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PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321
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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
DECEMBER 2021
W O R L D W I D E
INTRODUCING MEGA JACKPLATE
ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.
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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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LOAD THE BOAT WITH
WINTER CRAPPIE
T
ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities. Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South. Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode. “Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of
By TAM Staff
the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.” Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths. His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish. Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them. Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line. On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.
“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.” Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line. Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.
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DECEMBER 2021
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EASY FISHING AND FAST LIMITS OUT OF
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ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys. From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult. Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels. Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between. The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide. Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times. Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action. That was just fine with
H
By Nick Carter
my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer. “It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein. The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark. “Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.” Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-
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S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails. When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper. They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water. If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now. Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.
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Contact Ana Banana Fishing Company through their website at anabananafishing.com.
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ON THE DEERFIELD BEACH PIER By James P. Goss
A
s a small South Florida city, Deerfield Beach has many notable attractions. One of them is the International Fishing Pier. Depending on the season, schools of small fish cluster among the pilings, while along the ocean bottom stingrays, tarpon, turtles and moon jellyfish swim slowly by. Schools of baitfish swirl below and cloud the water. On some mornings, the outer end of the pier is crowded with fishermen, hunched over the railings with their tackle and gear. Down below, the small bodies of fish fleck the water with silver, while larger fish breach the surface in a slow curving motion. If there is a noticeable shift of energy in the air, this usually means some very large fish have arrived. This day, the excitement builds quickly when the
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bonita are running. “Vinny, can we get a line soon?” a fisherman asked one recent morning. Vinny is a large man—larger than most of the others standing nearby. A bright bandana wrapped low on his forehead, Vinnie focused on his fishing line sloping over the railing, where it sagged into the water. Nearby, the fishermen’s casts made a low whir, followed by a faint tuck, tuck as lures dropped beneath the water’s surface. The sound shifted as the mood in the air changed, from mild indifference to anticipation to high animation. A man in flip-flops ran toward the fishermen huddled near the hut. The men were gathering more closely together, their five-gallon buckets, tackle boxes, nets, buoys, rolling bait tanks, coolers, and various unused fishing rods standing at the ready nearby. On a bollard, a curious grackle pecked at a plastic bag of shrimp. “Get back! Get back! Get back!” one man shouted, his voice full of urgency, while another wheeled his cart of bucket and fishing rods toward the focal point of activity. Two fishermen had reeled in a bonita, which flopped desperately on the sun-splashed deck. A grizzled fisherman in the crowd spoke to his friend, a middle-aged woman with a towel draped over her head. “I want you to take this fish home to your mother,” he said, approaching the two anglers, offering pliers to cut the lure. Perhaps he knew the two men. Or he was somehow skilled enough to strike a quick arrangement with them: the gift of their catch. “It’s good to do things for others,” he said to the woman. When she asked what kind of fish it was, he told her, “It’s a bonita,” adding a translation: “Beautiful.” Carrying the dead fish in a plastic bag, the woman left the pier to walk into town. The mood on the pier remained energized. More fish were caught, the bonita piling up. A man yelled, “I’ve never seen so many fish on one pier!” An online fishing report said that boat catches offshore in varied depths of water were netting swordfish and mahi-mahi. And on the pier, the fishermen continued to feel the optimism that accompanies a beautiful day on the water.
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For information, go to www.deerfield-beach.com.
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has turned into a full-on quest, in which Storin (a.k.a. Bean) designed his own micro-rod and is using it to catch some impressive fish. “We were bored during covid, and we took out a bunch of those little ice fishing rods,” he said. “We wanted to see if we could maybe catch a tarpon with them.” Viewers of Storin’s Youtube channel, Bean Screen TV, ate it up. It was entertaining, and it spurred Bean to design his own Bean Pole, which he sells on his website beansportfishing.com. “It’s so fun. No matter what, the rod just bends and it won’t break,” Bean said. “As long as you’ve got the right line on it, you can land almost any fish in the ocean with it if you’ve got enough patience and fishing skill. “No matter what you hook, it feels like a monster,” he continued. “You could hook a 12-inch mangrove snapper, and it feels like a monster.” But Bean wasn’t content with mangos. He wants to test the limits of his new rods on true monsters of the deep. Bean Poles are intentionally noodle-stick flexible. He said the key to the design process was “to make them as bendy as possible, so they don’t break.” The reel seats, however, are designed to hold some serious gear. Bean usually fishes a 4,000-size spinning reel with 20-pound braid, but he’s gone as heavy as a 6,000-size reel and 60-pound line when pursuing big tarpon and sharks. He said the rod is capable of holding a 10,000-size spinning reel for folks who might want even heavier tackle. So far, Bean has caught tarpon close to 100 pounds, an 8-foot lemon shark, keeper cobia, giant barracuda, king mackerel, a 30-plus-pound By CAM Staff African pompano, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, juvenile goliath grouper and more with the Bean Pole. “The next thing we want to do is catch a sailfish,” he said… “and a giant goliath grouper.” In case you were wondering, Bean has normal gear, and he doesn’t force charter clients to fish Bean Poles. He does, however, keep one on e’ve heard of fishing light tackle, but this seems a little board… just in case. ridiculous… ridiculously fun! Capt. Brandon Storin, who fishes out of the legendary Bud Contact Brandon “Bean” Storin through his website N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Fla. has taken light tackle fishing to the beansportfishing.com, and check out his YouTube channel, extreme. What started as a lark—toying with ice fishing rods in the Keys— Bean Screen TV, to see the Bean Pole in action.
FISH RIDICULOUSLY LIGHT TACKLE
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FLORIDA 2021
LOCATION 7
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Coming to Orlando Jan. 5-7
S
urf Expo is gearing up for its upcoming in-person trade show to be held Jan. 5-7, 2022 in Orlando, Fla. at the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center. Surf Expo’s January show has become known as a one-stop shop to preview and get a first-hand look at the latest and greatest apparel and accessories that will lead the industry in 2022. A few of the brands featured in the Bluewater section are AFTCO, HUK, Pure Lure, Reel Life, Jeep by Buck Wear, Fish Hard Gear, Boat Builders Trading, Saltwater Born, Habit Outdoors, Fish Hard Gear, Unsalted Coast and Marsh Wear. Other brands in the show include Salty Crew, Costa, AVID, ANETIK, REEL Skipper, Chums, SMITH Optica, Aqualung, O’Neill and many more. There are quite a few new brands you’ll find in Bluewater making their Surf Expo debut, including Bajio eyewear, Fireside Outdoor, Red Bobber Fishing Gear, Kahuna Wagons, RUMPLE and more. The Bluewater section was designed with the buyer in mind—so they can see all the key inshore and offshore apparel and accessory brands in one location. They’ll find products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses, outdoor apparel and gear and lots more.
Steven “Fish” Fisher, Surf Expo’s senior buyer relations manager works directly with buyers from marinas, outfitters, boat dealers and bait and tackle shops. “There’s a definite need for product. People from Florida and across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and all over the globe are registering and excited to come,” he said. “We staged two safe and successful shows in 2021, and we’ll continue to evolve our health and safety plan to keep those practices in place as we head into 2022 shows,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “We want our exhibiting brands and retailers to feel confident in returning to our show. Surf Expo will continue to assemble the right mix of brands, new products and events for inspiration and camaraderie that can’t be produced digitally.” Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours. Surf Expo will be announcing its full line up of special events in the coming weeks. Registration is free for qualified buyers. For more information, contact steven.fisher@surfexpo.com. For more information on the upcoming show, visit www.surfexpo.com.
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
J22_SurfExpo_Coastal_Angler_FPFinal.pdf
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11:47 AM
JANUARY 5-7, 2022 ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER WEST CONCOURSE ORLANDO, FL
Discover the newest fishing and marine apparel and accessory products for 2022 within Bluewater at Surf Expo
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By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
witnessed a scenario a few weeks ago that when analyzed might help us all catch more fish. I was fishing a familiar cove, drifting my kayak across grass flats mixed in with sand potholes. This area typically holds clear water, and on low-wind days such as this, it should have been exceptionally clear. The farther I drifted across the area, the more I noticed dinginess in the water. This area of the cove had a small island perpendicular with the shoreline and a 15-yard gap in between. I saw small mullet pushing up on the edge of the island. At that point, I decided to anchor my kayak and work the area thoroughly with my rattling soft-plastic paddletail. This area was 1 to 2 feet deep and mostly carpeted with grass with just a few sand potholes. To keep from fouling my jig on the grass, I was burning the lure just under the surface. I unexpectedly hooked up with a nice redfish that came out of the water to inhale my copper and silver soft plastic! Due to the redfish mouth being on the bottom of their head, they put on a nice show while attacking a lure on or near the surface. I caught a dozen or so reds in this area using the same retrieve, and about half of them came out of the water or created a whitewater attack to strike. I was also able to sight cast to a few that swam through in groups of two or three. As the bite started to taper, I noticed the water had begun to clear up. This led me analyze the situation a little more. This area is not known for a lot of tidal movement, and typically you can’t see the water move, as was the case on this day. However, the tide was incoming, which created the silty water, and this slight movement was also pushing the small mullet against the island. Once the water cleared, I realized the tide had slowed or stopped, and as that happened the mullet began to scatter through the cove. I still managed to pick up a few more reds and some trout, but not until I started to drift other areas of the cove. Hindsight is 20/20, and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the end, but it was a great lesson I will use in the future. Even though I could not see the movement of the water, the dirty water was a clear sign of the incoming tide. The bait was reacting to the rising water, and that’s the reason the fish were feeding in that area. I hope this story helps you out in the future. I will remember what I learned that day and apply it. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
TAMPA BAY FISHING REPORT
BY: CAPT. WOODY GORE
LET’S GO FISHING IN DECEMBER
W
both live and dead sardines and pinfish. The key to finding redfish is fishing dark patchy bottoms, especially around schools of larger mullet. Although chumming with live bait works, tossing dead cut bait around the mangroves on flood tides usually brings them out to investigate. Fall cold fronts are beginning and so are the traditionally high winds that follow. As the water temps fall with each passing front, the near beach kingfish bite should improve.
hile fishing in Florida can be done comfortably year-round, fall offers some excellent opportunities for a variety of species. During this time of year some species you’re likely to catch include snook, redfish, trout, snapper and the occasional cobia. If you can take a little rock and roll the kingfish and mackerel often move in close to the beaches as well. For those of us that prefer a calm approach to fishing, the cooler water temperatures of shallow water fishing are just the thing. The fish start feeding and become more active as they search for food in anticipation of the upcoming winter bait slow down. This time of year, they’ll take an assortment of baits ranging from live to dead and artificials. Snook usually top the list as the fall transition starts. The best bite has been at the beginning and end of the incoming and outgoing tides. Snook respond exceptionally to live baits as well as topwater lures and soft plastic jerk baits. However, we’ve also caught larger fish using dead baits on the bottom. We’re finding plenty of trout inshore and near shore in and around grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, deep holes and channels. Free-line live shrimp or small pinfish near the bottom. Sometimes I will attach a float which allows the baits to drift over the grass beds. This will also attract more attention to the bait. Casting with soft-bodied jigs and topwater poppers can also be productive. Trout are very delicate, so promptly returning unwanted or illegal fish to the water is necessary to maintain a healthy population. The reds are still schooled up and should continue to be consistent on the flats and around the mangroves. A variety of artificial lures work as do
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DECEMBER 2021
TAMPA 1
ST. PETE REPORT BY: CAPT. ANTHONY CORCELLA
WINTER IS COMING FAST
T
he weekly cold fronts have arrived. This can make fishing difficult, if you don’t have a plan. The snook have begun to move to their backwater winter homes, the redfish will get lockjaw after the front and the trout can be hit or miss on the flats. You have to adjust your plan, if you want to put a bend in your rod. Luckily, there are options. Some of the biggest negative tides of the year are coming up. This will trap the fish in the potholes and channels. Live shrimp is a best bet. If you prefer to fish with artificial lures, go with a soft body jig like hookup baits or a suspending bait like a MirrOlure. The water is crystal clear this time of year, so don’t be afraid to drop down on your leader to 15-pound fluorocarbon. Another best bet is fishing the many residential docks that line the Bay. Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, trout, flounder and snapper will stack up under the docks and can provide nonstop action. The additional bonus is that many of the docks are protected from the harsh northern winds. Again, live shrimp are your best bet. Soft body jigs like hookup baits can fill the cooler as well. When fishing the docks, pay attention to the direction of the current. Make your presentation in the direction of the flow. Live shrimp should be free lined with the addition of a small split shot, if needed. Throw lures up-current and work them back toward the structure slowly. fishing Winter is all about slowing things down. If you’re cold, the fish are too. The final option is targeting sheepshead. As mentioned, they will be found at residential docks, but the hot action will be at area bridges. The Skyway, Dick Misner and Gandy bridges all are famous for both big fish and hot action. Knocker rigged shrimp, both live and dead, and cut in pieces are a popular choice. Fiddler crabs and barnacles also work well. Use the smallest hooks and lightest line and weights you can get away with. The sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Sometimes, when you feel the bite it’s too late. That’s why they wear stripes. They earned the nickname “convict fish” for a reason. Just remember, don’t let the cold weather keep you at home. If you adjust your game plan, the fishing can be red hot. Good place to buy your tackle is St. Pete Fishing Outfitters. Remember to check out Waypoint TV for our show. What makes our charter service unique is that we cater to disabled veterans and wheel chair bound clients! Our boat is able to accommodate wheelchairs and is ADA compliant. IF YOU’RE A DISABLED VETERAN, YOUR TRIP IS FREE! This is our way of giving back to our veterans. Capt. Anthony Corcella, Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charter - 727-432-6446 www.pocketchangefishingcharters.com | Check us out on Facebook 2 TAMPA
DECEMBER 2021
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
THE FLORIDA SCRUB JAY By: Wes Tallyn
O
ften times in Florida, we focus our attention on the shorelines and surrounding waters, but we are blessed with some fantastic wildlife that sometimes can be overlooked. Case in point is the Florida Scrub Jay. This brilliantly gray and blue colored bird is one of the most endangered bird species in the United States. They make their homes in upland scrub habitats, living in family groups consisting of a pair of breeding male and female and their offspring. The younger birds in the group help collect food and alert the
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others to potential threats. They live in and are very specifically found in upland scrub habitat, which is dwindling in Florida due to development. The scrub becomes fragmented and this often makes it difficult for individuals to interact with or find mates from other family groups. One of the best parks to view the jays is Oscar Scherer State Park near Venice. The Park has large areas of sandy, scrub habitat providing food such as insects, acorns, and small amphibians/reptiles for the birds. They’re often seen perched on the tops of scrub oaks or in pine trees overlooking their “kingdom.” Sometimes, the best way to locate them is to listen for their harsh calls as they forage at or near the ground in the thick brush. Let’s all get out and experience this very rare and beautiful bird species found only in our backyard! Captain Wes Tallyn was raised in Florida and is a fisherman, birder, avid outdoorsman, photographer, and environmental scientist. Wes has a focus on conservation and education in the community and is the owner of Snook Jam Outdoors. You can find him on Instagram @snookjam or call 727-410-5853.
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DECEMBER 2021
TAMPA 3
TALES FROM THE TUPPERWARE NAVY BY: BRUCE BUTLER
W
elcome back yak fans. This month the topics are skinny water, Indian Bay and my search for sheepshead. But first, wishing all y’all a Merry Christmas for the twelfth time. That’s right, I’ve been sharing my stories in CAM going on twelve years. But that’s not all. My daughter is getting married--woo, woo! On a personnel note, I’m hitting one of those “big” birthdays, yep 70; and they said I would never make it to 30. Locking back, I don’t know how I made it either! The winter cycle is here in full force with negative low tides, which means I get to drag the yak a lot more than usual. Heck, if you don’t time it right, just finding a usable launch site is tough. For those intrepid souls (in my case, sometimes pronounced “stupid”), they offer a whole new fishing experience. I mean, how often do you get to see a bay disappear? Along with all the extra cardio I get from dragging the yak, there are payoffs at the end. First, you really get to know the layout and cuts where the natural dips and holes are on ... figure out where they went a negative tide. Plus, to wait for the incoming tide. you usually have the Sometimes you get lucky and they whole area to yourself, because nobody else stack up in a small depression and can run that skinny. Second, big tide moveyou will see the pressure ments bring the fish waves and tails as they feed. out of the backwater. If you time it right and know the area, you will be sitting there when they come out. If you get lucky, you may catch a school heading out. Work your way out with them and throw to the edges (not the middle). This will keep from spooking the school and give you more time to work. My last trip was to the North end of Indian Bay in Aripeka. Other than a couple of miss-steps, I dragged the kayak to the back behind Indian Key to check two holes, but they were empty. So, then I got to drag the kayak back out with, of course, even less water. My excuse of “I thought there would be fish back there” didn’t even play well with me, after dragging the kayak the length of a football field--oh well! Finally, I got back into enough water to paddle. The trick at the low tide is to figure out where they went to wait for the incoming tide. Sometimes you get lucky and they stack up in a small depression and you will see the pressure waves and tails as they feed. This is when all the work pays off! Work the area with soft plastics or bait and let the fun begin. The bite usually slows down at the bottom of the tide and will pick up again as you start to get a decent incoming flow. Then, you do it all over again in the other direction. I picked up 10 reds last time on both sides of the tide. So, don’t be afraid of those negative tides--just learn how to use them. Almost forgot, the annual sheepshead run is happening in the flats and canals near you. I’ve had many reports of big ones hanging out by the docks and tailing in the flats. More on that next month. ‘Till next time. Indian Bay Outfitters is Hernando County’s premier fishing guide with full and half-day charters available. Kayaks, tackle and gear are provided. Just bring your lucky hat and a good attitude, and be ready to see some pristine shoreline and great fishing. | Bruce Butler “The Stumbling Gypsy” (352) 428-5347 Bruce@ IndianBayOutfitters.com Web: www.IndianBayOutfitters.com 4 TAMPA
DECEMBER 2021
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DECEMBER 2021
TAMPA 5
St. Petersburg
www.stpetefishingoutfitters.com www.USHarbors.com
St. Petersburg, FL - Dec 2021 High
Date
Old Port of Tampa
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
www.USHarbors.com ezdocktampa.com
Old Port Tampa, FL - Dec 2021 High
Date
Moon
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
12:47P
1.6
11:45
2.3
6:18
-0.2
5:44
0.7
7:03
5:35
1
Wed
12:14P
1.6
11:06
2.3
5:41
0.0
5:07
0.9
7:03
5:36
1
Wed
2
Thu
1:23P
1.6
11:36
2.5
6:31
-0.4
5:38
1.1
7:03
5:36
2
Thu
1:56
1.7
7:08
-0.5
6:19
1.0
7:03
5:35
3
Fri
2:30
1.5
7:20
-0.7
6:05
1.2
7:04
5:36
3
Fri
12:13
2.5
3:04
1.6
7:58
-0.8
6:50
1.2
7:04
5:35
4
Sat
12:10
2.7
3:39
1.4
8:10
-0.8
6:26
1.3
7:05
5:36
4
Sat
12:46
2.7
4:13
1.6
8:49
-0.9
7:21
1.4
7:05
5:35
5
Sun
12:48
2.8
9:02
-0.9
7:06
5:36
5
Sun
1:24
2.9
5:22
1.5
9:43
-0.9
7:54
1.4
7:05
5:36
6
Mon
1:31
2.8
9:56
-0.8
7:06
5:36
6
Mon
2:08
2.9
6:29
1.5
10:38
-0.8
8:34
1.4
7:06
5:36
7
Tue
2:19
2.7
10:52
-0.7
7:07
5:36
7
Tue
2:58
2.8
7:25
1.4
11:34
-0.7
9:31
1.4
7:07
5:36
8
Wed
3:12
2.5
11:49
-0.5
7:08
5:37
8
Wed
3:52
2.6
8:08
1.4
12:28P
-0.6
10:50
1.3
7:08
5:36
9
Thu
4:14
2.2
8:46
1.3
12:44P
-0.3
1:21
-0.4
7:08
5:36
10
Fri
5:33
1.9
9:04
1.5
11
Sat
7:18
1.6
9:26
1.6
1:48
12
Sun
9:08
1.4
9:49
1.8
13
Mon
10:42
1.3
10:13
14
Tue
11:59
1.3
15
Wed
1:06P
16
Thu
17
Fri
18
Sat
19
Sun
12:20
20
Mon
21
11:32
1.3
7:08
5:37
9
Thu
4:54
2.3
8:44
1.4
1:37
0.0
7:09
5:37
10
Fri
6:06
1.9
9:17
1.4
12:28
1.1
2:10
-0.2
7:09
5:36
1.1
2:24
0.2
7:10
5:37
11
Sat
7:39
1.5
9:49
1.5
2:14
0.9
2:56
0.0
7:10
5:37
3:27
0.8
3:07
0.4
7:10
5:38
12
Sun
9:25
1.3
10:19
1.7
3:50
0.5
3:40
0.2
7:10
5:37
1.9
4:35
0.4
3:46
0.7
7:11
5:38
13
Mon
11:03
1.2
10:48
1.8
5:03
0.1
4:20
0.4
7:11
5:37
10:37
2.0
5:27
0.1
4:21
0.8
7:12
5:38
14
Tue
12:22P
1.2
11:14
2.0
5:59
-0.3
4:58
0.6
7:12
5:38
1.3
11:00
2.1
6:10
-0.2
4:51
1.0
7:12
5:39
15
Wed
1:26P
1.3
11:39
2.1
6:45
-0.5
5:33
0.8
7:12
5:38
2:04P
1.3
11:25
2.2
6:49
-0.4
5:18
1.1
7:13
5:39
16
Thu
2:22
1.3
7:26
-0.7
6:05
1.0
7:13
5:38
2:57P
1.3
11:51
2.3
7:25
-0.5
5:40
1.2
7:13
5:39
17
Fri
12:03
2.2
3:13
1.4
8:04
-0.7
6:36
1.1
7:13
5:39
3:43
1.3
8:00
-0.6
6:00
1.2
7:14
5:40
18
Sat
12:28
2.3
3:59
1.4
8:40
-0.7
7:07
1.2
7:14
5:39
2.3
8:35
-0.6
7:14
5:40
19
Sun
12:58
2.3
4:42
1.4
9:15
-0.7
7:40
1.2
7:14
5:40
12:54
2.3
9:11
-0.6
7:15
5:41
20
Mon
1:32
2.4
5:20
1.4
9:50
-0.7
8:18
1.2
7:15
5:40
Tue
1:31
2.3
5:26
1.2
9:47
-0.6
7:32
1.1
7:15
5:41
21
Tue
2:12
2.4
5:53
1.3
10:24
-0.7
9:02
1.1
7:15
5:41
22
Wed
2:12
2.3
5:53
1.2
10:26
-0.5
8:27
1.1
7:16
5:42
22
Wed
2:55
2.3
6:23
1.3
10:58
-0.7
9:53
1.0
7:16
5:41
23
Thu
2:57
2.2
6:22
1.2
11:06
-0.4
9:37
1.1
7:16
5:42
23
Thu
3:43
2.2
6:51
1.3
11:34
-0.7
10:50
0.9
7:16
5:42
24
Fri
3:48
2.0
6:53
1.3
11:48
-0.3
11:01
1.0
7:17
5:43
24
Fri
4:35
2.0
7:21
1.3
12:12P
-0.6
11:56
0.7
7:17
5:42
25
Sat
4:49
1.8
7:24
1.4
12:31
-0.2
7:17
5:43
25
Sat
5:33
1.8
7:53
1.3
12:52
-0.5
7:17
5:43
26
Sun
6:05
1.6
7:56
1.5
12:34
0.9
1:15
0.0
7:18
5:44
26
Sun
6:44
1.5
8:27
1.4
1:10
0.5
1:36
-0.3
7:18
5:43
27
Mon
7:40
1.3
8:29
1.7
2:04
0.6
1:59
0.3
7:18
5:44
27
Mon
8:13
1.2
9:02
1.6
2:33
0.3
2:23
0.0
7:18
5:44
28
Tue
9:27
1.2
9:04
1.9
3:23
0.3
2:43
0.5
7:18
5:45
28
Tue
9:58
1.1
9:39
1.8
3:54
0.0
3:12
0.3
7:18
5:45
29
Wed
11:10
1.2
9:41
2.1
4:31
-0.1
3:25
0.8
7:19
5:46
29
Wed
11:41
1.1
10:17
2.0
5:07
-0.4
4:01
0.6
7:19
5:45
30
Thu
12:41P
1.2
10:21
2.3
5:31
-0.5
4:03
1.0
7:19
5:46
30
Thu
1:09P
1.2
10:58
2.2
6:10
-0.7
4:48
0.8
7:19
5:46
31
Fri
2:00P
1.2
10:59
2.5
6:27
-0.8
4:39
1.1
7:19
5:47
31
Fri
2:25P
1.2
11:34
2.4
7:07
-1.0
5:32
1.0
7:19
5:47
Moon
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6 TAMPA
DECEMBER 2021
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Tarpon Springs
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Tarpon Springs, Anclote Anclote River River, FL - Dec 2021 High
Date
Hernando Beach
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Rocky Creek, LittleFL Pine Island Hernando Beach, - Dec 2021
Low
High
Date
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Moon
10:28
2.5
9:58
2.8
4:17
0.0
4:23
0.8
7:04
5:36
1
Low
AM
ft
PM
ft
AM
ft
PM
ft
Rise
Set
Wed
11:24
2.6
10:54
3.0
6:18
0.0
6:24
0.8
7:07
5:35
12:25P
2.8
11:34
3.3
7:11
-0.5
7:14
0.9
7:08
5:35
1:19
2.8
8:01
-0.8
8:00
1.0
7:09
5:35
1
Wed
2
Thu
11:29
2.6
10:38
3.0
5:10
-0.5
5:13
0.9
7:05
5:36
2
Thu
3
Fri
12:23P
2.6
11:19
3.2
6:00
-0.8
5:59
1.0
7:05
5:36
3
Fri
4
Sat
1:15
2.6
6:48
-1.1
6:42
1.1
7:06
5:36
4
Sat
12:15
3.4
2:11
2.8
8:49
-1.1
8:43
1.1
7:09
5:35
5
Sun
12:00
3.3
2:05
2.5
7:35
-1.1
7:25
1.2
7:07
5:36
5
Sun
12:56
3.5
3:01
2.7
9:36
-1.1
9:26
1.2
7:10
5:35
6
Mon
12:42
3.3
2:54
2.4
8:21
-1.1
8:08
1.2
7:08
5:36
6
Mon
1:38
3.5
3:50
2.6
10:22
-1.1
10:09
1.2
7:11
5:35
7
Tue
1:27
3.2
3:41
2.2
9:09
-0.8
8:55
1.2
7:08
5:36
7
Tue
2:23
3.4
4:37
2.4
11:10
-0.8
10:56
1.2
7:12
5:35
8
Wed
2:16
3.0
4:25
2.1
9:56
-0.5
9:46
1.1
7:09
5:36
8
Wed
3:12
3.2
5:21
2.3
11:57
-0.5
11:47
1.1
7:12
5:35
9
Thu
3:10
2.7
5:09
2.1
10:43
-0.2
10:45
1.1
7:10
5:36
9
Thu
4:06
3.0
6:05
2.2
12:44
-0.2
7:13
5:35
10
Fri
4:12
2.4
5:56
2.0
11:33
0.2
11:54
1.0
7:10
5:37
10
Fri
5:08
2.6
6:52
2.2
12:46
1.1
1:34
0.2
7:14
5:36
11
Sat
5:27
2.1
6:50
2.1
12:29
0.6
7:11
5:37
11
Sat
6:23
2.3
7:46
2.2
1:55
1.0
2:30
0.6
7:14
5:36
12
Sun
7:06
1.9
7:45
2.2
1:20
0.8
1:33
0.8
7:12
5:37
12
Sun
8:02
2.0
8:41
2.4
3:21
0.8
3:34
0.8
7:15
5:36
13
Mon
8:46
1.8
8:34
2.3
2:43
0.5
2:35
1.0
7:12
5:38
13
Mon
9:42
2.0
9:30
2.5
4:44
0.5
4:36
1.0
7:16
5:36
14
Tue
10:03
1.9
9:17
2.5
3:49
0.2
3:30
1.1
7:13
5:38
14
Tue
10:59
2.1
10:13
2.6
5:50
0.2
5:31
1.1
7:16
5:37
15
Wed
11:01
2.0
9:56
2.6
4:42
-0.1
4:19
1.1
7:14
5:38
15
Wed
11:57
2.2
10:52
2.8
6:43
-0.1
6:20
1.1
7:17
5:37
16
Thu
11:47
2.1
10:32
2.7
5:26
-0.3
5:03
1.1
7:14
5:39
16
Thu
12:43P
2.3
11:28
2.9
7:27
-0.3
7:04
1.1
7:17
5:37
17
Fri
12:26P
2.2
11:06
2.7
6:03
-0.5
5:43
1.1
7:15
5:39
17
Fri
1:22
2.4
8:04
-0.5
7:44
1.1
7:18
5:38
18
Sat
1:01P
2.2
11:38
2.8
6:38
-0.6
6:19
1.1
7:15
5:39
18
Sat
12:02
2.9
1:57
2.4
8:39
-0.6
8:20
1.1
7:19
5:38
19
Sun
1:35
2.2
7:10
-0.7
6:54
1.1
7:16
5:40
19
Sun
12:34
3.0
2:31
2.4
9:11
-0.7
8:55
1.1
7:19
5:39
20
Mon
12:10
2.8
2:08
2.2
7:42
-0.7
7:29
1.1
7:16
5:40
20
Mon
1:06
3.0
3:04
2.4
9:43
-0.7
9:30
1.1
7:20
5:39
21
Tue
12:43
2.8
2:40
2.2
8:13
-0.6
8:03
1.1
7:17
5:41
21
Tue
1:39
3.0
3:36
2.3
10:14
-0.6
10:04
1.1
7:20
5:40
22
Wed
1:18
2.7
3:12
2.2
8:46
-0.6
8:40
1.0
7:17
5:41
22
Wed
2:14
2.9
4:08
2.3
10:47
-0.6
10:41
1.0
7:21
5:40
23
Thu
1:56
2.7
3:44
2.1
9:21
-0.5
9:21
1.0
7:18
5:42
23
Thu
2:52
2.9
4:40
2.3
11:22
-0.5
11:22
1.0
7:21
5:41
24
Fri
2:39
2.6
4:18
2.2
9:58
-0.3
10:09
0.9
7:18
5:42
24
Fri
3:35
2.8
5:14
2.3
11:59
-0.3
7:22
5:41
25
Sat
3:30
2.4
4:57
2.2
10:40
-0.1
11:05
0.8
7:19
5:43
25
Sat
4:26
2.6
5:53
2.3
12:10
0.9
12:41
-0.1
7:22
5:42
26
Sun
4:32
2.2
5:43
2.2
11:28
0.1
7:19
5:44
26
Sun
5:28
2.4
6:39
2.4
1:06
0.8
1:29
0.1
7:22
5:42
27
Mon
5:50
2.0
6:36
2.3
12:15
0.7
12:27
0.4
7:20
5:44
27
Mon
6:46
2.1
7:32
2.4
2:16
0.7
2:28
0.4
7:23
5:43
28
Tue
7:30
1.9
7:32
2.4
1:36
0.4
1:35
0.7
7:20
5:45
28
Tue
8:26
2.0
8:28
2.6
3:37
0.4
3:36
0.7
7:23
5:44
29
Wed
9:04
1.9
8:27
2.6
2:51
0.0
2:43
0.9
7:20
5:45
29
Wed
10:00
2.1
9:23
2.8
4:52
0.0
4:44
0.9
7:23
5:44
30
Thu
10:24
2.1
9:18
2.8
3:57
-0.4
3:45
1.0
7:21
5:46
30
Thu
11:20
2.2
10:14
3.0
5:58
-0.4
5:46
1.0
7:24
5:45
31
Fri
11:29
2.2
10:05
2.9
4:56
-0.8
4:43
1.1
7:21
5:47
31
Fri
12:25P
2.4
11:01
3.1
6:57
-0.8
6:44
1.1
7:24
5:46
Moon
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DECEMBER 2021
TAMPA 7
CAPT. SERGIO’S CORNER WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT
C
hristmas has many meanings for each one of us; family time with our relatives, the kids are home from college and a good time to bond with old friends. Christmas is also a time to thank God for our health, family and for giving us such a great country that we live in with the freedom to choose when, where and what to do. Cuban by birth, but American by choice, I know what freedom means and Christmas has a very special meaning to me and my family. Christmas for me has many fond memories of my youth. My uncle, may he rest in peace, started taking me fishing at the age of four and was my mentor on what was to be the journey and adventure into fishing. He loved his fishing and making cast nets. My first Christmas with him, he made a five-foot mullet net for me. I was so proud to be the only kid in the Ybor City neighborhood to own one. So, yes,
8 TAMPA
DECEMBER 2021
Christmas is a beautiful time to be alive and with our families. Now, having said all of that, let’s talk fishing. December brings many surprises to the anglers of Tampa Bay, and it all depends on the weather. If it’s a warm month, we can count on large schools of redfish around the many mangrove islands and trout on the shallow flats. A warm month can keep many species such as mackerel and cobia in our Bay waters. These fish are usually gone by mid-November. A cold December is a different story. Look for redfish around deep water docks. Use live shrimp with a 1/0 circle hook and a small split shot about six inches from the hook. This keeps the bait close to the bottom where the water is warmer and the fish are most active. Flounder is another species you can count on around docks this time of year. For them, I prefer using a small jig head with a small live shrimp hooked through the tail (not the head) and dragged along the bottom. Cast the jig toward the shoreline parallel to the dock, and bounce it along the bottom until you reach the front of the dock. Continue this method on both sides of the dock, going from one dock to another. This allows you to cover the entire area around a dock where the flounder are waiting on their prey. Snook will have made their way up the rivers and creeks looking for warmer water. Remember that snook slow down their bite this time of year, so cut bait works great on the bottom. Live medium shrimp, with the tail cut off, is another great bait to use. I prefer to use a small split shot to keep the bait on the bottom and, in many cases, I will work the shrimp along the edges of the river or creek bed where the snook are most likely to be waiting for food. Warm water outflow from the different power plants will be another haven for snook, cobia, trout, pompano and sharks. The best time to fish the outflow is
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just be 11:00 a higher tend to of the sugges you ca work y channe Th clear w to help my lea start w you fin more t worth Sh water t Go
F
BY: CAPT. SERGIO ATANES
just before sunrise to about 11:00 am. As the sun gets higher in the sky, the fish tend to move to the mouth of the hot water outflow. I suggest you start as close as you can to the outflow and work your way through the channel as the sun rises. The cold water means clear water, so you will need to drop down on the size of your leader and tackle to help increase the bite. I notice that in cold water months, I have to downsize my leader in some cases to 15 pounds in order to get the fish to bite. I would start with 25-pound test fluorocarbon leader and work down from there until you find what’s working for you. The lighter leader means you must take a little more time in fighting the fish, but the increase in the number of bites is well worth it. Sheepshead will be making their entry into Tampa Bay to spawn as the water temperature drops. This, I will cover in next month’s issue. Good fishing and tight lines. — 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. reelfishing.com | Email: atanes@msn.com | Phone: 813-973-7132
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DECEMBER 2021
TAMPA 9
BARRACUDA BOB’S CLEARWATER AND DUNEDIN BY: CAPT. JOE LONDOT
CATCHING WINTER GROUPER AND SNAPPER
W
inter is finally upon us, and with the water cooling into the 60’s, grouper and snapper are migrating into shallow offshore and deep inshore waters. On calm days between fronts, anglers with boats can make short runs out of Dunedin, and Clearwater to Veteran’s Reefs (they’re all within 10 miles of shore and just a few miles apart). Once there, locate likely structure and start dropping baited lines down. If your first spot doesn’t pan out, just pull anchor, locate another structure and drop baits again. The fish are there, you just have to find them. Shore bound anglers can fish the channels running under the two Dunedin Causeway bridges. Both channels are around 30 feet deep and always hold keeper gag grouper, mangrove snapper and black drum. The key to catching these fish offshore and from the bridges is chum. I like to weight my chum bag with a pound or so of lead and lower it on a line to about 10 feet off the bottom. For gag grouper, a drop rig on 40-pound test mono or fluorocarbon leader with two to three ounces of lead, an 8-0 circle hook and two to three feet of leader on both your lead line and hook line will position
your baits right in the strike zone when your weight is resting on the bottom. Just take up the slack when your weight hits bottom. When grouper fishing, I like to start baiting with frozen squid and/or sardines. This always gets the smaller fish to bite and tear up the baits to disperse chunks of chum into my strike zone. Once I’ve made a couple of drops with the dead bait, I start dropping nose-hooked pinfish down to get the big boys interested. Targeting snapper is a bit different. Chumming will entice the sharpeyed snapper off the bottom rocks where they like to hang, so they should be fished on a knocker rig made from 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, a quarter to a half ounce of lead and a 2-0 or 3-0 circle hook. Live or frozen white baits (pilchards) make great snapper baits. I like to start by dropping chunks of bait into the strike zone to make the snapper stupid. Once they’ve chomped on a few chunks they get really competitive; just stick a hook in a chunk and drop it into the strike zone. You’ll fool them every time! For the best in bait, tackle and rigging to tackle these, or any of the dozens of other fish species that inhabit our waters, just stop into Barracuda Bob’s on your way out. We’re happy to hook you up with the goods and a few fishing hot spots that are sure to make your day! 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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DECEMBER 2021
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DECEMBER 2021
TAMPA 11
SKINNY WATER REPORT BY: DERICK BURGOS & NATALIE MANRIQUE
COLD WEATHER KAYAK FISHING
L
a Nina was this year. This natural occurrence affects the fishing and species of fish that will be more abundant to anglers this month. The constant cold fronts are a direct result of the weather pattern this special year. With that being said, big trout are plentiful in our coastal waterways, and they are sure fun to catch when you get into a school of them! Many do not know this, but the speckled sea trout is a member of the drum family, which is related to the redfish. You can often tell whether you’ve caught a male or female by the drumming it makes when you’re holding it up for a photo. Large trout can be found in shallower waters on the grassy flats during cold days, warming themselves up a bit for feeding. Topwater lures are fantastic to
use for trout. They absolutely love to strike them and can, at times, provide quite the aerial assault on your lure. These voracious fish will follow your lure practically into the kayak, which makes for a super fun day on the water! Make sure to wet your hands before touching trout, as their skin is very soft and can be damaged by our hands. Walk the dog in a little deeper water during the warmer days of Florida (the days where it’s cold in the morning, and warm during the day). This will entice the trout. These fish are great to target this month. Once you catch one, more than likely, you’ll be catching them over and over again--with some tenacious fighting and jumping. These are great fish for seasoned anglers, as well as, beginners. Just watch for their oddly placed teeth We hope you have a great Holiday, and come check out your forever kayak with us, Natalie and Derick of Pure Florida WaterSports in Wesley Chapel. Good vibes and tight lines, always! purefloridaws@gmail.com purefloridawatersports.com 813-602-8824
6
12 TAMPA
DECEMBER 2021
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6000 66th St. N • St. Petersburg, FL. 33709 (727) 546-8484 • AmericanDiscountMarine.com
HERNANDO COUNTY BY: CAPT. JOEL GANT
LAST CALL
T
hat’s right, it’s that time of year again-a chill in the air, decorations being hung, Christmas trees up and one of the best fishing times of year. The water temperature has dropped and the fish are eating. From offshore to inshore, the bite is great. With the gag grouper season ending at the end of this month (red grouper will reopen), now is the time to get out and test your endurance and gear. On recent trips, we have been getting some nice numbers and size of gag grouper. Size limit is still 24 inches and two per person. There are still a lot of “ last year’s models” which are just under the 24-inch mark. There are many different ways to target these hard fighting fish. Most anglers will anchor on structure and bottom fish. Everyone has their own way of gearing up for bottom fishing. I like to use a good conventional reel with at least 60-pound mono, a 4-ounce egg sinker and a 7/0 circle hook (you have to use circle hooks when reef fishing). Baits can range from live baits to frozen or cut baits. Sometimes the bite will be quick, or you may need to be patient. Chumming can also turn a slow bite into a feeding frenzy. One of my favorite ways to target grouper is to troll for them. Pick a diving lure that matches the depth you’re fishing. On charters, this is a good way to kick back and enjoy the anticipation of the drag screaming strike. If the grass is thick on the surface, this can be hard to do. Also, check your shallow inshore rocks. With the cooler water, the grouper will move in more.
14 TAMPA
DECEMBER 2021
Another species to target offshore is the mangrove snapper. Snapper like structure, like a rock pile. Use lighter gear like you use inshore for snapper. A small hook or a jighead tipped with a piece of shrimp will put a few fish into the boat. Size limit is 10 inches in state waters and 12 inches in federal waters. You’re allowed five per person. Inshore fishing is also on fire. Redfish and trout are moving into the backwater flats. Live shrimp, creek chubs, pinfish or artificial lures are working well on these fish. Reports of nice snook are being caught in our area. Target the shore line with any type of structure around it. Always remember, fish are structure oriented. From Fishdaddy Joel’s family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. Get out there on the water and make some memories with friends and family! I’m always looking for reports and pictures. You can email me or stop by my website and become a “Fishhead.” 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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SOUTH SHORE TAMPA BAY REPORT BY: CAPT. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR
S
heepshead have made their way into Tampa Bay. They are well known for their dominant presence during the winter months and, historically, peak in numbers in February. They can be found at any of the Tampa Bay bridges, docks, seawalls and jetties. I always head to my favorite mangrove snapper spots this time of year to find them. Sheepshead desire the same structure and environment as mangrove snapper. Most of the time, when fishing these areas, you will catch more sheepshead than snapper because of their great numbers during these months. Choice baits to use are live shrimp and fiddler crabs. These baits should be presented on a size 1/0 hook free-lined, or with a split shot. Or, use your favorite 1/8 to ¼-ounce jighead. Where there is one, there are a bunch. Keeping count is important when catching these guys, because you can fill a cooler quick when the bite is right. Another species to target this month are spotted seatrout. These hungry shallow water predators can be found stacked up anywhere that has a drop in depth adjacent to a sandbar, or sandy patches and potholes on grass flats. Take advantage of the mild water temperatures, as the fish are more active. The baits I use for spotted seatrout are scaled sardines and live shrimp. Both baits are presented on a size 1/0 hook free-lined. You can sight cast or drift fish these baits. Livingston Lures Schoolmaster or Highwater Lures “Get em Shad” are my top choice artificials to use, if you desire to cover a large area in a small amount of time. Captain Christopher Taylor | Florida Reels Fishing Charters www.floridareelsfishingcharters.com | (813) 220-6135
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TAMPA 15
RIVERS TO BAY REPORT
D
ecember in Tampa Bay is known for great trout fishing, fun sheepshead fishing and even the fair-weather snook, which have moved up into the rivers. Redfish are still milling through the flats, docks and ledges along drop offs. We get a lot of cold fronts this time of year, and you have to pick your days to fish in between the fronts or you’re going to be fishing on a windy day. However, the advantage to fishing Tampa Bay is that, even when it’s blowing outside, you have many areas to hide behind the mangroves; or, just go up in the rivers to have a very productive day on the water. Just make sure you’re bundled up but, then again, you never know what the temperature is going to be in December here; I’ve worn shorts on Christmas day on Tampa Bay--each year is different. When we get a strong cold front, it usually takes the fish a day or two to adjust if the water temps drop more than a few degrees. The bait should still be around on the flats or on the markers, which is to Eas Fa Gu ily m lf, Ac ou IC ce s J W ssi oh & W bl e n’ s P orl as d s
BY: CAPT. JOHN RIVERS
a plus but, sometimes when it gets really cold, it can be hard to find. I always have a backup plan, and wintertime is when I may have to change the strategy for how I’m going to catch these fish. I will typically have a livewell full of frisky shrimp for the sheepshead and other species if I’ve been having trouble finding the bait. But, since I really enjoy tossing artificials, December is a great time to do that. The nice thing about wintertime fishing is that you don’t have to start out at daylight and, sometimes, it’s actually better to let the sun heat things up, which is when the fish become more active. Sheepshead love the cooler temps, but just make sure you have moving water. I like the first two hours of either the outgoing or incoming tides. Trout will definitely be on, as well, and I recommend either live shrimp or soft plastics (4-inch paddle tails on a 1/4-ounce jig). Again, pursue snook up in the rivers and, if you bring a live well of pilchards, you’ll keep the rod bent all day. Last, stop off at a few docks for the reds. They may be looking for a free meal to get them through the holidays. Before the year ends, take a few days off from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and go splash the boat. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, bent rods and tight lines. Captain John Rivers | www.tampabayinshoreguides.com captjohnrivers@gmail.com | 727-313-1781
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A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING
here is no comparison to anchoring versus drifting for grouper fishing. Catching grouper and big snapper consistently requires you to set up in one location. But there is a time and place for everything. Bear with me… For grouper and big snapper fishing, you have to anchor or use a long-shank, GPS trolling motor—like a Rhodan—to keep your boat in place. I have talked about this in previous articles. You need to “set the table” for the gags, reds and scamps. While anchored with 4 or 5 anglers onboard, we send down several rounds of whole squid, regardless of what comes up. Whole squid dropped on Decoy Jigs create a chum slick on the bottom directly below the boat. After three or four rounds of these “freebie” squid offerings, we send down the live baits on Decoy Jigs. This is more than grouper and big snapper can mentally digest. They see a live bait caught by a crab or squid. It’s a Happy Meal to them. To do this effectively, your boat must remain in a fixed position. There are now a few brands of powerful, long-shank, GPSequipped electric trolling motors on the market that allow offshore anglers the same benefits enjoyed for years by inshore and freshwater anglers. These machines allow you to anchor “virtually” or set a heading, among other things. They are an absolute gamechanger. I use a Rhodan, so that’s what I’ll call it. Using the Rhodan alone is my preferred method. It will keep you in one spot, and it’s so much easier than anchoring in deep water. It is accurate, fast, effortless and time efficient. If the water is too deep or the current is running too hard, we will sometimes drift with the Rhodan. From barely in gear up to full speed, we use the trolling motor to slow the drift. This creates a good situation in which to drop baits for bottom fish while flying a kite out of the back of the boat. The Rhodan keeps the bow pointed into the wind or current, allowing you to deploy kites with live baits while also bottom fishing. It’s possible to fish for pelegics like wahoo and dolphin while catching bottom fish at the same time. The kite will work the Rhodan hard and reduce battery life, so keep this in mind. A traditional anchor allows you to fly a kite with baits out for wahoo, while also bottom fishing without taxing the Rhodan to keep the boat in a fixed position. This combo, however, can only be used with a light wind. If the wind or current are up, a slow drift with the Rhodan is the best way to drop baits while tending the kite and float baits. Like I said, there is a time and condition for one or all of the combos, but I’m sometimes old-school, and you just can’t beat an anchor for grouper fishing when the water depth and current speed are right. For more information and instructional videos, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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By Richard Matteson
PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS
LIFE IS A BEACH
December Surf Fishing Forecast
T
he beach is coming alive with the cooler weather, and the seasonal fish, which include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano, are showing up in numbers here on Florida’s Treasure Coast. There have been some spectacular fishing days with 20-plus mackerel and numbers of jacks, some heavier than 15 pounds. The pompano are here, and although most are small, some keeper-size have been caught in the surf and from the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon. Birds and schools of fish have been following large pods of bait swimming just outside the trough. One reason for the increased activity are higher king tides, which eliminate issues with sandbars left from previous hurricanes. The tides are a couple feet higher than they were this summer. One- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons in silver and gold with a single hook are producing great results. I usually use a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig in chartreuse color with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. Even if the mackerel aren’t schooling at the moment, there are still lots of jacks and ladyfish around the trough. I use 10- to 20-pound white braid with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. I like short leaders of 14 inches or shorter, which keeps the double uni-knot connecting the braid to leader from the first eyelet on the rod. I always use a 6 ½- or 7-foot rod with some backbone to land larger fish like tarpon and snook. The standard surf reel is a spinning reel with enough braid (100 yards over mono backing) to land bigger fish. If you are fishing in the Treasure Coast area, now is the time to take your boat out the St. Lucie Inlet and go about a mile south to the Peck’s Lake area known as Kingfish Hole to catch schooling Spanish mackerel. Use a thick leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon or a wire leader, and expect non-stop mackerel action. Use small spoons or jigs, and move them fast near the top of the water. Look for boats following the schools to locate the best fishing. Snook are still hitting in the surf on jigs and live bait with the best action near high tide. The best snook fishing is morning and evening. Remember to fish around the trough; casting out way past the trough is wasted time when fishing for snook. As always, look for birds to find the bait, and the fish will be there. The surf is rough and the tides are high. Time to go fishing. Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.
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BE PREPARED For Hazards Of All Kinds
By Capt. Randy Cnota
R
ecently, I was enjoying a quiet morning on the boat, all by myself, catching several fish in a remote place on the lower end of the Apalachicola River system. The bass were chomping on my top-water jerkbait like they’d never seen one before, and I got complacent while dehooking one. The fish made a sudden, violent shake and suddenly I had two hooks in my hand with a flopping fish on the jerk-bait’s third hook. This is
one of the many hazards anglers should be prepared for when they occur; and hazards WILL occur, it’s just a matter of time. Being an old experienced salt, the removal of those hooks from my hand was not that big of a deal; it just took some time because I was alone and had only one hand to use. Had that happened to an angler who’s never had a hook in his hand, it might have been a different story. Imagine this happening to your child, an elderly person or a loved one… would you know what to do? Obvious hazards like foul weather, high winds and extreme cold are easy to negotiate as a recreational angler; you just don’t go that day! It’s the calm, pleasant, inviting days when you least expect some hazardous event to take place that they seem to occur. My intent is to inspire you to prepare for the unexpected as best you can. There are way too many hazardous scenarios that could play out in a day of fishing, so the following is just an overview of a strategy. People getting hooked, cut or falling in or out of a boat are likely the most common hazards anglers experience. Make sure everyone on board knows exactly where lifejackets and throw cushions are located and how and why to use them. Lifejackets are obvious, but some might not realize the importance of the throw cushion. When someone falls overboard, it’s imperative that someone keeps their eyes on him to maintain his location and get a cushion tossed to him immediately! You’d be surprised how quickly this scenario can turn bad, so make sure all aboard know the drill. A basic first-aid kit on board is a good start for tending to cuts, sprains and burns, but be sure to take the next step and keep a few extra items like duct tape, rescue tape, zip ties, super glue etc. Also, make sure you know how to remove hooks and be able to determine if a hooked situation is something that can be treated on the water or if a trip to the ER is required. As a licensed Captain and retired military, I’ve had plenty of training with first aid, CPR and other emergency matters, but many folks on the water have not. If you captain a vessel, be sure to get this kind of training. You owe it to the people who rely on you out there. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.
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DECEMBER SEASONS UPDATE
D
ecember is time to shift gears for inshore anglers in Florida. Snook seasons close and flounder harvest opens up this month. New for 2021, flounder harvest was closed for 45 days this year during the fall run. Many anglers look forward to fall as peak time to catch big doormat flounder, which is why the closure occurred when flounder populations are most susceptible to recreational and commercial anglers. The Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 harvest closure was intended to combat what FWC called a statewide decline in flounder populations. Other Gulf and Atlantic states took similar measures. Starting Dec. 1, flounder harvest is allowed with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. These regulations apply in state and federal waters off Florida. The Gulf snook season closure date is Dec. 1, and snook harvest will remain closed through the end of February in Gulf state and adjacent federal waters. The Atlantic snook season is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 in state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations for different zones exist for this species, so be sure to check current regulations online at MyFWC.com. On the Gulf side, from Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022.
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291.7 POUNDS WINS BIMINI WAHOO MAYHEM
I
n case you’re wondering where the wahoo are in their annual migrations, the action at this year’s Bimini Wahoo Mayhem tournament might provide a clue. With fishing days on Nov. 5 and 6, a fleet of 21 boats didn’t necessarily wear them out, but they brought plenty of ’hoos to the scales. The invitationonly tournament is billed as the highest-paying wahoo tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s held during the historic peak of the season in one of the world’s most prolific wahoo destinations. There are no tournament boundaries, so teams range all over the islands in search of big wahoo. More than $192,000 was paid out after Day 2. The big first-place winner was Finnikki, which brought a very respectable 291.7 pounds to the scales. In a distant second place, Rake & Scrape weighed 148 pounds. The tournament’s Big Fish was a 58.9 pounder caught by Rake & Scrape on Day 1. For more information and complete results, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com.
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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS
FWC PHOTO
T
he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting. Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing. The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023. The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone. In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors. These changes must be agreed upon by
the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper. King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield. The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-
inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement. Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon. Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock. The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered. Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered. A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended. The council selected a preferred alternative that would increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch. The Council will solicit public comment before taking final action.
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“The blue topaz has both high clarity and a consistent, bright hue, making it ideal for custom cutting.” — Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia
Your Insider Offer Code: TTR187-01 Please use this code when you order to receive your special discount. † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
Stauer
®
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. TTR187-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Rating of A+
• 2 ¹⁄2 ctw Sky Blue topaz • White zircon accents • Rhodium-finished .925 sterling silver setting • Whole sizes 5-10
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
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 ®. © 2021 Suzuki Marine USA, LLC.
SZ Q3 ECSTAR HALF HORIZONTAL CSTL ANGLR 7-16-21.indd 1
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DOMETIC MARINE SEASTAR STANDARD TRIM TABS
U
nveiled in late September, the new SeaStar Standard Trim Tabs feature an intelligent actuator system and intuitive dial controller that put precision ride control at the fingertips of today’s boaters. The dial controller at the heart of this system provides a level of control and precision not possible with tactile switches. While this controller is intelligent, it couldn’t be simpler for the boater to understand and use. The boater just turns the dial in the direction he wants to level the boat, and the actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride. There are also single-press Bow Up and Bow Down inputs for manual adjustment, and a Favorite Button that lets boaters easily save a desired tab position. This makes it easy to return to a boat’s “sweet spot” ride position with the
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touch of a finger. The s y s t e m’s Home Button quickly moves tabs to the home position. Further simplifying operation are LEDs that indicate port and starboard tab positions. The dial controller also features Auto Brightness that senses ambient light conditions and adjusts the dial brightness for optimum visibility. Dometic’s all-electric actuators reduce complexity of the system while increasing longterm reliability. For instant response, quieter operation and a better boating experience, these actuators feature a planetary gearbox, hightorque DC motor and freewheeling Ball Screw
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
Dometic Marine has set a new standard for trim tab performance and ease of use with its new SeaStar Standard Trim Tab system.
mechanism. For reliable performance over the long run, these actuators feature rugged housing with a simple two-piece design to minimize possible water intrusion points. They also feature dual housing seals, a rear seal in a protected bushing area, and a wiper that removes particles from the shaft and protects the rear seal. Heavy-duty 12 gauge 304 stainless steel tabs complete the system. They feature 316 stainless steel marine grade fasteners, heavy-duty 14 gauge stainless steel hinges and sturdy ¼-inchthick hinge pins for added strength.
WWW.DOMETIC.COM
RED GROUPER
GIVE THE GIFT OF
SMASHES GEORGIA RECORD
A
ROD BUILDING
49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds. Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida. Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.
MUDHOLE.COM GET A FREE CATALOG! MUDHOLE.cOM/CATALOG
For the current list of Georgia saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch, visit CoastalGaDNR.org/SaltwaterRecords.
3 AM
Made in USA
TOURNAMENT BASS RETURN TO THEIR CATCH LOCATION
M C.A.L. 4” Shad Tail C.A.L. 3” Shad Tail C.A.L. 4” Jerk Bait C.A.L. 5.5” Jerk Bait
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www.doalures.com
PHOTO BY ANDY CRAWFORD
C.A.L. 5” Swim Bait
ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada. According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site. Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught. Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave. The smallmouths were gone within a day. One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.
For more information on this study, go to bluefishcanada.ca.. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM 201667_DOA_7.14_CAL ad_Coastal Angler_3.75x5.indd 1
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This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.
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SPORTEX ITALIA PHOTO.
FOR
MEET THE WELS CATFISH Europe’s Freshwater Monster By TAM Staff
I
n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream. It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace. Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more. The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds. Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain. Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years. In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more. From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders. They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs. However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important. Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items. In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach. That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly. For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.
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Each of these coins is recognized for its breathtaking beauty, and for its stability, even in unstable times, since each coin is backed by its government for weight, purity and legal tender value. 2021 American Silver Eagle: The Silver Eagle is the single most popular coin in the world and it’s about to change forever. This 2021 Silver Eagle features the final appearance of the Heraldic Eagle reverse design by the 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, John Mercanti. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the U.S. Mint. 2021 South African Krugerrand: The Krugerrand continues to be the best known, most respected numismatic coin brand in the world. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the South African Mint.
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These coins, with stunningly detailed designs and gorgeous finishes that speak to their country of origin, are sure to hold a revered place in your collection. Plus, they provide you with a unique way to stock up on precious fine silver. Here’s a legacy you and your family will enjoy, and cherish, for a lifetime. Secure yours now!
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2021 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue in 1983, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, offering a new design every year. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint. 2021 Australia Wedge Tailed Eagle: Introduced in 2014, the Wedge Tailed Eagle is the world’s first collaboration between Designer/Engraver John Mercanti and a foreign mint. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the Perth Mint.
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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. WRD145-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.
BALLYHOOD TOP GUN LURES WAHOO TOURNAMENT PACK
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ALL RIGGED 2 - 32 OZ “COWBELLS” & READY 2 - 14 OZ “EXPRESS” 2 - MONSTER ACTON “PAYBACK” JETS W/ FREE CARRY CASE & FREE SHIPPING
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Custom Built Quality Outdoor BBQ Products Since 1989
Pig Cookers, Patio Grills, Smokers, Customized BBQ Trailers
For More Info 1-252-236-4464 www.BQGRILLS.com 6043 Hwy 301N, Elm City, NC 16 NATIONAL
DECEMBER 2021
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HOOKED ON™ SUZUKI TECHNOLOGY
BE SELECTIVE
THE CHOICE IS YOURS SUZUKI’S SELECTIVE ROTATION TECHNOLOGY Suzuki has achieved what no other outboard manufacturer has done and provided a simple way to setup dual, triple, and even quad engine applications (150HP and up). This cutting-edge Selective Rotation technology provides the ability for the consumer to select regular or counter rotation into a single outboard model. This technology adds ease of use and overall resale value for the life of the motor.
SUZUKI’S SELECTIVE ROTATION
YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
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. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product 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. All rights reserved.
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