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FISH OF A LIFETIME IN SOUTHWEST ALASKA By Tom Schlichter
N
o one has to tell you a halibut has taken your bait. As you set the hook with all your might, the heavy rod takes on a full bend, tip pumping rapidly as the beast powers down and away in a series of short, explosive bursts. Within minutes, beads of sweat begin to roll down your brow, and soon your back and arms begin to tire. The battle continues for another five to 10 minutes—or longer— and the enormity of the fish at the end of your line becomes apparent. This is the fish of a lifetime. This is why you came to Alaska! What saltwater angler hasn’t fantasized about taking such a trip? Yet there’s more to the beautiful, chilly waters in the far Northwest than outlandish flatfish. Ferocious-looking lingcod, giant, bright orange shortrakers, yelloweyes and other rockfish are also on the menu, as are king, coho and chum salmon, whether jigged or trolled in open water or tempted with the long rod in a river so full of fish you could walk across the dorsal fins. From breaching whales and soaring bald eagles to grizzly bears, sea lions, otters and endless miles of wild, unspoiled vistas, nature abounds in the forty-ninth state. Of course, where to start is a major questions you’ll need to tackle when planning your first Alaska fishing adventure. By and large, Southeast Alaska is the first choice if you are seeking major-league halibut. From the town of Ketchikan northwest up the coast to Chichagof Island, there are fishing lodges to accommodate your needs in such towns as Sitka, Juneau, Elfin Cove and Gustavus, plus places from which the most adventurous can set out on their own. One of the most popular spots is Tanaku Lodge. At the northwest corner of the famed Inside Passage, it’s tucked inside Elfin Cove, about 25 miles west of Glacier Bay National Park. From here you can get a terrific sampling of Alaska’s great coastal fishery, while seeing astounding amounts of wildlife and enjoying your stay in comfort. “The fishing is always great around here,” said Dennis Meier, co-owner of Tanaku Lodge with Jim Benton. “That’s a given, but we pride ourselves on making the entire experience the best it can be. Our skippers and mates are tops in the business, our lodge staff is helpful and courteous, and you’ll find the accommodations here to be first class all the way around. We may be off the beaten track, but that doesn’t mean we compromise on quality.” Tanaku is a full-service lodge with all-wood interior, vaulted ceilings, and wood burning stoves to keep you warm. Bedroom suites feature two full-sized beds and either a shared or private bath. Huge, wrap-around windows and outdoor decks offer fabulous views of the harbor. You don’t even have to bring foul-weather gear, as slicks and boots are provided for each angler. Leave your tackle home, too; the lodge offerings are in excellent shape and a perfect match to fishing you’ll encounter.
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As for the fishing, there are so many possibilities it can make your head spin. Halibut is the perfect first choice, since big ones can be found just a short ride away. Prepare to fish heavy and in water depths of 130 to 150 feet, though. Expect rods and reels suited for tuna and cannonball weights up to 2 pounds with a herring, pink salmon strip or side of pink salmon for bait. Even with all that heavy gear, a big halibut can still kick your butt. If you want to make things even more exciting (read: strenuous) try tempting these beasties with 1-pound jigs. It took me only 10 minutes of jigging in the Inside Passage to set the point to a 90-pound brute that beat the heck out of me before coming aboard. Over the next two days, I managed four more on jigs as we rotated between fishing for halibut, salmon and rockfish, depending on the most favorable tides. What a blast! As previously mentioned, salmon fishing is the other big draw here. While stocks of kings and cohos have slipped somewhat over the past few years, the number of king (Chinook), coho (silver) and pink (humpy) salmon is substantial. Anglers can troll for salmon, jig them, or set up a trip to wade a nearby river and catch them on the fly. Wherever you decide to stay on your Alaskan adventure, it’s wise to clearly state your wishes when booking a trip—especially if you hope to sample river salmon fishing or want to try for additional species like lingcod, shortrakers and various other rockfish. Not all are available from every lodge. While there are occasional off days even in this remarkable fishing wilderness—weather can be a serious issue late in the season—the odds are you’ll experience some of the best fishing of your life.
For information on Tanaku Lodge in Elfin Cove, AK, visit www.tanakulodge. com, or phone: 800-482-6258.
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Photo courtesy of Controlled Descent Lures By Nick Carter
S
pearfishers seeking a little variety in their bottom time should take a close look at the waters off New England. You won’t find warm tropical waters off the Northeast coast, but you will find a freediving experience unlike any other. Destinations like Montauk, N.Y. and Block Island, R.I. have long been recognized for some of the best striped bass fishing on the planet. The bass blitzes around Long Island Sound are legendary, and huge schools of stripers in these rocky waters offer conventional anglers and spearos the opportunity of a lifetime. Matt Belanger, of Newburyport, Mass., is one of a growing contingent of divers hooked on what New England has to offer. He’s a member of TriState Skindivers, and a big 54.2-pound striped bass he speared off
Block Island in July topped the club’s season-long TriState Leaderboard Spearfishing Tournament. “The striper is sort of our signature inshore species,” Belanger said. “It’s a very skittish fish. A lot of guys say they can hear your heartbeat. You’ve got to be really stealth when you go after a big striper.” Belanger’s description of a typical dive was intriguing. With a 50- to 60-foot bottom littered with Volkswagen-sized boulders, strong currents and visibility averaging 10 feet, it’s a different environment from Caribbean reef dives. The veil of dingy water actually makes hunting stripers easier. On the drop, you fin down through a school of striped bass to the bottom. “You’re in the middle of a giant school of hundreds of fish,” Belanger said. “Then, when you hit the bottom, they always spook… all at once. It’s crazy. It makes this big noise, almost a boom.” The secret to sticking a big bass is bottom time. After about 25 seconds, Belanger said the school begins to reconvene. Then you must spend precious seconds selecting a target from hundreds of circling fish, while minimizing movement and sound that might spook them. The goal is to take the largest fish in the school. You’re allowed only one fish per day with a 28-inch minimum size limit. A 28-inch striped bass weighs 10 to 15 pounds. They get much bigger. The IGFA all-tackle world record weighed 81-pounds, 14-ounces. It was caught from Long Island Sound off Connecticut. The speargun world record weighed 68.4 pounds. Dave Hochman, who guides Block Island Sound, stuck that fish in 2008. Hochman is the guide who put Belanger on the big striper he killed in this year’s tournament. If one fish per day seems scant to travel for, there’s a lot of excellent eating on a big striper. Also, when you get your limit—with speargun or rod and reel—there are other interesting and tasty species like tautog, black sea bass, fluke and others. A word of warning: Area waters can get sharky, with great whites a concern. A good captain will know where shark encounters are least likely. For information, contact Dave Hochman of Spear-it Charters through his website at www.spearfishcharters.com.
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SHRINK WRAPPING
By Justin Witt
T
he Rio Pico region of Chubut province, Argentina is known to a select and adventurous few as the best big-trout country in all of Patagonia. Comprised of an immense network of lakes and drainages flowing through the Andes of southwestern Argentina, these waters are spectacular, and they’re as far off the beaten path as it gets. The diversity of the fishery is astounding. The area hosts an almost unbelievable quantity of waters in all shapes and sizes, and the region is known for trout that reach “unusual size” in pristine water with very little fishing pressure. “It was incredible. I was fishing dry flies up a little spring creek for trout as long as my leg,” said Greg Baugus, who visited the remote
area with Hemispheres Unlimited, an agency specializing in fishing trips of a lifetime. But spring creeks are not all Rio Pico has to offer. Rainbows, brookies and browns were introduced over a century ago and can be pursued with a wide variety of tackle and techniques. From large lakes and rivers to high-elevation trickles, anglers have the option to throw dry flies on delicate tippets, chuck 6-inch streamers on a heavy sink-tip line, or nymph any day of the week. It all boils down to personal preferences, and it’s all done within the gorgeous expanses and dramatic backdrop of the Andes. Some spots are numbers games, with consistent action for what in Patagonia amounts to smallish fish—fish that would be considered large almost anywhere else in the world. Most folks come down hunting bruisers, though, the photo fish, the monsters that stand out in truly amazing adventures. Hemispheres Unlimited offers perfect trips for those seeking adventure. Their Rio Pico Trout Bum program pairs anglers with local guides who grew up on these drainages and know them like the backs of their hands. It’s a unique, low-cost option for anglers more interested in fishing than luxury lodging. There’s no mint on the pillow, for sure. Instead, the Hemispheres Unlimited team makes certain preparations are in place so you can make the most of your time pursuing the fish that brought you to Argentina in the first place. Accommodations for the Trout Bum program are best described as authentic, in true, local, Patagonia style. Unless there is a specific need for backcountry camping, groups usually lodge at local hospedajes, either in town or out on one of the waters. Each spot has its own characteristics, advantages and style, and Hemispheres helps each group choose the best option for their desires. The program can be set up in a wide variety of styles, ranging from boat fishing every day of the trip to mixed trips with easier wading, all the way to more extreme hike-in and camp expeditions. For more information on the Rio Pico Trout Bum program and everything else Hemispheres Unlimited offers, go to hemispheresunlimited. com/blog/diving-mizpah.
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Photo courtesy of www.sfctravel.com
By CAM Staff
A
nglers seeking stellar offshore fishing, including the best Atlantic blue marlin fishing on the planet should book passage to Cape Verde. This island nation about 350 miles off northwest Africa is a horseshoe cluster of 10 islands and eight islets that are a popular tourist destination for Europeans. The fishery is renowned for the consistency of big blue marlin. Billfish Report ranked it best in the world for 500-plus-pound blues, edging out venerable Kona, Hawaii by the numbers in its annual rankings based on 2018 statistics. Last years numbers were 110 blue marlin heavier than 500 pounds, including a 900-plus-pounder and one grander, which stretched the scales to 1,037 pounds. It’s the kind of place where releasing three marlin heavier than 500 pounds in a day is considered possible… because it happens. With big-game fishing this good, the marlin fishing is obviously the headliner. It’s best from April through July, with March and August usually being good as well. It’s a happy coincidence that this time frame coincides with the best seasons for yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo and dorado. Four islands, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vincente, Santo Antao and Maio, harbor most of the medium-sized recreational fleet. The channel between Sao Vincente and Santo Antao is the epicenter of this international hot-spot for blues. For more information, go to www.capeverdeislands.org.
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ve he R ! e Old Florida Waterfront Charm Re-Discovered N t s e O R R fO eas The Perfect Vacation Getaway for Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Enthusiasts NOWteR s N Wi Accommodations are nestled on 6 lush tropical acres of pristine waterfront directly on the Indian River Lagoon. As you make your way down the one lane road you will truly be stepping back in time. Your hosts Kim and Robert Pruitt have re-captured the very best of Old Florida charm with modern conveniences and services to make your stay truly memorable and unforgettable.
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FLORIDA
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erious saltwater anglers know how important trim tabs are to optimizing any boat’s ride, performance and fuel efficiency. The ability to fine-tune a boat’s ride is even more important with today’s high-performance center console offshore, bay and flats boats. Adjusting a boat’s running attitude with trim tabs can also compensate for how a boat is loaded, ensuring a dry, safe and comfortable ride. While modern boats have become much “smarter” and more technologically advanced in recent years, operating trim tabs was still largely trial-and-error for the boater. That has changed with the recent unveiling of Dometic Marine’s new Smart Trim Tab System, designed to give owners of inboard/outboard and outboard powered boats precision control never before possible. This new system is a “smart” reinvention of the trim tab—offering robust construction, user programmability, quick, accurate response and intuitive operation. “Today’s modern vessels are becoming smarter and more connected,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “With this new introduction, we’ve taken trim tab technology and performance to a new level for boat builders and boaters alike. This will be a true game changer for the industry.” Dometic Marine has engineered the Smart Trim Tab System for inboard/outboard vessels, as well as today’s popular high-performance boats powered by single, twin, triple or quad outboards. It has the ability to connect with the Optimus Electric Steering System, joystick control and shift-throttle controls. Dometic Marine’s CAN-based smart actuator can also be used as a
standalone component to integrate with a boat’s control system. For instance, using this connected technology, wake boarders and wake surfers will be able to precisely control the shape/size of their wake by commanding an exact actuator position. This system uses a Smart Dial controller for intuitive operation and a customizable user experience. User programmable settings (Home and Favorite) make it easy to get the boat into optimum running attitude, whether the goal is to smooth the ride, maximize fuel efficiency or fine-tune the perfect wake. The easy-to-use smart dial can also be turned manually to level the boat quickly as conditions change, with built-in LED lights that indicate trim tab position. This system’s smart actuator provides unparalleled positional accuracy and repeatability. Dometic Marine’s sophisticated all-electric design reduces complexity and increases reliability. The robust actuator shaft and housing design provides strong performance in both the push and pull direction. The design also features superior actuator sealing to prevent leaks, even with extended use in the harsh marine environment. Additionally, the installer has the ability to control the speed at which the tabs deploy and retract. When synchronized with Dometic Marine’s Optimus 360 electric steering, joystick control and shift/throttle controls, the Smart Trim Tab System can respond to RPM and gear position inputs for even greater control. The tabs auto retract when the key is turned off, when the vessel is put in reverse, or any time the vessel is put into joystick mode. This exciting new Smart Trim Tab System will be available to OEM installers beginning in December 2019. For more information, visit www. seastarsolutions.com.
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56th
Islamorada Sailfish TOURNAMENT
DECEMBER 5th Thru DECEMBER 8th
Dec. 5th - Kickoff • Dec. 6-8th - Fishing • Dec. 8 - Awards $60,000.00 in prize money paid to winners in 2018
Hosted by Whale Harbor Restaurant & Marina Islamorada / MM83 / Oceanside The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, a 501-C-3 corporation. For more information, please visit us on the web or call Dianne Harbaugh 305.522.4868
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THANKSGIVING
IN THE KEYS
By Nick Carter
T
he year-round mahi bite is legendary in Atlantic waters off the Florida Keys. This time of the year the sailfish bite is phenomenal as well. Winter is a relative term when you’re talking about Monroe County, Fla. Wintertime lows average in the high 60s at night and highs run in the mid-70s. It’s downright comfortable. Apparently it’s the same with water temperatures. Just past the reef line, which runs the length of the Keys, big pelagic species show up in numbers to overwinter and feed on abundant schools of baitfish. Chief among them are sailfish. Capt. Chris Johnson, with SeaSquared Charters out of Marathon, looks forward to Thanksgiving every year, but not because of turkey. Late November is the beginning of sailfish season. It’s a time of diving frigatebirds and showering ballyhoo, when sight-fishing sailfish is the biggest thrill on the water. Mornings begin early. Low-light is key to finding sails and other pelagics as they push schools of baitfish up to the surface and into the air. Diving birds are the dead giveaway. From a tower, the activity is visible, as birds circle progressively lower and then plummet from the sky to take part in the massacre. “When you show up on the reef and you’re seeing spraying bait and birds, it’s game on,” said Johnson. “It’s usually an early morning thing, but it can go on into the day when there’s good cloud cover.” Depending on where in the Keys you set out from, the reef is just a 3 to 7 mile run from the docks. The sharp outer reef edge, which drops steeply into the 100-foot depths, is the topography that holds fish. Unlike most fisheries, where anglers attempt to intersect roving sailfish, fish actually congregate to feed off the Keys. Plentiful bait schools on the reef in close proximity to deep water create a unique situation where sailfish move into the shallows to corral and crash balls of baitfish. “This is what we’ve got that’s unique from anywhere else. It’s exciting, with lots of visual activity,” said Capt. Johnson. “We get sailfish spraying ballyhoos in 20 feet of water.” When it’s on, it really is sight fishing. Anglers must be able to cast
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live bait with accuracy that puts it on the edge of a spraying school or directly on the nose of a visible sailfish. The action can be hit or miss, but there’s nothing like it when a sailfish picks up the bait, feels the steel and starts tailwalking across the surface. Johnson said a good day sees double-digit release flags flying. When the bait showers die down, the fish remain in the area. Johnson said he’ll move off the reef edge in search of color breaks, weed lines and current breaks where baitfish are easy targets. “You want that blue water from the Gulf Stream up on that powdery water from the reef,” he said. “Sailfish love to hunt and chase bait up into that powdery water.” And where there are sailfish chasing bait, other species gather to feed as well. “If you’re into sailfish, you’re going to catch the other stuff, too,” Johnson said. “We see a lot of kingfish, blackfin tuna, dolphin, cobia, and even the occasional white marlin.” Sight fishing becomes power drifting, as Johnson deploys a spread of live baits and bumps the engine in and out of gear to cover water while presenting lively baits. Pilchards, cigar minnows and sardines are all on the menu. But when fish are keyed on ballyhoo, they won’t eat anything but ballyhoo, and a ballyhoo in open water out off the reef is bound to get hammered. In the right conditions, Johnson deploys kites with bridled goggle eyes. This tactic is particularly useful for skittish sailfish, as most of the tackle is suspended above the water where it’s not as visible to the fish. With the bait dancing near the surface, anglers might notice a fin or bill circling the bait. Then anticipation gives way to adrenaline, as the bait is inhaled and the speed and aerobatics of a fighting sailfish take over. The action is enough to make an angler forget everything but sailfish… until it’s time to unload a cooler full of blackfin and dolphin at the docks. Contact Capt. Chris Johnson and SeaSquared Charters through their website at www.seasquaredcharters.com.
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It’s a boy!
Troll, cast or fly a kite in the warm waters of The Florida Keys, and you could be rewarded with a real bundle of joy. Then again, if a rambunctious bull dolphin isn’t what you were hoping for, you could be blessed with a behemoth blue marlin – truly the mother of all gamefish. fla-keys.com 1.800.fla.keys COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
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MCTG-4078 Coastal Angler LO1 • November 2019
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Photo by Andrea Whitaker A diver awaits pickup at the surface after a drift dive off of Palm Beach.
By John Lidington
D
rift diving is a major part of the Palm Beach County dive scene, so a lot of divers are introduced to this discipline in our waters. Any open-water diver should have skills to handle diving in currents. But developing and applying some special habits makes such dives smoother, safer and more fun. On the ideal drift dive, divers let the current carry them over long stretches of bottom. The boat drifts overhead tracking the “float ball,” a buoy connected by reel from the surface to an underwater dive guide. The most comfortable dives are those where a diver “goes with the flow” of the current. That means limiting the need to swim against current and facilitating easy pickup back on the surface.
The dive briefing is about more than where to find the goliath groupers or turtles. Listen carefully. Is the dive guide running a continuous drift or planning to tie off for a while? Are there bottom features that alter the current? How strong is the current and how good is the visibility? This information will help refine your dive plan. When the captain shouts “Dive, dive, dive!” you should be ready to jump in quickly. That means having your equipment ready early. One tip in addition to what you know by heart: After testing its power inflator, suck all the air from your BC. You’re then ready for a “negative entry,” where you hop in and immediately begin your descent. As you descend, note the strength and direction of the current with your compass. The stronger the current and the lower the visibility, the more you need to focus on staying near your buddy and the group. A one-knot current carries you about 100 feet per minute. If visibility is 70 feet and you’re poking around in a hole for a minute, your buddy will be gone when you look up. If you’re in a strong current, do your best to maintain neutral buoyancy and dive at a safe distance from the bottom to prevent bumping the reef. At the end of the dive, use your Surface Marker Buoy (SMB). Sure, the well-trained eyes of the pros running the charter boats are great at picking out bobbing divers. But, while it’s a pain to deflate and re-roll “safety sausages,” they can make retrieval of the group faster and smoother. If released when you reach your safety stop, they give the captain a two-minute warning on where divers will be surfacing. There’s a lot more to drift diving than the few tips I can offer here. PADI offers a Drift Diver specialty course that efficiently bundles theory and training into a few hours work coupled with two dives. If you want to jump-start your skills, give Pura Vida Divers a call at 561-840-8750 or visit www.puravidadivers.com.
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COASTAL ANGLER Treasure Coast edition Serving outdoors enthusiasts in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties.
Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Tourney Raises Funds for Friends in Pink Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Tournament 2019.
4330 Northwest Federal Highway | Jensen Beach geico.com/treasurecoast | 772-905-3311
SAVINGS AND SERVICE THAT WILL FLOAT YOUR BOAT
P
irate’s Cove Resort and Marina was awash in pink for the 34th annual Saltwater Sisters Lady Angler Tournament, hosted by the Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation to benefit Friends in Pink. Friends in Pink is a local not-for-profit organization that helps pay the medical bills of those who are uninsured or underinsured and dealing with breast cancer. Guests enjoyed a kick-off party on Friday evening before the tournament. Saturday, following a
PHOTO CREDITS: Stuart Sailfish Club.
day of fishing, participants enjoyed an awards dinner at Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina. Awards presented at the dinner included the following: DOLPHIN: First Place, Kimberly Lombear, Safari 1. Second Place, Brooke Hinkle, My Other Honey. KINGFISH: First Place, Rachelle Creech, Creecher Comforts. Second Place, Christina Fortin, My Other Honey. SNAPPER: First Place,
SEE SISTERS...................................PAGE 3
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2017. © 2017 GEICO
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409_Treasure_Coast_FINAL.indd 1
NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 1
10/17/19 10:45 AM
Florida Fish and Wildlife
FWC
news updates
PHOTO CREDIT: Jose Juncadella/FWC.
10 fish per vessel, whichever is greater, and to extend these regulations into federal waters. These changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
Blackfin tuna.
FWC approves blackfin tuna rule changes At its October meeting in Cape Canaveral, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved regulation changes to create a recreational limit for blackfin tuna of two fish per person or
FWC approves draft changes to spotted seatrout rules Also, in October, FWC approved several draft rule changes for spotted seatrout. Based on public comment at the meeting, the Commission also directed staff to continue considering public input and update the proposal as needed prior to bringing this back at a future meeting for final approval. Approved draft changes include: • Splitting the Northwest spotted seatrout management zone into two separate zones including the Western Panhandle (Escambia
Spotted seatrout. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Donovan/FWC.
County through most of Gulf County, not including Indian Pass/Indian Lagoon) and the Big Bend (Franklin County, plus Indian Lagoon, through Fred Howard Park Causeway in Pinellas County). • Moving the boundary between the southern management zones to create the newly-renamed South Florida zone (Fred Howard Park Causeway in Pinellas County near the Pasco County line through Broward County) and Central East zone (Palm Beach through Volusia counties). • Reducing bag limits »» Western Panhandle: five to three fish »» Big Bend: five to four fish »» South Florida: four to three fish
»» Central East: four to two fish »» Northeast: six to five fish • Modifying the recreational slot size limit from 15-to-20 inches to 15to-19 inches total length. • Allowing one seatrout over 19 inches per vessel (currently, per harvester). • Changing the current daily commercial limits to 50 per harvester and 100 per vessel. • Prohibiting captain and crew from keeping a bag limit on a for-hire trip. • Re-establishing the February recreational closure in the Western Panhandle zone and the NovemberDecember recreational closure in the Central East zone.
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409_Treasure_Coast_FINAL.indd 2
NOVEMBER 2019
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10/17/19 10:45 AM
SISTERS................................FROM PAGE 1 Megan Thomas, Safari 1. Second Place, Sarah McIlhinney, Safari 1. PORGY: First Place, Jessica Allman, Day By Day. BLACKFIN TUNA: First Place, Betty Olliges, Hope. Polley Whippen Award for Top Member Angler: Rachelle Creech, Creecher Comforts. Guests dressed in costume for a rock and roll themed costume contest and bids were high for the silent auction. Day by Day won the costume contest with their theme “The Beatles – Yellow Submarine”. Sponsors of the event included RD Golf Carts, Tito’s Vodka, Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina, Legacy Marine, Shurhold Industries, Ted Glasrud Associates, Fogel Capital Management, HMY Yachts, HUK, Coastal Angler Magazine, SaltLife, WAVE 92.7, Coast 101.3 among many other small businesses that made in-kind donations and helped make this tournament a success.
NOVEMBER FISHING CONDITIONS
For more information about Saltwater Sisters Fishing Tournament, visit www. SaltwaterSisters.com or or the Saltwater Sisters Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SWSfish. The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization.
November 1
FAIR
Evening
November 21
POOR
Morning
November 2
FAIR
Evening
November 22
POOR
Morning
November 3
GOOD
Evening
November 23
POOR
Morning
November 4
GOOD
Morning
November 24
FAIR
Morning
November 5
BEST
Morning
November 25
FAIR
Morning
November 6
BEST
Morning
November 26
POOR
Evening
November 7
BEST
Morning
November 27
POOR
Evening
November 8
POOR
Morning
November 28
POOR
Evening
November 9
FAIR
Morning
November 29
FAIR
Evening
November 10
GOOD
Morning
November 30
GOOD
Evening
November 11
GOOD
Morning
November 12
FAIR
Evening
November 13
FAIR
Evening
November 14
FAIR
Evening
November 15
BEST
Evening
November 16
BEST
Evening
November 17
POOR
Evening
November 18
POOR
Evening
November 19
FAIR
Morning
November 20
FAIR
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’ 2019Almanac
Treasure CoasT
COASTAL ANGLER PUBLISHERS Gary & Misti Guertin SALES Gary Guertin EDITOR/DIGITAL CONTENT Misti Guertin GRAPHIC DESIGN Laura KeLLy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jayson arman Capt. Gus Brugger Capt. rocky Carbia Capt. Charlie Conner Capt. scott Fawcett Capt. Cole Hazelief Capt. randy Lang Capt. Danny Markowski Capt. Michael Mauri Capt. Giles Murphy Brian nelli Jim Oppenborn Cammie Ward Capt. Joe Ward steve Wood
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NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 3
10/17/19 10:45 AM
fishing forecasts
martin county offshore
Capt. Scott Fawcett
Off the Chain Fishing Charters (772) 285-1055 fishscottyf@bellsouth.net offthechainfishing.com
O
nly 398 years ago, the first Thanksgiving celebrated the great harvest. If the weather was anything like it has been this year, I think the rain, wind and storms kept them from harvesting anything the entire month before that. Weather has made it very difficult to get offshore the last couple months, but thankfully we live on the Treasure Coast and both the Indian and St. Lucie rivers were holding snook and tarpon in a big way. On the days that we were able to get offshore, a stiff current and churned up, green water inshore of 250 feet seemed to be par for the course, but thankfully, the sails didn’t mind too much and bottom fishing was still okay.
Nice swordfish caught in the daytime aboard Off The Chain. November is a great time to book a swordfish charter. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Scott Fawcett.
But November offers so much more to be thankful for. The sand in the water has settled now, and everything is starting to get back to normal as waters to the north of us cool back down. The first push of fish usually consists of sails, mahi, and blackfin tuna. (There is a new blackfin regulation effective Jan 1, 2020. It’s two per person or 10 per boat, whichever is more.) Expect the main body of fish to be wind and sea driven this month, especially during the first cold snap of the season. Focus mostly from 90-to-225 feet
but don’t be afraid to wonder if you’re not getting bit. Trolling is my preferred tactic this time of year, primarily to cover area, and pulling dredges is a must. Pulling them from a good set of Rupp outriggers is undeniably the way to do it from bigger sportfish, but I haven’t found a better way than the Cannon 10 TS downriggers on center consoles and even walkarounds. They are low profile and inexpensive in comparison to dredge booms and electric reels. The telescoping boom gets your teaser
out into the clean water, it has a hook to hang the dredge on when you’re hooked up and affixing a flatline clip to it works great. The best feature they offer is the auto deploy, auto retrieve and the cycle mode which prospects your teaser back and forth at various speeds often triggering lazy fish. I normally use mullet or ballyhoo mixed with rubber fish on my dredge teasers, but I’ve had great luck with all rubber fish, and even just the mylar strip teasers. For the most part, 20-pound line and small ballyhoos rigged on circle hooks with 50-to60-pound leader make up the spread for us this time of year, but sliding a bigger bait out for a mahi, wahoo, or even a marlin is definitely not a bad idea. November is also one of my favorite months for daytime sword fishing. Just a 20-mile run puts you in 1500-to-1600 feet of water, and in prime sword territory. I’m expecting this year to be pretty good since October was choppy and there was not a lot of pressure on them, but the few trips that were made were productive so we know they’re there. Thanks for taking the time to read and wishing you and your family a great Thanksgiving and hoping your next fishing trip is Off The Chain.
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10/17/19 10:45 AM
martin county inshore nearshore
Capt. Giles Murphy Stuart Angler Bait & Tackle (772) 288–1219 Fishing Charters (772) 475 - 4857 www.stuartangler.com giles@stuartangler.com
N
ovember is a great month for light-tackle fishing in Martin County. The water temps are finally cooling down, which can turn on the redfish and pompano bite at the bridges. We use live shrimp on a ⅜-ounce or ½-ounce jig head dragging and bouncing along the
bottom near the bridge’s channel fenders and abutments. When fishing the causeways, we typically look for the deepest spots when jigging the bottom. We also use ⅜-ounce pompano jigs rigged with a teaser. Snook season is still open and most keepers are being caught pitching diving baits (pilchards and croakers) and using First Light Jigs at the bridges. As the water continues to cool down, the big snook move further back in the St. Lucie River. The Roosevelt Bridge is always a great fall and winter option for snook. We also spend much time back in the South Fork casting lures at the mangrove shorelines. My favorite lures for this are D.O.A. C.A.L. jigs and Giles Jigs. The snapper bite has turned on at the wrecks and reefs within three miles of the inlet. Cut sardines and menhaden work well on a weighted
circle hook rig. Simply cut the head, tail, and belly off the baitfish and send it down. We also use double hook chicken rigs with live shrimp and live pilchards if available. The flounder bite can turn on this month for gigging and jigging. Some areas to try are the flats near the inlet, the causeways, and the docks along Sewall’s Point and Indian River Drive. Stone crab season has opened up and the crab-trap buoys can hold triple tail. Most of these buoys can be found near the main channel of the Indian River between the causeways or north of the Jensen Beach causeway. Simply free-line live shrimp near the
MARTIN COUNTY deep sea
Capt. Rocky Carbia
Safari I Deep Sea Fishing Pirates Cove Resort and Marina 4307 SE Bayview St. Port Salerno Reservations: (772) 334-4411 Safari-1.com
T
he fast-moving cold fronts of November will act like weather borne croupiers and deal an exciting hand of fish cards, to the players who sit at this month’s offshore gaming table. These fronts typically have a windy character and frequently present strong velocity winds that often blow for several days on end. “Fresh” breezes of 20 knots will create a rough and choppy ocean during this calendar month, prompting fishing crews to use discretion on marginal or prohibitive weather days. Userfriendly weather “windows” will
“Snapper Hands” will be a common deal through the days of November, like these pretty muttons caught aboard the Safari 1. PHOTO CREDIT: Safari 1.
open and allow for offshore surgical strikes in between the passages of these frontal boundaries. Air temperature changes and the
resultant temperature transitions in the ocean, east of Stuart, will allow the water column to become populated with the first wave
Steve "Skip" Rankin caught this snook at the St. Lucie Inlet using live finger mullet as bait while fishing with Capt. Giles. PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Giles Murphy.
buoys on a bare hook or 1/16-ounce yellowtail jig. The Spanish mackerel and bluefish should be showing up soon for fun with the family.
of winter fish visitors. Snapper, grouper, king mackerel, sailfish, and mahi (just to name a few) will shuffle positions along area reef zones in search of baitfish, cover, and quality water conditions. Several species of grouper and snapper will lead the target species hit list and be found tight to reef structures in 50-to-150-feet of water. Naturally occurring reef lines in 70-to-140-feet will be the go-tozones for fishing during this period and will become more desirable as these structures are enhanced by current edges, temperature changes, and/or baitfish that develop over top, or along these reefs. Surface condition like these, that coincide with “structure”, will be one’s best bet for successful fish catching throughout the water column. Thus, in November, study the dynamics of the cards dealt, keep them close to your salty chest, “know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em”, and enjoy the luck of the offshore draw.
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NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 5
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409_Treasure_Coast_FINAL.indd 5
Stuart,10/17/19 Florida 34997 10:45 AM
fishing forecasts
south indian river lagoon
Capt. Charlie Conner
Capt. Charlie’s Fish Tales Charters (772) 284-3852 captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com www.fishtalescharter.com
I
t’s hard to believe that it’s already November. It was a hot summer, but things have been milder lately and it should provide us with some great fishing conditions this month. Water temperatures have slowly begun to drop as we transition into winter fishing. Look for some windy days this month. Enjoy November
and get out fishing soon! We had a good trout bite so far this year and we are seeing the return of the seagrass in lots of areas. D.O.A. shrimp and C.A.L. jerk baits have all been working good on the grass flats for trout. North of Fort Pierce has been some good trout fishing for us. The pompano are beginning to return to the river and will be a favorite target for anglers throughout the winter. When fishing the surf, use sand fleas or clams and the same in the river. Doc’s Goofy Jigs are great for using artificial lures for the pomps. TJ, 8, was fishing with dad, Snook fishing will be good around Tim, and Jeremy in the Michael the usual haunts—docks, bridges and Shields Tournament recently inlet fishing should produce some and caught lots of fish and had good snook action as the water cools a great time on the river. off. Redfish can be found around PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Charlie Conner. docks and mangroves with D.O.A. shrimp or live bait. I love fishing one. I fish my lures from up tide of docks this time of year. You just never the dock, so that it will stay under know what might be lurking under the dock. You only need to twitch
it and can fish it much longer that way. It’s always a challenge in getting a fish out from under one, but the excitement is well worth it. There will still be some tarpon around the area. My favorite is the D.O.A. TerrorEyz. Live or cut bait will work also. The mackerel, bluefish and jacks will fill up the inlet this month. Most shiny lures will work on these predators. You can also find them hanging in the channels up around Harbor Branch. Docks and bridges will hold black drum, sheepshead and the sand perch should also show up this month. Live or dead shrimp always works best on these fish. You should still find some flounder around on the sand flats of the inlet and river. It might be breezy out there, but the fish will be feeding! As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby, it's an ADVENTURE! Good fishing and be safe!
Fort Pierce Deep Sea
Capt. Cole Hazellief Lady Chris Charters (772) 971-7179 TheLadyChris.com
H
ABOVE: Slay Together, Stay Together. Friends that slay together, stay together, and eat well together. Lady anglers Stephanie and Nicole are looking forward to reeling ‘em in November. RIGHT: Matt’s Smack. Resident angler Matt is ready to fire up the smoker and prep up some holiday smack appetizer. PHOTO CREDITS: Lady Chris Charters.
lanes and muttons. Grouper fishing will be on point as well. The cooler water will turn these grumpy guys frisky, so gear up for some mighty fish brawls and excellent
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table fair. Gag and red grouper will be first to flop on the deck. Be sure to claim your heavy weight grouper title before season closes December 31. Holy mackerel! We predict to
SEE WHAT’S CATCHING ON NSTAGRAM - THE.LADY.CHRIS
ere comes November, a month filled with mahi, macks, grouper, and snapper along with the steady winter winds. On the days we can make it offshore, we will have an abundance of species to target. November has potential to get a little gusty, but a little wind helps to cool things down on deck and offers a change to the fishing scene. The snapper bite will continue to be good in shallower waters until these fronts start to push in and the chase is back on. The snapper will be nice and fat from the summer and we expect to see a great quantity of
see mahi-mahi and kings caught in gracious numbers throughout November. Mackerel are making their presence known around the surface and weed-lines, ready to hit your favorite spoons and Got-Cha lures for some surface breaking action. The mahi bite has been good, and the reports promises catches throughout the month. Bottom fishing continues to be the main focus and anglers are catching some nice sized mangrove and mutton snappers. The high quality and quantity of snapper be stay steady, so keep your reel ready take advantage of the cool and fish-able days of November. Find more details on our website www.theladychris.com and see daily catches on our Instagram wall-offame. Tight lines and good vibes.
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st. lucie county inshore
Capt. Joe Ward
Capt. Joe’s River Charters (772) 201-5770 or (772) 461-1335 CWard11605@aol.com
W
ith the weather starting to change so will the inshore fishing. Look for the redfish bite to pick up around the docks along both North and South Indian River Drive. A live shrimp fished on a ¼-ounce jig head will work just fine. And if you don't get a red there should be plenty of tasty sheepshead to take home for a fish fry. Snook fishing should remain good in the deeper waters like the turning
basin and in the Fort Pierce Inlet. And, don't forget about the bridges. Try a live bait like a pinfish or a pigfish along with a croaker or mullet and fish them on the bottom. I like to use just enough lead to hold the bottom, three feet of 40# fluorocarbon and a 5/0 live bait hook. As the weather gets cooler, try using your favorite color Flair Hawk. I like chartreuse for clearer water and a darker color one for the dark water. A 1 ½-ounce. or a 2 ounce. are a good size to try. Again 40# fluorocarbon is my preference. November should be the start of some action around the jetty and Fort Pierce Inlet for bluefish and Spanish mackerel and they will be hitting anything shiny like a Got-Cha lure or spoons. They will also hit live or cut baits fished on the bottom. Along the channel edges look for croakers,
st. lucie county offshore
a long run offshore, just look outside the inlets. Big schools of Spanish mackerel will be arriving (also called Spanish macks). These fish are fun to Capt. Danny target and great on the table. When exiting your inlet, just look for birds Markowski diving into schools of fish on the LottaBull Fishing Charters surface. The Spanish mackerels will (772) 370-8329 school around the glass minnows lottabull4@bellsouth.net and while they are eating you will lottabullfishingcharters.com see the Spanish mackerels jumping out of the water. Spanish mackerels ummer is over, November has will eat shrimp, but the best way to arrived, and now the cool fronts hook up these fish is to troll a small will start coming in and small boaters spoon around the schools or cast a will need to watch the weather forecast. When the conditions allow, you can run offshore and the mahi should still be heading south. This time of year, I usually start looking for them when reaching depths of 60 feet. Have ballyhoo (or trolling lures) and chunk bait on hand. Trolling ballyhoo is a known method for finding and catching these fish, but if live baits are available, it is always a good idea to bring some along for when the mahi are located. Troll ballyhoo at 5-to-7 knots, naked or with colored skirts to cover more ground when searching. When mahi are located around floating debris or weed lines, switch to some live bait, if available, or throw out some chunk bait to start a feeding frenzy. If you choose to troll a weed line with live bait, lower your trolling speed to idle speed and try to keep the weed line on one side of your boat to avoid getting your live bait hung up in the weeds. If slow trolling a weed line, have one bait in the spread placed at Mahi should still be headed a deeper depth than the rest using south in November. Start looking a planer or downrigger, sometimes for them in 60 feet of water the bigger fish stay below a school of according to Capt. Danny of mahi or a weed line. LottaBull Fishing Charters. On the days that are not good for
Cary Drake with a catch and release snook he caught at the Dockside Marina and Resort.
PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Joe Ward.
sheepshead and black drum to get active. All of these fish will take a live shrimp fished on the bottom around any structure. Pompano should start their push
towards the river. A live shrimp, sand flea or clams will work and fish your bait on a pompano rig with a light weight. Try the flats south of the South Bridge on the west side of the river.
small spoon, mylar jig or shiny top water lure into the school. When doing this, troll at about 2-to-3 knots or reel the lure fast. A small Clarkspoon or Drone Spoon from 1 ½ inches to 2 inches is a good size. A good recommendation when fishing for Spanish mackerel is to use a one to two-inch piece of #3 or #4 wire in front of your lures so the teeth of the mackerel don’t cut off your lure and
make it an expensive trip. A good setup for catching these fish would be a light 10-to-15-pound rod and reel matched with up to 12-pound mainline and a 20-pound leader. Enjoy your time on the water and be safe. Do your homework and check the weather forecasts before going out. Remember, if in doubt, head in and fish the inlet! Catch them up!
PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Danny Markowski.
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Indian River Lagoon –
fishing forecasts
sebastian inshore
Capt. Gus Brugger
Pattern Setter Charters (772) 360-6787 www.WelcomeToSebastian.com
Sebastian River – The Sebastian River is a great November fishery, but unless the weather forces anglers into its sheltered waters the lagoon and inlet steal the show this month. Jacks and tarpon will continue to be plentiful as long as it stays warm. Sharp cold fronts, if they occur, will push a variety of species into the Sebastian River; including gator sized trout and even pompano. If the weather gets nasty enough that you need to seek the protection of the Sebastian River, you will find that the fish may have done so also. On cold days, work Goofy Jigs and small bucktails in the deeper areas between US 1 and the railroad to stretch your line on a mixed bag, while plugs and soft plastics around oyster bars and docks will find trout, reds and snook.
the center of the A1A Bridge and have consistent Local guides and anglers are success. The big news for reporting a resurgence in the November at Sebastian Inlet trout numbers in the central is the flounder run. From Indian River Lagoon. Along November into December with seatrout, November anglers can target flounder, will also bring increased some exceeding 10-pounds numbers of bluefish, ladyfish, jacks, flounder and throughout Sebastian pompano. These species Inlet. Live mullet and mud move into the lagoon and minnows are excellent baits, provide easy open water and jigs will do the trick as fishing around spoil islands well. The narrow section of and the edges of the flats the inlet west of the A1A for anglers using jigs and Bridge provides a refuge live shrimp. The high water from howling north winds levels normally associated and is also the hot area for with the fall season will flounder. allow anglers access to backwater mudflats where Near Shore Atlantic – redfish, seatrout and snook There will be calm days in like to ambush baitfish along the late fall, and when the the mangroves. Top water opportunity arises it is worth plugs, jerk baits, and gold a ride out the inlet and up spoons are great choices for or down the beach. Pelicans Gene Brugger with a tasty pompano caught open water reds and trout. diving will give away the on a Goofy jig near Sebastian Inlet. Pitching D.O.A. shrimp location of schools of mullet and jerk baits along the and greenies, which could PHOTO CREDIT: Capt. Gus Brugger. mangroves will draw strikes be shadowed by tarpon, from snook as well as trout and and night. Pigfish, pinfish, croakers sharks and big jacks. Diving terns reds. and shrimp are the best baits for are usually associated with schools inlet snook. Daytime anglers will of glass minnows a staple of the Sebastian Inlet – The inlet find most of the fish along the Spanish mackerel that are passing by will continue to yield snook and shorelines and around the jetties. At on their southerly migration. Tight lines! redfish to live bait anglers both day night most fishermen drift through
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sebastian area offshore
Capt. Randy Lang
Sebastian Gypsy Fishing Charters Email: gypsycharters@gmail.com www.sebastianfishingcharter.com
N
ovember is a great month to get offshore of Sebastian and enjoy some fishing. Bottom fishing will be on the upswing with the cooler temps and the ground swell gone. On the reefs from 70 to 180 feet, you’ll find a mixed bag of fish including snapper, grouper, triggers, sea bass and cobia. When you have several anglers, try several presentations in order to cover many possible species. Go with a smaller presentation on one rig in order to pick up triggers, vermilions, lanes, and the like. This smaller rig could be a two-hook dropper rig with a #1 hook and fresh cut bait. For another rig, try getting sneaky using a fish finder rig with a 6-foot fluorocarbon 50-pound leader and a 3/0 circle hook. You’ll get the weary mangrove snapper and maybe a mutton on this rig with smaller live baits and fresh strips. When the
stud grouper are around, go with the heavy stuff and a good sized frisky live bait. While you're bottom fishing, always keep a bait on the surface. There are always kingfish around, and you never know when a mahi or cobia will join the party! After a cut off, go with a 16-inch piece of light single strand wire to get those kingfish. Trolling will be a good bet as well. Dolphin, wahoo, blackfins and sailfish will all be possible. There will be less fishing pressure this time of year. Out of Sebastian, the edge of the Gulf Stream usually falls at about 180 feet (give or take a couple miles). This is a good area to work over thoroughly. As usual look for sargassum weed and a color change. The best type of sargassum weed is that which forms a clear edge on one side. This gives away the location of a current rip and the fish will feed here. Try adding a small feather, or feather and strip bait to your spread for blackfin tuna. Drop it way back and keep it clean of weeds by checking it frequently. Don’t forget to keep an eye on that sonar while trolling around out there. Be ready to mark a spot in an instant. If the trolling is slow, pull the lines in and drop a live bait down or even a heavy jig
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Brienna Ferenczi of Melbourne showed the guys how to land some snapper this day. She used a Spanish sardine in 80’ to fool this beauty. PHOTO CREDIT: Sebastian Gypsy Fishing Charters.
tipped with squid or ballyhoo. On your way out in the morning, keep an eye out for the large schools of greenies. They are often just outside the inlet or sometimes three miles out. Look for birds and baits flipping as well as red blobs on your
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sonar. Use the small sabikis in green or red and have at least one rig tied on and ready to go. A few dozen of those babies will significantly increase your chances for a great fish. Best of luck out there!
NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 9
10/17/19 10:46 AM
fishing forecasts
FROM THE SHORE
Jayson Arman
That's R-Man Land Based Fishing Services (772) 530-8080 thatsrman4677@gmail.com
N
ovember's fishing forecast means the start of cooler weather. Some years in November we even still have a good concentration of mullet. When it comes to land-based fishing this is when you want to walk the beach. One day there can be big schools of pompano moving down the coast. And the next day you could show up at the same beach and see big schools of mullet getting crashed by tarpon, sharks and other predators. It is very exciting but unpredictable. When I normally book my beach trips in November, I have surfer rods with clams and Fish Bites and I also bring a 9-foot spinning rod with a big top water plug or a heavy spoon for the tarpon, sharks or big jack's. Spanish mackerel and blue
Pompano is what's on the menu! Sean and his brother enjoyed a morning of surf fishing on some south Florida beaches. Fish Bites did the trick. PHOTO CREDIT: Jason Arman.
fish should start showing up in the mix. Bridge fishing for snook is also something that is very productive. Getting out before a cool front approaches can almost always be a
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NOVEMBER 2019
Brian Nelli
Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters (772) 201-5899 Brian@tckayakfishing.com www.tckayakfishing.com
winds will start to push through this month making the surf something to think about for each trip. When you hit the beach to go on an offshore kayak fishing trip, take some time and watch the waves. Most of the time you can see there is a pattern of a few big sets and a calm period. Time it right and you will stay dry. Look to target mahi, kings and sails in the 80-to-120-foot area trolling goggle eyes, blue runners or your favorite trolling plug. Don’t forget about the bottom fishing as well. Muttons and yellowtails will be lurking in the 60-to-100-foot reef patches. Frozen sardines and live mullet will work best. Visit Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. See you on the water!
INSHORE — November will bring on the cooler weather and give the fish some relief from the heat. Snook, redfish, trout, bluefish and Spanish mackerel should be on your radar. Kayak fishing the inlets, docks and seawalls will produce most of the inshore species. The bluefish and Spanish mackerel will prefer a fast presentation like ripping a spoon or jig across the upper water column. Snook and other mentioned species will be holding on the bridges and sea walls looking to pick off glass minnows and mullet. Kayak fishing can be challenging in some of these high current areas but using Hobie kayaks with pedal drives like the ones we provide makes the Look to target mahi, kings and sails in the experience a breeze. Offshore — Northeast
PHOTO CREDIT: Brian Nelli.
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KAYAK FISHING forecast
guaranteed catch. But catching the fish in the slot can be another story. Snook have to be 28 to 32 inches to keep and this time of year it can be tough to catch one in the slot because a lot of them will be big. Always remember to pinch the tail and released the big fish back with a net. Two-ounce snook jigs will be the way to go on the windy nights. Depending on the conditions this is a time of year where I like using live shrimp on a small jig head with no color for various species, such as flounder, snook, redfish and other species. Stop into Billy Bones in Port St. Lucie if you would ever like to meet me in person and go over different strategies for your next trip. Starting around Thanksgiving is when I offer my $100 special for two anglers to go on one fishing trip. You can call me or email me for more information. Good luck on your next adventure That's R-Man over and out.
80-to-120- foot area trolling goggle eyes, blue runners or your favorite trolling plug.
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10/17/19 10:46 AM
Fly Fishing Corner By Capt. Michael Mauri
How To Apply Pressure Fighting Fish
I
want to show in this month’s column how to apply pressure while fighting fish using fly tackle. This is an important tool in our book, no matter if you’re chasing world record fish and following the IGFA rules, running charters, or if you are just fishing for fun. Landing big fish fast is important to increase their chance to survive if you want to release them, or if you want to keep them, it reduces the loss to the tax man. (Photo A) This rod angle is not very efficient and takes a lot of energy on our end without putting a lot of pressure on the fish! Pressure with my 12-weight is around 9-to-10 pounds. (Photo B) This rod angle (still upwards) is better but still not good! I got up to 13-pounds of pressure (or lifting power) on my 12-weight. (Photo C) This rod angle makes a whole difference. Instead of lifting the rod straight up, use a very small rod
A
angle towards the fish (the smaller the rod angle towards the fish the more pressure you can apply). To get line on the reel, move the rod towards the fish without giving up the small rod angle while reeling line. Pull your rod straight back and start over again. At the end of the fight I usually grab the fly line to get more control and distribute the power evenly. If the fish takes off again just let the line go and take your fingers off the line. Maximum pressure while using this rod angle is over 50 pounds! Safety! Be aware that your fingers, arms, or legs aren’t getting caught in the line while using this much pressure with a lot of drag set and heavy-duty lines. Capt. Michael Mauri www.mauriflyfishing.com michael@mauriflyfishing.com (772) 485-3321
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TREASURE COAST 11
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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
D
iving this November should be interesting now that the effects of lingering large swells and constant winds should have had a chance to subside. Slightly cooler water temperatures and potential debris washed out to sea from Dorian will provide hunters with more opportunities to spear dinner. Even when it’s too rough to clear the inlets safely, savvy divers may still find places to get wet if they pay attention to the tides. Since Dorian skirted the coast in September, visibility has been tough to come by and, as a result, very few divers were able to make it out last month. This could actually have been a blessing in disguise for diving this month since fish and lobster should be plentiful. Even if diving is not the priority, it’s a good idea to pack
mask, fins, snorkel and a speargun on fishing trips since floating debris can hold lots of life. Jump in prepared to take a shot on short notice before the
strong groundswells, these winds usually only effect surface conditions Spearo James and rarely change visibility on the Renie shows what bottom. Divers may be surprised to is coming up for find clear water just inside local inlets spear fishing on the incoming tide. Places like the enthusiasts on the mangrove islands near the Stuart Treasure Coast. Sandbar or The Cove in Ft. Pierce are protected from heavy surf and may be clear at high tide. Snorkeling is great along the mangroves and channel edges provided divers pay attention to the tides and maintain the appropriate distance from their dive flags (100 yards in open water, 100 feet in inland waterways). As fall progresses and offshore temperatures drop, large fish should return to area waters. Spear fishermen will notice the return of large gag and black grouper to area reefs and wrecks when water temperature hits the mid to low 70s. Cooler water may slow fish making them easier to spear but the same effect has been noticed on divers too. Underprepared divers might consider adding the following equipment for cool weather diving. Beneath the surface, 5 mm wetsuits, hooded vests and neoprene gloves help from becoming cold in the first PHOTO COURTESY of Steve Wood. place. On the surface, basics like dry clothes, a beanie hat and a kneefish get wise and move away. Minor wind swells associated with length dive parka (a ‘boat-coat’) help passing cool fronts are possible, but block the wind and warm chilled the Treasure Coast is in luck: unlike divers.
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Fish Heads of Stuart Tourneys Launch the 2019/2020 Treasure Coast Sailfish Season
F
ish Heads of Stuart is excited to announce two tournaments for the Treasure Coast’s approaching 2019/2020 Sailfish season: the third annual “Quickie” (Dec. 2-4) and the seventh annual Fish Heads of Stuart Sailfish Invitational (Dec. 18-21). Center stage for both tournaments will be Sailfish Marina, home of Fish Heads. “The Quickie is a ‘shout out’ to our predecessor. For years, the Quickie was a tournament crowd favorite and we thought it fitting to keep the event in the forefront of Stuart’s Sailfish tournaments” said Brent Kane, Fish Heads of Stuart owner. Sticking with Stuart’s tradition, the Quickie is a dead bait/ conventional reel tournament. Setting the Quickie apart from other tournaments, however, is its anglerfriendly format, hook and hand – no problem. This is a fun, easy to fish, two-day tournament Since its inception, the Fish Heads of Stuart Sailfish Invitational has continued to grow in popularity and participation. The tournament allows live bait and dead bait. Dead baiters will score 300 points per release and live baiters will score 200 points per
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Serving the Treasure Coast and Northern Palm Beach County release. The Sailfish Invitational is a three fish-day tournament and retains its very angler friendly nature. Participants may once again depart from the St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and Jupiter inlets. According to Kane, “Departure times are earlier and return times are later, plenty of time to get out and back without beating up you or your boat regardless of inlet.” Fishing hours remain the same 8:30 a.m. lines in – 3:30 p.m. lines out. Tournament prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place finishers. For more information contact Fish Heads of Stuart at (772) 220 – 6008 or info@fishheadsofstuart.com
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If We Deploy It, THEY Will Come! By Bob Hickerson
M
ost of you have heard by now that St. Lucie County sunk the 180-foot freighter Voici Bernadette (aka The CCA-Curtis Bostick Reef) in 100 feet of water on June 23, 2019 as the latest addition to their growing artificial reef program. But did you know that there was something very unique fastened to her decks prior to deployment? Before we get to that, a short review. Lionfish: Native to the IndoPacific Region were first reported in Florida’s waters in 1985 and are classified as an invasive species. Likely released by a number of different private aquarium owners over time, they continue to gain more territory throughout the region each year and an effective
natural predator has yet to emerge. They can now be found in depths of 2 feet to well over 1000 feet in the western Atlantic from Florida to well north of North Carolina, Bermuda, the Gulf of Mexico, the entire Caribbean basin, including all of Central America’s east coast and are heading south down the coast of South America. While lionfish numbers are kept somewhat in check by volunteer and commercial spear fishermen on reefs that are accessible to divers, there remains an enormous amount of territory that we cannot regularly patrol. The next logical step to attempt to control their numbers, mitigate the environmental damage and further commercialize their removals will be to create a trap for these bad boys. Remember, they make very good table fare and are the poster child for sustainable
FAD #4 with small prey inside seven weeks post deployment. PHOTO CREDITS: Bob Hickerson.
seafood consumption too. Thanks to the shared vision of James Oppenborn, St Lucie County Coastal Resources Supervisor, and the “blessings” from the State and Federal Agencies who oversaw this artificial reef deployment, we were allowed to install four Lionfish FADs (fish aggregation devices) upon her deck prior to deployment. While our devices represent “Lionfish Trap Prototypes” that we are developing, we are not permitted to remove any marine species, including lionfish, utilizing these FADs at this time.
Fish trapping remains illegal in Florida’s waters. Special research permits can be issued should the right criteria be met but can be a lengthy process. Based on the knowledge of lionfish behavior we have gained over the past ten years; we are confident that they will show up on this freighter. As far as we know, we are the first to deploy any devices intended to attract lionfish to a specific location upon
SEE FRAPPERS............................ PAGE 26
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NOVEMBER 2019
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10/17/19 10:46 AM
The Biggest And Most Fun Sportfishing Tournament Is Back!
66th Annual Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament
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Wednesday night, December 11th, registration followed by Captains’ meeting. Lunch everyday provided by Jersey Mikes Fabulous Awards Banquet on December 14th at Willoughby Country Club
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Florida’s Oldest Sportfishing And Social Club Is Celebrating Something New!
New Website: www.StuartSailfishClub.com New Location: 3867 SE Evans Terrace • Stuart, FL 34997 For more information, to register early and for sponsorship and registration packages, contact the Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation at Sailfish@StuartSailfishClub.com or call (772) 286-9373. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website at www.StuartSailfishClub.com The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed for the purpose of promoting the conservation of game fish and encouraging visitors to fish in Martin County waters. Membership is open to the public and all boaters, as well as those who do not own boats or do not fish. COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM NOVEMBER 2019 TREASURE COAST 15
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10/17/19 10:46 AM
St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program:
Program Teams with Multiple Groups on the Cleanup of Moore’s Creek T
he St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program is working with the City of Fort Pierce, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Sea Grant, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Marine Cleanup Initiative, Sea and Shoreline, Inc. and SWORD Outreach to find ways to clean Moore’s Creek before it flows into the Indian River Lagoon. After months of neglect, the program has started to remove exotic vegetation and alligator weed from this urban tributary. What began as quarterly trash cleanups by SWORD Outreach more than 10 years ago has developed into a community-based effort to help this urban tributary regain its stature in the urban landscape and a mechanism to help keep pollutants from reaching the Indian River Lagoon. Improving water quality in urban runoff to the Indian River Lagoon is essential to the maintenance of aquatic life in those receiving waters. Urban tributaries can carry inorganic pollutants (i.e. heavy metals, pesticides, oil and grease) as well as unwanted nutrients from stormwater runoff. Stormwater outfalls sometimes deliver these pollutants from interconnected stormwater basins which may be miles away from the outfall. Urban tributaries also are subject to improperly maintained septic systems which can result in altered nutrient and bacterial profiles in the water column. The FWC along with its contractor, Sea and Shoreline, Inc. has started to plant tapegrass in an effort to increase fish habitat in Moore’s Creek and to help water quality. The University of Florida – Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF-IFAS) Urban Horticulture Extension Agent is educating people on the impacts their yards and their other activities may have on the Indian River Lagoon. Even people living miles away from the shoreline can affect waters through everyday activities such as improperly fertilizing
UF/IFAS Urban Horticultural agent at Moore’s Creek. PHOTO CREDITS: St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program.
ABOVE: Eastern segment of Moore’s Creek prior to clearing (exclosure cages are not visible). BELOW: Moore’s Creek after cleaning.
their lawn, keeping grass clippings and leaf litter out of the storm drains, as these are sources of excess nitrogen or improperly disposing of waste products, including oils and herbicides. Water quality monitoring will be conducted to assess whether these chemicals have reached Moore’s Creek. The new Florida Sea Grant Marine Extension Agent has also expressed interest in helping with the Moore’s Creek area. A shellfish biologist, it is hoped that Dr. Vincent Encomio will bring more disciplined research to Moore’s Creek, potentially finding a freshwater mollusk that can help with filtration of the Moore’s Creek water column. Cleanup of the creek would benefit the Indian River Lagoon but additional problems with creek restoration including muck removal, herbivory of tapegrass by ducks and turtles, historical neglect, and community education will require years of effort by residents, non-profits, and government agencies to be corrected. For example, the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program is working with the City of Fort Pierce and others to provide some form of bioremediation of nutrients through manual removal of exotic vegetation. This low-tech solution may be effective in a tributary of this size but needs the help of the community over many years to be effective. To learn about ways to lessen your impact on the Indian River Lagoon, contact Kate Rotindo, UF-IFAS Urban Horticulture Extension Agent at krotindo@ ufl.edu or (772) 462-1660. If interested in the St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program or restoration of the Moore’s Creek area, contact Jim Oppenborn, St. Lucie County Coastal Resources Coordinator at oppenbornj@stlucieco.org or (772) 462-1713.
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NOVEMBER 2019
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10/17/19 10:46 AM
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NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 17
10/17/19 10:46 AM
TREASURE COAST CASTERS RECAPS
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September Inshore Tournament results Treasure Coast Casters held its second inshore tournament of the 20192020 season on September 29 out of Dockside Marina and Resort, South Hutchinson Island, Fort Pierce. Ten species were on the catch list, with snook being the biggest point fish at 45 points, but according to TCC co-tournament chair, Cammie Ward, “No one caught a keeper snook but we did have several nice trout weighed in, along with a lot of snapper.”
Middle School Division RESULTS 1st Place: Owen Nail - 40 points 2nd Place: Zach Sines - 10 points 3rd Place: No fish weighed
High School Division RESULTS 1st Place: Josh Richter - 20 points 2nd Place: Nicholas Rosario - 20 points 3rd Place: Jeff Richter - 10 points
PHOTO CREDIT: Treasure Coast Casters.
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Owen Nail with his trout.
In the high school division, Josh and Nicholas were tied with 20 points each, so first place was determined by the heaviest fish, which was Josh's trout at 1.125-pounds. Biggest fish of the tournament went to Owen Nail for his 1.833-pound trout. Along with their trophies and prize bags, first place winners received West Marine gift cards. The next Treasure Coast Casters tournament is November 3. Treasure Coast Casters offers experiences that educate young anglers on the importance of marine conservation, while maintaining a sustainable and healthy estuary and marine environment. The all-volunteer non-profit offers two fishing tournament divisions, a Junior Division for youth 5-11, and a Senior Division for youth 12-18. There is no cost to join or to fish a tournament. Anglers bring their own bait and fishing gear. For the latest tournament news and updates, follow the Treasure Coast Casters Facebook page. Josh Richter with his trout.
Cammie and Capt. Joe Ward www.treasurecoastcasters.org (772) 201-5773
Serving the Treasure Coast and Beyond since 1985
Tournament winners Zach Sines, Nicholas Rosario, Josh Richter, Jeff Richter, and Owen Nail. 18 TREASURE COAST
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COASTALANGLERMAG.COM • THEANGLERMAG.COM
10/17/19 10:46 AM
Stuart Sailfish Club Announces 66th Annual Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament T
he Stuart Sailfish Club has announced the 66th annual Light Tackle Tournament, one of three tournaments that qualify entrants for the Treasure Coast Championship. Participants in the Light Tackle Tournament are eligible for first place, second place and third place cash prizes, based on minimum participation, and dailies. The tournament will be held December 11-14, 2019, at Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina. This year’s event will benefit Operation 300. An early entry fee of $2,500 is offered, if entry is paid in full by 5 p.m. on November 25. After that date, the entry fee is $3,000. Entry is for four anglers.
Registration will be held Wednesday, December 11, followed by the captain’s meeting. Lunch will be provided every day by Jersey Mike’s. A fabulous awards banquet will be held at Willoughby Golf and Country Club on Sunday, December 14. There will be an automatic free entry to The Treasure Coast Championship for any boats that fish all three legs including the Pirates Cove Sailfish Classic, The Stuart Sailfish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament and The Pelican Yacht Club Sailfish Classic. Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina is
Scenes from the 65th Annual Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament. LEFT: 2018 winner, Intents. ABOVE: Sailfish release. PHOTO CREDITS: Leonard Bryant Photography.
located at 4307 SE Bayview St, Stuart, FL 34997. Willoughby Country Club is located at 3001 SE Doubleton Dr, Stuart, FL 34997. The Stuart Sailfish Club was formed more than 78 years ago and incorporated in 1941. The club is one of the oldest sport fishing and social clubs in the United States, formed for the purpose of promoting the conservation of game fish and
encouraging visitors to fish in Martin County waters. To register for the tournament, or to view the latest tournament news, visit www.stuartsailfishclub.com/ light-tackle-tournament. To become a sponsor, or to donate to the auction, call (772) 286-9373, or email Sailfish@ StuartSailfishClub.com. The Stuart Sailfish Club is a 501©3 organization.
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TREASURE COAST 19
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height 0.26 3.01 0.71 2.75 0.46 2.82 0.85 2.59 0.64 2.66 0.94 2.47 0.77 2.56 0.96 2.42 0.83 2.51 0.91 2.43 0.84 2.52 0.81 2.5 0.8 2.57 0.69 2.6 0.75 2.63 0.57 2.72 0.68 2.69 0.45 2.83 0.63 2.74
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
11M 12:56 AM 7:35 AM 1:20 PM 7:42 PM 12TU 1:31 AM 8:15 AM 1:57 PM 8:21 PM 13W 2:07 AM 8:56 AM 2:34 PM 9:01 PM 14TH 2:44 AM 9:38 AM 3:13 PM 9:41 PM 15F 3:24 AM 10:21 AM 3:55 PM 10:25 PM 16SA 4:09 AM 11:08 AM 4:42 PM 11:13 PM 16SU 4:59 AM 11:58 AM 5:36 PM 18M 12:08 AM 5:57 AM 12:54 PM 6:38 PM 19TU 1:10 AM 7:03 AM 1:53 PM 7:45 PM 20W 2:18 AM 8:12 AM 2:54 PM 8:51 PM
0.34 2.91 0.58 2.76 0.26 2.97 0.56 2.76 0.21 2.99 0.56 2.74 0.18 2.97 0.58 2.7 0.19 2.92 0.61 2.65 0.22 2.85 0.66 2.59 0.29 2.78 0.69 2.55 0.37 2.72 0.68 2.53 0.43 2.69 0.6 2.57 0.45 2.69 0.46
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
21TH 3:27 AM 9:20 AM 3:55 PM 9:52 PM 22F 4:32 AM 10:21 AM 4:53 PM 10:48 PM 23SA 5:32 AM 11:18 AM 5:47 PM 11:41 PM 24SU 6:27 AM 12:11 PM 6:39 PM 25M 12:31 AM 7:18 AM 1:01 PM 7:28 PM 26TU 1:19 AM 8:07 AM 1:49 PM 8:15 PM 27W 2:06 AM 8:54 AM 2:36 PM 9:02 PM 28TH 2:53 AM 9:40 AM 3:23 PM 9:47 PM 29F 3:39 AM 10:25 AM 4:11 PM 10:33 PM 30SA 4:27 AM 11:10 AM 5:00 PM 11:19 PM
2.66 0.42 2.75 0.26 2.81 0.35 2.82 0.06 2.97 0.27 2.9 -0.12 3.1 0.2 2.96 -0.25 3.19 0.16 2.98 -0.31 3.21 0.16 2.95 -0.29 3.16 0.2 2.88 -0.21 3.06 0.28 2.77 -0.07 2.91 0.39 2.63 0.09 2.75 0.5 2.48
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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
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10/17/19 10:46 AM
Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club News Club Donates to Bahamas Relief Effort and Other Local Initiatives One of the most satisfying outcomes of the 2019 KDW Tournament was the Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club was able to provide some funds to assist those suffering the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Many FPSC members have close ties to the Bahamas, having fished the beautiful waters around the islands and established lasting relationships with so many Bahamas residents. As a club, we are particularly saddened by the difficult situation that exists and club members wanted to provide support that would be assured to go directly to those suffering and trying to recover and rebuild. To this end, our annual member fish fry held in September was centered on collecting cash donations. FPSC committed to providing a dollar-fordollar match from our treasury for all money donated. The fish fry was a huge success this year, and more
than $3,000 has been contributed to the recovery effort. FPSC is so fortunate to have the relationships and member involvement to assure these funds do good for those most in need. Closer to home, FPSC recently contributed funds to establishment of an artificial reef with sinking of the Voici Bernadette. Treasure Coast Casters also received monetary support and additional contributions to community-based organizations are also in the works. As a club, we are able to provide support for these community organizations through success of such fundraising activities as the KDW Tournament as well as member-based activities.
of this year’s tournament, as were those who attended the event, fished the tournament and particularly the lucky prize winners. We are already well into the planning stages for the 2020 event and look for the 2020 tournament to be expanded and provide even more fun-filled activities for all. Our thanks to all who attended and participated, and special thanks to all of the sponsors without whom we could not have staged this event. Speaking of staging, we thank Causeway Cove Marina for their hospitality and excellent facilities this year and also for blocking out the dates for the coming event.
Dates Secured for 28th Annual KDW Tournament
Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club meetings are conducted on the third Wednesday of each month at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club, 700 N. Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce. A social period begins at 7 p.m. with beer, soft drinks, and water sold by the club, followed by a short business meeting, fish stories, and a
The Fort Pierce Sportfishing Club is pleased to announce we have secured the dates for the 28th annual KDW Tournament. Please save the dates, June 19-20, 2020. We were very pleased with the outcome
Club Member Meetings
guest speaker from our local fishing industry. Bring your family, friends, and a Fish Tale! For more information about the Ft. Pierce Sportfishing Club, visit www.ftpiercesportfishingclub. com or follow them on Facebook. You can also contact them by emailing: fpsc@live.com.
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NOVEMBER 2019
REPAIRS TREASURE COAST 21
10/17/19 10:46 AM
36th Annual Vero Beach Fall Boat Show Set for Nov. 23-24 Find Out What’s New for 2020! T
he 36th annual Vero Beach Fall Boat Show will be held on Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, November 24, 2019, 10 a.m. -4 p.m., at Riverside Park in Vero Beach. Boat dealers and suppliers from the Treasure Coast will be displaying their product lines, have staff available to answer questions, and help you get out on the water! From standup paddleboards and kayaks, to deck boats and pontoon boats, shallow water skiffs and personal watercraft, to offshore fishing machines and cruisers, marine accessories and services, and nautical goodies, this show has it all. Finance and insurance representatives will be onsite. Food and refreshments will be available. Riverside Park is located just west of the Riverside Theater and southeast of the Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, off of Route 60. Parking and admission are free. Come bring the family and friends and find the boat of your dreams. Don't miss the boat! Visit www.verobeachboatshow.com or call (772) 562-7922 for more information. Vendor opportunities for local businesses in St. Lucie, Indian River and southern Brevard counties are available. Email laura@veromarine.com for more information.
PHOTO CREDITS: Vero Beach Boat Show.
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NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 23
10/17/19 10:46 AM
Backcountry Fishing Association Wraps Up 2019 Backcountry Fishing Season Association T
he Backcountry Fishing Association’s (BCFA) Sunday, Oct. 5 weigh in was silent, meaning anglers weighed in their fish, but results were not announced until the annual BCFA end of the year awards ceremony, which was held at Little Jim Bait and Tackle in Fort Pierce on Saturday, Oct. 12, where the winners from the BCFA Classic were announced as well as "best in season" recipients.
Fort Pierce, FL
points through the season. The top five-point leaders automatically got a bye for the first day of season classic. Andy Fantini and Chelsea Hampson (35 points) scored the Team of the Year Award for scoring the most points over a nine-month tournament, they placed in four tournaments, three of those placing first. Honorable mentions were given to the four other teams that grinded it out during the season to be top five which included TJ Kiefer and Tony Vercillo (34 points), Darren Frost and Collin Willis (33 points), Jason Gillespie and Josh Pesce (29 points), and Joe and Matt Canestrari (29 points).
Classic Results
Scott Kuipers passing off BCFA presidency to Andy Fantini.
Best in Season Winners
The largest snook of the year weighed in at 10.99 pounds and was brought in by Garret Richards and Mason Urso. The largest redfish weighed in at 6.41 pounds and was brought in by TJ Kiefer and Tony Vercillo. The largest trout was brought in by Scott and Audrey Kuipers, weighing in at 5.95 pounds. Heaviest slam, being the only one of the season, was brought in by Garret Richards and Mason Urso, who won it with a 1.6-pound trout, 4.25-pound redfish and 10.99-pound snook. Lora Peters took home Lady Angler of the Year. She won a total of three tournaments with a total weight of 12.29 pounds.
Top Teams of the Year
Anglers competed for cash and
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The BCFA was able to award the top team with a 14-foot Savanna skiff equipped with a 4-horsepower Suzuki four-stroke and trailer through the generosity of Salt Marsh Skiffs, Meltra Trailers, and Indian River RV. The 2019 season was also kindly supported by TNT, White’s Tackle, Little Jim Bait and Tackle, Tsunami, Reel Catch Apparel, Mark's Mobile Marine, Weedline, East Coast Printing, ZF Custom Rods, Smith Optics, D.O.A., Taco Dive, and Flats Pirate. Thank you to Coastal Angler Magazine for the 2019 season coverage. The first-place team, TJ Kiefer and Tony Vercillo were awarded the top prize with a 1.20-pound trout and a 6.33-pound redfish totaling 7.53 pounds. The second-place team, Dustin Bragman and Jason Wrubel, walked away with $2100. They weighed in a 4.17-pound trout and a 3.23-pound redfish, with a total bag of 7.40 pounds. Lewis Arnold and Chris Damon took third place and $1260 for a 6.61-pound bag containing a 1.77-pound trout and a 4.84-pound redfish.
NOVEMBER 2019
FROM TOP: BCFA members in front of the Classic top prize, a 14-foot Savanna Skiff equipped with a 4-horsepower Suzuki four-stroke engine and trailer through the generosity of Salt Marsh Skiffs; First place team, TJ Kiefer and Tony Vercillo; Second place team Dustin Bragman and Jason Wrubel. PHOTO CREDITS: Backcountry Fishing Association.
Zach Foltz and Lorae’ Simpson brought a 2.07-pound trout and a 4.09-pound redfish, a total bag of 6.16 pounds, landed them in fourth with total winnings of $840. Honorable mention goes out to fifth place through tenth teams, Jason Gillespie and Josh Pesce (5.72 pounds), Michael Bartus and Shelly Hutter (5.26 pounds), Andy Fantini and Chelsea Hampson (4.55 pounds), Kyle Espich and Kyle Schacht (1.22 pounds), Matt and Joe Canestrari (1.06 pounds), and
Darren Frost and Colin Willis.
2019 Season Fact
A total of 61 teams signed up for the season. We averaged 34 boats a tournament, with 45 being the most and 26 our least. The 2020 BCFA season will kick off Jan. 3 with a captains meeting and fishing on Jan. 5. For more information, visit the Backcountry Fishing Association Facebook Page or call (863) 634-8527.
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FRAPPERS........................ FROM PAGE 14 have your report of any lionfish a newly deployed wreck. It will be interesting to find out if we have selected those initial locations correctly. I dove this wreck seven weeks post deployment and while no lionfish were spotted on her yet, many other marine species had already shown up and have now called her home! Many small potential lionfish-prey species were documented around and even sheltering inside our four FADs during that dive. This is all very encouraging. Now here’s the cool part, you ALL can help us gather data for this project! Whether you fish this wreck or dive upon her, we would like to
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caught on hook and line, speared or just observed on a dive. The information obtained will be useful in ultimately developing devices to further aid in this lionfish invasion and help create a fishery targeting only lionfish. We have created a link to a reporting page for you to use. TheFrapper.com/VBLionfish Please feel free to use it each time you visit this wreck. See our latest video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hMwPEOXO0Cc. Tight lines and happy bubbles. Bob Hickerson/ Team Frapper can be reached by emailing: info@TheFrapper.com
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Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open
2019 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADES
Benefiting Project L.I.F.T. Was the Best Yet!
M
ichael Shields Memorial Inshore Open organizers share this year’s Open was the most successful to date, thanks to the support of sponsors, anglers and donors. The tournament, which benefits Project L.I.F.T., was held Oct. 4-5 at River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp in Jensen Beach. The tournament kicked off Friday, Oct. 4 at River Palms Cottages, where guests enjoyed a paella dinner, drinks, dancing and a silent and raffle auction, all while raising funds and learning about the programs at Project L.I.F.T that serve young men and women. A total of 176 anglers participated in this year’s open, 19 of which were professional guides. Open to both children and adults, it is the largest inshore fishing tournament along
TOP: First Place Guided - Team Merrill Lynch with Top Guide Adam White. ABOVE: First Place Unguided Elmer and Sonia Pillon.
the Treasure Coast. A captain’s party and family barbecue were also held attracting more than 400 people over the weekend. Established in 2009 in honor of longtime Martin County resident Michael Shields, who died of bone cancer at the age of 23, the Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Open Fishing Tournament brings hundreds of anglers out to fish Treasure Coast waters while raising funds for a good cause. Project L.I.F.T. (Life Initiatives for Teens) is an organization with a primary investment in the lives of youth who are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Through intensive substance abuse treatment, Project L.I.F.T. works to provide an innovative experience utilizing the skilled trades to change the course of the youth's life.
Sponsor • Attend Participate
To learn more, visit FishForTheKids. org or ProjectLiftMC.com.
PHOTO CREDITS: Nina Ferraro.
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NOVEMBER 2019
TREASURE COAST 27
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BOARD
Share Yooutor Brag Phere! H
Father-daughter double snook-up. Janet Crockett and her dad Mark Schweitzer caught these 37 and 38 inchers during the pre-Hurricane Dorian mullet run at the Ten-Cent Bridge in Stuart. Photo CREDIT: Kai Crockett (age 11).
Email your information ality and high-qu rger) (500KB or la @ easurecoast photos to tr e.com. lerMagazin CoastalAng
This estimated 46-inch snook was caught by Sara Cormier at the Jensen Causeway in October. Her concern was getting the massive fish back into the water and her tape measure and scale were in the car so they took a quick measurement using a size 12 shoe. “Fish swam off healthy, and that’s what matters most”, said Sara. PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Cormier.
Samuel Gundry caught this 40-inch stud snook in Fort Pierce. Photo CREDIT: Mason Blackwell.
409_Treasure_Coast_FINAL.indd 28
Hold ‘em high! Gentleman angler Doug Crews holding a heavy snapper pair. Photo CREDIT: Lady Chris Charters.
Madix Scharbach caught this 12-inch jack crevalle at the St. Lucie Inlet using a live mullet. Madix along with pup Rori and Dad Kevin show what “Sunday Funday” is all about. Photo CREDIT: Shannon Logue.
Shannon Logue caught this 30.5-inch snook at Loggerhead Marina late night fishing with a YoZuri Crystal Minnow on her Penn Passion. Photo CREDIT: Kevin Scharback.
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OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, WHERE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES ABOUND
Photo by Peter Dutton/flickr.com
O
keechobee County is your paradise outdoors. This beautifully serene rural community still values the old Florida lifestyle, with down-home Southern hospitality and scenic land undisturbed by towering growth. Okeechobee County is at the northern shore of the awe-inspiring Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee is 730 square miles of fishing nirvana. Lake Okeechobee, named by the Seminoles as “big water,” is host to a number of guides that will take you to treasured “fishing spots” that will give any angler stories to take home. Largemouth bass dominate the fishermen’s attention throughout the year, while the well-known speckled perch (crappie) take front position during the peak of tourism season which runs from October through March. Lake Okeechobee also offers scenic trails that are excellent for
walking, jogging, biking and bird watching. The trail that surrounds this massive lake is the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (L.O.S.T). This trail just about surrounds the entire lake and leaves no nature lover disappointed. Okeechobee is a well-loved area for rare and hard to find birds aplenty, the snail kite and caracara just to name a couple. Don’t be concerned by the loud cry of the sandhill crane, as these beauties are in every corner of our community and have no issue stopping traffic or wandering neighborhoods. Okeechobee County is not just about the lake, though locals are extremely proud of their greatest natural asset. Okeechobee is home to a number of other sporting activities that definitely make the location a sportsman’s paradise. Hunting is popular with not only seasonal visitors but residents as well. Deer, hog, duck and even gator hunting keep the hunting guides busy and the hunter’s hauling trophies home for bragging rights. Looking to improve or develop some great shooting skills? Okeechobee has a number of gun ranges that offer shooting sports of all kinds. Most of these facilities are outdoors and offer lodging, shopping and the greatest ranges and instructors around. There is also an indoor archery range conveniently off our main street and a new state-of-the-art gun range just on your way into town. Although Okeechobee offers fantastic outdoor adventures such as air boating, horseback riding and other entertainment, there always comes a time when the day draws to a close and the day’s activities bring on a fierce appetite. Okeechobee offers wonderful food options to the most spectacular steaks to the tastiest seafood! With dinner served and memories made, it’s now time to dream of what Okeechobee may bring the next day at any of our hotels, motels, campgrounds or RV resorts. Looking for your paradise outdoors? Welcome to Okeechobee, Florida. For information on any of these great getaways, visit www.visitokeechobeecounty.com or call 863-763-3959. Introducing Okeechobee’s Inaugural Visitor’s Guide. This beautiful guide will be your destination must have. You may request your free guide via phone or the Contact Us section of the website listed above.
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By Ed Killer
S
tuart, Fla.– The thump on the end of the line nearly pulls the rod out of your hand. It’s the kind of thump delivered by an apex predator confident in its choice to devour the offering. The line peels off the reel at a blistering pace. You can feel the trophy at the opposite end of this tug of war begin making its way to the surface. You prepare yourself for one of those mental memories you swear will stay with you forever. When this fish goes airborne, you know it’s going to be so cool. Backlit by the golden rising sun, the shower of spray from the head shakes will be glorious. You know your followers on social media are going to love it. The beauty of this encounter, for anyone who visits Martin County to fish, is that literally a half-dozen species of game fish can be plugged into the scenario. Is the soon-to-be leaping fish a tarpon, snook, sailfish or bass? Could it be a mako shark or perhaps a blue marlin? This area is known for incredible sport fishing. It developed that reputation more than a century ago, and continues to build upon it with every catch. And as fishing techniques and targets evolved, so did Martin County’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination. INSHORE Presidents once traveled to Stuart to fish for giant tarpon. Grover Cleveland, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding all plied the waters of the St. Lucie River in search of the “silver king.” In 1905, Cleveland purchased land in Stuart and was planning to build a home here, but never did. However, he was credited with catching one of the largest tarpon ever caught in the river’s North Fork. At the time, 200-pounders were common in the river system each spring. As popular as tarpon are, snook may be Martin County’s staple fish. The waters surrounding downtown Stuart are one of the only in the world where four species of snook can be caught – common snook, tarpon snook, fat snook and swordspine snook. Only the common snook typically reaches the legal size for harvest of 28 to 32 inches in length. Huge common snook, upwards of 30 pounds are caught lurking around bridges, marinas, rocky shorelines and spillways in the winter and spring. By summer, these fish stage closer to the St. Lucie Inlet, where spawning occurs. Live baits like sardines, herring, menhaden, mullet and shrimp are all irresistible, but artificial lures and flies work well, too. On the shallow grassflats and around the spoil islands in the Indian River Lagoon, anglers catch spotted seatrout, redfish, black drum, jack crevalles, ladyfish and sheepshead. During the winter, spring and summer incoming tides, anglers can sight cast these targets in 3 to 5 feet of water. Like the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay, Martin County is one of
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those rare places where an angler can pursue a bonefish, tarpon, permit slam. During winter, some of the tastiest fish that swim, pompano—swarm the inshore waters. OFFSHORE Ironically, it was a poor year of tarpon fishing in the early 1930s that generated exploration of Martin County’s offshore fisheries. Early in the century, the county produced a lucrative fishing business each winter as commercial fishermen pursued bluefish and Spanish mackerel off the beaches. They would ship their catches, salted and iced, on rail cars to markets in the north. The first winter visitors to Martin County were fishermen from northern coastal towns. But when the tarpon fishing went flat for a couple of years, recreational fishermen started heading into deeper water offshore to find action. What they found would change the area forever. Sailfish are a majestic species of pelagic fish, meaning they travel great distances on open ocean. After exploring the best methods and bait-rigging techniques to catch these fish, which can measure 6 to 8 feet long and swim up to 40 mph, a charter fishing fleet developed. In January of 1938, editor of the Stuart News Ernie Lyons invited outdoor writers from all over the country to come to Stuart and catch sailfish. In a week, nearly 1,000 sailfish were caught. One writer reported to his readers back home, “You may as well call Stuart the capital of sailfish.” Lyons jumped on it. Soon the City of Stuart applied for a charter naming it “Sailfish Capital of the World.” Today, the iconic image of the leaping sailfish can be seen on signage for public and private entities and even on the city’s garbage trucks. A tournament last winter produced over 700 sailfish releases in a single day. But a bluewater angler will have a chance to catch excellent game and table fare, too. Kingfish up to 50 pounds roam the reefs in 40 to 60 feet of water every spring. Cobia up to 70 pounds can be caught when the manta rays come into shallow waters each winter. Dolphinfish are caught offshore year round. Fishing for mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper and lane snapper is very good in 40 to 70 feet of water throughout much of the year. Fishing for gag, red and black grouper, scamp and amberjacks is best on the deepwater artificial reefs, of which the county has placed dozens offshore over the past 50 years. Tilefish and snowy grouper are on the deep flats in 700 feet. Wahoo are best during the summer for high speed trollers. In recent years, expert charter captains have developed a fishery for daytime swordfish where they also occasionally catch a mako shark. Each summer, the diving for spiny lobsters creates an offshore armada along the county’s healthy coral reefs. Suffice to say, the fishing along Martin County’s shores is about as good as it can get. The hard part is picking what to fish for.
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Reel in the memories. Sitting on the most biodiverse estuary in the Northern Hemisphere, Martin County is a fisherman’s paradise. Ocean, lake and river ecosystems are home to more than 800 species of fish, from the ever-popular sailfish and snook to largemouth bass and perch. Forget your gear? Visit one of Martin’s many bait and tackle shops or outdoor retailers. Inshore, offshore, saltwater or fresh, head out for an adventure and reel in the memories.
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By Mikey Erickson
A
lot of people know Costa Rica is the “Billfish Capital of the World,” but that’s not all it is. Double-digit numbers of tarpon and an abundance of snook can be caught on the Caribbean Coast out of Tortuguero, where rivers like Rio Parismina and Rio Colorado follow the coast and open up into the ocean. Days of 30 or more fish are possible. And the river-locked town of Tortuguero is a true gem.The culture has a lot of Jamaican and Spanish influence. The season here is from February to May. Great spots for freshwater fishing include the beautiful Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the rivers running through northern-inland Costa Rica. Rainbow bass, better known as “guapote,” are the main target of freshwater anglers. They are prized for intelligence, aggression and great tasting meat. The Machaca is another exciting fish that has earned the nickname “mini tarpon.” The town of La Fortuna in Arenal is a very nice place to visit. Everything is green and full of life due to the volcanic soil. There are also hot springs. The best season for this area is from January to May. On the northern Pacific Coast, fishing is great all the way down the coast from Papagayo to El Coco, Flamingo to Tamarindo, Nosara to Samara, and Santa Teresa to Tambor. The sport fishing in this area picks up from May to August with species like mahi, marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper and wahoo. This region is beautiful, and the culture is very European. If you get the chance to explore this region, take it! The best fishing in the central Pacific region is near Jaco, Herradura, Quepos and Manuel Antonio. I’ve lived four years, fishing constantly, and it offers year-round angling. The marlin and sailfish bite is insane from December to June, and from April to November the mahi come in huge numbers to debris pushed out by the rivers. There are also many FAD’s (Fish Attracting Devices) 100 miles off the coast. Overnight trips offer double-digit marlin and sailfish! The southern Pacific Coast offers many great destinations both inshore and offshore. The Sierpe River offers great freshwater fishing, and places like Golfito, Drake Bay and Puerto Jimenez offer killer inshore fishing. These areas known for giant roosterfish year-round, and also feature great marlin and sailfish from August to March, mahi-mahi from May to October and tuna year-round. All in all, Costa Rica is the fishing destination of a lifetime for freshwater, inshore, offshore and spearfishing. Come explore what the land of Pura Vida has to Offer. Mikey Erickson is co-editor of Coastal Angler/Costa Rica and Tres Niñas Tours Manager. Contact him at mikey@coastalanglermagazine.com, info@tresninastours.com, U.S. Cell: +1(561)310-2665, CR Cell: +506-8305-0041. Visit www.coastalanglermag.com/costa-rica/ and www.tresninastours.com.
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TIPS FROM A PRO
BIG BASS IN MEXICO
BRANDON LESTER
T
his summer I took my second trip to Mexico’s famed El Salto. It didn’t disappoint, dishing out some of the meanest 7- and 8-pound bass I’ve ever seen. Of course, we caught numbers as well, but this time I slowed down and enjoyed everything Angler’s Inn at El Salto has to offer. On this trip, the lake was down 45 feet. El Salto is an irrigation lake, so water gets used a lot in summer. Low water levels concentrated the fish. We caught a bunch on lipless baits, a few on jigs and a good number on crankbaits. By and large, though, the best pattern was a Texas-rigged Photo by Jon Tatum worm. It’s awesome how the lake is different during different seasons. It makes each trip unique. On the first day, guides feel you out to make your trip as fun as possible. Everyone has a different goal. Some guys want numbers; some want their best shot at a 10-pounder. On Day One, we landed 70 to 80 fish, easily, but I didn’t catch any over 5 pounds. On Day Two, my very experienced guide took me after the big ones. We fished for bass suspended in standing timber. It was a little harder to catch them, but the fish were much bigger. Down
there, you can pretty much catch fish any way you want, but you can’t catch big fish doing whatever you want. The guides at El Salto have the big-fish patterns nailed down through the seasons. Last year, I went in January and we caught big fish deep cranking, so the pattern had changed completely. One thing that didn’t change was how mean the fish are. That brings me to my other takeaway: Big fish require the best gear you can throw. I fished extensively with the new 11-inch X Zone Blitz Worm, in both plum and red bug. They bit the fire out of both colors. The bait has very little salt content, so it floats off the bottom, which gives it much better action. The baits are also very soft and easy to rig. Mustad just came out with a complete line of tungsten, and I put it to the test. We used a 3/8-ounce tungsten bullet weight, and loved it. The Mustad line has Titan X finish on it, which is awesome. Most objects in nature aren’t shiny, so this mattestyle Titan X finish is more natural. The sizes are etched onto each weight. It’s a nice touch that makes selection easier. A 5/0 Grip Pin Big Bite hook is the perfect big-bass hook. There were a few sessions where I caught at least 50 fish on one hook. That’s one of the best things about a Mustad hook. Drag it across rocks and set the hook over and over. The points on their hooks will not roll. Feel free to ask me on social media about the trip and any of the gear mentioned here.
For more Lester visit,
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ake Picachos, Mexico might not warrant the title of the world’s best trophy lake, but it might just be the world’s most fun bass fishery. Picachos is the newest of northwest Mexico’s storied bass fisheries. The dam for this 14,000-acre reservoir on the Presidio River was completed in 2009. It was opened to anglers in 2013. A decade since its formation, the lake is pumping out almost unbelievable numbers of 3- to 5-pound fish. According to Angler’s Inn International, it’s not unusual for a pair of skilled anglers to catch 200 to 300 fish a day. According to Ron Speed Jr.’s daily reports, Picachos regularly produces 150-fish days with big fish each day topping out at 6 to 8 pounds. That’s incredible action for solid fish. The lake record is 12-pounds, 14-ounces, and the bar is expected to rise as the fishery matures. An ample forage base of tilapia, plenty of heavy cover, clean water and catch-and-release regulations point to a bright future. Mornings and evenings generally see an outstanding topwater bite, which is a ton of fun for conventional anglers with walking baits and poppers as well as for fly-rodders throwing bass bugs. Spinnerbaits, lizards, stickbaits, Flukes and shallow-running crankbaits also provide action that leads to bleeding bass thumb. Lake Picachos is about 30 miles inland from the Pacific Coast resort town Mazatlán. Fishing is great year-round, with a peak from February into June. For information, go to www.anglersinn.com or www.ronspeedadventures.com.
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EXPERIENCE THE
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ore litigation looms in the latest chapter of the three-decade saga to protect the world’s largest salmon run. Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to thriving sport and commercial fishing industries, is under the gun again as the U.S. photo by Nick Carter Environmental Agency recently removed protections that again Julie Carter with a Kvichak River sockeye. open the door for the proposed Pebble mine. Pebble mine is an exploration project investigating enormous deposits of gold, copper and other minerals near the headwaters of the Kvichak River and lakes Clark and Iliamna. These remote and pristine waterways offer some of best rainbow trout fishing in the world and feed Bristol Bay with the clean water that supports massive sockeye and Chinook salmon runs. Trout Unlimited recently joined other groups in filing suit against the EPA, alleging that the EPA ignored science and the potential impacts of developing the mine when it withdrew the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, which are protections for the region that have been in place since 2014. “Billions of dollars have been spent in attempt to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Bristol Bay sets records for its salmon returns year after year. All we need to do is have the humility and common-sense to leave this landscape alone,” said Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited. “Sacrificing a place such as Bristol Bay for some gold is a short-sighted fools-errand. We are not a litigious organization, but we and millions of other sportsmen and women will not allow greed to compromise the most important salmon fishery on the planet.”
FIGHT!
For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign, go to SaveBristolBay.org.
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The permit is the Holy Grail for many serious saltwater fly anglers. Many, including me, have traveled and spent endless days pursuing these great gamefish with little to show for our efforts. Of course, the challenge is what’s special about permit fishing, not the number of fish brought to hand. However, there is one place where an angler can have great success catching permit on the fly; that place is the Yucatan Peninsula’s Punta Allen. Here, just a few kilometers south of Tulum in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, is the world’s most fertile and diverse permit saltwater fly fishery. The Unicorn of the Flats Ghostlike, spooky and finicky are three words to describe permit. It is one of the most difficult saltwater fish to catch on the fly and has been the Achilles heel for many saltwater fly angers. But if there is one destination where one can successfully sight cast to large schools of permit consistently, it’s the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Because of the vast numbers of permit ranging from 2 to 20 pounds, a fly angler will have multiple shots per day. In addition, Yucatan permit are aggressive eaters, making them a great target for the less-experienced or first-time saltwater fly anglers. Flies and Tackle The primary food items for permit are crabs and shrimp. A good selection of these patterns will give the angler the best chance at success. For crab patterns, I like Merkins and Ragheads in sizes 4 and 6. I find the color of the fly should match the color of the habitat you’re fishing. For example, if you’re fishing over light colored sand, then a fly pattern should be tan or even white. If you’re fishing in turtle grass or a darker bottom, then a green or even a dark brown works best. Tackle A 9-foot, 9-weight rod matched with a large arbor reel that holds 250 yards of 30-pound Hi Viz Dacron or micron backing is the perfect combo for Yucatan permit. Since a majority of the fishing is in shallow water, I suggest only using a weight-forward tropical floating line. Keep your leaders long: 10 to 12 feet with 16- to 20-pound tippets. Casting to Permit It’s important to be able to quickly and accurately cast 30 to 60 feet when targeting permit on the flats. Your ability to make longer casts will increase your chances of catching more fish. Of course, you can hook a permit close to the boat, but it’s always to your advantage be able to make the long cast when the opportunity presents itself. The back-hand cast is another to be able to execute. Permit schools will often present themselves on the opposite side of the boat, so being able to make a quick back cast is very important.
For more Bowman, go to
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