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PHOTO CREDIT: BEAN SPORTFISHING, LLC INSTAGRAM: @BNMBEAN VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 321

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F R A N C H I S E

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

A V A I L A B L E

DECEMBER 2021

W O R L D W I D E

INTRODUCING MEGA JACKPLATE

ENGINEERED TO HANDLE THE STRONGEST OUTBOARD ENGINES ON THE MARKET Today’s engine manufacturers are building engines that are more powerful and heavier than ever before. Dometic’s new Mega Jackplate has been developed to withstand the power of high performance engines and provide boaters with the ability to maximize the output of their engines while offering more flexibility in shallow water. The Mega Jackplate is rated to 600 HP and is an extension of our existing product line. It will be offered in 6”, 8” and 10” setbacks. There will be 2 versions available, a standard bolt pattern designed to fit engines like Yamaha XTO and a wide bolt pattern designed to fit Merc 500/600.

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

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WINTER CRAPPIE

ake a look at what guide Tony Adams does during the winter on Alabama’s Lake Eufaula. With all the slab crappie he catches this time of year, it’s worth considering a fish fry for Christmas or New Year’s festivities. Gone are the days when crappie fishing was a springtime-only endeavor. Anglers have figured out how to pattern these swimming fish sandwiches year-round, and Adams has them dialed in on Eufaula. It’s a pattern that probably translates well to many reservoirs across the South. Lake Eufaula is an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River that stretches out to more than 45,000 acres on the southern end of the Alabama/Georgia border. Centered around the town Eufaula, Ala., hard winter is usually shortlived. Instead of being hunkered down in the depths this time of year, Eufaula crappie are still in a fall feed-up mode. “Lake Eufaula doesn’t get as cold as a lot of lakes. They’re chasing shad in the mouths of the creeks or on the flats in 8 to 10 feet of water,” Adams said. “It’s one of the best times of year to catch bigger fish. They’ve pushed up out of

By TAM Staff

the depths to feed and put on fat to take them through the winter into the spawn.” Adams said loading a cooler with fillets can be pretty easy in these conditions. The fish might be as scattered as crappie get, but they are actively feeding. This makes catching them easy once you find them. Adams has a milk-run of brush piles in different locations and depths. His Humminbird electronics tell him quickly whether or not a location is holding fish. Once fish are located, most of Adam’s clients prefer to fish old school. Jigs catch fish, he said, but most of his anglers prefer fishing minnows the way their grandfathers taught them. Adams’ War Eagle boat is equipped with three Hi-Tek rod holders in front of each angler’s seat. His 10-foot B‘n’M rods are rigged with spinning reels and 6-pound high-visibility line. On the business end, he ties on a No. 2 hook for a lip-hooked minnow and pinches a splitshot about a foot up the line. He Spot-Locks the trolling motor over active brush and lets his anglers go to work tightlining. Sometimes, when it’s windy, he’ll add another split-shot to keep the lines from bowing.

“If you fish all three rods at different depths, you can figure out what depth they’re biting at,” Adams said. “Then you can leave all your baits at that depth.” Anglers should watch rod tips, of course, but keeping an eye on that high-vis. line is also important. Sometimes fish swim up after eating, and you’ll only notice that by watching the line. Give Adams a call if you’d rather be heating up oil than a grill on New Year’s Day. Contact Tony Adams through his Facebook page—Gone Fishing With Tony—or by calling him at (334) 695-3003.

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ish are everywhere in the Florida Keys. From big pelagics on offshore humps to vast backcountry flats teeming with tarpon and permit, the options are so varied that decisionmaking can be difficult. Throw in wrecks, reefs, bridges and ledges, and one boat just isn’t enough to do it all. If you wanted to experience all the fishing the Keys have to offer, you’d need several different types of vessels. Joel Brandenburg, of Ana Banana Fishing Company, understands this. Based in Marathon, he’s pulled together a fleet of boats and the captains to fish it all. With five boats ranging from a 53-foot Hatteras to a 24-foot Hanson, they are equipped to chase big game at the famous Marathon Humps and beyond, and also to fish skinny backwater flats and everything in between. The options are enough to make a visiting angler’s head spin, but Joel will be your guide. Putting clients on fish runs in his blood. When his son Jojo Brandenburg earned a master captains license about five years ago, it extended the family business into its third generation. They’ve had a “no-fish, no-pay” policy for more than 20 years, and in all that time they’ve only had to honor it three times. Joel certainly dialed up a good option when I contacted him on short notice this fall. I was looking for a quick half-day while on family vacation in Islamorada. With the winds up on the Atlantic, he suggested a backcountry trip. We’d trade the excitement of blackfin tuna, mahi mahi and sailfish for fast snapper action. That was just fine with

By Nick Carter

my 10-year-old son and me. Back home, the boy is a bream slayer. “It’s like crappie fishing on steroids,” Joel said as he lowered a chum bag off the stern. We had run 13 miles over skinny water into Florida Bay to anchor off a small wooded island called East Bahia Honda. The boat bobbed at the edge of a deep channel that cuts through the flat like a green vein. The action began immediately. On light tackle, we pitched baits and hauled in mangrove snappers as quickly as we could turn to get another pilchard or ballyhoo chunk from first-mate Eddie Traylor. With a five-fish limit per person, we threw back a bunch of fish and filled the cooler with a quick limit of the chunkiest mangos. Then we bumped around a while, waiting for the tide to turn and throwing Cuda Tubes to wood structure. Casting and working a lure for the visual thrill of a barracuda streaking from cover is a lot of fun. It was tough to put the rods down when Joel suggested we go check out the bridge. On the way in, we got a good look at an endangered hawksbill sea turtle. Anchored near Fred—the storied Australian pine tree that grows from the roadbed of the Old Seven Mile Bridge—we chummed and pitched pilchards into the tide that rushed between pilings. Joel knew we’d get into some yellowtail snapper, and he was hoping for some yellow jacks and maybe a big shark. “Best as I can tell, yellow jacks started showing up around here about 12 to 15 years ago,” Joel said. “I’m happy to have them. They fight like jack crevalle and taste like tuna.” Yellow jacks average 5 pounds around the bridges, but they reach weights in the 15-

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S T s to 20-pound range, Joel said. We didn’t boat any yellow jacks, but a big jack crevalle ran the boy around the rails twice, and a nice mutton snapper went into the box along with some keeper yellowtails. When the bite slowed, Joel took us to the docks at Castaway Watefront Restaurant in Marathon with a lot more than a fish supper. They’ll cook your catch any way you want, and it was the perfect end to a day on the water. If you’re looking for a winter get-away, it’s hard to beat winter fishing in the Keys. Joel said they’re targeting sailfish and blackfin tuna and high-speed trolling for wahoo right now. Snapper, grouper and other species are biting on the wrecks, reefs, ledges, bridges and flats. The cobia will show up on the Gulf side in January and February.

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Contact Ana Banana Fishing Company through their website at anabananafishing.com.

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ON THE DEERFIELD BEACH PIER By James P. Goss

s a small South Florida city, Deerfield Beach has many notable attractions. One of them is the International Fishing Pier. Depending on the season, schools of small fish cluster among the pilings, while along the ocean bottom stingrays, tarpon, turtles and moon jellyfish swim slowly by. Schools of baitfish swirl below and cloud the water. On some mornings, the outer end of the pier is crowded with fishermen, hunched over the railings with their tackle and gear. Down below, the small bodies of fish fleck the water with silver, while larger fish breach the surface in a slow curving motion. If there is a noticeable shift of energy in the air, this usually means some very large fish have arrived. This day, the excitement builds quickly when the

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bonita are running. “Vinny, can we get a line soon?” a fisherman asked one recent morning. Vinny is a large man—larger than most of the others standing nearby. A bright bandana wrapped low on his forehead, Vinnie focused on his fishing line sloping over the railing, where it sagged into the water. Nearby, the fishermen’s casts made a low whir, followed by a faint tuck, tuck as lures dropped beneath the water’s surface. The sound shifted as the mood in the air changed, from mild indifference to anticipation to high animation. A man in flip-flops ran toward the fishermen huddled near the hut. The men were gathering more closely together, their five-gallon buckets, tackle boxes, nets, buoys, rolling bait tanks, coolers, and various unused fishing rods standing at the ready nearby. On a bollard, a curious grackle pecked at a plastic bag of shrimp. “Get back! Get back! Get back!” one man shouted, his voice full of urgency, while another wheeled his cart of bucket and fishing rods toward the focal point of activity. Two fishermen had reeled in a bonita, which flopped desperately on the sun-splashed deck. A grizzled fisherman in the crowd spoke to his friend, a middle-aged woman with a towel draped over her head. “I want you to take this fish home to your mother,” he said, approaching the two anglers, offering pliers to cut the lure. Perhaps he knew the two men. Or he was somehow skilled enough to strike a quick arrangement with them: the gift of their catch. “It’s good to do things for others,” he said to the woman. When she asked what kind of fish it was, he told her, “It’s a bonita,” adding a translation: “Beautiful.” Carrying the dead fish in a plastic bag, the woman left the pier to walk into town. The mood on the pier remained energized. More fish were caught, the bonita piling up. A man yelled, “I’ve never seen so many fish on one pier!” An online fishing report said that boat catches offshore in varied depths of water were netting swordfish and mahi-mahi. And on the pier, the fishermen continued to feel the optimism that accompanies a beautiful day on the water.

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has turned into a full-on quest, in which Storin (a.k.a. Bean) designed his own micro-rod and is using it to catch some impressive fish. “We were bored during covid, and we took out a bunch of those little ice fishing rods,” he said. “We wanted to see if we could maybe catch a tarpon with them.” Viewers of Storin’s Youtube channel, Bean Screen TV, ate it up. It was entertaining, and it spurred Bean to design his own Bean Pole, which he sells on his website beansportfishing.com. “It’s so fun. No matter what, the rod just bends and it won’t break,” Bean said. “As long as you’ve got the right line on it, you can land almost any fish in the ocean with it if you’ve got enough patience and fishing skill. “No matter what you hook, it feels like a monster,” he continued. “You could hook a 12-inch mangrove snapper, and it feels like a monster.” But Bean wasn’t content with mangos. He wants to test the limits of his new rods on true monsters of the deep. Bean Poles are intentionally noodle-stick flexible. He said the key to the design process was “to make them as bendy as possible, so they don’t break.” The reel seats, however, are designed to hold some serious gear. Bean usually fishes a 4,000-size spinning reel with 20-pound braid, but he’s gone as heavy as a 6,000-size reel and 60-pound line when pursuing big tarpon and sharks. He said the rod is capable of holding a 10,000-size spinning reel for folks who might want even heavier tackle. So far, Bean has caught tarpon close to 100 pounds, an 8-foot lemon shark, keeper cobia, giant barracuda, king mackerel, a 30-plus-pound By CAM Staff African pompano, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, juvenile goliath grouper and more with the Bean Pole. “The next thing we want to do is catch a sailfish,” he said… “and a giant goliath grouper.” In case you were wondering, Bean has normal gear, and he doesn’t force charter clients to fish Bean Poles. He does, however, keep one on e’ve heard of fishing light tackle, but this seems a little board… just in case. ridiculous… ridiculously fun! Capt. Brandon Storin, who fishes out of the legendary Bud Contact Brandon “Bean” Storin through his website N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Fla. has taken light tackle fishing to the beansportfishing.com, and check out his YouTube channel, extreme. What started as a lark—toying with ice fishing rods in the Keys— Bean Screen TV, to see the Bean Pole in action.

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FLORIDA 2021

LOCATION 7

Coming to Orlando Jan. 5-7

urf Expo is gearing up for its upcoming in-person trade show to be held Jan. 5-7, 2022 in Orlando, Fla. at the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center. Surf Expo’s January show has become known as a one-stop shop to preview and get a first-hand look at the latest and greatest apparel and accessories that will lead the industry in 2022. A few of the brands featured in the Bluewater section are AFTCO, HUK, Pure Lure, Reel Life, Jeep by Buck Wear, Fish Hard Gear, Boat Builders Trading, Saltwater Born, Habit Outdoors, Fish Hard Gear, Unsalted Coast and Marsh Wear. Other brands in the show include Salty Crew, Costa, AVID, ANETIK, REEL Skipper, Chums, SMITH Optica, Aqualung, O’Neill and many more. There are quite a few new brands you’ll find in Bluewater making their Surf Expo debut, including Bajio eyewear, Fireside Outdoor, Red Bobber Fishing Gear, Kahuna Wagons, RUMPLE and more. The Bluewater section was designed with the buyer in mind—so they can see all the key inshore and offshore apparel and accessory brands in one location. They’ll find products ranging from lifestyle and technical apparel to footwear, outerwear, sportswear, t-shirts, sunglasses, outdoor apparel and gear and lots more.

Steven “Fish” Fisher, Surf Expo’s senior buyer relations manager works directly with buyers from marinas, outfitters, boat dealers and bait and tackle shops. “There’s a definite need for product. People from Florida and across the U.S. as well as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and all over the globe are registering and excited to come,” he said. “We staged two safe and successful shows in 2021, and we’ll continue to evolve our health and safety plan to keep those practices in place as we head into 2022 shows,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo show director. “We want our exhibiting brands and retailers to feel confident in returning to our show. Surf Expo will continue to assemble the right mix of brands, new products and events for inspiration and camaraderie that can’t be produced digitally.” Features of the show will include the Bluewater Lounge, plus fashion shows, live seminars, the Surf Expo Industry Party and happy hours. Surf Expo will be announcing its full line up of special events in the coming weeks. Registration is free for qualified buyers. For more information, contact steven.fisher@surfexpo.com. For more information on the upcoming show, visit www.surfexpo.com.

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witnessed a scenario a few weeks ago that when analyzed might help us all catch more fish. I was fishing a familiar cove, drifting my kayak across grass flats mixed in with sand potholes. This area typically holds clear water, and on low-wind days such as this, it should have been exceptionally clear. The farther I drifted across the area, the more I noticed dinginess in the water. This area of the cove had a small island perpendicular with the shoreline and a 15-yard gap in between. I saw small mullet pushing up on the edge of the island. At that point, I decided to anchor my kayak and work the area thoroughly with my rattling soft-plastic paddletail. This area was 1 to 2 feet deep and mostly carpeted with grass with just a few sand potholes. To keep from fouling my jig on the grass, I was burning the lure just under the surface. I unexpectedly hooked up with a nice redfish that came out of the water to inhale my copper and silver soft plastic! Due to the redfish mouth being on the bottom of their head, they put on a nice show while attacking a lure on or near the surface. I caught a dozen or so reds in this area using the same retrieve, and about half of them came out of the water or created a whitewater attack to strike. I was also able to sight cast to a few that swam through in groups of two or three. As the bite started to taper, I noticed the water had begun to clear up. This led me analyze the situation a little more. This area is not known for a lot of tidal movement, and typically you can’t see the water move, as was the case on this day. However, the tide was incoming, which created the silty water, and this slight movement was also pushing the small mullet against the island. Once the water cleared, I realized the tide had slowed or stopped, and as that happened the mullet began to scatter through the cove. I still managed to pick up a few more reds and some trout, but not until I started to drift other areas of the cove. Hindsight is 20/20, and I didn’t put all the pieces together until the end, but it was a great lesson I will use in the future. Even though I could not see the movement of the water, the dirty water was a clear sign of the incoming tide. The bait was reacting to the rising water, and that’s the reason the fish were feeding in that area. I hope this story helps you out in the future. I will remember what I learned that day and apply it. Capt. Michael Okruhlik is the inventor of Knockin Tail Lures, Controlled Descent Lures and the owner of www.MyCoastOutdoors.com.

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PRESS RELEASE

Stuart Boat Show Set to Sail Jan. 14-16, 2022

othing can satisfy a boater’s curiosity like an in-person boat show. It’s a one-stop, handson experience, and the January 2021 Stuart Boat Show proved that the boating lifestyle is increasingly growing. Attendees came out in record numbers and exhibitors shared positive feedback about their sales with some even selling out at the show! AllSports Productions, producers of the Stuart Boat Show, are now gearing up to kick off their 48th year of the show. The open-air exhibits and onwater experiences bring a real-life appreciation of the boating life and what it has to offer. The Stuart Boat Show organizers provide a safe environment for exhibitors and guests to ensure an enjoyable and successful show for all. Exciting additions are in store for the 2022 show with the latest being the partnership with Southern Boating Media and the new onwater Pelican Lounge. The floating dock display will be the social gathering place to take a load off, grab a magazine, have a drink, chat with friends, and soak in the beautiful water views. We’re also

SHOW DATES/TIMES

Friday, January 14 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday, January 15 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday, January 16 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

ADMISSION

Adults: $15; Veterans: $13; Children (12 & younger): $8

LOCATION

54-290 N.W. Dixie Hwy., Stuart, FL Free shuttle service available from Whitham Field and Wright Boulevard/ Dixie Highway parking lots.

excited to welcome back Hurricane Boat Lifts as our transportation sponsor to ensure getting to and from the show operates smoothly and Legacy Marine, a premier boat dealer servicing the Treasure Coast and South Florida. Both will crown our entrances to welcome guests. The Stuart Boat Show is proud to invite everyone to visit such a wonderful, family-friendly outdoor event. There will be plenty of music and delicious food and drink to enjoy while walking the more than 175 exhibitors showing of the latest and greatest motor yachts, cruisers, center consoles, and sport fishing

Come discover why the Stuart Boat Show is named as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast. PHOTO CREDIT: Allsports Productions.

boats as well as personal watercraft, of the top 20 events in the Southeast. safety equipment, marine electronics, inboard and outboard engines, The Stuart Boat Show is owned by fishing gear, financing and insurance the Marine Industries Association of companies, nautical apparel and the Treasure Coast and is produced jewelry, and accessories for any by Allsports Productions. For more boating adventure. There’s a reason information and tickets, visit the Stuart Boat show is named as one www.stuartboatshow.com.

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TREASURE COAST 1

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he Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament is held each year to benefit glioblastoma medical research. from The fourth annual WeldinG & machininG... tournament dates are Jan. 8-15, 2022. ...to hiGhThe goal of tournament precision, organizers is to share and spread dynamic awareness about glioblastoma and to balancinG Since 1980 discover possible leads to its cause and cure. Got a badly The 2022 tournament will kick damaGed propeller? off Fri., Jan. 7, at Cobb’s Landing with a captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. Registration forms and a full set of rules are available online at 3009 S.E. Monroe St. lennyschelinmemorialtournament. com or via a link for the Stuart, Florida 34997 3009 S.E. Monroe St. Tournament on 2022 Lenny littlejimbaitandtackle.com. We‚ll fix it Stuart, Florida 34997 Fishing commences Sat., Jan. 8, up like neW! 3009 S.E. Monroe St. at 8 a.m. and concludes Sat., Jan. 15 Stuart, Florida 34997 at 4 p.m. Teams can choose between Service from Melbourne to West Palm Beach the Sailfish Division, with an entry fee of $1,500 per team, or the Meat Division, with the entry fee of $500. Teams will have three declared fishing days during the week. Fifty percent of entry fees will be donated to research for glioblastoma and Mention this ad for a CAM discount 50% of entry fees will be returned to Mention This Ad for Your Coastal Angler Discount

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winners. Ladies’ and Jr. Anglers may fish one day (Jan. 8, 9 or 10). Parties, food, liquor, music, and door prizes will be paid for by tournament sponsors. An awards party will be held Sun., Jan. 16, beginning at 2 p.m. hosted by Little Jim Bait and Tackle (601 North Causeway, Fort Pierce, FL 34949). The 2021 tournament exceeded tournament organizers $50,000 goal and $70,000 was raised. A check in the amount of $50,000 was presented to The Cleveland Clinic Martin Health Foundation to go towards glioblastoma research. In addition to the Cleveland Clinic donation, tournament organizers are also working towards implementing soil and water testing. The fundraising goal for the 2022 tournament is $85,000 and proceeds will be donated to fund brain cancer research.

Jr. nt

STATISTICS • There are 130 different types of brain tumors. • An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor. • An estimated 87,240 people will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2020. • Glioblastoma is the most commonly occurring primary malignant brain tumor (accounting for 14.6% of all tumors and 48.3% of all malignant tumors). • For the most common form of primary malignant brain tumors, glioblastoma, the five-year relative survival rate is only 6.8%. • An estimated 18,020 people died from malignant brain tumors (brain cancer) in 2020 which is approximately 1,300 more than 2019. The Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation and is fully funded by donations. Fifty percent of the tournament’s registration fees, are paid out for prizes. To ensure a successful tournament, organizers depend on contributions made by sponsors. Even for those who do not fish the tournament, a variety

TREASURE COAST

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

ABOUT LENNY JR. Lenny was an avid fisherman both recreationally and professionally. His love for the sport brought him in contact with many in the fishing community. He was well known and respected for his fishing skills and his intense dedication to the art of sport fishing. This all came to a halt when he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Multiform Brain Tumor on February 6, 2017 at the age of 32. Removal of the tumor was necessary, but it left him with memory loss, stamina depletion, and personality changes along with loss of vision and stability. Not only did this take away his livelihood, but it would also take his life on July 28, 2018. PHOTOS COURTESY of Lenny Schelin Jr. Memorial Tournament.

of opportunities for donating, For more information about sponsorships, prize drawings, and the the 2022 tournament, email bidding of auction items supporting donna@originaltikibar.com or visit the tournament’s cause are available ittlejimbaitandtackle.com or on the tournament website. lennieschelinmenorialtournament.com.

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DECEMBER 2021

TREASURE COAST 3

FISHING FORECASTS

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

“B

est Fishes” to all for a happy holiday season from the Safari 1 and `Tis the season to fish, as December will roll out stockings stuffed with salty presents in the form of the many offshore species of fish that inhabit the coastal waters of Martin County. Local anglers will be able to enjoy the seasonal excitement of being able to intersect and catch an all-star lineup of offshore gamefish like sailfish, dolphin, king and Spanish mackerel, grouper, and snapper. Florida`s winter weather will be in full swing this month, hosting the typical procession of cold fronts that will pass over our peninsula

Lots of fishy presents from aboard the Safari 1 for angler Brandon Rancourt. #BannerDay. PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1.

with fresh breezes. These fronts and the winds associated with them, will directly determine offshore conditions and force anglers to plan their ocean fishing trips around daily weather forecasts and the sea states they encounter. While there will be many rough ocean days this month, there will also be some favorable

weather windows for fishing in between the arrival of cold fronts. During these user-friendly days, fishing crews will want to target reef structures in 50 to 180 feet of water, as these reefs will be holding various baitfish that will prove to attract top water pelagics like sailfish, cobia, dolphin, and king mackerel, as well

as bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper. Locating bottom structure to employ one’s fishing strategies upon, will be the key component to catching success in December. Trolling, drifting, and anchoring strategies for deploying baits is always enhanced when doing so around and over top of some bottom (reef structures). Grouper will be at the top of the holiday fish wish list, as December will be the last month of an open catch and keep season that will close at midnight, December 31. The last chance to gather grouper groceries will have anglers targeting reef zones in 130 to 180 feet of water. Live baits of all flavors and heavy tackle will yield the best chances for success while bottom fishing for grouper. Lane, mangrove, and mutton snapper will also be high on the wish list and will be found in good numbers from 50 to 90 feet of water, especially around artificial reefs just east and northeast of our St. Lucie Inlet. So, in December, make your fish wishes come true by fishing around some “bottom” and post up on one of the many “honey holes” that make up the reef system, offshore of Stuart.

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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

s we approach the winter, the water gets colder and the fishing gets hotter! The pompano are showing up inshore at the causeways and flats and can be caught jigging or bait-fishing with sandfleas, clams, and flavored bait such as “Fishgum”.

My preferred tides are incoming tide just inside the inlet and outgoing tide on the Sailfish Flats casting jigs upcurrent and retrieving with a medium long-pull up, and then reeling in the slack as it drops to the bottom giving it three seconds between jigs. We cast our bait-rigs down-current from the boat while jigging. The tarpon bite has slowed down, as they continue to migrate south to stay warm. However, it was a great end with the mullet run. Snook season is winding down as it closes December 15 through February 1. The best opportunity to end the season is jigging the bridges with First Light Jigs as well as chunkbaiting. We occasionally catch redfish that are mixed in with these snook throughout the winter also dropping

some big shrimp on a ¼-ounce jig head. The Spanish mackerel are here! And they’re destroying minnows along the beaches for some fun flyfishing or spin-fishing. For flies, we use set-back chartreuse Clousers and tube-flies. For lures, all I use is Gulfstream green minnows ⅜ or ½ ounce. For boaters, the mackerel are getting thick down at Peck Lake Reef and we chum there with glass minnows for quick results. These mackerel are great eating the day you Capt. Giles caught a juvenile catch them, so don’t keep more than tarpon in the St. Lucie Estuary a day’s catch unless you fire up the using live mullet during the end smoker. of the “mullet run.” The colder water can push the PHOTO SUPPLIED by Capt. Giles Murphy. snapper in closer to some shallow offshore spots such as the Sandpile, Simply chum the water and freeline Bull Shark Barge and Kingfish Hole. sardine strips and big shrimp.

MARTIN COUNTY OFFSHORE

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

iven the extremely productive summer we had and the fronts that already came though this November, I am expecting some really good action this December. Sails, mahi, blackfin and every other pelagic species in the Atlantic will be migrating back down the coast with each blow and one of the best places to target them is right here off the Treasure Coast. Whether you’re trolling dead bait, or drifting with live bait, using the right equipment makes all the difference, A 6- to-6.5-foot light to medium Blackfin circle hook rod with a high-speed reel spooled with 15- to 20-pound line, a short wind

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John Keller and his fishing buddy with a good catch of dolphin, a nice king and a couple of sailfish releases made for a great day fishing Off The Chain with Capt. Scott. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.

on leader and a 50-pound leader with a 6/0 or 7/0 circle hook snelled on is perfect for around here for everything but kings and wahoo. Keep an eye out for schools of bait, color changes, weed lines,

free jumpers anything out of the ordinary for places to fish. Most of our fishing takes place around our two main reefs and our artificial reef system. The Six Mile and Eight Mile reefs are in 65 feet and 135

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feet of water and kind of outline the migratory channel also known as Sailfish Alley as you get to the south of our inlet. There have been more big blackfin around this year than normal, so hold on a second! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend breaking off or horsing in fish you think are bonito, it’s definitely worth taking a little extra time until you see what you have especially if you are fishing near a shrimp boat this time of year. Trolling and live baiting are both great ways to target everything from sailfish to mahi to blackfin, but slow pitch jigging has really taken off the last few years and can be a very productive and exciting way to target the blackfin. On days where you don’t find any conditions while fishing inshore it can definitely be worth a trip out to the deep to see if you can find a piece of float or nice edge looking for dolphin. Whatever you decide to target this December I hope your next trip is Off The Chain. Be safe and happy holidays hope to hear from you soon.

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DECEMBER 2021

TREASURE COAST 5

FISHING FORECASTS

SOUTH INDIAN RIVER LAGOON

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

December marks 19 years that I have been chartering in the area. This will be my last fishing report before I retire after next year. It has been fun and exciting over the years, and I have met so many wonderful people along the way. I will be fishing through 2022 and retire with 20 years of taking anglers on fishing adventures. Thanks to all the readers of my reports over the years and I hope you keep on catching! Thanks everyone!

ecember brings on the winter months and changes fishing tactics on the river. The water temperatures continue to fall, and your fishing must adjust to the weather. Water temps can dictate where you fish and how you fish.

Finding water a few degrees warmer than normal can mean the difference in catching and fishing. We will get many days of breezy winds that will hinder getting to some favorite spots out there. That's one of the reasons I love fishing in this area—you can always find somewhere to fish! Not only does the cooler weather affect the fish it also requires us to dig out the ol' winter fishing clothes. I’m not too proud to get out the long johns on a cold winter day. Hopefully, this winter will be milder, the water quality improves, and the fishing is great for everyone. It can get pretty chilly some mornings! Trout, redfish and snook will be targets throughout the winter. Snook season closes December 15, but many anglers will still play catch and release with them. Fishing around bridges, docks and inlets can bring great action with snook hanging around the deeper waters of the river. Using live bait, D.O.A. Baitbusters and TerrorEyz, jigs and bomber lures can help you catch one worth a photo opportunity. Trout will tend to hang around the deeper cuts of the river. Move off to threeto-six feet of water for trout. Live

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table fare. Spanish mackerel and bluefish will continue to hang out in their favorite haunts of the river. Fish the inlet, turning basin and channels for them. Jack crevalle will be traveling around in packs chasing bait all over the river. Flounder should arrive soon and hang around the inlets, docks and sandy flats of the river. Ladyfish is a great way to spend a few hours with the kids on the Dalton Wells showing off a water. The bridges will be holding sheepshead and black drum sheephead, black drum, croakers that he caught while fishing in and sand perch for those anglers. Fort Pierce with Capt. Charlie. Live or dead shrimp is always the PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Charlie Connor. best bet from the catwalks. There shrimp on popping corks or D.O.A. is a good variety of fish to target Deadly Combos will work the best on any given day in any kind of for them. I love to work D.O.A. weather conditions. Redfish can be found around C.A.L. jerk baits or C.A.L. Air Heads this time of year on the flats. local docks during the winter You can also find snook and redfish months and a live shrimp or hanging around those areas as well. D.O.A. Shrimp can entice them Pompano have already arrived into striking. Don't forget about the in the area and not only provide great fishing action, but fantastic SEE SOUTH IRL............................PAGE 7

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take the bait from the surface, so leaving a swimmer out behind the boat can yield a big dividend. Keep an eye on the line and when you notice bait swimming for its life – get ready to set the hook.

ecember is the time to chase down the last bites of the year! Winter fishing along the Treasure Coast looks promising, with snapper, grouper, cobia, and sailfish ready to take the bait. Lane snappers have been tipping the scales at double-digits, and we are seeing plenty of fat mutton and gray snappers to predict a steady bite until the end of the year. Fish closer to shore and around reefs where the water is warmer. Use a chum bag to entice the fish to feed and rig a rod enough back bone and 15- to -20-pound test for a fierce snapper attack! Once the bite is on, keep at it. Rig up a grouper rod with a livey and send it down to join the action. With the snappers all riled up, the chances of a grumpy grouper hitting anything that swims by is great! Remember, the grouper season will be closing December 31 and remains closed until May, so bring yours home before the year ends. The chum bag will give off oils while drifting around the reefs. The oily slick will spread with the current, and attract the random passersby, namely the sailfish and cobia who will be swimming right along the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Both will

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We look forward to cobia joining in on the holiday festivities. Bragging rights to Brandon! Put the bamboo to it and invited it to dinner. PHOTO CREDIT: Shock Leader Charters.

While everything and everyone on land is moving at warp speed, we’ll be flowing in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream aboard the Shock Leader. Join us for holiday fishing with Capt. Cole and stuff your holiday stockings with the biggest catches and greatest memories of 2021! We want to thank all of you that sailed with us in 2021 and wish all the readers happy Holidays from the Captain and Crew on the Shock Leader! Tight lines and good vibes!

col w

PAGE 7

bia ay hts to oo to ner.

ST. LUCIE COUNTY INSHORE

Capt. Adam White St. Lucie Flats Fishing Charters (609) 820-6257 www.stlucieflatsfishing.com

can’t believe it is December already. We were blessed with a mild hurricane season and one of the best mullet runs we have had for a few years. Looking forward to finishing out the year with some great catches and making great memories with our loved ones. We spend a lot of time focusing on snook, sheepshead, and redfish during the early winter months.

Working the shadow lines at night with feathers is a great way to target snook as we get deeper into the winter. Depending on the depth and current, a 1.5-to-2-ounce feather seems to work the best around our bridges and inlet. Cast up current and let the feather sweep the bottom while you maintain a steady retrieve. Losing jigs is part of the process if you are fishing them correctly. It’s worth all the hassle once you get your first THUMP! The sheepshead should be full swing in the river by now. All the docks and channel markers should have healthy schools of fish on them. I always try to put the wind and tide together when I am fishing structure for sheepies. You can make far more

fishing should continue to get better and better throughout December. The weather makes it difficult to get out and fish for these fish out on the reef but, it will be worth it if you can get out there. The best bait this time of the year is cut cigar minnows and live shrimp. The shrimp at the tackle stores are bigger in the winter months and are a great bait to use to get those snapper fired up. Nearshore there are also some

ST. LUCIE COUNTY OFFSHORE

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

here have been some good reports of mahi-mahi working their way up the coast. Mixed in with the mahi have been large numbers of sailfish as well. The fish have been anywhere from 100 to 400 feet of water. These fish have been caught using ballyhoo or small squid lures trolling at about six miles-per-hour. The wahoo bite should start to get better on the full moon. Make sure to be out at daylight on the full moon to have your best chance at catching a nice wahoo. The best wahoo bite is north of the Fort Pierce Inlet in 200 to 400 feet of water. Look for structure and the bottom contour while fishing for the wahoo. These fish prefer to suspend above structure and feed early in the morning. Make sure

snook to still be caught at the Power Plant Boils. There is common bycatch of a cobia cruising down the beach in that area as well. Live croakers or pinfish on the bottom work great for those snook. The fishing in December is shaping up to be spectacular. We all just have to hope the Florida weather gives us a few days to get out there and go fishing. Good luck and tight lines!

DEEP SEA FISHING Capt. Colton Hester with a nice mutton taken in 80 feet of water…nice catch Capt. Colton! PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Vandegrift.

to be using wire leaders on your trolling baits as you never know when a big wahoo will smack a bait. On the bottom, the fishing is spectacular in December. The best bottom fishing is normally found on the reef straight out of the Fort Pierce Inlet in 80 feet of water. The mangrove and mutton snapper

SOUTH IRL......................... FROM PAGE 6 Change your tactics with the weather deeper cuts along the mangroves for redfish and snook in December. Using stealth is essential when fishing the shallow waters for redfish. We had very good success at finding the reds in shallow on sunny days on the grass flats. A mild winter will have them feeding in the shallows this month. It was a fantastic redfish bite all last winter and I am looking for it to be just as good this year. Winter fishing is already here.

accurate casts when the wind is at your back. These fish won’t move far from the structure, so accuracy is imperative. Big croakers, pompano, drum, snapper, and the like, can all crash the party while fishing for sheepies as well. Finding redfish laid up in shallow water or along a mangrove edge is another thing to look for throughout the winter. When the water gets really cold, the reds will typically be laying out in shallow water soaking A beautiful redfish caught by David North on cut mullet. up the heat from the sun. Put yourself in position to make a long PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Adam White. cast up current of the fish and work your lure back to them. I really like spooky, fresh cut mullet or ladyfish, using D.O.A. three-inch shrimp on a 1/0 hook will get the job done. for this application. They have very Enjoy your holidays and have a subtle approach. If the fish are acting Happy New Year!

and follow the water temperatures more closely to make your fishing more productive. Let’s make 2022 the year that we see improvements to the water quality in our area. If we all do our share to protect our rivers, we can ensure the future generations will enjoy the same experiences we have been blessed with. Remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it's an ADVENTURE! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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DECEMBER 2021

TREASURE COAST 7

Bluefish are usually abundant in and around the inlet and some of the biggest reds of the year can show up with the cold fronts. Sheepshead and black drum numbers increase at the inlet in December.

FISHING FORECASTS

SEBASTIAN INSHORE

Capt. Gus Brugger Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787 www.WelcomeToSebastian.com

INDIAN

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Seatrout season is closed in the Sebastian area through the end of the year, so catch and release only. Redfish and larger trout share habitat in the lagoon in December. Fishing shallow backwater flats and shorelines with D.O.A. C.A.L. jerk baits and jigs is a great way to cover ground and get strikes from both redfish and trout. Fly fishermen and light tackle anglers can stalk along mangrove shorelines looking for cruising and laid up reds after sharp cold fronts kill the algae and clear the waters. Some of the best inshore pompano fishing consistently coincides with the Christmas break. Bouncing pink or yellow “Goofy Jigs” around spoil island drop-offs, flats edges and in Sebastian Inlet is a fun way to catch hard fighting, tasty

Flipping live shrimp along shallow mangrove shorelines works well this time of year as Gus Brugger Jr. will attest! PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger.

gamefish. Trout, weakfish, bluefish, jacks, ladyfish, flounder, snappers, Spanish mackerel, and whatever else decides to swim in Sebastian Inlet to enjoy the bounty of the lagoon will hit jigs, plugs and live shrimp in these same areas.

in the last month of the year. Landbound and boating anglers both find soaking live finger mullet and mud minnows in areas of broken rocky/ sandy bottom is the best way to put a doormat in the cooler. Flatties up to 15 pounds are an annual catch at Sebastian Inlet. Snook season will SEBASTIAN INLET – Flounder will close December15 and depending be back in season December 1 and on ocean water temps legal fish can will be the target of most inlet anglers be caught right up to the deadline.

NEAR SHORE ATLANTIC – TThe beaches all along the Treasure Coast begin to fill up with surf fishermen in December, and for good reason. Schools of pompano cruise the troughs and sandbars along the coast hunting down sand fleas, crabs, clams, and glass minnows. Pompano, a favorite eating fish, is also an excellent gamefish on light tackle. Ten-plus-foot surf rods with three hook pompano rigs is the standard technique for both pompano and the tasty whiting that share the surf with them but casting Goofy Jigs on light spinning gear can be very productive when the surf is calm and clean. Live sand fleas are the top bait followed by cut clams and pieces of fresh shrimp. Blues and Spanish macks will also keep surf fishermen and boaters busy along the coast in December. Cut bait, spoons, jigs and gotcha plugs are all good choices for these toothy predators. Hope you find time for family, friends and fishing this holiday season Tight lines!

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water goes from green to a clear blue green, should give up some bigger dolphin, wahoo, black fin tuna and sailfish. When you find a color change that also shows a degree or Capt. Terry Wildey two in temperature change, such as Big Easy Fishing Charters 77 on the west side and 78 or more (772) 538 - 1072 on the east side, it is even more likely captwildey@bellsouth.net to hold fish. If you find sargassum www.bigeasyfishingcharters.com weed with flying fish or other small bait life stay with it, there’s going to ur offshore water temps should be fish down that line either to the be dropping down from the north or south. 79- and 80-degree range to the midto-low 70s this month. This will once again move migratory species south into our waters. Big smoker kingfish will be on the beach, color changes and tide waters as well as up and down our 60-foot reefs. Large live baits like thread fins and blue runners work best, but you can also catch them trolling deep diving lures and strip baits behind a sea witch, on a down rigger or plainer. Near shore should produce schools of Spanish mackerel from the beach out to 50 and 60 feet. Look for the birds and surface action. Trolling spoons will usually always produce strikes. The cooling water temps usually produces some good catches of triggerfish in the 65-toDan Dougherty holding a 85-foot reefs. Keep a jig ready also 37-pound cobia recently caught for the cobia to pop up. I’ll also run aboard Big Easy Charters. a line in mid-water with a live grunt PHOTOS CREDIT: Capt. Terry Wildey. or pin fish. This will often get you a Don’t forget it’s winter weather. shot at that cobia that’s too smart to Not the calm days of summer. Take show itself. The 80- and 90-foot reefs should advantage of the rough days and produce some mangroves snapper, go through your equipment. Not mutton snapper and lane snapper. just fishing tackle but the thing Keep in mind the high winds and that keep you floating. Bilge pumps big swells that come with December and switches. Radio and safety cold fronts to expect to find some equipment. Polish makes her look dirty water that’s going to make the good, but “Chrome won’t get you bottom bite fall off, so it’s a good Home” As always be courteous to time to come prepared to run off in your fellow boater, you never know search of a color changes. Trolling when you’ll need a tow. “Fish On Gotta Go!” some ballyhoo down any edge where

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TREASURE COAST 9

Mike with a really nice sailfish.

KAYAK FISHING FORECAST

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

INSHORE: December will start

to bring a few cold fronts our way. During the winter months, when water temps drop, targeting areas that warm quickly like docks, mangroves, mud flats and potholes will be the best bet. Getting out a little later in the day to allow those areas to warm will help you put more fish in the kayak. Sheepshead are a favorite of mine to target during this time. These fish are easy to catch on just pieces of dead or live shrimp around docks, bridges and channels while kayak fishing the inshore waters.

Kaz with a stud clown knifefish. PHOTOS CREDIT: Brian Nelli.

heavy winds out of the northeast, try to find a day with a little less wind to pick catch your favorite pelagic species. Sailfish, mahi, kings and wahoo should be your targets. Frisky google eyes and blue runners will be your best options. Trolling the 90-toOFFSHORE: Offshore kayak fishing 200-foot depths will give you the best during the winter months are heavily shot at a bite. Finally, don’t neglect weather dependent. With our usual the nearshore bite for Spanish

mackerel, bluefish and others. These fish can be a lot of fun on light tackle when maybe the other big pelagics are not cooperating.

FRESHWATER: Depending on how cold it gets, the peacock bass, largemouth bass and clown knifefish bite should continue to be great. Live shiners and or shad are your

best bets. All three of these fish will be looking for areas close to deeper water when the water temps get colder. Find the right depth and you will find the fish. 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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FISHING FORECASTS

LAKE OKEECHOBEE

Capt. Nate Shellen Shellen Guide Service Okeechobee Bass Fishing Guides/Charters (863) 357-0892 sjmike7@aol.com OkeechobeeBassFishing.com

he water level in Lake Okeechobee is over a foot higher this year than at this same time as last year, around 16 feet. The lack of storms/hurricanes this summer enabled the native vegetation to thrive in spite of the relatively high water. The water depth on the outside grass lines varies from six to eigth feet deep in most areas, and the number of native grasses such as peppergrass, eelgrass, spike rush, and Kissimmee grass are flourishing. With generally good water quality in the littoral zones of the lake, the bass population may be at an all-time high. Big bass are in the mix and artificial bait anglers are finding

to spawn. bass willing to rise to Everyone is looking the top and strike on for the ideal time to catch topwater offerings. fish, particularly big Popping frogs and other bass, October through baitfish imitating lures May would be that time. were the choices of those As far as the best bait to that had the best success. use for those big bass, Jigs and other flipping nothing outperforms and pitching baits are a live wild shiner. In providing big bites addition to catching too, try a swim jig or a fish, the sheer beauty of flipping jig tipped with a Lake Okeechobee is a blue/black craw imitating sight everyone should trailer. A flipping/ Bo Wilder with his personal best of 8 lbs. 13 oz. experience. There is pitching approach is caught while fishing with his mother Diane Harbison nothing like a sunrise very methodical and is who also caught her personal best of 8 lbs. 7 oz.! on Lake Okeechobee, basically a system for PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Nate Shellen. the majestic beauty of dissecting the vegetative cover one piece at a time. Although lake have dropped considerably in the huge lake awakening is aweknown for producing big bass, you the past month with temps in the inspiring. The amount of birdlife on will catch fish of all sizes using this high 60s to low 70s being the norm. the lake right now is incredible with approach. When employing this At these water temps, the fish are roseate spoonbills, Everglades snail style, your bait drops nearly straight quite active and can be found biting kites, red wing blackbirds, osprey, down into an area and is allowed somewhere in the lake throughout ibis, limpkins, great blue heron, to sit or (soak) as seasoned anglers the entire day. Specks are starting egrets of all kinds, just to name a call it for longer periods of time. to show up in greater numbers few that have shown up this year There are times when the fish will each week, but also are in direct showing the lake is recovering well inhale the bait as it crashes into their proportion to the number of anglers and the vegetation is prolific which environment, but, more often than pursuing them. Nighttime anglers in turn is great for the fishery. Should not, the fish will inspect the bait well will fare the best with small jigs and be a fantastic year so book your trip before eating it. A heavy braided line minnows fished in the Kissimmee now. We will use on the trip Bajio and a very strong rod are necessary River. Fish are being caught well sunglasses, Ranger Boats, G- Loomis to wrestle the fish from the thick out of the mouth of the river as they rods, American Bait Works Baits, move from the lake toward the river and a big thank you to Okeechobee cover once you have hooked them. The water temperatures in the and or shoreline grasses to prepare Fishing Headquarters.

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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

packing when headed out on the boat. Our area’s proximity to the Gulf Stream means warm, clear water is only a few miles out and swimming around weed lines is always a great time. Avid divers will also bring a speargun for the off chance to encounter a school of mahi. Inshore waters have been generally clean recently with minimal rainfall the past few months and no discharges from Lake-O. High tide around the Stuart Sandbar or Fort Pierce Cove can be surprisingly clear this time of year and even five-toten-foot visibility is great in shallow water. Always put up a dive flag when snorkeling mangroves edges and spoil islands, and exercise caution in crowded areas. Pack a dry bag with warm clothes and extra towels to keep warm on the ride home.

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iming is everything when it comes to diving in December, and keeping an eye on the wind really helps predict when visibility will cooperate. West winds, common after a cold front, can linger long enough for turbidity to settle and visibility windows to open if divers pay attention. Local beach cams provide a quick way to keep up with conditions in real time and are a great resource for divers to watch while waiting for vis to improve. Offshore, visibility reports are scarce this time of year and even when diving isn’t the Always put up a dive flag when snorkeling priority, a mask, fins, the mangrove edges and spoil islands. snorkel are always worth

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DECEMBER 2021

TREASURE COAST 13

DECEMBER FISHING CONDITIONS December 1

GOOD

Morning

December 21

FAIR

Evening

December 2

FAIR

Morning

December 22

POOR

Evening

December 3

POOR

Morning

December 23

POOR

Evening

December 4

POOR

Evening

December 24

FAIR

Evening

December 5

POOR

Evening

December 25

FAIR

Evening

December 6

POOR

Evening

December 26

POOR

Morning

December 7

GOOD

Evening

December 27

POOR

Morning

December 8

GOOD

Evening

December 28

GOOD

Morning

December 9

BEST

Evening

December 29

GOOD

Morning

December 10

BEST

Morning

December 30

POOR

Morning

December 11

POOR

Morning

December 31

POOR

Morning

December 12

POOR

Morning

December 13

POOR

Morning

December 14

FAIR

Morning

December 15

GOOD

Morning

December 16

FAIR

Morning

December 17

FAIR

Morning

December 18

FAIR

Evening

December 19

BEST

Evening

December 20

BEST

Evening

What do the ratings mean? POOR day basically means the fish will either steal all your bait or will not even touch your line. FAIR day means that you catch one or two fish but you will have to work hard to do so. GOOD day means that you will catch enough fish to feel gratified. BEST day means that you will catch something almost every time you cast your line in the water. SOURCE: The Old Farmers’ 2021Almanac

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Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri

Always Expect the Unexpected

few weeks back, I fished Mark and his wife Barbara from Colorado. They are a great couple who are deeply involved in environmental work and teaching kids fly fishing. We left the dock at 10 a.m., passed the inlet shortly after and learned that it was too bumpy to run the beaches. While turning the boat around, 200 yards offshore I saw massive schools of false albacore. After a quick talk to my couple and making sure that they’re fine, I aimed to where the action was. Mark got up on the bow and I brought him in a good position to get his first shot. It only took a few shots and Mark was on and fighting a beautiful quality size albie. Hooking and fighting these fish is a heck of a lot of fun and there are very few fish who pull line faster off the reel than these silver bullets. After Mark landed his fish, it was Barbara’s turn, and you could tell she was ready to go! To see such excitement is really what keeps me going further and beyond. I came back to the school, cut them off and Barbara got a nice shot on them. We saw a giant albie chasing the 1/0 brown and white Clouser without committing but on the second shot she was on. Another good size albie ripped line off her reel and it was no secret how excited Barbara was. After a few minutes we landed her fish, and we were all super happy. We continued and both caught many more false albacore and a few small Spanish mackerel. To experience a day and fish such a huge school of albies is something very memorable.

The windy and bumpy conditions didn’t matter to us as the whole team performed flawlessly. It was very impressive to see Mark (who is over 70) stand on the bow like a warrior while we were chasing these fastmoving schools in these bumpy conditions.

Barbara and Mark visiting from Colorado showing one of many false albacore caught just outside the St. Lucie Inlet fishing with Capt. Michael Mauri. They will be back! PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Michael Mauri.

What a great day and the only thing that made it even better was to share such an experience with others who share the same passion! Enjoy the last month of the year, Merry Christmas and happy New Year! Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321

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ST. LUCIE COUNTY ARTIFICIAL REEF UPDATE:

TUG AND BARGE MONITORING; HOPPER BARGE DEPLOYMENT AWAITING USCG APPROVAL T he Tug Singleton was deployed on Sept. 25 at 27°24'22.0"N 80°01'04.8"W. Because of the depth of the deployment, a post-deployment dive on this reef has not been conducted and the final location of the Tug Singleton has yet to be confirmed. The reef is within a few hundred yards of the USS Muliphen Reef so that anyone fishing on the Muliphen may want to pass by to see if they can locate the Tug Singleton. Numbers for the Tug Singleton will be published once the position is confirmed by divers. The deployment of the Singleton was supported by a grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and a generous contribution from the Blake Charron Foundation and will be known as the Blake Charron Foundation Reef as decided by the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners. The position of this reef was chosen to create additional fishing opportunities for deepwater species such as scamp and amberjack. As a bonus, the Tug Singleton is hoped to create high-profile spawning habitat for fishes like scamp and gag and provide a genetic reservoir for ivory tree coral formerly found growing in abundance on the Oculina Banks. Ivory tree coral has already been confirmed growing on the Muliphen Reef. Large numbers of grouper have also been found on the Muliphen during spawning season. These potential

spawning aggregations are protected from harvest by Special Management Zone regulations on St. Lucie County’s artificial reefs and also by seasonal closures on grouper fishing. Shortly after the deployment of the Tug Singleton, the FWC, Global Diving and Salvage (GDS), and Martin County offered the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program a 420-foot hopper barge. The barge has been cleaned and prepared according to EPA specifications by GDS and is waiting for United States Coast Guard (USCG) approval before being deployed on the County’s Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club (FPSC) artificial reef site. This will be a great partnership between GDS, the FWC, Martin County, and St. Lucie County to bring another great offshore fishing destination between the St. Lucie Inlet and the Fort Pierce Inlet. In preparation for the deployment, GDS has conducted a multibeam sonar of the entire site to ensure that the barge does not land on any natural or artificial reefs, and to ensure that the barge is not deployed on any historical shipwrecks. It is this attention to detail that makes GDS such a valuable partner in creating more fish habitat and fishing opportunities. The multibeam sonar has located the 195-foot Dixie Barge which was lost in swift currents during its deployment. The Dixie Barge is located less than 400 yards south of the

Tug Singleton is hoped to provide a genetic reservoir for ivory tree coral (Oculina varicosa) formerly found growing in abundance on the Oculina Banks. PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Ellert.

USS Muliphen and will make another excellent fishing destination for deepwater fish. Numbers on that reef will be advertised once confirmed by a post-deployment dive. After monitoring data on the Dixie Barge is obtained, local anglers will be consulted to determine if this reef should be enhanced with secondary concrete. For more information on the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, to learn about Special Management Zone restrictions on the County’s artificial reefs, or to discuss the enhancement of the Dixie Barge, contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator, at oppenbornj@stlucieco.org or (772) 462-1713.

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FLANAGAN TAKES TOP LADY ANGLER IN STUART SAILFISH CLUB 36TH ANNUAL SALTWATER SISTERS TOURNAMENT T he 36th year for the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Fishing Tournament, held Sept. 24-25, 2021, attracted 26 registered boats and lady anglers from across the Treasure Coast, who competed for cash and prizes and came together to raise funds for Friends in Pink, a local organization that helps those who are fighting breast cancer who need financial assistance. The tournament kicked off with a Friday night sea monsters and mermaids themed costume party held at the Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation’s Tiki Hut. Attendees did not disappoint with their exceptional costumes and dance moves. A silent auction at the Friday night event added to the spirited fun, and auction proceeds raised additional funds for Friends in Pink. This year, two sailfish were caught and released during the tournament. Katie Flannigan of Team HMY caught the first at 8:55 a.m., and Tara Edward on Team Crack Of Dawn caught and released the second at 1:29 p.m. Sheryl Watson of Team Dominion caught a 9.48-pound wahoo. Top Junior Angler award was won by Bailey Adams of Team Legacy Marine for a 7.6-pound dolphin. Jennifer Cameron on Team

Lo Que Sea, received the 2021 Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation Polly Whippen Memorial Trophy for outstanding Lady Angler. The 2021 Saltwater Sisters tournament raised $6,500 for Friends in Pink.

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ABOVE, LEFT: Top Lady Angler Katie Flanagan (center), Team HMY, with Caresse Chase, Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation Executive Director and Alicia Fischer. ABOVE, RIGHT: Best Decorated Boat, TRIPLE NET, comprised of Capt. Terry Wiler, Rebecca Wiler, Ann Marie Milner, and Debbie Stigliano. PHOTOS COURTESY of Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation.

For more information on this year’s or next year’s Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Fishing Tournament, visit www.StuartSailfishClub.com/ tournaments, email sailfish@stuartsailfishclub. com, or call (772) 286-9373.

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A Final Word on Lake “O” The long-awaited LOSOM (Lake Okeechobee Systems Operating Manual) final plan decision was announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) on November 14, just after this issue of Coastal Angler Magazine went to press. For further information, please visit our Facebook page, Indian Riverkeeper, for our reaction to the final plan that will dictate how much Lake Okeechobee water will be sent to the northern estuaries—St. Lucie River, Caloosahatchee River and Lake Worth Lagoon— over the next 10 years. Lake Okeechobee discharges have decimated the natural habitat and marine life in both the St. Lucie River and lower Indian River Lagoon for decades. Indian Riverkeeper, along with Friends of the Everglades, the Rivers Coalition and other Treasure Coast water advocates, voiced grave concerns to the Army Corps about the final eight models arrived at for Lake management. The Corps' plans all result in a higher Lake Okeechobee, with elevations reaching nearly 17 feet in wet season, now that the Herbert Hoover

Dike strengthening is complete. However, our fears are not only that high water will destroy the Lake vegetation but will result in "monstrous" volumes of Lake O water sent to the St. Lucie estuary whenever tropical rains occur. The original LOSOM plan "CC" restricted the Corps to sending a maximum 72,000 acrefeet (24 billion gallons) of Lake O water to the St. Lucie annually, which was a significant improvement over what we typically suffered through in years past under the old LORS (Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule) plan. But the current optimized plan would increase that volume to as much as 117,000 acre-feet (nearly 40 billion gallons) annually—which is worse than the typical LORS volume of past years. We find that unacceptable. Our engagement with, and complaints to, the Corps has helped and forced the agency to "go back to the drawing board" to further tweak the modeling to afford us a better deal. Again, please go to the Indian Riverkeeper Facebook page for our reaction to the Corps' November 14 decision.

C-25 Reservoir Moves Forward At the November 10 monthly board meeting of the South Florida Water Management District, Indian Riverkeeper Executive Director Mike Conner made comment in support of a muchneeded reservoir and water-cleaning component on the C-25 canal which drains St. Lucie County western lands. The canal exits at Taylor Creek, where polluted, fresh water has wrought havoc

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on grass flats just inside the Ft. Pierce Inlet for years. The District voted to move forward with appropriation and design of the structure. This will complete a suite of much-needed water improvement projects on other canals in the region—the C-23, C-24 and C-44 canal (which drains Lake Okeechobee). The canal projects are all part of the IRL-South component of CERP (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan). DECEMBER 2021

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COASTAL ANGLER TREASURE COAST DECEMBER DAY TIME HEIGHT 1W 5:41 AM 11:26 AM 5:50 PM 11:46 PM 2TH 6:36 AM 12:18 PM 6:42 PM 3F 12:36 AM 7:28 AM 1:09 PM 7:34 PM 4SA 1:27 AM 8:20 AM 2:00 PM 8:26 PM 5SU 2:19 AM 9:12 AM 2:52 PM 9:19 PM 6M 3:12 AM 10:04 AM 3:45 PM 10:13 PM 7TU 4:06 AM 10:57 AM 4:41 PM 11:09 PM 8W 5:04 AM 11:51 AM 5:41 PM 9TH 12:08 AM 6:05 AM 12:46 PM 6:44 PM 10F 1:09 AM 7:09 AM 1:43 PM 7:48 PM 11SA 2:13 AM 8:13 AM 2:40 PM 8:48 PM

2.81 0.32 2.69 -0.21 2.98 0.2 2.79 -0.39 3.11 0.12 2.87 -0.49 3.17 0.08 2.9 -0.52 3.16 0.08 2.89 -0.46 3.08 0.12 2.82 -0.33 2.96 0.18 2.71 -0.15 2.82 0.25 2.58 0.04 2.66 0.29 2.46 0.22 2.52 0.3 2.37 0.35 2.41 0.27

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 L H L

12SU 3:17 AM 2.33 H 9:14 AM 0.43 L 3:36 PM 2.33 H 9:43 PM 0.22 L 13M 4:18 AM 2.34 H 10:10 AM 0.47 L 4:29 PM 2.28 H 10:33 PM 0.16 L 14TU 5:12 AM 2.37 H 11:01 AM 0.47 L 5:17 PM 2.26 H 11:18 PM 0.1 L 15W 6:00 AM 2.42 H 11:46 AM 0.45 L 6:02 PM 2.26 H 16TH 12:00 AM 0.05 L 6:43 AM 2.45 H 12:29 PM 0.42 L 6:43 PM 2.27 H 17F 12:40 AM 0 L 7:23 AM 2.48 H 1:08 PM 0.4 L 7:23 PM 2.28 H 18SA 1:19 AM -0.02 L 8:02 AM 2.5 H 1:46 PM 0.38 L 8:02 PM 2.28 H 19SU 1:56 AM -0.03 L 8:40 AM 2.5 H 2:24 PM 0.37 L 8:41 PM 2.26 H 20M 2:32 AM -0.03 L 9:19 AM 2.48 H 3:00 PM 0.38 L 9:20 PM 2.23 H 21TU 3:08 AM 0 L 9:58 AM 2.44 H 3:37 PM 0.39 L 10:00 PM 2.19 H

22W 3:45 AM 0.04 L 10:37 AM 2.39 H 4:15 PM 0.4 L 10:41 PM 2.14 H 0.1 L 23TH 4:24 AM 11:17 AM 2.33 H 4:56 PM 0.39 L 11:26 PM 2.1 H 24F 5:07 AM 0.16 L 11:59 AM 2.27 H 5:42 PM 0.35 L 25SA 12:14 AM 2.07 H 5:56 AM 0.23 L 12:43 PM 2.21 H 6:33 PM 0.28 L 26SU 1:09 AM 2.08 H 6:53 AM 0.29 L 1:31 PM 2.17 H 7:30 PM 0.18 L 27M 2:08 AM 2.12 H 7:55 AM 0.32 L 2:23 PM 2.16 H 8:29 PM 0.04 L 28TU 3:12 AM 2.21 H 9:00 AM 0.31 L 3:21 PM 2.18 H 9:29 PM -0.13 L 29W 4:16 AM 2.33 H 10:02 AM 0.24 L 4:22 PM 2.24 H 10:27 PM -0.32 L 30TH 5:19 AM 2.48 H 11:01 AM 0.14 L 5:22 PM 2.33 H 11:23 PM -0.49 L 31F 6:17 AM 2.62 H 11:58 AM 0.03 L 6:21 PM 2.44 H

SEBASTIAN (INLET)

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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

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One of many mahi caught by Anthony Alvarez while out fishing with his father-in-law, Scott Hoffman, while christening Scott’s new boat.

Glen Sellis with a 37-inch jack crevalle caught on the Indian River in Wabasso.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sara Maimone.

Michael Buller and fellow freedivers took a trip to Florida’s west coast and shot 51 pounds of hog with only five fish at depths greater than 87 feet. PHOTO COURTESY of Michael Buller.

Chase (left), 6, caught 2 pompano on green FISHGUM tipped with shrimp fishing with his Uncle Danny, and Jacob (right), 4, caught 1 pompano on Fishbites with the help of his Grandpa Donnie. PHOTO CREDIT: Susan Edwards.

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A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

here is no comparison to anchoring versus drifting for grouper fishing. Catching grouper and big snapper consistently requires you to set up in one location. But there is a time and place for everything. Bear with me… For grouper and big snapper fishing, you have to anchor or use a long-shank, GPS trolling motor—like a Rhodan—to keep your boat in place. I have talked about this in previous articles. You need to “set the table” for the gags, reds and scamps. While anchored with 4 or 5 anglers onboard, we send down several rounds of whole squid, regardless of what comes up. Whole squid dropped on Decoy Jigs create a chum slick on the bottom directly below the boat. After three or four rounds of these “freebie” squid offerings, we send down the live baits on Decoy Jigs. This is more than grouper and big snapper can mentally digest. They see a live bait caught by a crab or squid. It’s a Happy Meal to them. To do this effectively, your boat must remain in a fixed position. There are now a few brands of powerful, long-shank, GPSequipped electric trolling motors on the market that allow offshore anglers the same benefits enjoyed for years by inshore and freshwater anglers. These machines allow you to anchor “virtually” or set a heading, among other things. They are an absolute gamechanger. I use a Rhodan, so that’s what I’ll call it. Using the Rhodan alone is my preferred method. It will keep you in one spot, and it’s so much easier than anchoring in deep water. It is accurate, fast, effortless and time efficient. If the water is too deep or the current is running too hard, we will sometimes drift with the Rhodan. From barely in gear up to full speed, we use the trolling motor to slow the drift. This creates a good situation in which to drop baits for bottom fish while flying a kite out of the back of the boat. The Rhodan keeps the bow pointed into the wind or current, allowing you to deploy kites with live baits while also bottom fishing. It’s possible to fish for pelegics like wahoo and dolphin while catching bottom fish at the same time. The kite will work the Rhodan hard and reduce battery life, so keep this in mind. A traditional anchor allows you to fly a kite with baits out for wahoo, while also bottom fishing without taxing the Rhodan to keep the boat in a fixed position. This combo, however, can only be used with a light wind. If the wind or current are up, a slow drift with the Rhodan is the best way to drop baits while tending the kite and float baits. Like I said, there is a time and condition for one or all of the combos, but I’m sometimes old-school, and you just can’t beat an anchor for grouper fishing when the water depth and current speed are right. For more information and instructional videos, go to barefootcatsandtackle.com.

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By Richard Matteson

PHOTO BY AARON ADAMS

LIFE IS A BEACH

December Surf Fishing Forecast

he beach is coming alive with the cooler weather, and the seasonal fish, which include Spanish mackerel, bluefish and pompano, are showing up in numbers here on Florida’s Treasure Coast. There have been some spectacular fishing days with 20-plus mackerel and numbers of jacks, some heavier than 15 pounds. The pompano are here, and although most are small, some keeper-size have been caught in the surf and from the bridges in the Indian River Lagoon. Birds and schools of fish have been following large pods of bait swimming just outside the trough. One reason for the increased activity are higher king tides, which eliminate issues with sandbars left from previous hurricanes. The tides are a couple feet higher than they were this summer. One- and 2-ounce Crocodile Spoons in silver and gold with a single hook are producing great results. I usually use a 3/8-ounce D.O.A. jig in chartreuse color with a 4-inch pearl Shad Tail. Even if the mackerel aren’t schooling at the moment, there are still lots of jacks and ladyfish around the trough. I use 10- to 20-pound white braid with a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. I like short leaders of 14 inches or shorter, which keeps the double uni-knot connecting the braid to leader from the first eyelet on the rod. I always use a 6 ½- or 7-foot rod with some backbone to land larger fish like tarpon and snook. The standard surf reel is a spinning reel with enough braid (100 yards over mono backing) to land bigger fish. If you are fishing in the Treasure Coast area, now is the time to take your boat out the St. Lucie Inlet and go about a mile south to the Peck’s Lake area known as Kingfish Hole to catch schooling Spanish mackerel. Use a thick leader of 80-pound fluorocarbon or a wire leader, and expect non-stop mackerel action. Use small spoons or jigs, and move them fast near the top of the water. Look for boats following the schools to locate the best fishing. Snook are still hitting in the surf on jigs and live bait with the best action near high tide. The best snook fishing is morning and evening. Remember to fish around the trough; casting out way past the trough is wasted time when fishing for snook. As always, look for birds to find the bait, and the fish will be there. The surf is rough and the tides are high. Time to go fishing. Richard Matteson is a long-time contributor to Coastal Angler Magazine and staff writer for the Stuart Rod and Reel Club.

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BE PREPARED For Hazards Of All Kinds

By Capt. Randy Cnota

ecently, I was enjoying a quiet morning on the boat, all by myself, catching several fish in a remote place on the lower end of the Apalachicola River system. The bass were chomping on my top-water jerkbait like they’d never seen one before, and I got complacent while dehooking one. The fish made a sudden, violent shake and suddenly I had two hooks in my hand with a flopping fish on the jerk-bait’s third hook. This is

one of the many hazards anglers should be prepared for when they occur; and hazards WILL occur, it’s just a matter of time. Being an old experienced salt, the removal of those hooks from my hand was not that big of a deal; it just took some time because I was alone and had only one hand to use. Had that happened to an angler who’s never had a hook in his hand, it might have been a different story. Imagine this happening to your child, an elderly person or a loved one… would you know what to do? Obvious hazards like foul weather, high winds and extreme cold are easy to negotiate as a recreational angler; you just don’t go that day! It’s the calm, pleasant, inviting days when you least expect some hazardous event to take place that they seem to occur. My intent is to inspire you to prepare for the unexpected as best you can. There are way too many hazardous scenarios that could play out in a day of fishing, so the following is just an overview of a strategy. People getting hooked, cut or falling in or out of a boat are likely the most common hazards anglers experience. Make sure everyone on board knows exactly where lifejackets and throw cushions are located and how and why to use them. Lifejackets are obvious, but some might not realize the importance of the throw cushion. When someone falls overboard, it’s imperative that someone keeps their eyes on him to maintain his location and get a cushion tossed to him immediately! You’d be surprised how quickly this scenario can turn bad, so make sure all aboard know the drill. A basic first-aid kit on board is a good start for tending to cuts, sprains and burns, but be sure to take the next step and keep a few extra items like duct tape, rescue tape, zip ties, super glue etc. Also, make sure you know how to remove hooks and be able to determine if a hooked situation is something that can be treated on the water or if a trip to the ER is required. As a licensed Captain and retired military, I’ve had plenty of training with first aid, CPR and other emergency matters, but many folks on the water have not. If you captain a vessel, be sure to get this kind of training. You owe it to the people who rely on you out there. For more information, go to coastalanglermag.com.

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ecember is time to shift gears for inshore anglers in Florida. Snook seasons close and flounder harvest opens up this month. New for 2021, flounder harvest was closed for 45 days this year during the fall run. Many anglers look forward to fall as peak time to catch big doormat flounder, which is why the closure occurred when flounder populations are most susceptible to recreational and commercial anglers. The Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 harvest closure was intended to combat what FWC called a statewide decline in flounder populations. Other Gulf and Atlantic states took similar measures. Starting Dec. 1, flounder harvest is allowed with a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily bag limit of five fish per person. These regulations apply in state and federal waters off Florida. The Gulf snook season closure date is Dec. 1, and snook harvest will remain closed through the end of February in Gulf state and adjacent federal waters. The Atlantic snook season is closed Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 in state and adjacent federal waters. Special regulations for different zones exist for this species, so be sure to check current regulations online at MyFWC.com. On the Gulf side, from Sarasota Bay through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022.

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n case you’re wondering where the wahoo are in their annual migrations, the action at this year’s Bimini Wahoo Mayhem tournament might provide a clue. With fishing days on Nov. 5 and 6, a fleet of 21 boats didn’t necessarily wear them out, but they brought plenty of ’hoos to the scales. The invitationonly tournament is billed as the highest-paying wahoo tournament in the Bahamas, and it’s held during the historic peak of the season in one of the world’s most prolific wahoo destinations. There are no tournament boundaries, so teams range all over the islands in search of big wahoo. More than $192,000 was paid out after Day 2. The big first-place winner was Finnikki, which brought a very respectable 291.7 pounds to the scales. In a distant second place, Rake & Scrape weighed 148 pounds. The tournament’s Big Fish was a 58.9 pounder caught by Rake & Scrape on Day 1. For more information and complete results, go to www.meatmayhemtournaments.com.

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CHANGES COMING FOR GULF OF MEXICO REGULATIONS

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he Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is considering changes that might affect regulations for recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico. The council is the regional authority charged with managing fisheries in federal waters of the Gulf, and it met Oct. 25-28 in Orange Beach, Alabama. The following is a summary of actions from that meeting. Cobia: The Gulf Group cobia stock is managed jointly with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and includes both the Gulf Zone and Florida East Coast Zone. A recent stock assessment showed Gulf Group cobia are not overfished but are experiencing overfishing. The Gulf Council chose to reduce Gulf Group Cobia stock overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limits with an increasing yield stream for the years 2021-2023. The bottom line for anglers is: the council chose to retain the 36-inch fork length minimum size limit for cobia, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person and create a twofish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors in the Gulf Zone. In the Florida East Coast Zone, the council decided to increase the minimum size limit to 36-inches fork length, reduce the daily possession limit to one fish per person, and create a two-fish vessel limit for both commercial and recreational sectors. These changes must be agreed upon by

the South Atlantic Council before they are submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. Red Grouper: The Council took final action to increase the red grouper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits and annual catch targets. This recommendation, if implemented by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, would set the stage for a loosening in regulations for red grouper. King Mackerel: A recent update stock assessment determined king mackerel is not overfished or experiencing overfishing. However, the spawning stock biomass was found to be below the level necessary to achieve maximum sustainable yield. The Gulf Council chose to retain the 24-

inch minimum size limit for king mackerel. The South Atlantic Council, which jointly manages the mackerel fishery, opted for a 22-inch fork length minimum size limit. The councils will have to reach agreement. Greater Amberjack: Greater amberjack is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. Catch-limit reductions are likely to come soon. Gag Grouper: Gag is both overfished and experiencing overfishing. A recent assessment indicated that a lack of males might be having an effect on the productivity of the stock. The council indicated it is not in favor of total closure. Catch-limit reductions are being considered. Vermilion Snapper: Increased vermilion snapper catch limits are being considered. A recent stock assessment determined that vermilion snapper is neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. After hearing public comment, which cautioned against increasing catch limits dramatically, the council recommended staff include alternatives with smaller increases than were recommended. The council selected a preferred alternative that would increase the vermilion snapper overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch. The Council will solicit public comment before taking final action.

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nveiled in late September, the new SeaStar Standard Trim Tabs feature an intelligent actuator system and intuitive dial controller that put precision ride control at the fingertips of today’s boaters. The dial controller at the heart of this system provides a level of control and precision not possible with tactile switches. While this controller is intelligent, it couldn’t be simpler for the boater to understand and use. The boater just turns the dial in the direction he wants to level the boat, and the actuators respond quickly and precisely to adjust the ride. There are also single-press Bow Up and Bow Down inputs for manual adjustment, and a Favorite Button that lets boaters easily save a desired tab position. This makes it easy to return to a boat’s “sweet spot” ride position with the

12 NATIONAL

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49-year-old angler from Kingsland, Georgia landed a big red grouper off the Georgia coast on Oct. 4 that crushed the existing state record by nearly seven pounds. Bruce C. Bartlett Jr.’s 26-pound, 6.4-ounce fish measured 34.5 inches in length. It was certified by Georgia DNR and broke the existing record of 19 pounds, 7 ounces, which was caught by John Wren in 2012. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 42 pounds, 4 ounces. It was caught in 1997 off St. Augustine, Florida. Bartlett landed the red grouper using a 5-foot, 8-inch Ugly Stik Tiger rod with Shimano Torium reel with 65-pound Power Pro line using a live cigar minnow as bait. His terminal rig was a fish finder sinker slide with an 8-ounce bank sinker to a 100-pound barrel swivel, followed by a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and 6/0 Eagle Claw circle hook. He was fishing east of Navy Tower R4, about 60 miles off of Cumberland Island, Georgia, aboard his boat Fishslaya Duece.

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ost bass released after tournament weigh-ins eventually return to the area where they caught. This interesting tidbit came from a research project conducted on Big Rideau Lake and was reported on by the nonprofit organization Blue Fish Canada. According to the report, researchers used acoustic tags to look into the survival rates and behaviors of bass after they were released at the weigh-in site. Over three tournaments, 88 largemouth and smallmouth bass were tagged before release. Their movements were tracked using sensors placed throughout the lake. Researchers selected each of the fish in the study based on whether the angler could accurately provide a location where the fish was caught. Upon release, the fish piled up within 300 meters of the release site for a short time before dispersing back toward the main lake. All of the bass eventually left the area. It took largemouths an average of 4.6 days to leave. The smallmouths were gone within a day. One of the researchers, Dr. Steven J. Cooke, told Blue Fish Canada’s Lawrence Gunther that each of the bass caught and tagged eventually returned to the area where they were originally caught. That’s pretty amazing, especially considering the size of the lake, which has a surface acreage of more than 100 square miles.

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DECEMBER 2021

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This big Wels was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2015 by Italian angler Dino Ferrari. It measured 8.8 feet long and weighed more than 265 pounds.

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n late October, news of a giant wels catfish caught from Spain’s Ebro River made the rounds on the Internet. The fish, caught by British angler Mark Steward-Brown, weighed 234 pounds, according to Field & Stream. It was a monster fish, but it fell well short of the record for wels catfish. Although they are rare, it seems fish heavier than 200 pounds are caught every year in European fisheries. Fish heavier than 100 pounds are commonplace. Wels have a long time to grow during a lifespan of 50 years or more. The IGFA all-tackle world record was caught from Italy’s Po River in 2010. It measured longer than 9 feet in length and weighed 297 pounds. Fish like that are a good reason for hardcore catfish anglers to look into a European vacation. In U.S. waters, an angler might spend a lifetime pursuing a blue catfish heavier than 100 pounds. According to Field & Stream, Steward-Brown caught four fish heavier than 100 pounds during his first day fishing in Spain. Spain’s Ebro River, especially at Mequinenza Reservoir in the northeastern corner of the country, is renowned for good numbers of big fish. In northern Italy, the Po River and its delta on the Adriatic Sea, produced the world record as well as some other huge fish over the years. In France, the Rhone River and several of its tributaries have earned a reputation for big catfish. A Google search will reveal guide services and “holiday packages” offered for all of these destination fisheries and more. From an angler’s perspective, Wels are interesting species for more than just their massive size. Like all catfish, they are bottom feeders. They like stinky bait, and are often caught on pre-made bait-pellet rigs. However, they are also voracious predators with giant mouths. Many anglers prefer to pursue them with large, loud lures. Wels have poor eyesight, so vibration and noise are important. Their natural diet is made up mostly of earthworms, mollusks, insects and fish. As they grow larger, they begin feeding on anything they can fit in their mouths. Frogs, mice, rats and aquatic birds are all prey items. In southwestern France, an isolated population of Wels has learned to ambush pigeons on land, like orcas attack seals on the beach. That should be the cue for some innovative fly tyer to twist up an ultra-realistic pigeon fly. For more information, go to www.coastalanglermag.com.

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2021 World Silver 5-Coin Set $199 + FREE SHIPPING FREE SHIPPING: Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

2021 China Silver Panda: Since its first issue in 1983, the China Panda coin series has been one of the most widely collected series ever, offering a new design every year. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the China Mint. 2021 Australia Wedge Tailed Eagle: Introduced in 2014, the Wedge Tailed Eagle is the world’s first collaboration between Designer/Engraver John Mercanti and a foreign mint. Struck in 99.9% fine silver at the Perth Mint.

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. WRD145-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

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