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SEPTEMBER 2021
W O R L D W I D E
Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!
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he very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature. If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for. The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion. The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world. This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this BONUS! Call today and beauty slip through your fingers. Call today! you’ll also receive this
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4 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2021
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deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.
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NATIONAL 5
IN THIS BATTLE, YOU NOW HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF SHOCK AND AWE.
The next generation of our workhorse spinning reel, the new PENN ® Battle ® III now features our proprietary CNC Gear ™ Technology for ultimate durability, and the proven HT-100 ™ Carbon Fiber Drag System for ultimate control during the fight. Available in nine different sizes, from 1000 to the new 10,000, and in select high speed models, it can handle any situation. The new Battle® III. Fish won’t know what hit them. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.
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See Extensive ICAST Coverage In The Angler Video Mag
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CAST 2021 marked a return to normalcy for the fishing industry. In the 64th exhibition of the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, the halls of the Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center bustled with activity July 21-23. As usual, the event kicked off with the ICAST Cup bass tournament at nearby Lake Toho, and the renowned big-bass factory did not disappoint. In a short four-hour tournament, the winning team weighed a tournament-record 25-pound, 7-ounce five-fish limit. But most of the action went on indoors. The annual ICAST New Product Showcase is an event the fishing world eagerly awaits every year. It is the venue where industry heavyweights and innovative newcomers roll out their best new gear for the year to come. This year, 686 new products were entered by 218 companies to compete for Best of Category awards in 30 different categories. From rods, reels and lures to apparel, electronics, gadgets and accessories, the New Product Showcase is gear-head heaven. The Angler Video Mag team was on-hand at ICAST 2021 to cover the show and give you a first-hand look at some of the cool and innovative products that will make you a better angler this year.
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NATIONAL 7
Live Bait Snook on South Florida Beaches
H
ere on Florida’s East Coast, we have access to some of the most exciting shore-based fishing there is. From spring, through summer and into fall, big snook run the beaches of South Florida, and they can be caught from the sand with lures and even sight fished with flies. I am a lure fisherman, and everyone knows it, but fishing with artificials can be difficult during the doldrums of late summer and fall. The Atlantic Ocean is flatter and big snook become wary. The fish are still here; what are we to do? Here’s a pretty simple technique that will catch snook when the fishing gets tough. The hottest bait this time of year is live croakers. Croakers are catching so many snook right now that the local bait shops here in the Stuart, Fla. area sell out as soon as they get a shipment. With the artificial bite kind of drying up, my friend and occasional fishing buddy, Mike Vars, showed me how to catch big snook on live bait. Mike buys a dozen croakers when he can get them. All you need to keep them alive for a couple days is a round bucket with an aerator. Good baitsized croakers are 5 to 8 inches, anything larger might catch a big snook, but they are harder to fish. Mike uses a 3 or 4 size circle hook and hooks his croakers through the nostrils so they can
8 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2021
By Richard L. Matteson
swim freely. Some anglers prefer to hook them through the tail. Since the tactic involves free-lining, with no weight, casts should be just past the trough on a high tide, which is about 20 feet here. Then open the spool and let that croaker run. On low tide, it might be necessary to wade past the trough and cast farther out. Mike uses a 60-lb. leader and 20-lb. braid on a spinning reel. Before the snook takes the bait, the croaker will often wiggle excitedly—this is a signal you are about to get bit. When the line suddenly starts moving fast, it means a snook has your croaker. Let her have the bait for a few seconds, and then begin reeling steadily so the circle hook lodges in the corner of her mouth. Mike Vars with a nice beach snook Mike averages three or four big female snook caught on live bait. each trip with this method. He has caught several over-slot snook, with the biggest measuring about 40 inches. Florida’s Atlantic Coast. You’re allowed one per day If you want to catch your own bait, use a between 28 and 32 inches. sabiki rig and tip hooks with a small piece of Richard Matteson writes for the Stuart Rod & shrimp. Or fish the trough with light tackle and a Reel Club and he is a long-time contributor small piece of shrimp. to Coastal Angler Magazine. Sept. 1 marks open season for snook on
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The Mullet Run Is On! By CAM Staff
I
t’s that time of year again when the lowly mullet becomes a primary target of interest for Florida anglers. Over the next few weeks and months, mullet in untold numbers will migrate out of the estuaries and run down the coast to their spawning grounds off South Florida. The mullet run is on, and it has switched on the predatory drive of almost every fish in the ocean. From the beach, or on a jetty, pier, bridge or boat, anglers who encounter fish feeding in huge schools of mullet are in for a treat. These intrepid little pilgrims have made their way south from as far up as the Carolinas, and it’s a good thing they come in numbers, because a whole lot of them get gobbled up along the way. Snook, tarpon, flounder, redfish, sharks, bluefish, jacks, Spanish mackerel,
2 FLORIDA
SEPTEMBER 2021
ladyfish… they all answer the dinner bell when mullet are balled up. To find the fish, you must find the bait. Young finger mullet make an easy meal when large schools of them are pinned against a jetty or are caught out in the open by predators running the beaches. Live or dead mullet are the obvious baits to fish if you’ve got time to throw a net, but don’t get caught cast-netting when there is a frenzy going on. A plug or soft-plastic will also get hammered when the melee is on. Don’t pass up your window of opportunity when the action is hot. Bait might be heavy in an area one day and gone the next. Anglers with boats can run the beaches in search of diving birds and find fish blowing up on top. Seawalls, rocky shorelines and other obstruction to the southward migration can serve as ambush points or corrals where baitfish are pinned in. Any structure that steers schools of mullet into a predictable path can turn into a killing ground. Shore-bound anglers must rely on good intel or just show up and hope to get lucky. Some prefer to pick a place that has been productive in the past and return frequently to catch it when it’s right. Others have a list of likely locations and eat up the road in search of activity. It’s the time of year when your gear should remain rigged and ready in the back of the truck. A good network of fishing buddies is worth its weight in tarpon during the run. Sharing good information on locations and the southward progression of bait is a two-way street. Take care of someone else, and they will likely take care of you. This time of year is a great time to be on the water. Temperatures are beginning to cool, most of the tourists have gone home, and thick waves of baitfish are there to be found, running the coastline with big predators in hot pursuit. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.
A
Fall
Transition Pay Attention to Detail By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
s fall approaches, fish patterns change. By understanding the habits of fish, you can target them with confidence. Spring fry have matured in the marsh and are ready to move into open water. Knowing the timing, tides and location of this migration can lead to great action. I recently tried a new area. It’s a place I really hadn’t 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 exiting their summer home. Targeting the inland-most marshes and bayous early in the season will be the most productive. Follow the bait and schools of fish out as the season advances. Although the reds were there, they were only 12 inches long, and the trout were smaller. They were gorging on shad and shrimp as tide poured out of the bayou into the lake. Once I noticed 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 to keep it in the bait balls. When I saw those flounder, I immediately lowered my rod tip and began vigorously twitching my rod down and to the side to make the jig head hit the mud bottom hard. Kicking up clouds of silt attracts flatfish. I started landing flounder immediately with the new retrieve. It was obvious they were aggressive since they were going airborne to feed on shad. This is why I worked the lure hard and fast, unlike a 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. I think the presentation looked more like the schools of baitfish they were targeting. I rigged my second lure so it would look more natural floating above the first jig-head swimbait, which was bouncing on the bottom. This increased my strikes. Paying attention to the details of the location, season and tide, as well as how the fish were feeding all played a huge part in my success. These concepts can be applied in any situation at any time of year. It was not what I expected, but I will take a limit of flounder any day. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures and Controlled Descent Lures. He owns www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2021
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ere’s a memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a school of dolphins making their way across the sea. There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of the day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Why not re-create that special toes-in-the-sand moment with our Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant? The beloved sea mammal has been captured mid-jump in sterling silver. And, tucked into its fins is a full two carats of shimmering blue topaz. Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling clear blue color and high refractive index, blue topaz is one of the top-selling blue gemstones. And with our special price, you have quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Blue Topaz Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
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TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
WARM SUMMER WATERS PLUS BACTERIA CAN EQUAL SERIOUS INFECTIONS
W
hen summer water temperatures climb into the higher ranges, anyone consuming raw seafood, fishing, working, and playing in or around the water should know that at least two severe forms of bacteria exist. Since I am not a medical professional, please do not construe this as medical advice. Instead, I just want you to be aware that these potentially infectious bacteria exist in the marine environment. The names of these bacteria are Mycobacterium Marinum and Vibrio Vulnificus These bacteria are found in rivers, lakes, bays and, especially, saltwater environments throughout the world. Neither should ever be taken lightly, as both can be extremely dangerous and sometimes lethal. Mycobacterium Marinum is a slow-growing bacteria found in fresh and saltwater throughout the world. It can cause infections in fish and humans. Although rare in people, they occur in those with cuts, scrapes, punctures or open wounds, especially, when handling or cleaning fish, swimming or working in fresh or saltwater. The most frequent sign associated with Mycobacterium Marinum is a slowly developing nodule called a Granuloma (localized inflammation and raised areas of skin) at the location the bacteria entered the body. It can take several weeks for a nodule to appear because of its slow development. Antibiotics usually combat this infection, but require extended treatment
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periods for up to six months or more. Anytime you notice a nodule or reddening following contact with fresh or saltwater or after handling or cleaning fish, you should contact a medical professional and let them know what you suspect. The other form of bacteria is Vibrio Vulnificus. Like Mycobacterium Marinum, it is associated more with underwater injuries in saltwater. And, at least eleven species of the Vibrio bacteria exist throughout the world, contributing to human infections. However, the Vibrio Vulnificus strain accounts for the most common infections associated with consuming raw shellfish like oysters and clams. Not just limited to ingestion, it can enter the body through an open wound when exposed to saltwater. Remember, a delay in proper medical treatment could lead to real problems. Although infections are rare, for a few people, they can be pretty severe. If that cut you received several weeks ago does not seem to get any better, contact your personal physician or go to the hospital immediately. Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Service, guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas for over fifty years. He offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters and a lifetime of memories. Visit his website www.captainwoodygore.com, Email: fishing@captainwoodygore.com or call 813-477-3814
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9470 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL. 33773
SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 1
ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
IT’S SHOW TIME!
W
e are just getting back on the water after a great ICAST show. I have an exciting announcement to make. Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters is now sponsored by American Discount Marine. They are your go-to shop for all your boating and trailer supply needs. According to their website, they have the largest family-owned boat trailer parts and boating supply inventory in Pinellas County, in stock, every day, period. They have a 6000 square foot showroom packed with all the must haves that a trailerable boat family needs. Their showroom is three or more times the size of their nearest local trailer parts competitors. The word on the street is, that their customer service, selection and prices take the cake. They take great care of us and will do the same for you. Stop in and tell them the team at Pocket Change sent you. Now, for the fishing side of things. The inshore bite has remained strong, if you know where to look. Warm water tactics are a must. Find deeper water along a healthy grass flat and the trout are sure to be close by. Inshore dock fishing remains steady and a reliable choice with catch and release snook and redfish, along with nice keeper inshore mangrove snapper and scattered keeper grouper. Live pinfish, shrimp and greenbacks will get you into the action. Cut baits will also get hit. Try pinfish, ladyfish, mullet or threadfins. Keep a rod rigged for cobia--they can show up at any time. The near-shore bite on the many rock piles dotting the deeper water of the Tampa Bay area is loaded with mangrove snapper, gray snapper, grouper, sharks, cobia and mackerel. Cut bait and live pinfish will load the cooler with a variety of snapper and a few keeper grouper. Freeline a butterflied grunt for the sharks. Tarpon are all over the Bay. Pass crabs, cut shad and live threadfins or pinfish will get you into the action. It’s hot out right now and fighting these fish will take its toll. Heat exhaustion is a real threat. Bring plenty of ice and water or sports drinks--you will need them. Bring at least a gallon per person. Now, it’s time to take these tips and get out there and fish! 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
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FWC LAUNCHES THE NEW
FLORIDA FISHING PIER FINDER
A
re you looking for a place to fish from shore? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) new Florida Fishing Pier Finder, an interactive map that allows anglers to find publicly-accessed fishing piers, jetties and fishing-specific bridges in freshwater and saltwater locations throughout the state. It is best viewed using a computer or tablet with a larger screen. Visit MyFWC.com/PierFinder to search for a location by county, city, feature name and type of feature (such as a bridge or pier). These structures give anglers who enjoy fishing from shore or do not have a boat an opportunity to catch a variety of species. Some fishable structures extend a few feet into the water, while others extend 2,000 or more feet into the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. A majority of these structures are free to use. For those fishing piers where a fee is required, almost all have a pier license that covers anglers, resident and non-resident, that fish on the pier. “I am thrilled with the FWC’s new Florida Fishing Pier Finder. This innovative platform helps anglers find areas where they can enjoy the diverse
fishing opportunities found here in Florida, the Fishing Capital of the World,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “Providing shore-based anglers with easyto-use location information for fishing piers, bridges and jetties increases access options and possibilities for new and experienced anglers.” The Florida Fishing Pier Finder was created through funding from the federal Sport Fish Restoration program, which collects taxes from purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuel to fund projects that provide enhanced fishing opportunities. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SFR. So, what are you waiting for? With a wealth of different ways to fish Florida waters, we encourage you to check out the new Florida Fishing Pier Finder and make some fishing memories! Interested in learning more about how to fish in Florida? Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click “Learn to Fish.” Questions? Contact Marine@MyFWC.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 3
SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
FALL TARPON
D
uring fall months, targeting tarpon can sometimes be very challenging. During the majority of the summer, you can find tarpon just about anywhere in the Bay, including passes, beaches, mangrove estuaries and grass flats. However, as the water temperature drops, resident juvenile tarpon start to make their way toward the rivers, creeks and canals in search of warmer water havens for their winter stay. When fishing rivers, you want to fish areas that have decent tidal flow and a significant change in depth; for example, a point or bend in a river that drops off close to the mangroves or shoreline. Tarpon instinctively take advantage of trenches, drop-offs and potholes in high current areas of rivers, because they can ambush bait easily and stay warm. Many of the residential canals located on the Hillsborough side of the Bay are sure to hold juvenile tarpon. Fishing docks and seawalls can be very productive during the day or night. When fishing docks at night, you want to take advantage of lights, as many baitfish are attracted to them. This makes for an all you can eat buffet for juvenile tarpon. Scaled sardines and live shrimp are your best bet for bait this time of year. You can find live shrimp at just about any bait and tackle store in the area. Some bait shops sell scaled sardines but, most of the time, you have to use a cast net to catch them. I recommend catching enough to use for bait, as well as, a few extra to throw as chum. You will be able to find these baitfish at the channel markers and shallow-to-deep transition areas nearest boat channels. I use a 10-foot Humpback cast net to gather my bait. I can usually catch enough bait for a trip in one or two casts due to the ease of opening in the net design. When tarpon become lethargic from the cooler water temperatures, cut bait on the bottom makes for a more tempting and easier meal. I present my baits with a 2/0 hook freelined on 25-pound test fluorocarbon leader. The addition of a few split shot weights may be necessary when fishing areas with current. When it comes to tarpon lures, top water plugs are hard to beat. During the summer or winter months, top water lures produce a lot of fish. Working a plug on top of the water and watching a juvenile tarpon explode on it, is probably one of the most exciting sites that you can experience in Tampa Bay, second to tarpon fishing during the big migration in May. My favorite top water lure is the Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle in bone and silver color. This lure is always on my boat. It is safe to say that many anglers develop their own techniques for catching juvenile tarpon during the different seasons. Getting out on the water and casting a line is the one tried and true way to do this. Tarpon are some of the most sought after inshore sport-fish and, many times, the most challenging to catch. Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida’s greatest tarpon fishing year-round. Feel free to use information from this article and tips from the Bay area bait stores and other anglers. Local tarpon guides are always available for hire throughout Tampa Bay. Captain Christopher Taylor | Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com | (813) 220-6135 4 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2021
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 5
St. Petersburg
www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com www.USHarbors.com
St. Petersburg, FL - Sep 2021 High
Date
AM
ft
Old Port of Tampa
Low PM
ft
AM
ft
www.USHarbors.com ezdocktampa.com
Old Port Tampa, FL - Sep 2021 High
Date
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
5:59
0.4
7:08
7:52
1
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Wed
1:07
2.0
9:46A
2.7
3:41
2.0
6:43
0.5
7:07
7:52
1
Wed
9:11
2.4
2
Thu
10:32
2.4
6:53
0.3
7:08
7:51
2
Thu
2:02
2.1
11:04A
2.8
5:10
2.0
7:37
0.4
7:08
7:51
3
Fri
2:36
1.8
11:41A
2.5
5:20
1.7
7:37
0.2
7:09
7:50
3
Fri
2:38
2.2
12:11
2.9
6:16
1.9
8:20
0.3
7:08
7:49
4
Sat
2:50
1.8
12:36
2.7
6:17
1.6
8:14
0.2
7:09
7:49
4
Sat
3:08
2.2
1:06
3.0
7:06
1.8
8:55
0.3
7:09
7:48
5
Sun
3:03
1.8
1:24
2.7
7:04
1.4
8:47
0.2
7:10
7:47
5
Sun
3:32
2.2
1:55
3.1
7:49
1.6
9:26
0.3
7:09
7:47
6
Mon
3:13
1.8
2:09
2.8
7:48
1.2
9:17
0.3
7:10
7:46
6
Mon
3:52
2.2
2:42
3.1
8:31
1.4
9:54
0.4
7:10
7:46
7
Tue
3:25
1.9
2:54
2.8
8:32
1.0
9:45
0.4
7:11
7:45
7
Tue
4:08
2.2
3:29
3.1
9:13
1.1
10:20
0.6
7:10
7:45
8
Wed
3:40
2.0
3:41
2.6
9:18
0.8
10:12
0.7
7:11
7:44
8
Wed
4:24
2.3
4:19
3.0
9:58
0.9
10:46
0.8
7:11
7:44
9
Thu
3:59
2.2
4:33
2.5
10:07
0.6
10:38
0.9
7:12
7:43
9
Thu
4:42
2.4
5:12
2.8
10:46
0.7
11:13
1.0
7:11
7:43
10
Fri
4:23
2.4
5:32
2.2
11:02
0.5
11:04
1.2
7:12
7:42
10
Fri
5:04
2.6
6:11
2.5
11:37
0.6
11:40
1.3
7:12
7:41
11
Sat
4:52
2.5
6:44
1.9
12:03P
0.4
11:26
1.4
7:12
7:40
11
Sat
5:31
2.8
7:20
2.2
12:34
0.5
7:12
7:40
12
Sun
5:27
2.6
8:29
1.7
1:16P
0.3
11:38
1.6
7:13
7:39
12
Sun
6:05
2.9
8:54
2.0
13
Mon
6:12
2.7
2:44
0.3
7:13
7:38
13
Mon
6:48
3.0
14
Tue
7:11
2.7
4:17
0.2
7:14
7:37
14
Tue
7:45
15
Wed
8:35
2.6
5:38
0.2
7:14
7:36
15
Wed
16
Thu
10:17
2.6
6:40
0.1
7:15
7:35
16
17
Fri
2:21
1.8
11:43A
2.7
5:15
1.7
7:28
0.2
7:15
7:33
18
Sat
2:30
1.8
12:49
2.7
6:28
1.5
8:06
0.3
7:16
19
Sun
2:42
1.9
1:42
2.7
7:22
1.3
8:37
0.4
20
Mon
2:52
2.0
2:28
2.6
8:07
1.0
9:02
21
Tue
3:02
2.1
3:10
2.5
8:48
0.8
22
Wed
3:14
2.2
3:51
2.3
9:27
23
Thu
3:28
2.3
4:32
2.2
24
Fri
3:46
2.5
5:18
25
Sat
4:09
2.5
26
Sun
4:37
2.6
27
Mon
5:11
28
Tue
29 30
12:07
1.5
1:44
0.5
7:13
7:39
12:33
1.7
3:16
0.5
7:13
7:38
3.0
5:04
0.5
7:14
7:37
9:07
2.9
6:29
0.4
7:14
7:36
Thu
2:08
2.1
10:49A
2.9
4:28
2.1
7:30
0.3
7:14
7:34
17
Fri
2:29
2.2
12:15
3.0
6:06
1.9
8:15
0.3
7:15
7:33
7:32
18
Sat
2:51
2.2
1:20
3.0
7:11
1.6
8:51
0.4
7:15
7:32
7:16
7:31
19
Sun
3:11
2.3
2:13
3.0
8:02
1.4
9:19
0.5
7:16
7:31
0.6
7:17
7:30
20
Mon
3:29
2.3
2:59
2.9
8:47
1.1
9:42
0.7
7:16
7:30
9:23
0.8
7:17
7:29
21
Tue
3:45
2.4
3:43
2.8
9:29
0.9
10:00
0.9
7:17
7:28
0.7
9:42
1.0
7:18
7:28
22
Wed
3:58
2.5
4:26
2.6
10:08
0.7
10:18
1.1
7:17
7:27
10:06
0.5
10:00
1.2
7:18
7:26
23
Thu
4:12
2.6
5:11
2.5
10:46
0.6
10:38
1.3
7:18
7:26
2.0
10:47
0.5
10:19
1.3
7:18
7:25
24
Fri
4:30
2.7
5:58
2.3
11:24
0.5
11:02
1.4
7:18
7:25
6:13
1.9
11:31
0.4
10:37
1.5
7:19
7:24
25
Sat
4:52
2.8
6:52
2.2
12:04P
0.5
11:29
1.6
7:19
7:24
7:27
1.7
12:23P
0.4
10:53
1.6
7:19
7:23
26
Sun
5:19
2.9
7:58
2.1
12:49P
0.5
11:59
1.7
7:19
7:23
2.5
1:26
0.5
7:20
7:22
27
Mon
5:53
2.9
9:28
2.0
1:45
0.6
7:20
7:21
5:53
2.5
2:44
0.5
7:20
7:21
28
Tue
6:35
2.8
11:22
2.0
Wed
6:54
2.4
4:05
0.5
7:21
7:19
29
Wed
7:34
2.7
Thu
8:24
2.3
5:14
0.4
7:21
7:18
30
Thu
12:40
2.1
8:58A
2.6
12:36
1.9
3:03
0.7
7:20
7:20
1:33
2.0
4:38
0.7
7:21
7:19
3:19
2.0
5:56
0.6
7:21
7:18
Moon
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SEPTEMBER 2021
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Anclote River River, FL - Sep 2021 Tarpon Springs, Anclote High
Date
Hernando Beach
bluepelicanmarina.com www.USHarbors.com
Rocky Creek, LittleFL Pine Island Hernando Beach, - Sep 2021
Low
High
Date
Moon
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
8:38
3.1
11:30
2.4
3:55
1.9
5:52
0.7
7:08
7:55
Thu
9:54
3.1
5:18
2.0
6:57
0.6
7:09
7:53
Fri
12:30
2.6
11:02A
3.2
6:29
1.9
7:52
0.4
7:09
7:52
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
7:42
2.9
10:34
2.2
1:54
1.9
3:51
0.7
7:08
7:53
1
Wed
11:34
2.4
3:17
2.0
4:56
0.6
7:09
7:52
2
4:28
1.9
5:51
0.4
7:09
7:50
3
1
Wed
2
Thu
8:58
2.9
3
Fri
10:06
3.0
4
Sat
12:18
2.5
11:06A
3.1
5:29
1.7
6:36
0.3
7:10
7:49
4
Sat
1:14
2.7
12:02
3.4
7:30
1.7
8:37
0.3
7:10
7:51
5
Sun
12:53
2.6
12:00
3.3
6:22
1.5
7:16
0.2
7:10
7:48
5
Sun
1:49
2.8
12:56
3.5
8:23
1.5
9:17
0.2
7:10
7:50
6
Mon
1:23
2.7
12:48
3.4
7:08
1.2
7:53
0.2
7:11
7:47
6
Mon
2:19
2.9
1:44
3.6
9:09
1.2
9:54
0.2
7:11
7:49
7
Tue
1:51
2.8
1:34
3.4
7:51
1.0
8:29
0.3
7:11
7:46
7
Tue
2:47
3.0
2:30
3.7
9:52
1.0
10:30
0.3
7:11
7:47
8
Wed
2:19
2.9
2:21
3.4
8:33
0.8
9:05
0.5
7:11
7:45
8
Wed
3:15
3.1
3:17
3.6
10:34
0.8
11:06
0.5
7:12
7:46
9
Thu
2:47
3.0
3:09
3.3
9:16
0.5
9:40
0.7
7:12
7:44
9
Thu
3:43
3.3
4:05
3.5
11:17
0.5
11:41
0.7
7:12
7:45
10
Fri
3:17
3.1
4:01
3.1
10:02
0.4
10:17
0.9
7:12
7:42
10
Fri
4:13
3.4
4:57
3.3
12:03
0.4
7:13
7:44
11
Sat
3:50
3.2
4:56
2.9
10:51
0.3
10:54
1.2
7:13
7:41
11
Sat
4:46
3.5
5:52
3.1
12:18
0.9
12:52
0.3
7:13
7:43
12
Sun
4:27
3.3
5:58
2.6
11:45
0.3
11:34
1.5
7:13
7:40
12
Sun
5:23
3.5
6:54
2.8
12:55
1.2
1:46
0.3
7:14
7:41
13
Mon
5:10
3.3
7:15
2.4
12:48
0.4
7:14
7:39
13
Mon
6:06
3.5
8:11
2.5
1:35
1.5
2:49
0.4
7:15
7:40
14
Tue
6:02
3.2
8:53
2.2
12:22
1.8
2:05
0.4
7:14
7:38
14
Tue
6:58
3.5
9:49
2.4
2:23
1.8
4:06
0.4
7:15
7:39
15
Wed
7:11
3.1
10:22
2.3
1:31
1.9
3:30
0.5
7:15
7:36
15
Wed
8:07
3.3
11:18
2.5
3:32
1.9
5:31
0.5
7:16
7:38
16
Thu
8:40
3.0
11:23
2.4
3:00
1.9
4:46
0.4
7:15
7:35
16
Thu
9:36
3.3
5:01
1.9
6:47
0.4
7:16
7:37
17
Fri
10:04
3.1
4:21
1.8
5:48
0.4
7:16
7:34
17
Fri
12:19
2.6
11:00A
3.3
6:22
1.8
7:49
0.4
7:17
7:35
18
Sat
12:06
2.6
11:15A
3.2
5:29
1.5
6:36
0.4
7:16
7:33
18
Sat
1:02
2.8
12:11
3.4
7:30
1.5
8:37
0.4
7:17
7:34
19
Sun
12:40
2.7
12:13
3.2
6:24
1.2
7:16
0.4
7:17
7:32
19
Sun
1:36
2.9
1:09
3.5
8:25
1.2
9:17
0.4
7:18
7:33
20
Mon
1:09
2.8
1:01
3.3
7:11
0.9
7:49
0.5
7:17
7:31
20
Mon
2:05
3.0
1:57
3.5
9:12
0.9
9:50
0.5
7:18
7:32
21
Tue
1:35
2.9
1:44
3.2
7:52
0.7
8:19
0.7
7:18
7:29
21
Tue
2:31
3.1
2:40
3.5
9:53
0.7
10:20
0.7
7:19
7:30
22
Wed
2:00
3.0
2:23
3.1
8:30
0.5
8:48
0.8
7:18
7:28
22
Wed
2:56
3.2
3:19
3.4
10:31
0.5
10:49
0.8
7:19
7:29
23
Thu
2:24
3.0
3:02
3.0
9:07
0.5
9:16
1.0
7:19
7:27
23
Thu
3:20
3.3
3:58
3.2
11:08
0.5
11:17
1.0
7:20
7:28
24
Fri
2:49
3.1
3:42
2.9
9:43
0.4
9:44
1.2
7:19
7:26
24
Fri
3:45
3.3
4:38
3.1
11:44
0.4
11:45
1.2
7:20
7:27
25
Sat
3:15
3.1
4:23
2.7
10:18
0.4
10:12
1.3
7:20
7:25
25
Sat
4:11
3.4
5:19
2.9
12:19
0.4
7:21
7:26
26
Sun
3:44
3.1
5:07
2.6
10:56
0.5
10:43
1.5
7:20
7:23
26
Sun
4:40
3.4
6:03
2.8
12:13
1.3
12:57
0.5
7:21
7:24
27
Mon
4:16
3.1
5:58
2.4
11:38
0.5
11:18
1.6
7:21
7:22
27
Mon
5:12
3.3
6:54
2.6
12:44
1.5
1:39
0.5
7:22
7:23
28
Tue
4:54
3.0
7:02
2.2
12:29
0.7
7:21
7:21
28
Tue
5:50
3.2
7:58
2.4
1:19
1.6
2:30
0.7
7:22
7:22
29
Wed
5:42
2.9
8:29
2.2
12:04
1.8
1:37
0.8
7:22
7:20
29
Wed
6:38
3.1
9:25
2.4
2:05
1.8
3:38
0.8
7:23
7:21
30
Thu
6:50
2.8
9:48
2.3
1:15
1.9
2:58
0.8
7:22
7:19
30
Thu
7:46
3.0
10:44
2.4
3:16
1.9
4:59
0.8
7:23
7:20
Moon
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 7
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
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 change up from my normal fishing with live bait and start using cut fresh threadfin sardines, ladyfish and mullet. 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 clearly telling 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 2/0 J hook or 2/0 Kahle circle hook. With clients who do not have much fishing experience, I use J hooks, as their normal tendency is to pull to set the hook. However, for clients who have experience fishing for reds, I use circle hooks. I like 30-pound test fluorocarbon leader, about 36 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, surgeon’s
works best for me. Since I am fishing anywhere from 3 to 10-feet of water and have some current, I attach a 1/4 to 3/8-ounce 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 the high-pressure system sitting on top of us gives us extremely low tides. The best time to look at the docks in your area are 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 find and where the rocks are for the spring and fall fishing. Another overlooked area are the artificial reefs, as they tend to hold the bigger reds. I learned when fishing the artificial reefs to use live medium shrimp or cut threadfins with longer leaders plus 2/0 or 3/0 circle hooks with enough weight to keep the bait within three feet of the bottom. One side note. While fishing the docks and the reefs, you will have a chance to catch some sheepshead, flounder and mangrove snapper. It wouldn’t hurt to have one rig with a 1/0 hook for the smaller species. Kids love the action, and so will the grownups. Capt. Sergio Atanes is host of Florida West Coast Fishing Report on Facebook and YouTube every Monday night 7-8 p.m. live. He is also host to Aventuras De Pesca USA on national TV and Radio Show. Email: atanes@msn.com | Phone: 813-973-7132 | reelfishing.com
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 9
BARRACUDA BOB’S CLEARWATER AND DUNEDIN SO, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CATCH?
N
ow that I’ve started writing for Coastal Angler Magazine again, after a long hiatus fighting life-threatening cancer, and before I begin my latest article, I’d like to reintroduce myself to you, the Coastal Angler audience. I’ve been fishing and diving the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent inland waters for 62 years; in Texas for the first 26 years and Florida for the last 36 years, and I’ve learned a little bit about saltwater fishing along the way. I’ve been a licensed captain for 32 years, and guided offshore charters for a while. I’ve been a Nitrox-certified scuba diver and spear fisherman for 40 years, and I’ve shot my share of big fish locally and around the world. I captained a winning offshore tournament team for 22 years, previously published the Tampa Bay issue of Coastal Angler Magazine for five years, and have owned Barracuda Bob’s, a kick ass bait & tackle shop for 12 years. In my current role as a bait & tackle shop owner, I’ve been dispensing fishing advice and helping my customers become better anglers since 2010. I dare say that I’ve caught or shot just about everything that swims in the waters within 100 miles of Barracuda Bob’s (except maybe people), and I truly enjoy helping our customers improve their fishing skills. So, when people come into Barracuda Bob’s asking what kinds of bait we have, I laugh and tell them we have every kind of bait available that catches fish around here. And then I ask them, “What do you want to catch?” Most of the time they tell me they’re happy to catch just about anything. I tell them, “In that case, just about any kind of bait will do.” The waters around Barracuda Bob’s abound with just about every kind of game fish that swims in our local waters; snook, tarpon, red fish, Spanish mackerel, pompano, grouper, snapper, flounder, speckled trout, silver trout, sheeps-
10 TAMPA
SEPTEMBER 2021
head, and sharks; just to name a few. But make no mistake, the first thing every successful angler needs is a plan! Whether your plan is to catch a particular species of fish, lots of fish, only big fish, or a wide variety of fish, it’s important to know what you want to catch, what will make you happy, The waters around Barracuda Bob’s abound with fish and how much effort of every size, shape and species, and each of them you’re willing to put have their preferred type of terrain to where they in to make it happen. gravitate. Your choice of baits, rigs and tackle, and Figure out what you where you’re willing to fish, will determine your level really want to catch, of catching success. and then decide how you’re going to reach those fish and what you need to catch them. Do you have a boat or kayak? Are you fishing from shore or from a bridge on the Dunedin Causeway? Do you want to fish from one of the beaches off Honeymoon or Caladesi Islands? If you don’t have a boat or kayak, are you willing to
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BY: CAPT. JOE LONDOT
wade out to the places where the fish you want to catch hang out? What bait you use, how you rig it and what kind of fishing gear you’ll need all depend on your answers to these questions. Just the other day, one of our customers told me that they didn’t catch anything all day. The little fish kept stealing their bait and nothing else was biting. I told him that, when that starts happening, “IT’S TIME TO MOVE!” If little fish keep stealing your bait, it means there aren’t any big fish nearby; otherwise, the big fish would eat the little fish stealing your bait. If you’re not catching anything, move to another spot and keep moving until you find fish! At Barracuda Bob’s, we take fishing seriously! We want our customers to leave us with the right baits and tackle, and the right advice on where and how to fish, so they actually catch something that makes them happy. We know that if we ask the right questions, we can guide our customers to a successful day of fishing. And when our customers are successful, we know they’ll want to come back again and again to catch more fish. Don’t leave your fishing pleasure to chance. If you’re going to invest your time and the money it takes for tackle, bait and rigging, stop into Barracuda Bob’s on your way to the water. We will make sure you have everything you need to enjoy a productive day of fishing, and look forward to hearing your fishing stories afterwards. See y’all out there, Capt. Joe. Barracuda Bob’s Clearwater and Dunedin Visit us at 240 Causeway Blvd. Dunedin, FL 34698 | 727-466-1776 Check us out on Facebook or at www.BarracudaBobs.net
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 11
SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE
L
ast month was a serious struggle out on the flats. The worst part of fishing in August is dealing with scorching temperatures and thunderstorms, and a very slow redfish bite. All of this will soon come to an end, as September marks the start of Fall. We should still get some rain, but that should slow down toward the end of the month. With that, temps will drop and the bite will pick up, as the fish start to show signs of more aggressive behavior. You will start to see the fish begin to move around the flats in search of different areas to stage for food. Keep notes of their behavior, as they will come in handy as a reference during the transition periods. Redfish, snook, trout, and even flounder will all be on the move. All of these species and more will be found on the flats pushing toward new feeding grounds. This is also a great time to start throwing artificials. The best artificial baits to throw at this time of year are spoons, topwaters, crankbaits and twitch baits. These lures are sometimes called search baits and can be casted far to help locate laid up fish. Be sure to alternate retrieval speeds and action to help find what provokes a strike. Many more species will be joining the flats brigade this month and next, as the temps drop as Fall approaches. Late season kingfish will have a late show-
ing just off the beaches, alongside the last group of tarpon heading south toward the Caribbean. Sheepshead, snapper, pompano and triggerfish will be filling angler’s coolers toward the end of the month, so be ready for these tasty filets, as well. In conclusion, this is only the beginning! In October, things will begin to rock and everyone’s favorite, the redfish, will be in full swing. Be on the lookout for next month’s article regarding targeting these beautiful fish in the fall season. Be safe, take a kid fishing and tight lines always! purefloridaws@gmail.com purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824
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HERNANDO COUNTY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
FREEDOM
W
ith all that’s going on in the world right now, I am blessed to live in the great state of Florida. We still have a lot of freedom that other states do not. The best is the freedom to fish. I just keep hoping the virus, hurricanes, red tide or, better yet, politics won’t stop us from fishing. As we all know, don’t talk about politics (it’s a no win), let’s talk about fishing. The Gulf waters are still warm. With this in mind, you need to be more creative in your fishing skills. When I fish offshore with theses conditions, I like to start out chumming with either cut up threadfins or with my secret recipe mixture of oats, sand, menhaden oil and jack/mackerel. This helps get the fish in a feeding frenzy. I like to start out catching grunts. Grunts are usually quite abundant and easy to catch (great if you have kids on the boat). I like light tackle with about 1 ounce of weight, a 3/0 circle hook and cut bait like squid. Once I get these guys biting, I’ll put out a couple of bigger setups with 60-pound mono and enough weight to keep the bait on the bottom with a 7/0 circle hook. Baits can be live pinfish, shrimp, frozen bait like threadfin, squid or fresh cut baits. When using circle hooks, wait until you feel some hard thumps on the
line then slowly lift. When the rod is almost pulled out of your hands, reelreel-reel. The first thing a grouper will do is head for the closest rock and you will be “rocked up.” Do not, and I repeat do not, do the Bassmaster hook set--you will more than likely pull the bait away. With circle hooks, the fish will set the hook. Scallop season has been the best in years. Reports all along the coast are reporting a really good season and it should continue. This is a great time of year to go scalloping with the water temperatures in the upper 80’s. In 4 to 8 feet of water, you should be able to get your limits. 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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SEPTEMBER 2021
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TAMPA BAY FISHING BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
BLUEFISH
L
ooking for something different this summer? Pound for pound a Tampa Bay bluefish is one of the best fast-action fighters found anywhere. So, why not slip on a pair of big boy pants and try some of these drag-screaming, aerial acrobatic blues on for size! One saltwater fish found throughout our area and providing some light tackle thrills is the unwavering bluefish. Most Florida blues weigh in around 2 to 6 pounds, and anything over is an angling treat. Bluefish are schooling fish with large heads, powerful jaws and incredibly sharp teeth. Their tapered bodies, ending in a forked tail, makes them powerful swimmers and fighters. Decorated with blue/green backs, silvery sides and white/silver bellies, don’t sell them short; these beautiful fish have plenty of muscle and speed. Rigging for blues is much like rigging for any toothy fish. And, when fishing live baits, heavy leaders are a must. I recommend 50 to 60-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader. Use a short piece of leader tied to your braid approximately 12 to 18 inches long and a long-shank 2/0 Daiichi hook. Bluefish can often be caught on any fast-moving lure resembling a baitfish, including metal spoons, jigs and tube baits. If you like artificial’s, try a shiny spoon or old topwater lure tied to your braid with a dark wire leader. If you like tasty fish, bluefish are excellent table fare. Fillet and skin the fish, then remove the rib bones, cut into two-inch strips and deep fry. Serve with grits, tomato gravy and hush-puppies. They are also excellent smoked for fish spread. Give me a call and let’s go fishing – 813-477-3814
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Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Service, guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas for over fifty years. He offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters and a lifetime of memories. Visit his website www.captainwoodygore.com, Email: fishing@captainwoodygore.com or call 813-477-3814
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TAMPA 15
RIVERS TO BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
I
t was a rainy end to August, and I think we’ve had enough for the rest of the year. However, the rain isn’t the big news compared to the red tide. As many people know, we had one of the worst red tide events ever in Tampa Bay this year. It’s hard to say how many fish were killed from this last red tide event or what species lost the most; but, despite the large fish kill, the fishing the last two weeks of August was very good. No signs of red tide have been detected in Tampa Bay for the past few
weeks, which is awesome; the water quality looks good. Mother Nature has a way of fixing things, but she needs time. With that out of the way, here’s what to expect in September from the fishing in Tampa Bay. First up, the mangrove snapper bite should be on fire. Red fishing will still be on the same patterns. Look for them in deeper depressions during low tides and up under the mangroves on high tides. Cut threadfin and cut mullet are two excellent choices for bait. As for snook, always have both live and cut bait aboard the boat. You never know what will suite their taste. September can be just as hot as August, so get out early or a few hours before sunset and you should hear your drag sing. Hope to see you on the water. Tight Lines. Captain John Rivers | www.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com | 727-313-1781
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The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.
Drop Shot Gear A drop shot is a finesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with.
TIPS FROM A PRO
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DROP SHOT WHEN THE BITE IS TOUGH
T
TYLER WOOLCOTT
he end of summer is here, and the fishing is a little tough. From fishing pressure through the summer to warm water temps, this time of year can be a grind at times. Fish tend to get a little lock-jawed, and this can be really frustrating. When this scenario presents itself, I pull out a spinning rod, downsize my line and bait, and slow down my presentation to get finicky fish to eat. One of my favorite techniques this time of year is a drop shot. My drop shot rig consists of a weight tied to the end of the line with a hook and soft plastic tied in about 12 to 18 inches above the weight. There are two styles of baits I like to drop shot. One of them is a finesse-style worm like the 13 Fishing Rabbit Ear Joy Stick Ultra Thin 4.5’ worm. I like a worm on my drop shot when I’m targeting largemouth, especially in Southern states. These fish are usually feeding on a little bit larger forage, and the finesse worm is a perfect fit. Rig this worm on a 1/0 Hayabusa FPP Straight hook with a 1/4or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight for the perfect presentation. The other soft plastic I like on a drop shot is a small baitfish imitator. The 13 Fishing Vertigo Minnow gets a ton of bites. When you find fish chasing small baitfish or you’re up north where there are smallmouth bass, this style of soft plastic gets the job done. Rig it on a Hayabusa DSR132 #1 hook with a ¼ or 3/8-oz. WOO Tungsten weight, as well.
Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. R E S E RV E Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.Y
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I like to keep things simple when it comes to colors. With finicky fish, you want your bait to look as natural as possible. I match colors to the forage in the lake. When throwing the finesse worm, my favorite colors are the green pumpkins and even pinkish colors like a morning dawn. With the baitfish, I stick to white and pearl or your green pumpkin and brown. A drop shot is an awesome way to get bites when it gets tough. With the bait suspended off the bottom above your weight, it gives fish a different presentation than the normal Texas rig. Pitch it around hard cover like wood and rock, drag it through grass or throw it around dropoffs or deep spots. I always have a drop shot rigged this time of year, and it puts fish in the boat.
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Drop Shot Gear A drop shot is a finesse approach. I use a 13 Fishing Omen Black 7’1” medium fast action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel. Spool this combo with Seaguar 10-lb. Smackdown braid leading to an 8- to 12-lb. Abrazx fluorocarbon leader depending on the cover and water clarity you are dealing with. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.
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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP Tim Barefoot
Y
es, everyone wants to catch a grouper, or three, but you should be prepared— tackle-wise—to come home with “the groceries.” One way to accomplish this is to keep a beeliner/triggerfish rig ready on a rod and to have someone willing to use it when you get on the right mark. Not all big stacks of bait on the recorder are beeliners and triggerfish, but get accustomed to it and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at. The bigger species of the reef complex tend hang out under a big stack of bait, like cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. But the truth of the matter is, what you might be looking for is near the top of the stack. For example, the larger beeliners might sometimes be the first taps you get on your jig as it drops toward the bottom. When I’m grouper fishing, I fish a revolving spool reel rather than a spinning reel for several reasons. The main reason is so I can feel the bait as it drops. If you feel the bait on the jig getting tapped on the way down, understand that you’re in beeliners, triggers and/or American reds. At that point, it’s up to you to capitalize or just continue to grouper fish for grouper only. If you choose to do it, you can load up on some pretty tasty groceries by sizing down your tackle.
T H E
P E R F E C T
I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. Check out videos on rigging and using doublecircle-hook tackle at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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F L O R I D A
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TRIP
Y
Tim Barefoot
es, everyone wants to catch a grouper, or three, but you should be prepared—tackle-wise—to come home with “the groceries.” One way to accomplish this is to keep a beeliner/triggerfish rig ready on a rod and to have someone willing to use it when you get on the right mark. Not all big stacks of bait on the recorder are beeliners and triggerfish, but get accustomed to it and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking at. The bigger species of the reef complex tend hang out under a big stack of bait, like cigar minnows, sardines, beeliners, etc. But the truth of the matter is, what you might be looking for is near the top of the stack. For example, the larger beeliners might sometimes be the first taps you get on your jig as it drops toward the bottom. When I’m grouper fishing, I fish a revolving spool reel rather than a spinning reel for several reasons. The main reason is so I can feel the bait as it drops. If you feel the bait on the jig getting tapped on the way down, understand that you’re in beeliners, triggers and/or American reds. At that point, it’s up to you to capitalize or just continue to grouper fish for grouper only. If you choose to do it, you can load up on some pretty tasty groceries by sizing down your tackle. I take a 5-lb. box of squid on every trip offshore for a number of reasons, but this is one of the main reasons. Using a small 1/0 circle hook, double tackle and a 2- or 3-oz. bank sinker, you can harvest grouper bait and dinners deluxe. I count the strips it takes to get to the fish. This is also where multi-colored line can come into play. Drop your bait down to the same color where they were hitting, and then start a very slow descent. These fish like to eat bait as it falls. When you feel the tap or the bait just stops falling, click the reel into gear and let the circle hook do its work. When you get them working upward in the water column, keep them going. If you stop catching them, you’ll see the top of the mark start working it’s way back closer to the bottom. The top of the school is typically where the larger fish will be, especially the triggerfish. Triggers are hard to catch on the grouper jigs, but smaller circle hooks are deadly on these crafty bait stealers. I always anchor to grouper/bottom fish. This style of teasing beeliners and triggers up toward the surface only works from a stationary boat, not drifting. Check out videos on rigging and using doublecircle-hook tackle at barefootcatsandtackle.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COMSEPTEMBER JUNE 2020 2021
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he recreational harvest of greater amberjack and gray triggerfish opened in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters in August. Greater amberjack is scheduled to remain open through Oct. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters. Gray triggerfish is scheduled to remain open through Dec. 31 in Gulf state and federal waters, but an early quota closure is possible for either species. The bag limit for amberjack is one per person, per day, with a minimum length of 34 inches fork length. The bag limit for triggerfish is one per person, per day, with a minimum length of 15 inches fork length. If you plan to fish for amberjack or gray triggerfish anywhere in Florida state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS. Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
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“A
iyeeeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeee!” The shout sounded Cajun, or perhaps like the intro to a mariachi tune. Either way, it amplified the chaos on deck. Three rods were bent. Two anglers scrambled to uncross lines screaming off reels. A third angler dove to wrap an arm around the 10-year-old who held a death grip on rod number three. It was a tossup as to whether the kid would lose the rod or be yanked overboard into a very active chum slick. The whole scene unraveled when a 10-foot tiger shark rose to the surface. It smashed the boy’s cobia straight through the surface, blowing up close enough to drench us, maybe 15 feet off the stern. There was stunned silence, then... “Ayeeee, yeeee, yeeee, yeeee!” our captain hollered. “I love chaos!” Man, what a trip. It was a lot more than my two brothers and I expected upon reconnecting with a childhood friend in Bluffton, South Carolina. Our captain, Keene Reese, is a successful real estate agent with Ussery Group, Charter One Realty in the Lowcountry. He is also a very fishy dude. In mid-June, he invited us—along with my 10-year-old son— on a 20-mile ride offshore, where cobia were thick on a well-known wreck. With a beautiful chum slick snaking off the stern of Reese’s 25’ Regulator “Copacetic,” it didn’t take 10 minutes for “brownies” to start showing on the surface. There was no need for down-lines that day. All the action was on top, visible and simple. Pitch a live menhaden on a freeline, and a cobia would take it before you reached the rod holder. Over the course of a few hours, we boated well over a dozen cobia,
although the action came in such crazy spurts that no one could keep count. The thing is, we only landed four fish longer than the 36-inch minimum. That’s good news, according to Mel Bell, the director of Fisheries Management with South Carolina DNR. For decades, South Carolina was famous for its inshore cobia runs. May is the peak of a spawning run that once saw scads of cobia pushing into Port Royal Sound, Calibogue Sound, St. Helena Sound and the Broad River. Bell said boats lined up to target big eggbearing females before they could reproduce. The fishery collapsed. “We were in a bad place in 2016,” Bell said. “The numbers were scary. Even the anglers were telling us we had to do something.” While overall Atlantic cobia stocks are in good shape, according to the latest assessment, Bell said sound-spawners in South Carolina are a distinct “sub-population.” The Southern Cobia Management Zone was formed in 2016 to protect these inshore-spawning fish. The zone stretches from Jeremy Inlet on Edisto Island, S.C. south to the Georgia border. It extends three miles offshore, and within this zone there is a one fish per person, three per boat daily limit—except in May, when cobia harvest is closed. The limit in federal waters is one per person, six per boat. The minimum length is 36 inches, which brings us back to all the short fish. Bell said South Carolina DNR isn’t ready to release hard data. However, he’s heard fishermen reporting lots of smaller fish, which are likely the age classes protected since 2016. If anecdotes translate into survey data, it would mean the restrictions are working. Bell said next year might be time to take a close look and see just how well cobia are returning to the sounds. PHOTO BY GILBERT CARTER
By Nick Carter
For more information, go to www.dnr.sc.gov.
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ALL SEASON LONG! T
he approach of autumn doesn’t mean you should fall back on the game! The seasons are changing, but the action isn’t. Fall is nothing more than a second spring. So, spring into action with the Contender series raglan long sleeve shirt. The raglan sleeve construction allows for increased movement, which you will need since the fair weather will liberate you from the sweltering summer heat. Even though the sun is less intense in the fall months, you still need sun protection, and the raglan long sleeve shirt delivers by blocking UVA and UVB rays for all-day protection. In fall, there’s no better time to be out on the water. With fall breezes blowing in, you’ll need to check out our men’s tournament anorak. Featuring a full storm hood and a center placket that provides critical coverage to protect you, you can count on the jacket to comfortably protect you, rain or shine. As the days get shorter, you will need something sturdy like the men’s pro series storm fleece. Designed with spacer-fabric and engineered with air pockets embedded in the fabric that provides insulation and temperature control to keep the piece lightweight, it is the perfect accessory to make your fall epic. No matter the season, GILLZ has you covered. Check out the website: gillz-gear.com
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THREE WAYS TO TARGET
I
BIG CATS
f you like the feel of really big fish on the end of a line, catfish are a good option. There are several different types, but trophy hunters set their sights on blue and flathead catfish. Both species grow large and can weigh in excess of 100 pounds. For bait, catfish have been caught on just about everything you can think of. But generally, big flatheads are predators and like whole, live, hand-sized bream. Blues like large cut bait like bream, skipjack or carp. Once you’ve got your bait, here are some ideas for how to fish it. Fish a Fan: My favorite technique is to anchor up in a good spot near rocky bottom or structure such as a ledge, river channel or creek bed. I have 14 Driftmaster 255 H Pro Duo rod holders, which I use to put out a fan of baits on Penn Fathom reels and medium to heavy rods. These are spooled with 80-pound PowerPro braid. The terminal end is a weight slide on the main line then a swivel and a 3- to 5-foot leader, with a Gamakatsu 8/0 circle hook on the end. These are the rigs I use to fish Cabela’s King Kat tournaments. They are heavy duty because you never know when a 100-pound monster will show up. Back-Trolling: On big rivers, back-trolling can be very effective. Use your trolling motor in reverse to slow
the boat’s drift in the current and present baits to catfish holding on the bottom. Bottom bouncing is Bill Dance’s preferred method on the Mississippi River. It’s also very popular on the Tennessee River. It allows you to keep your bait about a foot off the bottom and bounce it to fish facing upstream. Tie a three-way swivel to a mainline of 40- to 80-lb. braid. On the bottom eye of the swivel, tie in 12 inches of 20-lb. mono drop line and attach a bank sinker. The drop line should be lighter than your main line so you can save the rest of the rig when your sinker gets caught. On the third eye, use a 2- to 3-foot piece of the same line as your main line and attach a 6/0 to 12/0 circle hook, depending on the size of your bait. Drift Fishing: Drift fishing is very popular on big lakes like Santee Cooper in South Carolina. On windy days, set all your rods on one side of the boat with weights that will slide along the bottom. Pencil, Lindy and slinky sinkers all work well for this. If the wind pushes the boat too fast, deploy driftsocks to slow the boat. If you don’t have driftsocks, 5-gallon buckets work in a pinch. Gary Turner is a long-time contributor to The Angler and Coastal Angler Magazine. Contact him at gary@purgeright.com.
MASTER YOUR GAME TECHNICAL FISHING APPAREL _BUILT FOR ANGLERS _DESIGNED IN FLORIDA _TESTED ON THE WATER
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The highest level of innovation. Unparalleled ventilation. Extremely versatile. Your practical solution to a life lived less ordinary. GILLZ technical fishing apparel is there when you need it most. GILLZ keeps you cool and comfortable, so you can always master your game.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SEPTEMBER 2021
NATIONAL 13
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INSETTA BOATWORKS:
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A LOOK AT THE NEW 35IFC AND ITS ‘RELATIVELY NEW STYLE DRUM WINDLASS’
nsetta Boatworks has always aimed to “continuously challenge the standards of an average catamaran” by setting the bar high for performance, stability and safety. Insetta’s IFC system (Internal Foil Catamaran) not only increases cruising speed and handling and stability, it also provides the boat with better acceleration and better fuel efficiency by 20 to 40 percent, meaning “20 to 40 percent farther cruise range.” Last spring, their commitment to being “the best-performing center console sportfish boat in its class by way of the hull design, cruise speed and best miles per gallon” expanded to the anchoring system on the new 35’ Internal Foil Catamaran. They installed an E-Z Anchor Puller Patriot EZ-3 drum anchor winch. The Georgia-based, fiberglass original equipment manufacturer excitedly announced in an April 23 Facebook post that they were “extremely impressed with the performance and reliability” of the installation, posting the maiden voyage of their demo boat on social media as well as writing about it on their official blog. “We kept it simple on Hull #2 with the Patriot by E-Z Anchor Puller Mfg. Co. and have really enjoyed using it,” they wrote. In another Facebook post from July, they wrote: “[It] takes up [approximately] 3 cubic feet and holds 560’ of chain, rope and dyneema.” Utilizing the Patriot series, Insetta’s boats are equipped with a complete 316 stainless steel unit, much like their commitment to use this corrosionresistant, marine-grade metal wherever applicable during the construction of their own vessels. Insetta has instilled a standard of transparency in their day-to-day processes as well, encouraging factory visits and taking a sales-
team approach to the buying process by giving customers a single point of contact for each buying experience. “The highest quality materials and best workmanship possible are paired to produce the finest boats on the market. From the first drawing to final installation, the Insetta design and construction teams ensure the final boat can withstand the rigors and stripes in adverse conditions.” - Insetta Boats, insetta.com
About the Patriot Series The Patriot series is the perfect shallow coastal saltwater anchoring solution for center consoles and sportfishing boats. With three sizes, the Patriot spools rope capacities from 1/2” nylon down to 1/4” dyneema. Completely 316 stainless steel components make the Patriot the ultimate saltwater anchoring solution. Engineered to evenly spool anchor rope, these units deploy and retrieve at an average 100-feet-per-minute. Call 1.800.800.1640 or visit ezanchorpuller.com for more information.
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“If you or someone you know has a pond, lake or boat-dock, get a BO-JO FISHLIGHT! The best fish attractor I’ve ever seen!” - Fish Fishburne
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
SEPTEMBER 2021
NATIONAL 15
16 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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*REPOWER FINANCE is available through Synchrony Retail Finance, as low as 5.99% APR financing for 60 months on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors, subject to credit approval. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on creditworthiness. $19.99/month per $1,000 financed for 60 months is based on 5.99% APR Hypothetical figures used in calculation; your actual monthly payment may differ based on financing terms, credit tier qualification, accessories, or other factors such as down payment and fees. Offer effective on new, unregistered Suzuki outboard motors purchased from a participating authorized Suzuki dealer between from July 1, 2021 through September 1, 2021. †5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY applies to qualifying purchases of Suzuki outboard motors sold and delivered to the retail purchaser, for pleasure (non-commercial) use only, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. See Suzuki Limited Warranty for additional details. The Suzuki “S” and model names are Suzuki trademarks or ®. Don’t drink and drive. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket and read your owner’s manual. © 2021 Suzuki Marine, USA, LLC.
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