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VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 315

SATELLITE SCOUT THE BACKWATERS

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F R A N C H I S E

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

A V A I L A B L E

W O R L D W I D E

JUNE 2021

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

©2021 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.

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Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates. Additional charge may apply. Prices vary based on how you buy.

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Explore the Depths in Style For Only $99 PRAISE FOR STAUER DIVE WATCHES

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he market’s swimming with overpriced dive watches. We’re here to tell you those guys are all wet. At Stauer our philosophy is everyone deserves the best without having to dig deep into their pockets. We’ve been in the watch industry for decades and know more than a thing or two about getting the ultimate bang for our buck— which means we can pass the fruits of our know-how onto our clients. Case in point: The Explorer Dive Watch. This tough-as-nails sophisticate would cost you in the thousands if you got it from a high-end retailer that’s really in the business of selling a big name more than a quality watch. We keep the big names out of the equation so we can price this top-notch timepiece for just $99 –– a price that let’s you dive in and have enough left over for an excursion or two...or three. You’re getting a lot for your money with this watch. The Explorer is the perfect companion in any locale–– whether you’re exploring coral reefs or investigating the rum options at a beachside bar. With a case, band and crown of stainless steel, this watch is built to last, and its water resistance rating of 20 ATM means it can handle most of your aquatic adventures to a depth of 678 feet. The striking metallic blue face reflects the “...dive watches feel authentic—they project an air of necessity which other categories of timepieces simply fail to match” —Hodinhee.com

deep waters it was designed to explore and it’s sporty screw-down crown can take the pressure in stride. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not completely convinced you got excellence for less, simply return the Explorer Dive Watch within 30 days for a refund of the item price. At Stauer, we never leave our customers high and dry. Limited Edition. Sure you could give your hard-earned money to those other guys, but why would you? We’ve got the thinking man’s timepiece right here. This watch takes six months to engineer and it’s already making waves, so we can’t guarantee it will be around for long. Call today, and experience how good it feels to get true luxury for less.

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FRANCHISOR-CORPORATE DIRECTORY

EDITOR IN CHIEF : Ben Martin • camads@coastalanglermagazine.com COO : Tracy Patterson • tracy@coastalanglermagazine.com ART DIRECTOR : Laura Kelly • graphics@coastalanglermagazine.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR : Nick Carter • editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com WEBMASTER : Ryan Clapper • webmaster@coastalanglermagazine.com ADVERTISING & FRANCHISE INQUIRIES:

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4 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

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OPTIMUS ELECTRIC STEERING ACTUATOR The Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. The powerful drive train, position sensor, brake and electronics are all embedded in the electric steering actuator. This means no Pump Control Module, no hydraulic pump, no hoses, hydraulic cylinders and fluid, and no more purging the system.

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$375K GJKT Slated for July 12-17

his month’s CAM cover is dedicated to the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament (GJKT) and all of the die-hard kingfish anglers out there. The GJKT, from July 12-17, is a weeklong celebration of fishing in one the East Coast’s great fishing communities. With a festival featuring food, exhibitors and all things nautical, along with several different tournaments, including kids’ tournaments and a redfish tournament, the GJKT has grown into a lot more than just a spectacular kingfish tournament. With the traditional king mackerel tournament season upon us, GJKT is holding one of its richest tournaments ever. Teams will fish July 15-16 out of Jim King Park in Jacksonville, Fla. This year, teams will compete for a first-place prize package valued at more than $160,000. Catch the largest kingfish over two days of fishing, and you could be the proud new owner of a brand new 25T Contender sport fishing boat powered by twin 150hp Yamaha motors. If that’s not the biggest single prize in kingfishing, it has to be close. Fifty other places and divisions will also be paid out, including Lady and Junior Angler prizes, so anglers can still win big even if they aren’t the lucky angler to catch the largest kingfish. The weigh-ins are a sight for spectators to behold, and the total purse is valued at $375,000. The GJKT, one of the oldest kingfish tournaments around, is now in its 41st year. The tournament reached 1,000 entrants before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, and it is now on the way back up. Jacksonville Marine Charities (JMC), a 501c3 corporation, is the

parent organization of the GJKT, and all proceeds from the tournament are used to promote and enhance fishing in Northeast Florida. To date, several hundred thousand dollars have been donated for such projects as reef enhancement, marine science education and boater safety issues, to name a few. For more information about the GJKT or JMC, visit kingfishtournament.com.

m COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 7

FOR GROUPER SEASON, IT’S... By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon

ith the opening of gag grouper this month throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Florida grouper season is basically open across the board. The regulations for grouper vary greatly from state to state and even within specific regions of each state, so make sure to the latest legal harvest information in the location you plan to fish. With that out of the way, game-on and good luck; it sure will be nice not to have to vent and release these chubby, spotted, pre-sandwiches. Grouper fishing can be a challenge in regions that don’t have surface markings, where anglers rely primarily on coordinates of small hard-bottom patches. The numbers that aren’t completely overfished have been acquired by fishermen who’ve spent years cruising the ocean. Hiring a salty and experienced charter captain is highly recommended for targeting grouper; paying attention to what they tell you is equally as important. If you choose to go it alone, there are a few things recommended to ensure your best chances of success. As opposed to pelagic fishing, where a school of fish can move through, and it may be better to have lighter leader starting out just to entice a bite, you’ll want to gear-up for grouper.

8 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

Losing that first grouper bite can result in shutting down the entire spot. When a large grouper breaks off, especially if it takes the entire rig with the hook and lead with it, that fish will swim back down to its home—where all the other fish are—and sound the danger alarm by grunting. It’s best to start out with heavy line to avoid this, especially if you don’t have more bottom numbers nearby to bounce around to. Make sure your drags are set tight, your gear is on the heavy side, and that you are paying attention when you first arrive at a spot. Cigars can be lit, beers can be shotgunned and rod-holders may be utilized only after you have been at a spot for the second half, or immediately after losing a big fish. If you want to catch spotted sandwiches, or just not cripple your anchor-pulling deckhand, this is important information to apply to your trip. When fishing for grouper, there are many ways to rig for them. Utilizing 60-plus-pound leader, the correct lead for your current and a large circle hook, many different kinds of baits will work. Experiment with squid, shrimp, crab, sardines, live bait and pieces of fresh fish cut a number of different ways. Keep a variety going down, and pay attention to what is getting bites. Don’t forget that if you lose a big one, you are on the right tide and are still marking fish, that you

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

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might have chased the bite away. This is the time to take your lunch break, light that cigar, or move spots entirely. If you come visit Marathon this grouper season, there are several restaurants that will cook your catch, but none more specialized in preparing this species for the table than Castaway Restaurant. Their Dijonnaise-style grouper, which is a heavy cream reduction sauce loaded with mushrooms, is top of the line. Remember to ask your crew to cut out the cheeks while they fillet your grouper, especially if you harvested enough of them to add up. Happy hunting, and good luck out there. Capt. Quinlyn Haddon guides with Blue Magic Charters, docked at Castaway Restaurant in Marathon, Fla. Contact Blue Magic at (504) 920-6342 and keep up with Quinlyn through her social media @CaptainQuinlyn.

Stauer Collector’s Series FREE $99 Binoculars With Knife Purchase (see details)

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Beautifully made, magnificent to look at, this knife is a work of art at only $99

t’s not often you happen upon a blade smith who has gem cutting skills. In fact, you stand a better chance finding a needle in a haystack. But finding needles in haystacks is what we do best, so when we saw this master craftsman’s handiwork, we made certain to procure some of these Southwestern masterpieces to complete our collection. The stainless steel blade, bolster and pommel are exquisitely etched and would have looked great with a less ambitious handle. But the results of overachieving are stunning here. The turquoise-blue colored handle is ablaze with assorted stones like jasper, marble, sunstone, and coral that have been hand cut and inlaid in a Southwestern motif that conjures images of intricately beaded belts and moccasins. Whether you collect blades, EXCLUSIVE interesting stones, or are a lover of the great American Southwest, the Sedona Knife is more than cut out Stauer® 8x21 to do the job. Compact Binoculars But we don’t stop there. While -a $99 valuesupplies last, we’ll include a pair with purchase of of $99, 8x21 power compact the Sedona Knife binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Sedona Knife. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect

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What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

êêêêê “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely good-looking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington the impeccable craftsmanship of the Sedona Knife. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. Limited Reserves. You could pay nearly $1,900 for a steel, fixed blade knife with a gemstone handle, but why would you when you can enjoy the superb craftsmanship of the Sedona Knife for only $99. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

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California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

• 5" etched stainless steel blade; 9 1/2" overall length • Turquoise-colored handle with accent stones including coral, marble, sandstone, tiger’s eye, jasper and sunstone • Leather pouch included

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Fish Mapping gives you 8 dedicated fishing features plus all SiriusXM Marine weather information directly on your boat’s display, relative to your boat’s location. The service is delivered via satellite and is available offshore well beyond cell range. Add SiriusXM entertainment and you’re all set for an incredible day fishing.

“Navigating around storms, locating the best fishing spots and rocking out on the water… SiriusXM Marine has me covered!” — Shane Murray, Team Total Vision, 35' Marlago Boater receives complimentary subscription.

OFFER DETAILS: Activate a new monthly subscription to either: (i) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping or (ii) SiriusXM Marine Fish Mapping and SiriusXM All Access audio on the same device, and receive your first (1) month free for each activated service (a savings of $99.99 on Fish Mapping and $21.99 on All Access), plus get free device activation (an additional savings of $25). A credit card is required on this offer. Service will automatically renew every month thereafter and, at the beginning of your second month, you will be charged at then-current rates. Fees and taxes apply. You must cancel your subscriptions during your promotional period(s) to avoid future charges. Please see our Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com for complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling us at 1-800-985-9200. All fees, content and features are subject to change. This offer may be modified, suspended or cancelled at any time. Subscription and hardware sold separately.$100 Rebate from SiriusXM available through Dec 31, 2021 with hardware and subscription purchase, see Rebate Offer Details at siriusxm.com/fishmapping. © 2021 Sirius XM Radio Inc. SiriusXM and all related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its respective subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Defender C-Hawk 23 Center Console

Marine Outfitter of Choice Since 1938

With a 14-degree deadrise hull, the 23 Center Console C-Hawk gives you a better ride in rough water. It is designed to be versatile—equally at home on bays, inlets and flats as it is graceful offshore. With plenty of room to move around, this model can be rigged out to suit whatever style of fishing you do, from fly fishing to bottom dropping. The large console offers plenty of storage space. Add a T-top, and you’ve got a boat for all seasons. The flat gunnel appeals to recreational and commercial anglers alike. A long list of options lets you set this boat up for family fishing, as well. Have one built with a leaning post, livewell and raw water wash down to further enhance your fishing experience. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CHAWKBOATS.NET.

SPECIFICATIONS C-Hawk Center Console

LENGTH: 22’4” BEAM: 8’ DRAFT: 12” DRY WEIGHT: 2,430 lbs. COCKPIT DEPTH: 22” Fwd/ 20” Aft FUEL CAPACITY: 66 Gal. MAXIMUM HP: 225 DEADRISE: 14 degrees TRANSOM: 25”

FISH THE BACKWATERS BAY OR NEARSHORE CHawk 23

Center Console

Add an extra layer of sun protection with ShadeFin – a new product that easily attaches into rod holders, tops and gunnels for convenient, portable shade for almost any boat.

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 11

FIND SOME

SUMMER SOLITUDE S

By Capt. Michael Okruhlik

chool is out! This has always been my marker for the official beginning of summer. I know the bays will be filled with everyone getting out to enjoy Mother Nature, so finding solitude is key to catching fish. My family and I will be there too, but if I’m lucky, you won’t see me. Here are some methods to avoid the crowds and catch a lot of fish! Let’s focus on kayaks and areas only small vessels can access. Small, shallow-draft watercraft help us elude the summer crowds and find our solitude. Pushing farther back into the shallows and marsh areas requires some planning, so let’s start with some satellite scouting on the computer. The first thing to do is find areas that have tidal movement. One way to determine this via satellite is to zoom in on the openings of bayous and drains. If you notice a deeper hole at the mouth, this lets you know it has good current flow, which is what causes a washout in the mouth. If the mouth looks shallow or silted in, search for another spot.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES

Once you have identified areas with sufficient current, find the structure. I like areas with scattered grass, shell, or both. Add in some depth changes around bends, and you are set. Depending how deep into the marsh you are going, and if you are new to the area, taking a GPS is a great idea. Once you get in the marsh, it looks completely different on the way out. Cell phone service might not always be reliable, and I know on my phone the bright sun really makes it hard to see the satellite imagery. Now let’s get down to the business end and talk about lures and presentation. I generally like to throw a paddle tail. If I am fishing a new area, I’ll have one rigged weedless on a weighted swimbait hook. I prefer this style of lure for a couple of reasons. One, it is a great search bait. I can simply

cast, reel and cover a lot of water. It is also my preferred soft plastic when fishing shallow water, which is what you find in the marsh. Redfish will not hesitate to hit a lure reeled in a straight line with a vibrating tail. Adding sound into the mix really grabs their attention. Like the clicking sound of a fleeing shrimp, the Knockin Tail Lure, with its built-in tail rattle is my lure of choice in this scenario. These swimbaits rattle on a steady retrieve and can make the difference between just fishing and catching. Be safe, find an out-of-the-way area, and catch some fish! I know my family and I will be tucked away in the backwaters in June. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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JUNE 2021

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Actual size is 40.6 mm

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2021 San Francisco (S) 1oz (31.101 grams) 99.9% Silver 40.6 mm 1,000,000 Mint State-69 (MS69) Emergency Production

2021(S) Emergency Production American Eagle Silver Dollar NGC MS69 Early Releases —$51 1-4 coins — $49.95 each + s/h 5-9 coins — $49.50 each 10+ coins — $48.95 each SAVE over $20 on 10 or more coins! FREE SHIPPING on 3 or More!

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This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Silver Eagle. It’s also the final mintage to feature the coin’s original eagle design by John Mercanti, 12th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. “Lasts” are always a big deal for collectors—almost as big as low populations. This Emergency Production release is both. In fact, it’s tied for the fourth lowest bullion Silver Eagle mintage ever! But how do we tell which coins are from the Emergency Production run?

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Due to the pandemic, the West Point Mint—the U.S. Mint branch that normally strikes Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Silver Eagles—temporarily locked down. Demand was skyrocking, and so the U.S. Mint turned to its other branches, ordering them to strike special “Emergency Production” runs of Silver Eagles. It was great news for silver buyers, and even better news for collectors. Here’s why:

Silver Eagles have no mint mark to tell us where they were produced. But thanks to some skilled detective work, the experts at Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one of the world’s leading third-party grading services, were able to certify our coins as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during this Emergency Production run. What’s more, a number of these coins have been graded as Mint State-69 (MS69) condition—just one grade point away from perfection—and sealed with labels certifying them as being struck at the San Francisco Mint during the series’ 35th anniversary!

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ne of the most popular ways to buy silver is the Silver Eagle— legal-tender U.S. Silver Dollars struck in one ounce of 99.9% pure silver. When the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping the world, demand skyrocketed. But there was a problem...

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. ESE215-01 • Burnsville, MN 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

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IN THE LAND OF THE MAYA

t incited excited Spanish chatter from the crew when the fish’s bill slashed the surface. “Marlin blanco?” was the only phrase I could decipher. I clung to the rod as Tony Tuz and his father Lorenzo cleared lines. “Billfish! Billfish!” Tony barked so the gringos understood. Then my 10-year-old son gasped. A 7-foot sailfish went airborne and tail-walked for 20 yards off the stern. It was awesome, exactly what I envisioned while e-mailing Charter Fishing Cancun prior to a recent family vacation. My son and I were the only anglers aboard the 35-foot Bertram Xaviera III. We could have used some help cranking in all those fish. Cancun, Mexico is a great place to fish. The resorts overlook the Straits of Yucatan on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s the pinch point between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, a highway for pelagic species. In March, we were early for the headliner species. From April through July, summer is peak season for blue and white marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi—which they call Dorado. Snapper and grouper species, as well as amberjack

By Nick Carter and huge barracuda can be caught year-round. No matter. We just wanted bent rods, and Capt. Jorge Rivas steered us toward open water with baitwell full of small jacks and blue runners. The action began almost as soon as Tony and Lorenzo got lines out. We pulled a spread with bird teasers, a squid chain, skirted ballyhoo and several flat-lined live baits, which almost immediately brought up a big Dorado that came unbuttoned. Then we drove into birds. Gulls diving on flying fish were enough to get me excited. Tony was not impressed. “Bonito,” he said with a shrug. “Sea gulls mean bonito. Frigate birds mean tuna.” Sure enough, my son took the rod to catch bonito for the bait bucket until big fork-tailed frigate birds

started diving all around the boat. The boy could definitely tell the difference when a gorgeous 20-pound blackfin tuna took the bait. It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m., and we had seen a lot of action. But the captain and crew had more to show us. When the tuna bite died, we stopped over a ledge in 350 feet of water. Lorenzo worked quickly to cut bonito into baits. He sliced away the entire dorsal section and tail of each fish to leave streamlined head-and-belly baits. We jigged them deep, and in short order were tripling up on amberjacks up to 40 pounds. We battled big AJs until weary arms begged for mercy and then headed to deeper water and the sailfish. We finished the day with three big barracuda, which are a ton of fun when they’re 4 to 5 feet long. After all that activity, my son crashed in the shade for the ride back. Seeing him smile in his sleep is something I’ll never forget. To book an inshore or offshore trip out of Cancun, contact Charter Fishing Cancun at cfishingcancun@gmail.com. Check out their website www.charterfishingcancun.com.

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Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!

or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet high, it was truly a sleeping giant. Until May 18, 1980, when the beast awoke with violent force and revealed its greatest secret. Mount St. Helens erupted, sending up a 80,000-foot column of ash and smoke. From that chaos, something beautiful emerged… our spectacular Helenite Necklace.

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Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6½-carat stunner for only $149! Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pear-cut set in .925 sterling silver finished in luxurious gold. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18" luxurious gold-finished sterling silver chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire.

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Bring home the Helenite Necklace and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the rare beauty of this exceptional stone, simply return the necklace within 30 days for a full refund of your purchase price. JEWELRY SPECS: - 6 ½ ctw Helenite in gold-finished sterling silver setting - 18" gold-finished sterling silver chain

Limited to the first 2200 orders from this ad only Helenite Necklace (6 ½ ctw) ................Only $149 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) ..................... $129 +S&P

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Follow the

BAIT POD

2 FLORIDA

JUNE 2021

n June and July, small glass minnows school together and form bait pods here on the Atlantic Coast of Florida. The pods move up and down the beach. These bait pods are easy to spot by looking for diving birds and feeding fish thrashing the surface. Sometimes the bait pods come near shore and go out, but usually they move parallel to the shore and well within casting range. What kind of fish can you catch surf casting in these bait pods? In June, tarpon move around the inlets and start cruising the beach looking for bait pods. Large female snook swim along the trough under the bait pods. Schools of large jack bust the surface, and the occasional schools of bluefish and ladyfish are there, along with mackerel that haven’t yet moved north. Around the trough, smaller table fare like whiting and croaker will be caught with regular 4-inch shad tail jigs or more easily on smaller jigs and spoons. If you let the jig hit the bottom and snap it up quickly, you’ll catch lots of these great-eating panfish. Anatomy of a Bait Pod: Most of the time, a bait pod moves north or south. On slack tide, the pod will slow down. I’ve even seen them stop for 30 minutes in one place. Croaker and whiting will be on the bottom under the pod. Or if the pod is shallow, croaker and whiting will be under the first breakers and can be caught in the wash. Jerk your jig off the bottom, letting it hit for a second each time. Jerk, reel some, let it sit. Usually the tarpon are on the outside of the pod farthest from the beach. For tarpon, cast as far out over the pod as possible and use a slow steady retrieve. Snook are almost always on the shallow side near the trough and the first breakers. Cast more parallel to shore using a steady lifting and releasing movement with the rod tip. Jack can be anywhere, and I like fishing near the surface with a brisker retrieve when targeting jacks. Also use the brisk retrieve for bluefish, ladyfish and mackerel. My favorite June lures are a 3/8-ounce chartreuse jig with a 4-inch pearl white shad tail and a shallow running Yo-Zuri crankbait in white. I also throw a Skitter-Walk (topwater plug) when the water heats up. Remember, for the best summertime surf action: Follow the bait pod. Richard Matteson writes for Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.

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n its seventh year, STAR remains the largest, family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida. The summer-long event invites anglers and non-anglers of all ages and skill levels to participate in 17 divisions and win their share of prizes valued at almost $500,000, including boats, motors, scholarships and more. For anyone who enjoys trash-free fishing and boating, the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division presented by Papa’s Pilar gives conservation enthusiasts the chance to win big just by collecting five-gallon buckets of trash. Trash Division participants can win by gathering five-gallon buckets of garbage from a coastline or while fishing and submitting photos of their collection through the dedicated STAR App. The Trash Division welcomes participants of all ages, but has become a favorite among youth registrants, as it gives students the opportunity to complete community service hours and improve coastal habitats too. For every five-gallon bucket of trash collected, disposed of and submitted through the STAR App, it not only increases opportunities for winning but equates to 30 minutes of community service time, too. “Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation, family participation and fun,” CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald

said. “From Memorial Day to Labor Day, STAR gives families the shot to win prizes, youth scholarships and more while being outdoors, conserving coastal resources and making lifelong memories.” This year, Trash Division participants can also submit entries for two special photo opportunities including the “Reel Life & Thrash Can Bucket STAR Photo” and “Reel Life & Tacklewebs Fun Fishing Photo” awards. To enter, participants must wear Reel Life apparel and use a Trash Can Bucket Topper or wear Reel Life Apparel and include a Tacklewebs product, respectively. Additionally, the Trash Division will also name three randomly drawn winners and award “Most Buckets Gathered” at the end of the competition. STAR 2021 is the 101-day event that gives registrants countless fishing memories and opportunities to win. To register or learn more, visit ccaflstar.com today.

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PLANTING CORAL, By John Christopher Fine

eath of coral reefs is a worldwide dilemma. In the Florida Keys, Richard Stanczyk has watched it happen. A fisherman for 70 years, Stanczyk has spent a lot of time on the ocean. He and his family own the fabled Bud n’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada. “I witnessed a lot of things. It took 25 years to put in sewers. I’m a bonefisherman. The bay was smothered by brown algae. It is from human waste and farming. There is acid rain,” Stanczyk said from his office at the marina, where the walls are covered with memories of great fish, major fishing tournaments and trophies. Stanczyk sees the environment married to the economy. “There has been a tremendous reduction in fish stocks due to technology and long-liners. I’d fish for swordfish at night. It didn’t take long for long-liners to wipe it out. The Gulf Stream is slowing down. It used to take 15 pounds to hold bottom.

Now only 5. Scientists say it now,” he said. “This coral restoration project is a grass roots effort. I have four grandchildren. I want them to enjoy the ocean as I have, as my children have.” The Stanczyk family contributed use of land on the ocean to a fledgling coral restoration project begun a year ago by Dr. Kylie Smith, with Clemson University and Mote Marine Laboratory, and Mike Goldberg, owner of Key Dives, Islamorada. They call the project I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation and Restoration Education). Mote established a coral nursery at Bud n’ Mary’s Marina. Pumping equipment, an insulated water-storage tank and banks of coral nursery tanks were set up along with an office trailer for researchers. Stony corals from Mote’s nursery on Summerland Key were replanted on substrate in the open ocean under permit and with the cooperation of NOAA and Marine sanctuary officials as well as widespread support from Keys

PHOTO BY JOHN CHRISTOPHER FINE

New Hope for the Oceans Live brain coral head underwater off Islamorada.

dive operations, businesses and individuals. “The science behind it is extraordinary,” Goldberg said. “Corals are being taken from disease resistant stock gathered by micro-harvesting and grown in laboratory conditions. Temperature and PH are carefully adjusted in the nursery to simulate ocean conditions in the future, when scientists predict temperature rise and acid rain will affect corals.” Coral is an animal. It begins as free-swimming larvae that settle on substrate and grow. A plant called zooxanthellae lives in symbiosis inside the coral polyp. The plant needs sunlight for photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates and oxygen that corals

use. The plant helps dispose of the coral’s waste. When water is turbid or when temperatures rise above 70 to 85 degrees, the plants die. Coral bleaches white and also dies in most cases. Coral wasting disease and bleaching have been devastating in the Keys. Dr. Smith said the 60 to 70 percent live coral coverage of the 1970s has fallen to just 3 to 5 percent. I.CARE’s program should hopefully turn the tide. Coral reefs provide critical habitat for fish and marine organisms. “If you lose the habitat, you lose everything,” Stanczyk concluded. For more on I.CARE, visit www.icareaboutcoral.org.

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Stuart Sailfish Club Annual KDW Tourney Benefits Project Lift

he Stuart Sailfish Club held its fourth annual KDW on May 8, with 25 registered boats. Tournament proceeds are earmarked for Project Lift, a non-profit organization that helps youth struggling with drug and alcohol abuse or other trauma-like circumstances. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in the wahoo, dolphin and kingfish divisions, along with top lady angler. “We are grateful to the sponsors, anglers, captains, mates and club member volunteers who helped make this event a great success.” said Stuart Sailfish Club executive director WAHOO - 1st Place: Cash Fenton Caresse Chase. Reelin Cash - 5.4 pounds Project Lift provides DOLPHIN - 1st Place: Randall counseling, career training, Stigliano - No Worries - 15.6 pounds; mentorship, and volunteer 2nd Place: Ann Marie Milner - No opportunities to help the teens Worries - 14.0 pounds; 3rd Place: fast track their recovery. For more Quintin Smith - Reel Nokes - 12.6 pounds information on the organization, visit www.projectliftmc.com. KINGFISH - 1st Place: Dustin Hicks

RESULTS

- No Name - 16.8 pounds; 2nd Place: Quintin Smith - Reel Nokes - 15.2 pounds; 3rd Place: Douglas Howell - Ditch Work - 13.4 pounds

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ABOVE LEFT: Mike Caputo and Stuart Sailfish Club board member Capt. Wink Doerzbacher manned the weigh station. ABOVE RIGHT: Randall Stigliano, No Worries, weighs in his first-place dolphin weighing 15.6 pounds.

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Team Reelin Cash, Cash Fenton weighed in a 5.4-pound wahoo, the only wahoo caught in the wahoo division.

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FWC LAUNCHES NEW FLORIDA FISHING PIER FINDER Are you looking for a place to fish from shore? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) new Florida Fishing Pier Finder, an interactive map that allows anglers to find publicly-accessed fishing piers, jetties and fishingspecific bridges in freshwater and saltwater locations throughout the state. It is best viewed using a computer or tablet with a larger screen. Visit MyFWC.com/ PierFinder to search for a location by county, city, feature name and type of feature (such as a bridge or pier). These structures give anglers who enjoy fishing from shore or do not have a boat an opportunity to catch a variety of species. Some fishable structures extend a few feet into the water, while others extend 2,000 or more feet into the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean. A majority of these structures are free to use. For those fishing piers where a fee is required, almost all have a pier license that covers anglers, resident and non-resident, that fish on the pier.

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SUBMIT SALTWATER CATCHES AND EARN REWARDS

You can now submit your vermilion snapper and saltwater catfish catches to earn a Reel Big Fish achievement! The qualifying length for vermilion snapper is 17 inches for adults and 13 inches for youth, while the qualifying length for saltwater catfish (gafftopsail or hardhead) is 22 inches for adults and 16 inches for youth. All Reel Big Fish catches must be photographed over a qualifying measuring device clearly showing the

exact full length of the fish. A photo of the fish with the angler submitting the catch is also required. Have you caught a Florida memory? Submit photos of your saltwater catches to earn rewards for various achievements while targeting a diversity of species and reducing fishing pressure on the most commonly sought-after catches. • Saltwater Fish Life List: Can you catch all 70 species? (https://bit.

ly/3wWl5A3) • Saltwater Reel Big Fish: Recognition for extraordinary-sized catches. (https://bit.ly/3gaxqup) • Saltwater Grand Slams: Earn rewards for catching three specific fish in 24 hours. (https://bit. ly/3wUDeOB) Join the Triple Threat Club (https://bit.ly/3wW45dq) and earn even more prizes (including a long sleeve performance fishing shirt and more) by participating in all three programs. Anglers must qualify for each of the three programs to be eligible. FWC also manages the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records program. Link for more information: CatchaFloridaMemory.com

TREASURE COAST

COASTAL ANGLER PUBLISHERS GARY & MISTI GUERTIN SALES GARY GUERTIN EDITOR/DIGITAL CONTENT MISTI GUERTIN GRAPHIC DESIGN LAURA KELLY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jayson Arman Capt. Gus Brugger Capt. Rocky Carbia Capt. Charlie Conner Michael Conner Capt. Scott Fawcett Capt. Colton Hester Capt. Michael Mauri Capt. Giles Murphy Brian Nelli Jim Oppenborn Capt. Nate Shellen Cammie & Capt. Joe Ward Capt. Terry Wildey Steve Wood

JUNE CLOSURES Snook: Atlantic, June 1-Aug. 31 (catch and release only). For a full list, visit myfwc.com/ media/19050/saltwater-seasonschart-atlantic.pdf. Or keep up to date with saltwater and freshwater fishing regulations by using the Fish Rules App, available in the App Store and Google Play for iOS.

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FISHING FORECASTS

MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE

Capt. Scott Fawcett Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 fishscottyf@bellsouth.net offthechainfishing.com

chooooools out for summer! Exceptions being mahi, sails, tuna, kingfish, jacks, snook, snapper or basically any other fish off the Treasure Coast. This is a great time of year to get out on the water on either a charter or on your own boat and if you’re looking to purchase a boat, please call me, I can help. Then, we can take it fishing! Calm oceans, tolerable water temps, and lots of bait make this early summer fishing some of the best in the world. Expect some of the biggest dolphin of the year to hit the docks this month, along with the occasional wahoo. Focus trolling or live baiting around weed lines, pieces of float and under birds in

depths typically from 100 to 1000 feet. That is a big range, but once you find them you shouldn’t have to move much. Look for sailfish, free jumping and finning on calm days, 50-to-150 feet is the average depth but there are always exceptions. These fish can be very finicky at times so a frisky live bait pitched on a light spinning rod with a light leader works great. I use the 7-foot Carbon E Series by Blackfin. They cast a small bait far and have enough backbone to fight large fish effectively. I also use those rods for the tarpon, snook and jacks that are running the beach this time of year which is some of my favorite fishing. Find kingfish, and this year there have been some huge ones, from 50 to135 feet. Live bait seems to be the ticket for these guys and obviously use a small trace of wire or titanium to attach your hook if you’re targeting them. Tuna fishing is pretty good in June as well so top off those fuel tanks and head east. Whether trolling, live baiting or jigging don’t be surprised if a blue marlin shows up to join the party so try and have a rod and bait ready to take advantage of that if such an opportunity arises. June also offers some great

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snapper and grouper fishing in our local waters. Check out Capt. Rocky’s deep sea fishing report for the scoop on bottom fishing this June This month is one of my

favorites and is a great time to get out on the water off the Treasure Coast. whatever you decide to chase, I hope your next trip is Off The Chain.

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t’s summertime, and the fishing is hot! The baitfish are everywhere, both inshore and outside the inlet for that early morning mayhem, getting chased by fish of all kinds. Simply look for birds hovering over bait schools in the morning and cast plugs for snook, tarpon, jacks, bonito and more. When catching this bait, we use size 4 or 6 sabiki rigs or half-inch-mesh cast nets tarpon are my favorite target species this time

of year for a few reasons. First of all, they are mostly found feeding early in the morning, so we only fish for them between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. This means we are done fishing before the summer heat and humidity become unbearable. Also, these tarpon are great for fishing with many different techniques such as live bait, lures, and flyfishing which makes them great for anglers of all kinds. Finally, the St. Lucie River is always a peaceful quiet area that’s never crowded and noisy with boats. The snapper bite has been good in 40-to-60 feet of water north of the inlet, and summertime is great for catching lots of mangrove snapper inshore along the docks and bridges for easy fun with kids. The cobia bite started late this year but is happening now at the Sandpile and shallow wrecks. June is a great time to simply cruise the coast 50-to-200 yards from shore to find bait getting attacked, rolling tarpon, sharks, and big jacks.

John Popeo caught lots of snook fly fishing with Capt. Giles casting Puglisi micro minnow flies. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy.

Snook season is closed, but they are loading up at the inlet and cruising the beaches for gentle catch and release fishing using circle hooks. Fishing from the beach is always fun during the summer looking for snook, jacks, and tarpon. Simply walk the beach casting Yo-Zuri Crystal

Minnows Lures or a Deceiver Fly. As always, be on the lookout for diving birds. As the summer continues, we could start seeing the silverside minnows getting schooled up against the beaches which is always a fun opportunity for snook, jacks, and tarpon.

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he subtle, yet firmly warm transition to the forever Florida summer will become evident during the days of June. Generous amounts of solar light will illuminate an offshore ocean that will welcome the near coastal anglers of the Treasure Coast. Bottom fishing will again be this month`s best offshore strategy decision for “meat hunting,” allowing anglers to target the many species of snapper and grouper that populate area reef zones. The open catch and keep season on most species of grouper will be in full swing during the days of June, as fishing crews continue to dial in their precise positioning skills over top of structures in 70 to 180 feet of water. Deep artificial reefs located in 150 to 180 feet, just east of our St. Lucie Inlet, will be location specific hot spots and will prove to be fish magnets for all species of saltwater fish, especially large gag grouper. Bottom fishing strategies will also allow fishing crews to deploy a dead stick surface spread of flat lines with live or dead baits that enable fisherman to catch top water species like mahi, king mackerel, and sailfish, while actively bottom fishing at the

LEFT: Another Safari1 mutton snapper connection. June will be full of “Snapper Smiles.” RIGHT: Mahi will be one of the prized fish targets of June, like this jumbo dolphin caught by this junior angler aboard the Safari 1. PHOTOS CREDIT: Safari 1.

fisherman who fish the entire water same time. This method of covering Tower Ledge”. The days of June will offer a sun- column in the near coastal waters of the entire water column will increase all around fishing success and toasted backdrop for grocery getting the Treasure Coast. increases the potential for stand-up excitement. Besides bottom drops on some of our deeper structures, anglers who cherish a snapper dinner, will angle Visit our Facebook page! towards the expansive southern reef Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Boat line in depths of 60 to 80 feet of water, Located at Pirates Cove Resort and Marina east of Hobe Sound and Tequesta, 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno/Stuart, FL where many species of snapper tend with coupon For Reservations call (772) 334-4411 to reside. Large representatives of the not valid in combination with other offers or mutton, mangrove, and cubera family discounts. Offer valid of snapper patrol these reef contours through June 30th. and are prize saltwater trophies for TRIP TIMES even the most seasoned of offshore anglers. Monday-Saturday Sunday Cobia will also be found among these naturally occurring coral reef 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. zones, known to locals as “The Loran Adults $60; Children $50 Adults $70; Children $60

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JUNE 2021

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JUNE FISHING CONDITIONS June 1

BEST

June 21

Evening

BEST

Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters (772) 284-3852 captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com www.fishtalescharter.com

BEST

Morning

June 22

FAIR

Morning

June 3

POOR

Morning

June 23

FAIR

Morning

June 4

POOR

Morning

June 24

GOOD

Evening

June 5

POOR

Morning

June 25

GOOD

Evening

June 6

FAIR

Morning

June 26

BEST

Evening

June 7

FAIR

Morning

June 27

BEST

Evening

June 8

POOR

Morning

June 28

BEST

Evening

June 9

POOR

Morning

June 29

BEST

Evening

June 30

POOR

Evening

June 10

POOR

Evening

GOOD

Evening

June 12

GOOD

Evening

June 13

POOR

Evening

June 14

POOR

Evening

June 15

FAIR

Evening

June 16

FAIR

Evening

June 17

FAIR

Morning

June 18

POOR

Morning

June 19

POOR

Morning

June 20

GOOD

Morning

SOUTH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

Morning

June 2

June 11

FISHING FORECASTS

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

FORT PIERCE’S PREMIER INSHORE FISHING TOURNAMENT SERIES

ummer has arrived on the Treasure Coast. Expect hot days ahead! It is a time to get out early or late in the day and avoid the afternoon heat. Winds will be calmer and water temperatures will be in the mid-80s to the 90s most days. June is always one of my favorite months to enjoy the fishing in the area. Look for snook in deeper water like bridges, inlets and sea walls. Live bait or D.O.A. TerrorEyz are great ways to fish for snook. Don’t

forget that the season is closed, so handle the fish carefully and get them released quickly. Night fishing will also be one of the best times to snook fish. Look for tarpon along the beaches, inlets and channels. Live and cut bait or D.O.A. TerrorEyz are some of the popular choices for tarpon. Snook, redfish, trout and tarpon will be the big targets this month. Redfish will be hanging around mangroves, grass flats and docks. D.O.A. Shrimp or C.A.L. shad tails are the perfect lures to target reds. Most of the redfish will be slot sized fish. Trout will be feeding on the grass flats both early and late in the day. The D.O.A. Deadly Combo is a great way to search out the sea trout on the flats. Top water lures are the best choices for trout at first light and switching to D.O.A. Paddle Tails once the sun rises high. Remember, as always, fishing is not just another hobby…it’s an ADVENTURE! Good fishing!

Raquel topped off the day with this 26-inch redfish caught along the mangroves in Fort Pierce on a beautiful morning!

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Capt. Colton Hester Sonna Girl Fishing Charters (772) 293-5342 colton@sonnagirlfishing.com www.sonnagirlfishing.com

ummertime is here! That means calm seas and great fishing off of the Treasure Coast. Now that we are moving into summertime, I will begin to mainly fish live bait. Offshore 15-to-40 miles out there will still be some mahi to be caught trickling by on weed lines or temperature change edges, as well as on the reef in 80 foot. It’s not uncommon to catch a 15-pound or bigger dolphin from 60-to-80 foot of water while trolling live baits. There are also some wahoo around in 80 foot of water in the summertime that we will catch when slow trolling for kingfish with blue runners or pilchards. This is also a great way to watch your bottom machine and find new rocks while you’re slow trolling down the reef. Look for small rocks (2-to-5 foot drop offs) with a lot of bait above them. Those are the kind of rocks that will hold snapper and

Earl Gaines with an amberjack caught aboard Sonna Girl Fishing Charters. This fish was caught off of the “Muliphen” an artificial reef site south of the Fort Pierce Inlet. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Colton Hester.

grouper as well as pelagic fish. Cobia will also be out cruising the reef line, so the possibilities are endless of what you could catch in the summer right off our coast! If you’re looking for bait to live bait fish, you can usually bet on 12A buoy which is offshore of the power plant in 50 feet of water. This buoy usually holds greenies, blue runners, and sometimes will have sardines. Use a number 8 sabiki for the smaller

ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE

baits and a number 12-to-15 for the larger blue runners with a 2-ounce dipsy sinker on the bottom. You can find those at Whites Tackle in Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, or Stuart! Another great place to find bait is with Dave at Dave’s Live Bait! He is usually selling bait from 4-to-7:30 a.m. in the Fort Pierce Inlet. He sells a mixture of pilchards and greenies. It is always best to give him a call at (772) 519-2104 if you do not see him

in the morning. He could be at Stan Blum boat ramp. Bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, and amberjack is very good as well. I like to continue to fish the snapper on the reef anywhere from 70-to-90 foot of water. There have been multiple reports of some big mutton snapper starting to show up out on the reef. Target the shallower side of the reef (70-to-80 foot) to target mangrove snapper and the deeper side (80-to-90 foot) to target the big mutton snapper. Cut cigar minnows, ballyhoo, sardines, and grunts are all excellent choices of bait. The grouper and amberjack I fish anywhere from 140-to-200 foot of water. I target rocks and wrecks for these fish. We have been catching a lot of big amberjack lately, it seems as if there are too many amberjack to get past to get the bait down to the bottom! But nevertheless, they are a good eating fish that pull extremely hard! For tackle For tackle, I use an 80-pound main line, preferably braid because it has less scope, to a threeway swivel with 20-to-40 ounces of lead, depending on current, a 15foot, 80-pound fluorocarbon leader and a nice 10/0 Mustad hook. For bait, I use large blue runners or large greenies if I can’t find blue runners.

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he inshore fishing should be red hot along with the water temps. With snook season closing on June 1, there will still be some good catch and release action around the Fort Pierce Inlet when using live baits and fishing them on the bottom and bouncing them as you drift or free lining them when fishing around the rocks. The trout bite should be as good as it gets with the trout taking topwater baits like a Zara Spook or a Top Dog Jr. at first light and just before dark. Try places like Bear Point, Pete Stone Creek or the area around the Mooring Flats. During the day try a live shrimp fished under a popping cork or a D.O.A. Shrimp and fish in three-to-five feet of water in those same areas. It is time for the snapper bite to really pick up along the channel edges, both to the north and south in the Intracoastal Waterway. A live shrimp on a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a #2 hook with a ½-ounce

Shannon Miller with a nice tripletail caught fishing Fort Pierce Inlet channel markers.

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weight should do the trick. The tripletail should also be showing up around the channel markers. Try your luck with a ¼-ounce Troll Rite and a handpicked shrimp. Remember, let the tripletail take the bait. They have a small mouth, so don't pull it away from them, you need to give them a little time to take the shrimp. Look for the tarpon to arrive at places like the Fort Pierce Inlet, turning basin, Big Mud Creek and the Mooring Flats. Try free lining a live bait like a mullet or a pilchard with a 6/0 hook. Best times will be just around first light and again just before dark.

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in the double or even triple digits. Large migrating tarpon, smoker kingfish, bonito, barracuda, cobia, dolphin, and even sailfish are possible within SEBASTIAN a few miles of Sebastian Inlet. INSHORE Slow trolling live greenies and mullet, trolling plugs and sight Capt. Gus Brugger fishing to schools of feeding Pattern Setter Charters and cruising fish along the beaches can all put a trophy (772) 360-6787 on the end of your line. Look www.WelcomeToSebastian.com for schools of bait or areas of bottom structure to narrow he early summer season with your search for fish. its stable weather and light winds widen the horizons for small SEBASTIAN RIVER – The boat anglers. The predictability of top of the list in the Sebastian the weather gives small boat and River in early summer is kayak anglers a chance to pursue tarpon. There are tarpon species that are out of their reach throughout the Sebastian the rest of the year, including king River, but the larger fish seem mackerel, bonito, cobia, large to frequent the entire north migratory tarpon and giant jack fork and the lower south fork crevalle. Regardless of whether after June first. MirrOLure you are fishing the ocean or the suspending plugs, D.O.A. backcountry, mornings in June will Terror-Eyz jigs, Yo-Zuri 3D generally provide great weather minnows and flies are all good conditions to pursue whatever you artificials for both snook and want. tarpon. Small to medium sized mullet are the best choice for NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC – The live bait. early summer near-shore fishery gives small boat anglers the SEBASTIAN INLET – The tips of opportunity to catch fish weighing the jetties have always been the best

action. Live bait is the best way to go during the day, with croakers, pigfish, greenies and shrimp the best bait choices. With fishing pressure low due to the closed snook season the next three months are a great time to try some new techniques and have some fun with the family catching fish at Sebastian Inlet.

FISHING FORECASTS

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INDIAN RIVER LAGOON –

Trout and redfish have been more difficult to find so far this year than snook and tarpon. Early morning will provide the best shot at shallow water trout and reds. With open water grass beds still near non-existent, try to find where the bait fish are and there should be some predators nearby. Top-water plugs are the best way to cover ground, with D.O.A. jerkbaits, live mullet and pigfish being good choices as well. Snook of all sizes will be laid up tight to docks and mangroves getting Gus Brugger Jr. with a slot size snook he out of the sun during the day, wrestled from the docks and mangroves pitch a D.O.A. shrimp into the of a residential canal with his fly rod. cover on stout tackle and hold PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger. on. The weather and the fish are here, spots this time of year for catch and release snook and oversized redfish get out and enjoy.

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une year gets us with m Warm consis be mo and o in the therm waters deeper pushed the bo Wh great fi the be mutto and ki a mild couple but it p we sho on the will b trolled inch For should some reefs. Th to the up an is whe light s Musta fluoro chopp throw stick o oppor

Bottom fishing should be good on the reefs in 80-to-90-foot range. Clear water is going to require light leaders and live bait to entice a bite. As always, the ever-growing Capt. Terry Wildey shark problem will be something to Big Easy Fishing Charters deal with. I’m hoping some group, (772) 538 - 1072 individual or fishing club will put Email: captwildey@bellsouth.net together a shark tournament. One www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com tournament of 100 boats would start putting the uneven balance une is my favorite month of the back where it should be. Meat from year for fishing. The good weather gets us more days offshore, combined with more consistent water quality. Warm clean water equals more consistent fishing. Live bait should be more readily present both inside and outside the inlet. The only fly in the soup would be the annual thermocline. That’s when the cold waters from the bottom in 500 feet or deeper, that averages 52 degrees, gets pushed inshore. This will shut down the bottom bite offshore. When this happens, we have some great fishing on the 20 foot reefs off the beach. We’ll see good catches of mutton snapper, mangrove snapper and kingfish. Last year we only saw a mild thermocline but we did have a couple of days fishing the beach reefs, but it passed quickly. Other than that, we should have some good kingfish on the 80-to-90-foot reefs, bigger fish will be hitting live bait. Strip baits A nice Blackfin tuna trolled behind a Seawitch and 3½caught by Dan Dougherty inch Drone Spoon works well also. aboard Big Easy Charters. For those trolling offshore there PHOTOS CREDIT: Capt. Terry Wildey. should be some schoolie dolphin, some even into the 80- and 90-foot the shark could be donated to local reefs. They are always a nice addition food banks. Believe me people that to the box. When you are anchored are saying this is a sign of a heathy up and a school swims up. This eco system do not see what is really is when it’s good to have a couple happening out there. As always support your local light spinners ready with a #4 or #5 Mustad short shank with a 30-pound tackle shops, be courteous to your fluorocarbon leader. Have some fellow anglers, one day you might chopped up pieces of squid ready to need their help, be nice to your law throw to keep their interest as well as enforcement including our FWC. stick on the hook to capitalize on the They’re just doing their job. “Fish on, gotta go!” opportunity.

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Jim Beckerleg , Clayton Bonawitz and Shellie Brant with a nice catch of king mackerel and mangrove snapper.

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JUNE 2021

TREASURE COAST 9

FISHING FORECASTS

FROM THE SHORE

Jayson Arman That's R-Man Land Based Fishing Services (772) 530-8080 thatsrman4677@gmail.com

une’s weather forecast can be HOT so get out early and even consider some night fishing. Snook season has come to an end. For the months of June, July and August snook season will be closed on the east coast of Florida. When you do catch them, treat these fish with care. Always support their belly and never hold them vertical for a picture. You will find some of your big breeding fish around beaches jetties and piers. Make sure to have a bridge net and try to fight the fish quickly so you are not stressing it out during a time when it will breeding. This month, there will be more bait showing up. I like walking the beach and bringing a good assortment of lures. Some days

there will be Spanish mackerel, other days there will be six-foot tarpon, which can be very exciting and unpredictable, so always be prepared. Getting out at night and walking the banks gigging for flounder will also be a “thing” in June. Look for sandy shorelines, make sure to shuffle your feet. Be prepared to encounter a couple (or three or four) stingrays. Sea trout fishing at first light with top water plugs will be good until the sun pops up. Also try to focus on what the birds are doing. When you see pelicans diving and keeping their beak in the water, they are probably diving on smaller bait fish. When they dive and pop back up, they are diving on mullet. This is very important to know. In June, I also enjoy doing some bass fishing in the evenings. Walking local ponds and canals, throwing artificial frogs and getting solid blowups will be a great way to end your day. Good luck on your next adventure always remember it is called fishing so try to learn something every time you go That’s R-Man Land Based Fishing over and out.

INSHO

Forrest Kramer fighting a solid beach tarpon. This fish was hooked on a No Live Bait Needed Swimbait. PHOTO CREDIT: Jayson Arman.

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KAYAK FISHING FORECAST

Brian Nelli Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899 Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com

days offshore. Blackfin tuna should become more consistent. Five to ten-pound fish are the norm while working the water column with a Catch Fishing Jig off Palm Beach County. Trolling 20 feet deep diving Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows tied up on a Crowder Rods E-Namic rod is also a great way to pick up a few. Getting out early will be your best bet to get on the kingfish bite. Live goggle eyes and blue runners are always the way to go. Don’t forget about the sailfish. Summer is still a great time to land

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INSHORE: Snook are on

the move to local inlets for the summer spawn. Bridges in between the inlet and the main Intracoastal or river are great holding points for snook making their way to the breeding grounds. There are multiple launch locations in Palm Beach and Martin County near the inlets. Sawfish Park in Jupiter is a good one to start with. Live mullet fished on the bottom and large D.O.A. TerrorEyz are my favorites. June will also start the rainy season. Fishing the spillways when they are open around heavy rains can produce many snook. Again D.O.A. TerrorEyz is a favorite, but don’t overlook a colorful buck tail.

OFFSHORE: June will bring more days of calm winds and seas which means more

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this great fighting fish. Using the same live baits mentioned above will work as well for the sailfish and mahi.. Check out Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest adventures my clients and I get into. See you on the water!

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WE H EVERY YOU NEE A GREAT THE W

FISHING FORECASTS

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Capt. Nate Shellen Shellen Guide Service (863) 357-0892 OkeechobeeBassFishing.com sjmike7@aol.com

ne of the most frequently asked questions a fishing guide receives is, “When is the best time to fish Lake Okeechobee?” The answer most often is that there is never a bad time to fish Lake Okeechobee; some days are just better than others. The “big lake” has a tremendous amount of bass, and you can always find fish that are willing to bite, but pinpointing a single day is nearly impossible. If you are a panfish angler that likes to catch bluegill or shellcracker, then spring and summer are your prime times for catching. Panfish can be caught most days, but the full moon periods are when they can be found in large schools near their

Robbie Marx and his family enjoy some fun, sun, and fishing with OkeechobeeBassFishing.com, catching these beauties at Headwaters Lake in Fellsmere. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen.

spawning areas. The fact that they gather together in large numbers in a specific area makes catching them easier. Panfishing is great for beginning anglers who may want to learn some angling basics and enjoy some fast action. As

table fare, bluegill, or shellcracker freshly filleted and fried are delicious. The water temperature in the lake is near 90 degrees, which means that the bass are feeding daily. The north end of the lake

has many different areas that are holding large schools of fish. The outside vegetation lines around Buckhead Ridge and Grassy Island are holding large numbers of fish. If you can find a mixture of native vegetation, odds are it will be holding bass. Topwater baits, flukes, lipless crank-baits, swimbaits, and flipping or pitching type plastics are all drawing strikes. While many anglers are fishing the outside edges of the lake, others are delving behind the first line of grass and finding openings in the grass where fish are holding, too. Many times, we have found a mother lode of panfish while we were bass fishing in these extreme skinny water areas. We simply mark the spot on our GPS and return later to harvest the fish or share the info with others so that they may go in and catch them. The fishing is still HOT on the Big O with some days producing numbers into the 20’s. Big bass are still in the mix, normal size bass may bite where you are fishing every day for a week, and then the next time the spot is visited big bass seem to have taken over, only to revert to average fish again the next day. Go figure!

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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

une marks the start of the BEST time for diving in South Florida and for some, their first dives of the year. Many locals consider themselves ‘fair weather’ divers and will only dive during the height of the summer when water temperatures are up and seas are down. Luckily, this time of year won’t disappoint! Everyone loves being offshore when boat wakes are the only waves to be found, making June the best time to experience what Florida diving has to offer. Weather watchers may notice light west winds develop this time of year, especially in the afternoon. Since June marks the beginning of the rainy season in South Florida, the potential for strong afternoon thunderstorms should be taken

A nurse shark “laying low” off of Bathtub Beach. PHOTO CREDIT: Steve Wood.

into consideration. Captains should review how to handle white-out conditions with divers, should they surface in a rainstorm. Basic signaling devices such as safety sausages and whistles should be considered standard equipment and a plan should also be in place for when to activate coast guard assistance in the event of separation. These offshore breezes influence obvious changes like thunderstorms activity and sea conditions but may also have a subtle impact on

diving too. Believe it or not, South Florida experiences the coldest water temperatures during the hottest part of the year due to costal upwellings. These thermoclines maybe refreshing on hot days with bottom temperatures in the mid to low 70s but stronger events have been reported with temps as low as the 50s being reported in years past. Always a smart idea to pack your wetsuit, even this time of year. Shore diving and snorkeling season also gets underway this time

of year. Visibility can be finicky but generally a few days of flat calm conditions will yield top to bottom conditions on near shore reefs. Places like the Valentine wreck off Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge and the shallow reefs off Fort Pierce Inlet State Park are excellent choices. For strong swimmers, Bryn Mawr Beach and Jensen Public Beach have great reef lines about 300 yards off the beach. Remember a dive flag, sunscreen before you head out and stay alert for passing boaters.

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TREASURE COAST 13

Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri

SCOUTING: I

Sea run char caught in Greenland.

Finding a New Fishing Spot

remember 20 years ago when a European travel agency for fishing asked me if I wanted to do scouting tours for them for finding new fisheries. Wow was I excited! Traveling to places for free and fishing, what else did I need? One of my first trips brought me to Greenland to find rivers with clear water and the motherload of sea run char. I was in heaven and the whole trip was a success! Back then I loved traveling, going places, and figuring things out in new places I would explore. Since that time my life has changed, and I realized the less I have to travel, the more I get to fish! Being a full-time guide, I spend most

of my time on the water and a lot of my job is dependent on finding the right fishing spots and providing a good shot to my guy with the rod in his hand. So let me share some of my thoughts on how to find good fishing spots in our area along the Treasure Coast. Fish always depend on oxygen and food. Keeping this in mind we are looking for areas mostly with current and structure. Sure, we can catch fish all over the place but when it comes down to efficiency, I prefer the right spot at the right time. To learn about these spots, you have to be out there and fish them in different seasons, times and tides. A good head start in our technologically advanced times

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for example is Google Earth. Here when all the variables come together you can get a very good idea about and you catch a big fish. the areas you’re thinking about. I know this is only a drop on a hot Capt. Michael Mauri stone, but I really want to encourage www.mauriflyfishing.com you to go out and find your own michael@mauriflyfishing.com spots. Nothing feels better than (772) 485-3321

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ARC of Martin County KDW-Plus Returns June 18-19 JUNE 19, 2021 F resh air, the outdoors, fishing, and fun are the main ingredients of this year’s ARC of Martin County (ARC) seventh annual KDW Fishing tournament in support of over 400 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/ DD) across the Treasure Coast. In addition to kingfish, dolphin and wahoo, newly added categories of grouper and snapper ensure diversity for anglers of all types. A captain’s meeting on Friday, June 18 will kick off the one-day tournament on Saturday, June 19, with all activities based out of Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina, in Port Salerno, Fla. No boat? No problem! Limited fishing spots will be available on Safari 1 Deep Sea Fishing for only $100 per angler that includes rod, reel, bait, tackle and one dinner ticket for the awards ceremony. Make it a vacation and stay awhile! In addition to being a proud sponsor of this year’s tournament, Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina is offering a discounted room rate of only $79 per night to registered participants if booked between May 1 – June 1 (taxes/fees not included). Team entry fees are $200 if registered by June 4, or $250 after that date, which includes a bucket full of goodies per team and four tickets to a gourmet BBQ dinner at Saturday evening’s awards ceremony. Additional anglers can join in the fun for $50 each and family/friends are welcome to purchase additional awards dinner tickets for only $25 each. $7500 in total cash prizes for first, second and third will be awarded to the teams with the heaviest of each species, as well as a cash prize for top Junior Angler, and top Lady Angler. Well supported by many area businesses, even nonparticipants are encouraged to check out the silent

Kingfish, Dolphin, Wahoo & NEW Grouper & Snapper Divisions!

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auction and raffle opportunities. Online bidding makes it easy to shop from the comfort of home! The ARC of Martin County, (Advocates for the Rights of the Challenged) is a 501(c)(3) non-forprofit organization dedicated to empowering children and adults with I/DD through residential, vocational, educational, behavioral, and other healthcare services. “Our goal”, said ARC President and CEO Keith Muniz, “is to provide support, assistance and training that will enhance the abilities for children and adults with disabilities to thrive each day and achieve their fullest potential.” “Without the support from our many partners, such as Publix Super Markets, PepsiCo-Frito Lay, Boars Head, US Sugar, H.E. Hill Foundation, and many other area businesses. we would not be able to provide many of the supports that we currently do that empower individuals with I/ DD challenges to achieve their full potential,” Muniz said.

CAPTAIN’S MEETING: EARLY June 18 • 6 PM / Poolside REGISTRATION Friday, SILENT AUCTION OPENS DISCOUNT! START/LINES IN Register by GENTLEMAN’S 7 AM on Saturday, June 19th June 4th for from the St. Lucie, Jupiter or Palm Beach Inlets. $200 / $250 After

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For more information contact Tish Gelineau at (772) 283-2525, tgelineau@arcmc.org. or visit www.arcmc.org/events. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

TREASURE COAST 15

HUSBAND/WIFE TEAM TAKE FIRST IN BFA MAY TOURNEY T

he fifth installment of the Backcountry Fishing Association took place on May 1 and was hosted out of Little Jim Bait and Tackle, located on the North Causeway in Fort Pierce. A total of 38 boats fished, bringing in 11 trout, 4 redfish and 1 snook. Weather was great, but fishing was tough. Husband and wife team, Mike and Shelly Bartus, took the first place slot with a 4.69-pound trout and a 3.14-pound redfish, for a combined weight of 7.83 pounds, earning the couple $770. Tony Vercillo and TJ Keifer took second place with a 3.27-pound trout and a 4.47-pound redfish, for a combined total weight of 7.74 total pounds, earning the duo $462. Sean Tillett and his alternate Bryan Patrick took third place with a 7.40-pound snook, which earned them $307. They also earned $270 by taking the snook calcutta.

16 TREASURE COAST

Backcountry Fishing Association Fort Pierce, FL

ABOVE: First place team, Mike and Shelly Bartus. BELOW: Second place team, Tony Vercillo and TJ Keifer.

Audrey Kuipers took Lady Angler for May with a 6.03-pound redfish, which earned her a pair of Danco pliers and a knife. This placed Audrey and her husband Scott Kuipers in fourth place, which earned them points for the series. The couple also took the redfish calcutta, earning them $280. Husband and wife, Zach Foltz and Lorae' Simpson took fifth place, earning points with a 1.68-pound trout and a 3.76-pound redfish, for a combined weight of 5.44 pounds. Brothers, Joe and Matt Canestrari won the trout calcutta, taking home

JUNE 2021

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FROM LEFT: Third place team, Sean Tillett and his alternate Bryan Patrick; Fourth place team, Audrey Kuipers and her husband Scott. Besides fourth, they also won the redfish Calcutta; May’s Lady Angler, Audrey Kuipers. PHOTO CREDITS: Backcountry Fishing Association.

$280 with a 4.91-pound trout. The Backcountry Fishing Association tournament is a ninemonth circuit which runs from January thru September, with a twoday Classic held in October. The artificial lure only tournament gives two-person teams and solo anglers the opportunity to win cash and gain points.

Redfish, trout and snook (seasonal) are the qualified species. Anglers attempt to bring one legal fish of each species to the scales for weigh in and live release. Teams must participate in at least five tournaments to be eligible to fish the Classic which is a two-day event. The top five eligible teams with the highest accumulated points from

the season are given a bye from day one. The remaining eligible teams compete on an elimination basis the first day, where only the top five teams of day one progress to day two to compete against the season point leaders for the grand prize and cash for the top four teams. Membership fees are $25 for the year. To enter the tournament each

month, the fee is $60 per team. The next tournament is Saturday, June 5, with a captain's meeting on Friday, June 4, at Little Jim Bait and Tackle, 601 North Causeway, Fort Pierce, Fla. For more information, visit the Backcounty Fishing Association on Facebook.

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The C44 canal looking east toward Stuart. This cyanobacteria bloom entered the canal from Lake Okeechobee at Port Mayaca.

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ake Okeechobee is again on center stage for Indian Riverkeeper as a growing, toxic cyanobacteria bloom intensifies. The bloom started developing in early April, and by mid-May is intensifying as dry and hot weather provide perfect conditions. Weather aside, the level of phosphorus in the Lake water and the Lake’s muck layer is really all it needs, as proven over the past 20 years or more. So Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach and Lee County residents are yet again wondering when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) will hit the dreaded trigger and send billions upon billions of gallons of Lake Okeechobee’s polluted, cyanobacteria-laden fresh water into our public waterways for months on end. These estuarine public waters are already greatly impaired due to this criminal practice over decades, and also by myriad local pollution inputs. So, it’s not if, but when. And anglers are again expected to accept that? Indian Riverkeeper has voiced its opposition to Lake discharges,

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particularly when know toxin levels threaten public health.

The Lake Now

Lake Okeechobee stands at 13.8 feet elevation as of May 10 and wet season is about to begin. And fears are that this time, the documented, highly toxic water with active blooms will turn our waters into a dangerous stew that threatens our health, that of our pets, our livelihoods, our marine life and our very way of life. Given the level of cyanobacteria blooms on the Lake at such an early date strongly suggests that this will be the worst environmental disaster the Treasure Coast has ever had. At present, Florida DEP Algal bloom testing has found over two dozen samples that slightly or greatly exceeded the World Health Organization’s benchmark of eight parts per billion microcystin. Over eight parts is considered too toxic for human recreation. Readings as high as 850 have been documented. And over eight parts results have from the eastern shoreline as well as the center and southwestern

quadrants of the Lake, areas that Indian Riverkeeper viewed on a flight over the Lake in early May. April 2, 2021: the US Army Corps of Engineers issued a Notice to Navigation for the entire Okeechobee Waterway, warning that recreational and commercial vessels could encounter blue-green algae that can sicken people and animals. Indian Riverkeeper contacted the Martin County of Health and suggested cyanobacteria warning signs in Spanish be posted at Port Mayaca on the Lake shore where many people fish. Installation has started and we are asking for more signs as the bloom spreads.

How Did the Lake Rise?

The Lake elevation rose to 16-plus feet last fall as heavy rains closed out 2020. Since then, a gradual recession has occurred, yet periodic rainfall slowed the drop somewhat. In late March, the Army Corps decided to not discharge Lake water (when there were no active blooms) to actually slow the recession of the Lake. The reason? Snail kites need sufficient water level to next and raise offspring. It was confounding to us on the coast, who always ask the Corps to make necessary discharges when there is no health threat to humans. And now, the Corps Is standing pat on no discharges to the C44 canal which leads to the S80 lock and dam in Stuart, and the headwaters of the St. Lucie.

Last Gasp Appeal Congressman

Brian

Mast

(FL-18)

Cyanobacteria warning signs at Port Mayaca, Martin County, Lake Okeechobee. PHOTOS CREDIT: Mike Conner.

early May demanded that the Army Corps reject a proposed management plan for Lake Okeechobee that is essentially written by lobbyists for the sugar industry, as members of the LOSOM Project Delivery Team. As a result of a law written by Rep. Mast in 2018, the Army Corps is currently re-writing the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), which will determine when discharges will happen from Lake Okeechobee to the estuaries for the next decade. The Corps has narrowed their consideration from

thousands of models to a final five remaining options, but one is a plan reportedly written by two lobbyists for the Florida Sugar Cane League. “Letting the sugar industry write the management plan for Lake Okeechobee is like letting the fox guard the hen house,” Rep. Mast said. “This is a brazen attempt by the sugar industry to skew the results of the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual to put corporate profits ahead of the health of Floridians across the state. This cannot be allowed to happen.” Participation on the Project Delivery Team (PDT) for LOSOM is limited to representatives of government agencies. The public’s participation is limited to public comment periods during the meetings. Nonetheless, two lobbyists for the Florida Sugar Cane League—which “represents” the U.S. Sugar Corporation—are participating as members of the PDT and have written one of the remaining plans that is still under consideration (“Balanced Alternative BB”). The goal of LOSOM is to arrive at a “balanced Lake operation plan” for all stakeholders. The idea is to balance benefit and harm for each stakeholder, which means those concerned primarily with water supply and flood control. However, Indian Riverkeeper, Lake Worth Waterkeeper, the Stuart-based Rivers Coalition and Friends of the Everglades have made clear to the Corps that the Florida East Coast estuaries do not benefit in any way from Lake Okeechobee discharges. When the Lake waters come, it is 100

SEE RIVERKEEPER............................................ PAGE 21

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long. And that must end. In this cyber age, anyone with a cell percent harm, no benefit whatsoever. So, a responsible LOSOM for the phone or computer can communicate with water agencies, and those we coasts would prevent discharges. elect. With a couple of exceptions, I fail to see enough urgency in this dire matter. We are going to be slowly poisoned, more seagrass habitat and marine life will die, and we will have to live with ourselves for allowing it to continue. Please call (904) 232-2568 and make clear your comments are for Col. Andrew Kelly. Or, email him at public mail.CESAJ-CC@usace. army.mil. Also email each board member of the South Florida Water Management District (www.sfwmd. gov). Find them on the site under the “Who We Are” tab.

Cyanobacteria bloom festering and releasing toxins in the C44 canal west of Stuart. PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Conner.

The Army Corps is scheduled to select a final plan by mid-July. Currently, there are five remaining alternatives under consideration as part of “Iteration The public can voice their opinion on the LOSOM process by emailing Lakeocommnents@ usace.army.mil.

ANGLERS, MAKE SOME NOISE!

RAFFLE FOR A KAYAK Indian Riverkeeper started a raffle in mid-May for a new-model Crescent Kayak, generously donated by Jensen Beach’s Native Watersports. The Crescent CK-1 Venture is a oneperson boat that comes with sitatop seat and other features. Tickets are $25 apiece or 5 for $100, which includes your annual membership to Indian Riverkeeper. Tickets are available on the IRK web site, www.theindianriverkeeper. org. Or, drop by Native Watersports to see the boat and buy a physical ticket. They are located at 863 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd., Jensen Beach FL 34957. Go to our Facebook page, Indian Riverkeeper to see a video of shop owner Ted Nielander going over the details of the boat. We will draw the winner on July 4.

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The ACOE, South Florida Water Management District, local legislators and your own Governor, hear too little protest from residents or seasonal visitors. They hear plenty from non-profit water-advocacy organizations—we are always in the Indian Riverkeeper invites businesses conversation, and tirelessly represent to support them with merchandise your interests. You can be sure that donations for further raffles. If other stakeholders—those who interested in this, or in becoming a frankly only care about their share Supporting Business Owner, contact of the water supply—and not the Executive Director Mike Conner at Everglades or public water safety in (772) 521-1882 or email keeper@ particular—have a seat at the table. theindianriverkeeper.org.

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TREASURE COAST 21

COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST JUNE DAY TIME HEIGHT

Cash Awards Blue Pointe Bar & Grill @ Jupiter Pointe Marina

$85 per diver / $250 for a Team of 4 Includes both weeklong and day of diving! Early registration discount until 6/5

FISH TALLY & DOCK PARTY: SATURDAY, JUNE 19th, begins @ 2PM

1TU 2:13 AM 8:14 AM 2:36 PM 8:38 PM 2W 3:09 AM 9:15 AM 3:38 PM 9:39 PM 3TH 4:04 AM 10:12 AM 4:40 PM 10:36 PM 4F 4:57 AM 11:04 AM 5:37 PM 11:29 PM 5SA 5:47 AM 11:51 AM 6:28 PM 6SU 12:17 AM 6:33 AM 12:34 PM 7:14 PM 7M 1:01 AM 7:16 AM 1:14 PM 7:56 PM 6TU 1:42 AM 7:57 AM 1:53 PM 8:36 PM 9W 2:22 AM 8:37 AM 2:31 PM 9:16 PM 10TH 2:59 AM 9:17 AM 3:08 PM 9:55 PM

2.39 0.18 2.2 0.11 2.27 0.19 2.13 0.23 2.18 0.17 2.11 0.3 2.12 0.12 2.14 0.34 2.09 0.06 2.19 0.34 2.09 0 2.25 0.33 2.1 -0.05 2.3 0.31 2.12 -0.09 2.35 0.29 2.14 -0.11 2.38 0.28 2.15 -0.12 2.39

H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H

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22 TREASURE COAST

JUNE 2021

11F 3:37 AM 9:56 AM 3:44 PM 10:35 PM 12SA 4:14 AM 10:36 AM 4:22 PM 11:15 PM 13SU 4:52 AM 11:18 AM 5:01 PM 11:57 PM 14M 5:33 AM 12:01 PM 5:43 PM 15TU 12:39 AM 6:18 AM 12:48 PM 6:31 PM 16W 1:23 AM 7:08 AM 1:39 PM 7:25 PM 17TH 2:10 AM 8:03 AM 2:37 PM 8:25 PM 18F 3:01 AM 9:01 AM 3:39 PM 9:29 PM 19SA 3:56 AM 10:01 AM 4:43 PM 10:32 PM 20SU 4:54 AM 10:59 AM 5:47 PM 11:32 PM 21M 5:54 AM 11:56 AM 6:48 PM

0.29 2.14 -0.11 2.38 0.3 2.12 -0.09 2.35 0.32 2.09 -0.05 2.32 0.32 2.07 0 2.28 0.31 2.05 0.06 2.24 0.26 2.06 0.12 2.21 0.18 2.1 0.17 2.19 0.06 2.17 0.2 2.2 -0.1 2.28 0.17 2.24 -0.27 2.42 0.12 2.31 -0.44 2.56

L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H

22TU 12:30 AM 6:53 AM 12:51 PM 7:46 PM 23W 1:25 AM 7:51 AM 1:46 PM 8:41 PM 24TH 2:19 AM 8:46 AM 2:40 PM 9:33 PM 25F 3:12 AM 9:41 AM 3:33 PM 10:25 PM 26SA 4:05 AM 10:34 AM 4:26 PM 11:15 PM 27SU 4:59 AM 11:26 AM 5:19 PM 28M 12:04 AM 5:53 AM 12:19 PM 6:13 PM 29TU 12:52 AM 6:48 AM 1:12 PM 7:08 PM 30W 1:40 AM 7:43 AM 2:06 PM 8:04 PM

0.04 2.4 -0.57 2.69 -0.03 2.49 -0.66 2.78 -0.09 2.56 -0.69 2.81 -0.12 2.59 -0.66 2.8 -0.12 2.58 -0.56 2.74 -0.09 2.51 -0.41 2.64 -0.04 2.42 -0.23 2.51 0.01 2.3 -0.04 2.36 0.07 2.19 0.14

SEBASTIAN (INLET)

VERO (OCEAN)

FORT PIERCE

TIME OFFSET High Tide -48 min Low Tide -24 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .93 feet Low Tide 1.0 foot

TIME OFFSET High Tide -55 min Low Tide -35 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.45 feet Low Tide 1.36 feet

TIME OFFSET High Tide -31 min Low Tide -18 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.14 feet Low Tide 1.50 feet

JENSEN BEACH (INDIAN RIVER)

ST. LUCIE INLET

JUPITER INLET

TIME OFFSET High Tide +55 Low Tide +1 hr; 42 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1 foot Low Tide .50 feet

TIME OFFSET High Tide -10 min Low Tide -9 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide 1.08 feet Low Tide 1.42 feet

TIME OFFSET High Tide +2 hrs; 17 min Low Tide +3 hrs; 4 min HEIGHT OFFSET High Tide .48 feet Low Tide .92 feet

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L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L H L

Martin County Lionfish Round-Up is Back

ith years of lionfish removal and education under its belt and many adjustments necessary due to COVID-19, the annual Lionfish Round-Up in Martin County is back on track for its tenth annual Lionfish education and removal mission. The live event will take place on Sat., June 19, at Blue Pointe Bar & Grill, Jupiter Pointe Marina, in Jupiter. “There have been several changes to this year’s event,” says April Price, the event’s coordinator. “The 2021 event will benefit Friends of Our Florida Reefs (FOFR), a nonprofit citizen support organization for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Reef Conversation Program. FOFR is dedicated to conserving and protecting over 100 miles of vital coral reefs in Southeast Florida between Miami-Dade and Martin Counties. Also, new this year, we will conduct a week-long round-up with an online reporting system as well as

a live event on June 19 at Blue Pointe Bar & Grill. This will include our traditional fish tally, music, raffles, auction, food, libations and fun.” “Friends of Our Florida Reefs is excited to be hosting and benefiting from the Round-Up this year,” says Melissa Sathe, president of the organization. “This lionfish effort not only fits our mission of protecting Florida’s Coral Reef, but it also covers the northernmost area. FOFR has been interested in becoming more involved on the northern end of Florida’s Coral Reef. When the opportunity to benefit from the Lionfish Round-Up was presented to us we were thrilled to be able to contribute to outreach and education in Martin and Palm Beach Counties. We hope by adding weeklong diving opportunities and remote check-in, that we will attract divers from the entire region and strengthen our base in Martin and Palm Beach counties.” In the first nine years, the Martin

Team CSA member Erin Holder with her catch from the MC Lionfish Round-Up 2019. PHOTO CREDIT: Martin County Lionfish Round-Up.

County Lionfish Round-Up is credited with removing nearly 3,400 lionfish from area coastal waters. “Divers will be eligible for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and the reward of knowing that they are contributing to the health of our reef systems,” said Price. Participants will be required to attend a Zoom “Diver Briefing”. Diver registration will remain open until the final Zoom meeting.

Landlubbers are invited to join the festivities as well, by becoming an event sponsor or attending the June 19 celebration, to observe the fish that divers bring in, enjoy food samplings, music and libations poolside, and check out the raffles and silent auction. For more information, contact April Price, (772) 285-1646, or visit www.McLionfish.com

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TREASURE COAST 23

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JUNE 2021

TUG SINGLETON REEFING Tug Singleton at Harbour Pointe Park.

he process of reefing the Tug Singleton has begun. After the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) formally approved the project, McCulley Marine Resources, Inc. transported the Singleton from Merritt Island. The tugboat will be prepared according to State and Federal standards and deployed on the Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club artificial reef site. Cleanup of loose trash and debris will be removed first. In order to promote water circulation throughout the reef and to ensure diver safety, all glass will be removed and doors will be either removed or welded open. Holes may also be cut above the water line to ensure proper sinking. All chemicals will be removed from the Tug Singleton prior to deployment. Fuel, lubricants, and hydraulic lines will be drained prior to the removal of engines, transmissions and generators. Other pollutants, including PCBs, heavy metals, and asbestos must be removed if present and the tug will be steam cleaned. Cleanup and deployment of the Tug Singleton is being timed to coincide with the County’s artificial reef grant application to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC has ranked this project for funding but is waiting for confirmation of Federal funding prior to issuing contracts. The St. Lucie County Artificial

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Reef Program will seek additional funding for the Singleton deployment. Funding for the cleanup and deployment of the CCA-Curtis Bostick Reef and the Paul Jacquin & Sons Reef came from many sources including the BOCC, the Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, Derecktor Fort Pierce, the Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club, St. Andrews Academy, the FWC, Paul Jacquin & Sons, and many others. This reef will be another team project. In addition to the work being done by McCulley Marine Resources, Rick Simnett, of the nonprofit organization Destination Fort Pierce, and Christa Stone, of the Peoples Reef Project, are collaborating to ensure funding for this deployment. Stability analyses show the Tug Singleton will be unstable at depths shallower than z=150’. Hence the boat will be deployed in fairly deep water (z=150-160’). At these depths the Singleton will create additional fishing opportunities and will also recruit the deepwater ivory tree coral (Oculina varicosa). This coral was historically found growing in offshore reefs from St. Lucie County to Brevard County called the Oculina Banks. The reefs have been degraded by destructive fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, but are now protected. It is hoped that local research organizations like Florida Atlantic University at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and the Smithsonian Marine Station can

LEFT: Gag grouper on Tug Beverly M. ABOVE: Tug Alois - Starboard side.

to be used by both anglers and divers but will require extensive cleanup.

PHOTOS CREDIT: St. Lucie County.

develop techniques for transplanting corals grown on St. Lucie County’s artificial reefs to the Oculina Banks. Scamp (Mycteroperca phenax) and gag (Mycteroperca microlepis) have been shown to inhabit other tugboat reefs in the area, providing

recreational opportunities for anglers. During the closed grouper season (January until May), it is hoped that this high-profile vessel will attract spawning aggregations which would make it a valuable tool in the conservation of these species

on the Treasure Coast. If St. Lucie County receives grant funding from the FWC, the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program may then acquire the ex-Navy Tug Alois. This boat is much heavier, making it stable in shallower water, enabling it

For more information on the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator, at oppenbornj@ stlucieco.org or (772) 462-1713. To get involved with Destination Fort Pierce, contact Rick Simnett at rsimnett@mediagiantdesign.com or (772) 205-3584. To learn about The People’s Reef Project, Christa Stone can be reached at christa@ mytcmedia.com or (772) 361-3614.

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of the vessel as well as other vessels nearby. Potential unsafe scenarios include the sole operator falling overboard and the “death spiral” of a circling boat as well as the difficult job of trying to wrest control of an un- manned vessel under power. The United States Coast Guard estimates 100 fatalities per year may have been avoided if a ECOS had been linked to the operator. The average linked ECOS will shut down the engine in 6 seconds and the wireless fob versions can take up to 20 seconds. While the Federal law was passed in 2018, boat builders have been installing ECOS systems for decades. The utilization of the ECOS-link by boat operators was not enforced until April 1, 2021. The civil fines vary from $100 for the first offense, up to $250 for the second and a third offense can cost $500. To learn more, visit cgaux59.org , or Flotilla 59, 3443 SE St. Lucie Blvd., Stuart, Florida.

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FWC Continues Ongoing Goliath Grouper Efforts

Commission Explores Adding Access Opportunities Via Limited Harvest A

t its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) listened to a presentation and stakeholder input on goliath grouper in Florida state waters. The Commission directed staff to continue ongoing efforts that recognize goliath’s role in the ecosystem and promote stock rebuilding while allowing access to goliath through catch-andrelease, ecotourism and dive viewing opportunities. They also directed staff to develop a proposed draft rule for consideration by the Commission at a future meeting that would build on existing access opportunities for goliath by considering a limited, highly regulated harvest. “We should applaud our successes,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “I’m in favor of coming back with a very delineated list of line items for a limited take that wouldn’t disturb the dive industry and would provide additional access to this fishery. Just because we’ve been doing something for 30 years doesn’t mean we need to keep doing it the same way.”

Goliath grouper. PHOTO CREDIT: FWC.

“I’m not suggesting we do this at the end of the day but I am saying we should direct staff today to move forward, continue to gather input on this and see if we can’t come up with a win-win for all stakeholder groups,” said FWC Commissioner Robert Spottswood. The FWC will continue to monitor the status of the stock using alternative metrics approved by the Commission in 2018.

Learn more about goliath grouper at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Goliath Grouper” under the “Reef Fish” tab. View the Commission meeting presentation at MyFWC.com/Commission by clicking on “Commission Meetings” and the agenda under “May 12-13, 2021.”

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SAWFISH NEWS By Paula Carlson, Stacia White, and Alan Henningsen

WHEN YOUR-OUT STAY CHARGED UP WE DELIVER & INSTALL BATTERIES

A boy admires a sawfish at Dallas World Aquarium. PHOTO CREDIT: Paula Carlson.

Sawfish in Public Aquariums:

Making Conservation Connections

ince the early 1930s when the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago displayed a smalltooth sawfish for the first time, public aquariums have created connections between people and these incredibly unique, and now critically endangered, rays. Over the years, millions of visitors to zoos and aquariums around the world have enjoyed that experience, and for many it is the only opportunity they will ever have to see a living sawfish. Because of the decline of sawfish populations worldwide, public aquariums are in a unique position to build on these connections and help to create conservation solutions. Sawfish conservation requires a multi-faceted approach to be successful, and the public aquarium community shares common concerns with researchers, field biologists, and conservation and management agencies in terms of the need for continued and increased collaboration between stakeholders at all levels. Many of the public aquariums in the United States are members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, husbandry, conservation, education, science, and recreation. With more than 183 million visitors to accredited institutions each year, AZA’s focus on connecting people and animals provides a critical link to helping animals in their native habitats. For many years, members of the AZA Marine Fishes Taxon Advisory Group have worked with governmental and non-governmental conservation agencies to find solutions to protect

sawfish in their natural environment. In addition to their role in education, research, and conservation, AZA member zoos and aquariums also play an important role in the preservation of species through population management programs and AZA Species Survival Plans® (SSP). The mission of an SSP is to cooperatively manage specific, and typically threatened or endangered, species populations within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, certified related facilities, and approved non- member participants. Smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis), and green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) are the three species most displayed in aquarium collections. In the United States you can view sawfish with amazement at Dallas World Aquarium, Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, National Aquarium, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, Shedd Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, SeaLife Minnesota, Sea World Orlando, Landry’s Downtown Aquarium Denver, and Landry’s Downtown Aquarium Houston. These connections with sawfish in aquariums are important to the conservation of sawfish because, “In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught." — Baba Dioum. For more information, contact Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation, (941) 201-2685, tonya@havenworth.org, or visit www.havenworth.org.

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Thomas Tokoly Jones, 11, fishing around the Vero Beach Florida area caught a couple of nice bass. PHOTO SUBMITTED by Dad Courtney Jones.

Todd Taylor Jr. with a nice snapper caught off Stuart in 75 foot of water using an eel tail for bait. PHOTO CREDIT: Joe Bosco.

Email your information ality and high-qu rger) (500KB or la @ easurecoast photos to tr e.com. lerMagazin CoastalAng

Naret Viravong, representing Team No Idle Hands, landed these two nice kingfish on live goggle eye in 50 feet of water outside of the St. Lucie Inlet. Savannah Francis caught and released this 38-inch snook on a live mullet wading the flats of Vero Beach.

PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kmiotek.

PHOTO CREDIT: Alicia Brooks.

Tim Hanson with a nice flounder he caught using live shrimp on a quarter-ounce A&S Jig Heads. PHOTO CREDIT: Jayson Arman.

Tony Schaus with a 38-pound mahi caught aboard The Bounty in April. “Got him in 650 feet of water out of the St. Lucie Inlet on a skirted ballyhoo.” PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Tony Ettari.

Frank Orio (second from right) with friends showing off a day’s catch fishing with Savage Pursuit Fishing Charters. PHOTO COURTESY of Frank Orio.

John Fogleman muscled this 42-pound trophy gag grouper off the bottom in 165 foot of water outside the St. Lucie Inlet. Fish was caught on a 300g Rocket Jig from Ruck Jigs. PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Kmiotek.

This beautiful 28-pound blackfin tuna hit a naked ballyhoo trolling in 95 feet of water just south of the St. Lucie Inlet. Visitors from Portland, Maine, hooked-up this jack crevalle with a lure baited small trolling rod aboard a 118 Triton Sea Hunt. It was a fight, but they got the job done! Here are Katie Rutherford and Lauren Dymek with their prize catch.

PHOTO SUBMITTED by Leonard Fox.

Aaron Grosko hooked up this 10-pound kingfish off of Stuart on the Magic Mako. PHOTO CREDIT: Shain Haas.

PHOTO SUBMITTED by Lisa Gardener.

Alabama boy caught his first snook on a live pilchard with Stuart Angler's Capt. Giles.

“An awesome day on the Lady Stuart,” proves angler William Payne.

Will Larson with a nice mahi he caught while fishing aboard Off The Chain.

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy.

PHOTO PROVIDED by William.

PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.

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species, but let’s explore the topic a little deeper. The reasoning behind making a certain type noise with your cork is to imitate the sound of fish busting bait on the surface. In the case of striped bass and snook, they make a popping sound when they eat a bait on the surface, as opposed to a speckled trout that “slurps” a bait off the surface or a red drum that has a mouth on the Tim Barefoot underside of its head and has to get on top of a bait to eat it. There is a lot here to unpack regarding the size, shape and how have started using fixed-position as well as sliding corks more much weight you’re trying to suspend and more over the past few years. under the cork—too much to cover in this Recognizing the effectiveness of article. The point is, don’t just stick with the different styles of cork is important for same cork you’ve always fished. Just like you different situations. Considerations include change lures or baits when the bite slows, water depth and temperature, current—or try experimenting with different cork sizes lack of current—and target species. and styles. Pay attention to the way your Also, it has become evident that not all lure or bait is presented as well as how the corks make the same noise. That can be a fish react. turn on—or a turn off—to fish at different I’ve evolved to fishing a ¾-ounce jig times of the day, and especially in different and 7-inch Super Fluke under a cork for currents and/or depths. larger fish, so a 3-inch cigar float is not an For example: A couple weekends ago, we option for this size bait. The 3-inch cigar had a great morning bite from striped bass float is perfect for the 3/8-ounce jig/shrimp using a 2-inch oval (chugging) cork. It was combo, and it makes the perfect sound for one of those bite-on-every-cast situations speckled trout and drum in the backwater. everyone dreams of. I’ll close with this: Check out my We noticed the bite slowing down a little videos that describe the different size and as the sun got higher. A simple switch to a shape of floats I use and what type sounds much quieter pencil-shaped cork brought they make. Here’s a teaser: Have you ever the bite back to almost every cast again. We thought of using a popping cork offshore? were fishing the same lure under the cork; For more details, check all this out on the the only change we made was the cork itself. website. The more current, and the more brokenup current you have, the more noise you For more from Capt. Tim Barefoot, visit his want your cork to make as an attractant. website at barefootcatsandtackle.com. This holds true for pretty much every

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ooker Electric’s Deluxe Livewell Sea Chests are essentially plumbed boxes installed in the bilge by the boat builder or dealer. One or two supplies fill the sea chest that contains two to four livewell pumps that, in turn, deliver clean, bubble-free seawater to the individual bait livewells. There are many advantages to this type of system. It helps remove air and prevent air locks, especially if you have a lot of aeration with stepped hulls. With the pumps mounted outside, you have more volume of water and the ease of swapping a pump quickly should the need arise. Hooker Electric’s Deluxe Livewell Sea Chests are manufactured with corrosive-resistant 316L stainless steel and powder coated for extra protection. They are affixed on top with ¾” thick high-grade acrylic for quick visual inspection. Stainless steel boxes are simply more durable than the mainstream “X” fiberglass competitor models. Precision tapped seal ring and neoprene gaskets combined with stainless steel fasteners assure a lifetime of use in the corrosive saltwater environment. Hooker Electric’s 2,500-, 4,500- and 7,500-gallons-per-hour pumps are variable flow and can run multiple livewells and tuna tubes through a Hooker Electric manifold. Hooker Electric’s Sea Chest simplifies the entire system. It allows you to run all your livewells and raw water feed from one system. Visit hookerelectric.com to learn more or call (954) 530-6908 Mon-Fri HOOKERELECTRIC.COM 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. EST.

Hooker Electric’s compact bait pumps are designed for high flow performance. Engineered from sturdy 5086 aluminum & durable PVC. Variable flow or on/off capability. 12V DC electrical system.

855.HOOK.ONE LOCAL: 954-530-6908 HOOKERELECTRIC.COM

5094 NE 12th Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334 EMAIL: sales@hookerelectric.com

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 19

SUMMER IS HERE Time to Get Out There!

he long days of summer are here, and we all know what that means—more time to fish. It also means blazing sun and stifling heat. That’s reason enough to take inventory of your gear to make sure you’re prepared to take on the summer heat. GILLZ technical fishing apparel is designed in Florida, one of the hottest places on the planet in summer. Gear that keeps you cool and comfortable here will keep you cool anywhere! Constant innovation has led to superior fabrics and designs that push performance to new heights. This gear is designed with the single goal of allowing you to fish longer and harder in total comfort. Consider the Flex Mesh Woven Short Sleeve shirt. On the boat or at the bar dockside, this shirt is up to the task. The incredibly unique fabric has thousands of micro holes acting as vents, keeping you cool and comfortable. Performance features include UPF 30+, two chest pockets, snap collar and quick dry. Plus, the shirt comes in three colors: Aquatic Water, Hawaiian Ocean Grunge, and Hi Rise Grey Grunge. So, you don’t have to wear the same one every day, because trust us, you’ll want to. Next, check out the new Men’s Tournament Short Sleeve. Proprietary, chemical-free GillzTec fabric provides 30 percent better cooling than other shirts. The revolutionary cross-breeze ventilation system brings another blast of cooling air, making it the coolest shirt you’ll ever own! Featuring incredible stretch that effortlessly moves as you move, this is a must-have shirt for any serious angler. Check out the website at gillz-gear.com

20 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

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Eye-opening innovation. Performance in every stitch. Ventilation like nothing else. GILLZ technical fishing apparel crushes the elements, keeping you cool, comfortable and protected so you can always be in the moment. Unique fabrics breathe like nothing you’ve ever worn. Built tough and durable to get you far.

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22 NATIONAL

JUNE 2021

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

HYDRASTEPP’S NEW 18’ FLATS-BOAT By CAM Orlando Owner Phil Wolf

he new Hydrastepp 18’ is a high-performance flats boat resulting from years of trial and improvement by renowned racing boat designer/ builder Steve Stepp. With 35 years in the industry, Stepp racked up 14 world records with his company, Velocity Powerboats, of Sanford, Fla. His advanced designs achieve performance and efficiency most manufacturers are unable to match. His latest venture, Hydrastepp Boats, manufactures this new vessel in Lake Mary, Fla. As owner and co-publisher of the Orlando edition of Coastal Angler Magazine, I wanted to see if Stepp’s newest production vessel could measure up to claims made in their advertisement with us. Eager to climb aboard, I met Stepp at Lake Monroe and the I-4 Bridge on the St. Johns River. The boat was equipped with a 140 hp Suzuki 4-stroke with half tank of gas,

Coast Guard-required equipment and a modest amount of gear. Stepp said it would get on plane in less than three seconds with both of us in it. Each of us weighs more than 200 pounds, and it did just that… effortlessly. Heading into a moderate quartered-sea chop at about 32 to 34 mph, the ride was extremely smooth and incredibly dry. With those boxes checked, we returned to calm water in the river. This boat has a large gunnel and a 94” beam, extremely wide for an 18’ boat. It was very stable when I walked around on the gunnel. It has a huge storage compartment up front, with a removable tackle-storage system, and two large storage compartments in the rear. There are front and rear livewells. The custom, divided sport seat with a removable backrest is like those on offshore racing boats. The console is sleek and sports a 9” monitor screen/fish-finder/ GPS and all the normal gauges: tachometer, water pressure, temperature, gas, speed by GPS, all linked to the motor and fuel system. Very cool! This boat gets up to 10 mpg while cruising between 30 and 32 mph at 3,400 to 3,600 rpms. Back in the river, we cruised at about 32 mph and the monitor read 3,400 rpms. Then Stepp hammered the throttle, and the boat quickly achieved over 65 mph at 6,200 rpms with a little throttle left. It was very impressive for a stock 140 hp engine with a rear poling platform creating drag. I jumped at the chance to drive back to the ramp. Once acquainted with the throttle and trim, I drove with confidence. Cruising over 55 mph, we only burned about 6 gallons per hour on the gauge. This boat also floats in 10” or less and has room for four anglers with a huge front deck. If you’re in the market for a flats boat, the new Hydrastepp is worth a test ride. Hydrastepp is taking production orders, so get in line! This vessel is nicely equipped at around $60,000 for boat, 115 hp motor and custom trailer by Ameratrail. Or, you can upgrade to the fully loaded version with a 140 hp for $75,000. See this boat online at www.HYDRASTEPP.com.

How important is STABILITY to you?

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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 23

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JUNE 2021

Angler Lands World Record Shellcracker

hen sunfish get this big, are they still considered panfish? On Tuesday, May 4, Thomas Farchione, of Wisconsin, caught this 6.3-pound redear sunfish at Lake Havasu on the Arizona/ California border. The fish, which measured 17 inches in length, with a 20inch girth, is a potential world record if accepted by the International Game Fish Association. The existing IGFA All-Tackle World Record was caught in Feb. 2014 by Hector Brito. It weighed 5-pounds, 12.8 ounces (5.8 pounds). Brito’s fish was also caught from Lake Havasu. Wait… it gets better. Before Brito caught his fish, the world record for redear was 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Can you guess where it was caught? You got it. In May of 2011 Robert Lawler landed a 5-pound, 8-ounce record redear at Lake Havasu to set the mark at the time. Obviously, this 19,300-acre impoundment of the Colorado River has earned its reputation as the best place in the world to catch enormous redear sunfish, which are also known as shellcrackers because they feed on snails, mussels and other mollusks using teeth in their throat to crush the shells. According to USA Today, invasive quagga mussels were discovered in Havasu in 2007. The fast-spreading mussels have provided an abundant food source to grow the largest shellcrackers in the world. Farchione caught his monster redear drop-shotting a nightcrawler in 25 feet of water. For more information, see www.azgfd.com.

COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

TIPS FROM A PRO

FROG FISHING FOR HUNGRY POST-SPAWN BASS

ENTER TO WIN! 1 SEA TOW GOLD CARD MEMBERSHIP

TYLER WOOLCOTT

hat a fun time of year to fish! In most parts of the country, bass are finishing up with spawning. This leads to awesome fishing as bass feed up after coming off the beds. You will find very aggressive fry guarders, often times a shad spawn, and also fish roaming the banks feeding on bluegill and other forage. There are many ways to catch these hungry and aggressive bass, and a hollow-body frog is one of the most fun and effective techniques. A frog duplicates many different types of baitfish, it can be fished through a wide variety of cover, and it flat out puts big fish in the boat! There are many different styles, sizes and colors of frogs on the market. When choosing, think about the forage, the type of cover and the size of fish you are targeting. My favorite frog is a 13 Fishing Trash Panda. It comes in a walking model and a popping model in a variety of colors.

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JUNE 2020

LOCATION 1

A fry guarder is a bass guarding a big ball of tiny bass hatchlings. These bass are extremely aggressive and territorial and will chase and eat pretty much any fish that gets near the babies. In this scenario, I go down banks through areas where bass have recently spawned. I stay off the cover and cast a frog through it. I like a bluegill-colored walking frog in this scenario, which means the lure will have a yellow or orange belly. Bluegill are a common nemesis to the bass and their fry. This color pattern drives bass crazy when they spot it near their babies. Often, you can find a shad spawn in the low light of early mornings and evenings. Look for birds lined up along the banks to find spawning shad. The shad often relate to hard cover (rocks and wood), grass lines and slow tapering points. A shad-colored popping frog in a white or silver color is an awesome lure to pick up bass feeding on shad. With the hollow-body frog being so weedless, it can be thrown where many other baits would get hung up. These are the places where shad spawns occur. A hollow-body frog is an awesome way to cover a lot of water, and it can produce some extremely fun topwater strikes. Whether you’re targeting late spawners, fry guarders or fish that are on the feed, a frog puts fish in the boat this time of year. Frog Fishing Gear: Typically, you will be fishing a frog around some type of heavy cover, which calls for some heavy gear. I like to throw a 13 Fishing 7’4H Omen Black rod paired with a Concept A 8.3 reel spooled with Seaguar 50-pound Smackdown braid. This setup allows you to haul fish out of heavy cover and into the boat! Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM

JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 25

G o to An ch or Pu lle ri st he W ay or Be lo w ,E -Z D ec k Ab ov e Above-deck on the 3025 GFX or below-deck inside the rope locker of the 35’ Sea Chaser HFC, the Rebel drum anchor winch is included as the standard or optional upgrade feature on these and other 2021 models. The compact design and 316 stainless steel components ensure E-Z Anchor Puller drum anchor winches can be retrofitted into tight spaces and perform in harsh, saltwater environments.

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. America’s Anchor Winch Since 1990 Call 1.800.800.1640 | ezanchorpuller.com E-Z Anchor Puller’s drum anchor winches are complete 316 stainless steel with patented motors. This jam-free, hands-free solution neatly stores any diameter rope and chain right on the spool - no more tying off to a cleat!

Y EARS ANNIVERSARY

E-Z ANCHOR PULLER MFG. CO. DEBUTS NEW PRODUCTS IN 2021 New Offers Include Pre-Spooled Rope Kits, Bowsprits and a Break-Away Anchor Design

fter 30-plus years of specializing in the windlass-replacement anchoring solution, E-Z Anchor Puller debuts its branded anchoring products engineered to suit each drum anchor winch. Widely used anchoring accessories such as hawse pipes, bowsprits, guide rollers and more have been added to the catalog, manufactured specifically to accommodate the Hero, Patriot and Rebel drum anchor winches. “To offer improved level winding of the rode onto the drum, we now have 4-inch wide flat rollers that let the rode wander back and forth to create a better spooling onto the drum,” said company President Aaron Knopp. “The 4-inch wide flat rollers allow more travel to ensure the rope is not centered onto the drum.” “We knew our catalog needed to include inventory totally unique to our drum anchor winch dimensions,” said Sara Hitchins, Office & Trade Show Manager. “The standard anchoring accessories you see on the market now cater to the traditional windlass, for example, narrower guides on the roller, however, narrower guide rollers mean pile-up in the middle of the winch.” Hitchins said the company’s expanded inventory will enhance boaters’ experiences on

the water, as well as improve the buying process for customers who prefer a “one-stop-shop” experience over researching and selecting other brand accessories. “For a while, we’ve identified ourselves as the drum anchor winch experts, but really, having dealt with various consultations and unique boating experiences over the years, we’ve really become boat anchoring experts along the way,” Hitchins said. Two other notable products, the Shear Magic galvanized plow anchor and the pontoon anchoring solution are also on sale. The 15-, 22and 35-pound anchors were designed with a shear pin designed to break, so boaters no longer have to worry about cutting away their anchor rope and anchor when they get caught in coral reefs or other obstructions on the seabed. With the pontoon anchoring solution, an under-deck mounted configuration utilizes the structural integrity of the pontoon and is powered by the drum anchor winch. To further compliment the

catalog, the company will begin offering spools of anchor rope in July, 2021, further eliminating guesswork and wait time for customers. Vice President Christy Funk said the pre-cut nylon and dyneema will be shipped the same day as the customer’s anchor winch. “We’ve offered consultations on winch size and appropriate rope configurations based on boating needs for years,” said Funk, “so it’s exciting to be able to provide them with what they need right off the bat, when they need it, rather than ordering the winch first, then ordering the rope and having to wait for that.” E-Z Anchor Puller will attend the in-person ICAST boat show, July 20 at Booth 3817 as well as the 30th anniversary IBEX show in late September, Booth 3-2130. The “Trade Only” Tampa-based event caters to marine industry professionals and is “dedicated to advancing the business of boating.” For information, go to www.ezanchorpuller.com.

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JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 27

GULF SNAPPER SEASONS OPEN FOR 2021

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totally new design is the best of both worlds – it’s like fishing a jig and a DOA Shrimp. The weighted super sharp hook slips seamlessly into the body of the shrimp. It has a molded in rattle cavity to easily add sound, skips well, sinks fast, and casts like a bullet.

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JUNE 2021

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG RAPP

n April, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved a slight increase in the annual catch limit for red snapper for 2021. It’s nowhere near the increase some expected after the Congressionally funded Great Red Snapper Count (GRSC) indicated an abundance of red snapper far higher than estimates being used to set regulations in the fishery. The Gulf Council’s scientific review committee chose not to include GRSC data in its 2021 acceptable catch recommendation. However, the Gulf Council requested catch level recommendations for 2021 and beyond be revisited with consideration of the GRSC final report. The Gulf red snapper season for federally permitted vessels is June 1-Aug. 2. Each Gulf state sets its own season for private recreational angling and charter operations without federal permits. Check state regulations for gear and reporting requirements. The daily limit is two fish per person, with a 16-inch minimum size, except in Texas state waters, where the limit is four fish per person with a 15-inch minimum size. State seasons are as follows: Florida: June 4-July 28. Alabama: Four-day weekends, Fridays-Mondays, beginning May 28 and continuing until the private angler quota is projected to be met. Mississippi: Opened Friday, May 28, with an expected mid-season closure on July 5 to compile data and examine the potential for a season extension. Louisiana: Weekends only (Friday-Sunday), including Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July regardless of the day of the week; Season subject to change. Texas: Open year-round in state waters until the quota is met.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPT. GREG RAPP

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- Fish Fishburne JUNE 2021

NATIONAL 29

Parkit360°: The Ultimate Trailer Parking Solution

ave the parking headaches—one-shot your boat into position every time with one of Parkit360’s electric trailer dollies. The Force and Transformer models are compatible with almost every trailer right out of the box thanks to their ball-mounted Stablelock technology. Just freewheel the dolly to the trailer, connect to the hitch and steer your trailer into place. With weight capacities ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 pounds, these portable powerhouses can handle the most difficult parking challenges with ease. Unlike a driver who relies on mirrors and backup cameras, the user faces the trailer, giving them complete visibility and control while parking. See exactly where the trailer is at all times and steer within inches of any obstacle if needed. Park in ways that were once impossible with a truck, and have the flexibility to move around the trailer at any time to check its position. The dolly’s compact design also allows the user to park hitchend forward as a serious theft deterrent, something that is nearly impossible to do with a vehicle. All models include Intelligent Speed Control, a great feature for those looking to move through open areas quickly, and more precisely in tight spaces. The high and low speed option starts and stops the motor gradually to prevent potential damage from sudden movements, something that makes these dollies stand out above the competition. Switch speeds any time during parking and get things done faster! Have a unique trailer hitch on your boat

trailer? Easily move any ball mounted, fifth wheel or gooseneck trailer up to 15,000 pounds with our standard adapters, or try the Telescopic Hitch Adapter. It’s a non-invasive, alternative connection point that bolts around your existing trailer frame. Parkit360° dollies are built strong and secure to safely move on firm grass, packed gravel, and 4- to 6-percent inclines. Want a Dolly that’s ready to park, right out of the box? Most models include a 12V U1 Interstate Battery with all required cables and hardware. With existing features like the Built-in Battery Charger, Electric/Surge Brake Controller and a full 2 Year Warranty, Parkit360° has truly made parking simple for every trailer. Parkit360° has been in business for more than 10 years and has shipped more than 15,000 trailer

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