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BUCKET LIST PHOTO CREDIT: ERIC HUFFMASTER VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 310
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A V A I L A B L E
JANUARY 2021
W O R L D W I D E
GO FROM FISH TO WAKE TO DAD OF THE YEAR IN THE SAME AFTERNOON.
Go from fishing to wakesurfing to conquering the water. The all new 25-foot FSH® Series from Yamaha is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their boating experience. With fishing-friendly features like a GPS Simrad® system and dual livewells, along with a premium layout and the patented Yamaha swim platform, the new 25-foot FSH Series guarantees you’ll be in the center of everything you love about life on the water. #RUNTHEWATER YA M A H A B OAT S . C O M
©2020 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Follow instructional materials and obey all laws. Drive responsibly, wearing protective apparel. Always drive within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvers, and respect others around you. Don’t drink and drive. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only, and are not intended to be an endorsement. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT YAMAHABOATS.COM OR CALL 1.800.88.YAMAHA.
How to Be Cut Off From Civilization When it’s you against nature, there’s only one tool you need: the stainless steel River Canyon Bowie Knife—now ONLY $49!
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ou are a man of the wilderness. The only plan you have is to walk up that mountain until you feel like stopping. You tell your friends that it’s nothing personal, but this weekend belongs to you. You’ve come prepared with your River Canyon Bowie Knife sheathed at your side. This hand-forged, unique knife comes shaving sharp with a perfectly fitted hand-tooled sheath. The broad stainless steel blade shines in harmony with the stunning striped horn, wood and bone handle. When you feel the heft of the knife in your hand, you know that you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you. This knife boasts a full tang blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.” With our limited edition River Canyon Bowie Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an BONUS! Call today and outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath! won’t cut into your bank account. This quintessential knife can be yours to use out in the field What customers are saying or to display as the art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A about Stauer knives... knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for êêêêê “First off, the shipping was fast long. So call today! and the quality is beyond what Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your I paid for the knife. Overall I hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 am a satisfied customer!” days for a complete refund of the sale price. But we believe that — D., Houston, Texas once you wrap your fingers around the River Canyon’s handle, you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier. TAKE
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very year in Basel, Switzerland, the world’s best-known luxury watchmakers gather to display their new timepieces. It’s a great event for spotting timepieces that standout–– in performance and in personality. We saw one impossible to ignore: a precision dive watch with an arresting green dial. But we also saw the five-figure price tag and knew we could bring our customers that exact same precision and stand out appeal for a whole lot less. The Stauer Evergreen Diver is that timepiece. Built like a submersible battleship with a stainless steel case, caseback, and band, the Evergreen Diver is water-resistant down to 660 feet or 20 atmospheres, a feat facilitated by a hardened crystal and screw-down crown. Green On Your Wrist AND In Your Pocket. You could pay an awful lot elsewhere for this verdant virtuoso, but the majority of the cost is in the big designer name upcharge. We think those guys are all wet. This is how you own a top-of-the-line dive watch without helping pay for some marketing guy’s yacht.
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Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back. Wear the Evergreen Diver for 30 days. If you’re not completely happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price. Limited Reserve. A watch of this caliber, with a price that won’t drag you under, takes 6 months to create and won’t stick around for long. Call today! Stauer Evergreen Diver Watch non-offer code price $399† Offer Code Price $99 + S&P Save $300
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This Is the End
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ach year, millions of collectors and silver stackers around the word secure freshly struck American Eagle Silver Dollars. Minted in one Troy ounce of 99.9% pure U.S. silver, these legaltender coins are perhaps the most widely collected silver bullion coins in the world... and they’re about to change forever.
Final Release of Original Silver Eagle Design
Since 1986, the design of the “Silver Eagle” has remained unchanged: Adolph A. Weinman’s classic 1916 Walking Liberty design paired with former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti’s stunning eagle reverse. But in mid-2021, the U.S. Mint plans to replace the original reverse. This initial release is the FINAL appearance of the U.S. Silver Eagle’s original design! $27 $26 $25 $24 $23 $22 $21 $20 $19 $18 $17 $16 $15 $14
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Silver Trend Chart: Price per ounce based on monthly averages.
Collectors are Already Going Wild for This “Final” Release!
For any popular coin series, two dates tend to rise to the top of demand: the first and the last. This coin represents not just the final issue of perhaps the world’s most popular silver coin, but also its 35th anniversary — an additional draw for collectors, who are already chomping at the bit, ready to secure as many coins as possible. And it’s not just about the special anniversary and “last” that has them excited...
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In the last 12 months, average monthly values of silver bullion have increased nearly 38%! At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the U.S. Mint slowing production of freshly struck Silver Eagles. Add in the final issue of the original design, and you have a trifecta of demand that has buyers around the world ready to pounce.
Timing is Everything This is a strictly limited pre-release offer for one of the world’s most popular silver coins. As the last mintage to feature the original, 35-year-old design, it represents the end of an era at a time when silver values have seen a massive increase. Once word gets out that these 2021 U.S.
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Collectors around the world are already standing by, ready to secure these coins. Don’t wait. Call now to lock in your price, and your 2021 U.S. Silver Dollars will ship directly to your door shortly after their release in mid-January, 2021. Plus, the more you buy, the more you save!
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10:41:29 AM
AN AMBITIOUS 2021
BUCKET LIST
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By Gary Turner
T
his year has not been my best fishing year. I did end up doing a little fishing, just not nearly as much as usual. So, this is the list of fish I want to catch in 2021. Some of these will not be very impressive to some of you, but some of them might seem worthy of adding to your own bucket lists. Here is my list, in no particular order: 1) Swordfish: With my friend Jimmy Dean’s help, I hope to land a swordfish out of the West Palm Beach area. This will not be easy, but hopefully I can get a shot or two. 2) Salmon Shark: This smaller cousin of the great white weighs up to 1,000 pounds and can measure 10 feet long. I plan to fish out of Resurrection Bay, Seward, Alaska. As of right now, I don’t have a captain selected, so kindly e-mail recommendations. 3) Halibut: I’m hunting a halibut heavier than 300 pounds. This will also most likely be out of Seward, Alaska. I have several friends who fish out of Seward for halibut, and it might take several years to find this fish, but every halibut is an adventure. 4) Blue Catfish: I would like to catch a 100-pounder or better. I like the Tennessee River in the Guntersville area for good odds of making this happen. 5) Snakehead: Why? Because I’ve never caught one. The Miami area is where I plan to look for these fish. 6) Oscar: I’d like to catch a very large Oscar. I love these fish, and years ago I used to raise them. The fact that they grow wild and big in south Florida makes me want to catch them, and they are supposedly very tasty. 7) Alligator Gar: This is a trip I have talked about for years and haven’t
f A r s w d m
been able to pull off. A friend and I have talked about fishing for giant alligator gar, so I just have to get out to the Trinity River in Texas to make it happen. 8) Tarpon: I have caught tarpon but never one of great size. Hopefully, on one of my trips to Florida, I will catch the right time and place and make it happen in 2021. 9) Bluefin Tuna: This one might be on the list for a few years, but I’m giving it more and more thought. A friend has been telling me about catching tuna in the Prince Edward Island area. The more we talk, the more I want it. My other choice of locale is North Carolina. 10) Goliath Grouper: I’d like to reel one up and take some awesome pictures before release. Again, this is a Florida trip. I have several friends who want to do this, too, so it should be a great trip. That’s my list for now. If you have time, email me and tell me about your list for 2021. Contact Gary Turner through email at gary@purgeright.com.
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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.
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THE TENDENCIES OF
BIG TROUT PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES.
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
N
ow that we are in the clutch of winter’s grip, let’s talk about how if affects speckled trout and what you need to do to catch them on the coldest of days. Several years ago, I fished a south Texas trip with my brother and brother-inlaw. We planned it with one thing in mind and one thing only: big speckled trout! As luck would have it, the coldest front of the year blew in the day before our three days of fishing began. We had anticipated a wade-fishing event on muddy bottom in waist-deep flats, but with the water temp at 38 degrees when we reached our spot, we had to adjust. The muddy shallows were no longer waist deep as the tide was blown out by stiff north winds. They were also void of visible baitfish. With hands so cold they refused to move without assistance, we decided to grind it out in a deep channel in the vicinity of our original spot. When most would have stayed in the hotel, we decided to give it a try since we had driven hours to get there. We threw slowsinking lures and soft plastics on a jighead. When we decided to call it a day, we had one small red and an 8-pound trout, which made it all worthwhile. Anytime I see a fish of that magnitude, it doesn’t matter what else was caught. On day two, the weather warmed only slightly, but the wind had died down considerably. Rather than make the long run to mostly barren grounds, we decided to fish closer to the ramp in an area with multiple deep dead-end channels in close proximity to each other. In these channels, we bounced soft plastic off the bottom and had a banner day. The three of us easily landed 40 to 50 trout. Most of these fish were solid 2- to 4-pound fish with a few 5- and 6-pounders and one heavier than 7 pounds. The bite was very subtle, and the jig had to be on the bottom. The sun came out in the afternoon, and the water began to warm considerably. The wind also shifted to the south, and the evening temps didn’t drop nearly as low as they had been. The next day we went back to the exact same location and only caught a few trout. The lesson from this trip is the trout don’t want to be in those dead-end channels, but that’s where they need to be during cold snaps. They did not go in to feed; they were there to survive. Once they knew the threat of the freeze was over, they left and went back to the open bay. Although these canals can be a great place to fish when it’s cold, timing is everything. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
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Re-Discover Old Florida
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The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating & Outdoor Enthusiasts
You Probably Need A
JACKPLATE By Bernie Schultz
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ydraulic jackplates can vastly improve the performance of your bass or flats boat—both at the top end and in the ability to run shallower. They can even improve the ride. A simple touch of a switch allows the operator to raise or lower the outboard engine while under power, at any speed. Combine that with the engine’s power trim and you’ll realize advantages beyond the obvious.
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When dealing with vast, shallow flats, covering water is required to find fish. Idling with the main engine, rather than using the trolling motor, makes more sense. But without a jackplate, you have to trim the engine up, which squats the stern and bogs the engine down, making maneuvering difficult. It also adds disturbance in situations requiring stealth. With a jackplate, you can raise the engine and adjust the trim to give the boat a flatter attitude. This improves maneuverability and allows increased idle speed with less disturbance. The ability to raise the engine also allows you to plane off in much shallow water. A trick I learned from fishing saltwater flats is to take advantage of the clockwise rotational lift of a spinning prop. By turning the steering wheel all the way to the left, (which puts the leading edge of the skeg facing right, the same direction of the prop’s clockwise rotation) you realize added lift when applying full throttle. This kicks the stern around and throws a small wake, which provides a slight increase in water depth for the prop to bite. With the engine cocked at an angle, bottom contact is minimized. As the hull begins to plane, gradually lower the engine to submerge the water pickup.
Digging Deeper Hydraulic jackplates also enhance performance in deep water. Because they set the engine farther from the transom, it increases the overall length of the boat. This is good, especially in rough conditions. But the biggest advantage is additional leverage. Dropping the jackplate and tucking the engine under greatly improves handling in choppy water. This forces the bow down to create a flatter ride.
Need for Speed Jackplates can also add top-end speed with better handling. By lifting most of the lower unit out of the water, you minimize torque at the wheel and decrease drag. Add a bit of trim and the bow will lift while increasing speed. The trick is finding just the right height and trim to reach ideal RPMs while maintaining sufficient water pressure. Every boat is different, so it may take tweaking. There are a number of quality jackplates, including CMC, SeaStar, Bob’s Machine Shop and T-H Marine. I run a 12-inch Atlas by T-H Marine. Most brands offer a console gauge to monitor engine height, but they won’t tell you if your water pickup is submerged and functioning. For that you’ll need a reliable water pressure gauge. Believe me; you can fry your engine if you jack it so its starved for water. Follow Bernie Schultz on Facebook and through his website at www.bernieschultzfishing.com.
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Trade-in your dirty, uncivilized, oil-burner for an environmentally responsible, clean, quiet, efficient Suzuki 4-stroke! For a limited time, when you purchase a new Suzuki outboard from an authorized Mastry RePower Center you will receive a Special Trade Allowance for your dirty and outdated 2-stroke outboard. This is Mastry’ s commitment to help keep our waterways clean as well as making it easier for you to improve your boating experience with an up-to-date quiet, efficient 4-stroke outboard. Contact your closest Mastry RePower Center for the details of this Exclusive Mastry RePower Center Offer. suzukirepower.com
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Covering Water:
Anglers tend to think covering water is reserved for boat anglers who drift or troll, or for anglers casting artificial lures. There is a general failure to recognize the immense potential for covering lots of ground with natural baits, and this doesn’t just apply to freelined live baits, either. Chunk baits, whole dead baitfish, worms and shellfish baits can be manipulated to get the most out of the water you’re fishing; it just takes a few refinements to your approach. Unfortunately, most anglers employ a standard, inefficient procedure when fishing these “passive” bait items, and this serves to limit their success. It consists, simply, of an angler casting the bait out as far as he or she can, letting it sit for a while where it lands, and then retrieving it all the way back only to re-bait and repeat the process. The tactic fails entirely to cover any of the fishable water between where the cast lands and where the angler is positioned. The solution to this is simple: cast a bait out as you normally would, let it sit a few minutes, and then retrieve it 5 or 10 yards to let it sit a few minutes more. Repeat this, allowing the bait to sit for a few minutes at intervals until the bait is at your feet. This staggered retrieve will put your bait in many different positions during a single cast, ensuring you thoroughly cover the area in front of you as opposed to only one point at the end of your cast. Apart from being a devastating search tactic, there is an added benefit for those using rigs with sinkers—you can actually feel the bottom contour as you retrieve. This allows you to identify fish-holding structure such as holes and bars. When your sinker “falls off ” an edge, leave your bait there a moment longer—this might be just the type of deeper, more stable habitat fish By John Saporito crave when the thermometer takes a plunge. Self-anchoring sinkers, such as pyramids or the Hatteras variety, are especially effective at grabbing onto edges and other types of bottom contour. Don’t sell yourself short when fishing natural baits. To find gamefish that are hunkered down during cold spells, you have to bring the bait to them. Ditch the sand spike, employ your bait as an active offering, and put the entire ater temperatures are headed toward their annual valley, and length of a cast to work for you. Do this, and you can keep a bend in your rod that means most of our favorite gamefish will be transitioning no matter what the thermometer is telling you. to their winter patterns. Their metabolisms will slow down and, accordingly, they will become far less active. This makes covering water more John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman and student of the seas. important in winter than during most other times of the year. Visit him online at guerillaangling.com. PHOTO BY RUTH HARTNUP/FLICKR.COM
NOT JUST FOR LURE ANGLERS
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Champagne Lady Pops the Bubbly at Quickie By Ed Killer, for CAM
A
t dawn on Dec. 1, crews and anglers scurried about on the docks of Sailfish Marina clad in sweatshirts, hoodies, beanies and Grundens foul weather gear. An early cold front had arrived in Florida and crews knew it was going to a cold, rough day of fishing in the Fish Heads of Stuart Quickie Sailfish Tournament. But they didn’t mind. After all, cold fronts mean more sailfish in this part of Florida. And even if the final catch numbers for the Quickie weren’t recordshattering, the best trolling teams in the sport made up for it with last minute lead changes. Champagne Lady led by Capt Josh Chaney and Lo Que Sea led by Capt. Mike Brady announced to the rest of the fleet of 11 boats that the win would be hard fought. At the end of the opening day, both boats had scored 7 releases. On day two, the final day, the boats traded sailfish releases. Shortly after 2 p.m., Brady and Lo Que Sea caught the boat’s fourth fish, 11th overall, lifting them into the lead with 90 minutes left to compete. “It meant we needed to catch two to pass him in the overall standings,” Chaney said. “So, with an hour to fish, I told the guys we were going to make a move, and to wind in the lines.” His anglers looked up from the cockpit and thought he was crazy. But Chaney didn’t feel as if they could catch the fish they needed to win where they had been fishing. He ran 10 miles south of his position and set the lines back out about 10 miles due east of the Fort Pierce Inlet. “We found a spot with good-looking water and began to troll down sea. Suddenly, we raised a family of sailfish. We hooked three and caught one. Then we hooked another two, and one ran up under the boat and started jumping off the bow.” Somehow, they managed to keep that one from breaking off under the boat or getting the line wrapped in the propeller. When they recorded the release, their 12th and lead-taking fish of the tournament, there was 13 minutes to fish. Chaney said the cockpit erupted. “Brady is one of the best sailfish tournament captains who ever lived,” Chaney said. “It was truly a nail-biter to the end and Matt and Brad never left the corners of the cockpit for two days. I couldn’t be prouder of my whole team.” Joining Chaney and Ingraham were anglers Brad Wilson, “Uncle” Matt Coppaletta, Brandon Walton and Conner Tillman. Although the Quickie does not recognize a top angler, Chaney believed Wilson would have won it since he caught six of the team’s fish. Lo Que Sea finished second with 11 releases. Game Changer led by Capt. Bryce Garvey placed third and had an all-female fishing team consisting of Jaclyn Tenuto and Kristy Zik, of Ocean City, Maryland; Natalia Frost of Morehead City, North Carolina; and Rachel Wehrle and Allison Wigley, both of Stuart. The fleet finished with 63 total releases.
Winners of the 2020 Fish Heads Quickie, Team Champagne Lady. PHOTO COURTESY of Fish Heads of Stuart.
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eagrass beds, one of the most important fish habitats in the Indian River Lagoon, have been declining for years, including Tucker Cove inside Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Many factors may be responsible for reduction in seagrass cover including water quality, scouring from stormwater outfalls, natural grazing by herbivores such as manatees, and encroaching human population. The compression of stormwater basins into smaller and smaller discharge points such as 1) canals that drain the interior of the State of Florida and 2) stormwater culverts that drain thousands of acres of land has also led to decreased filtration of water entering the River. The Fort Pierce Inlet is an important pathway for fishes
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traveling between the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, including St. Lucie County’s offshore artificial reefs. Seagrasses, mangroves, sand bottoms, and hard bottoms are essential fish habitats that exist in the inlet and contribute to the diversity of fish living in the area. While mangroves are plentiful in Tucker Cove, seagrasses are diminished over the years. Sea & Shoreline, LLC, under a grant contract with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, planted two acres of seagrasses Dec 7-8: 250 shoal grass plants (Halodule wrightii) were planted in 50 herbivore exclusion cages (5 plants/cage) to prevent grazing from manatees. Another 10,000 mechanical planting units (MPUs, small shoal grass wrapped into
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TOP: Sea & Shoreline staff with volunteers planting shoal grass. ABOVE: Arrival of Sea & Shoreline boat with vessel exclusion cages aboard.
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a ball) were planted in the sand around the cages. Marine Cleanup Initiative, Inc. provided volunteers to help with the plantings. Tucker Cove was chosen for seagrass restoration for several reasons. In addition to some seagrasses growing in portions of this cove, sediments are sandy and firm. Tucker Cove is also close to the Atlantic Ocean so that water quality is likely to be better than other parts of the Indian River Lagoon. The cove is also a combustion engine exclusion zone which reduces the chance of propeller scarring. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have also applied for grant funding to deploy an oyster reef in Tucker Cove. Once funding is received, the agencies will apply for permits to allow their restoration work. The combination of seagrass photosynthesis and oyster filter feeding is hoped to restore fish habitat and improve water quality in Tucker Cove. If successful, the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program will use this as a demonstration project to improve fish habitats and improve water quality in other areas of Tucker
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jayson Arman Capt. Gus Brugger Capt. Rocky Carbia Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. Scott Fawcett Capt. Cole Hazelief Capt. Colton Hester Capt. Michael Mauri Capt. Giles Murphy Brian Nelli Jim Oppenborn Capt. Nate Shellen Cammie Ward Capt. Joe Ward Capt. Terry Wildey Steve Wood
PHOTOS CREDIT: St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program.
Cove and the Indian River Lagoon. Tucker Cove is also an important restoration area due to its proximity to a mosquito control impoundment. The St. Lucie County Mosquito Control Department practices a technique known as Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) that connects its impoundments with the Indian River Lagoon after salt marsh mosquito breeding season ends. RIM allows over 4,000 acres of productive coastal wetlands to share water, including juvenile fish and invertebrates, with the Indian River Lagoon through habitats like Tucker Cove. The St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program will attempt to expand
the footprint of the proposed oyster reef by offering additional oyster shell for the reef and five ecosystems artificial reef modules. The shell will be encased in a plastic-free oyster module developed by the University of Florida. The ecosystems units were donated to the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program by McCulley Marine Services to create juvenile fish habitat. For more information on the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program or efforts to improve fish habitat in Tucker Cove, contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator, at oppenbornj@stlucieco.org or (772) 462-1713.
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JANUARY 2021
TREASURE COAST 3
PHOTO PROVIDED by Capt. Scott Fawcett.
FISHING FORECASTS
MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE
Capt. Scott Fawcett Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 fishscottyf@bellsouth.net offthechainfishing.com
I
f the passing of 2020 wasn’t enough to celebrate, the fishing that will kick off 2021 should be. The winds have switched, and frequent northwesters have already started pushing our favorite gamefish back to our Treasure Coast. Sails, mahi, blackfin tuna and the occasional wahoo are what we’re targeting now, and whether you opt for live or dead bait presentations you should be rewarded for your efforts. The main areas to focus on are our Six- and Eight-Mile reefs, local seamounts, like Push Button Hill, Peanut Reef and any of our artificial reefs or wrecks in the 65-to-250foot range. That being said, over past years it’s not unusual for bait schools and sailfish to move right into the beach. There have been many years
PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.
where double-digit sail days have taken place within a mile of the St. Lucie Inlet in mid-January. If the bait schools show up on the beach it would be worth checking it out. The ideal set up this time of year is a 6.5-foot Blackfin circle hook rod paired with a small high-speed reel like a Fin-Nor Marquesas or a Shimano BFC spooled with 15-to-
LEFT: Tim and his sons with a nice haul. ABOVE: Capt. Scott with a nice mahi on light tackle.
20-pound line. Circle hooks ranging from 4/0 to 8/0 depending on the size of your bait and a good teaser or two to attract the quarry. Using a Canon downrigger is ideal to present your teasers. They offer programmable deployment features as well as a cycle feature and an auto up which makes clearing and storing your teaser effortless and out
of the way while you are fighting a fish. Fun fishing is usually rather good in January also so check out Capt. Rocky’s report for more detailed info on that aspect of things. Whatever style of fishing you decide to do this 2021, I hope your bites are off the chain and I wish you a very happy new year.
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MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE
Capt. Giles Murphy Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle (772) 288–1219 Fishing Charters (772) 475 - 4857 www.stuartangler.com giles@stuartangler.com
T
he New Year has arrived with some fun fishing opportunities for light tackle anglers in Martin County. The Spanish mackerel are in full swing at Peck Lake Reef. Just simply head out of the St. Lucie Inlet and head south until you see 50-to100 boats. Glass minnow chumming while casting glow tube jigs will catch more than enough. My favorite lures
MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA
Capt. Rocky Carbia Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 Safari-1.com
T
he promise of a New Year will shine bright in the eyes of January’s offshore anglers, whose happiness will be gauged by a color spectrum of fish, that will magically appear on our doorstep. Like “sleight of hand”, the magic of fish color will be found around naturally occurring coral reefs and the (over) seven dozen artificial reef sites east of our St. Lucie Inlet. These bottom structures will become the focal point for offshore game plans and fishing strategies. Like the changes on the pages of the New Year`s calendar, the offshore
for the Spanish mackerel are Gulfstream Flash Minnow jigs bright green. The snook and some trout have made their way back in the St. Lucie River after they reduced the Okeechobee runoff. The Roosevelt Bridge and nearby parks have some deep holes that can hold both. We mostly use soft plastics like D.O.A. TerrorEyz and Curly Tail C.A.L. Jigs slowly jigging along the bottom with a quick lift and two-to-three second pause. In the winter, we typically find most of the decent snook, and occasional trout and redfish in deep water near structure like the bridges, docks, and marinas. The Jensen Beach Causeway has been fishing well for snook, black drum, sheepshead, and pompano. Most common rigs are a single or double hook “chicken rig” using
between those two causeways offers some other opportunities for shallower water, such as the oyster bed along the channel and mangrove shorelines on the east side of the river. The pompano on Sailfish Flats continues as an option through early spring looking for skipping pompano between Boy Scout Island and the House of Refuge. Also drifting the little channels between there and the sandbar Capt. Giles with his wife Morgan and while throwing pompano jigs two-month old baby Tommy caught a down-current. Sometimes, we keeper snook on a D.O.A. C.A.L. jig. do best in the late afternoon PHOTO SUPPLIED by Capt. Giles Murphy. when trying for pompano with shrimp and sandfleas. Anglers also outgoing tide. Another good area to use ⅛ or ¼ ounce jig heads with try for pompano is inside the inlet a shrimp casting up-current and along the edges of both channels. bouncing it slowly towards them on Here, we also catch lots of sheepshead the bottom. Pompano jigging has and croakers while jigging or using been productive on both Stuart and “chicken rigs” with sandfleas. Jensen Beach causeways. The area
playing field will display a new profile in the form of wintertime fish that will settle into these salty reef habitats. Schools of Spanish and king mackerel and lane snapper will congregate this month and populate seasonal, preferred reef areas. While most species of fish can be found over a wide area in our local zone, these fish seem to have a predilection to certain spots, like the offshore Peck Lake/ Kingfish Hole, the 140 King Numbers, and the Sand Pile (the Texas Reef), just to name a few. Local knowledge of the preferred and proven fish haunts will be the primary component to any angler`s chance for success. Anglers can search out for GPS numbers for many of Stuart`s reef locations by logging on to www. martinreefs.com. This website will give one an expansive selection of all of Martin County`s offshore artificial reefs. The seasonal conditions associated with the Florida winter, will be firmly in place in January`s
near coastal fishing zone. This month, the continued procession of cold fronts will have patterned the way these fish feed and move through the zone. Given the proper, user-friendly weather window, anglers will be able to ply honey holes in depths from 25 to 180 feet of water, where pelagic and resident fish will frequent, for feeding and spawning. Live bait, at times, should be available in January; however, anglers should always bring a good selection of dead baits (like Spanish sardines, ballyhoo, and squid) in case live bait is not easily found on a particular fishing day. Spoons and jigs should always be part of good offshore tackle box, so don`t forget to bring a selection of artificial baits or lures, along with whole dead baits. A good selection of frozen baits and jigs will always compliment a live well full of ammo and give offshore anglers endless options as they dial in their desired fish catching strategy. So, in January, watch the weather, find your fish-friendly window, and
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“Best Fishes” for a Happy New Year from aboard the Safari 1! PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1.
keep your offshore strategy options open. With pre-planning and a cooler full of bait, this will lead to happy fishing and a Happy New Year!
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JANUARY 2021
TREASURE COAST 5
SOUTH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON
Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters (772) 284-3852 captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com www.fishtalescharter.com
2
020 is finally over. It ended sadly for me and I am glad it is finished. Winter arrived a little early this year and the cold fronts have cooled the water down quite a bit already. January is traditionally a cold month for the Treasure Coast and the weekly fronts will bring a few days of cooling things down for us to deal with. Wearing layers is essential to
cope with the temperature swings that can be as much as 40 degrees or more. Plan your fishing according to the weather forecasts and enjoy the fishing. Pompano, sheepshead, drum and Spanish mackerel are all winter fish that arrive here as the water temps drop. It’s an awesome time of year! Fishing channel edges can find these fish lurking for an easy meal. I like jigs in these places for our best results. Bridges and docks will also be great places to target drum, sheepshead and redfish. Try a D.O.A. shrimp or live bait when fishing these areas. Don’t forget mangroves for redfish and snook as well. Spanish mackerel will generally come in with the tides and can be found around the inlet areas. Small shiny lures work best on them. Winds will give you another factor to adjust to. Water temperatures can determine where and how you fish.
As temps drop, move to deeper water areas for your best opportunities for catching fish. Channel edges are particularly productive in winter. Fish the grass flats for redfish and trout as the sun gets higher in the mornings. D.O.A. Deadly Combos are excellent tools for searching out trout and reds. You might enjoy one or two days a week that is calmer but expect it to be windy most days. January is typically a windy month and it will continue the tradition if recent weather gives you an insight to the coming month. Using the right ramps can make your day a little easier in dealing with the weather. There are many ramps around the area that allow you to launch depending on wind direction. In memory of my wife, Eva, on The river can be rough some days, but one of our fishing adventures! you can still fish most days if you plan PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Charlie Connor. your trips carefully. It is a great month to fish despite weather conditions that another hobby, it’s an ADVENTURE! might not be to your liking. Hoping for a better 2021. Thanks Remember, fishing is not just and good fishing!
FORT PIERCE DEEP SEA
Capt. Cole Hazellief Lady Chris Charters (772) 971-7179 TheLadyChris.com
H
ello 2021, good riddance 2020! January starts the New Year with frequent cold-fronts and short days, making January a month for the most avid anglers. The sporty conditions will be perfect for catching sailfish, mackerels, and on calm days the hardy lane, mutton, grey, yellowtail, and vermillion -snappers that will ready for the picking! The reefs shall provide! Take a heading to your favorite structures and get ready for snapper delight. The various schools of snapper will be harboring along the reefs, hiding from predators and are hungry to take a bit of a tasty bait. Rig a circle
Friends that slay together stay together. Comrades Stephanie and Michael showing off their tasty treats. PHOTO CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.
hook with a sardine or squid chunk and add an ounce of extra weight for that quick first hit. Once you get a bite, throw your chum bag in to keep the bite going. Be prepared for other reef species such as trigger fish and
black sea bass to take the bait as well. Sails up! As the cold air fronts sweep down from the north the speedy sailfish will be riding ahead of the front. The change in weather provides for great opportunities to
catch the migratory sailfish along the edge of the current. Troll with baits or pre-rigged mullet or ballyhoo and keep an eye on the line. Got smoked fish dip on your mind? We’ll be pulling in fresh catches of Spanish and king mackerel along with cobia that will make for delicious smoky appetizers. The kings will be hitting the top and peeling line by the mil, so keep a gaff close at hand and bleed the fish properly prior to putting on ice. Any by-catch bonitos should be cut up in strips, packed and frozen for bait until next time. Remember to complete a New Year’s safety inspection and maintenance check before heading out. The Lady Chris will sail most days with a promise of bountiful catches and memories for a lifetime! So, give us a call or look us up on Instagram for our daily updates and Wall-OfFame catches and let’s head out and catch the First of the Year! Tight lines!
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FISHING FORECASTS
Kar Docksi
a, on ures!
e Connor.
Sonna Girl Fishing Charters (772) 293-5342 colton@sonnagirlfishing.com www.sonnagirlfishing.com
N
ow that we have seen a cold front or two come and go, the fishing on the Treasure Coast will begin to heat up. The sail fishing off our coast in the month of January has the potential to be the best in the nation. January is the month the Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish tournament is held and in three days of fishing, hundreds of sailfish will be released by a field of only 20-to-30 boats. If you are looking for other gamefish, there will be mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo around to catch as well. In these winter months the best
ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE
Capt. Joe Ward Capt. Joe’s River Charters (772) 201-5770 or (772) 461-1335 CWard11605@aol.com
T
he inshore fishing should be red hot in January if the weather conditions are good. This is the time of year when the cold fronts start
Karen Wonkgen, a guest at Dockside Inn, with a nice mutton. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.
coming south with all the low temps and strong northeast winds causing a lot of headaches for anglers. But it is time for the bluefish, Spanish mackerel, croakers and black drum to show up in full force. These fish will be coming in the mouth of the Fort Pierce Inlet and working their way into the turning basin and both north and south in the river. On the nicer days try some of these tips. The redfish and trout will be in the deeper holes and channels around places like Harbor Branch and Queen’s Cove to the north and to the south try places like Pete Stone Creek or Big Mud Creek. Try working a live shrimp on a ⅛ or a ¼ ounce jig head and fish it very slow if the water is cold. For some fun and maybe a fish dinner, try fishing in the Fort Pierce Inlet and the area between the bridges for some nice Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Your best results will probably come from using a Gulfstream Flash Jig or a small spoon. Just look for the birds and the fish feeding on top. Remember, don’t take more than you can eat because these fish don’t freeze well and there should be plenty of them around all winter. For the bottom fish, like black drum, sheepshead and croakers, use a nice shrimp or a fiddler crab on a #2 hook and a 15-pound fluorocarbon leader with just enough weight to hold the bottom. Try places like the Drum Hole, Sand Pit or around the bridges. In the surf the pompano bite should
be good for anglers using sand fleas or clams fished on a pompano rig. Try one kind of bait on each hook to see which one is working better that day. Just a reminder, snook season is closed Dec 15-Feb 1.
PHOTO PROVIDED by Capt. Colton Hester.
Capt. Colton Hester
out your favorite skirt and trolling ballyhoo to catch the mahi-mahi. Remember to look for weed lines, temperature changes, or floating debris when targeting mahi-mahi. A cedar plug will also be a very good lure of choice when trying to catch any blackfin tuna this time of year. If you’re going to be targeting wahoo, I recommend fishing a lure or bait down deeper and using a wire leader, so you do not get cut off. As far as a bottom fishing bite, the mangrove and mutton snapper fishing will be very good in 60-to-90 feet of water if the weather permits. Alex Vandegrift with a nice mahiA lot of bigger fish will be roaming mahi caught trolling ballyhoo out the reef. of the Fort Pierce Inlet. The fish The guys at Whites Tackle in Fort was caught in 140 feet of water Pierce, Vero or Stuart will be able to and these fish will continue to be answer any questions you may have. caught throughout January. Remember to be watchful of the weather in the winter as the ocean fishing is from 100-to-400 feet of can get a little rough with those water. Live bait is hard to come strong winter winds. Good luck and tight lines! by, so I would recommend getting PHOTO PROVIDED by Alexandra Vandegrift/Team Salt Life.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE
Welcome Capt. Colton Hester to Our Team of CAM - Treasure Coast Contributing Writers
Capt. Colton was born and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida and has lived here all his life. He began fishing at the age of three with his dad. At the age of 12 he started running his own little skiff around the Indian River Lagoon and the rest is history. At age 18 he obtained his Captain’s license and at age 19 started his charter business Sonna Girl Fishing Charters. The name comes from his Grandmother, whose name was Sonna. “I will never forget her urging me to get my Captain’s license and pursue my love for fishing,” said Capt. Colton. Capt. Colton has two boats available for clients, a 22 KST Triton and a 25 Competition. Sonna Girl Fishing Charters offers freshwater, inshore and offshore fishing charters.
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variety of makes and models is part of the fun, however a D.O.A. fourinch C.A.L. Jerkbait fished on an eighth-ounce head is my go-to for trout and reds. The other winter go to lure is a quarter-ounce pink goofy jig. Pompano love them, ladyfish wear the paint off them and everything else will hit them.
FISHING FORECASTS
SEBASTIAN INSHORE
Capt. Gus Brugger Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787 www.WelcomeToSebastian.com
SEBASTIAN INLET – A few nice
flounder will remain around the inlet throughout the winter. Bluefish, jacks, pompano, redfish, black drum, and Spanish mackerel will keep jetty anglers busy throughout the day. Bouncing a goofy jig on and around the flats immediately behind the inlet will give anglers their best chance at a pompano.
T
he winter months favor the backcountry angler in the Sebastian area. The Indian River Lagoon is home to many species in January and offers plenty of protected areas for anglers to pursue them on even the blusteriest of winter days. Lose yourself back in the mangroves and you may find some great fishing.
SEBASTIAN RIVER – The protected waters of the Sebastian River are a thermal sanctuary for manatees, fish and fishermen in January. Ladyfish and jacks school up in the Sebastian River this time of year. Bucktails, goofy jigs, small plugs and flies are all great lures for anything in the Sebastian River in the winter. Gator trout and redfish can be found around oyster bars and docks. Snook and baby tarpon winter in the
NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC – The lagoon offers some excellent light tackle options for trout and redfish in January. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger.
Sebastian River and will bite during are excellent areas to find both warm spells. trout and reds soaking up the sun’s warmth. Techniques vary from sight INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – The fishing the shallows with a fly rod to lagoon offers some excellent light soaking a live shrimp on a float and tackle options for trout and redfish everything in between. Many lures in January. Canals, protected can be productive in the lagoon in shallow bays, and sunny shorelines the winter and catching fish on a
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Pompano and whiting are the mainstay of surf fishermen along the Treasure Coast in the winter. Sand fleas, cut clams and dead shrimp on three hook dropper rigs are the baits of choice. Boaters fishing along the beaches are apt to find blues, mackerel and some pompano on the calmer days. Goofy jigs, spoons, and bucktail jigs fished from the beach or toward the beach from a boat are good ways to catch pompano and blues on calm days. Tight lines!
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Capt. Terry Wildey Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072 Email: captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com
J
anuary brings the cold! It also brings some great opportunities for those who bundle up and charge out into the blue. If you’re trolling, there’s a good chance to catch that wahoo this month. We usually find them trolling over the larger peaks in 240 and 260 feet of water. It’s a good time to do some highspeed trolling, 12 to 14 knots with artificial wahoo lures on 7 feet of #10 wire. I run 30 feet of 150-pound mono as a shock cord to a 32-ounce torpedo lead. I’ll run two rods. One off each corner back 150 feet and 200 feet on a 50-class rod and reel spooled with 80-pound braid. If you’re unfamiliar with this technique, you can always YouTube “high speed trolling for wahoo”. It’s deadly for this super charged predator. I’ve had a lot of 15 and 20 fish days using this technique. Also expect there to be some nice size dolphin in the 15-to-25-pound
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al F L oc
Recent charter guests Phil Wessel, Andy Morgan, Mark Coltan, Ashley and husband John Wells, all from Orlando. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Terry Wildey.
class for those trolling ballyhoo. No schools of them, but the ones we see are usually “gaffers.” The dolphin will also be around the peaks in 240 feet to 260 feet, as well as wherever the blue water edges up to the green. I typically run my regular dolphin spread, but up my leaders to 80-pound mono. I’ll also run my downrigger about 40 feet to 60 feet with a bullet-headed lure and ballyhoo with number 8 or 9 wire for a wahoo. It’s important to use a hand sharpened double strength-hook.
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Wahoo have a very hard jawbone and quite often a single strength hook out of the box won’t penetrate. You’ll get a screaming pull then slack line and a straightened hook. A little tip…. when that wahoo hits “Don’t Stop The Boat”! January’s also a good time for bottom fishing 85 feet and 90 feet. Should be some good lane snapper, mutton snapper and I’ve had some awesome mangrove catches. For those who don’t venture far off, look for kings and Spanish mackerel
anywhere from the tide line in front of the inlet to around bait pods and structure out to 60 feet. Keep your eyes sharp for the cobia as well. We had some good catches in January last year. Best bet, be prepared. I always have one rod rigged with a cobia jig. Another ready to pitch a live bait. I understand that not everyone leaves the dock like we do, with 32 rods rigged, but I do believe luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Fish on, gotta go!
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TREASURE COAST 9
FISHING FORECASTS
FROM THE SHORE
Jayson Arman That's R-Man Land Based Fishing Services (772) 530-8080 thatsrman4677@gmail.com
J
anuary’s fishing forecast can involve some northern species. Bluefish, pompano and black tip sharks will be just some of the migratory fish that show up during this time of year. Targeting some of these fish will involve having the right tackle. A 12foot surf rod will be very important. Some days the fish will be a far distance off of the beach, so having a longer rod will help with casting. Whenever I plan a trip to the beach, I normally have a fishing cart called Seamule. This can make your day enjoyable or miserable by just having the right cart. I’m normally loading up my Seamule with several different rods. Casting rods for bluefish, mackerel, jacks, ladyfish and whatever comes our way and also having my longer surf rods for pompano, whiting and sharks.
Make sure you go to the FWC web page (MyFWC.com/SharkCourse) and sign up for a shark permit (must be renewed annually) if you plan on fishing for these fish during the migratory months. River fishing for seatrout, redfish and flounder will definitely be something I am focusing on during this time of year. Some of the cooler days will make the fish school up and some of the warmer days will make them spread out. This is the easiest way to understand what the fish are going to do during this time of year. I like using live shrimp and artificial shrimp this time of year. Fishing the flats, bridges or jetties will get you bites with live or artificial shrimp. On the flats, I like using them with a popping cork or a small pinch weight. At the jetties and bridges, I like using them on a jig head, ¼ ounce to ⅜ ounce, with 30-pound leader. A light to medium action rod will help you casting a smaller bait. I also find myself doing some bass fishing during this time of year. Walking some of the canals with spinner baits, crank baits and small finesse style jerk baits will get you bites in the freshwater. Don’t forget to always have fun and try to learn something on the water. That’s R Man, over and out.
INSHO
Spanis the fo areas of the and S deeper them swim workin with g D.O.A brings turn c kayak. wader the ch
Anthony Taddeo with a solid black tip shark during the migration. This shark ate a cut mullet head.
OFFS
PHOTO CREDIT: Jayson Arman.
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KAYAK FISHING FORECAST
smaller baits like smaller goggle eyes and pilchards. Keeping them up top on the surface and frisky is your best bet.
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Brian Nelli Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899 Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com
INSHORE: Pompano, bluefish and
Spanish mackerel become more of the focus in January. I like to target areas near the inlets like the mouth of the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter and Sailfish Flats in Stuart. The deeper channels and sand flats make them ideal locations for the fish to swim in and out with the tides. Try Nate doubled up on healthy working the edges of these channels peacock bass. with goofy jigs, small buck tails and D.O.A. shrimp. This time of year PHOTO CREDITS: Brian Nelli. brings cold air and wind which in turn creates wet conditions on the FRESHWATER: Peacock bass kayak. Having a pair of Frogg Togg fishing can be on fire during the waders to keep you dry and warm in winter months, if we do not get an the chop is highly recommended. extended period of low temps in the 40-degree range. Using shiners OFFSHORE: January is considered and shad are at the top of the list one of the best months to target for a good bite, but don’t overlook sailfish. As always winter months an artificial lure that mimics those are very weather dependent. There baits as well. Look to target concrete are typically only a handful of structures and deeper water for the days during this month that the colder months. Check us out Pushin’ Water Kayak weather will allow you to get in the ocean without rolling your kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and in the process. Choose your days YouTube for all the latest adventures wisely and be sure to have all safety my clients and I get into. See you on the water! equipment on board. Sailfish prefer Eric with his first sailfish.
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TREASURE COAST 11
FISHING FORECASTS
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Capt. Nate Shellen Shellen Guide Service (863) 357-0892 OkeechobeeBassFishing.com sjmike7@aol.com
T
he water level in Lake Okeechobee is very high, the present 16.06 feet level is over 3 feet higher than last year. The highwater period seems to have affected the timing of the late fall bass bite that normally occurs in mid-to-late October and continues throughout the fall and winter seasons. The large trophy size bass did not show up in daily catches of local guides and other anglers until late November. As we approached the full moon in December the large bass made their presence known, when anglers caught bass to 9.8-pounds along with numerous other fish in the 7-to-8-pound class. Catch rates rose dramatically as the full moon approached, with 40 to 60 bass per day being caught in addition to the
Buddies from Minnesota came with Danny Appelgren to catch some Okeechobee Giants and that they did! PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen.
trophy size bass. Shiners are the bait of choice for the bass that have just moved into the shallow grass lines as they feed heavily on shad and shiner during this pre-spawn period. Several of the bass caught this past week were very fat and their bellies were swollen with roe, whether they went ahead and completed spawning is anyone’s guess. The fish will continue to spawn throughout the fall and into the spring around the full and new moons as long as water temps are optimal. Speckled perch are being caught lake wide. Anglers who traditionally
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use minnow are primarily targeting specks in open water areas like the Kissimmee River or canals such as Indian Prairie, Government Cut or J&S Canal. Several anglers can be seen well out into the lake in open water, on a line between Taylor Creek and the mouth of the Kissimmee River. Anglers who prefer to jig with tiny artificial jigs are finding specks scattered in the grassy semi-heavy cover areas of the lake. Tin House Cove, Buckhead Ridge and Kings Bar are good areas that are relatively near the ramp at Okeetantie park and
easily accessible. Jig color selections vary greatly, peanut butter is a popular color, as are the more frequently heard of, chartreuse, white, pink and other combinations of the aforementioned colors. As with all fishing, confidence in your bait selection is essential; it enables one to be more efficient and exhibit patience if the fish are not responding. There are anglers who will change colors every five minutes if they are not getting responses from the fish while other fishermen stick to the tried-andtrue colors and methods knowing that eventually they will locate fish. The Big “O” has always had a reputation as a great waterfowl lake. The past several years we have seen increases in the numbers of new hunters venturing deep into the marsh areas to shoot ducks. The north and west side of the lake, with its wide abundance of marsh grasses, is a very popular area. Hunters are scattered all around the lake, from Grassy Island where they can launch near Lock 7, all the way west to the Monkey Box and the Moore Haven marsh areas. Success stories vary, with experience and timing being a factor. The weather has been beautiful, get outside and enjoy the great outdoors and we will see you there!
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DIVING FORECAST
Steve Wood Deep Six Watersports - Stuart (772) 288-3999 Stuart (772) 562-2883 Vero Steve.wood@deepsix.com www.deepsixintl.com
S
mall weather windows are common and so far this season the Treasure Coast has been experiencing one or two day calm spells between passing fronts. This has allowed even small boats enough time to sneak out and take advantage of lobster season, which remains open through the end of March. Pressure has been light over the past few months and reefs like Peck Lake, just south of the St. Lucie Inlet in Stuart, or the shallow reefs just north of the Fort Pierce Inlet should be great places to snag dinner. Visibility usually improves quite quickly after a front passes and divers maybe surprised to see the return of big bugs in greater numbers to these areas. With fewer boats headed offshore compared
January cold fronts are a fact of life this time of year but those who venture out between them are in for a treat since lobster are abundant and reefs are less crowded. PHOTO PROVIDED by Steve Wood.
to August, boat limits are common this time of year. Check the Bathtub Beach cam for a quick visual on sea conditions and visibility close to shore. Water temps definitely cool down this time of year, but luckily for the Treasure Coast, the warm waters of the Gulfstream are just
a few miles offshore allowing the ocean to stay in the lower 70s even this time of year. The hardest part of diving in January is getting out! Air temps can be brisk so packing dry clothes to change into after a dive is a must. Consider bringing a kneelength parka (known as a ‘boat coat’), a beanie and sweatpants to
change into for the ride back to the dock. Between plentiful lobster action and less crowded reefs, diving in January is well worth braving potentially chilly air temps. Keep tanks filled and gear ready so when a weather window opens you’re ready to go.
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TREASURE COAST 13
Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri
Fishing the Treasure Coast
I
BACK WATERS
live in a place I consider to be paradise; however, some days are cold and windy, sometimes even very cold, and very windy! A couple weeks ago we had a temperature drop of over 30 degrees as I headed out for my evening charter. During the day it was beautiful blue and sunny skies in the mid-80s, and that evening it dropped to 46°F. If you aren’t a native Floridian, that’s equivalent to a blizzard. We still managed to catch some nice snook. but man did we freeze! The following two days I had the same guys in my boat, Ron and Rick from Colorado. It was too windy to run the beach for Spanish mackerel, so I decided to run way up the river and look for juvenile tarpon. After a few “nothings” I found an area with
a decent number of these juvies. We had to put some time in and try a lot of different flies but ended up with some beautiful little tarpon. Considering winds up to 25 mph and the cold temperatures, we did good and my guys were very happy. They are already booked for the summer and have expressed that they now feel prepared for the big tarpon. I can’t wait to see their faces when they hook up with a big one! It is still mind blowing for me to have all these options which makes it such a secure fishery despite all of the environmental challenges. In most places when you face weather like I just described, there is very little or NOTHING going on for us fly guys. In our area, these little canals
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Ron, from Colorado, with a nice juvie fishing Treasure Coast backwaters. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Mauri.
and creeks can save your day. They and enjoy our environment. are not only more wind protected, the water temperature is warmer Capt. Michael Mauri during the day in the cold winter www.mauriflyfishing.com months. michael@mauriflyfishing.com Let’s remember this and protect (772) 485-3321
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TREASURE COAST 15
JANUARY FISHING CONDITIONS January 1
FAIR
Evening
January 21
FAIR
January 2
FAIR
Evening
January 22
FAIR
Morning
January 3
FAIR
Evening
January 23
POOR
Morning
January 4
FAIR
Evening
January 24
POOR
Morning
January 5
POOR
Evening
January 25
BEST
Morning
January 6
POOR
Morning
January 26
BEST
Morning
GOOD
Morning
January 27
FAIR
Morning
January 8
GOOD
Morning
January 28
FAIR
Evening
January 9
POOR
Morning
January 29
FAIR
Evening
January 10
POOR
Morning
January 30
GOOD
Evening
January 11
POOR
Morning
January 31
GOOD
Evening
January 12
POOR
Morning
January 13
FAIR
Evening
January 14
FAIR
Evening
January 15
GOOD
Evening
BEST
Evening
January 17
BEST
Evening
January 18
POOR
Evening
January 19
POOR
Evening
January 20
FAIR
Morning
LARGEST SELECTION OF FIREARMS ON THE TREASURE COAST
Morning
January 7
January 16
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What do the ratings mean? POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line. FAIR day means that you catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so. GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified. BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water. SOURCE: The Old Farmers’ 2021Almanac
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DECEMBER UPDATE By Michael Conner, Executive Director
I
n December, the Indian River Lagoon (IRK) suffered ecological setbacks from north to south, yet there is good news on the legislative front. First, the chronic algal bloom(s) that have gripped the IRK from mainly Cocoa north did in fact cause a substantial fish kill in late November. By early December it had abated somewhat, quite possibly due to a strong cold front that ushered in both colder temperatures as well as wind that served to put some oxygen back in the water. Indian Riverkeeper visited and documented the fish kill in the vicinity of Cocoa’s Hubert Humphrey Causeway (route 520) and water testing revealed drastically low dissolved oxygen readings of 1.5, whereas levels of 4 and above are needed to sustain marine life. Residents in the area noticed that the dense brown bloom in that region suddenly cleared up about a day before the fish started struggling, signaling that the algal cells were dying, setting off a cycle of death and oxygen deprivation that this part of the IRL has seen numerous times in the past decade. Most of the victims were catfish, baitfish of various types, silver trout, a few spotted seatrout, puffers, small skates and stingrays, juvenile flatfish species, shrimp, small drum and others. Concentrations of dead fish also peppered the open lagoon and shorelines to the north, around the 528 Causeway and beyond. It appears that this event was nowhere near the scope of the massive fish kill that hammered the area in 2018 or 2016. Now that water temperatures have plummeted, the water can hold more dissolved oxygen. That alone may be enough for now to stem the die off. What is striking is the amount of foam at the surface through the first week of December in the aftermath of this event. This is the result of decay of both dead plant life and marine animals. There is also quite a contrast between the bloom types in the Banana River and Indian River Lagoon. The bright green nanoplankton bloom persists in the Banana, yet the bloom in the IRL is a brown bloom, Aureoumbra lagunensis, that typically triggers fish
Catfish, shrimp and other species struggling at the surface for air. PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Conner.
kills. Various agencies, and Indian Riverkeeper, will continue to monitor the area for further developments. On the southern end of the IRL, due to heavy rainfall, and Lake Okeechobee rising to more than 16.5 feet, the Army Corps of Engineers were forced to begin Lake discharges as high as 1 billion gallons per day, to the St. Lucie River, which was already very fresh from simply local basin runoff for weeks on end. Much of the upper and middle St. Lucie had salinity levels between zero and 5 or 6 parts for far too long. The concern now is that much of the river’s oyster population may have perished due to lack of salt for so long. More data will be collected to determine to what degree this happened. As is, the river has little seagrass and at the Crossroads of the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon just inside the St. Lucie Inlet, what limited seagrass recovery may have happened over the popular Sailfish Flats fishery since the last discharge round in 2019 will be negated because of the high volume of dirty, dark fresh water from Lake Okeechobee. The grass in that region is starved of sunlight in addition to the salinity swings that occur.
Lagoon Report Card
The Marine Resources Council (MRC) just released its third annual
SEE RIVERKEEPER...................... PAGE 18
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RIVERKEEPER.................. FROM PAGE 17 President’s desk for signature. Lagoon Report Card, and as feared, it confirms what many anglers know all too well, the seagrass density is decreasing steadily in just about every region of this 160-mile-long waterway. Interestingly, even in those areas where water quality grades improved, the grass still decreased. And that includes shallows near inlets such as Sebastian, Fort Pierce and the St. Lucie. Which begs the question: What else can be behind the decreases in native grass cover? It is known that sewage runoff (which introduces nutrients that trigger dense blooms), stormwater runoff sediments (that block sunlight) and other pollutants are behind the grass decline. To read the report, visit www.savetheirl.org. In next month’s column Indian Riverkeeper will delve into what role, if any, that herbicides might play in lagoon seagrass die-off.
A VA I L A B L E NOW
Water Resources Development Act Passed
N E W I N D O O R B OAT S TO R AG E FO R V E S S E L S U P TO 4 0 ’ SPACE IS LIMITED & GOING FAST!
In early December the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020. It is expected to also clear the Senate hurdle and then make it to the
This massive bill comes up for approval every two years or so and authorizes hundreds of water infrastructure projects nationwide. Projects authorized must then be funded, and there are again many Everglades and Florida waterwaysrelated projects in the language. Among them is the Everglades Agricultural Area reservoir, which will help to curb Lake Okeechobee discharges to the northern estuaries, the effort to combat harmful algal blooms, restoration of the Loxahatchee River watershed, and more.
Upcoming IRK Events
Due to COVID-19 public restrictions, Indian Riverkeeper cannot hold large public functions or fundraisers, but is conducting Facebook auctions of donated merchandise and charter fishing trips and will add raffles to our web site. If you own a business or are a fishing guide interested in supporting us, please email keeper@ theindianriverkeeper.org or call Executive Director Mike Conner at 772-521-1882. Visit our Facebook page “Indian Riverkeeper” for updates on the Lagoon and visit www.theindianriverkeeper.org.
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Ty Me Up Wraps Up
Pirates Cove Classic By Ed Killer, for CAM
C
apt. Wink Doerzbacher of the Pirates Cove Resort and Marina Sailfish Classic winning boat, Ty Me Up, asked a rhetorical question often discussed by fishing professionals in all angling arenas: “How can some days be so easy, and some be so difficult?” Then, he answered his own question: “Well, that’s fishing.” The weekend of Dec. 4-6, Doerzbacher led his team to 17 sailfish releases to take the win in the 33rd annual Classic. The fleet of 18 boats tallied 102 releases during the weekend across three days where the fishing was really good one day, but perhaps not so hot the other two. Nearly half the sailfish caught by the fleet—49—showed up on Saturday. That’s when Ty Me Up won the first of the team’s two daily awards with 10 sailfish caught. “It was a nice day Saturday, with a light westerly wind,” Doerzbacher
said. “I know most of the guys around here don’t like those winds, but I never really believed the fish don’t bite on the westerlies.” Doerzbacher said most of the fleet fished the first day south of St. Lucie Inlet. Only 23 fish were caught. So the second day, as a cold front was coming down the Florida peninsula, most ran to the north. “We wound up going 10 out of 15 bites in 120-130 feet of water in a spot I’ve caught ‘em before,” Doerzbacher explained. “It was a calm day and we caught sails, dolphin, blackfin tuna, bonitos, kingfish and sharks.” Sunday, of course the entire fleet went right back to the same spot. The sails, well, they either weren’t there, or just wouldn’t bite. Ty Me Up wound up top boat for the day with 5 sailfish to win comfortably. Game Changer led by Capt. Bryce Garvey notched a second place finish with 11. Lo Que Sea placed third, also with 11, but behind Game Changer based on time of last release. For both Game Changer and Lo Que Sea,
2
Team Ty Me Up led by Capt. Wink Doerzbacher and owned by Ty Shopp of Mississippi won the Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic with 17 releases. PHOTO CREDIT: Wink Doerzbacher.
the finish was the second consecutive event with top three finishes. Ty Me Up consisted of boat owner Ty Shopp of Mississippi, Mark Schwartz, Alan Wooten, Kip Edwards and Brian Komer. Wooten, Edwards, Jay-pop and Young Jimmy were the mates and tower men. “When it’s working, it’s unexplainable,” Doerzbacher said. “But you don’t have success alone. I was fortunate to have good anglers and mates.” Doerzbacher said he thinks the
winter of 2020-21 is going to be good for sailfishing. He could be right, but then again, that’s fishing. Ty Me Up is available for charter out of Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina in Stuart. Ed Killer is the outdoors columnist for TCPalm.com along the Treasure Coast and contributes to the USA Today Network of newspapers in Florida. Follow him on Facebook at Ed Killer or on Twitter and Instagram at @tcpalmekiller.
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t the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA), scientists are working on connecting the dots between what is happening in our waterways and how that may impact human health. ORCA’s One Health: Fish Monitoring citizen science project is designed to collect data related to the bioaccumulation of pollutants in fish living in the Indian River Lagoon and contributing waters (e.g. Lake Okeechobee, canals). The goal of this project is to test the fish tissues for an increasing array of potentially harmful pollutants. Current analyses include quantifying microplastics in fish stomachs, measuring cyanotoxins (e.g. microcystin) in livers and fillets, and mercury in fillets. Additional analyses, including testing for pharmaceuticals and controlled substances, will be added in 2021. Engaging citizen scientists in this project
PHOTOS PROVIDED by ORCA.
GO FISHING FOR SCIENCE allows us to create a large data set that is continually growing – both spatially and temporally. The data collected in this project provides evidence of the degree to which specific pollutants are accumulating in the aquatic food chain – which then may be transferred to humans and other animals that eat fish. It will also provide evidence to support our efforts to localize sources of specific pollutants. Citizen Scientists can participate in this project by collecting and donating fish, dissecting specimens, and conducting laboratory analyses on fish samples at ORCA’s Center for Citizen Science in Vero Beach. If you are planning on catching and releasing in the Indian River Lagoon or connecting waterways, consider donating your catch to science. Here are a few important things to remember.
ORCA citizen scientist preparing fish for lab analysis.
• Keep fish whole and on ice (or keep frozen) • Make sure it is legal and in season • Label with date, time caught, and location (GPS or check out ORCA’s website www. teamorca.org for project sector maps) • Fish should be from Indian River Lagoon and connecting waterways (no open ocean) • Find fish drop off locations on www. teamorca.org The Ocean Research & Conservation Association is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies, science based conservation action, and community outreach and education. If you have any questions, or want to get involved, contact Missy Weiss at mweiss@teamorca.org.
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Juelz Trademark with a blacktip shark caught on a mullet chunk, 8.0 hook, and a steel leader at Sailfish Flats. PHOTO CREDIT: Nick DiPalma.
Mike Carlson and Ryan Stineberg recently caught these 33-pound and 27-pound wahoos aboard the Wix² Fishing Team boat. First one was caught on a green jet head naked, and the second one hit the ballyhoo hanging from the outrigger when they put the boat back in gear after the celebration. PHOTO CREDIT: David Wichser.
Patrick Darner with a 15.5 inch pompano, his third of the season, caught in the Indian River Lagoon. PHOTO CREDIT: Rhonda DuBord.
Matthew Sewell and Loren Langford with a colorful array of specimens speared over the summer out of the Fort Pierce inlet. PHOTO CREDIT: Abigayle Rose.
Joe with a nice fire truck on light tackle to end the season. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.
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ith 11 sailfish releases, Capt. Brian Cone, aboard his charter boat Contagious, led anglers to the winner’s circle at the 57th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament Dec. 4-6. While COVID-19 restrictions were in place at the Whale Harbor kick-off, the sailfish didn’t practice social distancing on the water. Over three days of fishing, 90 sailfish were released out of 103 hookups. More than $90,000 was paid to winners, and Contagious, with anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett, from Charleston, N.C., Travis Bennett and Andy Cone, from Tavernier, Fla., and Greg Tolpin from Key Largo, Fla., took home $42,390 and sailfish sculptures sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Outboards. The first Keys cold front of the season greeted 98 anglers fishing on 21 boats. At the end of day one, 32 sailfish were released. Cloud Nine led with five fish. Day two started early for Tackle Center, as Capt. Charlie Scoble called in a triple-header at 8:42 a.m. Tackle Center released two of its fish quickly, but the third fish was not so easy. The fleet released 11 other sails before Donny Lange released the third fish of Tackle Center’s triple-header at 10:12 a.m. At the end of the day, Tackle Center led with eight releases, followed by Contagious with six and Cloud Nine with five. The final day of fishing was calm and cloudy. Contagious picked at the sails all day to release five more. Contagious angler Travis Bennett released five of their 11 total to win the Bill Hirni Highpoint Angler award and a Sammy Milazzo painting. Andy Cone, 10, took first in the junior division with three releases. Tackle Center anglers Donny and Brad Lange along with Jeffery Dickman and Fritz Zeher, all from Tavernier Fla., took home Tackle Center of Islamorada-sponsored second-place trophies with a total of nine releases. With Capt. Justin Baker at the helm, the Yellow Tale edged out Cloud Nine by one fish on the final day. Anglers Clarke and Phil Harlow, Patrick Nutt, Nick Caito, Ken Stiles and Eric Turnoff, all from Ft. Lauderdale, along with Islamorada’s Jimi “The Worm” Fickling, released seven sails for third place. Debbie David, of Hollywood, Fla., fishing aboard Capt. Paul Ross’s Relentless, released three sailfish for Top Lady Angler. Also aboard Relentless, second- and third-place Junior Angler awards went to Laurel David with two releases and Christopher David with one. The Challenger took home most tagged fish team awards with four tagged sailfish. The largest tuna, a 24-pounder, was caught by Mike Slocum, of Philadelphia, Penn., fishing aboard the Last Dance. Mike also weighed in the largest Dolphin at 9.8 pounds. The Largest Mackerel Award went to Michael Varney, from Tavernier Fla., with a 26.6-pound Kingfish. The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. The next leg of the series is the Islamorada Fishing Club’s Captains Cup Sailfish Tournament on Jan. 20. Champions will be crowned during the Cheeca Lodge and Spa Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 23-24. For more information, visit www.islamoradasailfishtournament.com.
14 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2021
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lorida certainly has its share of rare and endangered animals—panthers, Key deer, seaside sparrows, caracaras and crocodiles, to name a few. But topping that list in popularity is the manatee—Florida’s answer to Australia’s koala bear. Somehow, these 10-foot, 1,000-pound, pudgy animals with leathery, whiskery skin come across as warm and cuddly. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not mocking them. I know, just looking at them, that given the chance, I’d want to pet them or scratch them behind the ears… if they had ears. Of course, touching manatees is prohibited by federal law, but I can dream. I’m not sure how something without ears can be cute, but they are! Yes, swimming with manatees has long been on my bucket list. It has stayed unchecked—not for lack of desire, but because it’s too easy. Crystal River, manatee capital of the world, is only a few hours drive away. Bucket list items should require meeting some real challenges, not just hopping in
16 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2021
PHOTO BY ANDREA WHITAKER
By John Lidington
the car with snorkel gear. This year I’m going to do it. With covid introducing a lot of uncertainty into international travel, now is the time to pursue adventures locally. Swimming with manatees has moved to the top of the queue, and Pura Vida Divers’ 2021 Manatee Trip will give me the perfect opportunity to check it off. Having run these trips for years, they have the logistics for the weekend down. This year’s trip will run Jan. 22-24, right in the middle of manatee season. Manatees are sensitive to cold, and can’t tolerate prolonged water temperatures below 68 degrees. So, in the winter months they congregate in the 72-degree water flowing from the springs feeding the Crystal River. The Plantation at Crystal River is the base of operations. This very comfortable, waterfront resort on Kings Bay offers direct access to the Kings Bay Manatee Refuge, where the federal government allows “passive observation” of manatees. It’s right where the action is. The trip runs manatee encounters on two mornings. After Friday checkin, everyone wakes early on Saturday, grabs a hot breakfast, then heads to the waiting boats. With proper winter conditions, several hundred manatees often gather in the refuge. Law forbids harassing them, so they’ll have to come to me. While manatees are shy animals, some can be quite curious. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Saturday continues with a light lunch, then an afternoon snorkel/SCUBA trip down the Rainbow River. (Obviously, a Palm Beach County shop can’t run a trip without at least one drift dive.) Saturday evening, many participants opt for the group dinner, where they can get together and recount the day’s adventures. Sunday is a reprise of Saturday morning—early wake-up, hot breakfast and off to more manatee encounters. Returning to the Plantation, it’s time to check out and make a big, bold check mark on my bucket list. On the drive home, I might even figure out why ugly can be so lovable. Join Pura Vida Divers’ 2021 Manatee Trip by calling 561-840-8750 or e-mailing travel@puravidadivers.com.
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FLORIDA 17
NEVER V
Haddon By Capt. Quinlyn
A
lthough colder weather might have you ready to for a voluntary quarantine, there is a great winter fishery out there waiting to celebrate the New Year with you. Here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, cool water temperatures have changed habits of many fish species. The same fish that would have skyrocketed on your lure during summer are loafing around looking for easier, slower-moving prey. It is important to adjust the presentation of bait and the speed of lures. Whether you are targeting sheepshead, trout, snook, redfish, hogfish, flounder or grouper, one of the best investments you can make for January fishing is shrimp. It is reliably obtained this time of year, and all of the sought-after winter species eat it. Smaller jigheads are a great way to fish shrimp, whether freelined under a dock, under a bobber over deep pockets in channels and flats or up under the mangroves. Between the weather and harvest closures we’ve experienced due to red tide, anglers will have to work harder to fill coolers this January. While hogfish are always in season and are easy to catch this month, the quickest meat-hauls right
18 FLORIDA
JANUARY 2021
now are sheepshead and stone crabs. Stone crab season is open until May 1, and it’s a fun way for recreational fishermen to bop out on the water for a quick grocery trip. Regulations changed this season, so check the latest FWC guidelines. A notable change is the increase of harvestable claw size from 2 3/4 inches to 2 7/8 inches. Fish are affected by cold, and fishermen also have to adjust. Dressing for being on a boat all day in January can be little tricky. Even getting slightly wet in bone-chilling wind can ruin your day… without the right gear. The most important investment for winter fishing is a pair of slickers and good boots. You won’t even have to leave your fuzzy wuzzy pajama pants to get out on the water, just tuck them into your socks and pull your slickers and boots over the top. When I began my fishing career, I found some male captains who refused to hire female deckhands because of the toilet issue. On boats
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without a head, it’s a hassle for ladies to utilize a bucket on a busy deck. I discovered my slickers are the best tool to fix this issue. The Grundéns I purchased in the smallest size available are still quite large on me. After unsnapping a shoulder strap and dropping the fuzzy pajamas, it is straightforward to use a cup to empty my bladder and get back to work. As crass as it sounds, it really is a game-changing tip during slicker-season. Alternatively, you can book a charter on a boat with a toilet and keep your cups for mixing drinks. Fish with Capt. Quin and Reel Lucky Fishing Charters out of St. Petersburg by calling or texting (504) 920-6342. They have boats for offshore, nearshore and inshore which are all equipped with a toilet.
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TO BUILD A ROD By Chris Beardsley
T
he story To Build a Fire by Jack London is a tale of pain, suffering and ultimately death. Fortunately, none of those things apply when building a custom rod. Ok, maybe a little pain and suffering, but certainly not death. Building a custom rod was something I’d considered but kept putting it off. Reason being, I already have great rods. Nothing particularly expensive, they’re just great rods with plenty of power, great casting and good sensitivity. They’ve held up to the saltwater over the years, and I’m firmly in the if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it camp. My wife was the one who put an end to my procrastination by giving me a rod building kit for Christmas. It was very exciting for sure, but now what? Where does one start? Decisions had to be made regarding blank length and material, type of handle and guides, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming, but nothing insurmountable. Function and form were at the top of my decision list, so I decided to build a rod similar to one of my favorite saltwater spinning rods. I chose an 8-foot, moderate-fast, light saltwater blank to accompany a Penn Spinfisher 4500. I primarily fish the surf and often visit bays and estuaries looking for big reds, trout, black drum and the like. It wouldn’t replace my much larger surf rods, but it would need to cast a variety of baits a good distance and handle virtually anything within casting distance from the beach. A critical step in rod building is identifying the spine of the blank and determining guide placement. Neither is difficult, but they do need to be done with care and precision. Take your time and get it right. The handle and reel seat are a bit different and can be adjusted to fit your fishing style perfectly. I chose a split grip, and it fits comfortably in my hand while the butt rests exactly where it should on my forearm. There are differing opinions on rod balance in relation to seat placement. Mock it up and test it. The beauty of building a custom rod is if you don’t like it, you can change it. In the end, it really comes down to what suits you best. When selecting guides, a reel seat and handle, be sure they fit your blank. There are too many options to list here, but your blank specifications will help determine handle and reel size. The number of guides needed and the appropriate spacing are typically provided by the manufacturer. But since it’s custom, you might need to adjust accordingly. The great thing about building a custom rod is just that, it’s fully customizable. In the end, the rod you build will reflect your personality. With any luck, it will be something that you’ll be proud to own and use for a very long time. And unlike the character in Jack London’s story, you should still be alive when it’s all over.
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SNOOK SEASONAL CLOSURES IN EFFECT
A
statewide closure to recreational harvest of snook is in effect for state and federal waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Anglers may continue to catch and release snook during the closed season. Gulf-side recreational harvest of snook, including Monroe County and Everglades National PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. QUINLYN HADDON Park, will re-open March 1. There is an exception for those waters heavily impacted by red tide—state waters from the Hernando/ Pasco county line through Gordon Pass in Collier County (includes Tampa Bay and Hillsborough County)— where catch-and-release-only regulations will continue through May 31. Snook also has a regular season closure in the Gulf that runs May 1 through Aug. 31. On the east coast of Florida in state and federal waters including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River, recreational harvest of snook reopens Feb. 1. Season closures are designed to help protect snook during vulnerable times such as cold weather. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Snook.” Improve data and report your catch on the Angler Action Foundation iAngler app at AnglerActionFoundation.com.
Study Sees Released Fish Caught Repeatedly
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recent study from researchers at North Carolina State University reports that for several species of fish, the likelihood of individual fish being re-caught after release is higher than scientists anticipated. The findings are worth consideration for fisheries managers, who use catch data to assess fishery health. The study examined decades of Atlantic tagging data for black sea bass, gray triggerfish, red grouper and Warsaw grouper. “Fisheries researchers who work in tagging programs have long noticed that certain fish seem to get caught repeatedly, and we set out to determine the implications of this phenomenon,” said study co-author Jeff Buckel, a professor of applied ecology at N.C. State. For sea bass and both types of grouper, survival was found to be considerably higher after the second, third and fourth release. “Think of it this way,” said Brendan Runde, first author of the study and a Ph.D. student at N.C. State. “Let’s say you tagged 1,000 fish and recaptured 100 of them for a first time. After re-releasing those 100 fish, you would only expect to recapture 10 of them a second time. But that’s not what we’re seeing. We’re seeing much higher numbers of fish getting recaptured after the second time.” One theory is that individuals robust enough to survive their first capture were more likely to survive subsequent catch-and-release events. Since catch rates inform fishery management, the number of unique fish released is important for accurate assessment of populations. On the bright side, the study suggests release mortality might be lower than previously thought.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. TIM CUTTING
R
SIT-AND-WAIT
REDFISH By Nick Carter
edfish are solidly in their winter patterns. Capt. Josh Boyles said it’s possible to put up huge numbers when reds bunch up in big schools this time of year. The secret is to get close enough to cast to them. Boyles guides in the marshes around Bluffton, South Carolina. His tactics for targeting schools of redfish that number into the hundreds involves stealth on a low tide. With the large tidal fluctuations of the Lowcountry, the fishery is unique, but not so unique that similar patterns don’t exist wherever redfish roam. Finding the schools is the key if you’re going to have any luck at all. “You might go for miles along the grass and creeks and not see a living thing,” Boyles said. “Then you’ll pull into a cove and see 200 redfish.” This is a low-tide game. As opposed to summertime flood-tide sight fishing for tailing reds in the grass, you’re searching the mud flats when the water drains out of the marsh. The water is very clear this time of year, so it’s not hard to spot fish once you encounter them. In 8 to 12 inches of water, the schools sometimes cause a visible surface disturbance, and you can also see their belly flashes as they slowly cruise the shallows to feed. This time of year, when the massive schools of menhaden and mullet have headed south, dolphins feed heavily on redfish. This puts the reds on high alert and also pushes them very shallow to feed where dolphins can’t get to them. Getting close enough to catch skittish redfish can be tricky and requires long casts, stealth and a shallow draft. It is not a situation where you can follow them around in the boat. It’s sometimes better to get out of the boat and wade. “You can see them doing laps. They’ll go from a grass point to an oyster bed and then another oyster bed,” Boyles said. “They’re doing a circuit, and if you can set up where you can intercept that lap and put a cast in front of them, you can catch a few before they realize there’s something fishy going on and move off to that next oyster bed.” This tactic requires patience, as it’s tough to hang tight when there’s a school of feeding fish visible 100 yards away. It might take 15 minutes for the school to make its next pass, but they will come back if you didn’t spook them too badly. Use the downtime to reposition the boat or check your tackle. Boyles said sitting and waiting can lead to an hour or two of extremely intense fishing before the tide returns. Josh Boyles guides local and international fishing experiences. Contact him at joshboylesfishing@gmail.com.
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GO FLY A KITE!
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Tim Barefoot
s I’ve written before, we’ve all experienced the slowdown that happens around 10 a.m. You might have seen my column last month, in which I covered slowing it all down and sending baits deeper during the middle of the day. Like I said, wahoo don’t have Maui Jims… so they use water depth to get the right amount of light they want and constantly look up to see the silhouette of any given bait. This is exactly why all the dark colors work best, and only the planer rod is the one producing bites during the middle of the day. Again, who says you have to go 6 knots, and/or have to use a ballyhoo? Slow it down. Fly a kite with artificials, and use big natural baits on the downrigger to get results. A big beautiful squid on the downrigger on a Barefoot Cats and Tackle Chin Weight and a spread of artificial squid and/or flying fish on the kite, along with the outriggers loaded up with natural squid is a beautiful spread. With one squid at 50 feet and one at 75 or 100 feet, you are putting a completely irresistible bait at the depth of the fish. The squid on the downrigger will be the “hot” rod on a consistent basis. It’s a complete no brainer… this is the food they eat… at the correct depth. I’m not saying the surface bite does not work during the middle of the day. There have been many beauties caught on a ballyhoo during the middle of the day. All I’m saying is, I’ve fished many times when the bite died right around 10 a.m., and only the planer rod got bites. The kite adds a completely new dimension to the spread, and it also adds reality to the spread. When squid and flying fish get pinned against the surface and they’re scared, they jump! The kite picks the baits out of the water and makes it look like they are jumping. This is a good reason
GO DEEP FOR WINTER CONVICTS PHOTO COURTESY OF DARCY HILL
By CAM Staff
D
uring winter, there’s a fish we can usually count on to provide consistent action and high-quality fillets for the table. Even when a cold snap shuts inshore fisheries down, bait-stealing Sheepshead will still be chewing shells with their hook-crushing chompers. They are almost always game once you find them, and cold, calm days can bring
to keep at least one red squid in the spread. When squid get scared, they turn red. A red squid coming out of the water is another “no brainer.” Pancake trolling weights for the downrigger are the way to go. They are slimmer, have less resistance and have less “blowback” with more speed. A stout release tension is best for this application. As a matter of fact, the tension should be tight enough to “set the hook” and allow the slack to come tight after the strike. The stinger hook will hook the fish 90 percent of the time with a squid, as the fish almost always eat the back half of the squid to disable the squid’s beak. This is the only thing on a squid that could injure a fish.
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some of the best fishing of the year for both numbers and size of these black-barred convicts. Year-round, sheepshead can be caught wherever structure makes a home for barnacles. Bridge pilings, piers, jetties, wrecks, sea walls, oyster beds, any type of structure will suffice as long as it’s been in the water long enough to develop growth. This time of year can be the best time to target larger breeding-size sheepshead. When inshore waters cool, it sparks an offshore migration. Ahead of the early spring spawn, convicts in the 5- to 10-pound range congregate on deeper structure in 30 to 60 feet of water. This can make for easy pickings… if you can figure out how to get a hook-set. Those black-and-white prison stripes aren’t the only reason sheepshead are called convicts. They are thieves and will chew through a boatload of bait if you don’t pay attention and get a feel for that light, nibbling bite. Even in 15 feet of water, it takes practice to time the hook set. The challenge is amplified when you’ve got 40 or 50 feet of line out. A vertical presentation and staying in touch with the bait are absolutely critical when targeting deeper winter sheepshead. You want to drop baits straight down, as close to structure as possible. The limited stretch of braid paired with a short fluorocarbon leader of a foot or less helps with detecting the bite. Abrasion resistance around all that structure is also important. Using 20-pound-test for mainline and leader is usually enough to muscle a hard-fighting sheepshead out of structure. A simple fishfinder rig with just enough weight to keep your presentation vertical in the current is a tried-and-true rig. The lighter the weight, the easier it is to feel the bite. Find the sweet spot where your bait stays put. A small short-shank bait hook works well. Take a variety of baits and see what works. Fiddler crabs are the all-time sheepshead favorite, and convicts also crunch up live or dead shrimp, crab parts and clam or oyster meat. Drop that bait straight to the bottom, lift it up a few inches and then wait with a tight line. If you’re not getting nibbles within 15 minutes or so, it’s time to move. If you do feel light pecks or even a little added resistance on the line, set the hook immediately with a short, sharp upward jerk. Then haul the fish as quickly to the net as you can. Sheepshead are known for snapping lines on structure as well as with their teeth.
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OFF THE JERSEY COAST
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stuttering buzz from the stern brought Ken to his feet. He cranked in a Spanish mackerel to get things started. It was followed by a bluefish, and then Adam got a second Spanish. Here off New Jersey, this trolling bite was what we had hoped for. Things were good. With patience restored, we got reoriented and trolling. I was tying on a green crocodile spoon when one of the reels started screaming. Ken let the fish run a long time before he tightened the drag and started gaining. When he first saw the fish, his face lit up. He kept saying, “It’s a king!” in a high, tight voice I’d never heard before. Off New Jersey, a king mackerel might be once-in-a-lifetime. As Ken brought the beast boat-side, Adam swung and missed with the gaff, then hit it square in the head with a second shot. Ken took his fish and stood there grinning while Adam and I muttered, “yeah, great job.” We trolled another hour. While Ken grinned at the horizon, Adam focused on the depth sounder to hide his jealousy. I was jealous, too, so I stared at my rod, blinking one eye at a time. The jealousy ebbed once we got on plane headed home. We’d all caught dinner. I’d made peace with my lone bluefish when Adam hollered, “Woah!” He slammed the boat into neutral. “That was a cobia! I thought it was a shark, but it was a cobia!” Adam was excited, talking fast. I didn’t see anything. Neither did Ken. Adam swung the boat around, retracing his wake. “There! Throw something! Cast!” he shouted. My eyes focused in on a lumbering golden-brown cobia. The fish swam closer to investigate. Ken cast. The fish didn’t see his lure and kept swimming… toward me. Just feet away, I plunked an epoxy jig in the water. I saw the wide mouth open and inhale my lure. I froze. The huge fish, old and ragged and covered in scars, was looking me in the eye. I was hypnotized. With Adam and Ken yelling, I snapped out of it and set the hook. It felt like a brick wall on a medium-heavy spinning rod. I cranked twice and my rod bent double. Too much drag. I moved to loosen the drag and saw the cavernous mouth open and the head shake. The fish was still looking at me as if to say, “not today.” The rod slacked. I heard the jig whiz past my ear. My jaw dropped as I watched the fossil swim away. The boat was quiet for a minute, and then they started busting my chops. That went on for the whole ride in. By the time we hit the inlet, I was able force a laugh. Looking back, maybe I’m glad I lost it. A fish that old deserves to swim. From now on, though, I’m keeping my drag nice and light.
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BREAKING RECORDS On Russia’s Tugur River H
By CAM Staff
ow’s this for a bucket-list fish? There is a potential new all-tackle world length record for Siberian taimen. According to the International Game Fish Association’s Facebook page, Maxim Mamaev caught this 156-centimeter (more than 61inch) fish while fly fishing Russia’s Tugur River. If approved, it will best the previous record by 16 centimeters (about 6 inches). Siberian taimen are the largest, most ferocious species of salmonid on the planet. Growing to weights in excess of 100 pounds, they look and behave like giant trout and feed on fish, ducks and small mammals like muskrats. Their home waters are the rivers of northeast Asia, where they can live up to 50 years. Over the last few decades, the rise of taimen as a spectacular gamefish is a good thing. They have been fished and dammed almost to extinction across much of their native range. There are just a few large and remote drainages left where they thrive in Mongolia and Russia, and their appeal as a sportfish, especially for fly anglers, has helped develop strict regulations to protect them. The Tugur River is home to the largest Siberian taimen in the world. Isolated in Russia’s Far East, it feeds the Sea of Okhotsk and runs through an 80,000-acre nature reserve that protects many species of fish, including the
PHOTO COURTESY OF IGFA
Pacific salmon that pile into the river in late summer to spawn. It doesn’t hurt that much of the drainage is accessible to anglers only by helicopter, but the salmon run definitely contributes to the unparalleled growth of Tugur taimen. The nutrient transfer from saltwater to fresh during a large salmon run is well documented. Everything feeds on salmon and their eggs, and large taimen are capable of gorging on whole adult salmon. The current world record Siberian taimen by weight was caught on a fly by taimen researcher Matt Sloat on the Tugur. That fish, caught in 2018, weighed 101 pounds. There are multiple un-certified Tugur taimen reported to weigh into the 150-pound range. According to National Geographic, the largest Siberian taimen ever caught weighed 231 pounds and stretched a tape to 83 inches. It is rare, however, for anglers to encounter taimen of such enormous size. With such long lives, they grow slowly, and the larger individuals are old and wise. Most taimen caught on the fly weigh less than 20 pounds. But you can keep those 100-pounders in the back of your mind when you’re packing up your 9-weight rod for a trip to Siberia.
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I
Catching Cold-Water Bass In Small Lakes By CAM Staff
t’s the time of year when big-water bass anglers bundle up in their bibs and parkas and slug it out through bitter reservoir winds to drag jigs on the bottom. For some of us, finding joy in such misery seems masochistic. Why brave the cold winds of big water when countless sheltered ponds and small lakes are there to provide winter bass fisheries that’ll scratch the itch? Small waters often fish very well this time of year. Whether casting from the bank or a jonboat, here are a few tips to take with you. 1) Find Warmer Water: Carry a thermometer. Water temps just a couple degrees warmer than surrounding water will consolidate baitfish and bass. In spring-fed lakes or ponds, an underground spring will provide relatively stable temperatures year-round. During winter, flows from a spring are likely warmer than the main body. Where there are no springs, look to sun-warmed rock or metal structure. Muddy shallows are also known to warm more quickly in the sun. 2) Play the Weather: The smaller the volume of water, the more easily influenced it is by weather patterns. On a small lake, water temperatures can increase dramatically with a single day of warmer-than-normal weather. The bite can go from non-existent to wide-open in an afternoon. String together a threeday warming trend, and your pond might exhibit spring-like feeding patterns. 3) Find the Fish: On small waters there are limited areas where bass can go to find comfort. Rather than spreading out in search of forage, bass group up in areas where they are comfortable. If you don’t find fish on sun-warmed rip-rap, look to the steep drop-offs at pond dams or creek channels. They might be down there stacked up in 10 feet of water. 4) Match the Hatch: Bass are not as aggressive when they are cold, which means you have to go with a more natural approach. Bugs and frogs aren’t on the menu this time of year, so baitfish imitations like jerkbaits and crankbaits are your best bet. Reel them down to depth and fish with slow twitches. If crawfish are active year-round where you fish, a jig is absolutely a good option. 5) Cover Water: Covering water is relative. This time of year, you’ll want to slow it down. Yet you still need to encounter fish to catch them. One of the great things about small waters is you can fish a lot, or all, of a small lake or pond in a single afternoon. Fan cast and work your baits slowly enough to be effective, but keep moving until you find that area where fish are piled up.
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TOOLS
ITEM 57487
Use Online & In-Store
*20546786* 20546786
Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Valid online and in-store. Receive a free Tool Bag with any Bauer purchase over $50 not including taxes and after applying any other applicable offers or discounts. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 2/3/21.
SHOP TOOLS
OUTDOOR POWER TOOLS
LEARN MORE AT BAUERPOWERTOOLS.COM hft_coastalangler_0121_M-REG176348.indd 1
12/4/20 2:01 PM
Get a GEICO quote for your boat and, in just 15 minutes, you’ll know how much you could be saving. If you like what you hear, you can buy your policy right on the spot. Then let us do the rest while you enjoy your free time with peace of mind. geico.com/boat | 1-800-865-4846
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 202I GEICO