will be no question when it gets eaten instead of pecked at. Big butterflied mullet, spots and croakers are extremely effective inshore and nearshore for red or black drum. In freshwater, a butterflied bream, perch, crappie or other panfish is perfect for big catfish. To butterfly a bait, start at the tail and fillet each side up to just behind the head and out the gut area. Then grab the tail and break the backbone out just behind the head. To see a detailed video of this, visit the website and click on “Butterflying a Bait.” Learn how to butterfly a bait with a video at

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20966 CoastalAngler_M37_719.indd 1

6/6/19 10:50 AM

KEEP IT GENUINE PRECISION PROTECTION

Whether you take your boat out to the lake or the ocean, your 4-stroke outboard needs ECSTAR Suzuki Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil so it can run long and strong. ECSTAR features special additives that protect the engine in harsh salt and fresh water environments, advanced detergents that keep engine parts clean, and viscosity index improvements that help the engine start in cold conditions. No matter where your next boat ride takes you, go confidently with ECSTAR.

RUN LONG. RUN CLEAN. RUN STRONG.

Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-Approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. Suzuki, the Suzuki “S” ECSTAR and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. © 2018 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

NATIONAL

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SEPTEMBER 2019

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

3/21/19 2:26 PM

Meet the Watch That Shook Up Switzerland A watch that revolutionized timekeeping at a price equally as radical.

Wear it today for only

$29

n the history of timepieces, few moments are more important than the creation of the world’s first Piezo timepiece. First released to the public in 1969, the watch turned the entire industry on its head, ushering in a new era of timekeeping. It’s this legacy that we’re honoring with the Timemaster Watch, available only through Stauer at a price only we can offer. Prior to Piezo watches, gravity-driven Swiss watches were the standard bearer of precision timekeeping. But all that changed when the first commercially available Piezo watch came onto the market. The result of ten years of research and development by some of the world’s top engineers, they discovered that when you squeeze a certain type of crystal, it generates a tiny electric current. And, if you pass electricity through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency–exactly 32,768 times each second. When it came on the market, the Piezo watch was the most dependable timepiece available, accurate to 0.2 seconds per day. Today, it’s still considered a spectacular advance in electrical engineering. “It was like a magnum bullet shot at the most sensitive spot of the mechanical watch industry... Switzerland was terrified.” —Ariel Adams of A Blog to Watch. With the Timemaster we’ve set one of the world’s most important mechanical advances inside a decidedly masculine case. A handsome prodigy in rich leather and gold-finished stainless steel. The simplicity of the watch’s case belies an ornately detailed dial, which reflects the prestige of this timepiece. Call today to secure your own marvel of timekeeping history. Because we work directly with our own craftsman we’re able to offer the Timemaster at a fraction of the price that many Piezo watches cost. But a watch like this doesn’t come along every day. Call today before time runs out and they’re gone. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Spend some time with this engineering masterpiece for one month. If you’re not convinced you got excellence for less, simply send it back within 30 days for a refund of the item price. But we’re betting this timekeeping pioneer is a keeper.

[

Timemaster Piezo Watch $299*

TAKE 9

Offer Code Price Only $29 + S&P Save $270 OFF IN 0% STA

NTLY!

1-800-333-2045

When you use

Your Insider Offer Code: TPW168-02 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

® 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TPW168-02 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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

Rating of A+

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

your

INSIDER OFFER CO DE

• Precision Piezo electric movement • Stainless steel caseback and crown • Cotswold® mineral crystal • Crocodile embossed leather strap fits wrists 6 ½"–8 ½" • Date window display • Water resistant to 3 ATM

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