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LOCAL CATCH PHOTOS
GRASS FLAT
GATOR TROUT
CURRENT INTEL FROM AREA CAPTAINS PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL MACINNIS IG: @RSOCFISHING
VOLUME 27 • ISSUE 323
COASTALANGLERMAG.COM
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ost folks associate the word “gators” with big scaly reptiles or a college mascot. Mention gators to a cadre of hardcore inshore anglers and you are likely to elicit fond memories of 30-plus-inch silver flanks speckled with black spots and gaping yellow mouths sporting a wicked pair of canine teeth. I’m talking about seatrout, big trophy trout that prompt some of us to wake up at 4 a.m. so we can be on the water throwing topwater plugs at first light. Big trout don’t act like their smaller brethren, and the techniques that hammer schoolies won’t work on bigger fish. Most gator trout are caught on shallow grass flats 1 ½ to 3 feet deep. Look for flats with dense grass mixed with a few sandy potholes that big trout use to ambush prey. The flat should also have a healthy supply of bait like mullet or pinfish, and it should be close to deeper water, so a wary old trout has a short escape route. During the hottest days of summer, big trout retreat to deeper water off the edge of a flat or seek out shade under mangroves or docks. During the coldest nights of winter, gator trout move into deep channels, canals and dredge holes where they can be targeted with sinking plugs and shrimp imitations worked slowly along the bottom. Seatrout see well in low light, unlike their prey items, like mullet. So, big trout feed best during low light. It is best to
By Paul MacInnis
SLING LURES for Grass Flat Gator Trout
fish early mornings, late evenings, on overcast days and at night. It may seem counter intuitive, but more trophy trout are caught on artificials than bait. Big trout are loners. Lures allow you to cover a lot of water, increasing your odds of intercepting bigger fish. About 80 percent of an adult seatrout’s diet is fish. With that in mind, large mullet-imitating lures are a good choice. The classic gator trout lure is a topwater “walk-the-dog” bait like the venerable Zara Spook. Of course, big swimbaits and shallowrunning plugs also work, along with soft plastic shrimp. A seatrout doesn’t grow to trophy size by being stupid. Big trout are wary and will evacuate a flat at the slightest indication of danger. Hull slaps and pressure waves from a drifting boat put wise old trout on high alert. It’s best to ditch the skiff and either wade or fish from a minimally invasive vessel like a kayak. It also helps to make long casts to get your lure in front of a fish before it detects your presence. Catching a true gator seatrout is not easy, and even when you do everything right there is still an element of luck involved. When you finally catch that trophy fish, handle with care and release her gently. A mature female seatrout can release over a million eggs during a spawn. Let her go to release her big-fish DNA into the gene pool.
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The Experts in Custom Rod Building Have Much to Share
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ud Hole Custom Tackle is the world’s largest supplier of rod building and tackle crafting goods and instruction. The heart of Mud Hole is its people, who strive for excellence and truly care about what they do. From leadership to customer service, and from product development to the warehouse floor, Mud Hole is comprised of passionate anglers and rod builders who use their own products every day and are eager to bring custom rod building to anglers everywhere. Established in the 1970s as a custom rod shop in New Jersey, and named after the famed Mud Hole trench at the outflow of the Hudson River, Mud Hole has truly humble, “tackle-shop” origins. Things really picked up in 1999, when the headquarters moved to Oviedo, Florida and the Internet made it easier to connect across the globe. Promoting the many benefits of custombuilt fishing equipment, Mud Hole Custom Tackle thrived and brought custom rod building to the masses. As interest in rod building grew and the industry flourished, Mud Hole dedicated itself to providing accessible DIY rod building instruction and resources to anyone who wanted to learn. Today, the Mud Hole YouTube channel hosts almost 500 videos with over 10 million views, and is followed by over 31,000 subscribers. From Rod Building
101 instructional videos to product reviews to Rod Recipes to Mud Hole TV episodes—where the team builds custom rods and puts them to the test against the most popular target species—Mud Hole provides the highest quality, most entertaining rod building content available. In addition to recorded video content, Mud Hole also hosts a live, streamed rod building show, Mud Hole Live, where hosts and guests share rod building techniques with an interactive, online audience. Who knew that custom rod building would hit the big time! Beyond making quality rod building content easily accessible to DIY audiences, Mud Hole also offers custom rod building classes with professional instructors. The workshops take place in the Mud Hole Education Center in Oviedo, Florida, in local markets across the U.S., and even online, in the comfort of your own home. A variety of topical classes are offered, from beginner workshops to application-specific builds, such as surf, fly, redfish and mahi rods. All classes include every component, supply, and all of the personal interaction needed to build high quality, custom fishing rods. Mud Hole also collaborates with schools and youth organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and 4-H to bring rod building to students through
specialized programs and education curriculum. In its 13 years, the Mud Hole Education program has reached over 30,000 students across 650 institutions in the United States, Canada and Australia. For Mud Hole, it’s not just about selling customers the components, tools and supplies they need with top-notch customer service, it’s also providing all of the instruction and resources to help them build! It’s about supporting and growing the community of rod builders who share a passion for custom rod building. Check out all that Mud Hole Custom Tackle has to offer at mudhole.com.
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THE ALTERNATIVE TO BUYING A NEW BOAT
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WHAT A TRIGGERS THE BITE? PHOTO COURTESY OF KNOCKIN TAIL LURES
By Capt. Michael Okruhlik
ction, color, profile, style, which is more important when fishing artificials inshore? I investigate this question more than the average fisherman does on each trip, because I manufacture lures. To prove my point, how many of you switch tactics or lures when the bite is hot? I do! Years ago, I would not change a thing while the bite was on. If I lost the last soft plastic of a particular color, I would dig through every compartment to find one more identical to what was working. I might even rig it upside-down or sideways to get that last soft plastic to stay on the hook for a few more bites. Designing and fine-tuning lures has driven me to fish differently and explore more frequently, even when the fish are biting. On a recent trip, I was trying a new design, even though I was more confident in one of my original designs for this scenario in these conditions. The bite was strong, I switched between two lures about every three fish just to see if there was a preference. I started with the new design in a green-back, clear-belly color and caught a fish on the first cast! I was feeling confident, since it was a new lure and a new color, but it took dozens of casts to catch a few more fish. I switched to my original design in a pearl color. Once again, fish on the first cast! It didn’t take long to land a few more, and I decided to switch back to the new design, only this time in the same pearl color. My intent was to see if color was what the fish were keying on. Although I caught fish on both lures, the original produced considerably more fish per cast. I kept switching to gain knowledge and validate my findings. Both lures were the same color and 5 inches long with very similar body size. The actions, however, were completely different. One was a paddle tail, while the other was a soft jerk- or twitch-bait style. The fish on this day undoubtedly preferred the erratic side-to-side action of the twitch bait. Although I attempted to work the swimbait more erratically, the paddle tail did not have the quick side-to-side action that triggered the strike. Both lures were rigged on the same weighted swimbait hook, and I used the same rod. In this scenario, the action and lure style were the keys to triggering the bite. Even if you’re catching fish, it is a good idea to change things up from time to time. The day before, in the same area, I caught an equal number of fish on both the abovementioned lures. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures, and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.
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ou won’t win many boat races with the Outfitter ZX from StyleCraft Boats, even with the proprietary fiberglass hulls and their racing design. These hulls move the pontoon boat to plane faster with better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride. This is just one of the features boaters love about StyleCraft Boats. The goal of any pontoon boat owner is fun on the water, another trademark of StyleCraft Boats. Owners of the Outfitter ZX can enjoy freshwater or saltwater outings without worry of boat deterioration. After all, there is no aluminum in these triton hulls and the wood-free 3/4-inch thick deck is made entirely of a composite material. For cruising to catch the breeze in the hair, turn to the Outfitter ZX. Comfortable seating, a tritoon design for the smoothest of rides and amenities like Bluetooth music create a great atmosphere for all, including the youngsters. Ride the water for a while then anchor at a swimming hole and jump in. The fold down ladder makes for a work-free re-entry onto the deck and the Bimini top keeps the sun off sensitive skin. The Suzuki 90 horsepower outboard provides the perfect speed for cruising. With a 150 horsepower Suzuki, the Outfitter ZX will pop the skier on the end of the rope right up. Straight runs, zig zags and arcing circles give skiers or tubers an entertaining ride while jumping wakes. The ski tow bar option transforms the Outfitter ZX from a cruiser to a skiing phenom
without taking up deck space. The new Outfitter ZX fishing version is still in design, but the regular Outfitter ZX can be transformed into a fishing machine with just a couple tweaks. A Humminbird Helix GPS fishfinder is standard on the Outfitter. With fishing chairs on the forward deck area, anglers have ample space to cast and catch. The shallow draft design of the pontoons allows the boat to maneuver in shallower conditions, taking anglers where the fish might be. Add the optional aerated live well, and fish can be kept alive. Stow some lawn chairs, extra ice chest and a grill on board and nose up to a nice sandy beach. It’s picnic time. Add a tent and sleeping bags, and the Outfitter ZX becomes an overnight on-the-beach hotel. The Outfitter ZX tritoon footprint starts at as a trailerable 8 1/2 feet wide and 20 feet long. For more floorspace and increased passenger capacity, there’s also an 8 ½-foot-wide and 24-foot-long deck model, which is also trailerable. Now the fun part starts, completing the layout for individual tastes and desires. Regardless of how you use your Outfitter ZX, you will look great on the water and you and your boat mates will have a whale of a time. Ask your favorite marina to offer the Outfitter ZX for your next rental. StyleCraft Boats are made in the USA in Alachua, Fla., and are available factory direct only. Follow StyleCraft Boats on Facebook and Instagram.
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I DO NOT FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED (SOMETIMES)
fish) on as light tackle as possible. I like to slow it down, and use the correct tackle for the job, while getting baits down in the strike zone. While drifting or trolling, I like to use a jig when I need to get my baits down deeper where the mid-day fish are hanging out. A 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jig is a good option because it drifts and trolls well and can be fished with or without bait. Tipped with cigar minnow or sardine, Tim Barefoot the jig looks like a squid that has caught supper, and everything eats squid. his is a play off the famous line from the movie This is a wahoo bait that can be fished with fluorocarbon instead Top Gun, but it has a clear meaning when it comes to fishing for palegics. Are there times when I want to high-speed troll of wire or cable, simply because almost all wahoo strikes on squid are to locate areas with fish? YES. Are there times when I want to troll 6-7 knots to catch numbers of good fish when they are on or near the surface feeding? YES. With all that said, are there times to slow down and get baits down to where the fish are in the water column? YES, Definitely! intended to cut the back half the These times are typically squid off before consumption. after 10 or 10:30 a.m., when Predatory fish know that they the sun is high in the sky, and can easily eliminate a squid’s on, or around a full moon. The only defenses… tentacles and a first reason is obvious. Fish don’t biting beak. have Maui Jims, so they adjust A stinger hook in the the amount of light they need/ head of a live or frozen cigar want with water depth. This is minnow or sardine will do especially true with wahoo and the work. There is only one tuna. And the full moon thing… major problem with this setup. they stay up all night eating with Don’t let it get too close to the “big light” on. the bottom, or you’ll have a Have you ever noticed how the bite dies down after 10 or 11 in the morning? Have you ever noticed grouper or big snapper bite. I think we just got ’em on a technicality. If the days around a full moon are typically slow? These are not just a you are “trolling for wahoo” and let the bait get too close to the bottom coincidence. Granted, the planner rod (aka “the meat stick”) is the one and catch a grouper, oh well, I wasn’t using circle hooks. Just sayin’. that produces in the middle of the day, and at daylight for that matter, See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com. and around the full moon, but I much prefer to catch these fish (any
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I DO NOT FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED (SOMETIMES)
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Tim Barefoot
his is a play off the famous line from the movie Top Gun, but it has a clear meaning when it comes to fishing for palegics. Are there times when I want to highspeed troll to locate areas with fish? YES. Are there times when I want to troll 6-7 knots to catch numbers of good fish when they are on or near the surface feeding? YES. With all that said, are there times to slow down and get baits down to where the fish are in the water column? YES, Definitely! These times are typically after 10 or 10:30 a.m., when the sun is high in the sky, and on, or around a full moon. The first reason is obvious. Fish don’t have Maui Jims, so they adjust the amount of light they need/want with water depth. This is especially true with wahoo and tuna. And the full moon thing… they stay up all night eating with the “big light” on.
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n the cigar ill do y one setup. ose to have a lity. If ottom in’.
Have you ever noticed how the bite dies down after 10 or 11 in the morning? Have you ever noticed the days around a full moon are typically slow? These are not just a coincidence. Granted, the planner rod (aka “the meat stick”) is the one that produces in the middle of the day, and at daylight for that matter, and around the full moon, but I much prefer to catch these fish (any fish) on as light tackle as possible. I like to slow it down, and use the correct tackle for the job, while getting baits down in the strike zone.
While drifting or trolling, I like to use a jig when I need to get my baits down deeper where the mid-day fish are hanging out. A 4-ounce Squid Decoy Jig is a good option because it drifts and trolls well and can be fished with or without bait. Tipped with cigar minnow or sardine, the jig looks like a squid that has caught supper, and everything eats squid. This is a wahoo bait that can be fished with fluorocarbon instead of wire or cable, simply because almost all wahoo strikes on squid are intended to cut the back half the squid off before consumption. Predatory fish know that they can easily eliminate a squid’s only defenses… tentacles and a biting beak. A stinger hook in the head of a live or frozen cigar minnow or sardine will do the work. There is only one major problem with this setup. Don’t let it get too close to the bottom, or you’ll have a grouper or big snapper bite. I think we just got ’em on a technicality. If you are “trolling for wahoo” and let the bait get too close to the bottom and catch a grouper, oh well, I wasn’t using circle hooks. Just sayin’. See more from Tim Barefoot at barefootcatsandtackle.com.
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FLORIDA 9 LOCATION 3
PHOTO BY JAMES MARTINS
an empty pail and hold it vertically on the surface of a pool, pond or tub of water, and you can easily recreate this for yourself. Apply force to the pail, straight downward, until its rim is just under the surface. Water rushes in to fill the pail until it has reached full capacity. If there are objects on the surface or suspended in the water, they will accompany the inrush of water. What you have done is introduced a void into the water. This empty space must be filled if water is to adhere to its own principles. Essentially, a vacuum effect occurs in which both water and the objects it contains are pulled into the void. Fish generate a similar vacuum via the expansion of their mouths, and anything within range of that vacuum will be drawn inside. This form of attack is concentrated in the fish’s head, requiring little or no forward motion of the body. If the fish wants to swallow what it has trapped in its jaws, it will expel the water through its gill slits in a rapid jet. Between a closed mouth and the fish’s gill rakers, solid objects are trapped inside, where they can be directed down the fish’s throat. If the fish should decide it doesn’t want to swallow what it has in its mouth, it will simply open its jaws and let the water float out along with whatever else was inside. It is much like a terrestrial animal opening its mouth and drawing in a big breath of air. Any airborne particulate matter will be taken in with the breath. If something noxious is taken in—smoke, for example—it can be ejected by exhaling or coughing. The difference between fish and terrestrial animals is the comparative enormity of most fish mouths and the great density of water compared to air. While a vacuum may be of little benefit to land animals, it is extremely useful to fish. Most fish, therefore, employ this technique to some degree in their feeding. For the sake of efficiency and the surer capture of prey, predatory fish are likely to use this method in conjunction with a more traditional attack featuring forward motion of the body. When employed together, these techniques allow the fish to draw its prey closer and seize it with the most By John Saporito security. When swallowing prey whole, they will turn it in their mouth so that espite different designs among the many species, there is a it can be taken headfirst—scales, fins and other parts folding tight against the commonality in fish when it comes to the capture of prey, a special body to facilitate an easier passage down the throat. procedure making use of the physical properties of the water they John Saporito is a lifelong fisherman, writer, and student of the seas. live in. Visit him online at johnsaporito.com. When a fish suddenly opens its mouth underwater, a void is created. Take
HOW FISH EAT
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Canyon Lady Wins ‘Extra Light’ Light Tackle Sailfish Tourney By Ed Killer for CAM
T
Championship Division winner, Canyon Lady with owner and Captain, Jamie Dillard along with his crew, Morgan Tolbert, Scott Zurawski, Don Schifferdecker, Ed Katzianer, Brett Katzianer. Pictured with Canyon Lady is Club Executive Director Caresse Chase (L) and Tournament Director Fly Navarro (R). PHOTOS SUBMITTED by Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation.
Change owned by Jim Burns of Winter Haven finished in third place and was recognized for catching the first sailfish each of the two days. In the Semi-pro division, Princess Lily was the winner led by top lady angler award winner Dawn Samuels. Cole Bates was the top junior angler aboard Vintage. Morgan Tolbert and Ryan Keaney were recognized with top mate awards aboard Canyon Lady. Diller was awarded the Capt. Ad Whiticar top captain award and the Joe Lehner top owner award. The Light Tackle Tournament benefited Project LIFT and the family of the late Capt. Patrick Price.
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he 68th annual Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament went extra light when it fished over two days Dec. 10-11, 2021. The longest running fishing tournament on the Treasure Coast was fished by 15 entries in two divisions— Championship and Semi-pro. Indian Summer conditions during the early winter in Florida did little to help move migratory sailfish south and into Treasure Coast waters. As a result, Light Tackle catch totals were among the lowest in the esteemed tournament’s history with just 36 combined by the fleet. Canyon Lady led by Jamie Diller of Cape May, New Jersey won the event with six sailfish releases, edging out Vintage led by Hans Kraaz of Fort Pierce finishing runner-up. The two teams tied, but ties are broken by time of last sailfish released. Small
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Tournament Director Fly Navarro (center) and Club Executive Director Caresse Chase (left) congratulate Semi-Pro Division winner Princess Lily owner, Mike Samuels, Capt. Mike Hunter, Richard Sandoval, Snick Ackers, Dawn Samuels, Susan McCart, Shelby Callison and John Samuels.
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SNOOK (ATLANTIC) OPENS FEBRUARY 1
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lot limit not less than 28-inches or more than 32-inches total length. Daily bag limit is 1 per harvester per day; zero captain and crew for-hire limit. Snook permit and recreation license required. Allowable gear: hook and line only. Snook must remain in whole condition until landed..
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How Florida’s Snook Permit Benefits Florida’s Snook Population Per 379.354(8)(c) of the Florida Statutes, revenue generated from the sale of snook permits is used exclusively for programs to benefit the snook population. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) scientists conduct research and monitoring activities focused on improving the quality of biological and fisheries data being collected on common snook to ensure that these magnificent fish continue to thrive in Florida's bays and estuaries for generations to come. Major Programs Funded by the Snook Permit fee are: • Stock Enhancement - Researchers are testing techniques to spawn snook in hatcheries for stock enhancement purposes. • Snook Tagging Program - Biologists monitor the movements, habitat use, and survival of adult snook tagged with external dart tags, as well as with internal ultrasonic transmitters (also known as acoustic tags).
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• Fisheries-Independent Sampling - Biologists conduct monthly sampling in four Florida estuaries where common snook are typically abundant: Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the southern and northern portions of the Indian River Lagoon. • Fisheries-Dependent Sampling - This project involves researchers collecting snook-related information through creel, or angler surveys and through an angler-based logbook program
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To learn more about snook biology and research projects conducted by FWRI, visit their snook page.
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What to Do if You Catch a Tagged Snook in Florida • Record tag number, total length, date, and location of fish capture.
FEBRUARY FISHING CONDITIONS February 1
FAIR
Evening
February 21
GOOD
Evening
February 2
GOOD
Evening
February 22
GOOD
Evening
February 3
GOOD
Evening
February 23
POOR
Morning
February 4
POOR
Evening
February 24
POOR
Morning
February 5
POOR
Evening
February 25
FAIR
Morning
• If the fish is released, please do not remove the tag.
February 6
FAIR
Evening
February 26
FAIR
Morning
February 7
FAIR
Evening
February 27
GOOD
Morning
• If you keep your catch, mail the tag to: Attention: Snook Tag Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020
February 8
FAIR
Morning
February 28
FAIR
Morning
February 9
POOR
Morning
February 10
POOR
Morning
February 11
BEST
Morning
February 12
BEST
Morning
February 13
BEST
Morning
February 14
FAIR
Morning
February 15
FAIR
Morning
February 16
GOOD
Evening
February 17
GOOD
Evening
February 18
FAIR
Evening
February 19
FAIR
Evening
February 20
POOR
Evening
• Report the capture information to the Angler Tag Return Hotline: (800) 367-4461 or tagreturn@ MyFWC.com. Please include your name, address, phone number, and T-shirt size.
A reward T-shirt will be awarded for the tag information. FWC reminds anglers to please observe all fishing regulations and license requirements. State waters are from shore to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf and from shore to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic.
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What do the ratings mean? POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line. FAIR day means that you catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so. GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified. BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water.
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FEBRUARY 2022
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MARTIN COUNTY DEEP SEA
Capt. Rocky Carbia Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 Safari-1.com
F
ebruary will be an offshore portrait of the Florida winter painted in the colors of the many species of snapper caught east of Martin County. Anglers plying the offshore waters of the Treasure Coast this February will still need to watch and pay close attention the cold fronts of the Florida winter. These fronts are offshore weather makers and directly influence the daily sea conditions anglers will contend with in February. East of Stuart, these winter conditions will be firmly in place and as always, will necessitate that captains and their anglers find a suitable user-friendly weather window in which to venture out
offshore to fish. And with the advent of the Internet, there are a multitude of virtual near-coastal reference points fishing crews can check on as they try to schedule an offshore trip. Besides tuning in to local television weather reports, there are several go-to online forecasts and real-time reports that can be checked before ever launching or untying the boat, which will ultimately aid in the decision making. These include, but are not limited to: • The NOAA Offshore Sea Conditions forecast for the near shore waters, East of the St. Lucie Inlet at http://1.usa.gov/1AjSteo; • The NOAA Wave Height Buoy, which is positioned just east of Ft. Pierce, at http://1.usa.gov/1ymGv7i; • The Jensen Beach webcam, which has multiple real-time cameras on area beaches and an anemometer, for wind speed and direction, at www.evsmartin.com; • The St. Lucie Inlet webcam, which gives a live photo of the mouth of the inlet, which is updated every ten minutes or so, at www. stlucieinlet.com; and • WindFinder.com for the St. Lucie Inlet, https://www.windfinder. com/forecast/saint-lucie-inlet, an excellent reference page for offshore weather. Windfinder is based on the
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Group “Snapper Chats” will be found aboard the Safari 1 this month. PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1.
GFS Weather Model and can give anglers a ten-day look into a forecast future, thus enabling one to get a feel for when a potential user-friendly weather window might open up. These reference points can prove to be quite valuable during decision making of whether or not a particular day looks “fishable” or not, for your boat and crew. Once a fishing window opens, cobia and snapper will become the preferred target species of near coastal reef fishermen. Schools of cobia will continue to stream through our reef zones in depths of 50 to 100 feet and will fall to dead and live baits deployed atop reefs, at all depths throughout the water column. Live baits, such as grunts, greenies and sardines, are some of a cobia`s favorite snacks, however a hungry “cobe” will eat just about anything it can fit in its expansive mouth. A 30- to 50-pound main line, with terminal tackle that consists of 50- to 80-pound leader, tied to a 5/0-7/0 hook, will get that cobia to
the boat. Furthermore, members of the snapper family, which include lane, mangrove (grey), yellowtail, vermilion, cubera, and mutton, will be on the “most wanted list” for all bottom fishermen this month, especially since the closed season on all groupers will be in full effect. Reef structures in depths from 50 to 90 feet will hold most of these representatives of the snapper category and allow anglers to dial in their snapper catching strategies from offshore of the Loran Tower to the power plant, most notably large mutton snapper and jumbo cubera snapper will continue to post up, East and south of the inlet, on natural and artificial reefs this month, look for the big snappers in 50 to 80 feet of water, and deploy the baits for these bruisers on 40- to 60-foot leaders comprised of 80- to 125-pound test monofilament. Baits that are deployed on edges of the reef contour will yield the best results for success in whacking a jumbo snapper.
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Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Boat Located at Pirates Cove Resort and Marina
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Mar pomfre wate continu
nth.
MARTIN COUNTY INSHORE NEARSHORE
Capt. Giles Murphy Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle (772) 288–1219 Fishing Charters (772) 475-4857 giles@stuartangler.com www.stuartangler.com
W
e’ve had great fishing weather this winter with clear skies in the 70s. Despite just a few windy cold fronts, the seas and river have been calm with crystal clear visibility. The inshore bite has been productive for edible fish such croakers, snapper, and sheepshead being caught under the bridges drifting shrimp along the bottom. Some pompano are being caught jigging the bridges, and also found skipping the flats. February is typically
MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE
Capt. Scott Fawcett Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 fishscottyf@bellsouth.net offthechainfishing.com
A
month into 2022 and still dealing with lockdowns, quarantines, closures and masks. Fortunately, there’s one thing keeping us sane on the Treasure Coast: the promise of sails, dolphin, blackfin, kings, snapper, golden tile, swords and
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Mark and Keely Harris with a pomfret caught on a recent deepwater trip. Good action should continue for the next few months. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.
up-current or an angle up-current a great month to find pompano and retrieve along the bottom near skipping on the flats near the color abutments. change with incoming tide. There Another fun option during the are still no sandfleas available, so winter months can be bass fishing most anglers are relying on clams Lake Okeechobee. We launch the and Fishbites if bait-fishing for boat on the south side at “Slims pompano along the channels, inlet, Fish Camp” or on the north side at and beaches. C. Scott Driver Park at the mouth February is a good time of year of the Kissimmee River. Both the for some “back-country” fishing north and south side of the Lake back in the St. Lucie River to find have great fishing opportunities, snook and occasional redfish along but there are many more the mangroves, seawalls, docks, and accommodations on the north side. bridges. Pitching artificials along Also try to fish whichever area has mangrove shorelines is my favorite been more leeward of the winds of these options as it gives you a more causing better visibility. During “Everglades” feeling with natural the winter, large-mouth bass are surroundings. Some of my favorite caught along grassy clumps in lures for this are D.O.A. split tail Owen Murphy with a nice the shallows casting Gambler Big jerk baits rigged with 3/0 weightless pompano caught while fishing EZs and dragging them along the Mustad beak hooks through the with his brother Capt. Giles surface. We also do well using Texas nose. Also 3.5-inch shad tails by Murphy on the Sailfish Flats. rigged rubber worms along weedy Slayer Inc, and of course Giles~Jigs. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy. shorelines with deep drop offs. The We pitch these lures as close as possible to the mangrove shorelines of the mangroves. Winter is a great rim canal is slightly closer and holds and immediately start reeling with a time to fish the bridges with First lots of bass along the docks and grassy short jerk motion to draw the fish out Light 1.5-or 2-ounce jigs. Simply cast shorelines.
pomfret. The list goes on and on. Over the years, February has become one of my favorite months to fish out of Stuart. This year in particular, I’m hoping for a very good one. Winter was late (if it even comes) and because of that our water temperature has been warmer than normal this January. As cold fronts push down this February expect big bodies of fish to be on the leading edge pushing down the beach as well. The Eight Mile Reef, extending south to Sailfish Alley is a major migratory highway for all these fish. Look for color changes, scattered grass, slight temperature breaks and live bottom for your best results. As always keep an eye out for suspended bait, flying fish and obviously birds. Whether we’re trolling or live baiting this time of year, we use 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks based on bait size with 50-pound leader on a light 6½ foot circle hook rod by Blackfin. I use Fin-Nor reels spooled with 15to-20 pound test for our pelagic outfits. The snappers will be along the Loran Tower ledge and out as far as the Hill in various areas. Squid, bonito, and grunt plugs work best for them. I prefer to hand crank all of these on jig rods with highspeed reels. Look for tile fish in your 500 foot to 1000 foot range and the pomfret and swordfish will be from 1000 to 2000 feet. Most of these are targeted with electric reels, but we can hand crank too if you’re a glutton for punishment.
We are so fortunate to have such wonderful fishing opportunities right out of our back door in Martin County. I absolutely love the Treasure Coast. Wishing you all
a very healthy and happy February and I hope your next fishing trip is Off The Chain. Please give me a call if you have any questions or if you’d like to set up a trip.
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Capt. Colton Hester Sonna Girl Fishing Charters (772) 293-5342 colton@sonnagirlfishing.com www.sonnagirlfishing.com
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F
ebruary brings cool weather and some great fishing offshore if the wind will allow us to get out. The main targets offshore for February are sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The best method for catching these fish will be trolling ballyhoo or trolling lures. You are most likely to catch these targets trolling down sea so be sure to keep that in mind. The bite is heating up in 120 to 300 feet of water and should continue to stay that way. Be sure to look for rips and temperature changes as this will hold the bait that these predatory fish are after. These rips will usually begin in 80 to 100 feet of water and likely continue out
to 300 to 500 feet of water. Always troll a cedar plug as your king bait as well this time of year. When getting around the sailfish and mahi mahi, it is very likely that you will stumble across a blackfin tuna. There have been a lot of fish in the 15-to-20-pound range lately which is excellent news for the fishery! The bottom fishing in 80 foot of water is staying red hot as multiple reports of 20 to 30 snapper days have been coming in. Mangroves, lane, and mutton snapper have been the most prevalent species. There are also some fish in the 30-to60-foot range as well. Be sure to target your local artificial reefs for these fish. If you need help finding an artificial reef be sure to go by White's Tackle in Fort Pierce and ask for a Fort Pierce offshore chart. These charts have all the artificial reefs and wrecks labeled with their coordinates. While fishing around these areas always have a flat line ready, there are cobia lurking around these reefs and wrecks. Always keep an eye out as they will swim right up to your boat. A live greenie is a great bait of choice. However, a piece of cut bait will work as well if you don’t have any live bait.
Mon–Thu 7:30am-5pm • Fri 8am-4:30pm Closed Sat. & Sun.
Alex Vandegrift with a nice cobia out of Fort Pierce in 80 foot of water.
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Charters.
colors are deadly on the fish in the lights. Transition to the east side of the river once the sun rises. Drifting through 2- to 4-feet of water with a 3-inch D.O.A. shad tail is a good way to locate trout. Colors like Texas Croaker or Figi Chix are good when the water is a little turbid. When the
water is clear use natural colors like Melon Back or Greene Back. Rig them on a 1/16 – to ¼-ounce jig head depending on water depth you’re fishing. When we get a stretch of calm days getting out on the first reef is great option. The amount of species
you can catch out there seems endless. There really is no telling what you’ll encounter between multiple snapper species, porgies, margates, jacks, pompano, permit, and more. Always have a heavier rod rigged and ready in case a cobia pops up near the boat. Typically, when we are out there, we are targeting sheepshead. The class of fish we find out there are a bit bigger than what we catch in the river. Using live or cut shrimp on a size 2 hook on 20-pound leader with a heavy split shot is how our go to rig. Drifting in 9 to 20 foot seems to be the preferred depths for the sheepshead. Snook season opens the first of this month! Many anglers will be out in search of their “slots.” The jetties, inlet, and bridges will all have their share of fish hanging around. Free lining baits in the shadow line of the bridge are a good early season technique. If they’re being slow to react to a live bait, bouncing a feather or a swim bait off the bottom is a good option as well.
reel in some nice lane snappers. Shrimp and crab are the main diet of lane snapper, and we recommend dropping in with some live bait Capt. Cole Hazellief around reefs and bottom structures. We have been filling our coolers all Shock Leader Charters winter long and expect the fishing to (772) 800-5448 remain hot. www.shockleaderfishing.com King mackerel will be making their presence known with he shortest month of the year aggressive hits and reel melting will be packed with rod bending runs. Rig up a 20-wide reel with action along the Treasure Coast. nice ballyhoo or a bright lure and Snapper, cobia, and king mackerel run a slow troll along the coast. will be topping the charts with Remember to add a heavy-duty sailfish and mahi making guest leader so you don’t lose your chance to land the big one! appearances in February. Cobia on call – as they will be Keep an eye on the weather and get ready to cast off and to bobbing among the darting mackerel at the water’s surface. Use a medium pitch rod with a light-weight jig or a circle hook and cast in front of the cruising cobias. Cobia feed mainly on small fish and crabs floating in the current, and they will take the bait from the top – just make sure not to land your bait too close, and that you have enough backbone to reel in these feisty brunettes. February will provide for some good fishing and the Shock Leader is lockedFebruary is for fishing and and-loaded for some friends! Collect your tasty tail chasing action. treats or snapper sweets. Mark your calendar
for Valentine’s Day February 14th leading into the full moon on the 16th and call us and we’ll take you to our favorite honey-holes. Don’t have a group of six anglers?
Don’t fret, send us a text or call for information on how to join our growing split trip group and meet some new fishing friends. Tight lines and good vibes!
ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE
Alexis caught a great overslot snook while drifting the inlet.
Capt. Adam White St. Lucie Flats Fishing Charters (609) 820-6257 www.stlucieflatsfishing.com
A
couple more months and it will be summer again. Winter is still here and we can expect weekly fronts that will bring windy and cool weather as they blow through our area. Between adverse conditions and fluctuating water temps, February can be a challenging month on the Treasure Coast. Adapting to the wind and constantly changing water temps will result in more successful outings. Look for trout in areas like Herman’s Bay, Big Mud Flats, and Bear Point. If you are an early person, lots of docks lights will hold trout while you’re waiting for the sun. Using D.O.A. shrimp in natural
PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Adam White.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY DEEP SEA
4903 SE Dixie Hwy. Stuart, FL 34997 (772) 220-3287 (EATS) www.prawnbroker.com
T
PHOTO CREDIT: Shock Leader Charters.
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winter fishery. Residential canals, protected shallow bays, and sunny shorelines are excellent areas to find both trout and reds soaking up the sun’s warmth. A stealthy approach SEBASTIAN and delicate natural presentation of INSHORE a 4-to-5-inch live shrimp is hard to beat when fishing gets tough in the Capt. Gus Brugger winter. Otherwise, D.O.A shrimp, Pattern Setter Charters jerkbaits, small suspending plugs and (772) 360-6787 flies fished slowly and deliberately www.WelcomeToSebastian.com will also produce strikes on even the coldest winter days in the Indian sually, the fishing is good and River Lagoon. Ladyfish, jacks, the weather is rough during the pompano, bluefish and some other winter months in the Sebastian area. species. So far this winter, those items have been reversed, with good weather SEBASTIAN INLET – Bluefish, and rough fishing. jacks, pompano, redfish, black drum, Everyone I speak with is and Spanish mackerel will keep jetty grumbling about what they haven’t anglers busy throughout the day. caught: “Pompano haven’t shown up.” “There are no trout or redfish in the lagoon.” “All I catch are damn ladyfish and jacks.” Although I feel your pain, all I can say is “That’s why they call it fishing and not catching.” Someone years ago, told me that I must be crazy thinking I could make a living guiding on the lagoon. It’s one of the hardest places there is to consistently catch fish, with no predictable tides, constantly changing conditions and an abundance of shallow water, making the fish exceedingly A stealthy wade fishing approach and spooky. Even back in the a naturally presented live shrimp may good ole days, bringing improve your catches in the tough late home dinner was always winter months. It did the trick for Mike a bonus, not a guarantee. Defiore of Micco FL. Find a spot that makes you PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger. happy, see how quiet you can be, enjoy the fishing and you just Snook season will open February 1, might catch something.. and if water temps are at or above the upper 60s they should be active day SEBASTIAN RIVER – Ladyfish and night. and jacks school up in the deep, calm and slightly warmer waters of NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC – the Sebastian River. Occasional trout Pompano and whiting will be the and redfish can be found around target of surf fishermen along oyster bars and docks of the lower the Treasure Coast in February. river. Snook and tarpon can be found Sandfleas, cut clams and dead shrimp in good numbers in the south fork on three hook dropper rigs are the and have been known to bite during baits of choice. Calm clean surf warm spells. Jerkbaits, Goofy jigs, conditions will allow boaters to fish D.O.A. shrimp, small plugs and flies jigs and spoons along the beaches for are all great lures for anything in the Spanish mackerel, pompano, blues, Sebastian River in the winter. jacks and ladyfish. If fishing in the paradise that is INDIAN RIVER LAGOON – Trout Sebastian, Florida has disappointed and redfish numbers are without you this winter, you could always question lower than they should go back north where the fishing is be. That is a problem this time of probably better, just don’t forget your year as they are the mainstay of chainsaw to cut holes in the ice. Tight lines! the central Indian River Lagoon
FISHING FORECASTS
U
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SEBASTIAN AREA OFFSHORE
Capt. Terry Wildey Big Easy Fishing Charters (772) 538 - 1072 captwildey@bellsouth.net www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com
I
t’s been an unusually warm winter so far. Water temps that should be dropping below 70 degrees, are still 75 to 77. But that’s probably going to change in February. The cobia bite has been consistently good to great on the 85-to-90-foot reefs. Whether it’s due to the warmer water or the abundance of sharks that they seem to be hanging around, your guess is as good as mine. February is not known for its good weather, but I think when we do get a break it’s going to be good. Look for good numbers of cobia still 85 to 90 feet. We’ve been using everything from cobia jigs to live grunts. King mackerel should be cruising through the
60-to-90-foot depths and can be located trolling strip baits or skirted ballyhoo. Once you find them, live herring or blue runners should produce the larger smoker kings. Offshore there should be some wahoo, dolphin and sailfish on the color changes and over the rocky bottom or high peaks at 160- and 240-foot depths. Some of my best wahoo days have been in February. You’ll find if you target them, you’ll up your chances. This means trolling a bullet-headed lure in front of a ballyhoo. A heavy gauge #8 hook with a #8 or #9 wire. Always have a line down running 50 feet on the downrigger or using a 32-ounce
PHOTOS CREDIT: Big Easy Fishing Charters.
ABOVE: Matson Scott and Matt Budzco with a nice catch of cobia and triggerfish caught aboard Big Easy Charters. LEFT: The kingfish bite should still be pretty strong during February.
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cigar lead to get in their zone. Also speeds 8 to 10 knots will produce more bites. I’ve caught many a ‘hoo doing 13 to 15 knots. Don’t forget to support your local tackle shop. And as always be courteous to your fellow angler. You never know when you’ll need a tow. That’s it for now, “Fish On Gotta Go!”
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Joe with a good seatrout.
KAYAK FISHING FORECAST
Brian Nelli Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899 Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com
CA
51 B
INSHORE: February is a good OFFSHORE: The cobia will start time to target a lot of different species. From Pompano, jacks and sheepsheads around deeper cuts to snook, reds, flounder and trout along the mangroves and structure. Rocks, jetties and bridge pilings are great places to look for these tasty sheepsheads. Live shrimp, or even better fiddler crabs, will bring in a few. During this time the water is a lot colder than most of the year. When fishing the flats around mangroves, hit the water a little later in the day and target sand holes and areas with dark mud. These spots will warm quicker than surrounding areas and should be holding fish. Remember snook season opens February 1.
to move into the beaches following around the rays, sharks and turtles. I like to have a D.O.A. Swimming Mullet ready to pitch to them when spotted. Sailfish, small kings, wahoo and dolphin will also still be the mix during the month. Look for these species from 90-to-120 feet chasing live bait like goggle eyes and blue runners and ballyhoo.
FRESHWATER: The bite for Jim with a nice peacock bass, largemouth and clown clown knifefish. knifefish has been strong and should PHOTOS CREDIT: Brian Nelli. continue with the warm winter weather. Live shiners and or shad the water temps get colder. Find the Instagram and YouTube for all the are your best bets. All three of these right depth and you will find the fish. latest adventures my clients and I get varieties will be looking to be close Check us out Pushin’ Water into. to structure and deeper water when Kayak Charters on Facebook, See you on the water!
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CALLING ALL BOATERS!
51st Annual St. Lucie River Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade Feb. 12 A
rea boaters and spectators won’t want to miss the 51st annual St. Lucie River Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. This traditional and historical event had its beginning with early fisherman asking their clergy to bless their ships, crew and catch. The Blessing of the Fleet and Marine Parade, which began in 1971, now mirrors similar events held worldwide. The event not only includes local commercial fishermen, but yacht clubs, marinas, yacht brokers, sailing clubs, U.S. Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and independent owners – sail or power, all are welcome to participate. In the early years of the St. Lucie River Blessing of the Fleet, the Evinrude family with Mr. and Mrs. (Frances Langford) Evinrude volunteered their personal yacht, Chanticleer, for the event. The couple also contributed a large trophy currently held by the host yacht club in the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Evinrude.
The parade will take place in the north fork of the St. Lucie River beginning at 11 a.m. After forming in the northern area, according to prior assigned buoy markers, all boats will proceed south along the western bank to the anchored reviewing boat. The Blessing of the Fleet is a Florida incorporated, volunteer organization supported by the dues of its member yacht clubs. Each year additional donations and sponsorships are solicited for the benefit of the Rivers Coalition goals to promote a safe, healthy and ecologically balanced St. Lucie River estuary. Net proceeds are donated to the River Kidz Foundation. Additional information about member clubs and parade details, can be found at www.theblessingofthefleet.com.
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FISHING FORECASTS
LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Capt. Nate Shellen Shellen Guide Service Okeechobee Bass Fishing Guides/Charters (863) 357-0892 sjmike7@aol.com OkeechobeeBassFishing.com FellsmereResevoirBassFishing.com
I
n spite of a very high water level, which is a threat to the entire lake ecosystem, the Big “O” is still churning out large catches of bass daily. High water periods are tolerable around Lake Okeechobee, but only briefly. When the water is allowed to stay at a higher than the normal level for extended periods of time, it puts the native vegetation, primarily Kissimmee Grass, at great peril. Kissimmee grass made a tremendous comeback during the extremely low water periods that occurred 10 or 12 years ago but is gradually disappearing in many spots around the outer band of the lake due to
Chris Thibodeau (L) and his girlfriend Amy (R) came down for some fun, sun, and fishing and both ended up catching their biggest bass with Okeechobeebassfishing.com and FellsmereResevoirBassFishing.com. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen.
high water. Were the water allowed to travel south as it is meant to, it would not be a problem. But since the Army Corps of Engineers deems it necessary for the overage of water in the lake to be released into the Caloosahatchee River, the level of the lake can’t be lowered efficiently enough to allow the lake and its vegetation to prosper and continue to grow. A simple spillway in the south end would solve the problem for both coasts and the health of the premiere
COME FISHING OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
bass fishery in the U.S. Those anglers using wild shiners are catching big numbers of bass, as are some of the more proficient artificial bait anglers. The number of trophy-sized fish in the 7- to 10-pound range being caught is much higher for live bait anglers using wild shiners and is on par with the last 4 to 5 years. Warm stable weather has allowed the water temperatures to stay in the 60s to low 70s, which has kept the fish feeding daily. There have been a few days when the bite has been slower, but overall it has been a very productive winter up to this date. Anglers unfamiliar with shiner fishing are sometimes convinced that using live bait other than live wild golden shiners is effective. It is true that pit shiners or domestic shiners will catch fish, but nowhere near as successfully as wild shiners. If you are going to spend your time and money shiner fishing, make sure that your shiners are wild shiners. They have an innate sense of fear when around bass, which triggers reactionary strikes from fish like nothing you have seen before, whereas domestic or pit shiners do not possess that fear factor
772-569-2723 North Location: 1803 90TH AVE VERO BEACH, FL 32966
www.visitokeechobeecounty.com (863) 763-3959
and are not nearly as hearty or lively. Live wild shiners can be purchased from numerous places around the north end of the lake for $20 to $22 per dozen. You can purchase them on the south end of Lake O at Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters. The hot spots around the lake at this time are many. The outside edges of Grassy Island are producing bass on Senkos and chatter baits. Tin House Cove is holding fish both inside the grass line and on the outside edges and a topwater bait worked slowly around the cover edges will draw strikes early. Horse Island is holding fish in and around the trails that cut through the Kissimmee Grass making it a productive area to fish when the wind is too strong to fish the outside edge. The Buckhead Ridge area is holding loads of bass in the thick cover areas, eelgrass and hydrilla abound in this area. Look for spots where several kinds of native cover merge, often it will create a bass hot spot. During this time of year, a black 10-inch worm or a black/blue Senko worked slowly through the cover will get you all the bites you can stand, patience and determination are key.
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lively. chased nd the $20 to rchase e O at ters. e lake utside ducing baits. h both n the r bait r edges land is e trails mmee area to ong to khead f bass ss and ok for native a bass year, a k/blue h the ou can nation
DIVING FORECAST
Steve Wood Deep Six Watersports - Stuart (772) 288-3999 Stuart (772) 562-2883 Vero Steve.wood@deepsix.com www.deepsixintl.com
F
ebruary can be a bit chilly topside, but many are surprised to learn water temps remain relatively warm throughout the winter in Florida, especially offshore. Divers who venture out local inlets maybe in for a treat if sea conditions lay down long enough between cold fronts since vis can be quite clear this time of year too. There are even good options inshore to get wet and see some neat critters. Visibility on the Treasure Coast is quite predictable this time of year provided an eye is kept to the wind. Strong northerly winds from passing fronts during the winter months are often followed by offshore, westerly winds for 12 to 24 hours after the front sweeps through. With a little timing, divers
A guitar fish cruising the shallow limestone reefs just off Jensen Beach. PHOTOS CREDIT: Steve Wood.
can take advantage of this short spell of calm seas near the beach and can sneak in some great dives just outside local inlets. Local beach cams at Jensen Beach and Bathtub Reef are great tools for watching real-time conditions for calm seas and good visibility. Temperatures can be surprisingly warm below the surface too, due to the proximity of our area to the warm influence of the Gulf Stream. Temps in the low 70s are common and can be warmer
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than air temps in some cases. Inshore snorkel spots are commonly overlooked but offer great alternative if the ocean is too rough. Since our area has been very dry for the past few months, clear water and great visibility can be found just inside local inlets when the tide is right. Clear water and great visibility can be found just inside local inlets at places like the Stuart Sandbar, Fort Pierce Cove and Boy Scout Island
areas. Remember a dive flag is still required and vigilance is needed to stay out of channels and avoid boat traffic. A few tricks for staying warm after a dive: fill one gallon water jugs with HOT water from the tap before leaving the house and put them in cooler. They will stay warm inside for four-plus hours and make for a great warm-water rinse after a dive. Dry clothes and a beanie are a big help too.
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FEBRUARY 2022
TREASURE COAST 13
LARGEST SELECTION OF FIREARMS ON THE TREASURE COAST
Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri
Recap and Reflect
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he older I get, the faster the wheel of time spins. Taking a break from time to time in between all of the running around to “recap” on a regular basis, has become an important part not only in my business, but also my life. It is easy to lose focus and eventually miss great opportunities because we are missing the big picture. Changing the game if needed and questioning ourselves without losing our selfconfidence makes our decision making even more mature. Looking back fishing-wise, the last couple months were great in my book, with lots of exciting memories made. New flies, new tackle and different fly-fishing techniques were sampled with some more successful than others. This is the stuff I find most exciting… learning, exploring and growing in my fishing. Finding new areas with new hot spots is not always easy but another important part of running a day-today fly-fishing guide business. We all know that our fishery has changed over the years, especially the last two. Having more boats on the water and more pressure on these fish is making it harder to find the right situation specifically for the fly angler. A few months ago, I was listening to a few older guides talk about how
great the fishery was here in our area, and I couldn’t even imagine. Unfortunately, decreasing water quality is not only happening here but globally and it is no joke! It is a heavy weight on my mind just being aware of this, especially when you’re a fishing guide and depending on clean water and a healthy fishery. Beside standing up for our water issues we also have to change our attitude.
Emily (not my wife) with her first Stuart snook on fly. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Mauri.
Think twice about the fish you catch and the way you handle them and if it’s really necessary to kill your limit? Think about it! Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321
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FEBRUARY UPDATE By Michael Conner, Executive Director
T
Bad Bills, Good Bills
he more-than-decade-long downward slide of the Indian River Lagoon continued in 2021 and as we surge ahead in 2022, it is readily known that real fixes take legislation and measures that “hurt a little” and take some real sacrifice on the part of individuals and businesses who have negatively impacted public waters.
Bad Bill Looms
as usual, seagrass be damned. HB 349 has already passed in the House by a 13-4 vote. The principle behind mitigation “banking” isn't new. Developers have long leaned on it when time comes to destroy wetlands to put up buildings, roads, etc. And if you did into realize it, polluters in this country can buy “carbon credits” to offset their emissions. So, at this critical time, with the death of aquatic plants at the center of this year's record manatee dieoff, legislators, in their zeal to please developers who support them, support this House bill that would allow coastal developers whose projects would have "unavoidable
Legislative session is in full swing, and Indian Riverkeeper is watching a few bills, both bad and good. One bad bill in particular is House Bill 349. It is a so-called “seagrass mitigation bill” which in practice further opens the door to more seagrass decline in the Indian River Lagoon. If passed into law, it gives coastal developers a big fat hall pass to continue doing business SEE RIVERKEEPER.......................PAGE 21
16 TREASURE COAST
FEBRUARY 2022
If we are to ever see seagrass coverage like this shoal grass again in the IRL, we can’t be allowing seagrass mitigation tactics among developers demanding more sick permits and major new channel dredging from shorelines out to the ICW.
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-0.76 2.63 -0.38 2.52 -0.72 2.63 -0.44 2.51 -0.61 2.57 -0.45 2.45 -0.45 2.45 -0.4 2.34 -0.26 2.29 -0.32 2.19 -0.05 2.12 -0.21 2.04 0.14 1.95 -0.09 1.9 0.3 1.8 0 1.8 0.41 1.7 0.06 1.75 0.46 1.66 0.06
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11F 4:43 AM 10:36 AM 4:42 PM 10:56 PM 12SA 5:39 AM 11:28 AM 5:39 PM 11:45 PM 13SU 6:28 AM 12:15 PM 6:30 PM 14M 12:29 AM 7:12 AM 12:57 PM 7:16 PM 15TU 1:10 AM 7:53 AM 1:36 PM 7:59 PM 16W 1:48 AM 8:31 AM 2:13 PM 8:41 PM 17TH 2:26 AM 9:09 AM 2:50 PM 9:22 PM 18F 3:04 AM 9:46 AM 3:26 PM 10:04 PM 19SA 3:44 AM 10:23 AM 4:05 PM 10:47 PM 20SU 4:25 AM 11:01 AM 4:47 PM 11:33 PM
1.76 0.44 1.68 0.02 1.84 0.38 1.75 -0.05 1.94 0.29 1.85 -0.14 2.07 0.18 1.97 -0.22 2.18 0.06 2.07 -0.29 2.26 -0.06 2.17 -0.32 2.31 -0.16 2.24 -0.32 2.32 -0.26 2.28 -0.28 2.29 -0.32 2.29 -0.2 2.24 -0.36 2.27
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
21M 5:11 AM 11:42 AM 5:35 PM 22TU 12:23 AM 6:03 AM 12:28 PM 6:29 PM 23W 1:20 AM 7:02 AM 1:23 PM 7:31 PM 24TH 2:25 AM 8:10 AM 2:29 PM 8:41 PM 25F 3:37 AM 9:21 AM 3:42 PM 9:51 PM 26SA 4:47 AM 10:29 AM 4:56 PM 10:57 PM 27SU 5:51 AM 11:31 AM 6:01 PM 11:56 PM 28M 6:47 AM 12:27 PM 6:59 PM
-0.09 2.16 -0.35 2.21 0.04 2.08 -0.32 2.14 0.17 2 -0.28 2.08 0.25 1.95 -0.26 2.08 0.26 1.97 -0.3 2.15 0.18 2.07 -0.38 2.27 0.04 2.22 -0.47 2.42 -0.13 2.38
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RIVERKEEPER..........................................FROM PAGE 16 inspections of sewage treatment and disposal (Matanzas Riverkeeper) attended a recent Task impacts" on what little seagrass we have left, destruction to buy credits and fund “replacement” seagrass restoration elsewhere. Someone has lost their mind in Tallahassee. Someone hopes that this development-friendly plum slides by the public without notice. Because the bill doesn't address enforcement or a crackdown on nutrient pollution plaguing the Indian River Lagoon, it was thankfully met with criticism during an early December House Environment, Agriculture and Flooding Subcommittee hearing. Environmental groups point out that the bill is overly broad. It does nothing to address causes of seagrass decline, such as dirty water. It simply and blatantly allows for additional impacts to existing seagrasses. The very language says it will mitigate. It will allow for further destruction of seagrass by way of shoreline building and docks, and more. In the end, it will benefit private individuals or businesses, not the Indian River Lagoon at a time of unprecedented crisis. Treasure Coast Rep. Toby Overdorf cosponsored the bill. Indian Riverkeeper has informally voiced our opposition and will soon officially petition it.
Blue Green Algae Task Force Senator Linda Stewart of Orlando has filed Senate Bill 832 for upcoming session that would make some of Florida’s blue green algae task force's recommendations enforceable by law. The bill, if passed, would require periodic
systems and put the responsibility on the shoulders of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. And there is no argument that sewage is the smoking gun in the demise of much of the Indian River Lagoon. The bill also would require new or updated Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) to identify and prioritize certain projects. There is data proving that this state program, meant to reduce nutrient inputs, is ineffective in particularly water basins, and especially for Lake Okeechobee, where much of the nutrient load originates from lands north of the Lake. Fellow Florida Waterkeeper Jen Lomberk
Force public meeting, saying, “I do take issue with this false narrative that all of your recommendations are being carried out to the T because that simply is not the case.” What must be understood is that there is a wide range of performance levels between basins, when it comes to runoff. It must be noted also that much of the nutrient loading in the IRL north of St. Lucie County is largely urban, stormwater, ground water, septic seepage, and sewage spills, not industrial agriculture. In Martin County, waters definitely added impairment from Lake Okeechobee discharges (agricultural runoff) to the St. Lucie River and southernmost IRL. In short, only bills that put laws on the books can put real teeth in the Florida BMAPs that are key to reversing the decline of the waterways.
Sand Spike Shootout Looms
The Blue-Green Algae Task Force recommendations are based on science. There should be no deterrents in their way to block nutrient reductions and a strong bill with “real teeth” should be passed this legislative session. PHOTO PROVIDED by Indian Riverkeeper.
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The Indian Riverkeeper second annual Sand Spike Shootout is slated for Feb. 26-27 and surf anglers can vie for eight major place prizes for four top pompano and four top whiting, determined by weight. Entry for the two-day event is $40, which includes a raffle ticket and pack of FISHGUM; your optional $60 entry includes your annual membership to Indian Riverkeeper, raffle ticket, pack of FISHGUM, and a special surf terminal tackle pack. To enter, visit www.theindianriverkeeper.org and tap the “Sand Spike Shootout Registration” button on the homepage. For more information, call (772) 521-1882. FEBRUARY 2022
TREASURE COAST 21
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PREPARATIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Chop all of the fresh herbs and combine into a small bowl (reserve one tablespoon for garnish). Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Place the fillets in a single layer into a buttered or greased baking dish, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Add the fresh herbs, thinly sliced onion, diced red pepper, and lemon slices on
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top of each fillet. Drizzle with the white wine, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Sprinkle with the reserved fresh herbs and serve warm.
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Cherlyn and Cannon Arnold with a bass caught on a lake in Vero. This was Cherlyn’s personal best bass! PHOTO CREDIT: Lewis Arnold.
Email your information ality and high-qu rger) (500KB or la @ easurecoast photos to tr e.com. lerMagazin CoastalAng
Savannah Francis with a redfish caught wade fishing with live finger mullet in Sebastian on the flats. PHOTO CREDIT: Alicia Brooks
Jeff March, a contender in the 2022 Backcountry Fishing Association tournament, sent over a few catch photos to share with our readers. Jeff told us since he was a kid, he has always wanted to have one of his catch photos in the magazine. Well Jeff, here you are! PHOTO CREDITS: Jeff March.
Mike Higgins hooked a jumbo mutton snapper on a recent deep sea fishing trip aboard the Safari 1. PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1.
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By Capt. Quinlyn Haddon
Fishing the bay side may not even be a second choice this month, with the abundance of cobia, snapper, mackerel and the other usual suspects that frequent our shallow-water wrecks. However, if the weather allows, fishing the Atlantic side is advisable. Snapper and amberjack are a viable option, while being near an excellent pelagic fishery. Wahoo and king mackerel will be cruising the reef, along with sailfish, tuna and the occasional mahi. Mahi may be few and far between in February, but they will likely be much larger than summer schoolies. On the reef, incredible tailing conditions occur this time of year, which pushes migrating species to the surface. Once in a lifetime sightings can be had, but the most notable species affected by this anomaly is sailfish. On days like these, we target sailfish by cruising waves along the reef and looking for fish swimming on the surface. Sailfish appear black in the water, and on sunny days you can see them several waves ahead, leaving ample time to set up a pitch bait for sight casting. In the beginning of winter, when sailfish season begins on the reef, ballyhoo are extremely abundant, and the challenge is to get the fish to choose your bait out of the rest. This time of year, when bait is more scarce, your bug-eyed, red-nosed bait might actually have a chance at coming across as appealing to these hungry travelers. Tailing conditions in Marathon are caused by an east wind that opposes the current of the Gulf Stream. Migrating fish are traveling against the current, and heavy wind creates waves that push in the direction they are going. By swimming on the surface, to the point where their tails even breach, they use the force of the wind to surf the waves. It gives them a little break. It is a breathtaking experience to see these fish with such clarity, as if they are in a rolling aquarium. For obvious reasons, this type of fishing requires some heart to brave the he coldest month of the year may shut off a lot of fisheries around waves, and possibly some Dramamine. If you are prone to seasickness, take the country, but the Florida Keys thrive throughout the month of Dramamine the night before. This allows time for it to get into your system February. and eliminates the uncomfortable drowsiness that occurs from taking it the While the Keys are not immune to seasonal cold fronts, the temperatures morning of your trip. remain significantly higher than the rest of the country and provide the Capt. Quinlyn Haddon, of Blue Magic Charters, can be reached at versatility of being able to duck onto the bay side if waters on the Atlantic (504) 920-6342. Check out her social media: @captainquinlyn. side get too sporty.
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n the South, bass are making their transition to prepare for the spawn. This time of year can present an awesome opportunity, with large groups of fish ready to feed before they head to the shallows to do their business. One of the best ways to catch bass is to locate a large group of feeding fish with electronics and put them in the boat. This time of year is my favorite time to do it. Bass group up, stage on certain things in a little bit deeper water near spawning areas and feed heavily. This scenario presents some very fun fishing days! The first thing you need is a fish finding unit with side-scan capabilities and a little bit of patience. Finding the perfect spot sometimes isn’t easy, but when you do find it, it can be extremely rewarding. The first step is to identify a general area in a lake where bass will eventually go to spawn. After that, you want to look for a transition area with structure that bass will stage on and feed before they
JUNE 20202022 COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM FEBRUARY COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
move up to spawn. For most of the country, a transition area can be anything from deeper water with structure, points, or even deep banks leading near the spawning grounds. Here in Florida, we look for submerged grass clumps or edges, brushpiles, and even shell bars in a bit deeper water near spawning areas. This habitat provides bass with an ambush point to feed heavily and an easy route to spawning grounds when they are ready. Side scan is very helpful in for finding these things, as you can see the bottom 150 feet or more on each side of your boat at idle speeds. This allows you to cover a ton of water and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. With some trial and error, you can actually see fish with this technology as well! I know this technology is expensive and takes some time to learn and understand. However, if you can get your hands on it and learn how to us it, your understanding of where these fish move, live, and feed will grow exponentially. The best way to learn is to get out on the water and find that special area for yourself. Content and video on the Internet helps if you get stuck in a technological bind or aren’t quite sure what you are seeing on your screen. You can always reach out to me on social media with questions. I’d love to help in any way I can. Tyler Woolcott is a professional tournament angler and guide. Check out his website at www.tylerwoolcottfishing.com.
TIPS FROM A PRO
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UTILIZING ELECTRONICS TO FIND GROUPS OF PRE-SPAWN BASS
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UTILIZING ELECTRONICS TO FIND GROUPS OF PRE-SPAWN BASS
SEAWALL EROSION CONTROL I TYLER WOOLCOTT
n the South, bass are making their transition to prepare for the spawn. This time of year can present an awesome opportunity, with large groups of fish ready to feed before they head to the shallows to do their business. One of the best ways to catch bass is to locate a large group of feeding fish with electronics and put them in the boat. This time of year is my favorite time to do it. Bass group up, stage on certain things in a little bit deeper water near spawning areas and feed heavily. This scenario presents some very fun fishing days! The first thing you need is a fish finding unit with side-scan capabilities and a little bit of patience. Finding the perfect spot sometimes isn’t easy, but when you do find it, it can be extremely rewarding. SAFE FOR THE The first step is to identify a general area in a lake where bass ENVIRONMENT will eventually go to spawn. After that, you want to look for a transition area with structure that bass will stage on and feed before Our Polyurethane they move up to spawn. For most Fills voids of the country, a transition area can Seals cracks Strengthens soilsbe anything from deeper water with structure, points, or even deep banks leading near the spawning grounds. Here in Florida, we look for submerged grass clumps or edges, brushpiles, and even shell bars in a bit deeper water near spawning areas. This habitat Free Estimates Competitive Pricing provides bass with anofambush Free 2nd Opinions Serving All Floridapoint to feed heavily and an easy route to spawning grounds when they are ready. Side scan is very helpful in for finding these things, as you can see the bottom 150 feet or more on each side of your boat at idle speeds. This allows you to cover a ton of water and eliminate a lot of the guesswork. With some trial and error, you can actually see fish with this technology as well! I know this technology is expensive and takes some time to learn and understand. However, if you can get your hands on it and learn how to us it, your understanding of where these fish move, live, and feed will grow exponentially. The best way to learn is to get out on the water and find that special area for yourself. Content and video on the Internet helps if you get stuck in a technological bind or aren’t quite sure what you are seeing on your screen. You can always reach out to me on social media with questions. I’d love to help in any way I can.
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Cool Water, Hot Surf Fishing
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ebruary is one of the coolest months for surf fishing, and it’s one of the best for cool-water fish. Mackerel, jack, bluefish and ladyfish are coolwater fish that are very active this month. February is also one of the best months for table fare like large pompano, whiting and croaker. The schooling predator fish mentioned above are active chasing bait in the morning around daybreak and in the evening. They are shallow in the morning around the first breakers and running the trough, a deep cut along the shoreline under the closest breakers. Any shiny, fast-moving lure will produce strikes. I prefer small crocodile-style spoons (1-ounce) in the morning, a shallow-running crankbait, if there are no weeds, or small jigs (4-inch pearl white with a 3/8-ounce chartreuse jig head). Schooling mackerel and bluefish will cut your line, so use a heavy 40-pound mono or fluoro leader tied onto braid. Whether it’s early morning or not, you need to find bait to be successful. Look for birds feeding. On any beach, there will usually be some schools of bait. They might be 100 yards away or a half a mile. Walk the beach and look for dark spots in the water and small splashes on top. Although birds will be feeding on large schools of bait, they may not see smaller schools. Make long search casts past the bait and use a fast, steady retrieve to pull the lure through the bait. The action can be fast and furious as long as you are around bait and feeding fish. All the cool-water predator fish will take live bait and cut bait. Greenies and live shrimp work as well as cut ladyfish and frozen shrimp. If it gets cold, try beach fishing with waders. Numbers of pompano have been reported along many of the beach accesses in the Treasure Coast area, including Bathtub Beach and Middle Cove up to the Ft. Pierce Inlet. February is one of the best months for large 3- to 5-pound pompano. Pompano beach fishing is an art in itself and requires longer fishing rods as well as triple rigs baited with sand fleas or FishBites (red or pink). One of the easiest ways to catch pompano is to fish the lagoon bridges (Jensen Beach Causeway/Stuart Bridge if you are in Martin county) with pompano jigs (pink) on moving tides. The whiting bite has been very good this winter with small pieces of frozen shrimp. Cast just past the shoreline breakers. When fishing live or cut bait on the beach, make sure you reel in pompano or whiting fast or your fish might be shark bait. The best table-fare beaches have deeper water. The best times are when high tide is moving in or out. The weeds have been much better on the beach and the water is clear. Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine who reports from the Stuart Rod and Reel Club. Contact him at (336) 414-3440.
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CATCH SMALLMOUTHS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA
H
By Capt. James McManus
ere in the western North Carolina mountains, we get a lot of visitors. Snowbirds are what we call people who come here from up north to enjoy our milder climate. One snowbird most fishermen cherish is the smallmouth bass. We are at the southern end of their natural range, and almost all of our watersheds contain some. Smallies have characteristics that endear them to anglers. They are aggressive, eat year-round, grow to respectable size and when hooked spend as much time out of the water as in.
You can find these beauties in most of our sizeable rivers. River fish seem to be more active in summer. I think it’s linked to terrestrial food items being more available. Floating area rivers like the Tuckasegee, Little Tennessee, Hiwassee and French Broad will keep you in fish regardless of your preferred method. For fly guys, any minnow or crawdad imitation will draw strikes, and in warmer weather nymphs and hoppers get their attention. Poppers and sliders can be lots of fun, just remember river smallies tend to be smaller than their lake buds. I spend more time chasing lake fish. There is less competition from other anglers, and average size is much better. Winter and early spring are the best seasons, in my opinion, only because the females are chock-full of eggs. It is when we catch our largest fish of the year. Many methods produce, and I throw a lot of jigs and jerkbaits. Lake fish have a variety of forage, so anything resembling threadfin shad, blueback herring or crawdads fits their menu. Dropshot, Shaky head and wacky-rigged worms all catch fish. Average depth for smallies year-round is 45 feet, or so. However, our clear mountain lakes allow them to identify prey up on the surface. Don’t shy from throwing topwater just because you mark fish deep. Especially when they are feeding up pre- and postspawn, you’ll find smallmouths on rock or gravel, where they love to eat little lobsters. They also suspend in open water to chase shad, but this is more of a warm-water behavior. On Lake Fontana, my home lake, we troll a good bit, and it’s not unusual to find them suspended at 45 feet over 200 feet of water. I should note that while we still have good smallmouth fishing, invasive spotted bass have forced their way into smallie enclaves. For this reason, we never kill a smallmouth. If you like to eat fish, take all the spotted bass you want; they are better eating anyway. Smallies and spots use the same spawning areas and hybridize. While not good genetically, it produces a fish that has that hybrid vigor, hence the name “meanmouth.” Markings and coloration make the smallmouth one of the prettiest of all fish. We should try hard to preserve them so our kids have the thrill of fighting one of the gamest fish around. Captain James McManus owns 153 charters out of Sylva, N.C. Call him at (828) 421-8125. James fishing McManus/Instagram.
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C-HAWK & MITZI SKIFF: DEPENDABLE SIMPLICITY
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H that’s built to take a beating. “Really, we just took a commercial-duty boat and put a little lipstick on it,” Grubbs said. “The boat is as tough as it ever was. It’s been the same boat for nearly 50 years.” Mitzi Skiffs were designed for a specific purpose, yet the same philosophy applies. When the first Mitzi was designed in the mid-1990s, the concept was simple. There was nothing on the market with the shallow draft, clean layout and quiet maneuverability needed for fly fishing the flats. Those ideas propel the company today. Almost 30 years later, Mitzi’s line of 15’, 16’ and 17’ skiffs achieve those purposes exceptionally well, and they are inexpensive to own and operate. With the original design and continuing innovation, Mitzi Skiffs are flats boats other boat builders imitate. C-Hawk and Mitzi Skiff boats are available exclusively through select dealers. Contact your local dealer to find out how they can be rigged out to fit your style of fishing.
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